LIC Bagel - 3.08/5

Store
Basically a Mexican restaurant with a bagel hamper. Long store with tables for dining, a buffet-style set of heating trays set up with saucy entrees and whole cooked fish. No drink fridges, no pastries. No spreads on display. The store's intention seemed so different from a bagel shop that I was surprised they even had scallion cream cheese. 'Heaven' by Bryan Adams plays on the radio. Staff was friendly. I actually wanted to give the space a higher score for how absurd it is to get a bagel from such a location, but I realized this was not in the spirit of this exercise and a subpar score does just as much to call out its uniqueness.
2.25/5

Bagel
Medium-large sized bagel. One-sided toppings, standard. Good density. The staff seemed almost surprised I declined to have the bagel toasted. A soft chew, not fresh but not old. Closer to a well-appointed roll than a bagel. Would likely be improved by toasting.
3.25/5

Cream Cheese
Served at a warmer temperature for a smooth softness. A good, tame flavor with no overcheese. Good texture contribution from the scallion. A little less than I would like quantity-wise but even coverage. The expectation bar was low from the bagel and the store but the result more than cleared the standard.
3.75/5