Kaufman's Bagel & Delicatessen

Kaufman's is a gem. The corned beef, pastrami, and bagels are the best in Chicagoland. I bought it small pecan pie and it was delightful. The sandwich menu is a dream. The system for ordering and paying at multiple counters is a bit chaotic especially if they are busy. Absolutely worth the trip.

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.

My wife and I moved from Brooklyn to a Northern Illinois suburb so white that you need sunglasses to go outside, even at night. It's so white that when I went to the grocery store and ask where the knishes were, I was asked "What's a knish?". So when my stepdaughter suggested a two hour drive to Skokie for Deli, I went for it with low expectations. The minute we stepped into Kaufman's, I knew we were in the right place. After buying up their stock of Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray, buying some amazing baked goods and a couple pounds of pastrami to bring home, we decided to get a few hot pastramis on rye (with mustard) with "old pickles" and of course, a cold Cel-Ray. I took my first bite...and smiled. It was tender, just juicy (fatty) enough, just the perfect crust and bark...perfection! (although I wish they had cut it a bit thicker.) The rye bread could have come from any NYC bakery, a miracle since I haven't had good bread since we moved here. Even the pickle was great! I'm telling you, this hot pastrami sandwich was on a par with any I had at Sarge's, 2nd Avenue or Liebman's. Four hour round trip or no four hour round trip, I will definitely be back!

2 1/2 hour drive saw them on a Google search. Not to busy today. The counter people were all very helpful for the out of towners. No place like this where we are. I was overwhelmed with options. Decided on the New Jersey By Pass. Yep it was fantastic. My bride had a loony Tuna. She loved it our cousin had the uncle Lenny it was pretty good. . Large and filling. Took home some pastries. Got some black and whites for the trip home . Should have bought more. We will try the others later. Pretty pricey trip but we knew it would be. Hope to go back in the future.

We shared an extra lean corned beef/pastrami combo sandwich on rye, with a side sesame bagel and cookie. The sandwich was outstanding. The meat was very lean and incredibly flavorful. Plenty for 2 to share. The cookie was delicious and tasted of natural ingredients that out taste buds could easily recognize. The bagel was a bit disappointing. It tasted a bit dry, like it sat out for a while.

Fantastic food and great people! I was overwhelmed by the choices of sandwiches, sides, main courses , bread and pastries! Ai haven’t had this much fun at lunch in a very long time. Everything was delicious !’n

A traditional and authentic deli. Fresh pickles in a barrel, smoked fish, fresh baked goods. 16 varieties of bagels fresh every day. Great family atmosphere for service. Kaufman's is a local neighborhood store, great sandwiches to grab and go, or just stock up on what you need for tomorrow's breakfast.

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