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Absolute Bagels
ZipPicks Awards
Best Breakfast in Upper West Side
Master Critic Review
Absolute Bagels
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A line-driven bagel counter where the payoff is texture: dense, chewy bagels that reward simple toppings and immediate eating. Treat it like a grab-and-go breakfast move—get in, get out, and don’t overcomplicate the order.
Must-Try Dishes:
Everything bagel with scallion cream cheese, Egg bagel, Tofu cream cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Old-school bagel texture that’s best eaten fresh and fast.
Who should go: Bagel purists and quick breakfast runners
When to visit: Morning before the longest lines
What to order: Everything bagel, egg bagel, scallion cream cheese
Insider tip: Keep toppings simple—let the bagel be the main event.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited and competitive in the morning, especially on weekends
Dress code: Ultra casual — jeans, sneakers, grab-and-go attire
Noise level: Low to moderate — quick counter chatter, not a lingering conversation spot
Weekend wait: Not applicable — breakfast and daytime counter service only
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes typical; longer during late morning bagel rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple bagels, cream cheeses, egg-based options
Vegan options: Limited — plain bagels and select vegetable toppings; no dedicated spreads
Gluten-free options: No — traditional bagels only, no gluten-free alternatives
Best For
Better for: Dense, chewy bagels with old-school texture that reward simple toppings and immediate eating
Skip if: You want seating, a relaxed brunch pace, or a wide range of modern flavors and spreads