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Rosca

1857 W 16th St, Chicago, IL 60608
Bagels

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Master Critic Review

Rosca 8.1
Pilsen
A Central American–rooted coffee shop where the bagel order gets a real local twist. The move is a bagel with cream cheese and curtido—bright, crunchy, and savory—paired with one of their house-driven coffee drinks.
Must-Try Dishes: Bagel with cream cheese + curtido, Café de olla, Guatemalan conchas (weekend availability varies)
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 8 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 7.4 Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Bagels get a curtido add-on that tastes unmistakably Pilsen.
Who should go: Coffee-first breakfast people
When to visit: Weekday mornings for quicker service
What to order: Bagel + cream cheese + curtido, café de olla, concha
Insider tip: Ask for curtido on the side if you like control over crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on nearby blocks; availability varies and can be tight during weekday mornings.
Dress code: Casual — jeans and comfortable layers fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy for solo work or quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A — breakfast and daytime coffee spot, not a dinner destination.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or just a short line during peak coffee hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bagels, cream cheese, curtido, pastries, and most drinks are vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — plain bagels, curtido, and select coffee drinks without dairy; confirm pastry options day-of.
Gluten-free options: No — bagels and baked goods are wheat-based with no dedicated gluten-free substitutes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a low-pressure coffee meet or daytime chat — it’s relaxed, unfussy, and easy to keep short or extend.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only, with quick turnover and a counter-order setup.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids — simple bagels and pastries work well, but there’s no dedicated kids menu or play space.
Best For
Better for: A distinctly local spin on the bagel-and-coffee routine, especially if you want brighter, savory flavors like curtido instead of classic deli-style toppings.
Skip if: You want traditional New York–style bagel builds, large seating areas, or a full breakfast menu with eggs and plates.