Got the Woody, so good! Tons of options, all looked great. The steamed bagel was noticeably different but tasted so good! Definitely recommend checking this place out!

This place has the best bagel Sandwiches but EVERY single time we order ahead it takes longer than they quote you (which is usually almost 30 to begin with)...so dont expect your food until about 40-45 mins.The car drop off service never works and I always have to go in myself.The staff is all super nice and the food is fantastic though.

This bagel shop is an integral part of my life. I have consumed countless - COUNTLESS - bagels here and enjoyed every one of them. Not a day goes by where I dont at least consider getting a bagel from CBA. Just imagine yourself being wrapped up in a warm, weighted blanket of love -- that is to eat a CBA bagel. They are delicious. They are affordable. They are prepared with expedience by a crew of sandwich artists so competent, youll never doubt their memory-based ordering system. What a great experience you will have when you go to CBA! Im happy for you. I think Ill stop writing this review and go get a bagel to celebrate. See you there.

August 2021 - my review of this place goes from a 5 stars, a few years back, to a generous two. Been eating here for years, and this place has been one of my favorite spots to take out of towners or foreigners, for a Chicago specific bagel experience, but the quality of the bagels, during the last few months, has been terrible, either trying my own or the traditional recipes. For months, due to the pandemic, I could not tell who was still making them (order online and pick up at the door), lately, but today I had the chance to go in and order some (equally disappointing), and I could not recognize any of the old timers. Very young crew, probably untrained. Sorry, guys, but this is the reality. Need to check the Belmont shop, to see if they suffer or the same [negative] change...

Food was excellent! Also the workers were very nice. Only complaint I have is that the service is a little slow for having 7 workers there. A bagel and cream cheese shouldnt take 10min to make.

The Good Rick, thats my bro.

These bagels are chewy in the best way possible. I get them every time I go to Chicago.

This place knows bagels - AND how to artfully top them. Have tried many of their breakfast and lunch sandwiches and have yet to be disappointed. I also really love that you can turn any of their sandwiches into a salad. Their generous application of sandwich toppings to a bed of mixed greens makes it some of the best salads you can get in town.

Delicious, unique steamed bagel sandwiches. Massive menu with a plethora of available toppings means there’s a sandwich for everyone. Worth every penny.

Big menu. Wait was really long and the bagel is just alright.

I absolutely love this place. I started coming here a few weeks since it’s down the street from my job and I haven’t regretted it since. So far I have only eaten the Egg McMahon & Breakfast Bagel multiple times and I feel like I don’t need to try anything else lol. I saw there lunch & dinner menu and I’m just amazed at the amount of combinations they have come up with. I always love how I don’t even need to have something to drink while I’m eating the bagels and that’s unheard of

Terrible service. Two Bagles took almost 20 minutes. Messed up the order. Asked for avocados and didn’t receive them but was charged. Also asked for ketchup and didn’t receive any

Wait times for customers who walk in are 30 mins, while the store focuses on online orders for pickup. Be less myopic CBA 😒

Waited 36 minutes for a steamwich and what appeared to be a mini bagel with cream cheese. This should not take 36 minutes and if it does, at least serve a full size bagel?

Thanks for nothing! waste of time and money!

Everyone in the city swears by CBA, but I do not understand the hype. I have tried CBA multiple times and don’t love the bagels. They are steamed which is different from your typical New York Deli type bagel. I also find the bagels to be so chewy and doughy- they always leave me with a stomach ache! The prices on the bagels are also insane for what they are. :(

Love this place! Steamed bagel sandwiches are the best but they also have a variety of other options. Right off Armitage brown line makes it so convenient to get in and out of. Will be back

Delicious bagels with a plethora of options for both breakfast and lunch. Highly recommend the western bagel with avocado for vegetarians or the eggosaurus for those who enjoy roast beef. Popular on the weekends so order ahead!

