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Category: Bagels
Neighborhood: The LoopQuincy/Wells (Orange, Brown, Purple Express, Pink)
Clinton (Blue)
Mon-Fri. 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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We stopped here on a Sunday morning for a quick bite and it hit the spot. I got an everything bagel with jalapeno cream cheese and my girlfriend got the everything with lox cream cheese. I really liked the jalapeno, which I've never run across. Just enough spice to give it some zip, but not enough to get into the discomfort zone. The lox was also very tasty.
The bagels were very good and New York style. Not what I think of as a "Chicago-Style bagel" which is a big muffin in the shape of a bagel (I think those are gross). The bagels seemed very reasonably priced, but the sandwiches seemed pretty expensive (saw $8.95 for a Reuben which seems exorbitant for a sandwich).
One thing I noticed is they are closed on Saturday, but open on Sunday, which seems odd. I also feel kind of bad for them right now because it's sort of hidden from foot traffic due to the current construction on the Jackson bridge. But I imagine they'll clean up on Metra commuters when the bridge is open.
We'll definitely be back.
Jewish - check
Native NYer - check
Bagel Fanatic - check
Yes, I have all of the qualifications to make a solid, meaningful review of any bagel shop, especially one not in NYC with the name NYC in it's name.
I like everything about this place aside from the bagels. Boars Head meat for sandwiches is a HUGE + and not often found in Chicago. They have great pickles, great sides, and a great selection of fresh cream cheese, etc.
HOWEVER, the bagels really do kinda suck. Dare I say they're even worse than Einstein's which is far from being a "real" bagel. Even though NYCBD claims to prepare their bagels the "right" way - boiled, then baked - there is something sorely lacking in terms of their consistency and taste. They also always seem stale even if eaten right away. Don't even bother getting a few bagels to take home because they will be disgusting by the next morning.
If this place were actually in NY, it would get 1 star because their selection is typical of any NY bagel shop (for that matter, they have far less in the way of appetizing that a NY place would have) and their bagels suck - however, since its really truly impossible to find a good bagel in Chicago, they get a few extra stars for effort and for carrying Boar's Head.
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I have to admit, i love love love a good corned beef sandwich, but in Chicago It is insanely hard to find places that make a GOOD corned beef sandwich, so I go quite a long time without eating any. After hearing a lot of good things about NYCBD from Aaron S. and sampling some of the bagels he has brought home, then him showing me the place, I HAD to try a sandwich from here. (Noticing that they use boar head products was that final push, boars head makes really great stuff)
Yesterday afternoon I found myself with a little extra time and I wasn't ready to head home, so I headed here.
I was thrilled to see the giant menu screens, for once in my life I could actually read what was up there! It was big enough, close enough, and bright enough that my poor myopic eyes were actually able to decipher what the menus said. The space is also huge and clean and very well set up. I was greeted as soon as I walked in.
They asked me what I would like to have and walked me through the ordering process in a friendly very non pushy manner. I went with the corn beef with Swiss on a garlic bagel with all the veggies and spicy mustard. They have a big selection and loads of choices. I was really surprised that they offer three kinds of mustard. They took my name and I sat and waited for my food, they called me back up when it was ready and double checked if I was eating in or taking it to go.
The sandwich is huge! There had to be almost a pound of meat on it. No lie, no exaggerating is one serious sandwich. NYCBD does not play games when it comes to sandwiches. The taste was just out of this world. Everything was super fresh. The corned beef was some of the best I have ever tasted. (and I'm picky when it comes to corned beef). Not too fatty, thin sliced, no chewiness, no gristle. Yum. bagel it was on was soft and slightly chewy and darn good too. Oh yeah not to forget the super tasty potato salad that came with it too. Very fresh and tasty too.
I had to ask for half of my sandwich to be wrapped up and they knew that before I even had to ask, so they are really on top of things service wise. The guy (I believe he is the owner) asked me how many potbelly customers ask for their food to be wrapped up, because I was still in my work clothes. Oh man I got a laugh out of that. He also told me to make sure I grab a drink refill on my way out!
