Cool place to stop by for a bagel. I definitely ordered the wrong bagel when i visited so it wasn’t what i wanted but it was still tasty. If you order properly and make sure you’re right or maybe ask, you won’t be disappointed with your bagel. Their menu offers many options to choose from, so pick carefully. The customer service was great and the place has an awesome atmosphere. Plus the stickers here are cool. Give it a try if you’re in the area or if you’re craving a bagel.
Apr 5 · MercyBAKERY PROFILE
Chicago Bagel Authority - Belmont
★ 4.0871 recorded reviews$10–20
955 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
Directory information can change. Confirm current hours, prices, products, dietary needs, and custom-order requirements directly with the bakery.
PLAN THE VISIT
Essential details
- Address
- 955 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
- Phone
- (773) 549-1982
- Website
- Visit official site
- Rating signal
- 4.0 from 871 recorded reviews
HOURS
Listed operating hours
- Monday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
About and visit notes
Introduction / Overview
For residents of Illinois craving a truly unique and satisfying breakfast or lunch experience, the Chicago Bagel Authority (CBA) - Belmont location is a local institution worth seeking out. Located in a vibrant area of Chicago, CBA has built a dedicated following not just as a typical bagel shop, but as a specialized breakfast restaurant famous for its signature Steamwiches. Unlike traditional toasted bagel sandwiches, CBA's unique steaming process results in a warm, incredibly soft, and chewy bagel base that perfectly complements the extensive array of fresh fillings.
CBA’s menu is legendary for its size and creativity, featuring over a hundred different Steamwich combinations, each with a memorable, often whimsical name like the "Hangover Helper," "The Dude," or the "Belmont." The offerings are diverse, covering everything from classic breakfast combinations available all day to specialty turkey, roast beef, ham, bacon, and vegetarian creations. This variety ensures that whether you're looking for a quick, simple bite or a complex, over-the-top sandwich, you'll find a Steamwich to match your mood.
Beyond the food, CBA is known for its awesome atmosphere, which is described by customers as cool and funky. It’s a place that embraces a fun, lighthearted brand, selling branded merchandise alongside its sandwiches. CBA also prides itself on being a Transgender safespace, fostering an inclusive environment for all Chicago patrons. It’s the ideal spot for a quick visit when you need a delicious, filling, and memorable meal.
Location and Accessibility
The convenience of Chicago Bagel Authority’s location is a significant plus for local users in Illinois. Situated near a major public transit hub, it is exceptionally easy to get to, making it a perfect stop on your daily commute or a planned visit to the Lakeview East area. The Belmont location's address is:
955 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
The shop benefits from being right next to the Belmont Red Line station, making it highly accessible via the CTA. For those driving, the location is served by Paid street parking options, which is typical for the bustling Chicago neighborhood. Furthermore, the establishment features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring the convenience of all community members. Whether you’re stopping in for an early morning coffee or picking up a Steamwich for a midday craving, the accessibility of CBA is a major benefit.
Services Offered
CBA provides a comprehensive set of services focused on speed, convenience, and flexibility to meet the needs of its busy Chicago clientele:
- Delivery: Offering the full menu of bagels, spreads, and Steamwiches delivered directly to customers.
- In-store Pickup: A fast option for collecting orders placed in advance online or via phone.
- Takeout: Quick service for counter orders, ideal for customers on the go.
- Dine-in: Available seating for patrons who wish to enjoy their meal inside the shop and soak up the unique atmosphere.
- Onsite Services: Facilitating the daily operations of a dynamic bagel and breakfast restaurant.
- Full Breakfast Service: Serving an extensive breakfast menu available all day, including specialty breakfast Steamwiches.
- Bulk Orders: Providing bagels by the half dozen or dozen, as well as bulk coffee boxes and spreads for hosting groups or stocking up at home.
- Payment Flexibility: Accepting common methods including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a quick checkout.
Features / Highlights
Chicago Bagel Authority stands out from other quick-service restaurants and bagel shops due to its unique offerings and distinct brand personality:
- The Signature Steamwich Method: The defining feature is the use of steamed bagels instead of toasted ones, creating a softer, chewier texture that is unique to CBA and highly praised by fans.
- Extensive and Creative Menu: With over a hundred named Steamwiches, the menu offers an overwhelming variety, categorized by filling (Turkey, Veggie, Roast Beef, etc.), including many all-day breakfast options like the "Belmont" and "Hangover Helper."
- Vegan Options: Catering to various dietary needs, the menu includes dedicated options like the Phat Matt (Vegan) and The Vegan-Licious Steamwiches, ensuring plant-based choices are available.
