Bagels in Fresh Meadows and Jamaica

The NY Times has a great article on the best bagel shops in New York City. Two in Queens are profiled: Hot Bialys in Forest Hills (at the border with Kew Gardens and Briarwood) and Bagel Oasis in Fresh Meadows (near the mall at 188 Street). Both are acknowledged for the crisp exteriors and chewy interiors of their bagels.

I would add that Bagel Oasis stands out not only for perfectly cooked bagels but for its efficient service and its onion bagels. Too many bagel shops encrust bagels with burnt onion bits that overwhelm your mouth, but the Oasis speckles the bagel with lightly roasted onion, a perfect balanced taste.

Essentials
Hot Bialys
116-63 Queens Boulevard (at 78th Avenue) (Near Union Turnpike, the F subway, and the Queens County Courthouse)
Forest Hills, Queens
(718) 544-0900

Bagel Oasis
183-12 Horace Harding Expressway (exit 25 off the LIE)
Fresh Meadows, Queens
(718) 359-9245