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Corey's NYC Bagel Deli
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Corey's NYC Bagel Deli
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Corey’s NYC Bagel Deli is a compact River North counter spot focused on kettle-boiled bagels, piled-high breakfast sandwiches, and lox-loaded specials. With hundreds of reviews and early-morning hours, it functions as a grab-and-go breakfast hub for nearby offices and hotels.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nova Lox Sandwich, The Benny Sandwich, Plain Bagel with Scallion Cream Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A small, bagel-first deli with New York–style water bagels and generously stuffed breakfast sandwiches at downtown-friendly prices.
Who should go: Commuters and hotel guests needing fast, filling bagel breakfasts.
When to visit: Early mornings for freshest bagels and shortest line.
What to order: Nova Lox Sandwich, The Benny Sandwich, bagel with scallion cream cheese.
Insider tip: Order ahead online on busy weekends and marathon mornings to minimize your wait in the tight space.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; expect metered spots and nearby paid garages, especially on weekday mornings.
Dress code: Casual — commuters, hotel guests, and gym-goers are common.
Noise level: Low to moderate — small space with steady counter traffic during the morning rush.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — breakfast-focused shop that closes before dinner.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; peak morning rush can run 5–15 minutes depending on order volume.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — plenty of egg-and-cheese sandwiches, cream cheese spreads, and veggie toppings.
Vegan options: Limited — plain bagels with vegetables or spreads may be available, but menu is mostly egg- and dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Limited — traditional kettle-boiled bagels contain gluten and there is likely cross-contact; ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date — it’s a compact counter-service spot geared toward grab-and-go breakfast rather than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations are not used. Seating is limited and mostly functional; many guests take orders to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for a quick breakfast stop, but space is tight and there are no kid-specific amenities; strollers may be difficult during busy hours.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling New York–style bagel sandwiches and lox specials at commuter-friendly prices with early opening hours.
Skip if: You want a spacious sit-down brunch, specialty coffee service, or gluten-free bagel options.
Corey's NYC Bagel Deli
8.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Brunch Bliss Spots
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Corey’s NYC Bagel Deli has been boiling and baking New York–style bagels in River North since 2011, with a huge flavor lineup and steady crowds from early morning through lunch. High multi-platform review volume backs its reputation for consistent, bready bagels that carry generous schmears and breakfast combos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox Bagel with Schmear, Breakfast Sando on Everything Bagel, Plain Bagel with Scallion Cream Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Long-running, high-volume NYC-style bagel shop with kettle-boiled bagels and house schmears.
Who should go: Commuters and locals needing fast, legit New York–style bagels.
When to visit: Weekday mornings before peak commute rush hits.
What to order: Lox bagel with schmear, breakfast sando, everything bagel with scallion cream cheese.
Insider tip: Order a dozen assorted bagels and a tub of schmear to skip future lines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only in River North — metered spots are limited during weekday mornings; nearby garages available but can be expensive during peak hours.
Dress code: Very casual — commuters, gym clothes, and work-casual all common.
Noise level: Moderate during morning rush with steady counter traffic; quiet to conversational outside peak hours.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this is a breakfast and lunch shop; expect 10–20 minutes during late-morning weekend rush instead.
Weekday lunch: Short line during peak lunch; typically 5–10 minutes for counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage — multiple veggie schmears, egg sandwiches, and plain or veggie bagel builds.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — plain bagels and select toppings/schmears; verify ingredients at the counter.
Gluten-free options: No true gluten-free bagels; cross-contact risk is high due to flour and shared prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something casual and low-stakes — it’s counter service and best for a quick morning meetup rather than a lingering date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come counter or small tables; expect to grab-and-go during peak morning rush when seats fill quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual, fast, and tolerant of families; mornings can be crowded, so strollers are easier outside peak rush.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, New York–style kettle-boiled bagels with generous schmears and quick turnaround during busy commute hours.
Skip if: You need gluten-free baking, full brunch service, or a quiet sit-down café experience.