Best Bagels in Oak Park?

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Permalink Reply by Becca on July 24, 2009 at 2:02pm

So much bagel talk! Who knew? Ok, so here's my question for everyone. How would you describe the perfect bagel? What are the key attributes, in your opinion?

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Permalink Reply by Laura Rodriguez on January 14, 2010 at 9:35pm

When I lived in Mexico that was one thing that I craved and they didn't have! When I got back to the states that was one of the first things I wanted to eat!

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Permalink Reply by John Metzger on January 15, 2010 at 7:29am

We have tried just about every place in Oak Park and the surrounding areas. We always came back to the Great American Bagel on Roosevelt. It was closed for awhile, then it reopened with new ownership. They hired the same guy to make the bagels. Now they are closed again. We've since tried Bruegger's on Lake and a few other places. We were not impressed with Bruegger's. The taste is ok, but not great. It's also a little pricey -- a dollar or two higher per dozen than Great American was. So, in lieu of someone else tossing their hat into the bagel-making ring, we have given up bagels. I should mention, though, that on occasion, we've picked up a bag of sesame bagels from Trader Joe's. They were cheap, and they actually were pretty decent.

We tried the Great American Bagel up on North Avenue in Elmwood Park. The bagels are smaller, and they doen't taste as good either. I don't know what the store on Roosevelt did that was different, but their bagels were better. If anyone here went to GAB on Roosevelt and knows where the baker wound up, let me know.

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Permalink Reply by Theresa Browning on January 15, 2010 at 7:10pm

For a chain, my favorite bagels are Einstein's. They closed the Oak Park one years ago, so the closest one that I know of is now in Oak Brook. We go by there often when we are shopping in that area. I don't like Panera's. Brueggers and Great American are ok but I don't go out of my way to get them.

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Permalink Reply by Brian Plain on January 24, 2010 at 3:25pm

Thanks Jennifer, I would have never even thought to try Whole Foods. I'll have to give it a shot soon.

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Permalink Reply by Garett Auriemma on January 25, 2010 at 8:23pm

I can't believe so many people are just discovering the Onion Roll! I've lived in the area for just about all of my 42 years, and the Onion Roll has been a part of my life for most of those years. I used to go in there with my parents (usually after church). Best bagels, bar none. Always has been. Glad to see they're still drawing new fans after all these years!

As for the perfect bagel: "meaty" (but not dry) and substantial on the inside, firm (but not crunchy) on the outside. It should make a nice 'thunk' sound when you slap it.

Brueggers comes in a close second, mainly because they make bagels properly -- i.e. they boil the bagels before they put them in the oven. I used to go the area's original Bruegger's, back when they were in the (former) Pompei location. (Is that location just jinxed?) They're the only "chain" that I know of that cooks them this way.

OK, now I need a dozen bagels.

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Permalink Reply by Becca on January 25, 2010 at 9:43pm

I didn't know Brueggers used to be in the Pompei location! I do find their bagels to be a suitable substitute. We'll have to venture to the Onion Roll though. I like bagels that are meaty inside.

Garett Auriemma said:

I can't believe so many people are just discovering the Onion Roll! I've lived in the area for just about all of my 42 years, and the Onion Roll has been a part of my life for most of those years. I used to go in there with my parents (usually after church). Best bagels, bar none. Always has been. Glad to see they're still drawing new fans after all these years!
As for the perfect bagel: "meaty" (but not dry) and substantial on the inside, firm (but not crunchy) on the outside. It should make a nice 'thunk' sound when you slap it.
Brueggers comes in a close second, mainly because they make bagels properly -- i.e. they boil the bagels before they put them in the oven. I used to go the area's original Bruegger's, back when they were in the (former) Pompei location. (Is that location just jinxed?) They're the only "chain" that I know of that cooks them this way.

OK, now I need a dozen bagels.

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