Gotham Bagels

On paper, Gotham might not seem like a likely candidate for having some of the city’s best bagels. It’s originally from Madison, Wisconsin (not exactly known for its bagel prowess), and runs its carryout operation out of an Italian restaurant in Old Town. But the bagels here are excellent and will shut up any complaints about Chicago’s bagel scene. In fact, this place is our new go-to spot and will probably be yours, too.

What’s so great about the bagels themselves?? They’re big, soft, slightly chewy, and delicious. The menu has eight kinds (including an egg-everything that’s soulmates with the scallion cream cheese), sandwiches like the perfectly-proportioned BEC, and a variety of spreads. And for anyone searching for a simple-yet-fantastic lox and cream cheese, this is where you’ll find it. In fact, after ordering from here, all your bagel searching will be over.

Food Rundown

Bacon Egg & Cheese Sandwich

There are a few sandwiches on Gotham’s menu, but you can’t ignore the perfection of a well-executed BEC like the one here. It has a fried egg, thick-cut bacon, sharp cheddar, and your choice of bagel.

Bagel With Lox & Cream Cheese

The lox is smoky and tender, and Gotham’s puts it between two layers of cream cheese. Which, according to our East Coast colleagues, is the correct way to do it.

Super Egg Everything With Scallion Cream Cheese

One bite of Gotham’s egg-everything bagel paired with the scallion cream cheese and it’s obvious these two were destined to be together. Another perfect bagel/cream cheese pairing? The sesame with honey tart cherry.