Tal Bagels: Your Upper East Side Spot for Classic Bagels and More

Tal Bagels Introduce

In a city where bagels are practically a religion, every New Yorker has their go-to spot, and Tal Bagels has been a long-standing fixture on the Upper East Side. For decades, this establishment has served the community, offering a traditional New York bagel experience. While individual experiences and tastes can vary widely in a city with countless options, Tal Bagels consistently provides the core elements that define a classic bagel shop: fresh bagels, a range of spreads, and convenient service. It's the kind of place that embodies the bustling energy of New York mornings, a dependable stop for grabbing breakfast or a quick bite on the go. This article aims to provide a clear and factual overview of Tal Bagels from a local New Yorker's perspective, highlighting its location, services, and key features. We'll delve into what makes it a suitable choice for residents, acknowledging the diverse opinions while focusing on the foundational offerings that have kept its doors open and its ovens warm for years, serving the demanding palate of the Upper East Side.

Tal Bagels is conveniently located at 333 East 86th St #1, New York, NY 10028, placing it in a highly accessible and central part of the Upper East Side. This strategic address makes it an ideal spot for both neighborhood residents and those commuting through the area. Accessibility via New York City's public transportation system is excellent. The 86th Street station, serving the 4, 5, and 6 express and local subway lines, is just a very short walk away. This provides direct and efficient connections to Midtown Manhattan, the Financial District, and various other points throughout Manhattan, as well as easy transfers to other boroughs. Additionally, numerous MTA bus lines, including those along 86th Street and Lexington and Third Avenues, have stops in close proximity to the bagel shop, further enhancing its reach for locals. For those who prefer to walk, the Upper East Side is a very pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, and Tal Bagels is perfectly situated for a quick stop during a morning stroll or while running errands. While parking can always be a challenge in a densely populated area like the Upper East Side, the extensive public transit options mean that visitors can easily reach Tal Bagels without needing a car. Its location within a lively commercial and residential district contributes to its status as a reliable local go-to.

Services Offered:

Freshly Baked Bagels: Offers a variety of classic New York-style bagels, baked fresh daily.
Breakfast Sandwiches: Provides traditional breakfast sandwich options, including bacon, egg, and cheese, made to order on your choice of bagel.
Cream Cheeses & Spreads: A selection of cream cheese flavors and other spreads to accompany bagels.
Coffee and Beverages: Serves a range of coffee and other hot and cold beverages for dine-in or takeout.
Deli Counter: Offers classic deli items and ingredients for custom sandwiches (e.g., various meats, cheeses, smoked fish).
Smoked Fish: Likely carries traditional New York smoked fish options (lox, nova, etc.) for bagel platters or sandwiches.
Takeout Service: Designed for quick and efficient grab-and-go orders, catering to the busy New York lifestyle.
Dine-in Area: Features a dedicated seating area for customers to comfortably enjoy their food and drinks on-site.
Catering Services: As a traditional bagel shop, they typically offer catering for larger events, including bagel and lox platters.

Features / Highlights:

Convenient Seating Area: A significant highlight is the "nice area in back to sit, read and enjoy your coffee and bagels," providing a comfortable space for customers who prefer to dine in rather than take out. This amenity is highly valued in busy urban settings.
Classic New York Bagel Shop: It embodies the traditional New York bagel experience, focusing on essential offerings and serving as a staple for local residents.
Accessible Location: Its prime spot on East 86th Street, with close proximity to subway lines, makes it a very convenient stop for daily commuters and neighborhood residents.
Consistent Offering: Despite varied individual opinions on specific items, the core offering of fresh bagels and standard breakfast/deli options remains consistent, providing a reliable choice for locals.
Traditional Options: The availability of a "WW bagel with egg and bacon" that is described as "Yummy" suggests that their standard, traditional menu items are well-executed and satisfying to many customers.
Suitable for Quick Bites and Relaxed Mornings: The dual nature of being a place for a quick grab-and-go breakfast and a spot with comfortable seating allows it to cater to different customer needs and paces.
Established Presence: As a long-standing establishment, Tal Bagels has become a recognized part of the Upper East Side's local food landscape.