Now I have noticed a couple of reviews complaining about the prices. I work in the food industry, and have for a long time now. I can say for a FACT that I know you are getting what you pay for here. The meat they use is very very high quality and they pile it on high. Top it off with a super high quality bagel and fresh veggies. It is worth every penny. (Think about how much that deli meat costs in stores REALLY think about it, I've seen price lists when I used to work for a coffee shop that carried some boar head meats, so that is how I know).
It is really hard to find good bagels in Chicago and NYCBD has a great bagel. with awesome home made cream cheese, and they make great sandwiches to too!
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Great location (close to Union Station, etc) and view of the river. I had the lox on garlic bagel, with slaw. Everything was perfect except the bagel. A little too hardy for my taste. Next time I'll try the rye bread. Oh, and the restroom is above average.
We practically have a standing order w/ NYC Bagel Deli for our Friday bagels... Though not completely, since they're ordered by someone different every week. Most people call the North Ave location still for them, but occasionally we end up with the ones from this store.
A few things I've noticed...
1) the bagels from here have come pre-sliced. Nice if people are lazy ..
2) the order size is much more sized down and appropriate for an office of our size. People typically tell them how many employees, and at the other location they end up spending about $50 too much every week on crap nobody eats.
3) in an assorted bagel order, they include a bagel I've never seen from the North ave store... It's got herbs on it and sea salt. Very delicious!
Overall the place is at least 20-30% more expensive than other bagel joints... I've never spent half as much as people spend every week on NYC Bagel Deli.
...I still wish they would step up and do their part for the environment. We don't need a plastic container filled with 50 pads of butter. We don't need another plastic container filled with cheap HFCS jelly. I've NEVER seen anyone use jelly on their bagel. They include a GIANT tub (as in an entire jar of peanut butter) of peanut butter. Maybe 1 person uses peanut butter and the rest goes straight to the garbage. The packets of butter/jelly all end up in the garbage. I wish they would ask if they should be included, and then when doing so account for the fact that 99% of people use cream cheese, and only include a small handful of these items. It's a real waste.
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Don't get me wrong. It's good. It's just not worth it.
A couple days ago, I came in and got a turkey sandwich on an everything bagel. The (not quite toasted enough but still pretty good) bagel came loaded up with some tasty peppercorn turkey, the standard veggie fixins and some dijon mustard. I enjoyed the sandwich. But looking back on the experience, a $7.95 sandwich plus whatever it costs for cheese, plus whatever it costs for tax came out to about $10 even.
I can't help but reflect on this exchange of money for food with remorse. I could get an extremely comparable sandwich at Potbelly for about $5. I'm not usually one to complain about spending a few extra bucks for good food but honestly this time you can probably go with the cheaper alternative without sacrificing much in the way of taste.
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4.75 stars for the actual bagels. Probably the closest I've seen to NY style in this godforsaken bagel wasteland. Salty, boiled, delicious. Not quite as chewy as I'd like, but that's forgiveable.
3 stars for the price. $10 for a bagel sandwich? WTF, dudes? I was in NY this weekend. Bagel with lox, cream cheese, capers, tomatoes, and onions was ~$7 with tax. The same bagel was over $10 here.
Friendly staff, super-clean room, loooooooong line. Email them your order beforehand and save yourself the wait in line.
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I used to be a bagel bitch. For 3 years in undergrad I managed a bagel and coffee place that made damn good NY style salt water bagels. Since working there I have become a bit of a bagel snob and NYC Bagel is the best replacement I've found in the Chicago area; they keep my bagel cravings in check since I can't afford regular flights to NYC for the real deal.
I've gone to their original location for years and was stoked to see they'd not only opened one in the Loop, but a mere block from my office in the old Salad Spinners space.
I not only love their bagels, but the high quality ingredients they use and vast selection of condiments. For example, the lady in front of me ordered a turkey sandwich and they guy started rattling a list off of the different kinds of turkey they carried - not many Loop sandwich joints can say that. My two favorite condiments they use are the horseradish cheddar and the spicy mustard - together you can clear any stuffed up nose! The slaw is also pretty amazing too.
