Tucked along Ogden Avenue in Lisle, Illinois, Schmaltz Delicatessen has quietly earned a reputation that stretches far beyond its suburban strip-mall address. With over 1,700 Google reviews and a 4.4-star rating, this modern Jewish deli is winning hearts one sandwich at a time.
Locals and first-timers alike keep coming back for the towering Reuben, the soul-warming Matzo Ball soup, and a menu packed with New York deli classics. If you haven’t visited yet, here are 13 reasons why Schmaltz Deli deserves a spot at the very top of your must-eat list.
The Legendary Reuben Sandwich That Started It All
One reviewer put it plainly: “One of the best Reuben sandwiches I’ve had in Illinois — and I grew up in New York.” That kind of praise doesn’t come easy, especially from someone raised on authentic East Coast delis.
The Reuben at Schmaltz Delicatessen in Lisle, IL features a generous stack of corned beef layered with melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a house dressing that carries a subtle garlic kick. Whether it’s in the kraut or the sauce, that little extra punch pushes it over the top.
Portions here are seriously impressive, and the rye bread holds everything together without getting soggy on the bottom. If you’re visiting for the first time, the Reuben is the sandwich to order — no debate needed.
A New York Deli Experience Right in Suburban Illinois
Walking through the front door of Schmaltz Deli feels like stepping onto a Manhattan side street. Reviewers consistently describe the atmosphere as “authentic New York-style,” with colorful decor, a buzzing deli counter, and an energy that’s warm and welcoming from the moment you arrive.
“From the moment you walk in, the ambience transports you straight into an authentic New York-style deli,” one five-star reviewer wrote. That feeling isn’t accidental — the owners have clearly put thought into every detail, from the Dr. Brown’s sodas in the cooler to the parmesan bagel chips that greet you at the table.
Located at 3011 Ogden Ave in Lisle, IL, this spot proves you don’t need to book a flight to JFK for a proper deli experience. The suburbs are hiding something special here.
Matzo Ball Soup That Tastes Like Grandma Made It
Some soups are meals. The Matzo Ball soup at Schmaltz Deli is an experience.
One customer described it as “a cup that is a bowl in most restaurants” — and that’s not an exaggeration.
The broth tastes homemade, rich with flavor that takes time and care to build. Inside, you’ll find a giant, fluffy matzo ball that’s soft on the outside and slightly firmer in the center — just like the kind a Jewish grandmother would make on a cold Sunday afternoon.
Tender white chicken, sliced carrots, and celery complete the bowl, making it feel hearty and comforting all at once. A sprinkle of black pepper on top is all it needs.
Whether you order it as a starter or a full lunch, this soup alone is worth the drive to Lisle.
Fresh Bagels That Rival Any Big-City Bakery
Bagels get a serious upgrade at Schmaltz Deli. Customers rave about the garlic bagel in particular, calling it “by far the best” of the bunch.
Soft, chewy, and loaded with roasted garlic flavor, it’s the kind of bagel that makes you rethink every other one you’ve eaten.
The cheddar jalapeño bagel is another crowd favorite, especially when paired with juicy, tender pastrami. The heat from the jalapeño adds a layer of flavor that takes the whole sandwich to a different level.
Even the pretzel bagel gets love from regulars who order it loaded with tuna salad or turkey.
Schmaltz bakes their bagels fresh, and you can taste the difference. Stop in on a weekend morning and grab a dozen to go — they even provide plastic bags without you having to ask.
Small touches like that make a big impression.
The Old New Yorker Sandwich: A True Deli Classic
The #20 Old New Yorker is one of those sandwiches that earns its name. Piled high with both corned beef and pastrami, topped with coleslaw and Russian dressing, it’s a full-on New York deli classic served right in the heart of Illinois.
One longtime customer described the Russian dressing as “an original mixture of Thousand Island and Russian” — a house recipe that reminded them of their mother’s homemade version. That kind of personal connection is rare and speaks to the care the kitchen puts into every recipe.
Order it with spicy mustard on the side if you want a little extra kick. The half-sour pickle that comes alongside it is crisp, tangy, and nostalgic in the best possible way.
Pair it with a Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray soda and you’ve got yourself a proper New York lunch, no passport required.
Loaded Fries and Creative Menu Options Beyond Sandwiches
Schmaltz Deli isn’t a one-trick pony. Sure, the sandwiches get most of the glory, but the loaded fries have their own fan club. “The loaded fries were amazing,” wrote one enthusiastic reviewer who also had to take more than half of their Nashville sandwich home because the portions were so generous.
Beyond fries and sandwiches, the menu stretches into territory that surprises first-time visitors. There’s a pizza menu, creative modern salads, and daily soups that change things up and keep regulars coming back to try something new.
The Lox Benedict — served on latkes with a bagel and schmear on the side — is a brunch showstopper that deserves its own spotlight.
Reasonably priced for the quality and portion sizes you receive, Schmaltz makes it easy to explore the menu without feeling like you’re overspending. Every visit reveals something new worth trying.
Friendly Staff That Makes Every Visit Feel Personal
Great food is only half the story at Schmaltz Deli — the staff is the other half. Reviewers go out of their way to name individual servers by name, which says everything about the kind of impression the team leaves on guests.
