Hero Coffee and Bagel Bar: Top Breakfast Spot in Chicago for Coffee & Bagel Sandwiches

The Usual Suspects bagel sandwich is unusually good, the coffee’s fantastic (try the Ambition espresso blend), and both the staff and the scenery will brighten your day. These are my coffee heroes. Best coffee chain in Chicago.

This place might offer some of the best breakfast sandwiches in the neighborhood. I think mine is the unusual suspect. I’d recommend checking this place out if you’re looking for a good quality breakfast at a reasonable price. The coffee is also smooth and has a great flavor without a bitter aftertaste. All in all in amazing addition to the community. I give this place 5⭐ Jerry (the pigeon) gives it 5.5⭐ For more recommendations from Jerry.. check out #JerryThePigeon on Instagram

Such a great spot for vegan/vegetarian breakfast options! Plenty of bagel sandwich choices - we got the two veggie sandwiches and they were absolutely delicious and the ingredients tasted super fresh. The vegan donut was actually the best donut I’ve ever had in my life. I will be dreaming about that donut for years to come.

Wow. Truly blown away by my experience at Hero Coffee Bar in Lakeview. I absolutely loved the smooth criminal and snickerdoodle chai. Excellent customer service from my new favorite baristas, Jorge and Kamari.

This place is rad! Their cold brew is top notch and served in cute glass jars. It's nice and balanced, not too strong or weak. I also got their Smooth Criminal breakfast sandwich which is egg, bacon, fig, goat cheese, and Sriracha. I got mine sans bacon and it was still sooooo good. The staff was lovely and nice as well. And they were playing Toro Y Moi. Go here.

Hero Coffee Bar never misses!! The coffee is consistent and the Smooth Criminal breakfast sandwich on a jalapeño cheddar bagel SLAPS!! Salty, sweet, savory, off the charts goodness! Props to the chef in the kitchen-- the man behind the curtain. The staff here is always so friendly. You can tell by their smiles they all appreciate and enjoy what they do. The world needs more Hero Coffee bars.

Both the coffee and the food we had were quite good. The staff was friendly and helpful. The only issue was the front door which allowed a blast of cold air in, especially on those front four tables. I have been to other places that have the same problem, and in some cases they have installed a heater right above the front door which shoots a blast of warm air whenever the front door opens. Since my initial post Hero has mitigated the front door issue that I mentioned. We have been there about four or five times in the last several weeks and everything has been consistently very good.

Food: (5/5) The staff picked an amazing bagel for my sandwich—jalapeño bagel??? Game changer. Great flavor, great texture, and just the right kick. Atmosphere: (4/5) Really cute and inviting, but the music was a little on the loud side for a Monday morning. Not a dealbreaker, though. Service: (5/5) Staff was extremely nice—warm, welcoming, and clearly cared about the experience. Overall Vibe: Hero Coffee Bar delivered big time. Great food, friendly people, and a vibe that (mostly) hits just right for the start of the week. PS shout out to Rich!