Boichik Bagel Factory

Master bagel makers Boichik Bagels has a new industrial Northwest Berkeley outpost that includes a large window into the adjacent factory. While the draw of this place is getting to watch the big robotic claw make bagels in the early hours, the stars of the show are the damn fine New York-style bagels. Chewy and rotund, they inspire feelings of gratitude and a giddy elation we haven’t felt since fifth grade. Do the right thing and get an everything bagel with any cream cheese (they have unexpected flavors like hatch chile, horseradish cheddar scallion, and seasonal pickled fennel and lemon) or topped with the smoky, silky lox. And consider an immediate bagel-and-sun stint on the patio—there’s really no time to waste when bagels this good are involved.