Chicago Bagel Authority

I like bagels and I like breakfast. CBA provides both of these in abundance. The staff is really friendly and they are doing their best to make sure things come out quickly. My favorite part though is the sign behind the registers that changes colors based on projected wait time. It’s a much better system than having to ask and more quick service establishments should adopt this.

Delicious, hits the spot. Love the variety. Sandwiches are tasty (if a bit busy at times), atmosphere is dive bar meets college cantina. Staff is friendly, young, good energy, accommodating...like a Starbucks but FAR less pretentious. Only complaint is that their pastrami is not on the menu all the time, It's one of my favorite things in a bagel Sandwich. But the corned beef was tender and I loved the habanero mayo. I ordered the Bread Intruder, Which was great, but a little too much going on between the bread. Don't get me wrong, it was very tasty, but I think I prefer a More simplistic sandwich, So I will do that next time.😊 I like that they use all of their property, they have a good amount of seating in the back. Great visit. 👌

Have been to the Armitage location many times and the bagel sandwiches are literally the best I’ve tried in the city. Today I decided to try the Belmont location and accidentally ordered to Armitage— thankfully the workers were nice enough to make the order at Belmont when Armitage already had it made. Greatly appreciated! 10/10 bagels

I wanted to like this place more than I did. The food was very good for sure, the steamed bagel concept is an interesting departure from your regular style. I did think some of the food would be even better toasted, but that's just my preference - it was certainly tasty, flavorful, and an interesting combination of elements that I did quite enjoy. The reason for deducting a star is atmosphere - I did not enjoy the heavy metal style music, which made the place just seem a bit obscure and not very upbead or positive vibes inducing. Despite that - and I'm sure many people would be into that atmosphere, it just wasn't for me - the food was very good, so overall I was still glad to try it. If you're not into that type of music either, perhaps I'd suggest getting the bagel to go and just walk to a park nearby and eat it there. Still, would recommend trying their bagels!

Layout/atmosphere *Seven tables; two TVs; pickup orders sorted alphabetically Food/drink *Dank ‘N Eggs (scrambled egg, bacon, roast beef, smoked cheddar cheese, american cheese, honey mustard, salt & pepper on an everything bagel) - Good; bagel on small side; soft; the roast beef and honey mustard came through