Once Upon A Bagel: Highland Park, IL's Premier Bagel Shop, Deli, and Full-Service Restaurant

Once Upon A Bagel Introduce

For residents across the Illinois North Shore, the name Once Upon A Bagel is synonymous with a true taste of home—a bustling, full-service establishment that flawlessly blends the tradition of an authentic Jewish deli with the daily ritual of a top-tier bagel shop. More than just a quick stop for a morning coffee and carb fix, this Highland Park institution serves as a cornerstone of the local dining scene, offering everything from fresh-baked bagels and house-smoked fish to expansive catering for every occasion.

Since 1982, the "Once Upon" family of restaurants has dedicated itself to providing an inviting atmosphere with pleasant service and mouthwatering, authentic food. This commitment is evident in the sheer scope of their menu, a rarity in today's specialized food landscape. Whether you are craving a classic lox plate, a hot-off-the-grill sandwich, or a traditional piece of kugel, you can find it here, prepared with consistency and care.

Customers consistently recognize the quality and effort invested, as evidenced by the high volume of business on peak days. One loyal patron noted the "mad house in the best of ways" during a busy holiday, emphasizing the fantastic quality of the bagels and the generously portioned "smears" (cream cheeses), which feature "perfectly sized pieces of their respective items." This dedication to craftsmanship—even down to the perfect chunk of walnut or lox in the cream cheese—is precisely why Once Upon A Bagel remains a local favorite.

Introduction / Overview

Once Upon A Bagel, located in the heart of Highland Park, IL, is a versatile and beloved establishment that operates as a Bagel Shop, Bakery, and full-scale Restaurant. It is a family-owned business established in 1982, dedicated to offering healthy, authentic, and delicious food that is prepared with love and an unwavering focus on traditional deli and bakery staples. The extensive menu is a major draw, catering to breakfast, lunch, and catering needs with incredible depth and variety.

The core of the business revolves around freshly baked goods, headlined by their famous Bagels and Bialys, which are the foundation of a true New York-style deli experience in Illinois. Beyond the carb component, the shop excels in house-made deli items, including a variety of fresh fish, an expansive selection of cream cheeses, and signature sandwiches. From the morning rush for a simple Bagel or Bialy with Cream Cheese ($3.25) to a hearty lunchtime Corned Beef Sandwich ($10.95), Once Upon A Bagel provides a reliable, high-quality dining option for the entire community.

The vast menu also includes a full breakfast service with Omelettes, Pancakes, and traditional fare like Fried Matzo, alongside a comprehensive deli section featuring Fresh Salads, Meats, and Leonard's Bakery Goods, ensuring there is truly something for every craving and time of day.

Location and Accessibility

The Highland Park location of Once Upon A Bagel is conveniently situated at 1888 1st St, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA. Positioned in a prime area of the North Shore, it is easily accessible for both local residents and visitors traveling through the 60035 zip code.

Accessibility and customer comfort are prioritized, making it a welcoming venue for all patrons in Illinois:

Free Parking: Customers benefit from both a Free Parking Lot and Free Street Parking, significantly easing the stress of a "Quick visit."
Full Accessibility: The establishment provides a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, a Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot, and a Wheelchair Accessible Restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.
Modern Payments: The business accepts Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, catering to all modern transaction preferences.

Services Offered

Once Upon A Bagel provides a robust suite of services designed for modern convenience and traditional dining comfort:

Full-Service Dining: Available for Dine-in, allowing customers to sit down and enjoy a relaxed meal from the extensive menu, including breakfast and lunch options.
Takeout and In-Store Pickup: Highly efficient options for customers on the go, allowing for quick retrieval of food ordered in advance or on the spot.
Delivery Service: Offers Delivery to the local area, ensuring fresh bagels, deli items, and prepared meals can be enjoyed at home or the office.
In-Store Shopping: Customers can browse and purchase fresh deli meats, cheeses, fresh fish (like Nova Lox and Whitefish Chunks), a variety of cream cheeses, and pre-packaged Leonard's Bakery Goods.
Extensive Catering Services: Provides a massive range of trays and platters—from the Sliced Bagels & Cream Cheese Tray and Fish Tray to the Sandwich Tray and Sweet Tray—perfect for family gatherings, office meetings, or special events throughout the North Shore.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Once Upon A Bagel apart in the competitive Illinois food market is its blend of product excellence and comprehensive service:

