Chicago Bagel Authority
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The Christmas lighting weekend / food adventour in Chicago continues. Chicago Bagel Authority (CBA) in Lakeview looked and sounded intriguing. This is your crazy uncle's bagel shop. They have turned a normal bagel shop into steamed, stuffed bagel sandwiches on steroids. The sandwiches have crazy names, interesting flavor combinations, over-stuffed and are not shy on ingredients. The menu is divided into numerous different meats, vegan options and breakfast selections. CBA's space is very tight with a robust take-out service. There are a few tables but CBA is more of an order, grab and go. We ordered the Belmont, a steamed bagel with smoked ham, maple sausage, chive cream cheese, jalapeno, egg, Gouda and pepper jack cheese. It was served hot, tasty and "over-stuffed" with ingredients. The orders here take time due to the volume they serve. One could order a different sandwich each day over 2 months and never have the same sandwich. Chicago Bagel Authority is killing the bagel sandwich market in the Lakeview area. Even though the wait is longer, the flavors and taste are well worth it. Smart patrons order on line and pick up their tasty treats. For a fully over-stuffed and tasty bagel sandwich, support a local provider and get to Chicago Bagel Authority.
The reviews almost stopped me from coming but I'm so glad I read them all only to realize it was just upset chicagoans who missed their next train. Right under the connection for the red, purple and brown line - these bagels come out STUFFED and fresh! Picking which sandwich to get felt impossible and I love that! Stop by for a tasty bite on the go during your next commute
I have mixed feelings about this place. I got the egg bagel which was a delicious doughy bagel, but the size really threw me off. It was much smaller than I expected. I ordered it with the lox deluxe spread which was too much dill for my liking. I would order from here again now that I know what to expect, but on first impressions I wasn't expecting the size. Like I said, the bagel itself was really good though so I was happy about that. This place is also poppin it was super busy inside and they were playing music and everything so it was a fun vibe.
their menu is crazy, I never know what to get. staff is always polite. Love the seating area on the other side of the restaurant. only reason I couldn't give it five stars is because everytime I go, the potions (even the bags of chips) have gotten smaller & smaller. Shrinkflation wins again. Still super bomb food and definitely go here
Food is amazing every time. This place has so many options for just bagels and sandwiches. The sandwiches here are top-tier. The taste is fresh and the flavors meld together well. The service is great. They are very helpful if you have any questions or need recommendations. The space has ample seating, so so it can accommodate a couple parties without feeling cramped. The lean Jean breakfast sandwich is really good and I suggest the western as well.
Meh....Not Sure What The Hype Is Around This Place. I Had The Belmont Bagel And It Was Okay Probably Wouldn't Order It Again. The Place Itself Is Disgusting. Most Of The Tables Were Dirty And Its Just A Grimey Looking Spot But Maybe Thats What They're Going For. The Service Was Fine A Bit Slow And They Ran Out Of Trays Supposedly. This Place Is Nothing To Write Home About.
Hadn't been here in years and forgot how good it was. I lived in the neighborhood for years when The Avalon, Tuts, Berlin, and Punkin' Donuts were around. All my old spots. The Bagel Authority kept the old school feel to the hood with its decor and offerings. Plenty of choices for a breakfast, lunch, or dinner bagel sammy. They're fresh and not skimpy on the cream cheese or toppings as it should be. There is a wait because the staff does it right in the preparation. They're not just slapping them together like too many places do. Here they do it right. It's a solid stop for anytime in of day. Because anytime day is the right time for a bagel.
I've finally made the decision to come out: I'm ANTI-CBA! I can't understand why you would steam a bagel versus toast it. I find that a bagel's natural chewy yet crunchy texture is lost when steamed. CBA has dope sandwich fillings and could truly be SO good if their schtick wasn't steamed... please just get a toaster lmao. The breakfast sandwiches I've tried have just been ok. The Western was fine flavor-wise... the Five-o was overly salty & the bacon texture was weird. The only thing I can think to recommend is the tuna salad- it's p yum!! I've come back again and again because one thing about me: I always want a bagel. And I'll probably come back again, knowing they're sub-par, but maybe I'll go for a non-bagel sandwich next time.
