CBA has Fantastic bagel sandwiches with a huge selection. The bagels are fresh and steamed not toasted...This is one of my favorite places in Chicago. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Your biggest problem will be selecting out of the over 100 options! 100% recommend! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A GREAT place for a unique bagel or bagel sandwich! Looks like it was probably a bar in a past life...and I imagine can get quite busy and crowded at times even though it is a decent size space. The Sat 11AM we were there was rather chill yet still had to wait about 15 minutes for the sandwiches to be assembled and steamed. By the way the "Steamwich"is CBA's way to do bagels. This could be sacrilege to some bagel lovers. So just like you can imagine, the bagel is sliced and assembled from any of 852 different spreads, meats, veggies, chips, fruits, cheeses and kitchen sinks! Then steamed to make a warm soft meal of heavenly delight. But i am sure these fine folks will make your bagel any 'ol way you would like! My only dislike that was strictly personal...the cup of coffee. Just did not like the coffee. Did not notice the brand, but it had an off flavor for my tastes. * Your tastes may very. The table space itself...lots of tall 4 and 6 tops and a bunch of moveable 4 and 2 tops. Again, your communal table space may very! Finally, in one back corner of the joint is a small raised performance stage. Stop by and get steamed...in a good way! read more

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I was craving a bagel sandwich after missing brunch with friends and decided to hop on the Red Line to try this place. I've always seen the restaurant since it's right across from Cheesies and Berlin too. The ordering system is a little chaotic and confusing, but the employees are nice and played some great music. I was debating between the Eternal Sunshine and the Hot Carl, and was told the Eternal Sunshine is great for a first timer. It was delicious! My only complaint is that the bagel is pretty small for the price, but I may just have a large appetite! There are also soups, salads, chips, and coffee/tea for sale as well. Overall, I had a good experience here. Note: they also have "happy hour" from 3-5 PM on the weekdays with all sandwiches costing $4.20. Happy munching! read more

While I did not like the bagel I ended up with (see below), I did call the store the next morning and speak with a manager. After sifting through receipts, she called me back and said she had refunded the purchase. Honestly, I would have been okay with a store credit or something, but this shows that they really did care about making it up to me. I will definitely be back and am happy to see that CBA provides great customer service - maybe my experience is a simple fluke. Can't wait to come back! ________________________________ Went with a friend and ordered bagels to go. I was so excited to try the "Dirty Swede". My friend got the "5-0" - after waiting 10-15 minutes I stepped on the bus and when I got home I had the wrong sandwich. Help :( I paid almost $9 and was given a bagel with only bacon and cream Cheese on it. read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ilene (I think that's her name) was the best cashier and gave an incredible alternative recommendation when they didn't quite serve what I was looking for. Bagels are chewy and they added the right amount of cream cheese. I will certainly be back!! read more

Only thing to say is - AWESOME!!! That's it. Hands down. Walk away. The menu blows you away with the amount of choices. I had 1 sandwich but I know they are all awesome. If you are in the area and reading this review you've wasted too much time. Order your damn sandwich and be happy!!!! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I don't think there's really anything special about this place. They have a decent menu with variety, I ordered just a BEC. It took about 20 minutes (to be fair it was very busy!). I ordered a coffee not knowing there were no flavor options or milk options so I had to use just half and half (which again was fine). The problem I had was with the bagel itself. Bagel came completely diss assembled and the bagel was very small and soggy. Was super disappointed! My friends however are regulars at this place so I will definitely be coming back to give them another try. read more

We went here twice during our short stay in Chicago. Loved the online ordering and variety of breakfast sandwiches offered. I loved the vegetarian options and the service is quick. Pick up your order and hop on public transportation to anywhere in the city. read more

CBA is the best. A little pricey for a bagel, but honestly worth it because they're so good. On weekends definitely order ahead on the Toast Takeout app, makes your life so much easier. read more