Authentic Deli and Bagel Tradition: Offers a classic Jewish deli experience with a deep menu of traditional items, including Nova Lox, Corned Beef, and Matzo Ball Soup, which is renowned locally.
In-House Preparation and Smoking: The business is noted for smoking "a lot of their own fish," which ensures superior quality and freshness for their highly-rated Nova Lox Plate and other fresh fish selections.
Vast Menu Breadth: Functions as a true all-in-one spot, offering full breakfast (omelettes, pancakes), a comprehensive deli (salads, meats, fresh fish), and bakery items (bagels, bialys, Leonard's Bakery Goods).
Specialty Cream Cheeses: Features an impressive line-up of house-made cream cheeses, including unique flavors like Lox Cream Cheese, Strawberry Cream Cheese, and Giardinera Cream Cheese, all praised for their perfectly sized inclusions.
Leonard's Bakery Goods: Provides a dedicated selection of traditional Jewish bakery items such as Mandel Bread (Marble and Chocolate Covered), Rugelach (Assorted, Chocolate, Raspberry, Apricot), and various Coffee Cakes.
Catering Expertise: Known for its professional and extensive catering options, capable of handling large and complex orders for any North Shore event.

Contact Information

For Illinois residents interested in visiting, placing an order, or inquiring about catering, here is the direct contact information for the Highland Park location:

Address: 1888 1st St, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA

Phone: (847) 433-1411

Mobile Phone: +1 847-433-1411

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Once Upon A Bagel is choosing a Highland Park legacy—a family-owned business that has perfected its craft over decades, providing the North Shore with consistently high-quality, authentic New York-style deli fare. What makes this establishment particularly worth choosing is its unmatched versatility and depth of offerings.

Instead of having to visit separate shops for a fresh bagel, a quality deli sandwich, and traditional Jewish bakery treats, you can find the best of all worlds under one roof. The commitment to in-house preparation, particularly with their smoked fish and meticulously prepared cream cheeses, ensures a level of freshness and quality that stands above the competition. The menu truly offers value, whether you are picking up a quick Bagel Ball ($0.85), a comforting Bowl of Chicken Matzo Ball Soup ($5.69) for the family, or an extravagant Nova Lox Plate ($12.95).

While one isolated review expressed disappointment in the simplicity of a specific sandwich, the overwhelming customer consensus points to the superior quality of their core offerings—the bagels, the lox, the cream cheeses, and the traditional deli experience. For Illinois locals seeking authenticity, quality ingredients, and a vast menu supported by excellent service and accessibility, Once Upon A Bagel in Highland Park is not just a choice; it's a long-standing, beloved tradition worth making your regular stop.

Once Upon A Bagel Food & drink

Our Breakfast
Grilled Steak & Eggs $19.95
Two eggs any style with grilled skirt steak, hashbrowns and a bagel, bialy or toast. Please let us know which bagel, bialy or toast you prefer in the special instructions.
Huevos a La Acapulco $12.95
Two eggs any style with chorizo, green peppers, onions & hashbrowns. With a bagel of your choice. Please let us know your choice of bagel flavor in the special instructions.
Huevos Con Chorizo $12.95
Scrambled eggs with spicy Mexican sausage. With a bagel of your choice. Please let us know your bagel flavor in the special instructions.
Breakfast Rollup $8.95
Eggs with tomatoes, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, hashbrowns and salsa in a white or wheat tortilla.
Two Eggs Breakfast $6.95
Two eggs any style with a bagel, bialy or toast. Please let us know which flavor bagel, bialy or toast you prefer in the special instructions.
Fried Matzo $7.50
Fried matzo made to order.
Nova Lox Plate $12.95
Hand sliced nova lox with your choice of cream cheese and bagel. Comes with tomatoes, onions, olives and capers. Please let us know which bagel flavor you prefer in the special instructions.
Bagel or Bialy with Cream Cheese $3.25
Your choice of a bagel or bialy with cream cheese. Please let us know which bagel or bialy flavor you prefer in the special instructions.
Made to Order Oatmeal $3.95
With brown sugar and raisins on the side.
Pancakes $6.95
Pancakes with butter and syrup.
Multi Grain Pancakes $6.95
Fiber rich pancakes with butter and syrup.
French Toast $7.95
French toast made with our delicious challah bread. With butter and syrup.
Cheese Blintzes $7.95
Homemade blintzes with strawberry sauce and sour cream.
All American Breakfast Sandwich $9.95
Toasted Bagel with eggs any style, your choice of meat and your choice of cheese. Please let us know your bagel flavor in the special instructions.
Once Upon a Breakfast $13.95
Eggs any style served with your choice of breakfast meat and your choice of pancake, bagel, bialy or toast. Also comes with hashbrowns. Please let us know your flavor of bagel, bialy or toast in the special instructions.