Contact Information:

Address: 333 East 86th St #1, New York, NY 10028, USA

Phone: (212) 427-6811

For any New Yorker on the Upper East Side seeking a classic bagel experience, Tal Bagels presents a solid, long-standing option. While specific individual experiences with certain items, such as the bacon, egg, and cheese, can vary widely in a city with such diverse palates and high expectations, the core appeal of Tal Bagels lies in its traditional approach and fundamental offerings. It's a place where you can find that familiar New York bagel, coffee, and a range of spreads and deli items. Crucially, the presence of a "nice area in back to sit, read and enjoy your coffee and bagels" provides a welcome respite from the city's hustle, a feature highly valued by locals looking for a comfortable spot to start their day. Its prime location on East 86th Street ensures excellent accessibility via major subway lines and bus routes, making it a convenient stop for daily commuters and neighborhood residents alike. Despite some observations about the ordering area's organization, the fundamental offerings of fresh bagels and classic combinations appeal to a broad base. Tal Bagels remains a functional and accessible choice for those who appreciate the straightforward, no-frills essence of a traditional New York bagel shop.

Tal Bagels Food & drink

Cheese on a Bagel
White American Cheese On A Bagel US$6.50
Imported Swiss Cheese On A Bagel US$6.50
Munchee Cheese On A Bagel US$6.50
Alpine Muenster Cheese On A Bagel US$6.50
Yellow American Cheese On A Bagel US$6.50
Pepper Jack Cheese On A Bagel US$6.50
Jarlsberg Cheese On A Bagel US$6.50
Feta Cheese On A Bagel US$8.00
Sharp Cheddar Cheese On A Bagel US$6.50
Fresh Mozzarella With Basil & Tomato On A Bagel US$8.00
Provolone Cheese On A Bagel US$6.50
Muenster Cheese On A Bagel US$6.50
Mozzarella Cheese On A Bagel US$8.00
Alpine Lace Swiss Cheese On A Bagel US$6.50

Pastries ,cookies ,cakes
Chocolate Crumb Cake US$9.75
Home Made Croissant US$5.19
plain, chocolate, raspberry, apricot, apple
Apple Turnover US$5.19
Plain Crumb Cake US$9.75
Chocolate Croissant US$5.19
Large Hamentashen US$5.85
Chocolate Chip Cookie US$5.19
Rugelach 4 Pcs US$9.00
Apricot - raspberry-chocolate-cinnamon walnut.
Muffin US$5.19
CHOCOLATE,CORN ,BLUEBERRY ,RAISIN BRAN
Slice Chocolta Babka US$7.14
Rugalach 2pcs US$5.19
Linza Tart US$5.85
Babka (Loaf) US$32.50
Black & White Cookie US$5.19
Danish US$5.19
cheese, raisin
Brownie US$5.19
Apple Crumb Cake US$9.75
Scone US$5.19
ASSORTED COOKIE BOX (10 PCS) US$12.99
OATMEAL RAISIN AND CHOCOLATE CHIP
Raspberry Crumb Cake US$9.75

Knishes
Kasha Knish US$6.00
Potato Knish US$6.00
Spinach Knish US$6.00
POTATOE PANCAKE US$6.43

Specials
3 Eggs On A Bagel Special US$10.09
Favorite. Comes with your choice of hot coffee or tea.
Sturgeon & Cream Cheese On A Bagel Special US$32.50
With tomatoes, onions and capers. Comes with freshly squeezed orange juice.
White Fish & Cream Cheese On A Bagel Special US$32.50
With tomatoes, onions and capers. Comes with freshly squeezed orange juice.
Sable & Cream Cheese On A Bagel Special US$32.50
With tomatoes, onions and capers. Comes with freshly squeezed orange juice.
Hot Pastrami On Jewish Rye Bread Special US$31.15
With pickles and a coleslaw. Served with soup.
Kippered Salmon On A Bagel Special US$32.50
With tomatoes, onions and capers. Comes with freshly squeezed orange juice.
Hot Pastrami On A Bagel Special US$31.15
With pickles and a coleslaw. Served with soup.

PASSOVER SPECIAL
GEFILTE FISH US$5.95
MACARRONS US$19.80
COCONUT & COCONUT CHOCOLATE DIPPED
CHOPPED LIVER US$19.80

Create Your Own Salad
Create Your Own Salad US$9.35
Includes base of romaine lettuce and four toppings. Salad dressing is served on the side.

