By Melanie King By Melanie King | March 18, 2024 | Food & Drink, Guides,
A good bagel can be hard to find, so we've rounded up the best places in Chicago to grab an on-the-go breakfast. Whether you like a traditional bagel with cream cheese or are looking for something out-of-the-box, these top spots are sure to impress.
4655 N. Lincoln Ave., 125 S. Clark St. / Website
Home to delicious kettle-boiled bagels, Bagel Miller has a wide variety of options, from the BEC (bacon, egg and cheese) to the K.I.S.S. (tomato, caper, cucumber, onion, plain cream cheese or avocado). With two locations in Lincoln Square and Revival Food Hall in the Loop, this spot has it all. Bagel Miller has a strong mission for community activism and participates in supply drives and more—you can even purchase a $4 "Meal for a Migrant" to provide migrants sheltering at Chicago police departments.
1931 W. North Ave. / Website
Located in Wicker Park, Brobagel is no stranger to the art of making a perfect bagel. Since 1983, the Jacobs brothers have been crafting melt-in-your-mouth bagel sandwiches and spreads. Choose a traditional schmear or look to their seasonal option, or grab one of their sandwiches like the Atomic Bagel Sandwich (scrambled eggs, hot Doug's atomic sausage, and pepperjack cheese). There's also a vegan whipped tofu spread and a vegan tofu scramble bagel (scrambled spiced tofu, sauteed mushrooms, onions, and spinach) if you're looking for something different. Pro tip: Get there early to beat the line!
953 W. Armitage Ave., 955 W. Belmont Ave. / Website
Home to one of the largest breakfast sandwich menus in the city, Chicago Bagel Authority in Lincoln Park and Lakeview East proves it can stand up against the competition. With over 100 combinations, CBA steamwiches are comprised of a large variety of schmears, meats, jellies and more. Some popular menu items include the Puck (Canadian bacon, scrambled egg and American cheese on an egg bagel) and the Eggosaurus (bacon, roast beef, scrambled egg, swiss and American cheese, avocado, onions and spicy chipotle mayo on bialy). The sandwiches are massive, so make sure to come hungry.
1001 W. North Ave., 515 N. Dearborn St. / Website
Previously featured on CNBC's The Profit, Corey's brings the heat to its two downtown Chicago locations. From traditional bagels, breakfast "sandos," and their iconic bagel chips, Corey's is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. Try the spicy buffalo chicken sandwich or the London Port roast beef sandwich if you need a protein pick-me-up or the low-fat veggie tuna salad sandwich for something a bit lighter.
Multiple locations / Website
Started in 2006 by a New Yorker, Gotham brings delicious New York-style bagels to four Chicago neighborhoods. Bagels range from plain, everything, sesame, poppy, honey whole wheat, cinnamon raisin, asiago and more, and there are just as many cream cheese options, with plain, scallion, smoked salmon, strawberry, veggie and vegan options. You can't go wrong with any of their sandwiches, but the OMFG sandwich (fried egg, aged cheddar, Nashville fried chicken, bacon, and spicy aioli) is a standout.
Multiple locations / Website
In a small alleyway on Jackson Avenue, one of the best bagels in Chicago waits. The bestselling Smooth Criminal sandwich (goat cheese, fig jam, bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, fried egg and spicy sriracha) is a must-try, as well as the more traditional Manhattan (sausage, bacon, egg, cheddar cheese and cream cheese). If you can't make it downtown, check out the Lakeview East location with all the same menu options in a quieter setting.
2607 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
Widely known for its wood-fired pizzas, this Logan Square restaurant is also home to some of the best bagels on the west side of Chicago. With all vegan bagels (besides cheese), the eatery has a plethora of schmears and sandwich options to choose from. If you have an appetite, try the Cowboy Killer (maple fennel sausage, fried egg, bacon, American bechamel and rajas) or the Hook (togarashi lox, cucumber, avocado, artichoke cream cheese, and red onion).
1309 W. Wilson Ave. / Website
One of the first vegan Jewish delis, Sam and Gertie's is a traditional delicatessen featuring mostly Ashkenazic dishes. Located in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, the deli stays close to its owner's roots, drawing inspiration from eastern Europe, New York and Detroit. Order the Shalom (egg, cheddar and cream cheese) or the Baykin (egg, cheddar, smoked bacon and cream cheese) for a classic breakfast sandwich that's anything but ordinary.
3556 1/2 Dempster St., Skokie; 4714 W. Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood / Website
This beloved spot, with a bakery in Skokie and a bakery/deli in Lincolnwood, is well worth the hype (the lines can be long, but you'll be glad you waited). The fresh New York-style bagels—which some say are the best in Chicago—offer an authentic taste of the Big Apple right here in the Midwest.
3268 N. Clark St. / Website
Bringing New York-style bagels to Chicago, this Lakeview East restaurant has a wide variety of bagels and spreads for all to enjoy. Its Instagram-famous rainbow bagel is a popular favorite, with a colorful swirl on the inside and out. With unique cream cheese flavors such as brown sugar and cinnamon and signature sandwiches such as the Dumbo (Philadelphia steak, scrambled eggs and American cheese), TONY will have you wanting to try each and every menu item.
34 E. Balbo Ave. / Website
Located near Grant Park, this South Loop staple serves up handcrafted sourdough bagels that are baked fresh every morning. Try the new french onion bagel or favorites such as cacio e pepe and garlic rosemary. The crispy potato sandwich (hash browns, scallions, onions and salsa verde) and the Lox (capers, red onion and dill) will keep you coming back again and again. Be sure to check out Tilly's Instagram page to see the featured bagel of the week.
Photography by: Vicky Ng
