JERSEY CITY–A medium-sized bagel shop sits between two streets that come to a “V” in southwest JC. It is just a mile or so west of Manhattan. A lot is happening: a TV, suspended from the ceiling, plays for a steady stream of customers. The faces are diverse in every way; we are, after all, in one of the most diverse cities in the state.
The man in front of me gets a bialy. I get one too, a spur-of-the-moment decision. I gets a poppy as well (toasted). I order both with plain cream cheese. I am here to chew Jersey City and see what the place is like, if only for a few minutes in the morning.
The kitchen is open to plain view: oven, dough table–both bustling with activity. The kitchen/serving force are diverse as well: people of many backgrounds meld together here. Six or eight large (4 person) tables sit between the counter and the entrance. It is a larger bagel store set up, with deli/pizza shop-style refrigerated beverage cases, and a long counter.
After the spectacular build-up, the bagels do not disappoint. They are big and fluffy, in the “old fashioned” style–nothing fancy here, just good bagels. Craftsmanship: the bialy and the poppy both have a perfect amount of cream cheese. This is such a rare occurrence that I can not even begin to describe…These are some of the best bagels in the state. Why? I don’t know. They just are. They’re delicious and there is obviously a high level of craftsmanship here. The location is good. Everything is good. Service at Wonder Bagel is good: swift and efficient, keeping the line flowing at a steady and continuous rate as the TV buzzes on in the background and not even a mile away, the Big City buzzes its’ morning buzz…Jersey City has been blessed by the bagel gods with Wonder Bagels
NJ bagelrater 
Great review! I lived in NYC for 15 years, moved to Jersey City…and haven’t had better bagels than the ones I get at Wonder. I go to the other location (Downtown JC) and the only downside is the long line filled with folks who agree…
most diverse city in the country!