I first found Chicago Bagel Authority on Instagram and they've been on my list to try for a long time. I'm so excited to have finally gotten there! The store front has clear signage and is easy to see. There is paid street parking that isn't too difficult. When you first walk in, the menus are large on the wall to the left and you order at the register for a counter service style situation. There is plenty of seating. My experience with staff was neutral and they did the basics of a service job. The vibe is a little like a dive bar with all the lights on, which was cool. The menu is huge and there's something for everyone to love! I ordered The Goat Killer because it sounded so good! Once you order, you find seats and they call your name with your tray when it's ready. It took less than 10 minutes for our sandwiches to come out. We sat at a bar style seat in the window, which was great chicago city people watching. The sandwiches come out wrapped in foil and steaming hot! The bagels are soft and warm, and even though stacked high with sandwich ingredients, they're easy to eat. I love the steamed sandwich more than I expected! CBA was definitely worth experiencing and their huge menu will keep me coming back to try new things. Thank you, CBA!
Steamed bagels? Who would have thought that this is exactly what a bagel sandwich needs. They're just so juicy and filled with moisture. Especially as bagels are usually more dense, this works perfectly to be steamed. Amazing pick me up for the morning!
This place is super conveniently located near Illinois Masonic hospital. I stopped in with my mom while my dad was having a minor procedure performed, so that we could get some good, non-hospital, breakfast. My mom is a picky eater so going out with her can be difficult sometimes. Thankfully, this place has a great, all encompassing, menu (considering this is a bagel shop). We considered the vast options available to us for a few minutes and then decided to split a "Puck" bagel, with egg, Canadian bacon, and American cheese on an egg bagel. Mom is happy, and I'm not picky. The bagel came out quickly and they brought it to us at the table we selected. My mom absolutely enjoyed it as it was, and while it was good on its own, I was very grateful for the large selection of hot sauces that they have for you to choose. I topped my half of the bagel sandwich with tobasco and devoured it quickly. Now that I know this place is here, and so close to the brown line, I will most likely be on the lookout for more opportunities to stop here for a quick, delicious bite to eat.
Okay.... we ate here A LOT! We were in town for a week from Cincinnati. We stayed at City Suites Hotel, which is pretty much right next door. After a few breakfasts at local restaurants, we made a habit of starting our day at Chicago Bagel Authority. I'm not sure, but I'd say we ate here probably five days in a row. We would study the menu before we arrived so we could order like a boss! Staff was always super helpful and quick to turnaround our order. That said, we did try to time it after what we assumed was a morning rush. We loved the guy standing there with the 'wait time' sign around his neck. So much fun.. and informative, too! The place has a great vibe. We loved the art, both photos and paintings on the wall. We always ate in the restaurant and were there long enough for a coffee refill... we are SO smart! LOL I'll be posting pics of the amazing bagels, but I may be hard pressed to remember the name if each. I will say I had a plain(ish) option and well... it was plain. On the other extreme, I ordered rather fancy options that were messy as hell. Overall, we were 95% never disappointed! Regarding the pics I'll be posting, I apologize. I am not a fan of pictures that don't detail what's in the pic, but I'm not sure I'll remember exactly what bagel is in each of the pictures.
I was starving this day and i'm so glad I bought this! It hit THE SPOT! I bought The Belmont but changed some things and the worker was very sweet and accommodating! I switched the pepper jack cheese to smoked cheddar and the ham for bacon and I swear I'll eat it like this FOREVER! It was hot and flavorful! Words can't even describe the way I felt when I took the first bite. The Chicago Bagel Authority just gained a new customer! read more
5 months ago
The Christmas lighting weekend / food adventour in Chicago continues. Chicago Bagel Authority (CBA) in Lakeview looked and sounded intriguing. This is your crazy uncle's bagel shop. They have turned a normal bagel shop into steamed, stuffed bagel sandwiches on steroids. The sandwiches have crazy names, interesting flavor combinations, over-stuffed and are not shy on ingredients. The menu is divided into numerous different meats, vegan options and breakfast selections. CBA's space is very tight with a robust take-out service. There are a few tables but CBA is more of an order, grab and go. We ordered the Belmont, a steamed bagel with smoked ham, maple sausage, chive cream cheese, jalapeno, egg, Gouda and pepper jack cheese. It was served hot, tasty and "over-stuffed" with ingredients. The orders here take time due to the volume they serve. One could order a different sandwich each day over 2 months and never have the same sandwich. Chicago Bagel Authority is killing the bagel sandwich market in the Lakeview area. Even though the wait is longer, the flavors and taste are well worth it. Smart patrons order on line and pick up their tasty treats. For a fully over-stuffed and tasty bagel sandwich, support a local provider and get to Chicago Bagel Authority. read more
