Groovy and upbeat place! Chicago style hip environment. The number of options is immense. My order came out fast and accurate! The goat killer was the bagel I tried, and it was delicious! Thank you Bagel Authority! read more

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*False advertising* The menu said the bagel was $11, then I was charged $14 plus tax I asked why. They said "oh our menus are not updated" and I asked are you going to give me my 3 dollars back? The worker said why would I do that. I just left it, but there is this thing called false advertising sir. Fix your menus and your attitude. Don't go here. Also they were playing edm dance music for no reason. read more

Overall, I think these were decent. Admittedly, I'm not a huge breakfast sandwich gal. I can see why people find the steamed sandwiches polarizing but I didn't mind the soft sandwich. The meat was a decent amount but the peppers and onions on my western were virtually non existent. They also have fennel in their everything bagel seasoning which I hate, so wouldn't go that route again. My husband got the corned beef option on special with chipotle mayo and that was pretty tasty. The better of the two. Wouldn't rush back but not a bad option for a quick bite. read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Corned beef special - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I loved CBA!!!! they have a HUGE menu, which I feel like is not always the case at a bagel place. I especially loved that the menu was organized by type of protein and had a veggie section. I created my own and just got cream cheese, tomato, sprouts and cucumber. My family got a loaded breakfast sandwich with ham, bacon, egg and cheese. The bagels were super soft all around and they had a lot of different kinds + a variety of cream cheeses. We went for lunch & they still had breakfast sandwiches available along with their lunch menu items which I loved. Can't wait to go back!!!!! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If you're looking for steamed bagels, look no further! Bagel Authority is a MUST try! With so many options, there is truly something for everyone. Despite not having much sitting room, the service was great & they even had the patio open! read more

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Prices in the printed menu are not updated and they don't even warn you about it. Didn't realized they charged me a higher price until I payed. When I asked them they just said: "oh yeah thats wrong". Didn't offered to make up for it or apologized for it. It was a total of $6 difference in my whole order. read more

It had been a minute since I tried a new Chicago bagel spot, and I was seriously craving one--so I decided to check another place off my list. Gotta preface this by saying I'm from Jersey, so my bagel standards are high. I ordered The Belmont and a salmon & lox cream cheese bagel. The bagels themselves were just okay--thin and nothing particularly standout--but the fillings were really solid. The Belmont had a great mix of meats, and I actually like cream cheese on a breakfast sandwich--it works surprisingly well. The lox and salmon bagel was great too; the fish was mixed into the cream cheese like a spread, and at only $8, it was a steal. Overall, this was probably one of the better bagel breakfast sandwiches I've had in Chicago so far. If you're not super picky about your bagels like I am, you'll probably love it. I'd definitely get bagels from Chicago bagel authority again! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Belmont - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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One thing I loooove is a good Ritz bagel from CBA. Ordered ahead, but ate there. Something about that steamed bagel, with turkey, bacon and that garlic mayo. Look, it's my go-to. Service is always efficient(keep in mind it can get packed there); music is always playing and just a great spot for a bite to eat. read more

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The service was good, the selection enormous but I did not like the way they prepared the bagels. When you order a bagel sandwich, they don't serve the bagel baked or toasted, they're steamed (I think). This makes the bagels really soft and damp, as if they have been in a microwave. No chewing bagels with a crusty exterior here. I had an everything bagel with ham, eggs and cream cheese and it tasted like one of those frozen breakfast sandwiches that you heat up in a microwave. I found the texture fake and unappealing. Add in the fact that they don't even have lox on the menu and this is certainly not a traditional bagel spot. If you're looking for bagels prepared in the traditional way head 5-6 blocks south to Cory's NY bagels, or my favorite, Bro Bagel in Wicker Park. read more

Usually this place is really good. the only thing I'd say is that I get it's really busy and things are moving quickly--but the same knives were used to cut my sandwich as ones with meat and cheese and I have pretty bad allergies to different things. I was only able to have half my meal because the rest of it had cheese and other cross-contaminated ingredients Not a huge deal for me but if someone had deathly bad allergies it could be a problem. The staff is great though and I love their steamed bagels! (Music is always bumping good hits too) read more

What great spot for all day breakfast. The ambiance is cheerful. People that work behind the counters look happy. Yelper from CA give this place high five read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Menu - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Everytime I come here this place is a hit! The bagel sandwiches are amazing! The staff are great! The menu is huge! And the snacks are great as well! read more

CBA is a very busy location which usually means the food is good. The bagels were delicious. I would recommend ordering in advance or if you're planning to dine in be patient as it may take a little time due to the sheer volume of orders. I tried to vegan bagels. They have several vegan options. They were filling and flavorful my fav was weirs the beef. My only complaint or observation is, for a bagel location that didn't have a Lox bagel which I found weird but they have lox cream cheese. Overall very good experience read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Weir's the Beef Sideways - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I tried a turkey sandwich here, and it was really good. I would definitely come back again sometime to try more from the menu.

