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# Lefty’s Righteous Bagels – Best Montreal Style Bagels in Chicago

Lefty’s Righteous Bagels, located at 827 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL, is a standout restaurant specializing in Montreal-style bagels. Known for their unique preparation method, these bagels are boiled in honey-sweetened water and baked in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a delightful texture and flavor. Since its soft opening, Lefty’s has quickly gained a reputation for offering some of the best bagels in the Chicago area, often compared favorably to those found in Montreal. The community has embraced this new establishment, praising its friendly service and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

## History
### The story of Lefty’s Righteous Bagels
Lefty’s Righteous Bagels was founded with a vision to bring authentic Montreal-style bagels to the Chicago area. The founders aimed to create a space where quality and tradition meet, offering a product that stands out from the typical bagel offerings in the region. Their commitment to using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients has helped carve a niche in a competitive market.

### Milestones and growth
- Soft opening in early 2023, quickly gaining popularity
- Positive reviews highlighting unique bagel preparation
- Expansion of menu options and flavors during the soft opening phase
- Establishment of a loyal customer base within the local community

### Cultural and local influence
Lefty’s Righteous Bagels has not only introduced a new culinary option to Evanston but has also fostered a sense of community. The establishment is located near a local animal shelter, which adds to its charm and encourages community engagement. The focus on Montreal-style bagels has also sparked interest in the differences between various bagel styles, enriching the local food culture.

### Continuing the tradition
The founders of Lefty’s Righteous Bagels continue to uphold the traditions of Montreal bagel-making by using time-honored techniques. Their dedication to quality and authenticity ensures that customers experience the true essence of Montreal bagels, setting a standard for future bagel shops in the area. As they grow, they remain committed to maintaining the integrity of their product while exploring new flavors and offerings.

## Community
### Community involvement
Lefty’s Righteous Bagels actively engages with the local community, often participating in neighborhood events and collaborations. Their proximity to an animal shelter has fostered a unique relationship, encouraging patrons to support both the bagel shop and the shelter. This involvement has helped establish Lefty’s as a beloved local business.

### Community notion about the place
The community views Lefty’s Righteous Bagels as a refreshing addition to the local dining scene. Many patrons appreciate the warm and inviting atmosphere, as well as the friendly staff who contribute to a positive dining experience. The establishment has quickly become a go-to spot for breakfast and brunch, with many locals expressing pride in having such a quality bagel shop nearby.

### Events and gatherings
Lefty’s often hosts small events and gatherings, creating a space for community members to come together. These events not only promote their offerings but also strengthen community ties. The shop’s layout, which includes seating areas where patrons can enjoy their meals, encourages social interaction and fosters a sense of belonging among visitors.

## Offerings
### What Lefty’s Righteous Bagels offers
Lefty’s Righteous Bagels specializes in a variety of Montreal-style bagels, each made fresh daily. Their menu features an array of flavors, including classic options and unique seasonal varieties. In addition to bagels, they offer a selection of cream cheeses and coffee, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Lefty’s is characterized by the aroma of freshly baked bagels and the sight of bagels being made in their wood-fired oven. Customers can enjoy their bagels on-site or take them to go, with many opting for the baker's half dozen, which offers great value. The café-style environment encourages patrons to linger and enjoy their meals, whether alone or with friends.

### Events and packages
Lefty’s Righteous Bagels offers various packages for special occasions, making it a popular choice for catering events. Their bagels are perfect for brunch gatherings, office meetings, or casual get-togethers. The shop’s ability to customize orders ensures that customers can find the perfect selection for their needs.

### Facilities and features
- Wood-fired oven for authentic bagel preparation
- Comfortable seating areas for dining in
- Counter service for quick and efficient ordering
- Open kitchen concept allowing customers to watch bagel-making
- Seasonal menu offerings to keep the selection fresh and exciting

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Lefty’s Righteous Bagels highlight both strengths and areas for improvement. Many customers rave about the quality and taste of the bagels, while some express concerns about order accuracy. Overall, the feedback reflects a generally positive experience, with a few constructive criticisms.

