Eat · Grand Central & Bryant Park

Ess-a-Bagel (Third Avenue)Ess-a-Bagel

A bagel shop on Third Avenue known for large, hand-rolled bagels with cream cheese and lox: go at breakfast or on a weekday before 11:00, order at the counter and expect a line on weekends.A bagel shop on Third Avenue known for large, hand-rolled bagels with cream cheese and lox: go at breakfast or on a weekday before 11:00 AM, order at the counter and expect a line on weekends.

last order: unknownchairsBagelsNot field-verified

Key facts

Per person: US$8–25; Bagels
Hours: 06:00–16:006:00 AM–4:00 PM; typical, check
Walk in: after 13:00; easiest window
Seating: chairs
Card: yes
Getting there: Third Avenue near East 51st Street; 14 min walk

Go now?

Open?

Usually 06:00–16:00Usually 6:00 AM–4:00 PM

Typical hours: check on the day.

Busy this hour

Estimate by hour below

Easiest walk-in

after 13:00

Reservations

Walk-in, no reservation

Paying

Cards taken

Per person

US$8–252026 estimate · check

DirectionsWhat to order ↓

Hand-rolled bagels
Lox and cream cheese
Weekend lines
Order: A bagel with cream cheese
Table seating
Walk-in window: after 13:00
Queue risk: 07:00–09:00
Vegetarian options

Highlights come from Voykit's own data and desk notes, not from reviews. Hover a tag to see its source.

Rules in force · 9Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…Subway stations have few lifts and many stairs

North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
New York ↗Subway stations have few lifts and many stairs: with large suitcases, take a taxi or ride-hail car instead.
New York ↗Popular sights (the 9/11 Museum, the observation decks, some Broadway shows) sell timed tickets: book before you fix your day.

Actions

Usually 06:00–16:00

Map & directions

Google Maps Apple Maps Street View

Directions

From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Plan

When you can walk in, what to order, how to pay

Walk-in windows

07:00–09:00: risky09:30–11:30: riskyafter 13:00: high

A walk-in lunch is only planned as primary when your arrival lands outside the “impossible” window.

A counter-service bagel shop with a few tables

When to go, hour by hour

desk estimate · not live

Quietest listed hour: 15:00 (quiet).

07:00heavyexpect a line
08:00packedexpect a long line
09:00packedexpect a long line
10:00heavyexpect a line
11:00busya short wait is possible
13:00lightlittle or no wait
15:00quietlittle or no wait

Desk estimate of crowd on a weekday; weekends and public holidays run one level higher. Not live data. No line length is on file, so waits are in words.

How to order here

The order of play at the counter or table, what to say, how much to order and how to pay.

1Take a number and order at the counter.
2Say the bagel type, the toasted or not, and the spread.
3Ask for the lox to be sliced thin.

No shared language? Point at the dish or a photo of it. For a printed menu, translate a photo of it.

What to say

In English	Say or show	Sounds like
How much is it?	How much is this?	prices are usually shown
The check, please	Can I get the check?	US usage
To go	For here or to go?	a common question at counters
Hello	Hi / Hey	casual and universal
Thank you	Thanks	said constantly

Portions and sharing

Eat at the small tables or take away.

Extras, condiments and what costs extra

Extra spread: Charged per portion — Ask the price.

Paying and tipping

Sit-down restaurants: about 18–22%, close to US habits.

Check that the lox is priced by the sandwich.
Cards accepted; tip in the jar or on the card.
Tipping: 18–22% at restaurants; $1–2 a drink; round up taxis.
Tip 18–22% at sit-down restaurants; menu prices exclude tax and tip.
Check that a service charge is not already included for groups.
Many delis and bodegas take cash only; carry small bills.

At the table

Lunch specials are cheaper than dinner at the same restaurant.

Menu and prices

2026 estimate

Bagel with cream cheeseThe basic order.US$5–8order
Bagel with loxThe classic.US$15–22if hungry
Egg and cheese bagelA hot breakfast.US$8–12if hungry
CoffeeDrip coffee.US$3–5if hungry
Whitefish or tuna salad bagelA deli choice.US$12–18if hungry

2026 estimate, US dollars.

Build your order

Tap + on what you want, or let Voykit suggest a starting order.

