The Ultimate Guide to Grand Central Bagels: 3 Bagels to Try at Jumbo Bagel Cafe
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You knead Jumbo Bagel Cafe in your life. If you’ve ever emerged from the chaos of Grand Central Station craving the ultimate Grand Central bagel, then this is the spot. Jumbo Bagel Cafe. Whether you’re a tourist sprinting for your train or a local seeking a Grand Central bagel experience that’s anything but ordinary, Jumbo Bagel Cafe has you covered. But it’s not just bagels — you can also swing by for a killer lunch and desserts so irresistible, you’ll be coming back for more. Get ready to dive into doughy, crunchy, creamy, chocolatey bliss at Jumbo Bagel Cafe.
Best Bagels Near Grand Central
New York is known for its bagels, and with so many options near Grand Central, it’s easy to get lost in the choices. Whether you’re craving a classic everything bagel or something a little more adventurous, the area around Grand Central offers a wide variety of fresh, mouth-watering options. From tasty spreads and sandwiches to sweet treats, you’re sure to find something that hits the spot. But when it comes to the best of the best, Jumbo Bagel Cafe takes the crown — hands down the ultimate stop for any bagel lover.
What is Jumbo Bagel Cafe?
Jumbo Bagel Cafe, located at 696 3rd Avenue (on the corner of 42nd Street), opened in January and has been quietly fueling the carb-loving masses ever since. Just minutes from Grand Central, this little gem might be a well-kept secret among locals, but we’re here to spill the (everything) bagel. Whether you’re pre-commute, mid-meeting, or post-errand, it’s the perfect stop for a proper NYC Grand Central bagel moment.
The place is packed at lunchtime for a reason — Jumbo Bagel Cafe isn’t just your average cafe. With a diverse menu featuring everything from classic bagels to specialty sandwiches, salads, and beverages, it caters to every taste palate. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic everything bagel with lox spread or a specialty chicken Caesar wrap, this cafe has something for everyone. The cozy ambiance and friendly service make it the perfect spot to indulge in the delicious offerings Jumbo Bagel Cafe has in store.
Top 3 Must-Try Grand Central Bagels at Jumbo Bagel Cafe
These aren’t your basic, shrink-wrapped grocery store bagels that flop under the weight of basic cream cheese. No, these are the real deal — chewy in the center, perfectly crispy on the outside, and bursting with enough flavor to make even the most jaded New Yorker do a double take. At Jumbo Bagel Cafe, the Grand Central bagels steal the spotlight. Each one is handcrafted with precision and care, ensuring the ultimate bagel experience.
Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, the lineup here has a bold personality and punch to match. From classic plain bagels to indulgent asiago cheese, the options are endless and packed with enough flavor to satisfy every craving. Freshly made daily and baked to perfection, these bagels aren’t just a treat — they’re a culinary experience that’ll have you coming back for more.
Rainbow Bagel + Strawberry Cream Cheese
The rainbow bagel isn’t just breakfast—she’s an aesthetic, a statement, and a whole mood. This bagel is for the glamour girls who live life in full color. With swirls of electric pink, blue, and green, she’s bold, unapologetic, and built for the spotlight. Pair her with strawberry cream cheese, and suddenly your Grand Central bagel moment turns into a sweet, slightly indulgent celebration of all things fabulous. It’s a reminder that breakfast doesn’t have to be boring when you’re living your most colorful life.
Cinnamon Raisin Bagel + Walnut Cream Cheese
This bagel that doesn’t need to shout to stand out. The cinnamon raisin bagel with walnut cream cheese is warm, balanced, and quietly confident. The cinnamon brings a gentle spice, the raisins offer a pop of sweetness. The walnut cream cheese is rich, creamy, and just luxe enough to feel special without trying too hard. No flashy colors or over-the-top flavors—just effortless flavor that speaks for itself. She’s the one you come back to again and again because she always delivers.
Plain Bagel + Scallion Cream Cheese
This is the bagel that built New York. The plain bagel with scallion cream cheese is timeless — simple, sturdy, and always in style. No frills, no distractions—just that perfect golden crust, a chewy interior, and that unmistakable flavor that’s been powering city mornings for generations. The scallion cream cheese is creamy, tangy, and packed with just the right bite, creating the perfect balance. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a ritual and a must-have moment at Jumbo Bagel Cafe. Grand Central bagels hit differently when paired with your first coffee of the day and the sound of the city waking up around you.
Best Wraps at Jumbo Bagel Cafe
Craving something beyond bagels? Jumbo Bagel Cafe has you covered with their chicken wraps. Packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and bold sauces, these wraps are a must-try. Whether it’s classic grilled or smoky barbecue, there’s something to satisfy every craving. We tried the Chicken Caesar Wrap — perfectly grilled with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and juicy chicken, all wrapped up in a flavor-packed tortilla. We also got the Barbecue Chicken Wrap, smoky and tangy with that perfect balance of flavor. Pair any of these with chips or a salad, and lunch just went from basic to fabulous. Add some chips and a Sparkling Ice, and suddenly, lunch is the highlight of your day.
