The Best Bagels In Chicago

by Veda Kilaru / The Infatuation / March 14, 2023

It's a universally held truth that Chicago's bagel scene can't compete with New York's. But after spending countless hours traversing the city and enduring weeks of ridicule from Infatuation NYC, we discovered plenty of respectable—dare we say, great—bagels within our city limits. From delis, to coffee shops, to dedicated bakeries, you’ll find bagels so good, they don’t need to be obscured by layers of lox, or bacon and egg (although many of the places on this list do make a solid breakfast sando). We recognize that bagel preference, much like your decision to forgo a coat when it's 45 degrees and sunny, is a deeply personal choice. Whether you like yours soft and airy, dense and chewy, or toasted beyond belief, here are nine spots for a quality bagel with cream cheese. Read more HERE