Nice Nosh

A neighborhood bagel favorite

oston is bursting with bagel shops, but those chains have nothing on Kupel’s, a neighborhood favorite in Brookline that bakes fresh every day. The shop specializes in Jewish pastries and breads like challah, and everything from the bagels to the spreads to the sweets is made right there. The bagels, which are thick and filling, have been hailed by even the pickiest of critics—New Yorkers. Don’t come for a seat, as there’s only a small counter and a few stools; instead, take a flat tire or an elephant ear for the road. Rineman

Shhhh! Kupel’s has been
pleasing customers since 1978.

Shhhh! Including Christmas Day,
when the line wraps around the block.

Shhhh! From the traditional lox to
uncommon spreads like green olive and tofu chive.

Shhhh! A flat pastry with various
fillings, like raspberry or chocolate.

Shhhh! A dough pastry with sugar.

Shhh who knew

Astronaut and MIT grad Gregory Chamitoff brought the first bagels into space—sesame seed, a dozen and a half—when he served aboard the International Space Station in 2008. (They weren't from Kupel's.)