No, H&S Bagels hasn’t been around long. It was opened in June by Hector Sanchez, a former New Jerseyite with more than 40 years of experience in the bagel business. But a summertime bagel taste test performed by the Scene made it clear: They have the best bagels in the city, especially if you’re looking for that traditional N.Y.-style bagel. Sanchez’s bagels — available in plain, onion, garlic, poppy seed, salt, sesame seed, everything, cinnamon raisin and blueberry — are boiled and then baked until the crust boasts a deep golden hue. When they’re fresh, the chewy exterior provides that delectable snap, and the bready inside is dense enough to stand up to a thick coating of cream cheese without becoming gummy in your mouth. Sanchez is so serious about perfecting the New York bagel here in Nashville, in fact, that he brings in what the shop calls “that magic NYC water” for the process. Whoa.
Best Bagel (Weekdays)
