Old Country Bagel

- 162-26 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers, the bagel is not just a food item—it is an institution, a daily ritual, and a definitive marker of quality for any local neighborhood shop. In the heart of Howard Beach, Queens, Old Country Bagel upholds this tradition, offering a genuine New York bagel experience that locals consistently praise. Situated on Cross Bay Boulevard, this establishment has cemented its reputation as one of the go-to destinations for what many consider to be the best bagels in the entire borough.

Old Country Bagel is far more than a simple bakery; it functions as a comprehensive breakfast and lunch café. While the star of the show is, unequivocally, the hand-crafted bagel, the menu extends across a wide spectrum of hearty New York deli and breakfast fare. Customers consistently highlight the perfect balance of the bagels themselves—crisp on the outside, with a soft, invitingly airy center—a texture that only true, locally-made bagels can achieve. Favorites like the everything bagel and sesame variety are often cited as unbeatable by local patrons.

The atmosphere inside is often described as welcoming, much closer to a cozy cafe than a standard, sterile bagel store. With wood paneling and wicker bagel bins, it offers a warm environment where the staff is noted for being attentive and friendly. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite before heading to JFK—a common, appreciated pit stop—or settling in for a satisfying meal, Old Country Bagel provides a comfortable setting and efficient service.

The shop caters seamlessly to all dining needs through its robust service options, including delivery, in-store pickup, and a variety of ways to pay, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. It’s a place built for speed and convenience, perfect for the New York commuter lifestyle, yet it retains the charm and quality of a classic neighborhood staple.

Location and Accessibility

Strategically positioned in a high-traffic section of Queens, Old Country Bagel is easily accessible to both local residents and travelers passing through the area, particularly those heading to or from nearby John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The business is located in the Howard Beach neighborhood of Queens, a key area known for its local flavor and community focus.

The full address is:

162-26 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414, USA

Accessibility is a key priority, as the establishment features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all community members can easily enter and enjoy their offerings. The location on Cross Bay Boulevard makes it a major stop along a main arterial road in the borough. Operating hours are generally very consistent and accommodating to the commuter crowd, opening early every day to service the crucial New York breakfast rush.

Services Offered

Old Country Bagel offers a comprehensive range of services designed for maximum convenience and dining versatility, adapting to the demanding schedule of New York life:

• In-Store Shopping: A welcoming, cafe-like environment with seating and a self-serve coffee and tea island, perfect for a brief respite.
• Takeout Service: Quick and efficient service for customers picking up orders to enjoy at home or on the go.
• In-Store Pickup: Facilitates pre-ordering, allowing customers to skip the wait time during peak hours.
• Delivery Service: Partners with major delivery platforms to bring their fresh bagels, breakfast, and lunch items directly to homes and offices in the surrounding Queens area.
• Breakfast and Lunch Dining: Serves an extensive menu throughout the day, catering to both early morning crowds and mid-day diners.
• Catering Services: Offers excellent catering for special events, including weddings, school functions, and office meetings, allowing customers to bring the quality of their bagels to any gathering.
• Wide Beverage Selection: Provides a large variety of drinks, including fresh coffee, iced coffee, juices (Tropicana, Martinelli’s, Naked Juice), and popular energy drinks (Redbull, Monster), available for self-service or counter order.

Features / Highlights

What makes Old Country Bagel a beloved staple in the Howard Beach community are several specific features that enhance the customer experience and define the product quality:

• Authentic New York Bagels: Praised for having the perfect texture—crisp exterior and a soft, airy, slightly sweet interior—confirming a dedication to high-quality, traditional bagel preparation.
• Extensive Lox and Cream Cheese Selection: The shop offers a wide selection of spreads, including Plain, Scallion, Veggie, and Lox Cream Cheese, famously paired with fresh Nova Lox for the quintessential New York Bagel and Lox experience.
• “All-Day” Menu Variety: The menu is exceptionally comprehensive, extending far beyond typical bagel shop fare to include elaborate salads (Greek Grilled Chicken Salad, Buffalo Chicken Salad), hearty omelette sandwiches (Western, Italian, Spanish), and substantial hot sandwiches and wraps (Philly Cheese Steak, Pastrami Reuben, Hungry Man).
• Proximity to JFK Airport: Its convenient location makes it a recommended stop for travelers with flight delays or those needing a quick, quality New York meal before or after a trip.
• Welcoming Cafe Atmosphere: The store features a welcoming, wood-paneled environment and is noted for its friendly, attentive staff, offering a pleasant spot to sit down and enjoy a meal.
• Accommodating Menu Items: Features specific menu items catering to different needs, such as the “Muscle Man” wrap (5 egg whites, turkey breast, sautéed spinach, and onion) for health-conscious patrons.
• Modern Payment Convenience: Accepts all major payment types, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, ensuring a smooth and rapid transaction experience.

Contact Information

For New York residents looking to visit or place an order with Old Country Bagel, the relevant details are as follows:

Address: 162-26 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414, USA

Phone: (718) 845-9211

What is Worth Choosing

For anyone in the New York area seeking a truly authentic experience at Old Country Bagel, the choice should focus on the items that highlight their reputation for freshness and breadth of menu.

The absolute must-try is the Bagel With Fresh Nova Lox & Cream Cheese. As a foundational New York food, their version, celebrated for the freshness of the lox and the superior quality of the bagel itself, is considered among the best in Queens. Enthusiasts should also purchase a Dozen Bagels to take home, with the Everything Bagel and Sesame Bagel being highly praised for their perfect texture and generous toppings.

For a hearty, power-packed breakfast that fuels a full New York day, the Hungry Man is an excellent choice, combining egg, sausage, ham, bacon, and cheese into one satisfying wrap or bagel sandwich. For those prioritizing a leaner option, the Muscle Man (featuring egg whites, turkey breast, and spinach) provides a delicious and protein-focused start.

Beyond breakfast, the shop’s diverse deli menu offers fulfilling lunch options. The various Salads, especially the Greek Grilled Chicken Salad or Buffalo Chicken Salad, offer a fresh, light counterpoint to the heavier deli fare. Alternatively, for a comforting lunch sandwich, the Pastrami Reuben or any of the specialty wraps, like the Crossbay Club Wrap, are excellent choices.

Finally, given the staff's noted hospitality, asking for their freshest batch of bagels or a current popular special is always recommended. This engagement ensures you get the very best of what this quintessential Howard Beach bagel shop has to offer.

Old Country Bagel

162-26 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414, USA