Apollo Bagels is a kosher-style bagel shop in New York City, best known for its wood-fired bagels and location inside the Chelsea Market. Yes, it is a real, popular spot—not a chain—and it has become a go-to for both tourists and locals seeking a classic New York bagel with a slightly smoky twist. The shop operates under the supervision of the Orthodox Union, and its bagels are certified kosher (dairy), which means no meat is served on the premises.
Background: From a Bakery to a Bagel Icon
Apollo Bagels opened in 2020 inside Chelsea Market, a historic food hall in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. The founders, brothers Evan and Ari Kolber, had previously run a wholesale bakery called Apollo Bakery, which supplied bread to restaurants. They decided to pivot to bagels, focusing on a wood-fired preparation method that sets them apart from the typical boiled-and-baked bagels found across the city. The name “Apollo” pays homage to the original bakery, which was named after the Greek god of music and light—not to any specific myth, but the reference is fitting for a place that aims to elevate a daily staple.
The shop quickly gained attention for its distinctive bagels: they are boiled in honey-water, then baked in a wood-fired oven, giving them a slightly charred, blistered exterior and a chewy, airy interior. This method is reminiscent of the bagels made by a handful of other New York spots, but Apollo has carved out its own niche.
How It Works: Ordering and Menu
Apollo Bagels operates on a simple counter-service model. You wait in line, order at the counter, and your bagel is assembled in front of you. The menu is concise, focusing on classic combinations and a few creative twists.
- Bagels: Plain, everything, sesame, poppy, cinnamon raisin, and a few seasonal options. They are made fresh daily, and when they sell out, they’re gone.
- Schmears: Classic cream cheese, scallion, veggie, and a house-made “Apollo” spread that includes chives and a hint of lemon.
- Sandwiches: Lox (salmon), whitefish, tuna, and egg salad are the mainstays. They also offer a “pastrami lox”—cured salmon seasoned like pastrami—which is a nod to the Jewish deli tradition.
- Drinks: Coffee, cold brew, and fresh orange juice.
Because the bagels are wood-fired, they come out with a slightly irregular shape and a dark, blistered crust—that’s a sign of authenticity, not a flaw. If you want your bagel toasted, they will do it, but many regulars recommend eating it fresh without toasting to appreciate the crust.
How to Choose: What to Order
First-timers often ask what to get. The most iconic order is the “Lox on Everything”—an everything bagel with cream cheese, tomatoes, red onions, capers, and a generous portion of cold-smoked salmon. If you want something heartier, the “Pastrami Lox” sandwich is a house specialty: it’s served on a sesame bagel with mustard and pickles, mimicking a deli sandwich but with fish instead of meat.
For a lighter option, the whitefish salad on a plain bagel is a classic New York choice. If you have a sweet tooth, the cinnamon raisin bagel with honey walnut cream cheese is a popular pick. And don’t overlook the egg salad—it’s simple but done well.
If you’re unsure, ask the counter staff. They’re used to tourists and are happy to offer suggestions. Just be aware that the line can move slowly during peak hours (weekend mornings), so come with patience.
Common Problems: Lines, Price, and Availability
Three complaints come up repeatedly in reviews: the line, the price, and the fact that they often sell out.
- Lines: Because the shop is small and the bagels are made in limited batches, the line can stretch down the aisle of Chelsea Market. On weekends, expect a 20-40 minute wait. Weekday mornings are shorter.
- Price: A bagel with cream cheese runs about $5–6, and sandwiches are $12–16. That’s on par with other trendy NYC bagel shops, but higher than a typical corner deli.
- Selling out: The wood-fired oven can only produce so many bagels per day. If you arrive after 1 PM, they may be out of popular varieties. Go early.
Another minor issue: the seating is limited. There are a few stools and a counter, but most people take their bagels to go. If you want to sit, you can eat in the common seating areas of Chelsea Market, but those fill up fast too.