Everyone is always friendly, many of the bagel guys have been around for years. One from the old store recognized me at the Loop location and started chatting me up.
The only drawback is they are a bit on the pricey side, but with generous portions and high quality ingredients I find it well worth it. If my bus didn't drop me practically at my office door I'd be eating here for breakfast every day and lunch most days too.
TIP: Take your lunch to go and eat it on the grass across the street while relaxing in the sun.
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It is one of my small goals in life to one day walk into the NYC Bagel Deli on Wacker and order quickly, knowing what I want, and to be in total control of the transaction. This has been fail so far.
The problem is I am horribly indecisive and there are a million decisions to be made in this carbitarian wonderland. As such, this place is my absolute worst nightmare. Seriously! Immediately upon stepping into NYCBD, the customer is bombarded with three neon message boards (very high tech) worth of choices. It's not exactly Times Square sensory overload, but it's definitely close enough for me. Thankfully being a herbivore, I'm somewhat limited and don't have too many decisions.
Or do I?
Walking up to the register, I will usually try to begin to go ahead and order what (I think) I want and get verbally wrestled back. They like to go in order here. And there is a multi-step questionaire to the ordering process. There are about seven different cheeses to choose from, there are about six different topping, multiple free sides (I like the cole slaw), and, of course, 11 different bagels to have the sandwich on. About the only thing you don't have to decide on is the dill pickle. In the end, however, once you give in to the register person (just let them guide you), it all works out.
There are no wrong decisions at NYCBD, only complex ones. Still, I see it as a challenge every time I walk in. One day I will be a step ahead of the sandwich choice inquisition. Either way the bagel sandwiches are piled high, well presented (in cute little clear sandwich boxes), and delicious. They come with a little NYC attitude at the register but that's part of the charm.
Sorry to all of the healthy types who still bemoan the demise of Salad Spinners (or Shooters or Creations or whichever of the dozens of salad places was once housed here) but this is an upgrade for the ages! Even if the salad place was way simpler to order at.
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New York City Bagel Deli may be the New Kid on the Block, but they have the Right Stuff.
/end NYCBD:NKOTB pun... for now.
Papa B. and I eat lunch together every Wednesday (aww!) and I was delighted to find this place as it is right across Wacker from a park where we like to sit when it's warm (which, it's not, at present, even though it's June...). Nevermind, as there is plenty of room to sit inside this lovely restaurant - and most tables have a great view of the Chicago River.
But, back to the beginning! We walk in and are completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available to us. Given the number of different bagels, sandwich innards, and condiments they offer (three different mustards!) you could eat here every day and not have the same thing twice. Oh, and even though they have "bagel" in their name, they have rolls and croissants as well. Holy smokes!
I go with the PB&J (classic) on a pretzel salt bagel (yum!). Papa B. has turkey (I think there were about four kinds of turkey - he had oven roasted) on a croissant. Throughout the entire ordering process (The B. Family makes slow and deliberate decisions) Ray, the server (he introduced himself, we are buds now) could not have been more patient. And chipper. Very chipper. But bagels make me chipper, too, so I get it.
In addition to the standard fountain offerings, they have coffee (with four different free flavor shots available!) and heaps of other cans and bottles. If it's liquid and you could *possibly* drink it with a bagel, they have it. For real.
NYCBD is a new Lunch-With-Dad-Day staple.
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I usually start off my reviews with a disclaimer, and this one is no different. I am not an expert on New York or their delicatessens - aside from watching every episode of Seinfeld several times. I am, however, a fat Jewish man, and I think that's enough qualification to be able to give a review of NYC Bagel Deli that people can trust.
My first visit had to result in a Sesame Bagel (untoasted) with Lox Spread. After all, the true test of a bagel is how well it holds up without toasting, and a bagel just isn't safe unless there's some lox on it!
(Okay, that's out of my system now. I promise, no more lox jokes.)
