NEW YORK, NY — Tompkins Square Bagels, a beloved bagel destination in the East Village, is gearing up to expand to the Upper East Side.
Initially announced last year, the famous bagel shop is preparing to open its fourth location at 1159 Third Avenue in Lenox Hill, nestled between East 67th and 68th streets. The new outpost will occupy two former storefronts previously housing Jardino Italian Cafe and America’s Cafe & Grill.
Originally slated for a winter opening according to the initial announcement, the exact launch date remained uncertain, prompting speculation from local residents eagerly awaiting the debut.
This week, a recent update from the bagel shop revealed plans to open this fall, although a specific opening date was not disclosed.
Owner Chris Pugliese, who began his bagel career at Bake City Bagels in Gravesend, Brooklyn, expressed his excitement about the expansion to the Upper East Side. “I spend a lot of time on the Upper East Side, so opening a location here feels like a natural progression,” Pugliese commented in an interview with Sam Silverman on The Bagel Ambassador, an Instagram account dedicated to the bagel industry. “Choosing a location is a meticulous process for me. It’s important that I feel comfortable working there every day.”
Established in 2011 near Tompkins Square Park, the original Tompkins Square Bagels quickly gained popularity for its crisp, chewy bagels and innovative toppings like birthday cake and chipotle avocado. The shop also offers an array of vegan cream cheese options.
“Tompkins Square Bagels is my ode to the East Village, a neighborhood I hold dear,” Pugliese remarked. “We’ve poured love and attention into every detail of our shop’s design, crafted by local artisans and enjoyed by our neighbors.”
The upcoming Upper East Side location will mark Tompkins Square Bagel’s first venture uptown, expanding beyond its current spots in Gramercy and the East Village.