Black Seed Bagels Boerum Hill

- 252 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

In a city where the "perfect bagel" is a matter of fierce local debate, Black Seed Bagels has firmly cemented its place by daring to be different. The Boerum Hill location at 252 Schermerhorn Street is a Brooklyn essential for anyone seeking an elevated take on this quintessential New York food staple. Black Seed is not just another bagel shop; it's an artisan establishment that marries the best of New York bagel tradition with techniques borrowed from Montreal, resulting in a distinctively smaller, denser, and slightly sweeter ring of dough, finished in a wood-fired oven.

This unique approach, crafted by James Beard-nominated Executive Chef and Head Baker Dianna Daoheung, has earned the shop a loyal following across NYC. For local New Yorkers, Black Seed represents a modern-day bagel experience steeped in old-world tradition, offering a product that delivers a superior "bread to cream cheese to lox ratio" compared to the larger, chewier styles many Manhattanites are used to. They focus on quality ingredients, including pasture-raised eggs for their breakfast sandwiches and house-made specialty cream cheeses.

The Boerum Hill shop serves as a convenient and high-quality breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot for the burgeoning residential and commercial population in this dynamic part of Brooklyn. Whether you are looking for a simple bagel with one of their unique spreads like Hot Honey Cream Cheese, or a hearty signature sandwich like the Pastrami Reuben, Black Seed Bagels offers a fresh and gourmet perspective on a classic. Its strategic location makes it a go-to stop for commuters and neighborhood residents alike, promising a delicious and thoughtfully prepared meal every time.

We encourage New Yorkers to explore the blend of tradition and innovation that Black Seed Bagels brings to the table, and to appreciate the difference a hand-rolled, honey-boiled, and wood-fired bagel can make.

Location and Accessibility: The Boerum Hill Anchor

The Black Seed Bagels shop in Boerum Hill is located at 252 Schermerhorn Street, positioning it perfectly to serve the high-traffic area connecting Boerum Hill and Downtown Brooklyn. This neighborhood is highly desirable, known for its charming streets, proximity to transit, and mixture of historic brownstones and modern residential towers.

Its location on Schermerhorn Street places it within easy walking distance of several major subway lines, making it an ideal stop for commuters heading to or from Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn. The closest major transit hubs include:

• A short walk from the Nevins Street (2, 3, 4, 5 lines) and Hoyt Street (2, 3 lines) subway stations.
• Excellent connectivity to the Hoyt Street-Schermerhorn Street station (A, C, G lines).
• Convenient access from Downtown Brooklyn and the Atlantic Terminal LIRR/subway complex.

For those relying on quick access, the neighborhood is highly walkable and transit-friendly. The shop itself maintains accessible features, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all New Yorkers can enjoy their unique bagels. While the physical space is described by customers as intimate, primarily offering counter seating and being "a little tight," it functions exceptionally well for quick takeout orders and delivery, which are essential services in this busy urban setting.

The hours of operation are generally convenient, catering to the breakfast and lunch crowd: opening daily at 7:00 AM and operating until 4:00 PM. Note that these hours may vary slightly on weekends or for certain services, so checking for the latest information is always advised.

Services Offered

Black Seed Bagels offers a comprehensive menu focused on their signature wood-fired bagels, smoked fish, and a creative array of sandwiches. Their services are designed for the modern New Yorker's convenience:

• Bagel Sales: Available as a Single Bagel ($5.25), Half Dozen Bagels ($15.00), or a Baker's Dozen Bagels ($29.95) for larger orders.
• Smoked Fish and Spreads: Featuring Catsmo Smoked Salmon (1/4 LB) ($12.95) and their popular Pastrami-Spiced Smoked Salmon (1/4 LB) ($13.95), alongside various cream cheeses like Plain, Scallion, Veggie, Lox & Dill, and the highly-regarded Hot Honey Cream Cheese.
• Breakfast Sandwiches: Including popular options like THE BEC ($14.55), THE PLAIN JANE ($10.55) with pasture-raised eggs, and the gourmet PASTRAMI, EGG & CHEESE ($16.10).
• Signature & Classic Sandwiches: Highlights include THE CLASSIC 2.0 ($19.10) with Pastrami Salmon and pickled green tomato, THE SALMON CLASSIC ($19.10), and deli-style favorites like the PASTRAMI REUBEN ($18.55) and TURKEY AVOCADO ($18.55).
• Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Tofu-based cream cheeses (Plain, Scallion, Veggie) and the classic THE VEGGIE BAGEL ($12.55) sandwich cater to plant-based diets.
• Catering: They offer options like the BRUNCH FOR A BUNCH ($75.00), an ideal package for meetings or family gatherings.
• Beverages: A selection of coffee (DRIP COFFEE, COLD BREW), HOT TEA ($5.00), ICED TEA (UNSWEETENED) ($4.50), and various juices and sodas.
• Convenient Ordering: Services include Delivery, In-store pickup, Onsite services, and Takeout.

