This week I was back in NYC for work, and was determined to fit in as many gluten free eats as possible. Even though Vic’s Bagel Bar was out of my way, the idea of being able to pick up a single bagel with cream cheese at a bagel shop, like any other “normal” person, was just too much of a lure to pass up.
And boy was it worth it.
That’s a gluten free everything bagel with about a tubs-worth of cream cheese.
Vic’s has a really cool concept for their shop – you pick a bagel, then pick a spread, then pick mix-ins. They custom make your spread, then make you a sandwich. They also have these neat looking things called “flagels” (flat bagels) that look like giant bagel chips.
I got a Vic’s Special – plain cream cheese mixed with smoked salmon, tomatoes, and scallions.
Talk about splurge. See that oozy cream-cheesy goodness? This bagel was something that I couldn’t believe I could eat. It was just like any other bagel I remember.
The gluten free bagels are kept on the counter in their own special area far from the regular bagels. It seems like their regular bagels are a hit too, since there were a few groups of cops that came in while I was there. And cops know a good bagel when they see one.
I got a plain bagel to take home with me, and it’s nestled safely in my freezer for a special birthday bagel breakfast coming up soon.
All of those varieties are gluten free: sesame, poppyseed, plain, and everything. I wish they had a cinnamon raisin one – que sera sera though. Carbo loading is sometimes necessary.
Vic’s Bagel Bar
544 3rd Avenue (Cross Street 36th St)
New York, NY, 10016
Gluten Free? Gimme Three! 
What a great concept……..someone needs to bring this to D.C.! It would fit in well with places like Chop’t and the smattering of frozen yogurt establishments. It seems that consumer choice is winning big these days, and, of course, gf bagels are an amazing choice!
Totally agree! DC seems to be fixated on some things (salads, fro yo, cupcakes) and be totally void of others (independent coffee shops, or gfree sandwiches and bakeries). I should start a petition 🙂
I don’t believe my eyes – I’ve never seen a GF bagel like that before. I’ve tried a few from places on long island that make them and they have all been flat bricks. I’ll have to try this place next time Im in NY!
It was amazing, truly. And my dining partner said that you couldn’t taste the difference at all. Definitely put it on your list!
I would have LOVED to have known about Vic’s bagel bar when I visited New York recently. My gluten free experiences were a bit hit and miss. I live in New Zealand and I think we are a bit spoilt here with gluten free options at restaurants so I didn’t realise I needed to plan before going on holiday. I’ll know next time though.
But I did love New York and Washington DC.
Thank you for posting this! They look amazing and far better than the ones I have found in the stores so far. Can’t wait to try one!