Summary:
Absolute Bagels, a popular Upper West Side bagel shop, has closed after a failed health inspection.
The inspection revealed a severe infestation of rats and roaches, along with other unsanitary conditions.
The shop received 67 pointsâfar exceeding the failing threshold of 28 points.
This was not the first time the shop faced closure due to vermin and unsanitary conditions.
The owner has not yet contacted the Health Department regarding the reopening process.
Upper West Side Bagel Shop Closes After Rat Infestation
A beloved Upper West Side bagel shop, Absolute Bagels, has abruptly closed its doors after more than three decades in business. The closure follows a devastating health inspection revealing shocking violations.
Health Inspection Nightmare
The inspection uncovered a severe infestation, leading the Health Department to deem the establishment a public health hazard. The violations included:
- Rat droppings in food preparation, storage, and service areas.
- Sugar packets gnawed by rats.
- Dead rodents found on glue traps.
- Live roaches.
- Smoked salmon contaminated by wastewater.
The shop received a staggering 67 points during the inspectionâfar exceeding the 28-point threshold for a failing grade.
Not a First Offense
This wasn't Absolute Bagels' first run-in with health code violations. The shop was previously forced to close in 2013 and 2017 due to similar issues. While it reopened after rectifying those problems, the owner has not yet contacted the Health Department to begin the reopening process this time.
Community Devastated
Locals expressed dismay at the sudden closure, highlighting the shop's status as a neighborhood institution and the long lines that were once a common sight.
"This place is an institution. Itâs great in the neighborhood," said one regular customer. "Lines were crazy sometimes..."
The owner declined to comment on the closure.
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