Tucked along Ogden Avenue in Lisle, Illinois, Schmaltz Delicatessen might not look like much from the outside, but one bite of their legendary Reuben sandwich will change your mind forever. This modern Jewish deli brings the bold, soulful flavors of a classic New York deli straight to the suburbs of Chicago.
With over 1,700 five-star reviews and a menu packed with house-made favorites, Schmaltz has quietly become one of the most beloved spots in the area. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, there’s always something new and delicious waiting for you here.
The Legendary Reuben Sandwich
One customer summed it up perfectly: they called it one of the best Reuben sandwiches in all of Illinois, and they grew up in New York. That is high praise for any deli, let alone one sitting quietly in Lisle, IL.
The Reuben at Schmaltz Delicatessen is a masterpiece of balance — tender corned beef, melted Swiss, tangy kraut, and a hint of garlic in the dressing that takes it over the top.
Reviewers rave about the size, the freshness, and the bold flavors that hit you with every single bite. The rye bread is perfectly toasted, giving just the right crunch without falling apart.
Portions are enormous, so come hungry or plan to take half home. If you only order one thing at Schmaltz, make it the Reuben.
You will be talking about it for weeks afterward.
The Old New Yorker Sandwich
Ask any regular at Schmaltz what to order, and there is a good chance they will say the Old New Yorker without missing a beat. This sandwich packs both corned beef and pastrami into one incredible stack, topped with coleslaw and a house-made Russian dressing that one reviewer described as a brilliant mix of Thousand Island and classic Russian.
It is the kind of sandwich that transports you straight to a bustling Manhattan deli.
The staff will even help you customize it — spicy mustard on the side, extra lean cuts, or both meats piled sky-high. One loyal customer mentioned that the pastrami was beautifully spiced while the corned beef was lean and tender.
Pair it with a Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray soda for the full authentic experience. This sandwich is not just food — it is a full-on flavor memory waiting to happen.
Matzo Ball Soup That Feels Like Home
There is something deeply comforting about a bowl of matzo ball soup made the right way, and Schmaltz nails it every single time. The broth is rich, golden, and tastes genuinely homemade — not from a can or a packet.
Reviewers consistently call it one of the highlights of their visit, with one guest noting that the cup at Schmaltz is the size of a bowl at most other restaurants.
The matzo ball itself is generous, soft and fluffy on the outside with a slightly firmer center. Packed with tender white chicken, carrots, and celery, every spoonful is bursting with warmth and flavor.
Whether you are fighting off a cold or just craving something soul-satisfying, this soup delivers. It pairs beautifully with any of the deli sandwiches on the menu.
Order a cup — you will probably wish you had gotten a bowl.
Pastrami Perfection on Every Plate
Pastrami lovers, this one is for you. At Schmaltz Delicatessen, the pastrami is consistently described as juicy, tender, and packed with bold, smoky flavor.
Whether you order it on a bagel sandwich at breakfast or piled high on rye at lunch, the quality never wavers. It has that satisfying peppery crust on the outside with melt-in-your-mouth meat on the inside.
One reviewer specifically praised the pastrami on the cheddar jalapeño bagel, saying the heat from the jalapeño brought out even more of the meat’s natural richness. Another loved it in the Adams sandwich alongside corned beef with Swiss and spicy mustard on toasted rye.
You can order it in regular, New York style, or the massive one-pound option if you are feeling bold. However you choose to enjoy it, the pastrami here is the real deal — no shortcuts, no compromises.
Fresh-Baked Bagels Worth the Drive
Bagels at Schmaltz are not an afterthought — they are a destination in themselves. Multiple reviewers have made the drive specifically to pick up a dozen, and they always leave happy.
The garlic bagel gets the loudest praise, described as soft, perfectly chewy, and absolutely packed with flavor. The cheddar jalapeño variety is another crowd favorite, especially when paired with pastrami or schmear.
One guest mentioned being pleasantly surprised when the staff offered plastic bags for a dozen bagels without even being asked — a small touch that speaks volumes about the care put into the customer experience. The pretzel bagel is also worth trying, especially as the base for a turkey or tuna sandwich.
Freshness is never in question here; these bagels taste like they just came out of the oven. If you have not tried the bagels at Schmaltz yet, you are genuinely missing out.
The Loaded Fries That Stole the Show
Nobody walks into Schmaltz expecting the loaded fries to be a highlight — and then they try them. One reviewer was so blown away that they had to take more than half of their order home, and they were already planning their return visit before they even finished eating.
That is the kind of reaction these fries inspire. Bold, satisfying, and generously portioned, they hold their own alongside any sandwich on the menu.
The toppings are layered with the same care and quality you find across the entire Schmaltz menu. Nothing feels like an afterthought here.
For a deli that built its reputation on classic Jewish comfort food, the loaded fries are a fun, modern twist that fits right in. They are perfect for sharing — or not sharing, which is also a completely valid choice.
Order them once and they will become a regular part of your Schmaltz rotation.
The Nashville Sandwich — A Spicy Surprise
Who expects a Nashville hot sandwich at a Jewish deli? At Schmaltz Delicatessen, surprises like this are what keep customers coming back again and again.