CBA is the best if you're looking for a hangover brekky sammy or a just a big yummy steamed bagel. My first time enjoying a steamed bagel was at the University of Miami in Oxford, Ohio. Turns out the same owners opened up CBA in Chicago (thank goodness). It is seriously a blessing. The menu is huge and is broken up by the meat you want your bagel to have. You won't need to create your own because almost every combination has been created. I always end up going with the messy Katie because I love it so much and am loyal it. One thing I will say is that I don't feel the happiest paying $9 for a bagel HOWEVER, the bagels are always packed with goodness and I am so stuffed after eating only half. Highly recommend this spot if you are looking for a nontraditional, fast, and filling breakfast or lunch! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I LOVE CBA!!! One of my Go-to's for breakfast in Lakeview. TBH I have only had their breakfast and never had their sandwiches for lunch, but their breakfast is amazing! The place has a good amount of seating and looks like a coffee shop. Sandwiches are very cheap for Chicago and are under $10/each. I have never had a bad sandwich as all of them are creative, fresh, and tasty. Here's a tip, although their sandwiches on the menu are great. Their greatest creations are pictured on poles near where you order. My favorites are the Swanson Sandwich of Greatness, the Goat Killer, and the Eggosaurus. They're a tad pricier, but they are bigger. My only complaints about CBA is it's annoying with the ordering system as you just step up to a sandwich maker and people who are waiting for their orders look like they're in line. But the employees do a good job letting customers know how it works. It does also take a little bit of time to cook the sandwiches, but they are super fresh and piping hot so it's worth the wait. Also, the size of the sandwiches are small for me. I always have to order two sandwiches. But the place is GLORIOUS food-wise! read more

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If you like mush, look no further. Everything is steamed in the worst way possible. I ordered a bagel with cream cheese and it was a pile of mush. The bagel fell apart and there was so much cream cheese I couldn't taste anything else. My husband tried a sandwich that fell apart as he was eating it. Needless to say we will not be back. read more

Stopped by at 7:30AM on a Thursday, was able to order right away and got the bacon egg and cheese on egg bagel. Was done in about 7-8 minutes. Employees were nice. Breakfast bagel was slightly smaller than average, and fine. Would say it is a convenient spot for a quick bite if you're nearby read more

CBA has good food when they get your order right. They can be hit or miss when you make additions or subtractions from one of their signature bagels. Also......the entire ordering process is backwards. The employees are stuck yelling out "I can take anyone's order" while the people at the cash register are stuck yelling "I can take anyone who hasn't paid yet". Why not just have signs or figure out a logical way for people to place their order, pay and wait for their food? Also, there was a hair in my bagel this morning. read more

So good!!! Absolutely love this place. Great Chicago little breakfast bagel joint! Quick and easy! Always fast service and DELISH.

Just an awful experience. Bagels are supermarket/airport quality. 7$ for a bagel w lox cream cheese. Wait for just a bagel (un-steamed bc wtf is that lol) was 20 min. Place is disgusting and there's no Wi-Fi. If it sounds like I'm exaggerating just come here and see for yourself. Lox spread was pretty good tho I liked how there was spinach in it. Such a terrible bagel place and I'm not even tryna be mean. The people are nice but this place is embarrassing. read more

Love this place! The people behind the counter are always so nice and helpful. Which is really helpful considering all the options they have at this place. There is a sandwich for everyone here. My breakfast go to is the Belmont. Love that they steam the sandwiches it takes little to no effort to devour these amazing sandwiches. Lunch is amazing as well live anything from the turkey menu read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Was so nice to have breakfast bagel sandwiches come out super hot! Great quick breakfast spot in walking distance from Wrigley field.

this place consistently cures my hangovers and always hits the spot it's always busy so i recommend placing orders ahead read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - a hand holding a sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It was fine. I ordered via UberEats for delivery which I understand the quality is not the same as pick up. My order kept getting pushed back and the bagel was soggy when I received it. So I ended up waiting 30-40 minutes for one soggy bagel. read more

