TLDR
Iconic NYC bagel destination serving up classic hand-rolled, kettle-boiled rings. Perfectly crisp crusts and soft interiors make this a must-visit UWS staple.
Details
A legendary Upper West Side institution that has successfully reopened in its original location, continuing the tradition of hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and oven-baked bagels [2]. While the space has been modernized and now accepts credit cards, fans note that the classic recipe remains largely intact [2], [3]. Although some patrons have observed minor differences in texture or size compared to the original, it remains a highly regarded destination for a true New York bagel experience [1], [4], [13].
Food Overview
Renowned for their traditional preparation method—hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and oven-baked—these bagels offer a signature crisp crust and fluffy interior [2]. The 'ultimate everything bagel' and lox with schmear are frequently highlighted as stand-out items [17], [24]. Some feedback indicates that recent batches have been chewier with less crunch, and one customer noted issues with inconsistent topping coverage [6], [13].
Highlights / Recommended
"The 'ultimate everything bagel' is highly recommended for a budget-friendly and delicious choice [17]. Many visitors also suggest pairing a fresh bagel with lox and schmear for a classic experience [24]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •bagel(5)
- •bagels(2)
Customer Sentiment
Sentiment is largely positive, with many diners finding the bagels indistinguishable from the former version despite a change in ownership [3], [16]. While a few patrons have expressed disappointment regarding texture inconsistencies or topping coverage, it remains widely recommended as a top-tier choice in Manhattan [6], [13], [21].
Caveats
The shop underwent a closure due to health code violations in the past, though it has since reopened under new management [27]. Additionally, some diners have reported that the newer bagels can be slightly smaller and puffier, which may make them tricky to fit in a standard toaster [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About 2788 BAGELS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Solo Dining Recommendations In Upper West Side
"Mentioned that it went through a closure due to health code violations but is popular enough to have reopened under new ownership."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagel And Lox I Had So Far Apollo Bagels In
"A brief, highly positive recommendation of the establishment."
PositiveFrom 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."
Neutral