If you're searching for the best bagels near you, look no further than this list of seven cafes and bake shops in Illinois that do them really well. From traditional Jewish bakeries to modern cafes, you'll find a little of everything in this state.
Bagels were made for breakfast, but you'll find in this list that many can be made into lunches and dinners. Scroll on for more details.
1. Barb City Bagels
This amazing bakery has been in business since 2015. It offers a variety of different flavors like Hawaiian, Jalapeno Cheddar, and sun-dried tomato. You'll also find pizza bagels, breakfast bagels, and ones topped with a special hand-blended cream cheese. Get your next morning meal at 118 E Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, IL 60115. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Saturday to Sunday.
2. Fourth Street Bakery
Locals have been enjoying the best bagels at this bakery since 1995. It is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it is located at 1255 4th St., Peru, IL 61354. It is an absolutely lovely cafe with a plethora of different bagels as well as pastries.
3. Ira's Bagels
In business since 2017, this Jersey-style bagel place offers traditional bagels and bagel sandwiches. For breakfast, guests enjoy eggs, cheese, and bacon, while lunch items include bagels with corned beef, turkey, or lox. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and it is located at 9471 Ackman Rd., Lake in the Hills, IL 60156.
4. Jake's Bagels & Deli
The best thing about this bagel shop is the flavored cream cheese spread options. Enjoy apple cinnamon, vanilla, strawberry, salsa, and even seasonal flavors like pumpkin honey, pineapple coconut, and pecan swirl. Offering just about every flavor of bagel you can think of, the place is open Monday through Friday from 5:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well as Sundays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find it at 220 N Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505.
5. Mary's Market
With three locations in Rockford, this bakery is certainly home to some of the best bagels in the Land of Lincoln. It has been in business since 1982 and is known for its fillings like chocolate Bavarian cream, lemon, strawberry, raspberry, and whip cream. It also sells a wealth of other breads and pastries and is open Monday through Friday from 6 a..m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
6. Shawn's Coffee Shop
This lovely cafe and bakery is a great place for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner. Hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. In addition to bagels, guests enjoy pastries, sandwiches, soups, salads, and a wealth of different beverages. Find this hot spot at 204 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178.
7. Swiss Maid Bakery
A full bakery, this excellent spot is more known for its sweets than its savory delights. Custom cakes are their specialty, but the bagels are still delicious. It has been around (under various owners) since 1925 and is a staple for members of this community. There are two locations. One is in Harvard and the other in Woodstock. Both are open Tuesday through Saturday.
Where else in Illinois can you get the best bagels? Share your favorite local spot with us below in the comments.
For more like this, check out 10 restaurants in Illinois that prove brunch is the best meal of the day.
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