I've since moved away, but this was always a solid option for something to eat, a thick and delicious bagel sandwich in foil. Coffee offerings were alright (sometimes it was a bit skunked), but coming here was really about these sandwiches. Sometimes service was confusing, I remember, especially when it got crowded (which it often did), and weirdly laid out seating was sometimes unwieldy to sit in, whether your particular table wobbled, or the napkin holder was weirdly stuffed/empty. Also, being in the heart of Lakeview, they sometimes got some weird/wild people hanging out there. But overall, this was a solid place. I had nothing against it. read more

Great breakfast bagels!!! Steamed bagel sandwiches at their finest and great people too!

Free Rice Krispie Treat with a check in on yelp! I'm a fan, especially with the location right next to the Belmont station. They are quick and convenient. The menu is quite extensive though the prices aren't shown (or at least I didn't see it when I was looking at the menu). It ended up being ~$14 for 1 specialty bagel, a blueberry with cream cheese, and a medium coffee, which is quite on the more expensive side for 2 bagels and a coffee. But service was friendly and welcoming. They also have a rewards program, every $ is worth a point and obtain 100 points, you get $10 back in credit. Also, for the initial signing up, you already get 25 points just for signing up! read more

I'm a NYC bagel snob so this review is a bit biased. The decor and vibes in here were so cool but I didn't have the best experience. Employees were a little abrasive when we didn't know where to order and yelled to order at the counter. The bagels were soft and chewy which I know is because of the difference in cooking them unlike boiled NYC bagels but I wasn't a fan. I did like the combo of bacon and cream cheese that I got on the bagel but otherwise I wasn't impressed. read more

They were closed for a too-long while. I understand though. The upstairs salon burned the building crispy and closed all the neighboring business all the way from the Train tracks to the Bank of America. The staff here is really great- and by that I mean dry, witty (I love this, observe their signage) and even held a benefit at a bar called "The roof is on fire" when the business closed for repair. The space is clean, open, bright and FAST. The coffee decent and the bagel sandwich options abound which can be nice when you miraculously have a few minutes for breakfast or lunch. read more

Ohhh Ma Bagel!!!! Not only was my Chicago Fire bagel on fire but everything about this place seemed to be flaming hot! (In the good sense). My bagel was soooo good! It was my first time going and I am 100% planning to come several more times! Love the concept, the system of order taking and the menu!!! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Chicago Fire Bagel - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We frequent the Belmont location almost every month. Today the food was cold, wrong peppers, not extras we asked for. All those workers and no wait but my sandwich and my friends were cold. Normally the sandwiches are so hot we burn our mouth. Today was not the move. Disappointed in this visit. read more

Delicious. I mean, dang. Super soft bagels loaded with toppings. For the amount of food, the price is decent and the options are endless! They get really busy with to-go orders so if you order at the counter be prepared to wait 15-20 min. read more

Great sandwiches, pickup available, and plenty of options for everyone - including veggie

Normally getting a bagel is an enjoyable experience but going here was not. The level of professionalism was lacking and I was hoping for the bagel to be at least halfway decent. No. To top it off the attitude and energy at this place is enough for me never to return. I don't like leaving bad reviews but when a place is this bad I feel compelled to tell the truth. read more

Thank you for coming to Belmont. That's really all I have to say...Ok, I guess I'm not done yet.... Bagels with ingredients more than just a cream cheese spread?--hell yea! An all day menu not only with lunch options but ALSO breakfast?! HELL YEA. CBA lays out their menu according to meat type and occasion (ie: turkey, roast beef, breakfast, etc.) Most of their lunch sandwiches are $6-$7.5. I'm not sure if they have a combo deal. Yes, it gets pricey, but you get more on your bagel than you would at Panera or Einstein. They have a lot of options so your friends won't have any excuse to say no...unless they're gluten free or something. In that case, go alone and don't turn back. Leave your friend behind, they're really missin out. womp womp. I haven't had the pleasure of enjoying a breakfast bagel yet, but I have had two turkey bagels. I've tried the Konrad on a bialy (delicious, I have a pic) and another turkey on a bagel with sprouts. I can't recall what it was, but it was fantastic. There was a Yelp deal for $5 for $10, so I got a $6.5 sandwich and a coffee for just under $10. BAM, lunch is served for $5. Sometimes, you'll get lucky enough where they hand you a B1G1 card. FREE99 Anytime I don't want to have a sitdown brunch, I'm definitely coming here. read more

