Store: Smell of bagel production immediately apparent. Efficient staff, a bagel team. Wide selection of drinks. Lox not visible but obviously present; moderate selection of cream cheeses but some typically underrepresented selections including dill spreads. Presents a curated bagel store vibe but with a contemporary spin, lacking the feeling of 'salt in the walls'. 4

Bagel: Well-mottled toppings, slightly lighter than preferred but seemingly lost during preparation, not creation. Dual-sided coverage. Smaller for a mid-sized, not dough-heavy. Shell exhibits unusual, slight cracks and fissures - again likely from cream cheese prep. Not a detriment but interesting as the bite itself offers only the tenderest of crunch. 4.25

Cream Cheese: Exceptional cream cheese flavor and texture aided by the heat of the bagel; it approaches the forbidden "eat-on-its-own" territory. Warm and whipped with a tang present at the end. Scallions play the support role well. 4.5