Omelettes
Once Upon Style Omelette $13.95
A flat egg-white omelette with your choice of three ingredients and covered in mozzarella cheese and salsa. Please let us know your bagel, bialy or toast choice in the special instructions.
Nova Delight Omelette $12.95
Omelette with nova lox, fresh scallions and plain cream cheese mixed in the center. Delicious! Please let us know your bagel, bialy or toast flavor in the special instructions.
Lox & Onion Omelette $12.95
Classic omelette with nova lox and fresh scallions. Please let us know your bagel, bialy or toast flavor in the special instructions.
Spanish Omelette $9.95
Chorizo sausage, pepper jack cheese, onions, cilantro and salsa. Please let us know your bagel, bialy or toast flavor in the special instructions.
Country Omelette $9.95
Bacon, hashbrowns and American cheese. Please let us know your bagel, bialy or toast flavor in the special instructions.
Greek Omelette $9.95
Sauteed spinach and feta cheese. Please let us know your bagel, bialy or toast flavor in the special instructions.
Meat Lovers Omelette $10.95
Grilled corned beef, pastrami and salami. Please let us know your bagel, bialy or toast flavor in the special instructions.
Garden Omelette $9.95
Mushrooms, green peppers, tomatoes and onions. Please let us know your bagel, bialy or toast flavor in the special instructions.
Single Meat Omelette $8.75
Your choice of meat. Please let us know your bagel, bialy or toast flavor in the special instructions.
Single Veggie Omelette $8.25
Your choice of vegetable. Please let us know your bagel, bialy or toast flavor in the special instructions.
Cheese Omelette $8.50
Choice of cheese. Please let us know your bagel, bialy or toast flavor in the special instructions.
Plain Omelette $7.50
Please let us know your bagel, bialy or toast flavor in the special instructions.

Breakfast Side Orders
Nova Hash $10.50
Nova, onions and hash browns.
Corned Beef Hash $8.95
Corned beef, onion, green pepper and hashbrowns.
Veggie Hash $6.25
Grilled mushroom, tomato, green pepper and onion and hashbrowns.
Hashbrowns $3.95
Sausage (Pork or Turkey) $4.95
Bacon (Pork or Turkey) $4.95
Grilled Ham $4.95
Grilled and delicious.
Grilled Salami $4.95
Cream Cheese Side $1.75
Plain, chive, veggie or lox cream cheese.
Bagel or Baily with Butter or Margarine $2.25
A toasted bagel or bialy. Please let us know your bagel or bialy flavor in the special instructions. With butter or margarine.
Lox Cream Cheese $1.95

Leonard's Bakery Goods
Half Pound Assorted Sprinkle Butter Cookies $8.95
Assorted each.
Chocolate Donuts $1.95
Smiley Cookies $5.90
(2-Pack)
Black & White Cookies $5.90
(2 Pack)
One Pound Chocolate Covered Mandel Bread $16.95
One Pound Marble Mandel Bread $16.95
Half Pound Assorted Rugelach $8.95
Half Pound Chocolate Rugelach $8.95
Half Pound Raspberry Rugelach $8.95
Half Pound Apricot Rugelach $8.95
Chocolate Coffee Cake $12.95
No description needed! The best!
Almond Coffee Cake $12.95
No description needed! The best!
Cinnamon Kiddush Cake $9.95
Sliced cinnamon Kiddush cake.
Chocolate Kiddush Cake $9.95
Sliced cinnamon Kiddush cake.

Cream Cheeses
Plain Cream Cheese $3.99
1/2 lb $3.99 | 1 lb $7.99
Chive Cream Cheese $4.30
1/2 lb $4.30 | 1 lb $8.59
Cucumber Chive Cream Cheese $4.30
1/2 lb $4.30 | 1 lb 8.59
Vegetable Cream Cheese $4.30
1/2 lb $4.30 | 1 lb $8.59
Lox Cream Cheese $4.75
1/2 lb $4.75 | 1 lb $9.49
Walnut Raisin $4.30
1/2 lb $4.30 | 1 lb $8.59
Strawberry Cream Cheese $4.30
1/2 lb $4.30 | 1 lb $8.59
Jalapeno Cream Cheese $4.30
1/2 lb $4.30 | 1 lb $8.59
Giardinera Cream Cheese $4.30
1/2 lb $4.30 | 1 lb $8.59

Fresh Fish
Nova or Regular (Salty) Lox $17.99
1/2 lb $17.99 | 1 lb $35.95 • Fresh nova or regular lox.
BBQ Salmon $29.95
Whitefish Chunks $19.95
Large whitefish chunk.
Creamed Herring $11.29
Herring in cream sauce.
Wine Herring $11.29
Herring in wine sauce.