The reviews almost stopped me from coming but I'm so glad I read them all only to realize it was just upset chicagoans who missed their next train. Right under the connection for the red, purple and brown line - these bagels come out STUFFED and fresh! Picking which sandwich to get felt impossible and I love that! Stop by for a tasty bite on the go during your next commute read more
10 months ago
I have mixed feelings about this place. I got the egg bagel which was a delicious doughy bagel, but the size really threw me off. It was much smaller than I expected. I ordered it with the lox deluxe spread which was too much dill for my liking. I would order from here again now that I know what to expect, but on first impressions I wasn't expecting the size. Like I said, the bagel itself was really good though so I was happy about that. This place is also poppin it was super busy inside and they were playing music and everything so it was a fun vibe. read more
11 months ago
their menu is crazy, I never know what to get. staff is always polite. Love the seating area on the other side of the restaurant. only reason I couldn't give it five stars is because everytime I go, the potions (even the bags of chips) have gotten smaller & smaller. Shrinkflation wins again. Still super bomb food and definitely go here read more
1 year ago
Food is amazing every time. This place has so many options for just bagels and sandwiches. The sandwiches here are top-tier. The taste is fresh and the flavors meld together well. The service is great. They are very helpful if you have any questions or need recommendations. The space has ample seating, so so it can accommodate a couple parties without feeling cramped. The lean Jean breakfast sandwich is really good and I suggest the western as well. read more
Meh....Not Sure What The Hype Is Around This Place. I Had The Belmont Bagel And It Was Okay Probably Wouldn't Order It Again. The Place Itself Is Disgusting. Most Of The Tables Were Dirty And Its Just A Grimey Looking Spot But Maybe Thats What They're Going For. The Service Was Fine A Bit Slow And They Ran Out Of Trays Supposedly. This Place Is Nothing To Write Home About. read more
1 month ago
2 years ago
Hadn't been here in years and forgot how good it was. I lived in the neighborhood for years when The Avalon, Tuts, Berlin, and Punkin' Donuts were around. All my old spots. The Bagel Authority kept the old school feel to the hood with its decor and offerings. Plenty of choices for a breakfast, lunch, or dinner bagel sammy. They're fresh and not skimpy on the cream cheese or toppings as it should be. There is a wait because the staff does it right in the preparation. They're not just slapping them together like too many places do. Here they do it right. It's a solid stop for anytime in of day. Because anytime day is the right time for a bagel. read more
I've finally made the decision to come out: I'm ANTI-CBA! I can't understand why you would steam a bagel versus toast it. I find that a bagel's natural chewy yet crunchy texture is lost when steamed. CBA has dope sandwich fillings and could truly be SO good if their schtick wasn't steamed... please just get a toaster lmao. The breakfast sandwiches I've tried have just been ok. The Western was fine flavor-wise... the Five-o was overly salty & the bacon texture was weird. The only thing I can think to recommend is the tuna salad- it's p yum!! I've come back again and again because one thing about me: I always want a bagel. And I'll probably come back again, knowing they're sub-par, but maybe I'll go for a non-bagel sandwich next time. read more
I first found Chicago Bagel Authority on Instagram and they've been on my list to try for a long time. I'm so excited to have finally gotten there! The store front has clear signage and is easy to see. There is paid street parking that isn't too difficult. When you first walk in, the menus are large on the wall to the left and you order at the register for a counter service style situation. There is plenty of seating. My experience with staff was neutral and they did the basics of a service job. The vibe is a little like a dive bar with all the lights on, which was cool. The menu is huge and there's something for everyone to love! I ordered The Goat Killer because it sounded so good! Once you order, you find seats and they call your name with your tray when it's ready. It took less than 10 minutes for our sandwiches to come out. We sat at a bar style seat in the window, which was great chicago city people watching. The sandwiches come out wrapped in foil and steaming hot! The bagels are soft and warm, and even though stacked high with sandwich ingredients, they're easy to eat. I love the steamed sandwich more than I expected! CBA was definitely worth experiencing and their huge menu will keep me coming back to try new things. Thank you, CBA! read more
7 months ago
Have loved the green bagel from CBA each year I've had them. Need to try their normal menu sometime read more