Don’t Skip Dessert at Jumbo Bagel Cafe: Cookies, Cakes, and More
What’s life without dessert? Sad. Just sad. Luckily, Jumbo Bagel Cafe knows exactly what they’re doing when it comes to sweet endings. From creamy cheesecake to rich brownies, they’ve got a treat for every sweet tooth. But let’s be real: the rainbow cookies are an absolute must. Soft, almondy, dipped in chocolate, and completely irresistible.
The chocolate cake? Moist, rich, and dramatic enough to cancel your afternoon plans. And let’s not forget the coffee cake—crumbly, cinnamony perfection. Whether you’ve just devoured a Grand Central bagel or wrapped up lunch, dessert at Jumbo Bagel Cafe is the ultimate follow-up. Indulge, because you deserve it.
Jumbo Bagel Cafe Bagel Delivery & Catering
Not a morning person? No problem. Jumbo Bagel Cafe is on Grubhub, so those mouthwatering Grand Central bagels and wraps can come straight to you. Whether you’re still lounging in bed or deep in the middle of a work grind near Grand Central, you don’t have to leave your spot to get the good stuff. Just hit order, and let Jumbo Bagel Cafe do the heavy lifting while you power through your to-do list. Breakfast (or lunch) just got a whole lot easier—and way more delicious.
Hosting brunch, feeding the office crew, or looking to earn legendary status at your next team meeting? Jumbo Bagel Cafe has you covered with catering options that will have everyone talking. Picture rainbow bagel platters, crowd-pleasing wraps, and cookie towers that disappear faster than you can say “Grand Central.” With delivery and catering this effortless, securing your MVP status has never been easier. Just a few clicks, and you’re the hero of the day—bagels and all.
In a city overflowing with overpriced, soggy breakfast sandwiches and sad salads, Jumbo Bagel Cafe stands tall as the ultimate Grand Central bagel destination. So, next time you’re in the area, do yourself a favor. Ditch the chains, wander off the beaten path, and treat yourself to a bagel that does more than just fill you up—it transforms your entire day. With bagels so irresistible, chicken wraps that hit the spot, and desserts so good they’ll make you question every decision that led you here, Jumbo Bagel Cafe is more than just a place to eat. Don’t just take our word for it—step in, take a bite.
Why settle for less when you could have a Jumbo? Jumbo Bagel Cafe
Next time I’m in midtown, I’ll head for Jumbo Bagel Cafe! I am salivating for a bagel or bagel sandwich right now! Yum
Mow De
May 7, 2025 / 1:42 am
Love how descriptively you’ve explained these bagels – bread quality makes all the difference! You can fill them with anything – the combinations are endless!
Now I’m seriously craving a bagel after reading this! The Jumbo Bagel Cafe looks like such a fun spot — I love how creative and massive those bagel sandwiches are. That rainbow bagel with sprinkles? Total childhood nostalgia vibes. Definitely adding this to my food list next time I’m in the area!
I could certainly have two or three of those yummy bagels right now. They all look fun and flavorful, I can ‘t pick just one, lol. I’ll be checking these bagel places out the next time we’re in NYC.
wow all of these bagels look delicous, I really wan to try them all now, delicious. I need to go to this place and give these all a try. I need to try out the rainbow bagel
Wow! Those bagels look sensational! They definitely look very filling! I’d love to try one someday!
Next time I’m in midtown, I’ll head for Jumbo Bagel Cafe! I am salivating for a bagel or bagel sandwich right now! Yum
Love how descriptively you’ve explained these bagels – bread quality makes all the difference! You can fill them with anything – the combinations are endless!
Now I’m seriously craving a bagel after reading this! The Jumbo Bagel Cafe looks like such a fun spot — I love how creative and massive those bagel sandwiches are. That rainbow bagel with sprinkles? Total childhood nostalgia vibes. Definitely adding this to my food list next time I’m in the area!
I could certainly have two or three of those yummy bagels right now. They all look fun and flavorful, I can ‘t pick just one, lol. I’ll be checking these bagel places out the next time we’re in NYC.
Holy. Cow. These are what I call bagels! I’m getting so hungry just looking at these!
Well, now I’m starving! Those bagles are so fully loaded, and I love the other treats they have there, as well. I would go every day!
Holy delicious bagel nom noms, Batman! These all look so good. The bagels are massive, and those wraps and desserts look great, too.
A bagel cafe sounds like EXACTLY the kind of place I would love to hang out at! I need to go here and try their bagels out for myself one day.
Jumbo bagels are definitely the best bagels, in my opinion! This sounds like an awesome spot to have breakfast or to grab a lunchtime sandwich.
That’s a humongous bagel! 😀 Would love to try those in case I find myself at Grand Central/NY!
wow all of these bagels look delicous, I really wan to try them all now, delicious. I need to go to this place and give these all a try. I need to try out the rainbow bagel