"On weekend mornings, there’s always a line out the door at Ess-a-Bagel on 1st Ave. and 19th. You might consider punting off to David’s around the block (not a bad idea by any means), but stick around. These enormous bagels, which are puffy, malty sweet, and chewy in all the right places, are worth jostling between a few strollers and dogs on leashes. This spot has been around since 1976, and though they’ve expanded with a few Manhattan locations since then, their offerings remain pretty traditional. You’ll find all the classic flavors (no rainbows in sight), and Ess-a-Bagels passes the “I’ll have an everything bagel with scallion cream cheese” test with flying colors. There are a few tables inside and outside, but the pro move is to take your food to a bench in nearby Stuyvesant Square. photo credit: Kate Previte photo credit: Kate Previte photo credit: Kate Previte" - Will Hartman
