The sudden closure of Absolute Bagels, a beloved New York City institution, has sent shockwaves through the Upper West Side and the city’s culinary scene. Operating for over three decades, the shop, nestled between West 107th and 108th streets on Broadway, had garnered a loyal following, drawn to its diverse selection of bagels, inventive schmears, and the warm, familial atmosphere cultivated by its staff. However, a damning health inspection on December 12, 2024, brought the bagel empire crumbling down, uncovering a disturbing infestation of rodents that forced the Department of Health to order its immediate closure. The inspection report detailed a grim scene: rat droppings scattered throughout food preparation, storage, and service areas, gnaw marks on sugar packets beneath the counter, and the unsettling discovery of rodent carcasses decaying in glue traps atop the walk-in unit. The severity of the violations, totaling 67, led the Health Department to declare the conditions an “imminent public health hazard.”
The closure has left a void in the hearts of countless New Yorkers who considered Absolute Bagels a cornerstone of their daily routines and a cherished part of the neighborhood’s fabric. For many, it was more than just a bagel shop; it was a community hub, a place where familiar faces were greeted with warm smiles and the comforting aroma of freshly baked bagels. Kathryn Swaine, a devoted customer of 30 years, expressed her devastation to The Post, lamenting the loss of her daily ritual – an everything bagel with plain cream cheese and tomato – and the close bonds she had formed with the staff. Swaine’s sentiment echoed the feelings of many who viewed Absolute Bagels as an extension of their own families, a place where the personal touch transcended the transactional nature of a typical eatery. The shop’s closure marks not just the end of an era for bagel lovers but also a significant blow to the Upper West Side community.
Adding a touch of irony, and perhaps morbid curiosity, to the closure is the emergence of online auctions offering “some of the last Absolute Bagels ever made.” Seizing on the shop’s sudden demise and the sentimental value attached to its products, a seller on eBay has listed frozen bagels – plain, cinnamon raisin, and pumpernickel – salvaged from the pre-inspection days. Starting bids for individual bagels are set at a hefty $14.99, while a trio can be acquired for $49.99. The seller touts the bagels as a piece of “NYC history,” capitalizing on the nostalgia and collective mourning surrounding the closure. Whether driven by genuine sentimentality or a desire to own a quirky piece of culinary memorabilia, potential bidders have the opportunity to acquire a taste of the past, albeit at a premium price.
The future of Absolute Bagels remains uncertain. The shop has faced temporary closures in the past, in 2013 and 2017, due to similar sanitary issues, raising questions about the long-term viability of the business. Rafe Evans, the landlord who initially rented the space to owner Samek Thongkrieng in 1992, has reportedly been instructed to let go of the property, suggesting a potential permanent closure. This news further deepens the sense of loss for the community and raises concerns about the fate of the dedicated staff who were an integral part of the Absolute Bagels experience. As of Saturday night, the eBay auctions had yet to attract any bids, leaving the final chapter of Absolute Bagels’ story unwritten.
The saga of Absolute Bagels serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of even the most beloved local businesses. While its closure stems from serious health code violations, the outpouring of grief from customers highlights the profound impact a local eatery can have on a community. It underscores the importance of not only the food served but also the human connections forged within its walls. The exorbitant prices commanded by the bagels on eBay, albeit a somewhat macabre manifestation of this sentiment, illustrate the enduring emotional connection people have with their favorite local haunts.
Whether or not Absolute Bagels rises from the ashes of this unfortunate chapter remains to be seen. However, its legacy as a cherished neighborhood institution, a purveyor of delicious bagels, and a place of genuine human connection will undoubtedly endure in the memories of those who frequented its worn floors and savored its signature offerings. The story of Absolute Bagels transcends the simple narrative of a bagel shop closure; it speaks to the broader themes of community, nostalgia, and the enduring power of food to evoke memories and forge lasting bonds. As the auction for the “last” bagels draws to a close, it serves as a symbolic farewell to a beloved establishment, leaving behind a bittersweet aftertaste of what once was.
