5_ Monuts Donuts in Durham NC: order online when you want more than four (hello).

4_ Kupel’s Bakery in Brookline MA: too much anise (or caraway or whatever that licorice flavor is) on the everything, otherwise all systems go. Plus they have a pastry called the Chocolate Sack which is wildly inappropriate.

3_ Myer’s Bagel Bakery in Burlington VT: the sesame sunflower is a must-try.

2_ Bergen Bagel in Brooklyn NY: one bagel can feed a family of four. Bigger than Jesus.

1_ Fairmount Bagel in Montreal QC: because bagelry is best experienced in the late night/early morning hours, sitting on the curb of rue Fairmount Ouest with your friends.

Mike Caulo lives in Durham, North Carolina. He does publicity for Merge Records. His summer drink of choice is a negroni on the rocks.