3 months ago
Steamed bagels? Who would have thought that this is exactly what a bagel sandwich needs. They're just so juicy and filled with moisture. Especially as bagels are usually more dense, this works perfectly to be steamed. Amazing pick me up for the morning! read more
This place is super conveniently located near Illinois Masonic hospital. I stopped in with my mom while my dad was having a minor procedure performed, so that we could get some good, non-hospital, breakfast. My mom is a picky eater so going out with her can be difficult sometimes. Thankfully, this place has a great, all encompassing, menu (considering this is a bagel shop). We considered the vast options available to us for a few minutes and then decided to split a "Puck" bagel, with egg, Canadian bacon, and American cheese on an egg bagel. Mom is happy, and I'm not picky. The bagel came out quickly and they brought it to us at the table we selected. My mom absolutely enjoyed it as it was, and while it was good on its own, I was very grateful for the large selection of hot sauces that they have for you to choose. I topped my half of the bagel sandwich with tobasco and devoured it quickly. Now that I know this place is here, and so close to the brown line, I will most likely be on the lookout for more opportunities to stop here for a quick, delicious bite to eat. read more
10 months ago
Okay.... we ate here A LOT! We were in town for a week from Cincinnati. We stayed at City Suites Hotel, which is pretty much right next door. After a few breakfasts at local restaurants, we made a habit of starting our day at Chicago Bagel Authority. I'm not sure, but I'd say we ate here probably five days in a row. We would study the menu before we arrived so we could order like a boss! Staff was always super helpful and quick to turnaround our order. That said, we did try to time it after what we assumed was a morning rush. We loved the guy standing there with the 'wait time' sign around his neck. So much fun.. and informative, too! The place has a great vibe. We loved the art, both photos and paintings on the wall. We always ate in the restaurant and were there long enough for a coffee refill... we are SO smart! LOL I'll be posting pics of the amazing bagels, but I may be hard pressed to remember the name if each. I will say I had a plain(ish) option and well... it was plain. On the other extreme, I ordered rather fancy options that were messy as hell. Overall, we were 95% never disappointed! Regarding the pics I'll be posting, I apologize. I am not a fan of pictures that don't detail what's in the pic, but I'm not sure I'll remember exactly what bagel is in each of the pictures. read more
10 months ago
Cute bagel shop with a big menu of lots of options. I got a bacon, egg, & chive cream cheese bagel and it was good. I prefer a bagel with a crunch, but these bagels are very soft and doughy. They unfortunately didn't get my order right, I asked for an everything bagel, but I received a plain bagel. Service was good, the estimated wait time sign is great. read more
We went to CBA! The vibe was really cute and the menu was huge. Somehow the soup was my favorite part of this place lol. The bagels were very soft all the way thru so it didn't feel like the authentic bagel but still really good bagel place. It's right under the red line so very convenient read more
2 years ago
This place has plenty of options, it was hard to choose just one. I ended up going with Eternal Sunshine ($12), a lox bagel. I didn't pay much attention to the sign details outside so I was unaware that this place served steamed bagels. The bagel was very soft and chewy, much more like sandwich bread than your typical boiled/toasted bagel. As for the contents, it was nicely stuffed and the lox cream cheese was satisfactory. My friend and I went around 4 so the service was fast and there was plenty of seating available. The worker was also very kind and answered our questions. Overall, it was good to try but I would go elsewhere for a more classic bagel texture. read more
8 months ago
2 years ago
I'll be honest, I was super skeptical of a steamed bagel. It gave me soggy airport bagel vibes, but I'm happy to report I was pleasantly surprised!! We tried everything with chive cream cheese and egg, cheese, and bacon on an egg bagel. I had never had an egg bagel before, but it was mild and I enjoyed it! They also didn't skimp on the toppings which is always appreciate. The steaming also didn't make the bagel soggy, but it was nice, warm, and soft. The only drawback was the cream cheese gets super melted. Online ordering was also a breeze. The menu is easy to navigate, and the food was hot and ready on time! read more
4 years ago
The wait here can get crazy so plan ahead, go on off hours, or order ahead!! This was my first steamed bagel and it did not disappoint. The texture is perfect for a sandwich and doesn't cause all of your toppings to slide out. There are so many options. Breakfast. Lunch. Bagels for every hour of the day. Lots of veggie friendly options as well. The staff was so friendly and the atmosphere was super fun. Lots of goofy art and pictures on the walls. Not a ton of seating so don't bank on eating there. read more
