Popup Bagels

- 177 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012

In a city where bagels are a culinary institution, it takes something truly special to stand out. Popup Bagels, a spot that has garnered a loyal following, offers a fresh and distinct approach to this New York staple. Located in the heart of the bustling SoHo neighborhood, this bagel shop has built its reputation on a simple, yet brilliant, concept: serving bagels hot and fresh, straight from the oven. This focus on quality and immediacy creates a product that is unlike the standard New York bagel shop experience. The shop's unassuming facade and lack of indoor seating are part of its charm, encouraging customers to take their piping-hot bagels with them to enjoy on the go. It’s a no-frills, all-flavor approach that has captivated both locals and tourists looking for an authentic and high-quality breakfast.

The unique "rip and dip" style of eating is at the core of the Popup Bagels experience. Unlike a traditional bagel shop where your bagel is sliced and prepared, here you receive a whole, steaming hot bagel with a side of your chosen schmear. This method is praised by many for preserving the integrity of the bagel and allowing for a perfectly warm, soft interior with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior. While the menu is intentionally simple—focusing on classic flavors like plain, everything, sesame, poppy, and salt—the quality is anything but. The bagels are known for their exceptional texture and freshness, and the cream cheese options, including a popular scallion cream cheese, are the perfect complement. It's a testament to the belief that when a product is truly excellent, it doesn’t need a lot of embellishment to shine.

Location and Accessibility

Popup Bagels is located at 177 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012, USA. This address places it in the lively and fashionable SoHo area, just a short walk from Washington Square Park. The proximity to the park makes it a popular spot for grabbing a bagel and enjoying it outdoors. The location is easily accessible by public transportation, with the A, C, E, B, D, F, M trains at West 4th Street-Washington Square and the N, R, W trains at 8th Street-NYU all within a close walking distance.

For those traveling by car, there are various parking options available, including free street parking, paid street parking, and paid parking garages, which can be a valuable convenience in this busy part of the city. While the shop is not designed for a sit-down dining experience, its strategic location is perfect for a quick visit, making it an ideal choice for a grab-and-go breakfast or a midday snack while exploring the neighborhood. The storefront itself is welcoming, with a friendly staff that ensures a brief and pleasant transaction, even when there's a short line.

Services Offered

• Takeout and Onsite Services: The primary service model is a quick visit with a focus on takeout. Customers can come in, order their bagels and coffee, and be on their way quickly. The store's "standing counter" provides a brief spot to enjoy the bagels if you don't mind a no-frills setup.

• Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their fresh bagels from the comfort of their home or office, Popup Bagels offers a delivery service, bringing the deliciousness straight to your door.

• In-store Pickup: Customers can place an order for in-store pickup, which helps to avoid a potential wait and ensures that your bagels are ready for you when you arrive.

• Breakfast Menu: The shop specializes in breakfast items, specifically bagels and coffee, making it a perfect spot for the most important meal of the day.

• Catering: For larger groups or events, the bakery offers catering services, allowing you to provide fresh, hot bagels and a variety of schmears for your guests.

Features / Highlights

• Hot and Fresh Bagels: The most significant highlight is that the bagels are served warm and fresh from the oven. This creates a soft, pillowy interior and a delightful exterior crunch that distinguishes them from many other bagels in the city. The warmth of the bagel adds a special touch to the experience.

• Simple, High-Quality Menu: By focusing on a limited number of classic bagel flavors, Popup Bagels ensures that each one is perfected. The quality of their bagels and schmears, including plain and scallion cream cheese, is consistently praised by customers.

• "Rip and Dip" Concept: This unique method of serving bagels whole with a side of cream cheese encourages a more interactive and enjoyable eating experience. It allows for a fresh taste with every rip, and you can control how much schmear you use.

• Quick and Friendly Service: The staff is known for being warm, welcoming, and efficient. Even with a line, the service is fast, making it a reliable option when you're short on time.

• Coffee: The shop also offers coffee, providing the perfect pairing for a morning bagel.

• Proximity to Washington Square Park: The location is a major plus, allowing customers to easily take their freshly made bagels to the nearby park to enjoy them in a scenic setting.

Contact Information

Address: 177 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012, USA

Phone: (203) 297-8819

What Is Worth Choosing

Popup Bagels is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates a truly great bagel. What makes it worth choosing is its unwavering commitment to serving a superior product. The promise of a warm, fresh bagel is a game-changer. As one reviewer noted, the bagels are "so so soft on the inside, and a delicious warm bagel," a quality that makes them stand out in a city filled with bagel shops. While some traditionalists might miss the classic New York bagel's denser chew, Popup Bagels offers a lighter, fluffier texture that has its own passionate fan base. The "rip and dip" concept, though simple, is a key part of the experience, ensuring that every bite is as warm and fresh as possible. This is a bagel that is meant to be eaten immediately, savoring the moment it comes out of the oven.

The excellent, friendly service and efficient process make the experience even better. Even if there's a line, the wait is typically brief, a small price to pay for such high quality. The location's close proximity to Washington Square Park also adds to its appeal, offering a beautiful backdrop for a quick breakfast. For a New Yorker who loves bagels or a tourist on a mission to find the city's best, Popup Bagels is a unique and rewarding stop. It challenges the conventional bagel experience in the best possible way, proving that sometimes, the simplest and freshest approach is the most delicious.

Popup Bagels

177 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012, USA