Jonathan

Wow! From the moment you walk in, the ambience transports you straight into an authentic New York-style deli. The Old New Yorker sandwich was phenomenal, it tasted just like home. I recommend ordering it with both corned beef and pastrami, paired with Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray soda (if you like celery), it’s the perfect ... match. The Schmaltz bagel was also delicious. The bagel was soft, buttery, and perfectly balanced with the eggs, pastrami, and cheese. We will definitely be coming back. Read More

Barry Kaplan

First time visit to Schmaltz Deli and it was a great meal. Visited in the mid afternoon and they were fairly busy. Was warmly greeted by the host and sat at a nice table. The waiter who was also the host was super nice and sincerely asked if I had some questions. The menu is pretty extensive and he helped me make the ... rights sandwich selection as I wanted to try both the corned beef and the pastrami. I went with the #20 Old New Yorker which came with cold slaw and Russian dressing, plus he brought me spicy and yellow mustard after I mentioned I wanted the Russian dressing on the side. I had to try the Matzo Ball soup and it did not disappoint. A cup that is a bowl in most restaurants. They know what they are doing. The broth tasted home made and had great flavor. A giant Matzo Ball in the soup. It was soft and fluffy on the outside and a little firmer in the middle. In my family, we always made them very firm. But I like them both ways. They had a nice flavor and I added a little pepper to spice it up a bit, as I have my whole life. Oh I almost forgot, they bring you some nice baked parmesean bagel chips to start. They were very good. I took some home. I think there was butter on them, but could have been olive oil, not really sure. A tasty start! My waiter went home mid meal and the guy who took over was super attentive and very polite. The waiters and the whole staff were very experienced and they really seem to go out of their way to make people feel appreciated. I think one of the family members came by and asked me how everything was. We chatted about the Russian dressing, which I told him reminded me of my Mom's homemade Thousand Island dressing. He said their Russian dressing is an original mixture of Thousand Island and Russian. Its excellent! The sandwich was delicious with spicy pastrami and lean and tender corned beef. The pastrami was a bit fatty, but I forgot to ask for extra lean (my fault, as many people like the fatty cut.) It came with a full half-sour pickle, which again takes me back to my childhood when my grandmother would make these for us. A truly nice touch. All in all, this place exceeded my expectations. They would have knocked my socks off if they had Kishke on the menu.😁 I will definitely be back and bring some friends and family who I am sure will love it. Read More

Julia

one of the best reuben sandwiches i’ve had in illinois!! and this says a lot because i grew up in new york and they have the best jewish deli’s for sandwiches. i can’t wait to come back and try their lox bagel because the bagel crisps were really good as well! doing amazing work here.

Jack Pennoyer

Jillian was our waitress and honestly exuded the best energy to start our morning with. She was knowledgable of everything on the menu, hyped up their new pizza menu offerings, and even made a point to say how much she loves Schmaltz Deli in one of our first exchanges. Our food was amazing, but Jillian alone is a ... reason that anyone would want to come back. An ideal leader if she isn't already serving as one in her current role, purely based on the wonderful vibe she gave off. I hope she happens to see this, she deserves the win for being an ideal employee at an already great place to eat out on a Saturday morning! Read More

Carolyn Szczurek

I had the turkey pretzel sandwich with schmacon (beef bacon) and it was delicious! I do think I like regular bacon more, but that’s just my personal preference (the beef bacon was good). I also tried a bite of the sloppy Paul (pastrami and corned beef on rye) and it was so good! I also loved the bagel chips. Highly ... recommend!! Read More

Alison Moran

Bright, cheery deli with huge portions and creative food arrangements. Our server, Paul, was dynamite and catered to our every need. They have a nice room for parties as well. I had the Lox Benedict, which was served on latkes and with your choice of bagel and schmear. Highly recommended!

WILL G013

Great sandwich shop, with good service and a variety of hot and cold sandwiches. Small pastries and carry out service. Had the cornbeef on onion roll and turkey Pastrami

Brad Bergstrom

Ok, amazing corned beef and pastrami. Great sandwiches overall. Love that you can choose "overstuffed" if you want it packed with meat. Really enjoyed. Soup was also really good! Hint on the pickles... they give you a "half sour" pickle by default, but you can ask for a classic dill. It's the deli we've been ... looking for. Read More