A conversation between DCists recently led to a long diatribe about the lack of certain amenities in our fair city. We thought it would be great to open the conversation up to our readers, and thus bring you the first of an occasional series, What We’re Missing. If you’ve got thoughts on other ameneties noticably lacking in D.C., feel free to leave a comment.

For a city that is home to more than its fair share of transplanted New Yorkers, the paucity of bagel shops in the District is rather alarming. For this DCist, the closest option for a bagel is to drop into Safeway, buy the utterly mediocre grocery store option, and toast it ourselves. Otherwise, it’s off to Bagels & Baguettes on Mass. Ave. NE — probably one of the worst bagel shops we’ve ever been to.

In polling other DCists, we’ve come to nearly the same conclusions. There are plenty of places in D.C. where someone can pick up an imported H&H Bagel — such as Comet Liquors in Adams Morgan and the two locations of Port of Piraeus. There are also a few Einstein Bros. in the area, mainly in the suburbs but also in Burleith. But why aren’t there more independent bagel shops in the city? The relative paucity is understandable downtown, where the city goes vacant on the weekend — but we think a decent bagel shop in Dupont or on U St. would thrive. The one exception is we’ve found is Whatsa Bagel in Cleveland Park, but that’s about it.

So, entrepreneurs, here’s your chance. In a city with a bajillion Starbucks and sandwich shops carrying bagels schlepped south down the New Jersey Turnpike, there’s a hole in the market for a good bagel shop. Of course, maybe DCist has missed other great bagel spots. Suggestions, peanut gallery?