Despite arriving around 2:30pm and having my bagel selected from the 4 remaining Sesame Bagels in the bin, I have to say that it was a delicious experience indeed. They gave me plenty of schmear, and though I prefer my bagels flatter and wider (these are thicker and smaller) for easier biting, I had no trouble quickly devouring this treat.
As for the place itself, I worry that they're trying too hard. The staff are certainly energetic, playful and engaging - but how long will they be able to keep that up? Luckily I'm a recognizable guy, and even though they get a nice freebie conversation starter by getting your name as your ticket number ("Hey, Aaron! How ya doin'? Got yer bagel right here for ya!") they already identified me after my second visit and they're already learning my "usual" - though I intend to throw them for several loops as I make my way sampling the menu.
Right now my favorite choices are Sesame Bagel with Lox Spread and I've added Garlic Bagel with Parmesan-Artichoke Cream Cheese to my repertoire. My co-worker from New Jersey swears by the Pretzel Salt Bagel (he hasn't had it from this place, just talking from a New York standpoint) - and once I've chosen the proper accompanying cream cheese, I may take him up on that advice. I'm contemplating going with Peanut Butter for that one instead of Cream Cheese... And maybe trying Pumpernickel with the Chive Cream Cheese! There are so many combinations, and that's not even touching the Deli side of the menu...
And the menu brings me back to "trying too hard". I get it that this is right by the Sears Tower in downtown Chicago in swanky digs, but the menu is being displayed overhead on SIX GIANT EXPENSIVE SCREENS. Nevermind that the menu fits on three screens, so the other three are duplicates, but it's also on the paper menus located on the counter, and posted on the signs on the walls, too. I get it! I understand what you are able to sell me! And did I mention those six screens are joined by another large screen with TV and another one with touch-screen capabilities to join the NYC Bagel Deli e-mail list.
And with such lavish digs comes the extra price. While I'm okay with paying between $2.70 and $3.25 for a bagel with some schmear, my co-worker bought a deli sammich and while it's nice that it's quite large, comes with a side (she chose the homemade potato salad) and a large pickle and she got to choose to have it on pretzel bread - she was dismayed by the $10+ price tag at the end. I was personally disappointed to find out that one Black & White cookie was almost as expensive as my bagel with cream cheese.
But who can turn down the chance to re-enact a classic scene from Seinfeld with the Black & White cookie?? (I have a hankering for Babka now - either chocolate or cinnamon will suffice...)
Frankly, I love this place and I'll be back as often as possible. But be warned, NYC Bagel Deli - I'm giving you these 5 stars on the condition that you continue to stay this awesome over the next few weeks and months. You've set the bar very high for yourself and I will be watching. And eating your bagels. With lox spread.
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My nemesis, the carbohydrate, has brought its evil mistress, the bagel, to a storefront right across the street from my office.
Shit. There goes my diet. I can see myself here every day.
The bagels are wonderful. They're chewy and moist. The cream cheese is tops. NYCBD carries most flavors in the "lite" variety, so you can save a few fat grams and calories.
I'm a huge fan of the Piled High Turkey Sandwich, with smoked turkey, veggie lite cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and red onion served up on a bagel of your choice.
Oh yeah. This place is gooooood.
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I have not written a review in awhile but this place warrants one..
NYC Deli foods I am no expert but bagels, cured, and smoked meats...well the rings of experience circle my belly!
I had the pastrami with spicy mustard on a pretzel bagel. Which was a big mistake on my part as the meat and pretzel both had tons of salt. I blame myself on that but I can never pass up pretzel breads..
The meat is the standard boars head meats which you can get at Jewel if you want. When they heated up my meat it was a little dry because it was thin cut. I like the good ole thick cut corned beef or pastrami.
The best part was the bagel it was really good! Both chewy and soft where it needed to be and the texture was really nice! I love bagels and I will definitely be there to try more of them.
My sando was 4 cents away from being 9 dollars.. So from now on I will be sticking with the cheaper bagel and smears!
The staff was really nice but really new and energetic.. will they be the same in a year?
sando price = to high!
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OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!
I can't believe they opened up a location near me!?! This is incredible!
