Bagels & Schmear

Kips Bay, Manhattan

Bagels & Schmear
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Total Score

Ranks & Awards

4.17 / 5
#14 in Manhattan #35 in NYC

Store: A long, narrow store with a shoulder to shoulder snaking line. Classic bagel store aesthetic: browning foam ceiling, yellow lighting and old vinyl signage, plus a fascinating vertical toasting contraption. Low drink selection, moderate pastry selection. Playful staff, quick on the bagel prep and slow on checkout. A fun store overall. 4.25

Bagel: A large bagel with a lightly browned shell. Two-sided toppings, standard composition at moderate density. Moderate salt crystal ratio with good representation on each bite. A tougher chew than desirable, possibly a freshness issue. 4

Cream Cheese: Served cool. Even application and good quantity, with a scallion presence not visually overt but noticeable in flavor and texture. A clean, smooth whip with a dairy forward profile that seems intentional in its use of tang. 4.25

Bagels & Schmear

Kips Bay, Manhattan

Bagels & Schmear

Total Score

Ranks & Awards

4.17 / 5
#14 in Manhattan #35 in NYC

Store: A long, narrow store with a shoulder to shoulder snaking line. Classic bagel store aesthetic: browning foam ceiling, yellow lighting and old vinyl signage, plus a fascinating vertical toasting contraption. Low drink selection, moderate pastry selection. Playful staff, quick on the bagel prep and slow on checkout. A fun store overall. 4.25

Bagel: A large bagel with a lightly browned shell. Two-sided toppings, standard composition at moderate density. Moderate salt crystal ratio with good representation on each bite. A tougher chew than desirable, possibly a freshness issue. 4

Cream Cheese: Served cool. Even application and good quantity, with a scallion presence not visually overt but noticeable in flavor and texture. A clean, smooth whip with a dairy forward profile that seems intentional in its use of tang. 4.25

Bagel Size and Texture

CracklyChewySmallX-Large

Seed and Salt Density

High Salt RatioLow Salt RatioTopping LightTopping Dense

Spread Ripeness and Texture

Fine ScallionCoarse ScallionDairy LatentDairy Forward

Store Style and Services

Variety of ServicesFocused ServicesClassicContemporary