Mar 22, 2025

Modern Bread and Bagel New York

Extreme gluten-free bagels

""Modern Bread and Bagel" in NYC has surfaced as exemplary, using criteria such as size and texture, seed and salt density. Here are some more top picks..."

I have a 'thing' about proclaiming something the 'best' which goes even further when such leans toward coffee, bagels, croissants, muffins and so forth.

Different, yes, but I ask, how great can they be?

About croissants, I have written that those at Epice are mighty fine, the closest to a Parisian croissant I have discovered locally but in Paris itself, there is no such thing as a 'best' croissant.

Onto bagels, where New York is considered the Paris of this gnosh, it is not so easy to find a really good bagel anymore. Not without guidance.

Modern Bread and Bagel has surfaced as exemplary, using criteria such as size and texture, seed and salt density, spread texture and store style.

Mike Varley included it in a list of fifty bagel joints by walking the equivalent of 3500 miles throughout the 5 boroughs in 13 months, and compiled a list—subject to change—that pretty much trumps anything anybody else has done to date.

There are three in my neighbourhood that rank up in the paint cards:

4.5 / 5 (#3 in NYC) 
Modern Bread and Bagel
Gluten-Free (no less) 
A 'proper' bakery
Cream Cheese: 'Impeccable'

4.25 / 5 (#25 in NYC)
Broadway Bagel
'Fresh and temperant. Fantastic'

4.25 / 5 (#25 in NYC)
Absolute Bagels
'standard taste and texture'

024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

472 Columbus Ave

Any bagel:

US$

3

+1

6467752985

Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

American Folk Art Museum

Free recitals

The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 7, 2025

Fall Foliage

Central Park

A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 7, 2025

Sisters

Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem

"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 7, 2025

Patisserie des Ambassades

Senegalese/French café

"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 7, 2025

Loeb Boathouse

Central Park

"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 7, 2025

1166 Sixth Avenue

Lichenstein & Otterness

In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 4, 2025

Subway Nostalgia

Vintage subway train excursions

The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 2, 2025

Teranga

Senegalese food at the Africa Center

"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 2, 2025

Grand Bazaar

Flea market UWS

"Grand Bazaar" NYC is the city's largest outdoor market, also with an indoor section. Here you can find absolutely everything and for bargain prices!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 2, 2025

S&P Lunch

1928 Lunch Counter

S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 1, 2025

Dive 75

Quality trivia contests

"Dive 75" in NYC is a noteworthy sports bar for its Tuesday Night Trivia contests. Clientele is also big on board games, and the beer is relatively cheap!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 30, 2025

Professional Baseball

April 4 opener 2025

Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 28, 2025

Heading to New York?

301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

301 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite New York

Our team loves New York

Get to know our other Spotters from New York

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
63
Filters