Chicago Bagel Authority

This is a great bagel spot in Chicago (multiple locations). Takes a little, but worth the freshness and delicious flavors. We got 3 things and split them all - really solid smear to bagel ratio and the bagel was hot which was also very enjoyable!! Def check this spot out, but allow time for the treat to be crafted!!

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Sausage Fest
The Dude
Bagel w/ Cream Cheese

@EatCBA
Chicago's Best Sandwiches Since 1998
Let CBA change your life with one of our hot sandwiches. Chose from our  100+ tried and true Steamwiches comprised of an extensive list of fresh meats, cheeses, spreads, veggies, fruits, sauces, jams, jellies, bagels, bialys, pretzel rolls, and ciabatta sub rolls. Each mouthwatering bite will warm your soul...

Chicago, IL

I can see why this would be a local favorite with the huge menu, local decor, and generous portions. The bagels are steamed instead of toasted so pros and cons:
Pros: softer bread that doesn't cut the roof of your mouth and easier to bite into for sandwiches so fillings don't squeeze out.
Cons: no texture contrast and that bagel crunch.

People at the register were nice and gave great suggestions for first-time visitors.

The best bagels in Lincoln Park! Very cool vibes inside with nice and attentive staff. Offers outdoor patio seating in warmer months. Great spot for breakfast and a morning debrief after a night out. They also offer takeout/delivery options. Favorites include the wrigley fielder, the messy Katie, and the crunch n' munch. It can get busy on Saturday/Sunday mornings, but well worth the wait! Can't go wrong with CBA!

I tried their plain bagel and it did not disappoint. It was dense and surprisingly flavorful. I appreciated that they also steamed it so it was nice and warm. I would definitely come back to try another one of their breakfast items.

I'm a sucker for bagels and this place hit the spot!

This is a small bagel spot with lots of varieties. You can get something as simple as a bagel with cream cheese or you can go all out and get a sandwich of your choice. They also regular coffee.

I tried the Wrigley Fielder which comes with cream cheese and a ton of veggies! This is an all veggie option however there are also sandwiches for meat eaters - breakfast and lunch sandwiches. I also got an iced coffee - nothing fancy here, simple and gets the caffeine job done.

This was reallllllllll good. I'm picky with bagels and loooove me a specialty bagel spot! The service was quick especially considering how crazy packed this was on an early Sunday afternoon.

There is limited indoor and outdoor seating so keep that in mind. There is also 1 bathroom so I recommend utilizing one before heading here lol.

Tip - Lincoln park has free parking on Sundays, it does get busy after 10am so if possible try to come before the rush.

Love their diversity of flavored cream cheeses to pack and go for home morning smears! Specifically-fresh veggie cream cheese which is whipped cream cheese with a medley of fresh vegetables.

The service is patient, kind and professional as this is a small location. There are two registers-one at each end of the counters.

They have a small seating area-with wide French Style Windows that allow for an "Al fresco" atmosphere.

Less than a block from The Armitage Brown Line Station!!!!!

I ordered the the Breakfast bagel and came across disappointed. The meal was super salty and the bagel was not toasted.

Not having a lot of luck so far on this trip.

Yes, I'm sniveling.

CBA offers steamed bagels which I've never tried before. Steaming the bagels makes for a softer bite so if thats what your going for I think you'd enjoy CBA bagels.

For my personal preferenceI like a toasted bagel better to get a little crunch.

They have a lot of options to choose from which is a plus.

Service was slow out friend who ordered 3rd our of our group of 6 received her bagels last and it took a long time to get any of them out to us.

We enjoyed sitting on their shaded back patio. They do have sitting inside as well.

This bagel spot was delicious. For our last breakfast in Chicago we looked at spots highly rated on yelp, and this was top of the list. Needless to say it did not disappoint. The eternal sunshine was huge, more than enough for two of us but phenomenal. We cannot wait to visit Chicago and get this again!

With such an extensive menu I was worried they might not be able to deliver but CBA does not miss! Our group devoured our perfectly crafted bagel sandwiches. Shop can get busy but you can order ahead to save time. A few seats indoors and great location in Lincoln Park.

I recommend the western. Cool thing is you can pretty much customize any bagel to however you like. Opt for an egg everything bagel if you want a truly stellar experience.