Short List Runner-Up: Bagels

Pratzel’s 9265 Deilman Industrial Court, Olivette When Jon Mills saved this beloved kosher bakery from extinction, a throng of longtime patrons were behind him – and secretly hoping that he wouldn’t change the decades-long formula for some of the city’s best bagels. And alas, once Pratzel's reopens its doors, St. Louisans will be happy to see that he didn’t. Fluffy, chewy, carrying a touch of sweetness and a little extra bite, these bagels are just as good as I remember. All they need is a light toast, then just give me the shmear, some lox – oh, and one of those little chocolate-covered upside-down cupcakes on the side, please.