Chicago Bagel Authority

CBA! I miss you!

I work over at Belmont and Racine so I often frequent CBA for my lunch breaks. DELICIOUS bagel sandwiches! Cool atmosphere too, with plenty of books, magazines, and a projector playing movies to keep you busy while you eat. Oh and I think it's really funny that they sell thongs near the register, if you're wanting your intimates to say "CBA" on them.

I ALWAYS get the "Hide the Salami," which has "salami, bacon, pepperoni, banana peppers, provolone, lettuce, avocado, and ranch dressing on onion bagel" (from the website menu). SO DELICIOUS! Really damn greasy, though, but it's not like I go there expecting a healthy snack. Only downside is that it's really pricey. $7.00 for a sandwich, and if you get chips and a drink, that brings you to $10 freakin' dollars for a bagel sandwich meal.

Regardless, I'm really sad that they had to close because of that fire, and I am impatiently awaiting their reopening so I can return!

Solid, non-chain bagel option that I indulge in at least once a week on my way to the train (they're right next to the train station at Armitage & Sheffield).
Husband and wife?  Brother and sister?  Not sure.  But they're a team and they apparently have been doing this since their college years in a much warmer climate.
I particularly like their steamed bagels.  It's kind of their shtick from what I can tell.  They steam them rather than toast them once they have all the cheese and goodies on the bagel.  Might tasty for those cold Chicago winter days waiting for the train.  A little messy to eat on a crowded, moving train.  But that's part of the fun!  If you absolutely must spill or drip, make sure to do it on the guy next to you rather than on yourself.  No point in ruining your own day.

One word: Freaking delicious! I have had many of their sandwiches and they have all been outstanding. This place easily beat out my previous favorite bagel place, NYC Bagel.

The staff is always friendly and they have some cool accommodations inside.

A must experience....