Best Local: Bagel Shops

Celebrate National Bagel Day with these Chicago and suburban locations!

Thursday, February 9th is National Bagel Day! Breakfast lunch, or dinner, these Chicago and suburban locations serve fresh bagels daily.

A whole grain sandwich cut in half on a white plate, filled with sliced boiled egg, cheese, lettuce, and ham, set on a wooden table with a blurred café background.

Grab a breakfast for champions at Hero Coffee Bar! Along with fresh coffee, Hero’s food menu includes an assortment of bagel flavors such as cheddar herb, everything and jalapeno cheddar. The coffee bar also features specialty bagel sandwiches such as a cumato bagel sandwich and U sandwich. Only a 9 minute walk from AMLI 900.

Two sandwiches with thick layers of seasoned pastrami and melted cheddar cheese on crusty rolls, served on a plate with a pickle spear in the foreground.

Stop by Chicago Bagel Authority for delicious hot bagel sandwiches. With over 100 sandwich options steamed and pressed fresh, CBA has a sandwich combination to fit your taste. For breakfast try their Chicago-inspired Belmont or the Eggosaurus or stop by for lunch to try the Wrigley Fielder, pizza sandwich or Lincoln Pork. Just a 2 minute walk down Wells Street from 215 West Apartments or an 8 minute walk from Marquee at Block 37.  

An everything bagel sandwich filled with egg whites, fresh spinach, tomato slices, and cucumber, with melted cheese, served on a plate.

Grab some dough from the Illinois-based Great American Bagel. Founded in 1987, the Great American Bagel bakes their bagels from scratch daily. Try their specialty super bagel flavors, such as cheddar salsa, fruit crumb bagel or sun dried tomato basil with cream cheese flavors like pineapple walnut or chocolate chip. Only a 9 minute ride on the 20 bus line from Arkadia Towers.

A close-up of assorted bagels, including an everything bagel topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and other seasonings, and another bagel topped with oats, resting on a rustic wooden surface.

Visit a suburban favorite and try New York Bagel & Bialy Corporation. Based in the northern Chicago suburbs since 1965, the bagel shop brings the New York bagel reputation to Chicago. Choose from flavors such as salt & poppy, garlic, and cinnamon raisin. For a protien packed morning try their New York breafast special complete with mini bagel, sausage, egg and cheese. Only a 9 minute drive from AMLI Evanston.