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Great food, great staff... TERRIBLE online ordering system. Placed an order directly from their own website, and walked there with our newborn in a baby bjorn. Went to check in as soon as we go there, and they said it would be about ten minutes... 30 minutes later, and no sign of our food. The staff finally noticed us (after a half and hour pacing back and forth with a baby strapped to our chest), and asked for the name on the order. They went to check, and they said it would be another ten minutes, meaning they clearly lost our order. In the meantime, it started to pour rain, so they took an afternoon in which we could have made it there and back three times, and had to walk home with our baby in the rain. Again, great food, nice people working there, but PLEASE fix your online ordering system. read more

Very friendly staff and good service. Good atmosphere! And food and bagels. Try the Cookie Monster bagel very different but worth trying. Enormous menu of different bagels and good vibes along. read more

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The bagel was like wet mush. I can't believe this place is packed on weekends. I was so disappointed in my egg cheese and everything bagel, plus it was pretty expensive. Go to New York Bagel if you want a real bagel. read more

This isn't a regular bagel shop, it's a cool bagel shop! Lots of great sandwich options-I stopped in for breakfast and tried the Five-O with veggie cream cheese on an everything bagel. Talk about a beautiful Sunday morning f breakfast! Lots of bagel options! The staff is great, they'll help answer any questions you have. There is seating available in CBA or you can take your bagel to go! Check out their apparel too-it's pretty cute! read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Stopped by here waiting for my granddaughter to be dropped off. I had a while to look over their incredible menu of what seemed like a million different fabulous options for bagel sandwiches- I wish I would have came for lunch! Their corned beef options looked soooo delicious. Once she arrived we decided on the Miami- cinnamon sugar topped cream cheese on a STEAMED blueberry bagel, It was the best bagel I have had in life - my granddaughter agreed - so much so we had to order another one . Friendly, helpful, patient, & cheerful staff- we loved it read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - The Miami- cinnamon sugar topped cream cheese on a steamed blueberry bagel - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I live down the street and always see lines outside of CBA so wanted to give them a try! I ordered the everything bagel with egg and cheese - I must say that I was disappointed. The cheese tasted like velvetta and the bagel was soggy. Won't be returning. read more

Nice people. But steamed bagels have to be the worst idea in the history of Chicago cuisine. And there have been some bad ideas around here. I like the folks at CBA, I even like the kitschy environs. I like the smallish bagels. But steaming them is dopey. Get your order cut and uncooked. I'll go back and try that next time. Steaming every sandwich is a curse on this city! Get a toaster option CBA! read more

I always walk by on my way home from the train but I finally decided to stop in. My boyfriend wanted a sandwich that was a special of the month over a year ago and they were still able to make it and totally remember what was on it. The girl making my bagel was super friendly and didn't mind that I was picky and wanted to customize my whole bagel. Everything was really good although a bit heavy. I'd come back to try something else for sure. read more

Chicago Bagel Authority - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I was a skeptical about getting steamed bagel, but was pleasantly surprised at how great my bagel tasted! It was a little different, and weird; but once I got over my mizconceptions I was happy with my meal. Service was a little off, but I just chalked it up to the current pandemic being a main cause of concern and stress. After all, I was the lazy asshole who was hungover and didn't want to cook food myself, expecting others to serve me and my work from home self. 10/10 would eat here again. read more