Frequently Asked Questions

Every single bagel we make is hand-rolled, slow-fermented for 24 hours, kettle-boiled, and stone-baked fresh every morning. We don't take shortcuts — no machines, no frozen dough, no compromises. Our bakers start before dawn so you get the freshest, most authentic New York-style bagels possible.

We also source only premium, locally-milled high-gluten flour and use traditional methods passed down through generations. The result? A chewy interior, crisp crust, and deep flavor you can taste in every bite.

We opened our first location on East End Avenue in the Upper East Side in spring 2017, after founders Daniel and Sarah Cohen spent 2016 perfecting their recipes in their apartment kitchen. Since then, we've grown to three locations across NYC — Brooklyn Heights (2021) and West Village (2024) — while keeping the same commitment to hand-crafted quality.

Absolutely! We bake in small batches every single morning, starting before dawn. We never sell day-old bagels as fresh — anything not sold by closing time is donated to local food shelters or used for our croutons and bagel chips. When you buy from us, you're getting a bagel that was baked just hours earlier.

We partner with local farms and mills whenever possible. Our high-gluten flour comes from a family-owned mill in upstate New York, our dairy is sourced from Hudson Valley farms, and our coffee beans are ethically sourced from small-scale farmers in Ethiopia, Colombia, and Guatemala. We believe great bagels start with great ingredients.

Yes! Our East End Rewards program lets you earn points on every purchase. Sign up in-store or online, and you'll get:

• 1 point per $1 spent
• 100 points = $10 reward
• Birthday freebie (any bagel + schmear on us!)
• Exclusive member-only promotions
• Early access to new menu items

Ask any team member to sign you up — it's completely free!

Most of our classic bagels are made with vegetarian-friendly ingredients and contain no animal-derived products except for our Egg Bagel and Asiago Cheese Bagel. While we don't hold a formal halal certification, our Plain, Sesame, Everything, Pumpernickel, Whole Wheat, Multigrain, Garlic, and Salt bagels contain no meat, alcohol, or animal-derived enzymes.

For specific ingredient inquiries or detailed information, please contact us at [email protected] or ask our in-store team.

Currently, all our classic bagels contain gluten as they're made with high-gluten wheat flour — essential for that signature chewy texture. We're actively developing a gluten-free option and hope to introduce it soon.

Please check back or contact us for updates. In the meantime, our fresh juices, smoothies, and many coffee drinks (with dairy alternatives) are naturally gluten-free.

All our bagels contain wheat gluten. Many products contain dairy, eggs, sesame, soy, and fish (smoked salmon). Our kitchen handles tree nuts and peanuts.

Specific allergens are listed for each product on our menu and in-store. While we take cross-contamination seriously, we cannot guarantee allergen-free preparation. Please inform our staff of any allergies when ordering — we're happy to help you find safe options.

Yes! We have many vegetarian options including the Avocado Smash, Caprese Bagel, Veggie Breakfast sandwich, and all our sweet sandwiches. Several bagel varieties are naturally vegan (Plain, Sesame, Everything, Pumpernickel, Whole Wheat, Multigrain, Garlic, Salt).

For drinks, we offer oat, almond, and soy milk alternatives. We're developing a vegan cream cheese option — ask our staff for current vegan recommendations!

Absolutely! Every sandwich can be customized. Swap the bagel type, add extra protein, remove ingredients you don't like, or use our full Build Your Own option. Just let us know when ordering — we're happy to make it your way.

Want extra schmear? We've got you. Need it toasted or fresh? Your call. We believe great food should be personal.

Yes! We love experimenting with seasonal flavors. Past specials have included Pumpkin Spice Bagel (fall), Blueberry Lemon (summer), and Peppermint Chocolate (winter). Follow us on Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about new releases.

Our signature Everything blend is a house recipe featuring white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt. We toast the seeds in-house for maximum flavor. It's also available as a standalone seasoning — ask about purchasing a jar to take home!

