Chicago Bagel Authority - Belmont — Restaurant in Lake View Township

Biked all the way there in the cold (35 degrees) Sunday morning 10 am. Posters said you have to do online or phone order...fine. Tried to place order online..."We're not accepting orders right now"...weird. Called to place order, and they said "Sorry we're not taking orders right now." Sad. I apologize for trying to order a bagel from your bagel store during bagel hours.

Also I've had their sandwiches before and they're not worth the money or the wait. Only reason I went back is because I was picking them up for a friend who requested it.

Update in response to owner's response: Yes that's fine to use this review as an example of privilege. Again, I apologize for asking you to take my money in return for a few sliced plain bagels so that I can help your employees continue to get paid. I'm sorry you are discovering the privilege of local shop owners to mismanage their over-hyped eateries to the detriment of their hard-working, needing employees. I'm sorry you are discovering the privilege of local shop owners to have hungry, willing customers trek to the store to help support local, open, businesses, only to be turned away because they can't handle more bagel orders. Please note, your website doesn't say you MUST order...

First I want to say, thank you CBA for not judging me for asking tubs upon tubs of habanero mayo - the greatest condiment ever created (even if I'm the only person who eats it). CBA is easily the best bagel spot in Chicago, if anyone knows a better one, let me know. Everyone who works there is very nice, fun(ny), helpful and just like... all around beautiful in every way. I always walk out happier than when I walked in. the owner that still works on the line with his employees, which I think says a lot about CBA - they're a family. They have tons of different hot sauces on the back wall, which I think is awesome (being a pepper head). I believe its BYOB and they also have events held there from time to time - like stand up comedy. I've probably dropped a couple months rent there since I discovered it and I always tell anyone visiting the city to check it out. They will definitely have something you will fall in love...

As a New Yorker, I have spent way too much time searching Chicago to find a bagel that actually feels like a real bagel. I have probably tried over two dozen different bagel spots across the city. Most were fine, some were pretty good, but Chicago Bagel Authority is by far the closest thing to what I grew up with and easily the best bagel I have had in Chicago. My go to order is the Eternal Sunshine, but I substitute Tabasco for chipotle mayo. They always get my special instructions right, which seems simple, but I appreciate it every single time. The service is consistently great, friendly, and fast, and the vibe of the place just makes it feel like a neighborhood staple rather than another trendy spot. If you are a fellow New Yorker or just someone who cares about real bagel texture and flavor, this is the place. 10/10. Absolutely my top pick...