Kossar's Bagels & Bialys, Les

Recommends bialys here after a fish stop; calls the combo legendary and notes Russ once sold these bialys.

Agrees with the parent's bialys-at-Kossar's, bagels-elsewhere advice and says it has long held.

Says the place is worse now: different technique and old oven gone, though it once had top bialys and pletzels.

Calls Kossar's bialys very good.

Fondly recalls the bialys from a visit about twenty years ago, before the shop was renovated.

Finds the UWS location mediocre but likes its cream cheese.

Offers Kossar's as the answer to the UES complaint.

Suggests getting bialys there as an alternative to bagels.

Says the current Kossar's has no real link to the original and would only go if it were next door.

Recommends this spot for bagels and says its coffee is good.

Gets a toasted BEC on whole wheat there, dressed with spread and jam.

Only went for bialys and bulkas, and is upset the bulkas are no longer made.

Notes Kossar's is nearby and often has freshly baked bagels.

Calls it great and says its menu is more traditional than Tompkins Square's.

Visited often when living nearby and still likes it.

Found it outstanding, well ahead of the Ess-a-bagel they compared it with.

Says the bagels are best eaten early rather than later in the day.

Commenter says Kossar's bialys are on another level and a must-try.

Commenter agrees they don't like Kossar's.

Commenter recalls bialys being perfect but notes a noticeable decline since reopening.

Says the UES branch's herb cream cheese matches a childhood favorite and is great on any bagel.

Commenter was disappointed by the UWS location, finding bialys damp and bagels flavorless.