Kaufman's Bagel & Delicatessen

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## Introduction / Overview: An Illinois Institution of Deli Excellence

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For decades, **Kaufman's Bagel & Delicatessen** has stood as an authentic culinary landmark in Skokie, Illinois, serving as much more than just a place to grab a quick bite—it is a true regional institution. Founded in the 1960s by a Holocaust survivor, and owned by the Dworkin family since 1984, Kaufman’s is one of the Chicago area’s oldest operating Jewish delis. It has deep historical roots in the local community, originally serving as a vital gathering place for survivors and establishing a tradition of exceptional quality that continues today.

This establishment expertly blends multiple culinary worlds under one roof, identifying primarily as a **Bagel shop**, **Deli**, **Bakery**, and **Sandwich shop**. This combination allows them to cater to almost any craving, from a classic lox and cream cheese bagel for **Breakfast** to a towering, hand-sliced hot pastrami sandwich for lunch. The reputation of Kaufman's extends far beyond the North Shore, with customers traveling from across Illinois and even out of state, confirming its status as a must-visit destination for authentic Jewish deli fare. The atmosphere is often described as vibrant and nostalgic, a bustling hub where the enticing aroma of fresh-baked rye and savory meats confirms you are in the right place.

Locals know Kaufman's not just for its enduring history, but for its commitment to making nearly every product on-site, including its famous bagels (known locally for the Midwestern touch of caraway seeds) and the legendary house-baked Jewish rye bread. Whether you are a lifelong Illinois resident with fond memories of Jewish delis or a newcomer seeking the most perfect corned beef sandwich this side of the East Coast, Kaufman's offers a taste of tradition and supreme quality that is becoming increasingly rare.

The establishment offers flexible dining options, including **Dine-in**, **Takeout**, **Delivery**, **Curbside pickup**, and **In-store pickup**, ensuring that this slice of deli history is accessible to everyone in the Illinois region, whether you are planning a **Quick visit** or settling in for a satisfying meal.

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## Location and Accessibility

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Kaufman's Bagel & Delicatessen is centrally located at **4905 Dempster St, Skokie, IL 60077, USA**. This prime location on Dempster Street makes it highly visible and easily reachable for customers driving in from Evanston, Niles, Lincolnwood, and other surrounding Chicago suburbs. Its accessibility is a key factor in why it remains a favorite gathering spot for the North Shore community.

The deli goes above and beyond to ensure a convenient experience for all patrons, reflecting its status as a cornerstone of the community. Essential accessibility features include: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a Wheelchair accessible restroom. Furthermore, for those driving, a dedicated Free parking lot is a major amenity, making it simple to pull in for a quick bagel and coffee in the morning or to pick up a large order for a family meal or event.

The location on a major corridor like Dempster Street ensures that whether you are heading to or from Chicago, or just running local errands in Skokie, Kaufman's is a simple and rewarding stop.

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## Services Offered

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As a multifaceted **Deli**, **Bagel shop**, and **Bakery**, Kaufman's offers an expansive array of services designed to meet daily dining needs, weekly staples, and major event requirements for Illinois families and businesses:

• **Full-Service Deli Counter:** Offering a vast selection of house-prepared meats like Corned Beef (available in Regular, Deckle, Lean, and Super Trim cuts), Pastrami (Regular, Lean, Veal), house-roasted and smoked Turkey, Tongue, and Brisket, available to order by the pound for home use.
• **Specialty Sandwich Creations:** Serving up both classic and honorary sandwiches, such as The Uncle Lenny, The New Jersey Bypass, Zeide's Favorite Heartburn, and The Skokie Firehouse Special, available for **Dine-in** or **Takeout**.
• **Fresh Bagel and Lox Service:** Daily fresh-baked bagels, served with a variety of cream cheese schmears and premium fish, including Nova, Scotch, and Belly Lox, Chicago Whitefish, New York Whitefish, and Salmon.
• **Daily Homemade Deli Items:** A rotating selection of traditional Eastern European and Jewish comfort foods, including Blintzes (Cheese and Fruit), Potato Pancakes, Knishes, Corned Beef Hash, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, and Chopped Liver.
• **Full-Scale Bakery:** Providing an extensive menu of sweets and breads baked on-site, such as Small and Large Pound Cakes, Ring Cakes, Mondel Bread, Brownies, Lemon Bars, Assorted Shortbread Cookies, and the highly acclaimed Ruggalach.
• **Weekend Bakery & Deli Specials (Friday-Sunday):** Featuring sought-after specialties like Black & White Cookies, Brioche Cinnamon Rolls, Bobke/Babka, Onion Pumpernickel and Rye breads, Quiche, and Salmon Salad.
• **Beverage and Coffee Service:** Offering classic deli drinks like Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray soda alongside standard **Coffee** to complement any meal.
• **Catering and Large Orders:** Providing **Onsite services** and catering options, often used for family celebrations, business lunches, and even bereavement/condolence (Shiva) catering in the North Shore suburbs.