The Nashville sandwich earned a glowing mention from a reviewer who called it amazing — so good, in fact, that they had to take more than half home because the portion was so generous. That is the Schmaltz way: big flavors, big portions, and a reasonable price tag.
It brings a welcome kick of heat to a menu already full of comforting classics. The contrast of spicy, crispy, and savory flavors makes it stand out from the usual deli offerings.
Schmaltz has a real talent for blending traditional Jewish deli culture with creative, modern menu additions that feel exciting without being gimmicky. If you are the kind of eater who loves bold flavor with a little heat, the Nashville sandwich should absolutely be on your list.
Lox Benedict on Latkes — Breakfast Done Right
Breakfast at Schmaltz is not your average eggs-and-toast situation. The Lox Benedict is a showstopper — silky smoked salmon layered over golden, crispy latkes instead of the usual English muffin, topped with rich hollandaise and served alongside your choice of bagel and schmear.
One delighted reviewer called it a must-try and could barely stop talking about it after their visit.
This dish captures everything that makes Schmaltz special: classic Jewish deli ingredients reimagined with creativity and care. The latkes add a satisfying crunch and a hint of savory potato flavor that pairs beautifully with the lox.
It is the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you are treating yourself without breaking the bank. Schmaltz opens at 8 AM Tuesday through Sunday, so there is plenty of time to grab this gem before the lunch crowd rolls in.
Plan accordingly.
Exceptional Staff Who Make Every Visit Special
Great food is only half the story at Schmaltz Delicatessen. The staff here are consistently praised across dozens of reviews for being warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the food they serve.
One reviewer called out their server Jillian by name, saying her energy alone was reason enough to come back. Another praised server Paul as “dynamite” who catered to every need throughout the meal.
It is not just individual servers who shine — the entire team seems to operate with a spirit of hospitality that feels rare in casual dining. The host, the waitstaff, and even the owners have been mentioned for going out of their way to make customers feel appreciated.
Owner Mark Goodman has even responded personally to reviews, showing a level of care that customers notice and remember. At Schmaltz, you are not just a table number — you are a welcomed guest every single time.
Baked Parmesan Bagel Chips to Start
Before your sandwich even arrives, Schmaltz sets the tone with a little complimentary gift: baked parmesan bagel chips. These crispy, golden bites are buttery, savory, and dangerously snackable.
One reviewer liked them so much they asked to take some home — and honestly, that tracks. They are the kind of starter that gets you excited for everything that follows.
It is a small touch, but it says a lot about how Schmaltz approaches the dining experience. Nothing is random here; every detail is intentional.
The bagel chips also hint at the quality of the bread and baking that goes into the rest of the menu. Think of them as a warm, crunchy handshake from the kitchen.
They pair beautifully with a cup of matzo ball soup while you wait for your main order. Do not fill up on them — but also, do not feel bad if you do.
Hand Pies Worth Taking to Go
Save room — or better yet, do not, and just grab one to go. The hand pies at Schmaltz Delicatessen have developed a quiet but passionate following among regulars.
One reviewer described them as having “tremendous flaky goodness,” the kind of pastry that crumbles just right and leaves you thinking about it on the drive home. They are that good.
These are the kind of desserts that remind you baking is an art form. The crust is buttery and layered, with a filling that feels homemade rather than mass-produced.
After a big sandwich and a cup of soup, you might not have room to eat one in the restaurant — and that is perfectly fine. Schmaltz is happy to wrap one up for the road.
Consider it the perfect ending to a meal that already had everything going for it. One bite and you will understand the hype.
A Vibe That Feels Like New York in Illinois
Walking into Schmaltz Delicatessen feels like stepping through a portal to a classic New York deli — minus the Manhattan traffic. The space is bright, colorful, and full of energy, with a deli counter that looks so good it practically calls your name.
Multiple reviewers have used the phrase “New York feel” to describe the ambiance, and it is an accurate comparison. The decor is lively without being overwhelming.
There is even a private room available for parties, making it a great spot for family gatherings or casual celebrations. The counter-serve setup is easy to navigate, and the team is always happy to walk first-timers through the menu.
Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a leisurely Saturday breakfast, the atmosphere at Schmaltz makes the experience feel special. It is the kind of place where the walls practically hum with good food and good vibes.
Honest Pricing for Generous Portions
One reviewer put it best: you will know exactly where your money went the moment you take that first bite. Schmaltz is priced in the mid-range, but the portions are so generous that the value becomes obvious fast.
Sandwiches can easily feed two people, especially if you go for the New York-style option with ten ounces of meat. Even the breakfast menu is considered affordable given the quality and quantity of food you receive.
The menu offers several size options — regular, New York style, or the legendary one-pounder — so you can choose based on your hunger level and budget. Soups come in sizes that rival entrees at other restaurants.
Side dishes, bagel chips, and pickles are included with most orders, adding even more value to each plate. At Schmaltz, you never leave hungry, and you rarely leave feeling like you overpaid.
That combination is increasingly rare and worth celebrating.