Bagels
Whole Wheat Everything Bagel US$2.93
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.
Poppy Bagel US$2.93
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.
Whole Wheat Bagel US$2.93
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.
Salt Bagel US$2.93
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.
Mini Plain Bagel US$1.65
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.
Everything Bagel US$2.93
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.
Sesame Bagel US$2.93
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.
Mini Everything Bagel US$1.65
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.
Dozen Bagels US$35.10
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.
Bialy US$2.93
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.
Garlic Bagel US$2.93
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.
Mini Sesame Bagel US$1.65
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.
Egg Salad On A Bagel US$10.00
Plain Bagel US$2.93
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.
Onion Bagel US$2.93
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.
Whole Wheat Sesame Bagel US$2.93
Made from flour, water, yeast, sugar and salt. No chemicals or preservatives added.

Cold Cuts on a Bagel
Honey Glazed Turkey On A Bagel US$16.85
Roast Beef On A Bagel US$16.85
Homemade.
Kosher Dry Salami On A Bagel US$20.45
Smoked Turkey On A Bagel US$16.85
Turkey Pastrami On A Bagel US$16.85
Oven Turkey Breast On A Bagel US$16.85
Gold.
Pepper-Smoked Turkey On A Bagel US$16.85
Grilled Chicken On A Bagel US$14.25
Kosher Salami On A Bagel US$19.45
Fresh Turkey Breast On A Bagel US$16.85
Homemade.

Fish on a Bagel
Nova Lox Sandwich US$25.95
Favorite.
Sturgeon Sandwich US$28.55
Baked Salmon (Fish) Sandwich US$25.95
Sable Sandwich US$28.55
White Fish (Fish) Sandwich US$24.65
Belly Lox US$25.95
Very salty. cured in salt.

Homemade Hot Soups
Lentil Soup US$9.75
Chicken Noodle Soup US$9.75
Slit Pea Soup US$9.75
Chicken Matzo Ball Soup US$11.00

Spreads and Salads by the 1/4 Lb.
Vegetable Cream Cheese US$12.50
Fruit Salad 10 Oz Bowl US$7.99
Peanut Butter US$3.50
Cream Cheese US$10.00
Favorite.
Egg Salad US$5.65
Spicy Tuna US$15.50
Butter US$3.89
Shrimp Salad US$9.00
Albacore Tuna Salad US$15.50
Favorite.
Vegetable Tofu Spread US$12.50
White Fish Salad US$20.00
Olives US$12.50
Coleslaw US$7.80
Lox Spread US$13.90
Chicken Liver US$6.45
Olive Cream Cheese US$12.50
Herring Salad US$6.80
Lite Vege Cream Cheese US$12.50
Strawberry Cream Cheese US$12.50
Baked Salmon Salad US$20.00
Scallion Tofu Spread US$4.55
Tofu Spread US$10.00
Scallion Cream Cheese US$12.50
Favorite.
Lite Cream Cheese US$10.00
Chicken Salad US$11.70
Health Salad US$18.00
Jalapeño Cream Cheese US$12.50

Spreads and Salads on a Bagel
Chicken Liver On A Bagel US$14.25
Tofu Cream Cheese On A Bagel US$6.85
Specify the name of bagel
Lite Cream Cheese On A Bagel US$6.85
Specify the name of bagel
Lox Spread On A Bagel US$11.00
Shrimp Salad On A Bagel US$16.84
Whitefish Salad On A Bagel US$18.15
Peanut Butter On A Bagel US$6.00
Jalapeno Cream Cheese On A Bagel US$8.80
Spicy Tuna On A Bagel US$18.15
Cream Cheese On A Bagel US$6.85
Favorite.
Blueberry Cream Cheese US$8.80
Tofu Vegetable Cream Cheese On A Bagel US$8.80
Egg Salad On A Bagel US$12.95
Strawberry Cream Cheese On A Bagel US$8.80
Scallion Cream Cheese On A Bagel US$8.80
Favorite.
Lite Vegetable Cream Cheese On A Bagel US$8.80
Tuna Salad On A Bagel US$18.15
Chopped Herring On A Bagel US$9.25
Vegetable Cream Cheese On A Bagel US$8.80
Chicken Salad On A Bagel US$15.55
Olive Cream Cheese On A Bagel US$8.80
Butter On A Bagel US$3.95
Baked Salmon Salad On A Bagel US$18.15
Tofu Scallion Cream Cheese On A Bagel US$8.80

