Modern Bagel (New York, New York USA)
- Caryn English
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 8
When Gluten Betrays, Bagels Heal (If They're From Here)
✍️ GUT - TRUST SCORE (*see Gut-Trust Criteria)
📖 Menu Clarity 5 - Full allergen key + dedicated GF/DF sections.
👩🍳 Staff Knowledge & Attitude 5 - Confident, informed, and warm. Allergy angels.
🔄 Substitution Flexibility 5 - Full customization + thoughtful alternatives.
❌ Cross-Contamination Awareness 5 - Serious protocols, separate prep areas, GF fryer, etc.
😋 Taste & Presentation 5 - Delicious. Would eat again. Allergy who?
✨ Vibe & Inclusivity 5 - You're seen, accommodated, and celebrated.
🍽️ OVERALL 24 - Gut Goals 🙌30 - Allergy-safe, delicious, and welcoming — where you're not just accommodated, you're celebrated!
With parents from New Jersey, bagels and pork roll (no, not Taylor Ham—IYKYK) were basically a birthright. So when gluten ghosted us, it felt like losing a piece of home. We won’t name names, but most gluten-free bagels were sad. No crusty exterior, no chewy center—just round bread pretending to be something it’s not.
Then Caryn went to New York City and discovered something that would completely rewrite the gluten-free bagel playbook: Modern Bread and Bagel.
A friend had raved about it, but Caryn approached with cautious optimism—too many gluten-free heartbreaks had taught her to tread carefully. But fate, or maybe just the convenient Flatiron office location, put the West Village spot on her path. Tucked quietly on W 14th Street, she nearly walked past it—woulda been a big mistake…huge.
From the very first bite, it was clear: this was no imposter. This was the real deal—the kind of bagel that packs all the energy and soul of a classic NYC deli. The shop was a treasure trove: gleaming glass cases brimming with pastries that looked and smelled divine, bagel sandwiches piled high with fresh fillings, and baked goods that actually looked good enough to photograph (we’re talking double chocolate zucchini bread, crumbly coffee cake, cupcakes with swirl-topped perfection—take your pick).
And the kicker? It’s all 100% gluten-free and kosher. You’d never guess it unless you caught the fine print—no compromises on taste or quality here.
💡Twintolerant Tip: Many menu items come with vegan options—including vegan cream cheese and eggs. Inclusivity, baby.
For the first time in years, Caryn got to order her beloved sesame bagel. And maybe a baker’s dozen more to stuff into her carry-on. Clothes? Who needs ‘em—bagels are life.
💡Twintolerant Tip: They ship nationwide. Our freezers? Fully stocked. Always.
What blew her away most wasn’t just the taste—it was the crowd. No seats in sight and a steady stream of people, happily waiting and devouring gluten-free bagels like it was the city’s best-kept secret. No pity purchases, no caveats or disclaimers— just damn good food.
Now it’s an family tradition: every NYC trip must include at least one stop (preferably per day) to Modern Bread and Bagel. Non-negotiable. Even if it means a hefty preorder pickup on the way to the airport, it’s a sacred ritual—because sometimes, home tastes like a perfect gluten-free sesame bagel.
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