Store: Tile floors with lacquered bagels for decorations. Pop music plays on the radio. Modest but attractive looking pastry options, plus individual cake slices. Moderate drink selection. Fast, efficient staff. The store hits everything it's aiming for in its goal to be a contemporary bagel establishment. 4

Bagel: Large bagel. One-sided toppings, with black sesame seeds in lieu of poppy and loads of garlic. Nice, irregular shape. No salt crystals or salt flavoring. Foil-wrapped, somewhat chewy. All signs point to a store that plans on toasting its bagels, including base flavor. 3.25

Cream Cheese: Served deli case cool. Good amount and decently even coverage. A very neutral taste profile. Smooth, no clumping, no tang, no overcheese, yet no definitive sensation of freshness. The scallions are small and infrequent, adding very little to the texture. Still it avoids all major errors. 3.25