Tompkins Square Bagels has been an East Village staple since it opened back in 2011, but it took the New York City Bagel scene by storm when city-goers discovered their famous birthday cake cream cheese. A few clever instagrams displaying the colorful cheese, and just like that the bagel became the most photographed bagel on Instagram. Although this bagel is to die for, it’s Tompkins’ amazing bagel quality and delicious toppings that have made the store a permanent fixture in the East Village. The restaurant is on the smaller side, and the line can get long, especially on the weekends; however the line moves very quickly because of the well trained staff. Oh, and the best part about Tompkins Square Bagels? It’s pretty NOBREAD friendly for a bagel restaurant!…
Tompkins Square Bagels, TSB for short, has traditional bagel and cream cheese flavors, as well as some very unique flavors, such as cookie dough and the infamous birthday cake cream cheese. TSB has more gluten free options than most bagel places. Their gluten-free bagel comes in everything, cinnamon raisin, and plain flavors, and most of the bagel toppings are gluten free. Without a doubt, the most popular, and most photographed items at Tompkins Square Bagels are the birthday cake cream cheese and the mac and cheese bagel. While the birthday cake cream cheese is gluten free, sadly, the mac and cheese bagel is not. NOTE: the sprinkles in the birthday cake cream cheese are produced in a facility containing gluten, and those sensitive to artificial ingredients often feel discomfort after eating sprinkles, so if you are sensitive I recommend passing on this cream cheese. Whenever I go to Tompkins Square bagels I order a gluten free everything bagel with cream cheese, tomato, capers and lox. I could happily eat this for breakfast every morning; the lox is especially fresh and delicious. Their bagels are pretty large, too, and TSB does a good job of filling the bagel with loads of toppings.
In addition to their amazing bagels, TSB also has other breakfast options like scrambled eggs and gluten free baked goods. They even have gluten free pancakes! Tompkins Square Bagels also carries fresh cold pressed juices and brews really great coffee. It is the ultimate one stop breakfast spot, and with something for everyone, it’s no wonder why I make the trip to Tompkins all the time!