Last of Absolute Bagels Turn into Collector's Items on eBay Amid Closure Woes in NYC

Absolute Bagels, a beloved Upper West Side spot since 1992, has closed abruptly. An eBay user identified as "kugleruws" is auctioning what they claim are three of the last three Absolute Bagels, asking $49.99 for a "piece of NYC history," though no bids have been placed yet, with the auction ending in a week, as reported by NY Eater.

In a similarly nostalgic bid on Facebook Marketplace, a baseball cap emblazoned with the Absolute Bagels logo has appeared with a brazen $1000 price tag, Absolute Bagels had to shut its doors after a Department of Health inspection yielded unfavorable results, including evidence of rodents that led to its sudden shutdown last week, the recent developments have prompted a wave of sentimental capitalism, with these gastronomic relics now up for grabs online.

Adding another layer to the story, the seller assures potential bidders that the bagels, which include varieties plain, cinnamon raisin, and pumpernickel, are some of the "LAST Absolute Bagels ever made," preserved from the pre-inspection period and kept frozen for the lucky buyer. The New York Post quoted the eBay listing, confirming "Unfortunately, Absolute Bagels closed on December 12, 2024, meaning a piece of Upper West Side and NYC history has been lost. Luckily, these bagels, purchased before the health inspection, have been kept frozen, and could be yours!"

In the words of a long-time patron Kathryn Swaine, who told The New York Post, "I’m honestly going to go home and cry," her daily tradition now disrupted by the unexpected closure. No official word has emerged regarding a potential reopening of the establishment and as of last Saturday night, there had been no bids placed in any of the eBay auctions—with free shipping offered.