NYCReview
photo credit: Dane Isaac
Bo's Bagels
Harlem may have only one bagel shop, but oh what a bagel shop it is: the kind where you always leave with way more bagels than you planned to buy. Behind the giant bagel hanging in the window is a full-fledged baking operation where the chewy-on-the-inside, subtly-crispy-on-the-outside bagels are made from scratch (the fresh-from-the-oven smell is another giveaway). There are more than a dozen varieties, from the traditional to the slightly more adventurous (think onion & garlic, pumpernickel cranberry, za’atar). Choose from all types of cream cheese or specialty sandwiches piled high with creative combos, like the Nacho Camacho with chili, jalapeño cream cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a three-cheese bagel. But if you want to keep it simple, get an egg-and-cheese sandwich, which always comes out all hot and melty.
photo credit: Dane Isaac
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Food Rundown
Bagel With Lox Cream Cheese Spread, Lettuce, And Tomato
The ratio of bagel to spread always feels right here, and this order is no exception. The chewy, handmade bagel isn’t supersized, as is the trend these days, and the fresh lox spread is applied evenly. Since these bagels are made fresh in the back of the shop, we prefer to leave them untoasted.
Eggs, Bacon, And American Cheese On A Bagel
If you can swing it, eat this classic NYC combo the minute it reaches your hands. It’s best when the eggs are hot and fluffy, the bacon is crispy, and the cheese pulls into thin strings. Note: Don’t worry about your other bagels—they’re sure to remain fresh no matter when you decide to eat.
