On Tuesday morning, the stretch of West 35th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues saw steady lines outside three bagel shops. Best Bagel & Coffee, Liberty Bagels, and Apollo Bagels each drew a mix of commuters, tourists, and local workers. The sidewalks were crowded before 9 a.m., with some customers waiting up to 30 minutes at peak times.
Each shop offers a similar menu: boiled bagels, flavored cream cheeses, egg sandwiches, and coffee. Prices for a plain bagel with schmear averaged $2.75, with breakfast sandwiches starting at $6. Staff at nearby office buildings said lunchtime is often busier than mornings, with lines sometimes stretching into the street.
Competition is visible. Liberty Bagels recently posted new signage promoting faster service. Apollo Bagels has added a small outdoor seating area, while Best Bagel & Coffee expanded its menu with new vegan spreads this spring. Delivery apps show all three shops listed within a one-block radius.
Some regulars voiced preferences based on texture—the chewier crust at Best Bagel, or the lighter crumb at Liberty. Others said proximity to Penn Station was the main factor. "It depends which line is shorter," said a construction worker from a nearby site.
The block’s bagel traffic shows no sign of slowing as the city moves into festival season. With the end of the school year approaching and more outdoor events planned in Midtown, demand is expected to remain high in the coming weeks.