I'm leaving in 5 days for Manahattan, and looking for last minute favorites for Deli's and Bagels. I know about Katz's and Carnegie, any others? I plan on going to Ess-a-Bagels as it's near our hotel, though any other bagel faves are appreciated. A Manhattan friend of mine likes Murray's. I've spent alot of time on menupages.com (and done searches on Fodors!), yet I'm looking for more Fodorites suggestions.

http://gonyc.about.com/od/restaurant...est_bagels.htm

Ess-A-Bagel is my favorite and it is yeasty.

H & H are musch sweeter and there are much better than Tal's. I am unfamilar with Daniel's/

Koassar's is THE bialy maker in NYC. They are closed friday afternoons and all day Saturday since they kosher but you should try it. On the same block is Donut Plant which extremely high quality donuts. And across the street is The Pickle Guys. Once again excellent quality

Thanks you both. Good link McLaurie, I knew of the others but not Daniel.

Ess-a-Bagel is just awesome; you'll love it. Even their plain bagels are fantastic.

Thanks Ralphie. Any Deli advice? We are staying in the East low 50's, although are open to other areas.

Second Avenue Deli reopening sometime soon:

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant...d_avenue_deli/

Sarge's is another neighborhood favorite:

http://www.sargesdeli.com/

Those two look great Ellen. Thanks for the links.

Murrays bagels in Chelsea are excellent!

I think the bagels at Tal are excellent and as it's right in the East 50s I think it's definitely worth a visit. They hand-slice lox to order and it's delish. Ess-a and Murray's I could really take or leave.

The NYT mag had an article about the 2nd Ave Deli a few weeks ago that talked about how delis are a dying breed in NYC. They mentioned Katz's (good) and Stage Door (I don't like it). Maybe do a search for the article -- if you like delis, it was really interesting.

A fresh H&H sesame bagel is to die for.

Please forget Carnegie Deli. Until 2nd Avenue Deli opens after Thansgiving your best bet uptown is probably Sarge's.

Tal and Ess-a-Bagel are good for bagels but skip the rest of the food. If you want first-rate appetizing, you need to travel downtown to Russ and Daughters on Houston Street, but you cannot eat inside.

...forgot to say that Katz is the best available right now!

Thanks eks. I went to Katz's almost 30 years ago and it was the best back then. It's not very close to where we are staying, though we may try to venture over there. My daughter's never been to Katz's, and she's been to Manhattan 5 times.

Pending the re-opening of Second AVe Deli, Katz's is the best deli. Sarge's, Artie's, Carnegie, Stage are at least one to two levels below.

As a tourist, I really enjoyed BArney Greengrass on Amsterdam and 86th street several years ago. Maybe some New Yorkers can speak to it nowadays.

I was also goin to mention The Stage (seventh ave near Times Square) but I do like Katz's better and my deli experience is limited.

The thing I liked best about the Stage was our waiter Norman. He's been there forever (is he still there, God Bless Him)--classic deadpan one liners from this guy nonstop.

I know there are better places out there but anytime I leave the Stage after a deli-style breakfast I'm satisfied and don't need to eat for the rest of the day.

Another satisfactory (to me) deli place is Bloom's on Lexington near 39th or 40th. By no means superior but good in a pinch if you're in the area.

Bagels aren't my thing. But delis are.

Are there any more suggestions for delis? I have two and a half days to spare next week and want to fill them with noodle kugel.

Same as post above. I am interested in the Delis-not the bagels so much. Staying on 8th ave. 51st St. I know Carnegies is fairly close. Which other Delis?

It is not a deli with tables but for noodle pudding and other things, there are few stores better than Zabar's.

What we often do in Europe is buy food while walking around during he day and then have supper in the room. We buy cheese, wine, bread, chocolate, meat, etc. whatever is available that day.

It is fun and a way to sample what a city has to offer.