I have a 'thing' about proclaiming something the 'best' which goes even further when such leans toward coffee, bagels, croissants, muffins and so forth.
Different, yes, but I ask, how great can they be?
About croissants, I have written that those at Epice are mighty fine, the closest to a Parisian croissant I have discovered locally but in Paris itself, there is no such thing as a 'best' croissant.
Onto bagels, where New York is considered the Paris of this gnosh, it is not so easy to find a really good bagel anymore. Not without guidance.
Modern Bread and Bagel has surfaced as exemplary, using criteria such as size and texture, seed and salt density, spread texture and store style.
Mike Varley included it in a list of fifty bagel joints by walking the equivalent of 3500 miles throughout the 5 boroughs in 13 months, and compiled a list—subject to change—that pretty much trumps anything anybody else has done to date.
There are three in my neighbourhood that rank up in the paint cards:
4.5 / 5 (#3 in NYC)
Modern Bread and Bagel
Gluten-Free (no less)
A 'proper' bakery
Cream Cheese: 'Impeccable'
4.25 / 5 (#25 in NYC)
Broadway Bagel
'Fresh and temperant. Fantastic'
4.25 / 5 (#25 in NYC)
Absolute Bagels
'standard taste and texture'
472 Columbus Ave
Any bagel:
US$
3
+1
6467752985
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Their prices are in keeping with the neighborhood: a plate of two eggs, two pancakes, 'home' fried potatoes and your choice of sausages or bacon, is $12.
by
There are three houses not far from each other in NYC of three icons: James Dean, James Baldwin, and Dorothy Parker...
by
"Heckscher Field" in Central Park, New York, is used for softball. Here you can see games played for the Broadway Show League. Celebrity stars may be seen.
by
Among its offerings are a $10 breakfast special and its enormous $15 lunchtime hamburger, a price unobtainable anywhere else within walking distance.
by
This sun soaked park bench is a destination neighborhood residents know, spending time there in observation. It’s one of the more fabulous NYC stages.
by
"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...
by
"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...
by
"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...
by
Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.
by
"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
by
"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
by
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
by
304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 304 Insider Tips