### Compliments and strengths
Customers frequently compliment the chewy texture and unique flavors of the bagels, noting the freshness and quality of ingredients. The friendly and efficient service is also a recurring theme in reviews, with many patrons appreciating the quick turnaround time for orders. The inviting atmosphere and community involvement further enhance the shop’s reputation.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While many reviews are positive, some customers have noted inconsistencies in order accuracy, particularly regarding specific requests. Additionally, a few patrons have mentioned that the pricing may be on the higher side compared to other bagel shops. However, many agree that the quality justifies the cost.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Lefty’s Righteous Bagels has established itself as a prominent player in the Chicago bagel scene. With a focus on quality, community, and authenticity, the shop has garnered a loyal following. While there are areas for improvement, the positive aspects far outweigh the negatives, making it a must-visit for bagel enthusiasts.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Lefty’s Righteous Bagels is conveniently located at 827 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL, a vibrant area known for its eclectic mix of shops and eateries. The neighborhood is characterized by its community-oriented atmosphere and proximity to cultural attractions, making it an ideal spot for locals and visitors alike. The shop is situated near an animal shelter, adding a unique charm to its location. The surrounding area offers various options for shopping and entertainment, making it a great destination for a day out.

## FAQs
**What type of bagels does Lefty’s Righteous Bagels offer** They specialize in Montreal-style bagels with various flavors.
**Is there seating available at Lefty’s Righteous Bagels** Yes, there are comfortable seating areas for dining in.
**Do they offer catering services** Yes, they provide catering packages for events and gatherings.

## Visit Lefty’s Righteous Bagels Today
Lefty’s Righteous Bagels invites you to experience their delicious Montreal-style bagels in a welcoming environment. With a commitment to quality and community, this establishment has quickly become a favorite among locals. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a leisurely brunch, Lefty’s offers a variety of options that are sure to satisfy. Come and discover why so many are raving about this gem in Evanston!

9044aacf-0e25-44ce-a4ca-f3f9d7926b96

best bagels in Chicago area in fact best bagels except ones in Montreal chewy ,generous amount of various seeds on both sides . outstanding cream cheese order ahead they often are out of favorites You will never want any bagels if they are not Lefty's

bb85eabf-2eb4-4e4e-98b8-aeb8ed3b5ce4

Rather new to my neighborhood so I stopped in for a bagel and coffee. A nice interior and a competent staff. I don't know if any of you have experienced Kosher or New York style bagels but this ain't that. The crust is chewy which probably denotes an egg glaze. But the inside was more like risen bread. In my experience both NY and Kosher bagels have a more dense interior which is also somewhat chewy. So I have crossed Lefty's off my list of bagel shops. Incidentally. My small coffee was a bit bitter but had a familiar flavor. And the bill with 15% tip was around $10.50.

c9e32d15-57e9-46ba-919c-9331a8780303

I had a bialy and an iced coffee. I really liked the bialy. I wasn't crazy about the coffee. I'd go back for the food.

8aa99cfc-6a66-4125-bd19-4243358eabdc

Spontaneously came across this place on a Saturday morning. It's right next to an animal (cat?) shelter. My daughters were watching the cats play while I ordered our breakfast. It smells great even from outside. They have a great variety of bagels and cream cheeses. I had a spicy giardianiera bagel with cacio e pepe cream cheese. My total was $24 for 3 bagels with cream cheese and 1 chocolate s'more bialy. I noted that they also have a cafe inside, so I hope to go back and try their coffee and a breakfast sandwich.

96ff8b8a-45d1-46ce-8eb4-af989da7b5b4

I stopped by the pop up location in Skokie. I got a bagel sandwich and a medium cup of drip coffee and it was $20. It was just ok for the price.

6a29056c-4221-40de-b037-187154aca51f

I really like that the bagels are made fresh here- you can see the wood fired oven! Lots of bagel places say they're fresh but they're frozen and then baked- not the same. My bagel was fresh and tasty and the cream cheese seemed to be homemade as well. I got an iced latte which was a seasonal special on offer. Definitely worth a stop for a quick brunch.

