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If you’re planning a trip to Chicago and looking for a breakfast spot that’s actually worth the hype, let us save you some time: go to Gotham Bagels.
We knew we wanted to try Gotham Bagels while we were in Chicago, but when we woke up that morning, we had one concern. It was chilly, a little rainy, and definitely not the kind of weather where you want to grab breakfast and eat outside.
After seeing photos online, we knew Gotham Bagels was a pretty small shop, so we weren’t sure what the seating situation would be like. Thankfully, as soon as we got there, we found out there was plenty of extra seating available upstairs at Gino’s East right next door. That was a huge relief. Instead of wandering around downtown looking for somewhere dry to sit, we were able to grab a table, warm up, and enjoy our breakfast.
Honestly, it ended up being the perfect way to start a cool Chicago morning.
And after one bite of our bagels, we knew we had made the right decision.
About Gotham Bagels
Gotham Bagels isn’t a large restaurant by any means. It’s the kind of place where the focus is entirely on making amazing bagels rather than creating a huge dining room.
The shop itself is small, but don’t let that discourage you. One of the best things we discovered during our visit was the extra seating upstairs at Gino’s East, which is located immediately next door. If the weather isn’t cooperating or you’re hoping to sit down and relax with your breakfast, it’s a fantastic setup.
The atmosphere feels more like a neighborhood bagel shop than a tourist attraction. You walk in, smell fresh bagels baking, place your order, and quickly realize why so many people recommend this place.
Sometimes the best food comes from the smallest restaurants.
What We Ordered
Everything on the menu sounded good, but we decided to try a breakfast sandwich and a classic bagel with cream cheese.
Bacon, Egg & Cheddar on a Pumpernickel Bagel
This was one of those breakfast sandwiches where you know you made the right choice after the first bite.
The pumpernickel bagel was incredible. It had the perfect chewy texture and a rich flavor that paired perfectly with the bacon, egg, and cheddar. The bacon was crispy, the egg was cooked perfectly, and the melted cheddar tied everything together.
What really stood out, though, was the bagel itself. It wasn’t just a vehicle for the toppings—it was the star of the sandwich.
We’ve had a lot of breakfast sandwiches over the years, and this one is definitely near the top of the list.
Everything Bagel with Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese
The second bagel we ordered was an everything bagel topped with garden vegetable cream cheese.
Sometimes the simplest orders end up being the most memorable.
The everything seasoning was packed with flavor, and there was plenty of cream cheese spread across the entire bagel. The garden vegetable cream cheese added a fresh, creamy flavor that complemented the bagel perfectly.
Every bite was loaded with flavor, and it was the kind of bagel that makes you slow down and enjoy every last bite.
Why We Loved Gotham Bagels
Honestly, these are the best bagels we’ve ever had.
Now, before anyone from New York jumps into the comments, we’ll admit that we haven’t made it to NYC yet. We know New York bagels have a legendary reputation, and we can’t officially compare them.
But if Gotham Bagels isn’t close to what they’re serving in New York, we honestly don’t know how much better a bagel can get.
The texture was exactly what you’d hope for. They were chewy without being tough, flavorful without needing a bunch of toppings, and fresh enough that you could taste the difference.
A lot of places get talked up online and end up being disappointing. Gotham Bagels was the opposite. We went in expecting a good breakfast and left wondering why we don’t have a bagel shop this good closer to home.
The fact that we’re still talking about these bagels weeks later probably tells you everything you need to know.
What Makes Gotham Bagels Different?
What stood out most to us was how much care goes into every bagel.
Nothing felt rushed or mass-produced. The bagels tasted fresh, the ingredients were high quality, and every order felt like it was made with attention to detail.
In a world full of chain breakfast restaurants, Gotham Bagels feels special. It’s the kind of local spot you stumble across while traveling and immediately start recommending to everyone you know.
If you’re choosing between a chain coffee shop breakfast and Gotham Bagels, the choice is easy.
Perfect Stop Before Exploring Chicago
One thing we loved about Gotham Bagels is its location.
After breakfast, we were able to continue exploring downtown Chicago without having to go out of our way. It’s conveniently located near the Magnificent Mile, making it a great stop before a day of shopping, sightseeing, or walking around the city.
Whether you’re heading to the Chicago Riverwalk, exploring downtown, or simply looking for a great breakfast before your day starts, Gotham Bagels is an easy addition to your itinerary.
Our Tip: Go Hungry
The bagels here are filling.
We thought ordering two bagels would be the perfect amount, and we were right. Everything was satisfying without being overly heavy.
The next time we visit, we’d love to try a few more of their bagel varieties and one of their specialty cream cheese flavors.
If they’re anywhere near as good as what we ordered, we’re already looking forward to our next visit.
Location
Gotham Bagels
162 E Superior St
Chicago, IL 60611
Is Gotham Bagels Worth It?
Absolutely.
Whether you’re visiting Chicago for a weekend getaway or you’re a local looking for a great breakfast spot, Gotham Bagels is worth the stop.
The bagels are fresh, the portions are generous, and the flavors are memorable. Add in the convenient seating next door at Gino’s East, and you’ve got the perfect breakfast stop for a morning in downtown Chicago.
We’ll definitely be back the next time we’re in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gotham Bagels known for?
Gotham Bagels is known for its fresh, New York-style bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and flavored cream cheeses.
Does Gotham Bagels have seating?
The restaurant itself is small, but customers can use additional seating upstairs at Gino’s East next door.
What should I order at Gotham Bagels?
We highly recommend the bacon, egg, and cheddar on a pumpernickel bagel and the everything bagel with garden vegetable cream cheese.
Is Gotham Bagels worth visiting?
Without question. It’s one of our favorite breakfast spots we’ve found in Chicago.
More Chicago Food Stops You’ll Love
If you’re exploring Chicago’s food scene, check out these other Chicago favorites:
- Gino’s East Chicago – One of Chicago’s most famous deep-dish pizza restaurants, Gino’s East serves the thick, cheesy pizza the city is known for. We tried both a classic pepperoni pizza and a supreme pizza loaded with toppings, and it’s a must-visit for anyone wanting the full Chicago pizza experience.
- Stan’s Donuts Chicago – If you have a sweet tooth, Stan’s Donuts is worth a stop. Known for its colorful donut creations and creative flavors, it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and a treat while exploring the Magnificent Mile.
- Ralph’s Coffee Chicago – Located inside the Ralph Lauren flagship store on Michigan Avenue, Ralph’s Coffee offers a cozy atmosphere, great coffee, and one of the most unique café experiences in downtown Chicago. It’s a fun stop during a day of shopping and sightseeing.
Together, these spots make for a pretty fantastic Chicago food itinerary.
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