I tried their plain bagel and it did not disappoint. It was dense and surprisingly flavorful. I appreciated that they also steamed it so it was nice and warm. I would definitely come back to try another one of their breakfast items. read more

I can see why this would be a local favorite with the huge menu, local decor, and generous portions. The bagels are steamed instead of toasted so pros and cons: Pros: softer bread that doesn't cut the roof of your mouth and easier to bite into for sandwiches so fillings don't squeeze out. Cons: no texture contrast and that bagel crunch. People at the register were nice and gave great suggestions for first-time visitors. read more

A gem. As an east coast transplant, after a long search in the cold darkness that is Chicago in the winter - this has emerged as a diamond in the rough. 9/10 - onion and everything bagels are seasoned to perfection! read more

A lazy and wonderful Christmas tradition. After the holiday we sleep in and order CBA the next morning. This little bagel stop is perfect for lunch. It is Uber quick with personable staff. I've only been in once to actually sit and eat, we love to order it in. The Dude sandwich has egg, cheese, bacon, and jalapeño on and everything bagel, but I add avocado! Warm and filling - you just can't go wrong. read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - The Dude with Avocado - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've always loved this place and have recommended it to so many friends! My favorite quick breakfast place with the option to make any bagel sandwich gluten free. My only complaint unfortunately was last time I went I tried a new sandwich with roast beef on it and it was completely frozen in the middle. I tried to go back to the store but had picked up the sandwich close to closing time so they were closed. So aside from the roast beef (wouldn't recommend) absolutely amazing and will never stop raving about this place. I usually get the Egg McMahon or you have to try their chive cream cheese!! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

More of a traditional deli type place with awesome bagel sandwiches! Went on a Sunday morning and the only real downside was the wait for food but was well worth it. Got the huevos rancheros bagel sandwich and asked to remove the ham as I am vegetarian. They immediately asked if I would like to sub with avocado which I always appreciate and many other places charge extra for this. I had never gotten a steamed bagel sandwich before and I was a bit skeptical but the softness of the bagel was actually really nice. Will definitely be coming back! read more

I am fairly new to the Lincoln Park neighborhood; about 1 year and 7 months. I like exploring to find new places to go and to eat, especially when I am on the go. I learned about Chicago Bagel Authority, and I just had to try this place that everyone has been suggesting. Let me tell you that the first time I went to the Armitage location, I was overwhelmed by all of the various sandwich selections. (This was during lunch time.) But I made my selection and I was not disappointed! I went back for breakfast and got the "Woody". This bacon, egg, cheese, and grape jelly goodness on a soft warm bagel was pure heaven with my coffee in this frigid winter weather. It put a huge smile on my face, and I was able to go about my day in peace. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by. Your taste buds will thank you! read more

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First time trying Chicago Bagel Authority and yummy it was! Ordered Loc Spread Bagel on everything bagel and added tomato and red onions. $7.50 for the bagel so the price comparison is great compared to other lox bagels that run 15-20 bucks. The bagel spread has everything mixed in the cream cheese spread: capers, chives, and including chunks of salmon. Bagel was good, just enjoy having actual chunks of lox salmon in my sandwich instead of mixed in the cream cheese spread, that's all. Very good for the price and would definitely recommend! read more

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

I think I'll probably receive hate for this one, but I thought CBA was just ~okay~ there not much too it other than an average bagel stuffed with goodies on the inside to offset your brain into thinking you're a eating a good bagel. It's extremely busy on the inside and the menu is overwhelming. Study it before you go to safe yourself so stress. There was a sign on the wall saying a wait could be up to 25 minutes. Just didn't seem worth it to me. Classic steamed bagel sandwich but nothing to write home about. Staff was kind! read more

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

Omg. The fact that my phone didn't eat first I think says it all. The Messy Katie bagel that I had here was spectacular! It also didn't leave me with an over greasy feeling in my throat or stomach! The place is a whole vibe. They have so many bagel options and combinations, there's endless possibilities as far as hot sauce if you like a little extra kick. Also a huge plus is it's on one of my favorite Chicago streets. I will not stop until I try every single bagel. Love it here. read more

