Sourdough-style bagels with a perfect crunch; some love the tomato, others debate authenticity. Worth the hype?
Will Hartman reviews Apollo Bagels, a new East Village spot praised for its exceptional sourdough-like bagels and standout scallion cream cheese, making it a must-try for bagel enthusiasts.
Apollo Bagels has made a significant splash in the NYC bagel scene with its unique sourdough-based bagels that boast a crispy, burnished crust and a delightfully chewy, tangy interior. While some purists debate their authenticity, many customers rave about the distinctive texture and flavor, often recommending the tomato or everything bagels, especially when paired with scallion cream cheese. Despite some criticism regarding the salmon and the debate over what constitutes a 'true' bagel, Apollo Bagels has garnered a loyal following for its innovative take on a classic.
Apollo Bagels is known for its distinct sourdough-style bagels, which are described as having a crispy crust and a lighter, chewier interior, setting them apart from traditional New York bagels. While many enjoy the plain, everything, or tomato bagels, particularly with scallion cream cheese, some find the salmon to be a letdown. The restaurant also offers bagel sandwiches, with the lox and cream cheese variations being popular, though some find them pricey.
"The sourdough bagels, particularly the plain, everything, or tomato variations, are highly recommended, especially when paired with scallion cream cheese. The whitefish salad bagel is also noted as a favorite."
Customers generally have a polarized view of Apollo Bagels, with some hailing them as the best in the city and praising their unique sourdough-like texture, while others find them to be overrated or not true bagels.
Important Note
Some customers find the salmon topping to be a letdown, and there is ongoing debate about whether their bagels qualify as traditional New York-style bagels.
"The user found Apollo Bagels to be the best bagel they had in NYC, disagreeing with claims that it is overpriced or overhyped."
Positive"This commenter expressed admiration for Apollo Bagels, highlighting how simple items can be delicious."
Positive"The original poster enjoyed the everything bagel with scallion cream cheese from Apollo Bagels, indicating a positive experience with their bagels."
Positive"Apollo bagels are mentioned as a spot to try if you're looking for the hype around bagels."
Neutral"Apollo bagels is recommended for bagels."
Neutral"Apollo bagels is recommended to be added to the bagel list."
Positive"Includes Apollo Bagels on a categorized list of restaurants."
Positive"This user concurred with the negative sentiment regarding Apollo Bagels, specifically noting that their cream cheese lacked taste."
Negative"This user emphatically agreed with the negative opinion expressed about Apollo Bagels."
Negative"This user agreed with the original poster's negative assessment of Apollo Bagels, criticizing what they perceived as 'VC bullshit' associated with the establishment."
Negative"The original poster found Apollo Bagels to be incredibly mediocre, even suggesting that a random airport bagel was better."
Negative"The commenter politely disagrees with the positive assessment of Apollo Bagels, reiterating their negative opinion without further explanation."
Negative"The commenter confirms that Apollo Bagels typically has no line during weekdays."
Neutral"The commenter expresses strong disapproval of the "precious" portrayal of bagels in the post's description, arguing that bagels should not be treated as such. They also note the absence of actual bagels in the photos."
Negative"The commenter observes that the bagel shown in the picture does not appear to have a generous amount of lox."
Negative"The commenter expresses extreme enthusiasm for the bagels, stating they would "DEMOLISH" them and finding them to look "wicked.""
Positive"The commenter disagrees with the criticism of the dill quantity, stating they would eat it and that generous dill is common in Eastern European cuisine, suggesting it tastes good."
Positive"The commenter questions if there is "broth schmear" and notes that the schmear looks "a little lacking," implying dissatisfaction with the quantity of cream cheese."
Negative"The commenter, living in Tennessee, dreams about the "tomato bagel" from Apollo Bagels, indicating it's a highly coveted and unforgettable dish they cannot replicate elsewhere."
Positive"The commenter declares Apollo Bagels as their "favorite bagel in the city right now," indicating a highly positive and current preference."
Positive