Bagels are incredible! Best in Chicago.We had a sandwich today - they do steamed bagel sandwiches which makes everything pretty soggy (not my texture preference) but the flavors were good.So many great options, even as a vegetarian i had a lot of choices vegan and vegetarian options too!In the past let we have ordered just bagels for toasting at home and they are fantastic, last a while and freeze well.COVID: Great and clean pick-up only (or delivery) protocol you order ahead and get a text when it’s ready.

Would give 5 star if they had also really espresso coffee. Only have filter coffee. Otherwise best bagels in town I would say!

Bagels were great! Wish we could have sat inside to eat them though.

Best spot to Grab a Bagel Bite.

If you wanna wait an hour for a bagel, super solid

I used to frequent CBA when I lived in the neighborhood and recently returned, its just as good as it was years ago. Im plant based now and they have great options for me. Currently theyre only doing take-out, curbside, or delivery. You must order ahead online or by calling. You cannot order in person. Delicious though, a Chicago must!

Cute little bagel shop with a relaxing environment in the heart of Lincoln Park. Bagel sandwiches were tasty and the coffee was strong.

Amazing bagel sandwiches. Order online only.

Worst ever Takeout place. Never kept their promise time to customer. I am also seeing the Drivers for online orders are coming discussing and frustrated over the delivery time. They need to improve the delivery, if not I better suggest the people to find another Bagel place where they can prepare and give it to you soon or at least at the promised time.Owners will bring pandemic situation has reason, lots of places are doing very good and fast delivery in this pandemic situation.They have said we dont need your business...To be honest I dont want to give any business to them anymore. Lots of business have encouraged and seen the Customer review has spotlight for development but some people are only saying reasons and never wanted to improve.

Really good lox spread and covfefe sandwich. Bagels are steamed which is different but awesome once you realize whats going on.

Best breakfast sandwich ever! I can’t wait to go back!

Love the bagel ideas and names. All Chicago! Staff is really cool and love what they do. Definitely a good quick bite if you are on the run. Tshirts and hats for people from out of town.

Told me my order is being placed to late because its 3:50 and they close at 4. Orders should be able to be placed until you are closed. Only those who don’t need your business tell you that, obviously these guys didn’t. Never coming back.

Incompetently slow every time.

Never seen such a varied bagel sandwich menu in my life! These guys thought of everything, and I definitely appreciate the amount of sweet options. If you forgot your glasses (like me), grab a printed menu from the center of the bartop. Its literally steps from the Brown line and I cant wait to come back!

Delicious bagels. Keep in mind you will most likely wait around 30-40 minutes for your order. It is covid friendly as well.

Veggies were not fresh

The tuna meltdown is great!

You know that moment when you realize every bagel you had in the past is just a bagel… It’s that moment where you know nothing else can compare to the delectable bite of heaven that CBA serves up. I thought I knew bagels before. I thought I was a bagel expert. A bagel is no longer good enough. A CBA Steamwich is everything. They have creations for anything you crave from something healthy to something that can cure any hangover. What are you waiting for? Their URL says it all… EatCBA

45 minutes for this lopsided bagel.

This aint it chief. If youre searching for Chicagos best bagel sandwich, keep looking. Insanely pricey as well

I had not had a seat be a bagel in over eight years, and when I arrived on a Sunday afternoon 15 minutes before they closed, I got the best bagel ever. there was a good small Rush happening, and even though I miss ordered and needed an extra accessory, the employees were more than happy to accommodate me last minute. the staff was very friendly and efficient, and made me a perfect bagel even though I had modified some of the ingredients. Cant wait to return!!!!!

I have no words. The best breakfast sandwiches in the city. Love the cold brew. Website ordering works great.

We in 2020. This place does not have an app, does not take order by phone, you need to go their website put name, email, phone credit card number and zip code. No paypal, google pay or anything.......all for what to get a 3 dollar bagel. Wait for 20 - 25 minutes. Really? I might as well go to grocery store to buy bagel, cream cheese eggs and avocado.