2cbe1320-ca42-45ea-a8bd-bc06913220b2

I'm biased but a few weeks ago I had the best bagel ever from Lefty's Righteous Bagels. This is my first time trying a Montreal style bagel and after having an everything bagel from Lefty's, other bagels I've had in the past can't compare. It's that freaking good! Lefty's advertises as Montreal style. I was curious and did some homework researching the difference between NY versus Montreal style bagels. NY bagels are bigger in size and boiled in water with barley malt added. They have a higher content of salt and are pretty dense. In contrast, Montreal bagels are small and thin in size. They are boiled with a sugar sweetener (oftentimes honey) and cooked in a wood fired oven. You can definitely taste the subtle sweetness and crunch when biting into a fresh Montreal style bagel. Having visited a couple times, I was won over based on taste and texture. My biggest gripe with the place is the continuous unsuccessful execution with getting my husband's order right. I shared in my husband's frustration and if I were the unfortunate recipient of an order fail I'd be pretty upset too. The consistent mishaps result in having to check the bag before leaving to make sure what we ordered is what we received. It shouldn't have to be this way. On both visits my husband requested a toasted Pink salt bagel with Lox spread. Both times I didn't bother to check the bag because I left in good faith assuming they got our order right. I come home and unwrap the goods only to find out he ended up with a plain bagel with plain cream cheese. SMH. The second visit they got the bagel right but the bagel was oddly chopped up into quarters and the cream cheese was chive, not Lox. Aside from that, Montreal style bagels from Lefty's are pretty damn tasty and I would visit often to indulge in my bagel fix. Overall staff worked out the kinks post their soft opening cranking out enough bagels for the day avoiding a premature close. The employees are happily engaged with a system efficient enough to get you in and out within minutes. As for which bagel reigns supreme (NY or Montreal) is a preference of taste but if this is your first time, I would definitely give them a try. Hardcore NY bagel fans may sway becoming Montreal style converts.

08ea6b12-1e2c-4d51-9953-f009951e59eb

Great service. Walked in ordered got my bagel in less than 3 minutes. Plus friendly staff. I came in just to try their everything bagel. Totally worth the $3.25. Chewy inside and seeded all around the outside. There was a slightly floral note from one of the seeds. Super nice. I brought it home to doctor up. Glad they are in my neighborhood.

44a68117-7053-4feb-84e1-3f820797068c

Lefty's is a spot my boyfriend friend recommended us to go to. They have decent bagels but in my opinion it is overpriced. The drinks are 5-7 dollars and the bagel with shmear is 5 dollars. Their bagels are like 3/4 of the size of normal bagels. Their drinks are fine. I think this is a cute spot to try out but it's nothing super special. The experience here is good their customer service is great. You can also see the process of them making the bagels.

b9dae7b7-8de3-4182-a261-b9ffc182e30b

Lefty's Righteous Bagels is still in their soft opening, but I'm already claiming they've got one of the best bagels I've had in Chicagoland (and I've tried most). I stopped by on a Wednesday morning just as they were opening at 8 AM. There was already a line out the door, but it moved quickly. Every member of staff was hustling, but service was extremely warm and inviting. This is a counter service operation, but there were plenty of tables as well as a bar where you could watch the bagels being made. The space felt very clean and open. These are Montreal-inspired, wood fired bagels with a crisp and warmth you don't get from other bagel spots. They offered a baker's half dozen for about $16, which was a great deal compared to purchasing individual bagels. Flavors are rotating during this soft opening phase. This is an incredible addition to the neighborhood and I can't wait to come back!

Discover Lefty’s Righteous Bagels in Evanston, Chicago—delicious, freshly baked bagels in a cozy setting. Visit now for a flavorful breakfast experience.

Lefty’s Righteous Bagels in Evanston, Chicago - Cozy Breakfast Spot

Evanston

Lefty’s Righteous Bagels

Illinois

Enjoy the best bagels in Evanston at Lefty's Righteous Bagels. Fresh, tasty, and perfect for breakfast or lunch. Visit us at 827 Chicago Ave!

Experience Delicious Bagels at Lefty's Righteous Bagels, Evanston

Learn about Lefty's Righteous Bagels in Evanston. Family-friendly, cozy spot serving authentic bagels and spreads. A must-visit for bagel lovers!

About Lefty's Righteous Bagels, Evanston

Opening hours for Lefty's Righteous Bagels, Evanston. Find opening hours for Lefty's Righteous Bagels, Evanston on 827 Chicago Ave.

Lefty’s Righteous Bagels Menu Overview

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Experience the Menu at Lefty’s Righteous Bagels

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