I have to put n a plug for New York Bagel and Bialy (the one on Touhy), open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We were Kaufman's customers for years, but they took so long to re-build after the fire, we had to find a suitable, close alternative. I still frequent Kaufman's for many many things (their corned beef is unparalleled), however let me articulate the distinction:
At Kaufman's, you get hand sliced lox and these are wider pieces of lox. We prefer the strips as in our childhood. I have come to find out one can request strips cause Kaufman's uses that in their trays, but they do have to go in back for it and may seem agitated by the request. Also, and I realize this is subjective, the lox tastes amazing at NYBB. If you prefer belly lox, as I do, it is VERY salty, but oh, so tasty (and just oily enough to indicate freshness.) I like the earthy bagel bakery that assaults one's senses when entering NYBB, and, as mentioned above - their very very generous hours of operation. Love me some Kaufman's any day of the week, but NYBB is the bomb!