There were times where I was naive enough to believe that midtown bagel hype like Ess-a-bagel and Best Bagel were the only good shops in Manhattan. Then I discovered all of the great downtown options. But it wasn’t until I took a trip up to Harlem that I truly expanded my bagel knowledge with what was possibly the absolute greatest bagel texture I have tasted thus far.
Walk into Absolute Bagels on a weekend afternoon and you may see a bunch of kids from Columbia hanging around in a place that looks unimpressive on the surface. But what this old school cash-only spot lacks in aesthetics it more than makes up for in taste, size, and made-with-love bagel craftsmanship.
Price
One of the most reasonably priced if not the cheapest bagels I’ve had in Manhattan of this caliber. On par with Baker’s Dozen.
Service
The friendly neighborhood spot. If you’re a regular, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Seating is limited and it’s more of a to-go spot in my experience. Definitely less crowded than midtown bagel spots during peak hours. Downside is it is cash only.
Quality
Baker’s Dozen earns five stars for quality in my book. It excels with its rich flavor profile, a perfectly balanced texture, and a soft pillow like texture that is the perfect balance of not too chewy and a slight crunch when toasted.
Recommendation
While it may be out of the way from some with its West Harlem location, I recommend all bagel enthusiasts make this bagel pilgrimage at least once. Don’t forget to hit the ATM first and grab a selfie in front of the Seinfeld diner down the street.
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