Insane amount of sandwich choices! The bagel sandwiches my wife and I had were both flavorful. Looking forward to trying more options in future. read more

I'm a sucker for bagels and this place hit the spot! This is a small bagel spot with lots of varieties. You can get something as simple as a bagel with cream cheese or you can go all out and get a sandwich of your choice. They also regular coffee. I tried the Wrigley Fielder which comes with cream cheese and a ton of veggies! This is an all veggie option however there are also sandwiches for meat eaters - breakfast and lunch sandwiches. I also got an iced coffee - nothing fancy here, simple and gets the caffeine job done. This was reallllllllll good. I'm picky with bagels and loooove me a specialty bagel spot! The service was quick especially considering how crazy packed this was on an early Sunday afternoon. There is limited indoor and outdoor seating so keep that in mind. There is also 1 bathroom so I recommend utilizing one before heading here lol. Tip - Lincoln park has free parking on Sundays, it does get busy after 10am so if possible try to come before the rush. read more

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Overhyped , rude staff, definitely not worth the price, won't see me there again, lot of better places in that neighborhood.

I am extremely picky about bagels bc no place has bagels that are as good as NYC bagels so I might be a tad bit biased! However, I've always loved cba! They have so many different sandwiches and I've never been disappointed! I'm giving it three stars now because the bagels have been getting smaller every time I go there! :( I also wish they toasted instead of steam the bagels! I would def recommend the dhrumanji! read more

I ordered the the Breakfast bagel and came across disappointed. The meal was super salty and the bagel was not toasted. Not having a lot of luck so far on this trip. Yes, I'm sniveling. read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - I'm sniveling - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was in the area and searched for 'lunch nearby'. Stopped in for lunch to go. I ordered the Messy Katie. It was delicious! I think I will drive in from the suburbs to bring my family. read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Inside - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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CBA offers steamed bagels which I've never tried before. Steaming the bagels makes for a softer bite so if thats what your going for I think you'd enjoy CBA bagels. For my personal preferenceI like a toasted bagel better to get a little crunch. They have a lot of options to choose from which is a plus. Service was slow out friend who ordered 3rd our of our group of 6 received her bagels last and it took a long time to get any of them out to us. We enjoyed sitting on their shaded back patio. They do have sitting inside as well. read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Bagel - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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With such an extensive menu I was worried they might not be able to deliver but CBA does not miss! Our group devoured our perfectly crafted bagel sandwiches. Shop can get busy but you can order ahead to save time. A few seats indoors and great location in Lincoln Park. I recommend the western. Cool thing is you can pretty much customize any bagel to however you like. Opt for an egg everything bagel if you want a truly stellar experience. read more

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First time ever having a steamed bagel and I'm honestly not a fan. The bagel was warm but way too moist almost soggy. The sausage and egg were fine but not seasoned. Subbed the cheese for avocado which gave some creaminess and also added some jalapeños for a kick. Overall, a decent breakfast sandwich. Tons of options so always a reason to come back and try it unsteamed. read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Egg McMahon w/ avocado and jalapeños - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had high hopes but it was just ok. Or maybe it was just the sandwich I ordered. I ordered the Belmont for pickup fyi. First, the bagel is pretty heavy but I was disappointed that it was kind of soggy when I opened it. It was probably the heat from the sandwich causing the cream cheese to become all mushy and runny (which is what probably turned me off cause I don't like mushy food). Overall, I thought the ingredients worked well together but there was so much ham it was overpowering. The sweetness from the maple sausage really tied the sandwich together in my opinion. read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - The Belmont - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing bagels and bagel sandwiches. There is one big problem about this place - choosing. Seriously, if I lived in the neighborhood I would be on a mission to try them all. Okay...I might accept that mission anyway. The food The service The vibe Go here for breakfast. Go here for lunch. Go here often. You will love it! read more

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The bagel shop is small but has some tables and chairs for you to sit. They have a wide arrange of bagels assortments and combinations that are sure to make your stomach happy. I had the Puck, which has Canadian bacon as it's main protein source. My husband ordered the Belmont that has maple sausage links and ham! Both were delicious and made us very happy. We'd been here before a couple of years back and it tasted just as good as the first time! So glad we have this little gem in Chicago for whenever we visit. To add- the service is always super chill and very helpful in helping you decide what you may be wanting. It's a must go! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - interior - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Got multigrain bagels (not sandwiches), and they were super flabby. The veggie cream cheese had large chunks of raw carrots and raw celery--so it was very fresh but not at all pleasing by itself on a bagel. Comparable taste and texture to packaged, store bought bagels. Appreciated their unusual choice of TV, one had a person playing Mario live (pictured). read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Bagel with butter - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

CBA is a staple of the Chicago area and a solid bagel if you need that chewy salty craving satisfied. If I ever need a bagel and there's a CBA nearby, I definitely would grab one. If you're really hungry, grab a sandwich. They're huge. But I personally stick to just a good everything bagel with cream cheese. Chive for extra bang. The staff is fun and friendly and the place is a vibe and a half. I always enjoy it read more

