Store: The storefront is recessed from street level with a small courtyard seating area. Inside the store is lengthy and narrow, but not overly so. Deli cases are the principal divider between customer and staff, with a wide variety of spreads available. The bagels are displayed attractively in hampers with good line of sight. Good drink variety but light on total options. Similar story for the pastry options, which are plastic wrapped. A solid display of bagel store credentials. 4

Bagel: Large bagel with double-sided toppings. Standard toppings, strong density. Salt crystals present at a commendable ratio, apparent in most bites. Possesses the always desirable 'topping overflow,' rubbed off from prep and captured in the bagel wrappings. Great for sopping up with cream cheese overflow. The chew is solidly on the 'crusty' side of the soft/crust continuum. A very good bagel, but doesn't push far enough into the possibilities of crustiness to achieve greatness. 4.25

Cream Cheese: Served deli case cool. Riding the line of excessive amount - a little messy, a little too much in some bites. Application is even and without patchiness. A bit more dairy forward than preferable; not using the ripe hints to much effect. Scallion doesn't make too much fuss here. All that considered, still a very fresh, professional spread. 4