Tucked along Ogden Avenue in Lisle, Illinois, Schmaltz Delicatessen is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever ate anywhere else. With a 4.4-star rating from nearly 1,800 reviews, this modern Jewish deli has earned a loyal following for its towering sandwiches, homemade soups, and freshly baked bagels.
Whether you are a longtime deli fan or just curious about what all the fuss is about, Schmaltz delivers big flavor without any pretense. Here are 13 reasons why this no-frills spot is absolutely worth the trip.
The Legendary Reuben Sandwich
One bite and you will understand why people drive from across Illinois just for this sandwich. The Reuben at Schmaltz Delicatessen is the kind of meal that earns its own fan club.
Layers of tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a hint of garlic in the dressing all come together on perfectly toasted rye bread.
Reviewers who grew up in New York say it holds its own against the best delis on the East Coast. That is no small compliment.
The balance of flavors is spot-on, with nothing overpowering the next ingredient.
One customer raved about a “hint of garlic kick” that pushed the sandwich over the top. Whether you are a Reuben purist or a first-timer, this sandwich delivers every single time.
Schmaltz proves that great deli food does not need a Manhattan zip code to be truly outstanding.
The Old New Yorker Sandwich
Named after the city that invented the art of the deli sandwich, the Old New Yorker is a love letter to classic Jewish deli culture. Packed with both corned beef and pastrami, then topped with coleslaw and Russian dressing, this sandwich is a two-fisted masterpiece that barely fits in your hands.
One longtime reviewer who grew up in New York said it “tasted just like home.” That kind of praise means everything when you are talking about deli food. The Russian dressing at Schmaltz is a house original, blending Thousand Island and Russian styles into something truly memorable.
Order it with spicy mustard on the side for an extra punch. The portion size is enormous, so come hungry or plan to take half home.
Paired with a Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray soda, this sandwich becomes a full-on New York deli experience right in the suburbs of Chicago.
Matzo Ball Soup That Warms the Soul
There is something deeply comforting about a bowl of matzo ball soup made the right way, and Schmaltz gets every detail correct. The broth tastes like it has been simmering on a grandmother’s stove all morning, rich and golden with real depth of flavor.
Tender white chicken, sweet carrots, and celery round out every spoonful.
The matzo ball itself is a showstopper. Fluffy and soft on the outside with just enough firmness in the center, it sits like a little cloud in the middle of your bowl.
One reviewer noted that the cup size here is “a bowl in most restaurants.” That says it all.
A sprinkle of black pepper takes it to another level. This soup is the kind of dish that reminds you why homemade always beats canned.
Whether you order it as a starter or make it the main event, you will not regret a single sip.
Freshly Baked Bagels Worth Waking Up For
Forget the grocery store bag of bagels you have been settling for. Schmaltz Delicatessen bakes their bagels fresh, and the difference is obvious from the first bite.
Soft, chewy, and full of flavor, these bagels are the kind that make you rethink your whole morning routine.
The garlic bagel gets top marks from regulars, described as “by far the best” in one enthusiastic review. The cheddar jalapeno variety pairs brilliantly with pastrami, adding a spicy kick that elevates the whole sandwich experience.
Even the pretzel bagel has its devoted fans.
Bagels here come in a wide range of varieties, so there is something for every taste. Grab a dozen to go and they even provide plastic bags without you having to ask.
Whether you are loading one up with lox and schmear or just toasting it plain, a Schmaltz bagel is a small luxury that is very easy to afford.
Pastrami So Juicy It Speaks for Itself
Good pastrami is hard to find outside of a handful of legendary delis, which makes Schmaltz a genuine treasure in the Chicago suburbs. The pastrami here is tender, juicy, and packed with bold seasoning that hits all the right notes.
Multiple reviewers single it out as the highlight of their meal, and it is easy to see why.
Paired with spicy mustard on toasted rye, it becomes something close to perfection. The Adams sandwich, number 11 on the menu, combines pastrami and corned beef for a double-meat experience that is almost too good to share.
Almost.
For those who want even more, the New York-style option ups the meat count to a full ten ounces. Fair warning: this is not a light lunch.
The pastrami at Schmaltz is the kind of protein-packed centerpiece that reminds you why deli food has been a beloved American tradition for generations.
Loaded Fries That Steal the Show
Not everything at Schmaltz comes on rye bread, and the loaded fries are proof that this deli knows how to branch out in the best possible way. One reviewer described them as “amazing” and could not stop talking about them even while raving about the rest of the menu.
That kind of enthusiasm is hard to fake.
Crispy, satisfying, and generously portioned, the loaded fries make an excellent companion to any sandwich or a fun standalone snack. They fit right in with the deli’s overall philosophy of giving customers real food in real quantities at a fair price.
If you are visiting with someone who is not quite sold on the traditional deli menu, the loaded fries are a great way to ease them in. Schmaltz proves here that comfort food does not always need a Jewish grandmother’s recipe to hit that warm, satisfying spot.
Sometimes fries just do the job beautifully.
The Nashville Sandwich With a Kick
Schmaltz Delicatessen is rooted in Jewish deli tradition, but the menu is not afraid to borrow great ideas from other food cultures. The Nashville sandwich is a perfect example of that creative spirit in action.
