Store: Long rectangular space, moderate waiting room and clear signage for ordering. Prominent bagel smell inside. Unadorned, but all necessities covered. Large drink selection with some unusual varieties. Efficient, friendly staff. Morning shows playing on mute TV, classic rock on the radio. Higher than normal selection of deli salads. 4.25

Bagel: Served fresh but not hot. Excellent topping coverage on both sides, so as hard to distinguish which side is the "top". Salt missing visually but apparent on taste. Wonderfully browned bagel, a little uneven but in a way that gave different chew experiences throughout consumption. Impeccably fresh, light and soft on one side, slightly crunchy and toasty - though not toasted - on the more bulbous side. Missing only the extra punch of salt, but otherwise a bagel that got better with every bite. 4.5

Cream Cheese: Served chilled, not cold. Scallion crispness present but not a dominant characteristic. Hurt by uneven application on the bagel; could have used a little more on one side. Fresh, clean flavor; very little tang. Unobtrusive yet omnipresent. 4.25