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Apollo Bagels Keeps NYC Lining Up for That Perfect Crunch
April 3, 2025, 11:56.06 pm ET

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Photo: Cititour.com

New Yorkers know a good bagel is worth the wait — and at Apollo Bagels, the line is part of the experience.

The cult-favorite bagel shop, which began as a humble pop-up by founders Joey Scalabrino and Mike Fadem, has become a citywide obsession. With its signature crunchy bagels and craveable spreads, Apollo is now four locations strong, having just opened its newest outpost at 41 John Street in the Financial District in mid-March.

At the original East Village shop, crowds still snake down the block for classics like smoked salmon with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and dill, or the cream cheese and perfectly seasoned beefsteak tomato combo. Even the butter and jam option is a standout. Also notable, the whitefish salad with pickled peppers, mustard, and cucumber.

Bagels — available in plain, sesame, and everything — are made to order and deliver that elusive crunch-to-chew ratio New Yorkers demand. Spreads and fish can also be bought separately for a do-it-yourself brunch.

But Apollo’s popularity hasn’t come without drama. At one point, long lines nearly got the West Village location evicted. Still, Apollo keeps rolling — and the line? It keeps moving. Worth it? Absolutely.

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