- Inclusive Community Space: The shop identifies as a Transgender safespace and features a Gender-neutral restroom, emphasizing an open and welcoming environment for all patrons.
- Merchandise and Branding: The bakery boasts a strong, funky brand, selling branded items like shirts, hats, pins, and sticker collections, contributing to the "cool and funky" atmosphere noted in customer reviews.
- In-House Spreads and Sauces: CBA offers its own spreads, including plain, chive, veggie, strawberry, jalapeño, and giardiniera cream cheeses, as well as house-made sauces like Chipotle Mayo and Habanero Mayo, allowing customers to take home their favorite flavors.
Contact Information
For Chicago-area users looking to place an order, inquire about the menu, or just grab a quick meal, here is the direct contact information for Chicago Bagel Authority - Belmont:
Address: 955 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
Phone: (773) 549-1982
Mobile Phone: +1 773-549-1982
What is Worth Choosing
For Illinois residents, choosing Chicago Bagel Authority - Belmont is about embracing a local favorite that has mastered a unique culinary niche. The main reason to choose CBA is the Steamwich—it’s a completely different experience from a standard toasted bagel sandwich, offering a warm, soft bite that has earned it cult status among Chicago foodies. The sheer breadth of the menu means you could eat here daily and never have the same sandwich twice, encouraging exploration of wild and fun flavor combinations.
CBA is also the perfect choice for the modern, busy Chicago lifestyle. Its availability as a Breakfast restaurant serving meals all day fits any schedule, from the early riser to the late-night worker. The location's proximity to the Belmont Red Line makes it an incredibly convenient destination for a quick, quality meal. When you need a fast and satisfying bite, the "quick visit" model is efficient and reliable.
Finally, by choosing CBA, you are supporting a business with a genuine character and strong inclusive values. The funky atmosphere and commitment to being a Transgender safespace make it a comfortable place for everyone. Whether you're a local resident or just visiting the city, Chicago Bagel Authority offers a delicious, one-of-a-kind meal that is undeniably a unique part of Chicago's local food scene.
VISIT FEATURES
Services and accessibility
These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.
Service options
- Delivery
- In-store pickup
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
PHOTOS
See the bakery
VISITOR FEEDBACK
Reviews and recurring themes
Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.
steamed 54menu 40bagel sandwiches 36atmosphere 18vegan 10combinations 8rice 7delivery 7hangover 5wall 5
Cool and funky bagel spot right next to the Belmont Red Line. They have an extensive menu so it shouldn’t be hard to find what you’re in the mood for.I got the Kool Jules which is turkey, provolone, veggie cream cheese, sprouts, and mustard on a bialy bagel. It was fire! So good. I also got a carmel iced coffee. If you like your iced coffees creamy like I do, you may not like it. It’s just dark coffee over ice. I added a few creamers to it and it was good to go.
Sep 5 · Adam HatchMy first time having a steamed bagel sandwich and I now prefer steamed over toasted. I got the lox and it is so far the best bagel sandwich I’ve had. The bagel was a doughy texture (just the way I like it!). Definitely recommend CBA especially if you are visiting from out of town. The staff are super friendly and attentive. Price was also reasonable(about $7). I’ll be sure to return the next time I’m visiting Chicago!
May 26 · Alayna LindleyOne of the worst bagels I have ever had.The bagels have a gummy texture and the entire place looks like it is kept by someone who was never taught how to properly clean.Everything looks just on the edge of decrepit.The vibe is chill but it is really hard to ignore how awful the bagels are.They are served wrapped in foil and look like they were tossed around in someone backpack before making it to my table.Slimy fake cheese coated the bagel making it hard to eat or taste anything other than the fake cheese, which makes the texture of the soggy bagel worse.Also worth mentioning it’s overpriced for what it is.No thanks.
May 6 · Getina MarrNot a fan of steamed bagels - why does a cold bagel sandwich need to be wrapped in aluminum foil? There’s no heat to steam it.I got the eternal sunshine which was disappointing, I just didn’t like how it came together.
Mar 8 · Sameet SapraNEARBY ALTERNATIVES
Compare another bakery nearby
Sorted by geographic proximity from this bakery.
★ 4.0 · 183 reviews · 0.5 mi
Chicago Sugar Daddy Patisserie LLC
3243 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
★ 4.0 · 171 reviews · 0.7 mi
Roggenart European Bakery, Bistro & Cafe
565 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
★ 4.0 · 615 reviews · 1.5 mi
Beacon Doughnuts
In The Alley, 810 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
This page combines directory records, available business details, submitted photos, and visitor feedback. Information may be incomplete or change without notice. For corrections, contact server@heavenlydelightsbakery.com.