Bold, spicy, and loaded with flavor, it has quickly become a customer favorite worth talking about.
One reviewer ordered it and ended up taking more than half home because the portion was so generous. That is the Schmaltz way: give people more than they expect and let the food do the talking.
The heat level is satisfying without being overwhelming, making it approachable for most palates.
Reasonably priced for what you get, the Nashville sandwich is a great option if you want something a little outside the traditional deli lineup. It shows that Schmaltz is not just coasting on classics.
The kitchen here is creative, confident, and clearly having fun with the menu.
Lox Benedict on Latkes
Brunch at Schmaltz is not your average eggs-and-toast situation. The Lox Benedict is one of the most talked-about dishes on the breakfast menu, and for good reason.
Served on crispy potato latkes instead of English muffins, it is a creative twist that honors Jewish deli tradition while feeling completely fresh and original.
Silky smoked lox draped over a perfectly poached egg, all finished with rich hollandaise sauce, makes this dish feel like a special occasion even on a random Tuesday morning. One reviewer called it “highly recommended” without any hesitation whatsoever.
You also get your choice of bagel and schmear on the side, which means you are essentially getting two amazing things in one order. The Lox Benedict is the kind of dish that makes you want to linger over your meal and order a second cup of coffee.
Schmaltz earns every star for this one.
Hand Pies Worth Taking Home
You might be too full after your sandwich to eat dessert at the table, and Schmaltz knows this. That is exactly why one enthusiastic reviewer advised grabbing a hand pie to go, calling them “tremendous flaky goodness” that you will not regret later.
Consider yourself officially warned.
These handheld pastries are baked fresh and feature that perfectly golden, shatteringly crisp crust that is nearly impossible to resist. They are the kind of treat you find yourself thinking about on the drive home, wondering if you should have grabbed two.
Hand pies are a classic deli pastry that often gets overshadowed by the towering sandwiches and steaming soups. At Schmaltz, they deserve their moment in the spotlight.
Pick one up on your way out and thank yourself later. It is the kind of small indulgence that rounds out a great meal in the most satisfying way possible.
Schmacon: Beef Bacon Worth Knowing About
Ever heard of schmacon? At Schmaltz Delicatessen, beef bacon gets its own clever name and earns a spot on the menu alongside some seriously good sandwich combinations.
The turkey pretzel sandwich with schmacon is one of the more creative offerings here, blending smoky, savory flavors in a way that feels both familiar and new.
One reviewer who tried it said the schmacon was genuinely good, even while admitting a personal preference for traditional pork bacon. That is an honest and encouraging review for anyone curious about this kosher-friendly alternative.
The pretzel bagel brings a soft, salty chew that pairs beautifully with the turkey and beef bacon combo.
Schmaltz does a great job of honoring Jewish dietary traditions while still delivering bold, satisfying flavors that appeal to everyone. Whether you keep kosher or just love trying something different, the schmacon sandwich is a fun and delicious reason to step outside your usual order.
Kugel and Classic Deli Sides
A great deli is more than just its sandwiches, and Schmaltz understands that the sides are what make a meal feel complete. Kugel, a traditional Jewish noodle or potato casserole, is one of those dishes that immediately signals authenticity.
Reviewers love it here and frequently recommend it to first-time visitors who want the full experience.
The deli also offers coleslaw, potato salad, and pasta salad to round out your order. These are not afterthoughts; they are made with the same care that goes into every sandwich.
A generous scoop of coleslaw next to a stacked pastrami sandwich is a combination that has stood the test of time for very good reason.
If you are building a catering order or just want to try a little of everything, the sides at Schmaltz are a great way to explore the menu beyond the main event. Every bite feels homemade and intentional, which is exactly what you want from a neighborhood deli.
Warm Service That Makes You Feel at Home
Great food is only half the equation at Schmaltz Delicatessen. The service here is the kind that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
From the warm greeting at the door to the attentive staff who genuinely seem happy to be there, the whole experience feels personal and unhurried.
Multiple reviewers called out specific staff members by name, which says a lot about the kind of impression the team leaves. One server named Jillian was described as someone who “exuded the best energy,” while another named Paul was called “dynamite.” That level of recognition is rare and well-earned.
The owners are also known to walk the floor and check in with customers, creating a family-run atmosphere that is increasingly hard to find. At Schmaltz, you are not just another ticket number.
You are a guest, and they treat you exactly like one from the moment you walk in.
Location, Hours, and Why You Should Plan Your Visit Now
Schmaltz Delicatessen sits at 3011 Ogden Ave in Lisle, Illinois, making it a convenient stop whether you are coming from Naperville, Chicago, or anywhere in between. The deli is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 AM to 7 PM and on Sundays from 8 AM to 3 PM.
Monday is the one day to avoid, as they are closed.
Pricing falls in the moderate range, with most sandwiches being generously sized enough to split if you are not feeling particularly hungry. A drive-through option is also available for those days when you want that great food without leaving your car.
Call ahead at 630-245-7595 or check out their menu at schmaltzdeli.com before you go. With nearly 1,800 Google reviews averaging 4.4 stars, the reputation speaks for itself.
Schmaltz is not a hidden gem anymore, but it is still the kind of place that feels like your own special discovery every single time.