Meats
Roast Brisket $9.99
1/2 lb $9.99 | 1 lb $19.99 • Once upon style fresh roasted brisket.
Corned Beef $10.99
1/2 lb $10.99 | 1 lb $21.99 • Choose extra lean or regular cut.
Roast Beef $9.49
1/2 lb $9.49 | 1 lb $18.99 • Once upon style fresh roast beef.
Beef Pastrami $9.99
1/2 lb $9.99 | 1 lb $19.99 • Regular cut beef pastrami.
Turkey Breast $7.99
1/2 lb $7.99 | 1 lb $15.99 • Roasted deli turkey breast.
Turkey Pastrami $7.99
1/2 lb $7.99 | 1 lb $15.99 • Delicious turkey pastrami.
Hard Salami $12.99
1/2 lb $12.99 | 1 lb $25.99 • Nothing better than some hard salami.
Soft Salami $9.49
1/2 lb $9.49 | 1 lb $18.99 • Soft all beef salami.
Baked Ham $5.49
1/2 lb $5.49 | 1 lb $10.99 • Delicious baked ham.
Bologna $9.49
1/2 lb $9.49 | 1 lb $18.99 • All beef bologna.
Chopped Liver $5.99
1/2 lb $5.99 | 1 lb $11.99 • Once upon's homemade chopped chicken liver.
Regular & Jumbo Hot Dogs $4.49
1/2 lb $4.49 | 1 lb $8.99
Salami Stix $1.50
Each $1.50 | 1/2 lb $18.75 | 1 lb $37.50

Fresh Salads
Original Tuna Salad $7.45
1/2 lb $7.45 | 1 lb $14.89 • Our famous original recipe tuna salad.
Gramma's Tuna Salad $7.45
1/2 lb $7.45 | 1 lb $14.89 • Made with sweet relish.
California Tuna Salad $7.45
1/2 lb $7.45 | 1 lb $14.89 • Made with green and red peppers, chives and egg-whites.
Lucky's Tuna Salad $7.45
1/2 lb $7.45 | 1 lb $14.89 • Made with cranberries.
Poultry Salad $6.95
1/2 lb $6.95 | 1 lb $13.89 • Our famous original recipe poultry salad.
President's Poultry Salad $6.95
1/2 lb $6.95 | 1 lb $13.89 • Made with cranberries and almonds.
Salmon Salad $6.95
1/2 lb $6.95 | 1 lb $13.89 • Delicious homemade salmon salad.
Grandpa's Salmon Salad $6.95
1/2 lb $6.95 | 1 lb $13.89 • Made with sweet relish.
Whitefish Salad $7.45
1/2 lb $7.45 | 1 lb $15.49 • Delicious fresh whitefish salad.
Egg Salad $5.95
1/2 lb $5.95 | 1 lb $11.89 • Fresh egg salad.
Egg White Salad $6.45
1/2 lb $6.45 | 1 lb $12.89 • One of our staples. The best around.
Creamy Cole Slaw $2.45
1/2 lb $2.45 | 1 lb $4.99
Potato Salad $2.45
1/2 lb $2.45 | 1 lb $4.99
Pasta Salad $3.99
1/2 lb $3.99 | 1 lb $7.99 • Pasta and veggie salad.
Cucumber Salad $3.99
1/2 lb $3.99 | 1 lb $7.99 • Delicious cucumber salad.
Israeli Salad $3.99
1/2 lb $3.99 | 1 lb $7.99 • A delicious blend of tomatoes, cucumbers, garbanzo beans and parsley in our homemade olive lemon dressing.

Cheeses
American Cheese $4.49
1/2 lb $4.49 | 1 lb $8.99 • Sliced American cheese.
Swiss Cheese $4.49
1/2 lb $4.49 | 1 lb $8.99 • Sliced Swiss cheese.
Muenster Cheese $4.49
1/2 lb $4.49 | 1 lb $8.99 • Sliced Muenster cheese.
Cheddar Cheese $4.99
1/2 lb $4.99 | 1 lb $9.99 • Sliced Cheddar cheese.
Provolone Cheese $4.49
1/2 lb $4.49 | 1 lb $8.99 • Sliced Provolone cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese $4.99
1/2 lb $4.99 | 1 lb $9.99 • Sliced Mozzarella cheese.
Pepper Jack Cheese $4.49
1/2 lb $4.49 | 1 lb $8.99 • Sliced Pepper Jack cheese.

