Alright, I love St Viateur as well, especially the high spirits of the late night crew, but I have to say my heart will always give first place to Fairmount. I remember the first Fairmount bagel I had: teen gal adventuring in the Mile End with cute boy, eating them hot out of the bag, dipping into the Liberty cream cheese on a stoop in the autumn sun, and maybe they will always taste like that sweet day to me.
I like to order a dozen of whatever is freshest, then they'll pick the ones that just came off the fire and they are soft and hot and crisp and perfection. The fancy flavours are fun but for me the whole point is the raging fire right in front of you and the skilled people slinging them out of the flames on the long paddles. There is room inside for about 6 people to make their orders and wait in line (unless you are there when they are prepping the deliveries for grocery stores and restaurants - then there's room for about 2 skinny people) so the line frequently stretches out the door; but it moves fast and the hot homey bagel smell melts all but the coldest hearts and makes the wait mello, friendly and fun.