Empire Bagels

- 3101 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10461

Welcome to Empire Bagels, a true New York gem located right in the heart of The Bronx. For any New Yorker, the quest for the perfect bagel is a lifelong journey, and for countless locals, this spot on Westchester Avenue has already solved the mystery. Empire Bagels is not just a place to grab a quick bite; it's an institution that consistently delivers authentic, fresh, and exceptionally flavorful New York-style bagels. It's a quintessential part of the Bronx's culinary landscape and has earned its reputation not just within the borough, but as a contender on the wider 'Best Bagels of NYC' lists.

The shop has become a neighborhood staple, famous for the aroma of freshly baking bagels that greets you from the moment you approach the storefront. This is the place where quality is paramount, where the ingredients are fine-tuned, and the old-school tradition of dough formation, water-boiling, and deck-baking is meticulously followed. The resulting bagel is a signature treat: a soft, fluffy delight with a moist center, a distinctive sweetness, and a perfect, subtle crisp crust. It's the kind of fresh, hot-out-of-the-oven goodness that New Yorkers line up for—and they often do, starting bright and early.

Empire Bagels captures the essence of a classic New York morning routine. This local favorite has repeatedly been voted the "Best Bagels in the Bronx" by local voters, an accolade that speaks volumes in a city where bagel competition is fierce and the standards are sky-high. Customers rave about the perfect balance—the bagels are described as 'not too doughy' and 'not too thick' with 'just the right amount of bite.' When you’re looking for that genuine, satisfying New York bagel experience, Empire Bagels is the authentic stop in the North East Bronx that demands a visit.

Location and Accessibility

Empire Bagels is conveniently situated at 3101 Westchester Ave, in The Bronx, NY 10461, United States. This prime location places it within the Pelham Bay/Middletown area, making it an accessible spot for residents and those commuting through the borough. For those who rely on public transportation, the shop is a quick distance from several subway stations. Specifically, it is less than a kilometer from the Middletown Road station, the Buhre Avenue station, and the Westchester Square-East Tremont Avenue station, providing easy access via the local train lines.

While the location is incredibly popular and experiences consistent customer traffic, its primary service model in The Bronx is geared towards quick, efficient, and friendly service for 'to-go' orders. It operates mainly as a window-to-street service shop, a style that has proven to be incredibly efficient, especially for New Yorkers on a tight schedule. It is important for new visitors to note that there is no dedicated seating area; this is a true grab-and-go experience. For drivers, free street parking is generally available, though given the popularity of the shop, patience may be required, particularly during peak morning hours. The venue is also welcoming to bicyclists, with bike parking options available.

Services Offered

Empire Bagels offers a focused menu of high-quality products, ensuring speed and freshness with every order. The primary offerings include:

Bagels & Cream Cheese:

• A wide selection of Single Bagels, including classics and specialties like Bialy and Everything Stix.
• The value-packed Baker's Dozen (13 Bagels) for bulk purchase, ideal for a family or an office run.
• Prepared Bagels such as Bagel with Butter, Bagel with Cream Cheese, Bagel with Flavors, and the premium Bagel with Lox.
• Mini Bagels available in varieties like Plain, Sesame, Poppy, and Everything, sold individually or by the dozen.
• House-made Cream Cheese (CC) available by the half-pound, including traditional Plain, Butter, and a range of savory and sweet options.
• Savory Cream Cheese choices: Veggie, Olive, Scallion, Jalapeño, and Garlic & Herb.
• Sweet/Specialty Cream Cheese choices: Walnut Raisin and Lox Cream Cheese.

Fresh Baked Goods & Beverages:

• A variety of Fresh Muffins, including Pistachio, Carrot, Pumpkin (Seasonal), Blueberry, Cranberry, Bran, Banana Nut, and Double Chocolate.
• Hot and Cold Coffee and Tea options, including 12 Oz, 16 Oz, and Hot Coffee, Hot Tea, and 20 Oz. Iced Coffee.
• Box Of Coffee, which includes cups, sugar, and milk, perfect for group gatherings or office events.
• Hot Chocolate for a cozy treat.
• A selection of Bottled Drinks, including Pepsi, Tropicana Orange Juice, various Gatorade flavors (Blue, Orange, Punch, Lemon Lime), Nesquik (Choc, Straw, Vanilla), Snapple (Peach, Lemon), and Bottled Water.

