The Bagel Hunt.
I believe there is nothing better than an everything bagel with cream cheese on a Sunday morning. If I’m feeling fancy I add cucumber, arugula and purple onion. *Chef’s kiss*
When I first moved to Chicago, I took it upon myself to find the perfect bagel. At first glance the selection seemed mediocre, but I am determined to find the perfect bagel. Here’s what I’ve found so far:
The Bagelers: 7/10
The Bagelers in Lincoln Park produces a very solid bagel. They’re kettle boiled, and are on the thinner side but still feel hearty. This sandwich was v good but I had to get a sesame bagel because they do the thing! With the everything bagels! And the caraway seeds! This must end. Anyway, 7/10, would recommend, will be returning.
Chicago Bagel Authority: 5/10
I’m being generous with the 5. Not to go all Gordon Ramsey here, but just… no. First of all, I waited almost 40 minutes for a bagel and cream cheese. Secondly, I could have gotten this same bagel at Starbucks. It was lackluster at best, and the cream cheese was runny and warm. With that being said, people tell me that the sandwiches at this place are the main attraction and are to die for, so maybe I will try again. Maybe.
Gotham Bagels: 9/10
This place came veryyy highly recommended. I actually went here a few years ago while I was visiting and had an extremely mediocre experience, but so many people had glowing reviews that I had to try again. I was pleasantly surprised! I got my usual order (recap: everything bagel, plain shmear, cukes, onions, arugula), and it was delicious. The bagels are thick and fluffy, and have plenty of seasoning (I hate when places are stingy). The downside: it was $8. For an order as simple as mine, that is way too high. For context, most of the other places I’ve tried have charged me $4-$5 for the same order.
Ludicrous price aside, this bagel was very near perfect, and I would highly recommend Gotham!
BroBagel: 7/10
BroBagel was actually really good. Not knock-your-socks-off amazing, but still really good. Normally, I would have gotten my usual: an everything bagel with plain cream cheese, cucumber, purple onion and arugula. However, they commit the cardinal sin of putting caraway seeds on the everything bagels. Hence, the docked points. I opted for the egg & cheese sandwich, which was super filling.