After the crowds with the opening died down I came a few times to get bagels when I was in the area. I'd say these are good, crisp on the outside and soft and warm inside and the cream cheese and great! No complaints here. I love the bags from this shop they are sturdy and can withstand toting around lots of bagels. Definitely priced at a premium but I think it's worth it. Certainly the best everything bagel we've tried in Chicago. read more

PopUp Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

"Rip and dip" style bagels and rotating butters and cream cheeses. Sweet and savory options. Minimum 3 bagel purchase. The line moves pretty fast. Small storefront, more of a takeout place. Jalapeño popper schmear: 10/10 Brown sugar cinnamon butter: 7/10 read more

PopUp Bagels - Inside - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Unfortunately, the long lines are worth the hype - these truly are the best bagels in the city. I had tried these in NYC previously so I was super excited for them to come to Chicago, and they did not disappoint! The bagels are just perfect, and their schmears are to die for. Really wish the giardenara schmear wasn't just an opening special because it was INSANE!!! The storefront is small, but very clean and set up to operate quickly for the crowds that come. So happy this has found a permanent home in Chicago! read more

PopUp Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've had fresh bagels, but not fresh hot bagels. This place lives up to the hype. The bagels are slightly smaller than your typical bagels but I think they're the perfect single serve size. I came on a Saturday morning and there was of course a line but it did move very quickly. The smear tubs are huge. This would be a great place to cater a breakfast. The only downside is practically no seating inside. read more

PopUp Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Awesome bagels! Simple menu but well done. Came on a Monday at 7am and although there was no line the music was wayyyy too loud for this time of day. Salt bagel and scallion cream cheese were delicious! Definitely would get this again. The smallest you can order is 3 bagels and a cream cheese so good to split! There is no seating inside but some tables nearby at Lincoln common outside. read more

PopUp Bagels - Salt bagel and scallion cream cheese - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Arrived at 8:10 AM on a Sunday - the third morning after opening - and was pleasantly surprised that the line was very manageable and moved quickly. By 8:35, I was already inside, with just a short line in the store (I had prepared to wait another 20 mins). Huge credit to the team - the full staffing, strong teamwork, and simple menu made everything run super efficiently. The staff were incredibly friendly and high-energy, which honestly made the whole experience even better. I ordered 6 bagels, plus two Schmers (scallion and raspberry). The bagels were warm, fresh, and perfectly chewy - very filling on their own, but even better with the spreads. Highly recommend the sesame which literally has a sesame crust around the whole bagel (still tasted good after re-toasted). The scallion was great, and while the raspberry butter tasted delicious, it was quite firm and a bit difficult to scoop. If you prefer something smoother, the regular spreads are definitely easier to work with. Overall, I'd still recommend it. I know some people say it's all hype or influencer-driven, but we're in a marketing era - there's usually a reason why so people are willing to show up and wait. read more

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My friend and I were in LP and just strolling around when we came across Pop Up Bagels. We had been meaning to try it for a while, but always heard about the long lines, so we thought we'd go on a weekday instead. Luckily, when we passed by around 3:15 PM, the queue was actually pretty small--definitely a good time to go if you want to avoid a long wait. The bagels come in packs of 3, 6, or 12, so go with an appetite! We got the pack of 3 and tried the plain, poppy seed, and everything bagel with scallion cream cheese. My favorite was the everything bagel--it was really good. We were hoping to try their cream cheese of the week (chili scallion), but they were unfortunately sold out. They do have a few tables, but it's a bit hard to get a spot. Overall, definitely a must-try if you're in the area! read more

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Popped in on a Tuesday morning around 830 am, short line which moved fairly quickly. I waited about 10-15 min. So sad they were out of the cake batter cream cheese so I couldn't give it a try. The scallion cream cheese tho was AMAZING. I have scallion breathe but so worth it $15 for 3 bagels & a spread, good deal! read more

PopUp Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I am SO happy a popUp arrived in Chicago! It just feels perfect in Lincoln park too! I went at 7:40 on a Thursday only a 5 minute wait to the register! The wait for my bagels was about 20 minutes- I think this will get a lot quicker as they become more established. Omg the bagels. I seriously am obsessed. They are just perfect, warm and easy to tear. So much flavor. The scallion cream cheese is hands down my favorite. It has so much flavor and such a good texture. I love popUp so much, I can't wait to try all the flavors that come out! read more

