Bagel Express II NYC: Classic Upper East Side Bagels & Breakfast on 2nd Ave
Store Overview
Bagel Express II at 1228 2nd Avenue is a no-nonsense, old-school Upper East Side bagel shop with all the charm and comfort you want from your neighborhood breakfast spot. With 4.0 stars across 152 Google reviews, this shop remains a steady favorite for locals who appreciate fresh bagels, fast service, affordable pricing, and a warm, homey vibe.
The space is simple, cozy, and efficient—think classic New York deli-meets-breakfast counter energy. Staff move quickly but stay friendly, and regulars love that they remember orders, keep the line moving, and serve up food that hits the spot every time.
It’s a morning hotspot for commuters, students, nurses from nearby medical centers, and neighborhood residents popping in for coffee and a bagel before starting their day. The crowd is steady from early morning through lunchtime, especially around 8 AM and 4 PM.
Bagel Express II, 1228 2nd Ave New York, NY 10065
Menu & Services
Bagel Express II is exactly what a bagel lover wants: fresh, soft-on-the-inside, crisp-on-the-outside bagels, tons of spreads, and all the classic deli staples. Prices stay within a super-accessible $1–$10 range, making it one of the better-value breakfast spots on the Upper East Side.
Customer favorites and menu highlights include:
• Bagel with Cream Cheese (classic, flavored, or strawberry cream cheese)
• Lox & Onions
• Tuna Melt Deluxe
• Jelly Donuts & Muffins
• Breakfast Platters (eggs, omelets, meats)
• Fruit Salad cups
• Gelato (yes—gelato at a bagel shop!)
• Premium Coffee Bar options
• Deli sandwiches & lunch specials
The shop offers takeout, delivery through multiple apps, and call-in orders for fast pickup. Everything—from bagels to sandwiches—is freshly made, and the menu is surprisingly extensive for such a compact neighborhood shop.
Review Summary
Reviews highlight three things over and over: great prices, consistently good bagels, and a comfortable, friendly environment. Many locals say the bagels are better (and cheaper) than other spots in the area, which is saying something for the Upper East Side. The cream cheese options get regular praise, and customers appreciate the straightforward, unfussy vibe.
Human Commentary: This is the type of NYC bagel shop that makes the city feel like home. It’s not chasing Instagram fame or reinventing bagels—it’s doing the basics right, every single day. In a neighborhood filled with polished cafés and specialty coffee spots, Bagel Express II stands out for its simplicity, value, and authentic New York character.
Location & Accessibility
Situated on 2nd Avenue near East 64th Street, Bagel Express II sits in a prime UES pocket surrounded by residential buildings, schools, clinics, and small businesses. It’s perfectly placed for a daily breakfast crowd and steady lunchtime flow.
Nearby transit options include:
• Q train at 72nd Street
• 6 train at 68th Street–Hunter College
• M15 / M101 / M102 buses along 2nd and 3rd Ave
Nearby landmarks include:
• Rockefeller University
• Weill Cornell Medical Center
• Memorial Sloan Kettering
• St. Catherine’s Park
• Bloomingdale’s Midtown East (just a few blocks south)
The bustling 2nd Avenue foot traffic gives Bagel Express II a steady stream of customers from morning until early afternoon. The area’s mix of hospitals, residential towers, and schools makes it an easy grab-and-go hub for locals of all ages.
Genius Marketing Analysis
GI (Genius Insight): Bagel Express II’s emotional strength lies in being that dependable “everyday place”—the kind of shop where locals feel known. It’s built on routine, warmth, and value, which keeps customers returning morning after morning.
MDA (Marketing Action): Introduce a “Bagel & Brew” morning combo (any bagel + any coffee/iced coffee) to cement the store as a go-to breakfast ritual and boost early-hour sales.
Genius Ideas (10)
Morning Combo Specials – Pair a bagel with any coffee for a discounted price during morning rush hours.
UES Bagel Bundle – A dozen bagels + two cream cheeses for families, offices, or weekend brunch events.
Seasonal Cream Cheese Flavors – Limited editions like pumpkin, cinnamon raisin honey, or berry swirl.
Hospital Worker Discount – Perfect for the many medical workers in the area.
Student Punch Cards – Discounts for Hunter College and nearby school students.
Grab-and-Go Breakfast Packs – Sandwich, fruit cup, and coffee bundle for busy commuters.
Iced Coffee Refill Program – Bring back a branded reusable cup for discounted refills.
Weekend Brunch Bag – Bagel sandwiches + pastries + OJ boxed for UES families.
Neighborhood Collab Pastry – A rotating pastry created with a nearby bakery or cafe.
Daily “Fresh Out of the Oven” Board – Highlight which bagels were baked most recently to encourage impulse buys.
Conclusion
Bagel Express II is a true Upper East Side classic—comfortable, familiar, and reliably delicious. With great bagels, friendly staff, and prices that are hard to beat in this part of Manhattan, it continues to serve its community with the kind of genuine New York hospitality that never goes out of style. Whether you're picking up breakfast, grabbing a coffee, or ordering a fresh bagel to-go, this spot delivers every time.
Q & A
Q: What are the bagels like?
A: Fresh, soft yet crisp, with plenty of cream cheese and topping options.
Q: How much does a typical order cost?
A: Most items fall between $1–$10—very affordable for the neighborhood.
Q: Do they serve lunch?
A: Yes—sandwiches, melts, salads, and lunch specials.
Q: What are their busiest times?
A: Around 8 AM for breakfast rush and around 4 PM for snack or early dinner pickups.
Q: Is the coffee good?
A: Yes—many reviews highlight its quality and fair pricing.
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