Just posted on Instagram today how saddened I was to learn the news. Dad and I ate here at least once a week for YEARS. It was usually a Friday because that was one of his days off and I always had afternoon classes. We would grab a bagel and coffee, read the NY Post after a Rangers win, and then go about our day. It was a very special place with amazing bagels. After he died, I went back once or twice but it just was not the same.
I have been to what seems like a million places since I stopped going to Eli’s (partly due to his death/memories and partly due to moving an extra 10-15 minutes away). I cannot say any particular place has truly captivated me. I’m still in search of the perfect bagel.
Depending on how far from Eli’s you live, it may be worth the extra 10 minutes to Planet Bagel in Keyport. They put more seeds/toppings on their bagels than anywhere else, and have wonderful texture.