GIFT BOX
# 12 PLAIN AND FLAVORED CREAM CHEESE (11 Sandwiches) US$80.21
3-plain cream cheese. 8-flavored cream cheese (scallion, strawberry, olive, vegetable & jalapeno). Garnished with tomato & cucumbers.
# 2 NOVA AND ASSORTED CREAM CHEESE (GIFT BOX US$74.99
6 bagels,1/2 lb nova, assorted cream cheese,,tomato,onion,capers and olive
# 6 SMOKED SALMON (7 Sandwiches) US$160.60
Smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato onion & capers. Garnished with lemon, onion & capers.
# 8 TUNA SALAD AND EGG SALAD (7sandwiches) US$98.39
4-tuna salad, lettuce, tomato, & onions. 3-egg salad, lettuce, tomato & onions. Garnished with pickles & olives.
# 14 CREAM CHEESE, PEANUT BUTTER AND FRUIT (8 Sandwiches) US$63.25
4-plain cream cheese with jelly. 2-strawberry cream cheese. 2-peanut butter with banana. Garnished with fresh berries.
# 10 TUNA SALAD, SALMI, TURKEY & ROAST BEEF (8 Sandwiches) US$128.34
4-tuna salad, lettuce, tomato, & onion. 1-turkey with cheese. 2-salami with cheese. 1-roast beef with cheese & cucumber. Garnished with pickles & olives. Dressing on the side mayo, mustard & Russian.
# 4 SALAD Whitefish Salad,Tuna,Egg,Chicken & Bkd Salmon Salad (GIFT BOX) US$55.99
6 bagels, whitefish salad, tuna salad, egg salad, baked salmon salad and chicken salad,tomato,olives and jalapeno
# 11 EGG SALAD, SALAMI, TURKEY & ROAST BEEF (8 Sandwiches) US$109.94
4-egg salad,lettuce, tomato & onion. 2-salami with cheese. 1-turkey with cheese. 1-roast beef with cheese and cucumber. Garnished with pickles & olives. Dressing on the side mayo, mustard & Russian. g
# 13 PLAIN & FLAVORED CREAM CHEESE (11 Sandwiches) US$80.21
3-plain cream cheese. 8-flavored cream cheese (scallion, strawberry, olive, vegetable & jalapeno).
# 3 BAKED SALMON FISH AND ASSORTED CREAM CHEESE (GIFT BOX) US$74.99
6 bagels, assorted cream cheese ,1/2 lb baked salmon fish, tomato ,onion, olive and capers
# 9 ASSORTED COLD CUTS (8 Sandwiches ) US$123.74
4-turkey with cheese. 2-roast beef with cheese & cucumber. 2-salami with cheese. Garnished with pickles & olives. Dressing on the side mayo, mustard & Russian.
# 1 BREAKFAST Fruit (GIFT BOX) US$49.99
6 bagels, , peanut buttercream cheese and assorted fruits
# 5 ASSORTED CREAM CHEESE AND SALAD (GIFT BOX) US$44.99
6 bagels. Assorted cream cheese, tomato, onions, cucumber, olive and capers
# 7 TUNA SALAD AND SMOKED SALMON (8 Sandwiches) US$155.94
4-tuna salad, lettuce, tomato & onions. 4-smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion & capers. Garnished with lemon, onion, & capers.

Fish by the Weight
Matjes Herring (Each Fillet) US$6.45
Sable US$46.00
Served with cream cheese.
Pickled Lox US$7.50
Herring Fillet (Each Fillet) US$6.45
Sturgeon US$46.00
Served with cream cheese.
Whitefish (Fish) US$23.00
Belly Lox US$17.99
Very salty. cured in salt.
Nova Lox US$40.00
Favorite.
Baked Salmon (Fish) US$36.00
Cream Herring 1/2 Lb US$12.90

Cold Cuts by the 1/4 Lb.
1/4 Lb. Of Pepper-Smoked Turkey US$10.00
1/4 Lb. Of Honey-Glazed Turkey US$4.50
1/4 Lb. Of Grilled Chicken US$4.50
1/4 Lb. Of Fresh Turkey Breast US$6.15
1/4 Lb. Of Roast Beef US$13.90
1/4 Lb. Of Smoked Turkey US$4.50
1/4 Lb. Of Kosher Dry Salami US$8.83
1/4 Lb. Of Turkey Pastrami US$4.50
1/4 Lb. Of Kosher Salami US$7.73
1/4 Lb. Of Oven Turkey Breast US$4.50

Delicious Duos
Sandwich & Cookie US$12.50
Sandwich & Salad US$15.25
Sandwich & Soup US$15.17

DESSERTS
TRUFFLE BROWNIE BAR US$7.79
New York Cheese Cake US$12.98
Lemon Bars US$7.79
LEMON BLONDIE BAR US$6.49
KEY LIME CHEESESCAKE US$12.98

Holiday Special
Yom Kippur Special US$219.00
Hand sliced smoked salmon, sable and white fish deboned beautifully arranged in a platter garnished lemon capers olives and onion complimented with assortment of cream cheese, herring cream sauce includes one dozen bagels.

