Little Neck staple gets a new look

There's one thing the staff at  in Little Neck knows for sure: there's nothing like the smell of a fresh New York bagel. And now thanks to recently-completed renovations, customers can sit, relax and enjoy one of Slim's Bagels' specialty offerings.

"It was time for the renovation," said Allan Albert, manager of Slim's Bagels for 25 years said. "The rest of the shopping center renovated and modernized, it was just time."

The renovations made the best of the same small space that patrons have known for years, with Slim's Bagels counters pushed back to allow for a more spacious and inviting dining area.

According to Albert, the renovations are meant to augment the business' two major draws: the friendly service and great tasting bagels, which brings in all kinds of customers from early morning truckers to late-night bagel cravers.

"I've been coming here since I was a kid and Slim's has some of the best service and bagels this side of the Queens-Long Island border," Douglaston resident Danny Hubschman said.

Hubschman, like many who live in the Little Neck-Douglaston area, has been enjoying Slim's Bagels since they were kids. This Little Neck staple has been a part of the community for 35 years, serving up bagels and coffee beginning at 4 a.m. every day of the week.

Customers can choose from a variety of different bagels, ranging from the stalwarts like everything and sesame to whole wheat bagels, four types of bialys and all kinds of spreads, like low-fat scallion cream cheese or lox spread.

Slim's also has a fairly robust bakery section, with cupcakes, black and white cookies, and muffins. 

"The iced coffees great and the people who work here are always friendly," said Danielle Hersch, director of adolescent services of the Samuel Field Y. 

According to Albert, it's the bagels that keeps people from coming back.

"For the most part bagels are bagels. Everyone has their preference and most neighborhoods have their local spots, but we like to think we make bagels just a little better than the rest and we do our best to make sure our service is top notch," Albert said. 

Slim's Bagels, located at 254-31 Horace Harding Expy. in Little Neck, is open every day of the week from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.; when customers buy a dozen bagels, they get six for free.