Ok, so I'm not going to say they are better than NYC bagels. Why? Because these Montreal bagels are a different beast than their cousins in the States. These are slightly smaller and thinner. St. Viateur's come in a variety of flavors. At this shop you can come and get them hot out of the oven at all times. I recommend immediately tearing into one while it's still warm and soft. Then you'll realize how heavenly light and fluffy they are. I walked down the street devouring one. This location sells only bagels and has a cooler full of cream cheeses, assorted bagel toppings, and cold beverages. I wish I had a bagel joint like this in L.A. to walk to on a lazy weekend morning.
Oh, and they are AS good as NYC bagels. Yum!