Classic Bagel with Lox in New York City at the 94 Corner Cafe, Manhattan

Bagel with Lox

at the 94 Corner Cafe, New York City, USA

A classic New York bagel with lox is an iconic deli staple. Along with a cup of hot coffee, it is, in my opinion, the perfect breakfast before a day of exploring the city.

Local lore says that the secret of a perfect bagel is in the New York City tap water, which is often credited as the "secret ingredient" behind a classic New York bagel. Whether it's due to the city's water's mineral content, specific pH level, or if it's just a myth, I don't know. However, there's undeniably something special and iconic about the city's bagels, and they just don't taste the same when made anywhere else.

a classic New York City deli-style bagel with cream cheese, tomato, and lox

A true New York bagel is dense, chewy, and has a slightly crispy crust. Bagels are boiled before baking, which gives them their signature texture. The most iconic New York bagel is a bagel with lox.

Lox is a fillet of brined salmon, typically smoked, which comes from northeastern American Jewish cuisine. It's traditionally served on a toasted plain bagel alongside a generous layer of cream cheese, thinly sliced red onions, crispy fresh tomato, and capers. The sharpness of the onion, the juiciness of the tomato, and the salty pop of capers balance out the richness of the fatty salmon and cream cheese beautifully.

Bagels and lox started as a sort of kosher alternative to eggs Benedict, which became popular in New York in the late 19th century. According to the Jewish dietary laws, meat and dairy cannot be mixed (never mind the fact that eggs benedict uses pork, which is also not kosher). Fish, however, can be consumed with dairy products, making the combination of cream cheese and salmon acceptable to eat.

toasted New York bagel with lox

It’s simple but luxurious; rich, creamy, salty, and fresh all at once. This bagel isn't just food; it's a satisfying and filling New York experience, perfect for a leisurely brunch or a hearty breakfast on the go.

Location

The 94 Corner Cafe is a classic New York City deli located on 94th Street and Broadway at 2518 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, United States in Manhattan's Upper West Side. 96th Street Station is just a few steps away.

The deli serves a wide variety of sandwiches, pizzas by the slice, soups, pastries, and other classic meals. They are open daily from 6am-11pm.