One customer praised their server Jillian for “exuding the best energy” on a Saturday morning, describing her as knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and genuinely passionate about the restaurant. Another highlighted Presley for being “friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming from start to finish.” Server Paul earned the label “dynamite” for catering to every need at the table.
The front desk staff helps newcomers navigate the menu without making them feel rushed or confused. When one customer had a billing question, the manager handled it graciously and generously.
This is a place where hospitality isn’t just a policy — it’s a personality trait baked into the culture.
Owner-Led Passion That Shows in Every Bite
Mark Goodman, the owner of Schmaltz Deli, isn’t a behind-the-scenes figure. He’s present, engaged, and deeply invested in the experience every customer has.
When a holiday catering order went wrong, he personally responded with a detailed public apology, issued a credit, and offered to drive the missing item to the customer’s home.
That level of accountability is rare in the restaurant industry, and customers notice. Multiple reviewers mention feeling the “passion and pride” the owners bring to the space.
One guest noted that a family member came to their table mid-meal just to check in and chat — a small gesture that left a lasting impression.
When the people running a restaurant care this much, it shows up in the food, the service, and the atmosphere. Schmaltz Deli feels like someone’s life’s work, and that kind of dedication is something you can taste.
The Sloppy Paul: A Pastrami and Corned Beef Masterpiece
The name alone should tell you something. The Sloppy Paul is a gloriously overstuffed sandwich featuring pastrami and corned beef on rye, and it has earned a devoted following among Schmaltz regulars. “I also tried a bite of the Sloppy Paul and it was so good!” wrote one reviewer who came in for something else entirely and got sidetracked by this beauty.
The combination of tender, spiced pastrami and lean corned beef creates a balance of richness and texture that’s hard to beat. Served warm — not hot — the flavors have time to meld together in a way that feels intentional and satisfying.
One tip from regulars: if you prefer leaner meat, ask your server to specify. The kitchen is happy to accommodate.
Either way, this sandwich is a genuine contender for the best thing on a menu already full of great options.
Generous Portions That Deliver Real Value
Value is a word that gets thrown around a lot in restaurant reviews, but at Schmaltz Deli it actually means something. Portions here are legitimately massive.
One reviewer noted they had to take more than half their Nashville sandwich home, and another said they were “pretty stuffed after two sandwiches” at breakfast.
“If you’re questioning the pricing at all, be assured that you’ll know exactly where your money went the moment you take that first bite,” wrote one five-star reviewer. That’s a confident promise — and one the kitchen consistently keeps.
The half-sandwich-plus-soup combo is a smart move for first-timers who want to sample multiple items without overdoing it. Priced at $$ on the scale, Schmaltz sits in a sweet spot where quality and affordability actually coexist.
You leave full, satisfied, and already planning your next order. That’s the Schmaltz Deli promise.
Hand Pies and Desserts Worth Saving Room For
Most people walk out of Schmaltz Deli so full from their sandwich that dessert feels impossible. But regulars have learned to pace themselves — or at least grab something to go.
The hand pies, described by one reviewer as “tremendous flaky goodness,” are a hidden gem worth planning around.
Buttery, golden, and stuffed with sweet or savory fillings, these hand pies are the kind of thing you see at the counter and immediately regret not ordering. One reviewer specifically advised: “You probably won’t have room for a hand pie, but take one to go.” Consider that your official permission slip.
Schmaltz also carries kugel, which earns enthusiastic mentions from customers who try it on a whim and end up hooked. The dessert options here aren’t an afterthought — they’re a natural extension of a menu built around comfort, tradition, and genuine culinary care.
Convenient Hours and Easy Access in Lisle, IL
Finding a great deli that’s actually open when you need it can be a challenge. Schmaltz Deli keeps things accessible with hours that work for both breakfast lovers and lunch crowd regulars.
Tuesday through Friday, they’re open from 8 AM to 7 PM, giving you plenty of time to stop in before or after work.
Saturday hours run from 8 AM to 7 PM as well, making it a perfect weekend destination for a leisurely brunch or a late lunch. Sunday hours are 8 AM to 3 PM, which is ideal for a morning bagel run or a relaxed family meal.
The deli is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Located at 3011 Ogden Ave in Lisle, IL 60532, the deli is easy to reach from nearby Naperville and surrounding suburbs. There’s a parking lot on-site — just enter from the side to avoid the drive-thru lane.
Call ahead at +1 630-245-7595 if you have questions.
A Deli Menu Built on Jewish Tradition and Modern Creativity
Schmaltz Deli describes itself as a “modern Jewish deli serving the classics,” and that balance is exactly what makes the menu so compelling. You’ll find traditional staples like corned beef, pastrami, lox, knishes, and Matzo Ball soup sitting comfortably alongside newer creations like the Nashville sandwich, loaded fries, and creative modern salads.
The Schmacon — beef bacon — is a nod to Jewish dietary traditions while still delivering the smoky, savory satisfaction that bacon lovers crave. The Lox Benedict served on latkes is a brunch invention that feels both rooted in tradition and completely fresh.
Even the bagel chip appetizer, dusted with parmesan, feels like a thoughtful modern touch on a classic concept.
This isn’t a museum piece of a menu frozen in the 1950s. Schmaltz keeps things alive and evolving while honoring the flavors that made Jewish deli food beloved in the first place.
That’s a balancing act worth celebrating.