Taste of New York Bagels & Deli Opens in Chicago’s Lakeview | Eater Chicago

"A new East Coast–style bagel and deli from New York transplant Sam Asous, whose family has sold bagels for more than three decades, emphasizes authentic New York texture by boiling and par-baking bagels in New York City—then flying them to Chicago to be baked fresh daily. The menu features about 20 cream cheese flavors (standard options like plain and lox as well as nontraditional choices such as guacamole and green tea), all mixed in-house, plus smoothies, fresh fruit juices, protein shakes, and a salad bar. Breakfast and lunch sandwiches include signature items like the New Yorker (lox, cream cheese, onion, tomato) and the Williamsburg (everything bagel, turkey bacon, scrambled eggs, Swiss), and customers can customize sandwiches or swap bagel types without an up-charge. In a 1,600-square-foot space designed to evoke a classic New York deli—with black-and-white tile, exposed brick, and framed photos of landmarks—the operator added 12 seats to an originally planned grab-and-go layout, will install three TVs above the counter to display offerings, and is using Caviar for delivery for now with plans to possibly offer free in-house delivery later. The owner stresses community focus and customer-first service, and current posted hours (starting June 12) are: Monday–Thursday 6 a.m.–11 a.m.; Friday 6 a.m.–2 a.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.–2 a.m.; Sunday 7 a.m.–10 p.m." - Naomi Waxman