Forest HIlls Bagels - 4.33/5

Award: Store of Note

Store
Large, open space for the customers with social distance stickers on tile floors. Sizable drink refrigeration to the left, deli case at front with staff behind. Impressive signage all above and 100+ small bags of chips hanging on the wall by color. Display of spreads functional but appetizing. Staff a true bagel crew, lightning fast and professional. Pastry selection a little rote. Where you place your order there's an illuminated sign: "Want bagel TOASTED? Let us know FIRST." Extra points for the implied stance on bagel toasting.
4.75/5

Bagel
Large bagel. Toppings both sides, though light on the non-dominant side. Standard toppings, mostly sesame, and no salt crystals present. A soft, doughy bagel, not hot but clearly benefiting from solid store turnover. Well browned but no crispness to the shell. Not a problem for where this bagel is aiming. No real action from the toppings. A good bagel, but not a great everything bagel.
4/5

Cream Cheese
Served at deli case temperature. Unevenly applied across the bagel. Wonderfully chunky scallion texture with quarter inch choppings. Undeniably fresh and made on site. A true bagel elevator.
4.25/5