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## Features / Highlights

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What sets Kaufman's Bagel & Delicatessen apart as a must-visit location for those in Illinois are its unique features, blending culinary prowess with cultural significance:

• **Legendary Corned Beef and Pastrami:** Praised by customers and critics alike, the hot pastrami and corned beef are known for being "tender, flavorful, stacked high," and of a quality on par with the best New York delis. The generous meat portions are a defining feature of the sandwiches.
• **Authentic Jewish Rye Bread:** The house-baked rye bread is consistently highlighted by customers as being exceptional—the perfect foundation for their iconic deli sandwiches and unlike anything found at typical Midwestern bakeries.
• **Award-Winning Bakery:** The bakery section has garnered national recognition, having been named one of the Top 10 bakeries in the United States by USA Today for its focus on Eastern European breads and pastries made without preservatives, coloring, or trans fats.
• **Curated Beverage Selection:** The availability of nostalgic and traditional deli beverages like Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray soda adds an "herby exclamation point" to the meal, completing the authentic Jewish deli experience.
• **Family and Cultural Heritage:** The deli’s history as a gathering spot for Holocaust survivors provides a profound layer of cultural significance, making it more than just a restaurant—it’s a place of tradition and comfort within the Illinois Jewish community.
• **Diverse Meat Selection:** The ability to choose specific cuts of meat, such as Regular, Deckle, Lean, or Super Trim Corned Beef, or Veal Pastrami, allows customers to customize their sandwich experience to their exact preference, from juicy and fatty to super lean.

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## Contact Information

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For all inquiries, from placing a simple takeout order to arranging a full catering service for an event in the Chicago North Shore area, customers can utilize the following contact details:

• **Address:** 4905 Dempster St, Skokie, IL 60077, USA
• **Primary Phone:** (847) 677-6190
• **Ordering Phone:** +1 847-677-6190
• **Payment Options:** The deli accepts a variety of convenient payment methods, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.

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## What is Worth Choosing Kaufman's Bagel & Delicatessen

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Choosing Kaufman's Bagel & Delicatessen is about opting for a piece of Illinois history, coupled with an unmatched standard of quality in deli and bakery fare. It is worth choosing for the discerning customer who understands the difference between a simple sandwich shop and a decades-old institution committed to tradition.

For Illinois locals, Kaufman's solves the problem of finding **authentic, high-quality Jewish deli food** outside of a major metropolis. You should choose Kaufman's when you desire that "perfect" experience—the one where the corned beef is so tender it melts, the rye bread is perfectly crusty and dense, and the overall meal transports you. Customers are known to make a four-hour round trip just to experience it, a testament to its quality.

The dual focus on being a world-class **Bagel shop** and a premier **Deli** means you can satisfy two major culinary needs in one visit. From stocking up on fresh bagels and lox for weekend **Breakfast** to grabbing a towering, hand-sliced sandwich for lunch, Kaufman's consistently delivers a full, happy, and memorable experience. You’ll leave not just satisfied, but already planning your return, knowing you've experienced the very best of authentic Jewish cuisine the Illinois region has to offer.

Kaufman's Bagel & Delicatessen

4905 Dempster St, Skokie, IL 60077, USA