Ordering & Payment:

• Takeout and Onsite Services for quick pickup.
• Convenient Delivery options through various popular third-party platforms.
• Payments accepted via Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments (such as Apple Pay and Android Pay) for a seamless transaction.

Features / Highlights

Empire Bagels has cultivated a loyal following by maintaining a high standard of quality and service, resulting in several standout features that draw customers from across the city and beyond:

• Authentic New York Bagel Quality: The bagels are renowned for their signature texture—a soft, fluffy interior, moist center, and a beautiful, crispy crust, achieved through a meticulous process of long-fermented dough, water-boiling, and deck-baking. Many customers specifically praise the fact that the bagels are airy and heated in a large oven, not a toaster.
• Consistently Fresh and Hot: Patrons frequently mention that the bagels are "piping hot" and "fresh out of the oven," especially when visiting early, which highlights the shop's commitment to baking throughout the morning to ensure optimal freshness.
• "Best of the Bronx" Winner: Empire Bagels has been repeatedly voted the 'Best Bagels in the Bronx' for consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024), a testament to its popularity and consistent quality among local New York voters.
• Unique Bagel Varieties: Beyond the standard fare, the shop is celebrated for specialty items like the French Toast Bagel and the Everything Stix. The unique Rainbow Bagel is also a popular item for those who arrive early.
• High-Quality Cream Cheese: The cream cheese is noted for being "delicious" and "not having that artificial taste" that is sometimes found elsewhere. The savory flavored cream cheeses, particularly the Scallion, Garlic & Herb, and Jalapeño, are fan favorites, often piled high on the bagel.
• Efficient and Friendly Staff: Despite the frequent long lines, the staff is consistently described as friendly, super-efficient, and ensuring the line moves quickly, providing a positive experience even during the busiest rush.
• Focus on Quick Service: Operating as a dedicated window-service takeout spot with a quick-visit focus, it is perfectly designed for the fast-paced New York lifestyle, allowing customers to get their breakfast and coffee on the go with minimal wait time.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers looking to grab their next dozen or place an order, here is the essential contact information for Empire Bagels:

• Address: 3101 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
• Phone: (718) 828-4530
• Mobile Phone: +1 718-828-4530

What is Worth Choosing

For first-timers and loyal customers alike, Empire Bagels offers an authentic taste of New York breakfast that justifies its place on the borough's best-of lists. If you are debating what to try, you cannot go wrong with the classics, as they are a true measure of the shop's expertise.

Many locals recommend starting with an Everything Bagel, often praised for its generous coverage of seeds and seasonings, or a simple Onion Bagel. Pair any bagel with one of their famous flavored cream cheeses. The Scallion Cream Cheese is a popular choice, providing a fresh, zesty kick that complements the warm, chewy bread. For those who prefer a little heat, the Jalapeño Cream Cheese is a must-try. Alternatively, the Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese is repeatedly highlighted by customers as "absolutely amazing" and "fresh and flavorful."

If you are looking for a unique sweet treat, be sure to grab the highly-rated French Toast Bagel—a specific customer favorite that showcases the shop's creative side. For bulk orders, the 1 Dozen (13 Bagels) is their best-selling item and an excellent value for sharing.

Ultimately, Empire Bagels offers an experience defined by quality, freshness, and speed. The dedication to baking a truly exceptional, hand-crafted product—one with that perfect crisp-to-chewy ratio—is what makes the crowds gather and what makes it a necessary stop for anyone who takes their New York bagel seriously. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick breakfast to-go or stocking up for the week, Empire Bagels delivers the best of The Bronx, one exceptional bagel at a time.

Empire Bagels

3101 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA