Store: A completely unique consumer experience. Very high ceilings, soft jazz plays. Built up against the front of another building so the back wall is the front of a home, with a metal spiral staircase going up into what's presumably storage. Amazing pastry spread, small drink selection but many unique offerings. Free, non-alcoholic frozen mojito samples available. A presumably kosher pizza section that looked better than most pizza-exclusive restaurants. Impeccably curated sandwich station with mouth-watering cuts of lox and attractively displayed spreads. Easily a 5 if not for one crucial element: they were virtually out of bagels! With an experience so immaculately curated it's easy to take less points off, as it seems a conscious decision to ease into lunch time offerings. Nevertheless, the best bagel stores always have ample bagels available. A store worth experiencing. 4.75

Bagel: Small bagel, and decidedly square! Lacks the sensation of heaviness that most bagels can make one feel on consumption, yet the dough itself has density. No salt crystals or much salt flavor, double-sided toppings. More like a thick, healthy bread. 3

Cream Cheese: Light, fresh. Vegetal. Good amount, though messy application. Perhaps most significant scallion chunk of all NY spreads - possibly even some green peppers in there? Closer to yogurt in flavor and consistency. All this pairs well with the idea of a 'lighter' bagel experience, but doesn't rate exceptionally in the flavor department. 3.25