The Absolute Best Bagels in Evanston [Updated 2024]

After trying out a dozen different bagel shops in Evanston, I can confidently say that I've found some of the tastiest and most satisfying bagels around. From chewy and dense to fluffy and light, these bagels will have you coming back for more.

Whether you're looking for the perfect breakfast bite or a midday snack, these bagels won't disappoint. So without further ado, here are my top picks for the best bagels in Evanston, IL.

Cupitol Coffee & Eatery

Highlights
Delicious food & coffee
Great atmosphere
Fast service
Must-try pistachio croissant

First of all, let me just say that Cupitol is more than just a coffee shop. It's a place where foodies and caffeine addicts unite. The atmosphere is chic and modern, perfect for catching up with friends or getting some work done.

But let's talk about the real reason I went there: the bagels. While they may not be their main focus, they definitely know how to make a delicious bagel sandwich. The cream cheese was smooth and creamy, and the smoked salmon was fresh and flavorful.

And don't even get me started on their must-try pistachio croissant! It was flaky, buttery, and had just the right amount of sweetness. You won't regret trying it out.

On top of all that, the service at Cupitol is fast and friendly. They truly value their customers' time without compromising quality.

Overall, if you're looking for an excellent coffee shop with great food options in Evanston, Cupitol Coffee & Eatery is definitely worth checking out. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite bagel spot!

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Brothers K Coffeehouse

Highlights
Inexpensive coffee and drinks
Great prices for food
Cool outdoor seating, books, board games
Wonderful staff
Delicious and somewhat nutritious food

First, let's talk about the coffee and drinks. I was pleasantly surprised at how inexpensive they were! And the quality didn't suffer either. My latte was perfectly frothy and had a strong espresso flavor.

Next up are the prices for food. I couldn't believe how much food I got for such a low price! The bagel sandwiches were enormous and packed with fresh ingredients.

One of my favorite things about Brothers K is their cool outdoor seating area complete with books, board games, and plenty of shade on a hot day. It's the perfect spot to relax with your breakfast while enjoying some fresh air.

The staff at Brothers K are also wonderful. They're friendly, attentive, and always happy to help you decide what to order.

And last but certainly not least - the bagels themselves! They were delicious and somewhat nutritious (depending on what you put in them!). The everything bagel was my personal favorite with its perfect combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion flakes, garlic powder, and salt.

Overall, I highly recommend giving Brothers K Coffeehouse a try if you're looking for great coffee, tasty bagels, and a fun atmosphere.

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Berry Pike Cafe

Highlights
Delicious Food
Kind Workers
Excellent Service
Welcoming Atmosphere

First and foremost, the bagels at Berry Pike Cafe were simply delicious. I could tell they were made with high-quality ingredients and were baked to perfection. The texture was crispy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside, just as a good bagel should be.

The workers at Berry Pike Cafe were also incredibly kind and welcoming. They greeted me with a smile and patiently explained all of their different flavors and spreads. Their excellent service truly made me feel like a valued customer.

What stood out to me most about this cafe was its warm and inviting atmosphere. Despite being busy, it never felt overwhelming or rushed. The decor was charmingly rustic, making for a cozy experience that was perfect for enjoying my breakfast.

Overall, I would definitely recommend visiting Berry Pike Cafe if you're in Evanston looking for some top-quality bagels. Trust me, you won't regret it!

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Coffee Lab Evanston - The Study Spot

Highlights
Affordable matcha
Convenient location
Great study spot
Excellent customer service
Good variety of seating options

First of all, let me say that this place isn't just about the bagels. They offer a variety of beverages and snacks that are sure to make your taste buds dance. But let's get back to the main attraction - the bagels.

Their bagels are nothing short of exquisite. I opted for their classic everything bagel with cream cheese and it was love at first bite. The bagel had a perfect crust and was soft on the inside without being too doughy. The cream cheese was rich, smooth, and generously spread.

But what really sets Coffee Lab Evanston apart from other coffee shops is its excellent study spot atmosphere. With a good variety of seating options including comfortable chairs and tables, this place is perfect for getting some work done or catching up on some reading. Plus, the staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming which makes you feel right at home.

Another thing worth mentioning is their affordable matcha which is a real treat for green tea lovers like myself. And did I mention how convenient their location is? It's right in downtown Evanston so it's easily accessible by public transportation or on foot.

Overall, Coffee Lab Evanston - The Study Spot has definitely earned its spot among the best bagel spots in Evanston thanks to its delicious food, great atmosphere, and exceptional customer service. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a cozy spot to study, this place has got you covered.

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Curt’s Café

Highlights
Great breakfast
Extensive menu
Clean and cozy
Emphasis on customers
Improves outcomes

First off, the breakfast selection is fantastic! With an extensive menu full of options ranging from sweet to savory, there was something for everyone. I, of course, had to try their bagel and lox platter and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The bagel was fresh and had the perfect chewiness that any good bagel should have.

What stood out to me about Curt's Café was the clean and cozy atmosphere. It's clear that they put emphasis on keeping their space welcoming for customers. The staff was also incredibly friendly and made sure that we were taken care of throughout our meal.

What makes Curt's Café unique is their mission to improve outcomes for young adults who may be at-risk or involved in the justice system by providing training and opportunities for employment. It's great to see a business that cares about more than just making a profit.

Overall, Curt's Café is a fantastic spot in Evanston for breakfast or brunch with delicious food and a mission-driven approach. I highly recommend giving them a try next time you're in the area!

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Tag's Cafe Evanston

Highlights
Cozy vibes
Attentive staff
Delicious pastries

As soon as I walked in, the cozy vibes of the cafe welcomed me with open arms. The aroma of freshly baked pastries filled my nose and my mouth began to water. I was eager to try their bagels, but first, I decided to indulge in one of their delicious pastries.

