People Drive From All Over Illinois For Bagels That Rival New York’s
Ask any New Yorker, and they’ll likely tell you that a truly great bagel simply cannot exist beyond the five boroughs. It’s a culinary law, a sacred truth.
But nestled surprisingly deep in Illinois, a quiet revolution is bubbling – or rather, baking. Welcome to New York Bagel & Bialy Corporation, a place that not only defies the rules but rewrites them. Here, the aroma of freshly boiled and baked dough is a siren song, luring devotees from every corner of the state.
They journey miles, past cornfields and cityscapes, all for the taste of a bagel so authentic, it makes even the most hardened NYC connoisseur pause and reconsider their firmly held beliefs.
A Legacy Since 1965
Family traditions run deep at New York Bagel & Bialy. For nearly six decades, this cherished establishment has been perfecting the art of bagel-making using recipes passed down through generations.
The founders brought authentic techniques straight from New York, establishing their shop as a cultural landmark in Lincolnwood. Their dedication to craftsmanship shows in every chewy, perfectly dense bagel that emerges from their ovens.
What started as a small neighborhood bakery has evolved into a destination worth traveling for, while never compromising on the quality that made them famous in the first place.
Hand-Rolled Perfection Process
Unlike mass-produced alternatives, every bagel at New York Bagel & Bialy is carefully hand-rolled by skilled bakers who understand the delicate balance of texture and flavor. This labor-intensive process creates the distinctive chew and dense interior that bagel purists crave.
The magic continues as each bagel undergoes the traditional two-step cooking process: first boiled to create that characteristic shiny exterior, then baked to golden perfection. No shortcuts here!
Regulars swear you can taste the difference in every bite, from the satisfying crust to the slightly sweet, malty interior that makes these bagels truly exceptional.
House-Made Cream Cheese & Deli Offerings
The creamy spreads at New York Bagel & Bialy deserve their own spotlight. Each small-batch cream cheese variety is whipped to velvety perfection on-site, ranging from classic plain to inventive flavors like jalapeño and scallion.
Last summer, I drove 45 minutes just for their veggie cream cheese spread on an everything bagel. The chunks of fresh vegetables folded into that smooth, tangy base created a breakfast worth every mile of the journey.
Beyond cream cheese, their deli counter offers premium smoked fish, pastrami, and brisket that transform a simple bagel into a meal worthy of any New York delicatessen.
24/7 Service: Bagels Anytime
Craving a fresh bagel at 3 AM? The Lincolnwood location has you covered with its round-the-clock service, a rarity in the bagel world. This commitment to accessibility has created a unique culture where early-bird bakers cross paths with night-shift workers and late-night revelers.
The ovens never stop at this bagel paradise, ensuring that no matter when hunger strikes, a warm, freshly baked treat awaits. Many Chicago chefs stop by after their restaurant shifts, creating an impromptu industry gathering spot in the wee hours.
This 24/7 availability has cemented their status as a community institution that transcends typical business hours.
Authentic New York Style That Rivals The Big Apple
Transplanted New Yorkers frequently claim these bagels match or even surpass those from their hometown. The secret lies in the water chemistry – the shop reportedly adjusts their water mineral content to mimic New York City’s famous tap water, widely credited for the distinctive quality of East Coast bagels.
The texture hits that perfect sweet spot: a glossy, slightly crisp exterior giving way to a chewy, dense interior with just the right amount of pull. No airy, bread-like impostors here!
Their commitment to authenticity extends to the proper thickness – substantial enough to stand up to hearty toppings without being overly doughy or overwhelming.
Loyal Community Following
The parking lot tells the story – license plates from across Illinois and neighboring states reveal just how far people will travel for these legendary bagels. Regular customers have been known to stock up by the dozen, freezing extras to extend the joy between visits.
My neighbor drives 90 minutes each way every other Sunday to pick up bagels for his entire block. What started as a personal tradition has evolved into a community event, with neighbors placing orders and gathering to share these special treats.
This devotion speaks volumes about the quality that keeps people coming back, creating generational traditions as parents introduce their children to what many consider the gold standard of bagels.
Beyond Bagels: The Bialy Factor
While bagels get most of the glory, the often-overlooked bialy deserves special recognition. This traditional Polish-Jewish bread roll features a depression in the center (rather than a hole) filled with caramelized onions and poppy seeds.
Lighter than bagels but equally flavorful, bialys represent a disappearing art form that New York Bagel & Bialy preserves with pride. Their version features a crisp bottom, chewy interior, and that signature onion-filled center that creates an aromatic experience with each bite.
Many first-time visitors come for the bagels but leave as bialy converts, appreciating this unique offering that’s increasingly difficult to find made properly outside of New York.