Daily Bagel
Lenox Hill, Manhattan
Total Score
Ranks & Awards
Store: Large space usually filled with tables, now stacked in the back due to COVID. Moderate drink, pastry and spread selection, checking all the boxes. Staff a little on the slow side, not making the best prioritization decisions. Lots of deli options available, to the point where it's 60/40 bagel store/deli. I commend the utility but it seems to come at the expense of focus. 3.75
Bagel: A large, tall bagel. Toppings on both sides: dominant coverage on bottom, top sporting a nice golden shell. A little on the stiffer side from age. Also results in a bit clumpier of a bite. If the store turnover were better - perhaps from a full focus on bagels - or I caught them on opening, I could see a higher score here as the fundamentals are strong. 3.75
Cream Cheese: Deli case cold cream cheese. A good amount but a little cavalier on the application, resulting in a messy shell at points. A fresh whip with vegetal flavoring from the scallion. It's a long, thick chop and figures prominently in the taste experience. No clumping or clotting, possibly even well served by the cooler deli case temperature. 4.25