Awesome bagels. I love the Pb and J Bagel . Many great options for all appetites. I want to try a lunch bagel next read more

CBA's bagel sandwiches are so good that I would drive through hurricane weather, and wait out an anxiety attack in a shady Cicero hotel just to eat the Belmont sandwich again. For context, I am from Memphis, TN & I travel for work. Chicago has been a resting point for me in my travels and I have grown to love Chicago. This last work trip had me in Saginaw Bay, MI so on my way home, I spent the night in Chicago. Unfortunately, my anxiety spiked while I was there, I was pacing my hotel, calling my boyfriend, my friends, my family, just to try and get some emotional support. Overall, I was fine, but anxiety sure as hell will not convince you that you are fine. The hotel I stayed it 100% freaked me out, was not a great area. Dirty hotel sadly. But YOU BET I was going to find good a Chicago breakfast the morning after. My friend who is from Chicago recommended CBA and I am so glad I went. Since coming home to Memphis, I DREAM about the Belmont Bagel sandwich. The service was also great, friendly people with nice smiles. I will come back for you, CBA. With love from Memphis! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The service was cool. I didn't expect a chik-fil-a worker when I stepped. The air inside was very steamy, almost like a wet room. Anyways, I enjoyed the flavor of the Belmont sandwich, but I don't think the eggs are made fresh. They look and taste like frozen eggs. Almost like the eggs on a Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwich. The sandwich was a good portion for $12. Overall I would try again. read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Belmont - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love their diversity of flavored cream cheeses to pack and go for home morning smears! Specifically-fresh veggie cream cheese which is whipped cream cheese with a medley of fresh vegetables. The service is patient, kind and professional as this is a small location. There are two registers-one at each end of the counters. They have a small seating area-with wide French Style Windows that allow for an "Al fresco" atmosphere. Less than a block from The Armitage Brown Line Station!!!!! read more

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The first time I visited was on a Saturday and they were extremely busy with online orders. The menu was super overwhelming because they have so many options so I took a while to decide on what to get. I finally placed my online order and it took roughly 25 minutes to be ready. That felt very excessive for a bagel but I knew they were really busy. I tried the Dirty Swede (6/10) but I came back for a 2nd time and tried the White Lightning (9/10) and my order was ready much faster. I'll definitely visit again for the white lightning, I think I just caught them on a bad day for my first initial visit! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Dirty Swede - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The quantity of stuffing has gone wayyyyyyyyyyy down i the past year. It is now always a VERY thin bagel sandwich. It still tastes great, but I'm paying too much for the quantity I'm receiving. Great bagel sandwiches, but skimping on the ingredients now. read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Bacon egg and cheese - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a great bagel spot in Chicago (multiple locations). Takes a little, but worth the freshness and delicious flavors. We got 3 things and split them all - really solid smear to bagel ratio and the bagel was hot which was also very enjoyable!! Def check this spot out, but allow time for the treat to be crafted!! Instagram: Sausage Fest The Dude Bagel w/ Cream Cheese @EatCBA Chicago's Best Sandwiches Since 1998 Let CBA change your life with one of our hot sandwiches. Chose from our  100+ tried and true Steamwiches comprised of an extensive list of fresh meats, cheeses, spreads, veggies, fruits, sauces, jams, jellies, bagels, bialys, pretzel rolls, and ciabatta sub rolls. Each mouthwatering bite will warm your soul... Chicago, IL read more

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I like bagels and I like breakfast. CBA provides both of these in abundance. The staff is really friendly and they are doing their best to make sure things come out quickly. My favorite part though is the sign behind the registers that changes colors based on projected wait time. It's a much better system than having to ask and more quick service establishments should adopt this. read more

One of our go-to places for weekend breakfast! This place has amazing steamed bagels with an extensive list of options. I highly recommend the Sausage Fest bagel that has a perfectly steamed onion bagel with American Cheese, sausage, bacon and egg. If you come in after breakfast there are other great options here as well. Just tried the Oak Pork BLT which has a fresh mix of bacon, chive, smoked cheddar, avocado and garlic mayo on an everything bagel. You can't go wrong with this place, especially the morning after a big night. ENJOY! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Sausage Fest bagel - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really nice! Cute little bagel shop next to the CTA line. Parking was easy to find. LOTS of options. Tbh it was a bit overwhelming the first time I looked at the menu but I was pleasantly impressed with the help I had at the register. Thank you!! read more

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Usually I feel like the CBA bagels are small and don't fill me up, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Super Deluxe! I got it on an egg everything bagel and between that and all the meat and egg I felt pleasantly full! We ordered online for pickup and I added chive cream cheese by putting it in the notes and they didn't even charge extra! We sat in the little back patio area that we didn't even know existed and it was an overall very good experience! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Super Deluxe with Chive Cream Cheese - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's really good. Food has flavor and my bagel was good wanted to go back the next day. One issue was the wait time only one person working and making sandwiches during lunch time. read more