Arguing bagels in Brooklyn can be dangerous. Everybody has their favorite, and there's usually no point in convincing them otherwise. Here in Kensington, I'm not sure we've got what anyone calls their favorite bagel, but we do have some good options, and they're just down the street from each other.
Bagels & Deli (aka Bagels R Bakin, 410 Church Ave, between E 4th & E 5th Sts, 718-851-1735) has small, light bagels, which are passable, but they're not going to win any awards. They have some sandwiches and drinks, but the selection is pretty small. The store closes up in the afternoon, and they run out of bagels before that, so this is really a morning-only stop.
Hot Bagel (127 Church Ave, between McDonald & E 2nd St, 718-438-5650) is the winner on Church. The bagels are bigger and have more chew to them, and they are, in fact, usually hot. There's more of a selection for sandwiches, and plenty of drinks and other snacks and stuff you'd find in a deli. But the kicker is that they're open 24 hours, so you can grab a good bagel any time of day or night.
There are a few other bagel options in the area--Steeplechase probably wins with their supply of Terrace Bagels, and the Oak & Iris and Soho Cafe offer bagels as well, though I haven't tried them. Anyone have a local favorite? Or do you trek into Borough Park or Ditmas Park for your bagel fix?
[wpsqt name="What Is Your Favorite Bagel in Kensington?" type="poll"]
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