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

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This place is pretty crazypants. I came here with a friend (who I was staying with while in-town) on a Sunday around noonish, and it was PACKED. There wasn't a 100% clear line(s) / ordering process, but with the hilariously long menu, I needed some time to make important decisions. While I normally would go non-breakfast sammy (more of meat-over-eggs person), I decided to stray outside of my comfort-zone while out of town. I ended up settling on the 'Dank N Eggs' - scrambled egg, bacon, roast beef, smoked cheddar cheese, American cheese, honey mustard, and salt n pepper (typically served on an everything bagel - I opted for whole wheat...which made the entire sandwich healthy by today's school lunch guidelines, right?). Decadent AF and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Well, just one slight criticism. I'm not going to get all NYC-bagel snoody/snobbish in Chi-town...but, when you can only get your bagel 'steamed' and not 'toasted', well...that makes me a sad panda. I really think this decadent, creamy, meaty, cheesy breakfast sandwich could have really used a texture contrast with some crunch to the bagel. Now, that said, it's not difficult to imagine that, as the ingredients would indicate, the sandwich was goddamn decadently delicious. While I felt very guilty with absolutely zero foliage included in my breakfast before going to imbibe in Goose Island Bourbon County stoutness on Prop Day, Chicago trips are all about indulgence...and you gotta keep warm...and full and happy. (Note: this place has a TON of options, including many healthier and/or veggie-centric ones...so it's easy to 'stick with it' at this place...but yeah, vacation.) Next time I'm back in town, hopefully for another Prop Day, I wouldn't mind coming back here and trying some of the other crazy bagel concoctions. But just, PLEASE...consider a toaster. read more

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I'm thinking that maybe I got a little too hyped up for Chicago Bagel Authority. My friend had been talking about it all weekend so when we finally go there, I had very high hopes. It's not to say that I didn't enjoy my bagel or the cute little shop, but I didn't really feel like there was anything extraordinary about any of it. I got the Eternal Sunshine. On the menu it screams to me as looking incredible. It was a bit lacking in flavor and SO messy. I also didn't love the steamed aspect, but I have to admit we had to walk a ways before really sitting down to eat, so that might have had an impact! I think for what you get, either the prices aren't great or they could add a bit more cream cheese/toppings to give it some of that flavor that was missing. It's a neat spot, but not my all time fave! read more

Service is excellent!! The food is amazing too but the staff is what makes it! I have an allergy and am vegetarian and they make sure to take care of me! Once I had meat in my bagel they re-made it without question! Super accommodating! Highly recommended!!! read more

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This place has a huge menu and all the options sound so good. I've had a couple of the turkey bagels and they've all been amazing. The steamed bagel is good but a little chewier than I'd prefer (but it sounds like that's what some people like about it). I'm excited to keep trying more things! I've only ever done carry out, but the person who brought it to the car was very kind! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My fiancé and I are addicted to Chicago Bagel Authority. For a bit we were going once a week but have tried to cutback lol. These are seriously the best bagel sandwiches I've ever had. I highly recommend The Belmont. The Belmont has ham, cheese, chive cream cheese, jalapeños, egg, and maple sausage. I always add bacon to it because why not! They also have great customer service. Recently my order was completely wrong. I called in and they redid the order, refunded me, and even included a cookie in my new order! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - The Belmont with bacon! - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Service is poor, too many workers standing around not acknowledging customers. Don't order online, they put online orders in front of the counter for anyone to grab. Had to remake the order and took them 10 minutes while they prioritized making uber eats orders. read more

This bagel shop is located in the perfect spot in Lincoln park. It's great to just grab a bagel and go on a little stroll. I was at first taken back by the steamed bagel, just because I didn't ready much up on this place other than the fact everyone loves it. But I was pleasantly surprised at the texture and the flavor of the bagel. It was extremely soft and chewy and the flavor was impeccable. I got an egg everything t bagel with plain cream cheese and I will definitely be coming back for it again. I definitely want to try one of the many bagel sandwich options they have. It seems that no matter who you are you can find a sandwich you'll like on the menu! Overall a quaint little bag shop in the perfect location! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Egg everything bagel - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was seriously the best bagel I've ever had in my life. I was so full when I finished and was still sad that it was gone. This location is in the cutest spot with lots of little shops to peek into and I seriously just loved everything about it. This was my first time in Chicago and I want to go back strictly for these bagel sandwiches. I wish we had these back home (Louisville, Ky girl here) There's also a La Colombe coffee shop right down the street so if you place your order online and are waiting, go grab a coffee from them because that's what I did and they are also a must-have. Support this small business, order literally anything and I'm sure it will be amazing, you won't regret it! I seriously still have dreams about this sandwich !! read more

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I am in the area on Saturdays and always see a bunch of people waiting outside so I figured I check it out. Man it was packed inside with people waiting in line, people eating, and people paying for their food. I was pretty uncomfortable with the number or people inside at once (this was when Delta was peaking). I got a plain bagel and cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese. It seems like most people were ordering their sandwiches so this is really just a review for the bagels. I found them to be on the drier side, not that chewy and that the ratio of cream cheese to bread was way off (all in comparison to NYC bagel) . There was barely just enough cream cheese for one half of the bagel. They have got to be doing something right due to the demand but if you are looking for just a plain old bagel, I can't recommend. Since my order was not that complicated it came rather quickly. You are going to be way better off ordering pick up. read more

