The Great Zabar's Quest: How Many Bagel Meccas Can One Borough Conquer?
Ah, Zabar's. A name synonymous with New York City, like pigeons, yellow cabs, and that faint scent of mystery hot dogs that wafts through the air. But unlike those things (well, maybe except the hot dogs), Zabar's is a beacon of deliciousness, a haven for hungry humans seeking sustenance in the form of everything from legendary bagels to enough smoked salmon to feed a small army (or a particularly enthusiastic brunch crew).
Naturally, when it comes to these culinary institutions, a question burns brighter than a fresh out-of-the-oven babka: how many Zabar's locations are there in NYC?
Fear not, intrepid bagel explorers! We embark on this quest for knowledge together, armed with nothing but our insatiable bagel cravings and a healthy dose of internet sleuthing.
The Plot Thickens (or Should We Say, the Cream Cheese Gets Spread)
Here's the thing: there's a distinction to be made. The OG Zabar's, the one and only, the king of the Upper West Side (and our hearts), resides majestically at 2245 Broadway. This is the Zabar's of legend, the one where your grandma probably stood in line for a pumpernickel with a schmear back in the day.
But then there's Eli Zabar, a man with a name for good taste (and possibly an insatiable hunger for retail domination). Enter the Eli's Market franchise, a collection of specialty shops scattered throughout the city. Now, these are not exactly your classic Zabar's experience, but they do offer a curated selection of the Zabar's greatest hits – think gourmet cheeses, fancy olive oils, and enough rugelach to make your dentist weep.
The Big Reveal: Bagel Bounty or Bust?
So, how many locations can you visit to get your Zabar's fix? Here's the breakdown:
- Classic Zabar's: 1 glorious location on the Upper West Side.
- Eli's Market: As of 2023, there are 10 scattered throughout the city.
So, the answer is... 11! But wait, there's more! Remember that now-closed restaurant and market, the Vinegar Factory? Eli Zabar owned that too. So, for historical bagel bragging rights, we could add one more, making a grand total of... 12, maybe? (Though, let's be honest, who's counting at this point when there are bagels to be devoured?)
The Moral of the Story? There's Always More Zabar's to Love
No matter how many locations there are, one thing remains certain: Zabar's is a New York City treasure. So grab your reusable shopping bag (those bagels are heavy!), and embark on your own Zabar's odyssey. Just be warned – you might get lost in a delightful haze of pumpernickel, lox, and the sheer joy of a perfectly toasted everything bagel. And hey, if you get overwhelmed by the choices, just remember this sage advice: you can't go wrong with a Zabar's bagel.
