What's better than Winston Smith's diet of black bread and synthetic meals washed down with industrial-grade Victory-brand gin? OK, pretty much anything—but what's a lot better? That would be some really good bagels from Bruegger's Bagel Bakery. Not too hard, not too soft and never, ever stale, Bruegger's bagels are preservative-free and baked continuously throughout the day. Plus, Bruegger's offers a menu including both bagel-based options and non-bagel-related stuff like soups, salads and panini. Unfortunately, Bruegger's doesn't sell any high-class gin. But it does have great coffee.
Runners up:
2. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Various locations
3. The Bagelry/Brooklyn Bagel Corp.
2575 N. Campbell Ave.
881-6674