Living in a city with harsh, cold winters, it is crucial to find a favorite hot spot. As a self-proclaimed soup connoisseur, I have tried my fair share of delis and diners and have found no better place to warm up with a bowl of soup than at The Bagel.

This 50s-styled spot is a classic staple in Chicago’s diner scene. With a rotating weekly soup special menu, it’s a hard choice to make deciding what soup to start out with; however, nothing beats the classics at this diner. Serving massive matzo balls and gallon-size bowls of mish mosh soup, the traditional deli favorites are always my first choice.

Although a difficult task, I always try to save some room in order to enjoy one of the delicious deli sandwiches or specialties offered on the restaurant’s expansive menu. I’ve found that the Bagel’s tuna salad or chicken salad sandwich ($ 10.95) is the perfect pairing to follow a bowl of delicious soup. If you’re truly lucky, you’ll visit the diner with a friend who is willing to split both sandwiches, allowing you to enjoy all of the delicious diner favorites this downtown delicatessen has to offer.