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While lining up for a morning bagel with cream cheese, many a Columbia student has wondered about the mythical progenitors of Nussbaum & Wu. Were the founders some Jewish offshoot of the popular hip-hop group from Shaolin, or did some kosher deli join forces with someone else's dim sum palace? Actually, Harry Nussbaum and George Wu were business partners who envisioned a bagelry that specialized in Asian pastries. Wu's desserts have since disappeared, but the Nussbaum offerings survive in hamentaschen, Challah French toast, knishes, and other items. Packed behind the counter are all manner of spreads, schmears, bagels, deli meats, cheeses, and wraps, plus a build-your-own salad station. Panini come in various combinations, some of which (tuna melt, chicken fajita) seem suspect. Fruit salads and smoothies are more sensible choices. Baked goods like Linzer torts, cannoli, rugelach, and superbly soft black and white cookies enrich many a study break, while whole cakes are on hand for birthday emergencies. There may be lines for the register at peak meal times, and it can be hard to nab two seats together—the place is populated with students engrossed in their laptops and Kant. — Stephen Weiss

Bagel with cream cheese, $2.50