Pickup orders are typically ready in 15-20 minutes. Delivery takes 30-45 minutes depending on your location and current order volume. During peak hours (8-10 AM weekdays), please allow extra time. You can track your order in real-time through our website or app.

The minimum order for delivery is $15. Delivery is available within a 3-mile radius of each of our three locations. A small delivery fee applies based on distance — or enjoy free delivery on orders of $25 and above!

Yes! You can schedule pickup or delivery orders up to 7 days in advance. Simply select your preferred date and time during checkout. This is perfect for planning breakfast meetings, weekend brunches, or ensuring your favorite bagel is ready when you arrive.

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and cash on pickup or delivery. All online payments are processed securely through our encrypted payment system.

You can modify or cancel your order within 5 minutes of placing it through your order confirmation page or by contacting us directly. After 5 minutes, preparation begins and modifications may not be possible. For scheduled orders, you can modify up to 2 hours before the scheduled time.

We stand behind every order. If your order arrives late, incorrect, or doesn't meet your expectations, please contact us immediately at (212) 555-0100 or email [email protected]. We'll make it right — whether that's a replacement, refund, or credit toward your next order.

Our hours vary by location:

• Upper East Side: Mon-Fri 6AM-8PM, Sat-Sun 7AM-6PM
• Brooklyn Heights: Mon-Fri 6:30AM-8PM, Sat-Sun 7AM-6PM
• West Village: Mon-Thu 6:30AM-9PM, Fri 6:30AM-10PM, Sat-Sun 7:30AM-7PM

Hours may vary on holidays. Check our Locations page for the most current information.

Yes! All three locations serve our full menu of classic bagels, sandwiches, spreads, and coffee. Each location may also feature a few neighborhood-exclusive specials — ask our staff when you visit to discover local favorites.

Yes, all three East End Bagel locations are fully wheelchair accessible with ramp entry, accessible restrooms, and spacious seating areas. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance and we'll be happy to assist.

Yes! All locations offer free WiFi and comfortable indoor seating. Our Upper East Side flagship also has an outdoor patio, Brooklyn Heights features a cozy reading nook, and West Village hosts live music on Friday evenings. Come stay awhile!

Absolutely! We offer bagel platters, sandwich trays, coffee service, and full catering packages for offices, meetings, and special events. Please place catering orders at least 48 hours in advance through our Catering & Events page, or contact us directly for custom quotes.

Our catering packages start at $150 for groups of 10-15 people. We offer tiered pricing for larger groups, and custom packages are available for special events. Contact our catering team at [email protected] for a personalized quote.

Yes! Our West Village location is available for private events on select evenings, and all locations offer bagel-making workshops for groups of 8-20 people. It's a fun, hands-on experience where you'll learn to roll, boil, and bake your own bagels.

Please contact our events team at [email protected] for availability and custom packages.

Yes! We deliver catering orders within a 10-mile radius of each location. Delivery fees vary based on distance and order size. For orders over $500, we offer complimentary delivery and setup. We can also arrange for a team member to stay and help serve if needed — just ask!

For best results, enjoy bagels the same day they're baked. For longer storage:

• Room temperature: Up to 2 days in a paper bag (not plastic — this traps moisture)
• Freezer: Slice first, then freeze in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Toast directly from frozen for best results
• Never refrigerate: This makes bagels go stale 3x faster than at room temperature

We're always looking for passionate people to join our team! We regularly hire bakers, baristas, and customer service staff. We offer competitive pay, benefits, flexible scheduling, and of course — free bagels!

Check our Careers page for current openings, or send your resume to [email protected].

Yes! We offer both physical and digital gift cards in any amount from $10 to $500. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Purchase in-store or online at eastendbagel.com/gift-cards. Gift cards never expire and can be used at any of our three locations.

We value all feedback — good and bad! You can reach us through:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (212) 555-0100
• Contact form: Visit our contact page
• In person: Ask to speak with a manager at any location

We read every message and typically respond within 24 hours. Your feedback helps us improve!