Features / Highlights

Black Seed Bagels in Boerum Hill stands out from typical NYC bagel shops due to its distinctive baking and menu features:

• Unique Hybrid Bagel: The signature selling point is the bagel itself—a unique blend of New York and Montreal styles. Hand-rolled, boiled with honey for a touch of sweetness, and finished in a wood-fired oven for a slightly crisp exterior and chewy-yet-dense interior.
• Wood-Fired Oven: All bagels are baked by hand in a wood-burning oven, a traditional method that imparts a unique flavor and texture distinct from steam-baked New York bagels.
• Gourmet & High-Quality Ingredients: The shop prides itself on using only the highest quality ingredients, including pasture-raised eggs for all their breakfast sandwiches, and premium smoked fish.
• Signature Sandwich Creativity: Beyond the classics, Black Seed offers highly creative and curated sandwiches such as the HOT HONEY HAM with hot honey cream cheese and pickled green tomatoes, providing a fresh, upscale deli experience.
• Gluten-Free Options: They are known for thoughtfully prepared gluten-free bagels, ensuring a safe option for customers with dietary restrictions, a significant feature in a bagel shop.
• Accessibility: The location is equipped with a wheelchair accessible entrance, demonstrating a commitment to serving the wider New York community.
• Convenient Digital Services: Supports modern payment methods like Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments, and facilitates easy online ordering for quick pickup.

Contact Information

For those in the New York area planning a visit or needing to arrange a mobile order, here is the essential contact and location data for the Black Seed Bagels Boerum Hill location:

• Address: 252 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
• Neighborhood: Boerum Hill, near Downtown Brooklyn
• Phone Number: (929) 470-3200
• Operating Hours: OPEN DAILY, generally from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Note: Always check the latest hours for daily variations).

What is Worth Choosing at Black Seed Bagels Boerum Hill

For the discerning New Yorker, the reason to choose Black Seed Bagels is the quality of the bagel itself and the gourmet approach to the classic breakfast sandwich. It is an ideal spot when seeking an experience that transcends the standard bodega or neighborhood shop bagel.

The must-try selection for first-timers is anything that showcases the wood-fired bagel in combination with one of their famous spreads or high-quality smoked fish. The SINGLE BAGEL ($5.25) with a generous schmear of the Hot Honey Cream Cheese is an excellent choice for a taste of their unique innovation—the heat and sweetness perfectly complement the subtle honey notes of the bagel.

For a fulfilling breakfast or lunch, the PASTRAMI, EGG & CHEESE ($16.10) is a highly recommended elevated breakfast sandwich, combining savory deli meat with high-quality pasture-raised eggs. However, the true showstopper is often considered to be the lox-based sandwiches. The THE CLASSIC 2.0 ($19.10) is a standout, featuring pastrami-spiced smoked salmon, scallion cream cheese, and the delightful addition of pickled green tomato—a combination that perfectly balances flavor, texture, and is renowned among local food enthusiasts.

Though the prices reflect the artisan preparation and premium ingredients, as noted by customer feedback, many consider the quality well worth the investment. To maximize convenience and potentially save on third-party delivery fees, New Yorkers are advised to utilize their in-store pickup option via online ordering. This ensures a faster transaction and a seamless experience for getting your hands on one of Brooklyn's most unique and beloved bagels.

Black Seed Bagels Boerum Hill

252 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA