New York Bagel & Deli

How can you tell that New York Bagel & Deli is a serious bagel joint? The six-foot pillars of grain and flour sacks that are stored just inside the Wilshire Boulevard entrance are a decent clue. Even without these stacks, a quick scan of the bagels, bialys and bagel sticks sitting inside the glass counter should make it clear that this is bagel nirvana. With an inside that is the perfect combination of flaky and dense, plus plenty of choices in toppings, this is Santa Monica’s top bagel destination. Though they wear their East Coast influence with pride, including a logo reminiscent of the NYPD’s and a supply of Taylor ham (a New Jersey breakfast staple), there are California influences as well, seen notably in the very spicy Tijuana Chili cream cheese.