The Best Deli in the North Shore

461 Waukegan Road Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 272-9940 www.maxandbennys.com

Max and Benny’s has been providing the North Shore with a Jewish deli experience for over 25 years. Owned and operated by the Schlan family, you’ll find a huge assortment of Kosher delicacies. With a deli, a full 300 seat restaurant and a bakery, you’ll have a hard time choosing what to eat.

The Lox is highly recommended and very authentic. Most customers tend to love the Matzo ball soup. But at a deli, you can’t go wrong with a sandwich. The Grandpa’s Favorite will give you a taste of the corned beef, pastrami and liver all between delicious rye bread. But the menu doesn’t end there. Head to the bakery for a Kugel, specialty sports cookies or pretty much anything else, it’s all delicious.

Max’s Delicatessen & Restaurant

191 Skokie Boulevard
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 831-0600
www.maxs-deli.com

Named after the proverbial Uncle that thought the good ol’ days were better, Max’s Deli aims to please even the most critical of customers. They really know what they are doing and the food can prove it. A real New York style deli in Chicago like Max’s is hard to come by. With a huge menu to fulfill your Kosher needs or to simply quell your hunger, you’ll make it a point to come back.

Try the famous sweet n’ sour cabbage soup with a huge Matzo ball for a start. Then move onto an enormous corned beef sandwich. The amount of sandwiches on the menu is staggering, so take your time ordering. Split some potato pancakes with a friend for filling meal. And don’t forget about desert, the rugalach is pretty good.

The Bagel

50 Old Orchard Center
Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 677-0100
www.thebagelrestaurant.com

Established in Chicago in 1950, the Bagel has been the go to Jewish style deli for over 60 years. This Skokie location has been around since 1987 and has catered to the Kosher craving North Shore population successfully.

The Mish Mash soup has almost everything you need in it and can certainly fill you up, but locals often go for the chicken soup. The complimentary bread goes great with the soup and the kosher pickles are perfect. Or come for breakfast and try some of the famous omelets. Whatever you have, you’ll be satisfied and happy you finally made it to the Bagel.

Once Upon a Grill

2758 Dundee Road
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 562-1411

Once Upon a Bagel

1888 First Street
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 433-1411
www.onceuponabagel.com

With two different North Shore locations, Once Upon a Bagel is a place to know for all North Shore residents. Family run since 1982 Once Upon a Bagel will cater to your breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering needs.

While the fresh bagels and cream cheese are the obvious choice for a newcomer, most devotees will point you towards the amazing tuna salad. Try a grilled boat for a hefty lunch. Don’t forget to order off the bulk menu for family gatherings or to have Once Upon a Bagel cater your party. You’ll live happily ever after with your decision.

Spiros Deli

1210 Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
(847) 729-6650
www.spirosdeli.com

Not a traditional Jewish style deli, but a great place nonetheless. An old-fashioned mentality (no credit cards) and great prices make this the perfect lunch or dinner spot.

The Poorboy sandwiches are distinctive from all others thanks to the famous “Come Back Sauce.” If you’re not in the mood for a Poorboy, try the Bomber with hot beef, cheese, pickles and onions. Simplicity is the driving force here. For you carnivores out there don’t forget to add chili to any sandwich, which may not be good for your body but is great for your soul.