I don’t know if giving five stars is justified when you’ve tried only one menu item. But when the “item” is that good, one can not resist!I got “The Lean Jean”. For some reason, I couldn’t find it on their overtly extensive menu, but one of the servers suggested it to me. God Bless her soul! The best bagel sandwich I’ve ever had, hands down!Turkey sausage, egg whites and cheese sandwiched in the most perfectly toasted rye bagel. It came together beautifully, like one heavenly entity. I was walking down Belmont Avenue one Sunday afternoon, looking for satiating brunch options and this place definitely did the trick!I got a mocha to go with it. It wasn’t the best but it went well with the bagel sandwich. Loved the bustling atmosphere as well.

Great price, great food, especially if you need to feed grownups and kids!

Hi I had a mask, but never entered and waited outside in the public noticing their Signs out front. Multiple signs antagonizing people in public who are not wearing mask using very assumptive and childish tactics. Weird considering the people waiting outside are Paying Customers?? No mask no entry is one thing, but for someone, who clearly was stressing and angry about it, to write up those signs and post along the side is a weak move. Super politically driven And childish feeling marketing, not for business. No mask no entry should be enough. 🤷🏻‍♂️✌🏼🇺🇸

As someone who grew up in New York, I can only say that I found these bagels repugnant. Who steams bagels?! They were mushy and gross.

Incredible sandwiches. Extremely filling

This is a perfect local bagel / sandwich shop. Its bustling, the food is delicious, and it feels like it hasnt changed a bit in 30 years. The location is great and the bagels are even better.

Best bagel sandwich Ive have had!

CBA is my friend

Eggosaurus 5/5goat killer 3/5Mikeys Munch 3/5 - I like all the ingredients but having them all together was a little too muchBowler’s Bagel 4/5 - a little too much sauceDank n eggs 4/5

Order online only. Waste of time.

Nice place. But the process of ordering is confusing. If you are on the shy side, and easily get overwhelmed with an array of choices I recommend sitting down and looking at the menu. The bagels are amazing.

I can see this place being perfect for the morning after a night out. The breakfast bagels loaded with eggs, meat, and cheese are perfect for a hangover.The place was pretty empty early Sunday morning (around 9 AM). It still took a while for the food to come out. I ordered the Dank N Eggs - eggs, bacon, roast beef, cheese, and honey mustard on an everything bagel. I honestly couldnt tell if the actual bagel was good or not, but everything on it was delicious! The honey mustard added a nice sweetness to everything else. Very heavy meal, but quality.They have a huge menu, so youre bound to find a sandwich that fits your taste. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys bagel sandwiches.

I had my first Bagel Turkey sandwich from CBA very delicious

I love you sandwiches here. They are all served on bagels and the menu is organized by meat choices, so its easy to find what you want. I like the Mathilda and the Konrad. When you go, be prepared for the possibility of uncensored rap music. The last time I went, I saw a couple people enter the store and leave without ordering because the music was distasteful to them.

Very solid spot to grab some bagels. Good for breakfast sandwiches or just a straight bagel. Nothing too complicated which is nice when your heads hurts and are trying to order things in the morning.

Italian bagel tasted pretty good, sandwiches are steamed not like other sandwich shops. Not a very big place with a handful of tables to sit at. Overall excellent place, I would eat here again.

Amazing sandwiches for all meals of the day. A bit expensive for what it is

Great food. Great employees. Management is nice

Nice place with delicious bagels, can be quite busy though and its tough to get a seat.Still, excellent food!

I used to love this place when I lived near by 20 years ago. Guess what? Theyre still just as good. I wish theyd expand to Raleigh :)

Hell no, do not waste your precious time coming here. Everything was old, the store smelt unsanitary and the food was not fresh, ugggh never again.

