Seemor
Lamar's Bagel ExpressBWorth Trying
197 Madison St, New York, NY 10002, United States
· Bagel shop
· 4.9/5 Google (111 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Neighborhood deli-bagel spot delivering fast, friendly, bargain-priced breakfast sandwiches and coffee by the F train; great value, minimal frills, mostly takeaway.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Lamar's Bagel Express excels as a neighborhood bagel shop through exceptional service warmth and speed, solid food quality, and outstanding value—a rare combination in NYC. Consistent execution and deep local loyalty reflect genuine reliability, but the no-frills, grab-and-go format with limited seating and modest setting appeal keep it in grade B territory rather than higher. Perfect for what it is: a trusted commuter stop, not a destination.
Restaurant Summary
Right by the F train, this old-school counter turns out fast, friendly breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and coffee for commuters and locals. Reviews gush about speed and warmth: "They had me out quick and the sandwich hit the spot." Expect a no-frills setup and lots of regulars. The cooking is classic deli comfort—think bacon egg and cheese, pastrami-egg-cheese, chopped cheese, and occasional lox specials. Nothing fancy, just fresh griddled sandwiches and bagels at honest prices that make it easy to swing by every morning. Families do fine here thanks to simple choices kids will actually eat: bagels with cream cheese, grilled cheese, bacon or sausage, and home fries. It is mostly grab-and-go with limited space, so plan to eat on the move or nearby benches rather than settling in for a long sit.
At a Glance
- Lightning-fast breakfast sandwiches ideal for commuters
- Exceptionally budget-friendly for NYC
- Consistently kind, helpful staff with regulars remembered
- Limited seating; primarily takeaway
- Smaller bagel variety and drip-only coffee for some
What Sets It Apart
- express_line_speed
- commuter_convenience_by_subway
- budget_breakfast_value
What People Love
- Feeling welcomed by the counter team
- Sandwiches made in minutes
- Hearty, satisfying BECs and pastrami combos
- Prices that feel like a throwback
Points of Concern
- Limited or no seating; plan for takeaway
- Bagel variety is modest and coffee is drip only
- Small space can feel crowded during rush
- Cashless concerns not mentioned; bring a card just in case
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$10-$14 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For vegetarians, choose Cheese Omelet Platter ($7.99) or Grilled Cheese ($4.99) with home fries ($3.50).
- Value play: Egg on a Roll ($3.50) plus coffee keeps total under $7.
Perfect For
- Quick breakfast before the F train
- Budget-friendly grab-and-go lunch
- Daily regulars seeking consistency
- Visitors chasing a classic NYC deli BEC
Location Insights
Area: Busy, working-class corridor near the F train with strong commuter foot traffic and grab-and-go habits.
Safety: Generally safe with steady daytime activity; typical urban corner with regular footfall.
Nearby: Steps from East Broadway F station; near residential blocks, small shops, and the East River path.
Lower East SideThe Lower East Side is known for its eclectic and lively dining environment, with a strong presence of trendy bars, innovative restaurants, and classic delis. It attracts a diverse crowd seeking both traditional and contemporary culinary experiences in a dynamic, culturally rich atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday00:00–23:59
Tuesday00:00–23:59
Wednesday00:00–23:59
Thursday00:00–23:59
Friday00:00–23:59
Saturday00:00–23:59
Sunday00:00–23:59
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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