PopUp Bagels - Everything bagels Vanilla berry butter - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Go on the weekdays right when they open at 7 or order ahead online and do pickup for no wait. Got there around 7:10, and waited a total of 20 mins (they just refired their everything bagels so it took longer than normal). You buy in multiples - 3, 6, or a dozen. Their schemers are tasty too. If you never had this type of bagel, just know it's not your typical cut in half horizontal bagel. They're easy to tear and the insides are nice and chewy. Very friendly staff, inside there is one tall table and the rest is standing room. A better layout than the soho one. So glad they're in Chicago! read more

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Long awaited arrival of the NYC spot! Service is super friendly and quick, since you're only waiting for the bagel and schmears. Definitely suggest eating the bagels while they're still hot to get the best texture. The bagel itself has been my favorite in Chicago. For the spread, I prefer the cream cheese (truffle hot sauce was so flavorful) over the butter. Will be back to try out more seasonal flavors! read more

PopUp Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really good bagels. I believe this was the day after the grand opening so still a very long line. Top tip is to grab a coffee from next door before you wait. They do make you order three bagels and the specialty schmears or butters are $8 a pop. We tried: - salt, poppy, & sesame - scallion schmear, fruit butter, & we ordered the cake batter butter but they gave us regular schmear. I'd give it 4 stars if they gave us the right butter/schmear, just check the bag before you leave. read more

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Came on grand opening day. The vibes were insane! They had a DJ inside and it literally felt like a bagel party. Service was amazing too, super organized for a grand opening. Someone explained how everything worked and even asked if it was my first time. The bagels were good fresh and warm. Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. The perfect bagel texture! The salt bagel was my favorite. The schmears were a highlight too, both were whipped and super flavorful. The scallion schmear and Portillo's schmear were both sooo good, and the Portillo's one was surprisingly a hit (only today for opening). Overall a really fun first visit. read more

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I seriously doubted that this place was worth the hype or the long lines. Boy, was I wrong! The hot freshly made bagels are with the wait alone -the right ratio of crunchiness on the outside and yummy chewiness on the inside. The Cacio e Pepe schmear literally melted on the bagel and in our mouths. These bagels and schmears are what cravings are made of. Dang! Just when I thought I've sworn off carbs. No way with this place in walking distance in the neighborhood. The line goes fast. read more

PopUp Bagels - Plain bagel with Cacio e Pepe schmear literally melted - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Dammit. These are really good. I wish you could buy just one bagel though. I had to buy three and then it was mid day and they threw in 2 extra for free. Ten minutes later I had eaten 3 bagels and an entire tub of cream cheese. I fell in to massive food coma and didn't get any more work done for the day. So damn good. read more

I'm typically a person that doesn't wait in line but glad I had the patience for Pop Up Bagels. This place is well worth the hype as the bagels and schmears were excellent. I decided to go early on a Sunday (7:30am) and there was already a line. No matter, it moved decently quick and they have a well organized flow, even if it is a little crowded. We got a half dozen bagels and they were warm, fresh and certainly delicious. The schmears was just as tasty - we got the truffle butter and scallion cream cheese. While a little pricy, in my mind well worth the price for super fresh and warm bagels. Will be back! read more

This is the first bagel spot that I have gone to that does not sell single bagels which was already not a good sign. I got 3 everything bagels and they were okay. I was surprised because they were pretty small considering they were about $5 per bagel and cream cheese was sold separately. The everything bagel was filled with poppy and sesame seeds with limited garlic/onion and no salt on the bagel which makes it not "everything". I also got the scallion cream cheese and there was limited to no scallion flavor. It just made it seem like the scallions were just a garnish. It seems like it definitely was not worth the hype and I am glad I did not have to wait in line for it. read more