Hot Sandwiches
Hot Hebrew National Pastrami By The 1/4 Lb. US$6.99
Grilled Chicken Panini Lunch Special US$14.25
Provolone cheese, lettuce and tomato with roasted peppers.
Fresh Mozzarella Panini Lunch Special US$12.95
Two thick slices bread, each slice is filled with fresh mozzarella and tomato and a few basil leaves, pesto sauce. Pressed and cooked until golden.
Tuna Melt Sandwich Lunch Special US$12.95
On flat bread with American cheese.
Turkey & Cheese Panini Lunch Special US$14.25
Flat bread, turkey breast, swiss cheese and tomato.
Hot Hebrew National Pastrami On A Bagel US$26.00

Flagels
1 Dozen Flagels US$42.90
Choose up to twelve types of flagels.
Sunflower Flagel US$3.58
Whole Wheat Everything Flagel US$3.58
Whole Wheat Flagel US$3.58
Plain Flagel US$3.58
Whole Wheat Sesame Flagel US$3.58
Sesame Flagel US$3.58
Everything Flagel US$3.58
Pumpernickel Flagel US$3.58
Flat Onion Flagel US$3.58

Catering Platters
Assorted Cheese Platter US$195.00
Choose three of the following: American yellow/white cheese, swiss, muenster, provolone, alpine swiss, alpine muenster, jarlsberg. Decorated with strawberries and grapes.
Tal Bagels Appetizing Salad Platter US$230.00
Dozen bagels with tuna salad, egg salad. Decorated with tomatoes, cucumbers, and celery.
Classic Lox Platter US$260.00
Decorated ready to serve nova Scotia salmon. Garnished with olives, lemons, and capers.
Cold Cut Platter US$195.00
Turkey breast, honey turkey, roast beef, Hebrew national kosher salami, pastrami. Includes one dozen bagels
VEGETABLES PLATTER US$165.00
Assorted Cream Cheese Platter US$115.00
Dozen assorted bagels with plain whipped cream cheese, vegetable cream cheese, scallion cream cheese.
Nova, Whitefish Salad & Cream Cheese Platter US$370.00
Dozen assorted bagels with smoked salmon, whitefish salad. Garnished with lemons, capers, olives, and onion.
Fresh Fruit Platter US$165.00
A colorful and fresh presentation of honey dew, cantaloupe, pineapple, oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, and blueberries.
Lettuce,Tomatoes Platter US$60.00
Nova, Sturgeon, Baked Salmon Platter US$455.00
Dozen assorted bagels with nova (lox), sturgeon, baked salmon and cream cheese.
Nova, Sable, Baked Salmon Salad US$455.00
Dozen assorted bagels with nova (lox), baked salmon, sable, cream cheese. Garnished with lemons, capers, olives, and onions.

Egg Sandwiches Breakfast Special
3 Eggs Sandwich Special US$10.09
Served with a 12 oz. coffee. Choose from a variety of bagels, breads or a roll.

Beverages
Poland Spring Water 16 Oz US$2.50
Tropicana Juice US$7.75
A juice drink made with a blend of summer’s most delicious fruit juices, with no artificial sweeteners or flavors.
FRESH SQUEEZED OJ ( 16 0z) US$12.99
Smart Water Sports Cap US$4.90
Every drop tastes pure and will leave you feeling refreshed.
FRESH SQUEEZED OJ 32 OZ US$24.69
Gatorade US$6.45
Cool blue fruit punch orange or lemon lime.
Chocolate Milk US$4.89
San Pellegrino Soda US$4.90
Snapple US$8.74
Lemon iced tea diet lemon iced tea peach diet peach raspberry or diet raspberry.
Soda US$2.50
Apple Juice US$7.75
Martinelli's.
San Pellegrino Water 250ml US$3.85
Cranberry Juice US$4.89
Poland Spring Water 1LTR US$4.55
FRESH SQUEEZED OJ 8oz US$7.79

Fresh Brewed Coffee
Flavored Iced Cappuccino US$6.18
Only one size.
Cappuccino US$4.50
Flavored Coffee US$4.35
Flavored Iced Latte US$6.18
Latte US$4.50
Hot Chocolate US$4.50
Coffee US$4.35
Hazelnut Coffee US$4.35
Tea US$4.35
Iced Cappuccino US$6.18
Only one size.
Espresso US$2.00
Iced Latte US$6.18
Only one size.