Got the Belmont bagel and it was amazing! They steam their bagels so a little "soggy" compared to other bagel places but so good. Would call ahead as it takes some time to get your food. read more

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

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New Yorker living in Chicago just trying to find a good bagel lol. This spot was pretty good. I ordered the breakfast bagel which is basically a bacon egg and cheese and I chose an everything bagel. I got it delivered so it wasn't warm by the time it got to me. Over all tasty. The huge cookie was bigger than my hand! I ate the mini chocolate chip and it was delicious!!!! read more

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Wish steamed bagels were more prevalent in the world, as they are a gift from above! Ordering at counter can be a little bumbled, but totally worth it. My fave is the Dirty Swede with avocado. This place is a must! read more

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Nice bagel shop on Armitage just short of the "L" that'll take you downtown. So, it is a perfect location - call ahead with your order, stop by on your way to the "L" and pick it up, and hop on the "L" across the street for whatever destination you have ... downtown Chicago headed south or Loyola University in Rogers Park headed north, or everything else in between. Could not be easier. As to the bagels - We thought they had a nice selection of bagels and bialys. When you order you can get them sliced, steamed, or just like they are. While they have a nice selection of bagels, where they really shine is in what they can do with that bagel. The sandwich boards across the top of the store inside display scores of sandwiches that are available. Great selection. The store is a neat old high-ceilinged room. They kept most of the old stuff. The music they play is great rock n roll, but they play it load. This place feels like it was a head shop before a bagel shop. So what kept it from a higher rating ... they make a lot of mistakes on the sandwiches. We took one of ours back and had it done right, and it was 4 star stuff ... but you have to check them because they often make little mistakes. So check your sandwich before you hop on the "L." read more

This place was super busy, if you're going to try it I suggest pre order. It was a saturday morning though. 1st they got my name wrong, even after I spelled it out. Then I waited in their crowd for my bagel with vegan cc & cucumbers. After 10min they started calling, but I didn't know what she was saying, then she said the order, I got my bag. It was like a brown envelope style with a greasy paper stapled to it. It was hot. I was like??? I saw someone come back in with a bagel, so I hoped they got the right order. It was wrapped in foil, but still hot. Not toasted. I was like why is a bagel with cucumbers warmed up??? The "vegan cream cheese" was disappointing, it was like flavorless goop, the consistency of thick mayo. So gross, then I noticed it had bits of egg in it! So pissed! This crap cost me $7. I could've went to peets or gotham. It wasn't even edible. Hot cucumbers with a slop of unflavored mayo, not even a toasted bagel. Oh and for a bagel place they don't even have pumpernickel. Just sad! waste of time & money! I only came here cause someone on yelp said they had good vegan cream cheese, that person obviously has never had a new york bagel. read more

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Finally tried the famous steamed bagels and overall enjoyed them. Super chewy, but not crispy on the outside like bagels often are. I had a sesame with chive cream cheese and they reaaallly load on the cream cheese. Both were delicious, the cream cheese just melted a lot because of the heat of the bagel. A good bagel option if you're in the area! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Sesame bagel with chive cream cheese - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is the second time, I have ordered a cherry coke and they have given me a cherry Coke Zero @$2.50 a pop that is $5 down the drain - what a freakin waste - so annoyed and so over it! If you don't carry regular cherry coke then update your frickin menu!!!! read more

Pretty decent bagels, as a whole sandwich they're fantastic. The bagel itself is kind of soft, I wish they were more chewy. They're made to order and have plenty of options. I was a big fan of the bacon egg & cheese with plain cream cheese on sesame. Very filling and overall the flavors all came together really well. We came two days in a row, on a Friday morning there was no one there and we went and sat out on the patio. Saturday morning was a completely different experience...one of the most chaotic bagel places I've ever been. They don't seem to have an organized way of taking orders and people just mob around the counter. People waiting for their orders and people waiting to place orders are all in the same mob, and then it's unclear where the line to pay for your food starts. Additionally, people sit at the tables while they're waiting for food, which adds more chaos to the mix because then people with food who want to sit and eat are standing around. Please fix your crowd organizing and the overall experience would be much better! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Bacon egg and cheese with plain cream cheese on sesame - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

1 hour wait, for a bagel. Admittedly I showed up 1/2 hour after placing the order. Introduced myself, they said "it would be a bit longer". Watched as bagel after bagel after bagel, for those arriving after me was served. Finally asked about my order to which they finally began searching the fulfilled order area and apparently my order was filled some time ago. 1 hour later. No. This place needs to close. Give me a Burger King over this loser. read more

The best bagels in Lincoln Park! Very cool vibes inside with nice and attentive staff. Offers outdoor patio seating in warmer months. Great spot for breakfast and a morning debrief after a night out. They also offer takeout/delivery options. Favorites include the wrigley fielder, the messy Katie, and the crunch n' munch. It can get busy on Saturday/Sunday mornings, but well worth the wait! Can't go wrong with CBA! read more