Think bagel sandwiches are boring? Think again. Chicago Bagel Authority is a bagel shop that specializes in really creative, some completely over-the-top, bagel sandwiches. Not only do they serve all-day breakfast sandwiches, with offerings ranging to the simple Sam's Sunrise (scrambled egg, American cheese) to the extravagant Eggosaurus (bacon, roast beef, scrambled egg, swiss, American, avocado, onions & spicy chipotle mayo), but they also have "Steamwiches," of which they have dozens of options, and are continually coming up with more. I usually order and pay online, so I can pick up the sandwich in the store. I've only ever known this place since COVID started, but there's a room in the back that's organized by last name, and you find your sandwich in a brown paper bag with your name on it and carry it out. It's a system that seems to work well. My personal favorite is the Belmont--maple sausage, smoked ham, chive cream cheese, jalapeños, scrambled egg, pepperjack & gouda on an everything bagel. You can see the photo I've attached, which I think is pretty representative of the experience. I don't remember much of it... just waking up with a bagel wrapper on me and being surrounded by a halo of crumbs... read more
11 months ago
2 years ago
SOOOO GOOD! I love chewy bagels (which I know many are not a fan of). They steam their bagels! Honestly I had no idea they did this and probably sounded so stupid asking for any bagel toasted haha, but I only realized they steamed their bagels when I started eating and looking up CBA on Yelp. Seriously a happy accident coming here to satisfy my bagel craving. I got a Lox Cream Cheese Bagel ($5.50) and it was amazing. The pictures I added don't look very appetizing but wow. So good. Chunks of lox and super creamy cream cheese! Literally writing this review makes me want to go get another. Also ordered a garlic bagel with chive cream cheese ($4.00). Deducting a star for them not cutting our bagels in half which made the bagels so messy to eat. Also the foil the bagels were wrapped in were super flimsy and also made eating our bagels to go super messy. But they did give plenty of napkins. Wish we would have eaten inside since they have a ton of seating. Cool decorations and funny notes in the bathrooms haha. Can't wait to come back! read more
2 years ago
Authority of what? Soggy bagels?? I enjoyed the ice coffee and talked about Thailand with my friend. read more
There are few things I love more than a bagel and even fewer that I love more than a good bagel sandwich!! If you're unsure of what to eat, CBA hits the spot - their extensive (somewhat overwhelming) menu ensures you'll find something suitable to your mood at any given point of the day. I'd recommend looking ahead if you tend to be indecisive like me. I ended up ordering the Honey Badger and appreciated that it was both sweet and salty. And spicy! I wish it wasn't so wet since the bagel got a little soggy when I had my leftovers later in the day but overall great flavor profile and texture combos. I also ordered a latte with whole milk (don't judge me) that I'm still thinking about days later. Maybe it was the whole milk that made it so good..definitely plan to be back and try more things on the menu here! read more
2 years ago
CBA is one of my favorite places to go in the city for sandwiches. Their steamed sandwiches are delicious! They quite literally have dozens and dozens of options, including a robust vegetarian menu. The decor is super unique and entertaining. It can get pretty crowded during midday, so if you are in a rush/don't want to wait for a table I would suggest ordering takeout ahead of time. Highly recommend! read more
1 year ago
The first time I ordered during Covid I was not prepared for ordering ahead and ended up waiting outside for at least 10 min. Luckily it was summer then. This time I was more prepared and ordered before leaving work! Less wait time and they made the pick-up process easy. All the orders are set up on tables organized by last name. You come in, grab your bag, and exit through another door. I went with the Eggosaurus and it was so good! I love their roast beef options. I had to wait until I got home to eat it but it was worth it and still hot despite hopping on and off the train and walking in the cold. Til next time, CBA! read more
If you attended Miami University or ever lived in or visited Oxford Ohio & enjoyed "Bagel & Deli" with the steam pressed bagel sandwiches, you MUST get to Chicago Bagel Authority. I stumbled by it on the way back from a Cubs game & knew immediately I had to have dinner there. My funny-named ("Covfefe") bagel sandwich wrapped in foil just as it should be (!) was delicious with a coke & a bag of Maui onion chips. The cherry on top was a trip down memory lane, reviewing the photo book of Houses of Miami! It's a must try for something different....or something nostalgic & familiar! Well done, fellow Miami Alums! #LoveAndHonor. Thank you! read more
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More info about Chicago Bagel Authority
955 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
Lakeview
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(773) 549-1982
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http://www.eatcba.com/
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