I came by today after watching them do the work on this place for a few weeks. I was all excited to get first review, but alas, Kari J is just too quick. :)
Ok, I've been a BIG fan of their North ave location and I'm so excited that I can walk over to this location on a nice day. Also, big points goes to them for being open on the weekend, the guy told me that they'll be open on Saturdays during the summer to take advantage of the tourist traffic. Which I think is brilliant because there are so many tourists that come to see the Willis Tower (ahem) and there are very few dining options that are open on the weekends.
So anyway, the size of this place is HUGE compared to their other location. It's really cool and very modern inside.
I got my usual, chicken salad sandwich on a bagel - which was AWESOME! Moreover, I told the guy (manager?) at the cash register that I thought their chicken salad was the best in the city. He smiled, paused and then turned his head to the left: "Hey Carlos! Did you hear that? This guy said your chicken salad is the best in the city!" I saw Carlos' head pop up and give a humble wave. Even if you don't agree with me that the chicken salad is, in fact, the best in the city, you got to admit that it's very cool that the chicken salad is made by a guy on site, not from a mix or a bucket.
I also really like that you get to choose your side item and that fresh fruit is an option. Really cool.
I love the garden herb bagel, but they only have that every once and a while. I think maybe on the weekends? Today I had the sandwich on the everything bagel, which was great.
I'm so excited that this place has finally opened. Although this will be the death of my diet.
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I am obsessed with NYC Bagel Deli, they are the best bagels in the city. The new location is nice, clear signs to order (if you aren't a seasoned custie.), and hello - it's downtown.
I love an everything bagel scooped & toasted, with plain light cream cheese and tomato. Ooooor get the tuna salad, or the lox spread, or an egg sandwich..omg, it's so delicious. You must go.
I ordered an assortment of bagels, cream cheese and fruit for my office today and these bagels were VERY good. I loved the selections! I am snacking on a salt bagle as I type this and am savoring every bite. The chewy, salty dense doughiness is perfectly complimented by the creamy veggie cream cheese and coffee.
Rob, who delivered all this today, couldn't have been nicer and everything was on time and just what we wanted. I cannot wait to go over and try a sandwich. Everyone in my office is raving about them.
If you're in the loop, definitely check out NYC Bagel Deli, it's a fantastic new option for office meetings. I'm a popular girl around here today!
We were so happy with NYC bagel. We were looking for a bagel place to get a couple dizen bagels for a brunch that we were hosting. Not only did they have fresh watermelon slices for customers, but their service was great. We got 2 boxes of coffee and they gave us a whole refrigerated half and half!
The bagel were also very good.
New York City Bagel Deli occupies what should be a busy space, but several restaurants have not lasted long here over the years (anyone remember Crepe Cliche?). So far NYCBD seems to be doing well, and that means there can be a bit of a wait for your food. I ordered a fair-sized reuben with the works, and it was tasty along with the pickle spear and potato salad. My co-worker gave me his coleslaw, and it is delicious. He is Jewish and originally had some doubts about this place before it opened, but now he orders the egg bagel from NYCBD quite often with no complaints so it must be very good.
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One of the worst lox bagels i've had.
Bagel wasn't fresh, was very rough. It came with too much cream cheese, swiss cheese, some weird green stuff, onions and tomatoes. Cream cheese overpowered all the other ingredients. I felt like i was chewing on an old bagel filled with cream cheese. Also, the taste of swiss cheese was really weird in this combo. Both tomatoes and onions were really cold, so you couldn't really taste them. The size portion was good and the potato salad was tasty, although very small.
I ended up paying $10 for my lox, which is reasonable. However, it tasted bad, had old ingredients and wrong set of ingredients.