Cheese by the 1/4 Lb.
Fresh Mozzarella With Basil & Tomato US$4.65
White American Cheese US$4.65
Imported Swiss Cheese US$4.65
Jarlsberg Cheese US$4.65
Yellow American Cheese US$2.90
Pepper Jack Cheese US$4.35
Provolone Cheese US$4.65
Sharp Cheddar Cheese US$4.65
Alpine Muenster Cheese US$3.00
Alpine Lace Swiss Cheese US$4.65
Munchee Cheese US$4.65
Feta Cheese US$4.65
Mozzarella Cheese US$4.35
Muenster Cheese US$4.35

Tal Bagels Details

Service options
Delivery
In-store pick-up
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Offerings
Coffee

Dining options
Breakfast

Amenities
Toilet

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Tal Bagels Photos

Tal Bagels Location

Tal Bagels

New York New York County New York East 86th Street

333 East 86th St #1, New York, NY 10028, USA

Tal Bagels Reviews

An average rating of ★3.7 from 854 user reviews.

everything bagelspreadcashierrudeorange juicewhitefishpastrami sandwichtuna saladcapersbathroom

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Absolutely the most expensive and most disgusting bacon egg and cheese I’ve ever put in my mouth. 11 dollars for a BEC and I couldn’t have more than one bite. No flavor, absolutely most bland sandwich that’s ever walked across the streets of nyc. Never ever coming here again.
June 19 · Matthew LoRusso
Nice area in back to sit, read and enjoy your coffee and bagels.A little chaotic at the ordering area and seems they need better signage and someone in charge. Appears no one is in charge.On next visit, I got WW bagel with egg and bacon. Yummy
January 12 · THE EXPLORER
Highly recommend the salt 'n garlic bagel . We had one turkey and one roast beef , they were both fantastic. Thanks Shobuj for helping us build our bagel.
May 25 · Neil Stuart
The bagels are great, but the staff is consistently underwhelming and borderline rude. They always seem to find a way to frustrate customers. Today’s example: I was told they couldn’t toast my bagel because they had already cleaned the toaster — at 7:35pm, even though they close at 8. It’s that kind of attitude that keeps the experience from ever being enjoyable.
July 11 · Oni Calling
Always anxious to enjoy my favorite NYC food staples when making it back to Gotham, and as such I surprised myself after nearly two weeks realizing that I hadn’t had a good bagel, which I usually enjoy with lox or whitefish salad.When I had the realization I somehow also reflected on how long it had been since a had a proper knish.*Light bulb moment!* What if I had a lox knish sandwich? I was sure that this sandwich had to already be a “thing” but found little evidence of this idea on the internet besides a recipe for a more hors d'oeuvre version of bite-sized mini knish topped with smoked salmon.So at 5:30am this morning I headed over to nearby and highly revered Tal Bagels and deli counterman Sobuj, who admitted never making one before himself, expertly put together fresh, hand-sliced smoked salmon on a warm potato knish, adding cream cheese, mustard, and red onion.Though a potato knish may not have as near the structural integrity as a bagel (and rightfully so) it still made for a very manageable—and very delicious—handful of a meal. The smooth, silky salmon aromatized with pleasant smokiness, with its streaks of tasty fat rendered easily from the warm of my grateful tongue. piquant mustard and crisp red onion rings helped balance the fish’s rich oiliness, and the cream cheese and soft potato of the knish were amply supportive in both texture and subtler flavors.Sobuj exclaimed he couldn’t wait to try one himself, and I assured him he might enjoy very much, and as I plan to revisit Tal Bagels during my present stay, often for this same sandwich, I look forward to hearing his thoughts on this fulling and totally satisfying sandwich.
October 24 · Kerry Alaric Cheeseboro