Perfectly boiled & baked bagels w/ a delightful chew & crisp crust [1]. A worthy successor to a beloved classic, delivering a great NY bagel experience [2, 3].
This Upper West Side establishment is celebrated for its perfectly boiled and baked bagels, offering a delightful chew and crisp crust that locals and students alike appreciate [1]. While some debate the finer points of texture and crunch compared to the original Absolute Bagels, many find the new iteration to be a worthy successor, maintaining a similar taste profile and quality that makes it a go-to spot for a classic New York bagel experience [2, 3]. The 'ultimate everything bagel' has been specifically recommended [4].
This spot is highly recommended for its bagels, which are noted for their perfect balance of chewiness and a crisp crust, achieved through expert boiling and baking [1]. While some debate the textural differences compared to the original Absolute Bagels, with mentions of being chewier and less crunchy [6], others find them to be on par, with a taste that is 80% similar or indistinguishable [3, 5]. The 'ultimate everything bagel' is a specifically recommended item [4].
"The 'ultimate everything bagel' has been specifically recommended by customers. It is also suggested to get a bagel with lox and schmear for a classic New York experience."
Customers generally find the bagels to be very good, with many believing they taste nearly identical to the original Absolute Bagels, even after a change in ownership and a refurbishment [2, 3, 5]. Some minor criticisms include the shape being smaller and puffier, making toasting difficult, and less crunch than before, though the taste is still considered excellent by most [4].
Important Note
Some customers have noted that the new bagels are smaller and puffier than the original, which can make them difficult to fit into a toaster. There are also mixed opinions on the texture, with some finding it less crunchy and the topping coverage insufficient on occasion.
"The user suggested Absolute Bagels, which has reopened, as a good bagel option that pairs well with Ploughshares Coffee located on the next block."
Positive"New Absolute is suggested for a true NY experience with lox and schmear on a bagel."
Positive"If more time is available, venturing to Broadway for New Absolute is recommended."
Positive"New Absolute Bagels is mentioned as one of the best bagels in Manhattan."
Positive"The best bagel option mentioned is Absolute Bagel, now known as New Absolute."
Positive"New Absolute Bagels is suggested as a good option near the cathedral."
Positive"New Absolute Bagel was mentioned as being close by."
Neutral"The commenter suggests getting a bagel from Absolute Bagels (or Tompkins Sq.) as part of their last meal in NYC."
Positive"The commenter, who has visited since the ownership change, states they can't tell the difference and it's still good."
Positive"The user asks if Absolute Bagels is still worth visiting after a change in ownership."
Neutral"The commenter suggests Absolute Bagels for a lox and bagel if the food tour is going uptown."
Positive"Intrigued by the recommendation for an 'everything bagel', the user expresses a desire to try Absolute Bagels."
Positive"Absolute Bagels is recommended for its 'ultimate everything bagel', priced at $3.65."
Positive"This commenter stated that the old Absolute Bagels were good initially but became mediocre, and the new place appears almost identical, just cleaner."
Neutral"This commenter tried the new Absolute Bagels and found them to be mediocre."
Negative"This commenter expresses a preference for chewier bagels."
Positive"This commenter believes that chewiness is an essential attribute for a bagel."
Positive"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"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."
Positive"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