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Just moved to the South Loop from NYC and one of the first orders of business was finding a decent bagel, which is a tall order in the land of weird pizza (kidding!) These are definitely passable, by NY standards a little too small and not quite chewy enough. They're also kind of on the expensive side especially with a schmear, but I suppose bagels are a less of a staple out here. But the people are ridiculously friendly, the place is clean, and it's got a beautiful view of the river. Oh, and it's actually open on the weekend--BIG plus for downtown Chicago. Four stars for you, NYC Bagel Deli, even if you'll never be the next H&H. *sigh*
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This place is enjoying it's 15 minutes mainly because of curious Chicagoan's wanting to taste a slice of New York. Verdict: Food is ok, nothing to write home about. Had the Pastrami and didn't care for how big the slices were, would have preferred something shaved or sliced thinner for better "sandwich management". LOL! Figure spending $10-12 bucks eating lunch here. They have about 700 people working behind the counter and it gets quite loud. If you're a bagel fanatic, this joint may be for you.
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OH MY GOD! The salt bagel is back. you have no idea how sad I was that I couldn't find a place that carried salt bagels, close to me. And know NYC Bagel! SALT BAGEL SALT BAGEL. seriously. Their other stuff looks amazing, but I can't not order the salt bagel, because I am so addicted. You have to have one!
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Owner and NY native Corey Kaplan has truly outdone himself with this new location!! It is large and airy, flows well during "rush-hours", and has an amazing view of the river!
As a fellow native NYer, I AM an expert on bagels, and these are, hands-down, the BEST IN CHICAGO.
As far as the bagel selection is concerned - who the hell wants an "asiago cinnamon" bagel? If you're looking for chocolate chip, acai-blueberry, sun-dried tomato, or any other "trendy" flavour, you don't deserve to step foot in NYCBD, so keep walking.
And, before I forget, I LOVE that cappuccino maker! I haven't seen one of those is ages!!! YUM!
Fave breakfast bagel(s) - Everything bagel toasted with butter and American cheese OR Garlic bagel toasted with whitefish salad, cucumber and tomato.
Fave lunch bagel - Boar's Head (always the freshest) Londonport roast beef on pumpernickel with spicy mustard, cheddar, lettuce and tomato. Mouthwatering!
Price-wise, NYCBD is in the same range as every other place in the Loop, so I don't know what you cheapskates are complaning about.
If it weren't for the fact that my office is a 20-minute schlep from this new location, I would be there EVERY DAY!!!
Great new Loop location for this excellent bagel place. High quality food, friendly service, clean airy dining room with a river view, and good hours. I'll be back.
The first thing that struck me when I walked into this establishment was how clean it was. I was then directed to the cool digital displays that listed the menu (points for high tech end efficiency). The restaurant overlooks a nice view of the river, which is definitely a nice distraction when you are darting in for a quick lunch break. I ended up getting a veggie sandwich. The produce was fresh, the bagel moist and I don't feel bad now about an hour after eating it so I can only assume that it was healthy. It was not particularly tasty but perhaps that was a function of what I ordered. The end bill was a little over $7 which is less than many of the other lunchtime restaurants in the area. I am definitely going to try the place again, but won't go out of my way to do so.
So I was walking to work and I see the bagel man (a guy in a bagel costume) from NYC Bagel Deli. Along comes the subway sandwich man (a guy in a sub sandwich costume) and they have some words and fight (play fight). It was so funny and I'm so bummed; I should have taken a picture. Makes me like the NYC Bagel Deli even more for some reason...
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The NYC Bagel Deli just opened near my work and I am the most excited person in the world. They are… Read more »
It made my day to learn that NYCBD opened up this location. The only thing I can add to these great reviews is that they have pork roll / taylor ham! I don't know if they'll make a pork roll sandwich for you, but they carry 1 lb rolls and will sell you the whole thing to take home.
Saturday mornings just got better.
UPDATE: they will, indeed, make a pork roll sandwich for you! I had a great pork roll, egg and cheese on a toasted everything bagel this morning.
The bagel sandwhich was really good, yes. The girl behind the counter was really helpful, especially when I discovered the cream for the coffee had gone bad and she brought me out a fresh, unopened jug right away. But come on with the prices. They are way too high for bagel sandwiches. And for the area! I mean, it's not like this place is on Michigan Ave or something. I realize the tourist attraction Sears Tower is very close by, but for the sake of us lowly worker bees nearby everyday, please lower those prices.
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Best bagel in the city. Super fast service on top of it!
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