Best of Philly

2009 Bagels

South Street Philly Bagel

You’ll justify waiting in the steamy, cramped, un-air-conditioned quarters for these just-baked, crunchy-crusted, doughy rounds, which put other area bagel makers to shame. Health nuts can go oat or whole wheat, and there are powder-sugar-dusted French toast and chocolate chip varieties. But true bagelphiles simply order an everything smeared with the superb whipped cream cheese and then a plain to eat on the walk home.

613 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147; 215-627-6277; southstphillybagel.com/