H&H Bagels - Upper East Side
Yorkville, Manhattan
Total Score
Ranks & Awards
Store: Zero frills given. A long, rectangular space that feels mostly vacant. Whether that's due to COVID or not is unclear. It doesn't hurt the atmosphere however, which is all about bagel business. Big bags of flour at the front of the store are functional but also meant to set a decorative tone. Nonchalant bagel store professionalism radiates from the staff. Not the most impressive pastry or drink selection, but definitely the type of place you'd relish becoming a regular at. 4.25
Bagel: Medium-sized bagel, toppings on both sides: standard plus oat at a uniform, moderate density. Very limited salt crystal presence but brined into the shell. Fresh but not hot. Very soft and yielding on the bite. Doughy, not toasty, with subtle crackling. 4
Cream Cheese: Served deli case cool. Excellent amount and application. Fresh, no sense of overcheese or even a hint that it came from a cow. Scallions add freshness without crowding the experience. An exemplary spread. 4.5