This place is super cool, the food is incredible. I wish they would be more clear on how there ordering process goes because it is a little kaotic. And a lot of the customers were rude and unhelpful to a newbie. Which I dont fault the business but maybe if they were more aware of new customers and how to give them a good experience. Still loved the food.

Everything about this place is great! The sandwiches are to die for, the people who work here are friendly and hilarious, and the decor is cool. I had the Belmont, and it was incredible. If you havent yet, check this place out!!!

If you love bagels, you’ll enjoy this gem of a place. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, meat lover, etc— you’ll find the bagel for you. My favorite was “The Rocky” and “Eternal Sunshine”— like the film! My favorite thing about this place is he fact that you see posters all around the place with the names and ingredients within each (or at least most) bagel. I’ve gone to both locations in Chicago and they’re equally great!

Delicious and creative bagel sandwiches. The bagels are steamed, so they taste a little different, but the ingredients are quality. I played the lottery, allowing the sandwich artist to make their own creation, and its one of the best sandwiches Ive ever had. Staff is super friendly and its a fun environment.

I love these steamed bagel sandwiches. You have to know a bit of what youre doing to make it an efficient visit, but thats not usually the point. Its well worth taking a bit of time to look over the whole menu board, plus post attention to all of the small signs with some of the quirkier off the menu items (such as The Belmont breakfast bagel). Put in an order with whoever offers first (no line need be respected here), then sit back and what for that bagel goodness. If you like hot sauces to accompany your sandwich, there are usually an assortment of them kicking around the tables.

Solid bagels. But they should be toasted, not steamed before serving. Got the Eternal Sunshine. It was a good level of spice and all the flavors are pretty classic combinations.

As a Miami University alumnus that gets a drunk craving for Bagel & Deli (the mother restaurant of CBA) this is the best thing to see in Chicago. They have quirky, steamed bagel sandwiches that taste amazing and cure any munchies or hangover that you have. Great to see the homage to some Oxford, OH Staples and some originals as well.

I had a long blonde hair in my sandwich. Grossed me out. I wont be coming. Food tastes good tho.

Never been disappointed! Creative sandwiches, fresh bagels. I always get an iced coffee with some chips and a banana chocolate chip cookie in addition to my bagel 👌👌

Nice warm steamed bagels with lots of different options. They are soft and full of flavor. Had the chips special which did not disappoint.

Steamed bagels......something I never thought I would love, they arent soggy either. The selection of steamwiches is enormous with funny names and a good selection of meat/vegetarian options. Recently tried the stink.

Ill always make an effort to come to this place whenever Im in Chicago. Their bagel sandwiches are delicious and filling. This is because they steam the bagels instead of toasting them, which makes for a unique taste. They also have very friendly staff that seem to always be in a good mood. Would definitely recommend this place for anyone looking for a satisfying brunch or lunch.Personal recommendation: The Munster Mash sandwich.

Staff was really friendly and had a lot of options to choose from. Great location close to the train too.

Cool place, good food (the hangover had like 1/4lb. of ham and was dripping butter) but dont like that prices are nowhere listed; amidst the tons of text.Super cute chick was working (owner or manager?) and she is all smiles.

The Lincoln Pork is just awesome. I love that they give you the option to let them choose a bagel for you. They have never failed me, and every time Ive let them make my decision Ive been happy with the result. Its right outside the Brown Line Armitage stop, so very easy to get to.

A Chicago classic. Staff are fun, responsive and know the menu. The Dank and Eggs is a brilliant combination of meat, eggs and deli mustard on an everything bagel. Perfect hangover food. Coffee is always fresh and hot.