I have tried pop up bagels in New York and was excited to hear that they opened up in Chicago. We were so lucky to find a small line at pop up! We swung by on a weekend right before they closed. The line moved very fast. They have a 3 bagels minimum policy so we got the sesame, everything and poppy bagel. They were out of the spicy scallion schmear so we got the scallion schmear instead. The order came through fast. There are very few seating options so it's more of a grab and go place. The bagels were soooo tasty and tastier great 2 days later too. The schmear was creamy and delicious. I will be back! read more

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The concept is hot steaming fresh bagels you tear and dip into a variety of schemers with rotating flavors . Went to the official opening day in Chicago in the Lincoln Park / DePaul neighborhood. Showed up at 5:30 am ( they open at 7) and was about 25th person in line . Why you might ask ? I did it for my 13 year old and her friends who were beyond excited about this grand opening. I'm calling it my cabbage patch kid parenting moment ( in 1983 my dad waited overnight at some random Kmart for the chance to purchase that doll and this experience came close) . Snagged some free swag . Service is so friendly and the bagels are A plus . Welcome to Chicago pop up bagels - you'll do well here and I'm sure this will be the first of many visits. read more

PopUp Bagels - Happy customers . Early bird gets the worm ( or free hat in this case ) - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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There was a long line and we waited 20 min on line and then where are the bagels to go. Most of this business is to go because there isn't really much to sit on except for maybe one or two tables indoors. We got the bagels. It's $15 for three bagels plus one cream cheese tub. There's a simple list of bagels, which makes it easier for us to order and also a simple list of cream cheese flavors. There was plenty of cream cheese in the tub and some cream cheese left over a little bit after eating all three bagels at once. The bagels came out literally piping hot and it was amazing. They tasted great hot. I still love New York City bagels because most of them have that chewy interior and the interior of these bagels are more like fluffy bread. But it tasted still really good and the outside skin was nice and crispy and so many condiments on the everything bagel as well as a sesame bagel. The bagel is overall really delicious. read more

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Due to all the social media, I assumed this was going to be pretty overhyped. I could not have been more wrong. I stopped by on a Friday morning and although the line was long, it moved quickly. While we were waiting, an employee was handing people free Hot Dill Pickle Butter! Not something I would have purchased on my own but gladly accepted. When it was my turn to order, the cashier was very friendly, and my order was ready promptly. Although there are two tables in this space, I would recommend eating them elsewhere as it's pretty tight inside. I tried the sesame seed bagel with the cacio e pepe butter and wow. That was incredible. The bagel was warm and fluffy and tore super easily. The butter was just soft enough where it held onto the bagel seamlessly, creating a masterpiece. The most shocking part- the butter actually tasted like cacio e pepe. They nailed the cheese to pepper ratio. I also found an extra bagel in my bag! Not sure if this was an accident or not, but was greatly appreciated. Truly not enough great things to say, highly recommend stopping by! read more

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I did not expect these to be as good as they were! I went on a weekday afternoon and there was no line. They make you get a minimum 3 bagels + schmear and yes it is expensive. They included an extra bagel in mine but I think that's their business model - like 5 guys fries. I got the sesame, everything, and poppy. They were all really good. The scallion schmear was also great. I wish it wasn't so expensive! The bagels were so fresh and soft and chewy. Just perfect. I would definitely come here again. read more

Best bagel I've ever had! After many friends recommended that this is a must-try, then... well... you must try it. The line on a Saturday morning 9am moved so fast, we only waited like 5 minutes and another 2 minutes to get our bagels. For a couple, the 3-bagel and 1-schmear combo is a perfect amount to share. Got the sesame, everything, and salt bagels, all 10/10 and served so hot we had to wait to eat them for a minute. Loveddd the Grillo's hot pickle butter. The super kind employee gave us a bonus one. I wanna try the cacio e pepe next time! read more

This will be the 3rd time I've had pop up bagels and the service is exceptional at each location. Plus the salt bagels are the bomb!

