Absolute Bagels

Top choice in Upper West Side & Central Park


A bagel shop run by Thai immigrants might be puzzling to connoisseurs, but one thing's for sure: many folks – most of whom wait in a line down the block – agree this is the city's best. With a degree in look-away decor and appalling coffee, it's all about the bagels: heft and crunch on point, perfectly boiled and wonderfully satisfying.

The everything flavor is expectedly popular but egg is not to be missed, either. Get 'em plain, smeared with numerous cream cheeses (bacon and cheddar, jalapeño, walnut and raisin…) or tofutti (vegan 'cream cheese'), or toasted with bacon, egg and cheese – breakfast of champions!