New York's Best Bagels... In Chicago
By Lauren Wulf
New York Bagel & Bialy Corporation
4714 Touhy Ave
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
(847) 677-9388
www.newyorkbagelandbialy.net
As a self-proclaimed bagel aficionado and carboholic, I've tried many bagels in Chicago, searching for the most authentic New York-style bagel/deli. New York Bagel & Bialy on Chicago's north side is the best of the best. Low prices, fast service and fresh, boiled bagels are among the many reasons this gem is packed with locals and bagel lovers every weekend morning. To help convince you, here are my top 5 reasons why you should put it on your must-try list!
1) Bagels, of course!
The bagels at New York Bagel & Bialy are as close as you can get to NY style bagels in Chicago. The soft, warm bagels are boiled and baked fresh daily. Seasoned to perfection, there are all the staples to choose from. From onion to their signature, "Mish-Mosh," everyone's go-to bagel can be found here. The "Mish-Mosh" is a delicious combination of all things wonderful. The best way to describe it is an even better, everything bagel. I highly recommend you order it. You've been warned.
2) Bialys
For those of you who don't speak, bagel - a bialy is a small roll, similar to a bagel except it isn't boiled before baking. Bialys are baked with a small dent in the top where a hole would be in a bagel. The dent at the top is typically filled with either seasonings, onions, garlic, poppy seeds , sesame seeds or other ingredients. The Bialys here come in many varieties and are well worth a try. As with their bagels, bialys are cooked up fresh each day.
3) Cream Cheese/ Smear
The fresh cream cheese at NY Bagel & Bialy is always served whipped in a hefty portion. You'll be thankful for that -- it's delicious. Flavors such as chive, onion, vegetable and their signature, salmon, are available for bagels, with lox or served on sandwiches. Cream cheese can be made to order on your bagel or cartons can be bought family-style.
4) Sandwiches
Pastrami, lox and corned beef are among the many NY deli staples found here. House specialties include; BBQ salmon, chicken salad, lox, corned beef, pastrami, turkey pastrami and smoked fish. Custom-made sandwiches can be served on fresh made breads and their signature bagels and bialys. Delicious breakfast sandwiches are also available on bagels.
5) Fish
The classic lox and bagel combination is made to perfection at NY Bagel & Bialy. Order it by the pound, as a side, a party platter or as a sandwich. All delicious options! Other fish specialties include: BBQ salmon, smoked salmon, tuna and smoked white fish. As mentioned above, the smoked salmon cream cheese is a house specialty.
Lauren Wulf, CBS Chicago
Lauren Wulf writes about living in Chicago on a budget on her website, A Poor Girl's Guide Chicago.
