Ever since Finagle A Bagel and Bruegger's staked their bagel claims all over the greater Boston area, only a few independent bagel bakers have remained. Kupel's Bake and Bagels, just outside Boston in Brookline, is a solid choice for morning shmears. The café keeps kosher, so they close on Friday afternoon and don't open again until Sunday morning, when the place swarms with Brookline families lining up for the selection of bagels, cream cheeses and other baked goods. Working at Kupel's seems like a rite of passage for Brookline teenagers, who take and fill your order from behind the low, glass bakery case. Choose from a wide selection of bagel flavors – from plain or salt and onion to whole wheat and jalapeño – and a range of cream cheeses to match, as well as lox, herring and whitefish. Kupel's Jewish baked goods are also well liked. Try the rugelach, babka, knishes, bialy or challah. Take your bagel to a nearby bench, and linger around the neighborhood while you eat. Brookline's Coolidge Corner is the town's main shopping district, with cute boutiques and a great independent bookstore, not to mention some great people-watching. The area is abundant with awesome ethnic eateries, so you can stake out your lunch spot over bagels and lox. No alcohol available. Serving breakfast and lunch Sun–Fri. Closed Sat.