Good bagels with a lot of different kinds - the sandwich was a bit bland tasting. Was kinda wild when we walked in Sunday morning. Heavy metal blaring, people in KISS style makeup and a Minecraft stream playing on the TV - unique, kinda vibed with it. read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Guys... it was gray and wet. Literally ball of off centered watery cream cheese You have been warned. read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - gray and wet - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is incredibly disappointing. Had such high hopes due to the location and vibes but the bagels were so tiny and the amount of egg, sausage and bacon that was on it was very small. The bacon is insanely salty and the "sesame" bagel had maybe 10 sesame seeds. Also it took 30 min from the time we ordered to when they called our name and they ended up giving us the wrong bagel. After we opened it and checked we told them and showed them our bagel and they took it back and wrapped it back up and gave it to someone else. The two stars are for the cold brew. It's a good brew and Id go back just for that. read more

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This bagel spot was delicious. For our last breakfast in Chicago we looked at spots highly rated on yelp, and this was top of the list. Needless to say it did not disappoint. The eternal sunshine was huge, more than enough for two of us but phenomenal. We cannot wait to visit Chicago and get this again! read more

Love Chicago Bagel Authority for a cheap & easy breakfast! I popped in over the weekend for the first time to CBA and I definitely wasn't the only first-timer in there. Their ordering & paying process is a bit different than other places so let me educate you newbies. Also, they do have an explanation of how to order on the counter, but it's still a little confusing. There is no line at CBA! If you see a free worker, you simply go up and tell them your order. These people are memory geniuses! They don't write anything down yet keep all the orders straight. It's insane and magical! After ordering, you chill and wait for your order. They'll then call your order out once ready, ask if it's for here or to go. And finally, you pay and roll out! Or take a seat. I got a couple of bagel-wiches so I could try one for breakfast and have the other for lunch. The Puck was $6.50 with a good amount of thin Canadian bacon, scrambled egg & gooey American cheese on an egg bagel. Seriously the perfect breakfast item and everything was so neat & well layered for an item that is otherwise a bit messy to eat. I also got the Country Breakfast $7.25 which had ham, scrambled egg and swiss on bialy & ended up eating it for lunch. And there was SO much ham on this thing! Probably over an inch of thinly sliced pork. Mmmm, absolutely loved this and would get it again in a second. They call it the Country Breakfast but really I think this could work for lunch, dinner, any meal! All in all, excited I finally know how great CBA is and I'll definitely be back to try more off of their extensive menu. read more

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I thought it might be more similar and as spacious Belmont station yet this location is still pretty cool too...not as big but still cool. If it was as big and as café-like as the Belmont location I would have given it 5 stars. Still, the staff is super nice and on par with my past experiences at the other location. Plus there are a lot of interesting things to look at for me and my toddler. read more

I have been craving salmon so I had my husband get me a special lox bagel this morning. I was so excited when he got home (we live nearby) and unfortunately it was just a plain bagel with cream cheese. The bagel was very soggy and chewy to eat. I was very disappointed. read more

These bagels are incredibleeeee. So warm and gooey. I highly recommend literally everything on the menu it's incredible. Everything is fresh and reasonably priced for what you get! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

CBA has been a favorite since I was young and needed a little extra help on the weekends waking up from nights out on the town. I recently got a to-go order (the only option to get CBA right now) and it was a great experience and tasted just as great as I remember. Just be sure to order before you are starving b/c it took about 30 mins for our order to be ready on a Saturday morning for bfast. Once your order is ready you will get notified and you can pick it up inside. We ordered the Lincoln Park (SO GOOD), Breakfast Bagel (MY FAV), and a PBJ for the kid. Turns out the kiddo liked the Breakfast Bagel (it was SO good) and I had to share. We will be going soon b/c I am drooling as I type this review. read more

I've been on a Chicago bagel authority kick now for about three or four months and I'm obsessed! Go on like a traditional toasted bagel Chicago bagel authority has steamed bagels. It's definitely a great approach to making a bagel and their selection of breakfast sandwiches and quality of flavors are outstanding! This place definitely needs to be on your list of places to try!! *** also it's super easy to order on the toast app and then drive to pick it up and it's easy as walking in and grabbing your order and walking out!! Bagels are life read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place was super crowded with the music blasted. You couldn't hear when your name was called super annoying especially before coffee! On top of that we waited for over 25 minutes for our order...... tons of people came and went that ordered after us. When we asked about our order we were told that "People work at different speeds" I wish my tip was working at a slower speed.... Maybe get a better system of ordering a simple bagel and the workers could be a little nicer. read more