Details
This Upper West Side establishment has earned a reputation for its expertly crafted bagels, praised for their perfect chew and crisp crust [1]. The bagels are made with a traditional hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and oven-baked method. It's a favored spot for locals and students alike, and has even reopened with a new owner and updated decor, while crucially maintaining its beloved recipes [2].
Food Overview
This spot is celebrated for its hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and oven-baked bagels, which are described as having a crisp crust and a delightful chew [1]. While many find the taste and quality to be consistent with the original Absolute Bagels, some have noted the new bagels are smaller and puffier, making them harder to toast, and that topping coverage could be improved [2]. However, the 'ultimate everything bagel' is specifically recommended [3].
Caveats
Some customers have noted that the bagels may be smaller and puffier than expected, potentially making them difficult to fit into a toaster. There are also mentions of inconsistent topping coverage on some orders [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About 2788 BAGELS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Nyc Bagel Shops With Great Coffee Please Help Ive
"The user suggested Absolute Bagels, which has reopened, as a good bagel option that pairs well with Ploughshares Coffee located on the next block."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagel Or Slice Near Saint John The Divine
"New Absolute is suggested for a true NY experience with lox and schmear on a bagel."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagel Or Slice Near Saint John The Divine
"If more time is available, venturing to Broadway for New Absolute is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagel Or Slice Near Saint John The Divine
"New Absolute Bagels is mentioned as one of the best bagels in Manhattan."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagel Or Slice Near Saint John The Divine
"The best bagel option mentioned is Absolute Bagel, now known as New Absolute."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagel Or Slice Near Saint John The Divine
"New Absolute Bagels is suggested as a good option near the cathedral."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagel Or Slice Near Saint John The Divine
"New Absolute Bagel was mentioned as being close by."
NeutralFrom post: Where Would You Go As Your Last Meal In Nyc
"The commenter suggests getting a bagel from Absolute Bagels (or Tompkins Sq.) as part of their last meal in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Rate Our Food Tour
"The commenter, who has visited since the ownership change, states they can't tell the difference and it's still good."
PositiveFrom post: Rate Our Food Tour
"The user asks if Absolute Bagels is still worth visiting after a change in ownership."
NeutralFrom post: Rate Our Food Tour
"The commenter suggests Absolute Bagels for a lox and bagel if the food tour is going uptown."
PositiveFrom post: Just Curious Best Budget Places To Eat In Nyc
"Intrigued by the recommendation for an 'everything bagel', the user expresses a desire to try Absolute Bagels."
PositiveFrom post: Just Curious Best Budget Places To Eat In Nyc
"Absolute Bagels is recommended for its 'ultimate everything bagel', priced at $3.65."
PositiveFrom post: New Absolute Bagels
"This commenter stated that the old Absolute Bagels were good initially but became mediocre, and the new place appears almost identical, just cleaner."
NeutralFrom post: New Absolute Bagels
"This commenter tried the new Absolute Bagels and found them to be mediocre."
NegativeFrom post: New Absolute Bagels
"This commenter expresses a preference for chewier bagels."
PositiveFrom post: New Absolute Bagels
"This commenter believes that chewiness is an essential attribute for a bagel."
PositiveFrom post: New Absolute Bagels
"This commenter noted that the new bagels are smaller and puffier, making them difficult to fit into a toaster even after halving. However, they felt the taste was still about 80% the same as the original."
NeutralFrom post: New Absolute Bagels
"This commenter, who also lives near the new establishment, disagrees with the original poster's assessment. They believe New Absolute Bagels taste just like the original and that closing your eyes would make it indistinguishable."
PositiveFrom post: New Absolute Bagels
"Responding to a comment about the bagels being on par, this commenter stated that while they are still good, the texture is off and topping coverage was insufficient on all bagels in their dozen."
Negative