Kaufman's Bagel & Delicatessen - Skokie, Illinois

Sylvester F.

Kaufman’s Bagel & Delicatessen outdoes itself in every aspect of a 100% rating. The customer service is friendly, fast and simple. Take a number, see the menu, let them know your order with your number and wait. The decorations fit the place just right and there is much to choose from. Most importantly is the extensive variety of deli meats, cheese, sandwiches, bagels and sweets (among many more options). I purchased some bagels and as I was looking over the selections I was surprised at their options of bakery sweets. Next time I will definitely bring something back and hopefully get more pictures. After I payed there where some good seats to choose from. The reuben sandwich was out of this world. Not only was there a very generous amount of corned beef, the dressing, sauerkraut, and cheese complimented the main taste of the meat without overpowering it. I tried a few pieces on its own and almost went back to get some more to go. The bread was also just right enough to absorb the juice while still maintaining its shape. I will definitely be coming back here soon, and highly recommend it for great sandwiches, deli meats and desserts. 10/10

Rob V.

I had what might be the most perfect corned beef sandwich of my life. The corned beef—tender, flavorful, stacked high—came on rye bread unlike any I’ve ever seen. Perfection!

I washed it all down with a cold can of Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray soda, which cut through the richness like a crisp, herby exclamation point.

And let’s not forget dessert: cookies, pastries etc … amazing!!

Kaufman’s isn’t just a deli—it’s an institution! Whether you’re a first-timer or returning after years, do yourself a favor and go!!
You’ll leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit.

Paul G.

It’s Sunday 4/13/25 at 8:40am, I drove up from Chicago to buy some items. Posted hours on doors & windows as well as online hours say they open at 8:00am. I got here at 8:10am and there is still nobody here. Customers keep showing up and trying the doors. Doors are locked and lights are off. This is very very poor ownership/management. I’ve been waiting for over 30 minutes now and still nobody here.

Manja P.

Kaufmann’s is an amazing bakery with a fantastic selection of bagels, breads, smoked fish, and more. We tried their Nova lox bagels, which were quite good—maybe not the absolute best we’ve ever had, but still very satisfying. Along with that, we picked up some rye bread, chive cream cheese, and smoked sable to take home. These made for incredible quick open-faced sandwiches—the sable was perfectly smoked, and the cream cheese was rich and flavorful.

We also tried their corned beef sandwich, which was a bit on the dry side but still tasted good overall. Lastly, we gave their banana pudding a try, and it was absolutely delicious—definitely better than the much-hyped version from Magnolia Bakery. Kaufmann’s is a gem for anyone who appreciates quality baked goods and smoked fish. Highly recommend checking it out!

Ted K.

It was everything I would expect a traditional kosher deli would be. I love places like this. I found out about this place by watching Lawrence Brown's YouTube channel "Lost in the Pond". I just had to make the trip down from Wisconsin to enjoy excellent pastrami. Oh, by the way, the bakery is excellent. Next time I start jonsing for a kosher sandwich I will be making an hour drive to get what I want.

Mo

This place is so weird to me, will start with the food quality, I had a brisket sandwich today and it was dryer than the Sahara desert, and so cold and unappetizing! I almost choked to death on every bite I had. I also got some rice pudding, how hard is it to make a good old rice pudding! Apparently it’s too hard, the rice was uncooked and crunchy 😣
Besides the dry, badly cooked and extremely over priced food, I walked in, stood in line for over 10 minutes till I made it to the counter just to discover that all the way back by the entrance there was a stupid stand where I was supposed to grab a ticket or number!! So I, along with many others in line, had to shuffle back and forth trying to grab one 🤬
Most of the food items are unpriced, there are literally a hundred employees behind the counter, yet magically it takes you for ever to get what you want. Drinks are stupidly kept in a fridge behind the counter, so you will have to beg for a can of a drink. Whoever is running this place probably has zero trust in others, and zero knowledge of customer flow and service 😏

The B. C. S.

Best deli in Illinois.

Phenomenal lox bagel, and the New Yorker is delicious

Update. I tried the Trustee Lorge and I cannot recommend it enough. Just a perfect combination of liver and turkey with that right amount of Cole slaw. 9.8/10

Luna tuna. Fantastic bread, bacon is a bit tough is certain places. 8.7/10

This place is worth a visit everytime you're driving through Chicago

Todd

If you are looking for a classic Jewish delicatessen experience in the Midwest, look no further than Kauffman‘s bagel and delicatessen. The shop is ringed with counters, providing deli items, smoked fish, baked goods, and of course.

They have a wide selection of mustard and jams. The bakery has a dizzying array of old world style goods. The challah Golden Brown. The bagels are lightly crusty on the outside with a soft, ready interior. Giant tubs of cream cheese at a wonderful price are available to slather on a smear.

The deli counter is filled with amazing meats. A dozen different smoked fish options, tantalize through the glass. The pastrami is the best that I’ve had outside of San Francisco and New York. They slice it thin by the pound.

It is easy to be intimidated. The counter people are precise And committed to their task. Embrace the entire experience and you will leave with more delicious food than you thought you would.