Upper West Side Mourns as Beloved Absolute Bagels Closes Its Doors for Good

In a city known for its vibrant food scene, the closure of Absolute Bagels has sent shockwaves through the Upper West Side, leaving a community of loyal patrons in mourning. This beloved bagel shop, a staple since the early 1990s, has long been celebrated for its handcrafted bagels, embodying the rich history of New York's bagel culture that traces back to the original artisans of the Lower East Side. Founded by Samak Thongkrieng, a Thai immigrant who honed his skills at the renowned Ess-a-Bagel, Absolute Bagels quickly became a cherished neighborhood institution. Its reputation grew not just for the quality of its bagels—hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, oven-baked, and always fresh—but also for its unpretentious approach. The shop eschewed the digital age, operating without a website or social media presence, and accepting only cash. Yet, on weekends, lines would snake down the block, a testament to its enduring popularity. On Thursday morning, however, the mood shifted dramatically when a hastily placed notice informed customers that the shop was closed. The announcement spread like wildfire, igniting a wave of despair that resonated from the Upper West Side to bagel enthusiasts as far away as Brooklyn and New Jersey. Social media was abuzz with incredulity and sadness; one commenter on West Side Rag succinctly captured the collective grief with a heartfelt “Nooooooooo!!!!!” “My favorite was the everything bagel, untoasted, with scallion cream cheese,” lamented Sam Silverman, a local bagel expert who dubbed the event “cataclysmic.” Others echoed his sentiments, sharing stories of their cherished bagel moments at Absolute, while some took to the streets in search of answers, eager to uncover the mystery behind the sudden closure. Curiously, the circumstances surrounding the shutdown remain unclear. A visit to the shop later that day revealed a partially lowered metal gate and a somber employee distributing free bagels to a small group of patrons, tears evident on her cheeks. Though she refrained from elaborating on the reasons for the closure, the scene painted a poignant picture of loss—both for the workers and the community they served. City Councilwoman Gale Brewer made inquiries to various city officials, but her efforts yielded little clarity. “This bagel thing is weird!” she remarked, reflecting the confusion and concern shared by many in the community. As the search for answers continued, some patrons found solace in their personal connections to Absolute Bagels. Emily Code, who had frequented the shop since moving to the neighborhood 14 years ago, commissioned a painting of her first meal there during the pandemic. “It’s the one place I really love in the neighborhood,” she said, capturing the emotional ties that so many felt. The sense of disbelief lingered, particularly among those like Hazel Balaban, who had visited the shop just the day before, without any hint of an impending closure. “Looking back, that was probably a red flag,” she mused, recalling how an employee had offered her daughter a free bagel—an act so out of character for the establishment that it now seemed ominous. As the community grapples with this unexpected loss, the closure of Absolute Bagels serves as a reminder of the profound impact local businesses can have on our lives. While the bagels themselves were undeniably delicious, it was the sense of belonging and connection fostered by this humble shop that will be deeply missed. In a city bustling with options, Absolute Bagels was more than just a place to grab breakfast; it was a gathering spot, a slice of home, and a cherished memory for all who passed through its doors. As New Yorkers continue to seek answers, one thing is certain: the Upper West Side will never be the same without Absolute Bagels.