The original Black Seed, still on Elizabeth Street
Black Seed Bagels opened in 2014 on Elizabeth Street and this Nolita shop remains the flagship of what’s now a small NYC chain. The team splits the difference between Montreal and New York technique: bagels are hand-rolled, poached in honey water, seeded, and baked in a wood-burning oven on site. This is the original location; the group has since expanded across Manhattan and beyond.
The real story is what goes inside. Sandwiches range from a straightforward BEC to smoked salmon, pastrami-spiced salmon, and a house BLT, with cream cheese, jam, and smoked-fish salads made in house. The Infatuation compares it to Russ & Daughters on ingredient quality, and the bagels themselves have drawn James Beard recognition.
What to Expect
There’s no happy hour and no alcohol program; the shop is a counter-service daytime spot open 7am to 4pm. Come for breakfast or an early lunch. Peak mornings and weekends mean lines, so off-peak is the move if you want in and out.
The Room
It’s a compact, counter-service bagel shop with a wood-fired oven at its heart and a modest amount of seating added after a 2019 renovation. The feel is quick and casual, built for grab-and-go rather than lingering. Expect a line at prime breakfast hours.
Who Black Seed Bagels Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Morning bagel run | Wood-fired, hand-rolled bagels and espresso drinks make it a strong start to the day. |
| Breakfast sandwich | The BEC and other egg sandwiches are a reliable, well-executed order. |
| Smoked-fish fix | Lox and pastrami-spiced salmon sandwiches channel the appetizing-counter tradition. |
| Quick weekday lunch | Made-to-order sandwiches at a bagel-shop price suit a fast midday stop. |
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Black Seed Bagels FAQ
Does Black Seed Bagels have a happy hour?
No. It’s a daytime bagel and coffee shop with no alcohol program, open 7am to 4pm.
Is the Elizabeth Street location the original?
Yes. The Nolita shop at 170 Elizabeth Street was the first Black Seed, opened in 2014, and is the flagship.
What are Black Seed bagels known for?
Hand-rolled bagels that blend Montreal and New York styles, poached in honey water and baked in a wood-burning oven, with house-made spreads and smoked fish.
What are the hours?
The Nolita location is open daily from 7am to 4pm.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Black Seed Bagels before visiting for a specific deal.