First time there, will definitely be coming back. Especially for the rocking tunes. Less salt on The Sausage Fest please. 👍

POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE — My friends food was good however I never got to try mine! The process to place an order is very cumbersome. People scatter in a crowd along the narrow counter with no assigned turns; so people are placing their orders at random and I noticed how other patrons were being skipped over in spite of them being there first.After about 20 minutes I received my bagel except it was prepared with turkey instead of sausage as I had requested. I explained the mistake and asked they could replace the meat, but verbatim they said:>> no, you didnt order sausage you ordered turkey.I would never order turkey because I have simply never liked turkey, ever. They followed up to say:>> If you want sausage youll have to pay for a new bagelI asked if I could just pay for the meat because I didnt want turkey meat to which they replied:>> no, you can give it to a friend who wants to eat it or throw it awayI will grant them the benefit of the doubt regarding a miscommunication in the initial order however they were extremely rude and condescending to their customers. They were averse to admitting their mistake and unwilling to swap a bagel meat simply because of a servers ego. I do not appreciate their poor customer service. I just want to let future customers know of the poor treatment youll receive if you ever get a wrong other.Otherwise enjoy :)

It is set up like a bar. Step up when you’re ready to order. The food came hot and fast on a very busy day.

Yes the queues are unnecessarily hectic but its more about the ambiance. The sandwich options are endless as well as tasty. Dont pass up giving this place a try if youre in the neighborhood. Pro-tip: thee is an extensive selection of hot sauce right behind you.

Seriously good bagel sandwiches. Im not sure how a plain bagel is from her but the menu of sandwiches is extensive and tasty! Thank you for a great experience!

Great bagel sandwiches.

I know this place is a staple I have been coming here for 10 years. But one thing is very clear is that they do not use quality ingredients. They used the cheapest Bagels that it hurts your stomach when you eat it. Its in a great location and it is a staple and I always go back. But every time I leave because the food is so cheap quality, Im never full and I end up having to go somewhere else and get a quality meal

Always loved the food. Havent been in a while. Is the chicken chili back?

Food took nearly an hour from ordering to receiving it. Other customers ordered and got their food in the meantime. But when the place was informed of this, they admitted that was really long, but all that was offered was a cookie. For something like that the meal should be free.

A bagel like no other. Far and away from any breakfast experience ever. Perfect Chicago. Undecided? Just. Go. Now!

Although a little disorganized in terms of the ordering process inside the CBA, they have legit amazing steamed bagels and sandwiches. Prices are reasonable as well. If you live close by I highly recommend going there in the mornings, you won’t regret it!

Great space. Great bagels.

A chewy bagel -- yay! Decent prices. Four million outlets. The place could use a thorough cleaning.

Love this place. Best steamed bagle in town. Menu can be overwhelming for the uninitiated. But its sorted by protein so easy enough to figure out. Another gotcha is that there is no line. Just belly up to the bar and wait for an avaliable bagel-person to take your order. They do have a quaint/scrubby patio out the back door as well. Nice for kiddos or of you just want to be outside. Cookies are solid too!

Hip cool sandwiches. Warning its probably gonna be packed. Oh FYI for the people who dont know order from the cooks/sandwich maker. Not really a CP place. Just saying

Food was okay. What I didn’t like is that when these 2 older ladies left the employees were mocking them after they left. I was the only person in the restaurant so I heard it loud and clear. Total hipster punks.

Great food and service

True this place has some ok food, but I have always thought they used day old bagels that NEEDED to be steamed. But for me that’s where it ends. It seems when I go in person I am served somewhat efficiently. Now if I order from a delivery app, it takes 45 minutes. Sometimes my driver will even text me that they are waiting 10-15 minutes for food. So let’s be clear, they treat delivery customers like second class citizens. Skip it unless you go in person and can complain to a human. Steingold’s seems to be faster and they are further away?

Unique, simple and just YUMMY!

Steamed bagels are a nice addition to the mix and with so many sandwich choices, youll find one that works for you. Try the Crunch and Munch Sandwich (Turkey, smoked cheddar, lettuce, honey mustard, Parmesan peppercorn, and Nacho Cheese Doritos) on an everything bagel. Cute patio out back too!

Food was great. Never had a steamed bagel before and I believe I had the Bens Best on a plain bagel. I also tried their Turkey chili.