The staff at Tag's Cafe Evanston were incredibly attentive and made sure that I was comfortable and had everything I needed. They even made recommendations on which pastry would pair best with my coffee.

But let's get back to the bagels - they were absolutely delicious! The outside had a perfect crunch while the inside was soft and chewy. I opted for a classic plain bagel with cream cheese, but they had a variety of other options including sesame, poppy seed, and everything.

Overall, Tag's Cafe Evanston is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for great bagels in Evanston. Their cozy vibes paired with attentive staff and delicious pastries make for an enjoyable experience that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

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Bagel Art Cafe

Highlights
Great breakfast options
Surprisingly good coffee
Generosity and community involvement

First off, I must say that their breakfast options are simply outstanding. From classic bacon and eggs to more adventurous lox and cream cheese, there's something for every palate. And of course, the star of the show - their bagels. The dough is perfectly chewy with just the right amount of crust on the outside. You can tell they use high-quality ingredients.

But what really surprised me was their coffee. I wasn't expecting much from a bagel shop, but wow! It was smooth, rich and had no bitter aftertaste. It was good enough to rival some of the specialty coffee shops in Evanston.

Aside from their food and drinks, Bagel Art Cafe also stands out for its generosity towards the community. They donate unsold bagels to local shelters and food banks which speaks volumes about their commitment to giving back.

Overall, I highly recommend Bagel Art Cafe for your next morning meal or mid-day snack. Not only will you enjoy delicious food and drinks, but you'll also be supporting a business that cares about its community.

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Einstein Bros. Bagels

Highlights
Delicious bagels
Friendly staff
Great service

First off, let me just say that their bagels are absolutely delicious. I opted for a classic everything bagel with cream cheese and it did not disappoint. The bagel was perfectly toasted and had just the right amount of seasoning.

But what really stood out to me was the friendly staff. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with a smile and felt welcomed. They were happy to answer any questions I had about their menu and even made some recommendations.

The service at Einstein Bros. Bagels was also top-notch. My order was ready quickly and the staff made sure I had everything I needed before leaving.

Overall, my visit to Einstein Bros. Bagels in Evanston was definitely worth it. Their delicious bagels, friendly staff, and great service make them stand out from the rest. If you're in the area and looking for a great bagel spot, this is definitely one to check out!

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New York Bagel & Bialy Corporation

Highlights
Confusing line worth it
Cash only, but worth it
Better than NY bagels
Large selection of cream cheese
Good pastries available

First of all, let me just say that the confusing line outside the door is totally worth it. I mean, who doesn't love a little bit of a challenge before indulging in some delicious carbs? Plus, it gives you plenty of time to drool over the menu and pick out your perfect bagel.

Now, I know some people might be turned off by the cash only policy, but trust me when I say that it's worth the extra trip to the ATM. These bagels are so good, they're practically priceless.

Speaking of pricelessness, these bagels are hands down better than any New York bagel I've ever had. And coming from someone who's lived in both Evanston and NYC, that's saying something.

But we all know that a good bagel is nothing without some schmear on top. Luckily for us, New York Bagel & Bialy Corporation has a large selection of cream cheese flavors to choose from. Whether you're feeling classic plain or adventurous with jalapeño cheddar, there's something for everyone.

And if you have room for more (which let's be real, who doesn't?), they also have some seriously good pastries available too.

Overall, if you're looking for the best bagels in Evanston (and possibly even beyond), look no further than New York Bagel & Bialy Corporation. Just be prepared to wait in line and bring cash – but trust me when I say it's worth every penny and minute spent!

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Dollop Coffee & The Hoosier Mama Pie Company

Highlights
Must-visit in Chicago
Delicious banana cream pie
Dreamy breakfast biscuits
Consistently good food
Free Wi-Fi available

Firstly, let me tell you that this place is a must-visit in Evanston. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with free Wi-Fi available for those who need to get some work done or simply browse the internet.

Now onto the good stuff - the food! While they don't serve bagels, they do have some dreamy breakfast biscuits that are worth trying. But what really stole the show for me was their delicious banana cream pie. The crust was flaky and buttery while the filling was creamy and not too sweet. It was a true delight for my taste buds!

What impressed me most about Dollop Coffee & The Hoosier Mama Pie Company, however, was that their food is consistently good. I've been back several times since my first visit, and each time I've had a great experience.

Overall, if you're looking for some amazing baked goods in Evanston, then look no further than Dollop Coffee & The Hoosier Mama Pie Company. While they may not have bagels on the menu, their delicious pies and dreamy biscuits more than make up for it!

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Starbucks

Despite being known for their coffee, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of their bagels. The Asiago cheese bagel with cream cheese was divine and paired perfectly with my latte. The staff was attentive and the atmosphere was cozy, making it a great spot for breakfast on-the-go or a quick catch-up session with friends. Overall, Starbucks in Evanston exceeded my expectations and is definitely worth a visit for bagel lovers.

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Dunkin'

Highlights
Delicious food
No Bulls treats

Firstly, let's talk about the delicious food. I must say that their bagels are a delight for any bagel lover out there. They were freshly baked and had the perfect amount of chewiness, which is a key factor for any good bagel. The cream cheese spread was also quite delectable and added a nice flavor to the already great tasting bagels.

Another thing that caught my attention was their amazing customer service. The staff was very friendly and welcoming which made me feel like a valued customer. Being an animal lover, it was also nice to see that they had some No Bulls treats in store for furry friends.

Overall, Dunkin' in Evanston is definitely one of the go-to places if you're looking for some great quality bagels that will satisfy your hunger cravings. So if you're ever in town, don't forget to give them a try!

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