Summary:

Absolute Bagels, a 30-year-old Upper West Side institution, unexpectedly closed.
The closure followed a Health Department inspection citing pest and food contamination issues.
Customers expressed outrage and sadness at the sudden loss of their beloved bagel shop.
The shop's bagels were described as the quintessential New York bagel.
The community is now searching for a replacement that can match the quality and legacy of Absolute Bagels.

Absolute Bagels: A UWS Institution Shuts Down

A shockwave rippled through the Upper West Side this week as Absolute Bagels, a cherished neighborhood staple for over 30 years, abruptly closed its doors. The closure, leaving loyal customers devastated, followed a December 11th Health Department inspection that cited pest and food contamination issues posing a significant health risk.

Sam Silverman, a self-proclaimed "Bagel Ambassador," expressed the community's grief, stating that the closure felt like "losing a family member." He described the immediate aftermath, with customers expressing shock and sadness at the sudden loss of this beloved institution, where generations of New Yorkers had enjoyed their bagels.

One student, Mikayla Benson, highlighted the bagel shop's role as a cherished part of her college experience. Silverman himself praised the bagels' quality, describing them as the "quintessential New York bagel," crispy and perfectly balanced.

The shop, once bustling with activity, is now secured behind a steel gate bearing a simple, heartbreaking sign: "we are closed."

Workers were seen removing supplies and discarding them in dumpsters, adding to the sense of finality and loss felt by the community. The unexpected closure underscores the significant impact local businesses have on their neighborhoods and the emotional connection they forge with their customers.

What Happened?

The New York City Health Department ordered the closure due to serious violations, including pest infestation and food contamination. This was revealed after a routine inspection.

Where to get Bagels Now?

The hunt for the perfect New York bagel continues for former Absolute Bagels customers. The community is searching for a replacement that can live up to the legacy of this Upper West Side institution.

Source: ABC7 New York