Not worth the hype. Staff was rude. Went right at 7am and they were out of the specialty flavor (how is that even possible). And the bagels were not anything special. Very confused on why there is always a line there. Also what is with having to get three bagels minimum. The whole thing is stupid. read more

food: the bagels are really nice and good reheated. they are more filling than usual bagels and have much more chew. the cream cheese and butter spread were worth the buy service: nice staff but when i went it was so busy. i had to ask and remind them of my order even though I was on time ambiance: got to go read more

My friends and I stopped by a few weeks ago at around 11AM and luckily only had to wait about 10-15 minutes to order. They don't allow you to buy single bagels so we got two packs of 3 including some everything bagels and salt bagels. I really enjoyed the salt bagel with the spicy scallion and regular scallion schmears. It's a bit pricey for the smaller size of the bagels, but I think it's worth a try! read more

When I walked by pop up bagels I thought to myself "just another overhyped instagram place". I thought I would never ever wait three hours for a bagel. I am walking down Lincoln avenue on a Saturday at 2PM. No line!? I thought to myself I just had to see what all the hype was. As I walk in the fresh smell of bagels rushes to my nose. I ask the worker their favorite options and she was helpful and was nice. Took my order and my name was called out in less than 10 seconds. The workers seemed so happy and it felt like a club in there. They even threw in some extra bagels and a free extra spread :) Now the part that matters. Was it good? Uh yeah! Coming from a very east coast family I grew up eating New York bagels but this is that with a twist. Grip, rip and dip. Every bagel I tried was noteworthy. My favorite which was surprisingly the salt. The steaming hot salty bagel was absolutely delicious. What I learned today was sometimes instagram places are actually good. read more

PopUp Bagels - My bagels!!! - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Friendly and welcoming staff! The line moved fairly quickly. Start with an order of three bagels and you can add more - highly recommend the salt bagel and the everything bagel! Had to try the vanilla berry butter, and it did not disappoint. Check their social media for updates on schmears and collabs! Grab a coffee next door and rip, grip, and dip baby! read more

Been 2X now. . Very unique type of bagel --they come to you HOT out of the bagel bath. you need about 30 min to an hour before you can eat them. I actually think they are great and a fun novelty. The pricing is whack though - its 3 bagels + one schmear for $15. if you don't eat schmear, they give you 5-6 bagels instead so it turns out to be $2.65 per bagel. The pricing structure needs to be dismantled for individual consumption. definitely a novelty visit. Lines have died down since it opened read more

As an e -NYer (20 years), who's lived in Chicago for 40+ years, these are the best bagels in Chicagoland! The one major caveat is that you need to pre-order before you go or order for delivery. The wait can be very long ordering at the store. However, know any review complaining about the taste of the bagels themselves just does not have any taste in bagels. For those who whine that there are no "egg bagels," eggs are not used to make a real bagel. read more

Huge staff, most of them standing around while customers wait in line for 30 minutes for a mediocre bagel. Half of the building is filled with delivery drivers complaining they can't get their order. Don't fall for the hype, people. Avoid this catastrophe. read more

Worth the hype--super yummy bagels and cream cheese! I wouldn't want to wait in a long line (go before it gets busy), but it was absolutely worth the visit and I know I'll be back read more

PopUp Bagels - Sesame bagel - Bagels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's just really not cool for them to not have gluten free bagels! Pretty much every other bagel shop in Chicago has a gf option. Bummer!

Bagels were excellent. Went early to avoid crowds on a Saturday. Glad to see they're in Chicago.

Fresh bagels, perfectly toasted, loaded with flavor, and honestly worth craving the next day

While the bagels are delicious, I won't be back. I ordered ahead for a 10:00 pick up. I got there at 10:15 and they started to pack the order. I didn't realize it wasn't going to be ready waiting for me, but that's fine, I figured it wouldn't be long. I understand they were fulfilling the counter orders as well, but when I saw people that arrived after me for a 10:30 pickup time were showing up and getting their bagels before me, I started to get a little annoyed. Finally, at 10:50 I asked when my order would be ready and they said they were waiting for everything bagels (which they had just gone through a tray of fulfilling other people's orders!). I asked them to cancel my order, because at this point I had waited for 35 minutes and I needed to leave. They offered to fulfill my order with plain, which was nice, but at $50 a dozen, I wanted what I ordered. They did refund me in the end. My recommendation if you have a pickup order, check-in with the staff multiple times if you are waiting a long time so your order gets prioritized. And be warned it might be a long wait. read more

staff here so goated may they prosper and be blessed hallelujah and this cream cheese so good oml