New Absolute Bagels: The UWS Favorite Is Back and Better Than Ever

After a long wait, one of the Upper West Side’s institutions has returned – and locals couldn’t be happier. The legendary Absolute Bagels, which closed its doors after decades of serving carb cravings near Columbia University, is officially back under a new banner: New Absolute Bagels.

While there’s new ownership steering the ship, fans will be delighted to see that much of what they loved remains the same — including many familiar faces behind the counter. A number of longtime staff members have returned, bringing back the warmth that turned a simple bagel shop into a New York essential.

A Fresh Start, Rooted in Tradition

The new ownership group, while updating operations and brightening up the space, has been careful to honor what made Absolute Bagels iconic in the first place. Expect the same hand-rolled, water-boiled bagels that strike the balance of chewy and soft, with that unmistakable glossy crust. The scent of freshly baked bagels still greets you at the door — a sensory memory that many Upper West Siders have missed.

The name change, New Absolute Bagels, is both a nod to continuity and a signal of a new chapter. It’s a thoughtful way to preserve legacy while paving a path forward. Early visitors report that the menu looks largely familiar — with classic flavors like sesame, poppy, everything, and cinnamon raisin back on deck — alongside renewed attention to freshness and quality.

A Beloved Staff Return

Perhaps the most heartwarming detail about this reopening is seeing so many of the original staff members return. Regulars are recognizing familiar smiles and the quick, practiced hands that remember every order from “one everything with scallion cream cheese” to “egg bagel toasted with lox spread.”

This blend of old and new — fresh management combined with nostalgic continuity — captures exactly what makes the Upper West Side such a special neighborhood. It’s a place that celebrates its traditions while welcoming new beginnings.

Community Buzz and a Welcome Comeback

Since reopening, New Absolute Bagels has already sparked excitement across social media and neighborhood forums. Locals are lining up early, just like old times, to grab a warm dozen or savor a bagel with schmear on the spot. For many, it’s more than breakfast — it’s the revival of a neighborhood ritual.

In a city constantly reinventing itself, the return of a true neighborhood staple feels like a small but powerful victory for continuity and comfort. New Absolute Bagels stands as a testament to quality, community, and the memories that make New York feel like home.

If you’ve missed that unmistakable chew, now’s the time to head back up to Broadway near 108th Street and welcome back a classic reborn — same spirit, fresh start, and the bagels that made it all worth the wait. Located at 2788 Broadway (between W. 107th & 108th Streets).