2 people

Bagel with cream cheeseorder
US$5–8
Contains (from menu notes, check): dairy
0
Bagel with lox
US$15–22
0
Egg and cheese bagel
US$8–12
Contains (from menu notes, check): egg, dairy
0
Coffee
US$3–5
0
Whitefish or tuna salad bagel
US$12–18
Contains (from menu notes, check): fish
0

Food and drink

Nothing picked yet.

Menu prices are 2026 estimates (check the board or menu on the day).

Split the bill 2 ways

Pick dishes to see each person's share.

Sit-down restaurants: about 18–22%, close to US habits. Local custom: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill. Tipping calculator

Pick at least one dish to make the full-screen list.

Price and paying

Typical spend: US$8–25 per person (2026 estimate)

Paying

Cashyes

Accepted.

Cardyes

Major cards.

mobileyes

Phone payments.

Diet and allergies

Yes means there is something for you; ask means possible with care; no means go elsewhere.

Vegetarianyes
Cream cheese and vegetables.
Show: I do not eat meat or fish.
Veganask
A plain bagel and a dairy-free spread if offered.
Show: I do not eat dairy or eggs.
Halalask
Ask.
Gluten-freeno
Wheat bagels.
Show: I need gluten-free.
Nut allergyask
Ask.

What is in the dishes

Bagel with cream cheesedairy
Egg and cheese bagelegg · dairy
Whitefish or tuna salad bagelfish

Read from the menu names and notes; recipes vary and cross-contact is not tested. Check with the kitchen.

Make an allergy and diet card for New York →

Who it suits, booking, closures

goodSolo — Counter service.

goodKids — A plain bagel.

cautionStroller — A small shop.

cautionGroups of 5+ — Take away.

okWheelchair — Ask.

How to book: No bookings.
How far ahead: Not needed
No-show / cancel fee: Not applicable
Dress code: None.

When	Status	Note
Public holidays	check before you go	Hours may vary.
Afternoon	check before you go	Closes mid-afternoon.

On the ground

Hygiene and comfort

Restrooms: Restroom on site · accessible restroom: check
Seating: Chairs at tables
Kids: kids' menu: no · stroller: caution · Small shop
Access: step-free: check · Confirm the entrance

Hygiene

A high-turnover shop; standard care.

Facts

Reservations: Not taken — Walk-in; counter service.
Capabilities: food · toilet
Getting there: Third Avenue near East 51st Street · ~14 min walk

Cons

Lines at weekends.
Small dining room.
Bagels are large and filling; consider sharing.

Ordering helpDish glossary · Price check2 parts

Dish glossary

On the menu	What it is	Order it how
Bagel	A boiled and baked ring of bread.	Choose plain, sesame, poppy or everything.
Lox	Cured salmon.	Order 'lox and cream cheese'.
Schmear	A spread of cream cheese.	Ask for a light schmear.
Everything	A bagel topped with seeds, garlic and onion.	A common choice.

Price check

2026 estimate

locals pay: A bagel with cream cheese is US$5–8; lox versions US$15–22; the price is the same for everyone.
tourist price: Nothing special applies to visitors.
rule: Check that the lox is priced by the sandwich.

Extra on the table	Typical charge	What to do
Extra spread	Charged per portion	Ask the price.

Deep dive

Questions, nearby food and sources

Questions and answers

answered by Voykit editors · dated

What should I order?

An everything bagel with cream cheese or a lox bagel.

Checked 2026-09-29 · Voykit desk

Can I take away?

Yes.

Checked 2026-09-29 · Voykit desk

When is it busiest?

Weekend mornings; go on a weekday before 09:00.Weekend mornings; go on a weekday before 9:00 AM.

Is a bagel enough for lunch?

Yes, they are large.

Answers come from Voykit editors, not from other travellers.

Nearby alternatives

walk minutes · estimate

If it is closed or the line is too long

Go to Grand Central Oyster Bar, about 14 min on foot (straight line × 1.3); no reservation needed.

Grand Central Oyster Bar14 min walkThe tiled restaurant on Grand Central's lower level, known for oysters and seafood; go outside the lunch rush, and book if you want a table rather than the counter.

Places without an authored walk are ranked by straight-line distance × 1.3 at 5 km/h3 mph.

All places to eat in New York, with filters →

Nearby

Straight-line distance; walk time adds 30% for streets.

Used as a seated rest node in New York in 4 days.

Sources

secondaryWikivoyage — New York City (eat)