Comparisons: How It Stacks Up to Other NYC Bagel Shops
New York City is full of legendary bagel spots, and Apollo is often compared to two others: Russ & Daughters (on the Lower East Side) and Ess-a-Bagel (with locations in Midtown and Brooklyn).
Russ & Daughters is an appetizing store—it’s been around since 1914 and is famous for its lox and whitefish, but it doesn’t bake its own bagels on-site; it gets them from a partner bakery. Apollo bakes its own, and the wood-fired method gives a smokier flavor.
Ess-a-Bagel is known for its oversized, chewy bagels, which are boiled and then baked in a conventional oven. Apollo’s bagels are smaller and have a thinner, crispier crust. If you like a denser, more substantial bagel, Ess-a-Bagel might be your pick. If you prefer a lighter, artisan-style bagel with a hint of char, Apollo wins.
Another comparison is with Utopia Bagels in Queens, which also uses a wood-fired oven. Both are excellent, but Apollo is more convenient for tourists staying in Manhattan.
Costs: What You’ll Pay
Here’s a rough price list (as of 2024):
- Plain bagel: $2.50
- Bagel with plain cream cheese: $5.00
- Bagel with a specialty schmear (e.g., scallion): $5.75
- Lox sandwich: $16.00
- Whitefish salad sandwich: $15.00
- Egg salad sandwich: $10.00
- Coffee: $3.00
They accept credit cards and mobile payments. There’s no tipping required at the counter, but you can leave a tip in the jar if you’d like.
Safety and Dietary Considerations
Because Apollo is certified kosher (dairy), the entire menu is dairy-based—no meat is served. That means if you’re looking for a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, this isn’t the place. Also, the kitchen handles gluten, sesame, nuts (in some seasonal spreads), and fish, so if you have severe allergies, be cautious. They do offer a gluten-free bagel on some days, but it’s not always available, and it’s baked in the same oven as wheat bagels, so cross-contamination is possible.
For food safety, the staff follows standard NYC health codes, and the shop has an A rating from the Department of Health (as of the last inspection). If you’re taking bagels to go, they’re best eaten within a few hours; if you’re storing them, keep them in a paper bag at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in a toaster or oven, not the microwave, to preserve texture.
Alternatives: If You Can’t Make It to Apollo
If the line is too long or you’re not in the Chelsea area, there are other excellent bagel shops nearby:
- Absolute Bagels (Upper West Side) – known for its cheap, classic bagels and long lines.
- Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company (multiple locations) – a reliable chain with a wide variety of schmears.
- Tompkins Square Bagels (East Village) – makes a good, traditional bagel.
- Pick a Bagel (Upper West Side) – another solid choice for a quick, no-frills bagel.
If you want the wood-fired experience but can’t get to Apollo, you could try Utopia Bagels in Queens, though it’s a trek. Or, if you’re willing to wait, Apollo is worth it—just go on a weekday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apollo Bagels really worth the hype? For many people, yes. The wood-fired flavor is distinct, and the quality of the lox and schmears is high. But if you’re used to a dense, chewy bagel, you might find Apollo’s lighter style surprising. It’s a matter of taste.
Does Apollo Bagels have seating? There is a small counter with a few stools, but it’s primarily a takeout spot. You can eat in the Chelsea Market common areas, but they’re often crowded.
Are Apollo Bagels gluten-free options available? Occasionally, but not guaranteed. Even when they have gluten-free bagels, they are made in a shared facility, so they’re not safe for celiacs.
Can I order ahead or online? As of now, Apollo Bagels does not offer online ordering. You have to wait in line in person. They sometimes sell out, so go early.
Is Apollo Bagels kosher? Yes, it is certified kosher (dairy) by the Orthodox Union. That means no meat is served, and the shop closes for Jewish holidays.
What is the best time to visit to avoid the line? Weekday mornings before 9 AM are the quietest. Weekend lines are longest between 10 AM and 1 PM.
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