Home Made Soups & Chili
Soup of The Day $6.69
Bowl $6.69 | Super Bowl $12.98 • Please let us know your selection of roll or crackers in the special instructions.
Bowl of Chicken Rice Soup $5.69
Bowl of chicken rice soup. Please let us know your choice of roll or crackers in the special instructions.
Quart of Chicken Rice Soup $10.98
Quart of chicken rice soup. Please let us know your choice of roll or crackers in the special instructions.
Bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup $5.69
Bowl of chicken soup with noodles. Please let us know your choice of roll or crackers in the special instructions.
Quart of Chicken Noodle Soup $10.98
Quart of chicken noodle soup. Please let us know your choice of roll or crackers in the special instructions.
Bowl of Chicken Matzo Ball Soup $5.69
Bowl of chicken matzo ball soup. Please let us know your choice of roll or crackers in the special instructions.
Quart of Chicken Matzo Ball Soup $10.98
Quart of chicken matzo ball soup. Please let us know your choice of roll or crackers in the special instructions.
Bowl of Chicken Kreplach Soup $5.69
Bowl of chicken kreplach soup. Please let us know your choice of roll or crackers in the special instructions.
Quart of Chicken Kreplach Soup $10.98
Quart of chicken kreplach soup. Please let us know your choice of roll or crackers in the special instructions.
Chicken Combo Soup $6.69
Bowl $6.69 | Super Bowl $12.98
Quart of Chicken Mish Mosh Soup $12.98
Quart of chicken vegetable soup with noodles, rice, kreplach and matzo ball. Please let us know your choice of roll or crackers in the special instructions.
Mighty Fine Chili $6.69
Bowl $6.69 | Super Bowl $12.98 • Delicious homemade chili. Please let us know your preference of roll or crackers in the special instructions.
Bowl of Chicken Vegetable Soup $5.69
Bowl of broth only or with chicken and veggies. Please let us know your choice of roll or crackers in the special instructions.
Quart of Chicken Vegetable Soup $10.98
Quart of broth only or with chicken and vegetables. Please let us know your choice of roll or crackers in the special instructions.

Extras From The Deli
Pan Plain Kugel $28.95
Pan plain kugel sliced in 16 pieces.
Piece Plain Kugel $3.50
Pan Raisin Kugel $28.95
Pan raisin kugel sliced in 16 pieces.
Piece Raisin Kugel $3.50
Pan of Apple Cinnamon Kugel $28.95
Pan of apple cinnamon kugel sliced in 16 pieces.
Piece of Apple Cinnamon Kugel $3.50
Homemade Cheese Blintzes $7.95
Three delicious homemade cheese blintzes with strawberry sauce.
Potato Pancake $3.50
Once Upon's special recipe.
Veggie Potato Pancake $3.50
Once Upon's special recipe.
Fresh Tomatoes $2.95
Fresh tomato whole or sliced.
Fresh Cucumbers $2.95
Fresh cucumber whole or sliced.
Fresh Onions $2.95
Fresh onion whole or sliced.
Half Pound Container Black Olives $3.59
Half pound container of black olives
Pound Container Black Olives $7.29
Pound container of black olives.
OUAB Bagel Dog $3.95
An all beef hot dog wrapped in a delicious Once Upon bagel.

From The Grill
Skirt Steak Sandwich $18.95
Grilled skirt steak sandwich on a bialy loaf with melted Mozzarella cheese. Please let us know in the special instructions if you would like lettuce, tomatoes and grilled onions added to your sandwich.
Garden Burger $7.95
Veggie burger on a challah bun with lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Served with a pickle.
Char Burger $8.95
Char burger on a challah bun with lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Served with a pickle.
Reuben Burger $14.50
Amazing! Char burger covered in grilled corned beef, saurkraut, 1000 island dressing and swiss cheese. On a challah bun with a pickle on the side.
Turkey Burger $8.95
Turkey burger on a challah bun with lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Served with a pickle.
The Beyond Burger (100% Vegan) $10.50
On a challah bun with lettuce, tomatoes and onions.
Hot Dog $4.95
Regular hotdog with your choice of condiments.
Jumbo Dog $5.95
Jumbo hot dog with your choice of condiments.
Grilled Cheese $5.50
Grilled cheese on white, wheat, rye toast or challah toast.
Chicken Fingers with Fries $8.95
Chicken fingers with regular or cajun fries. With a side of bbq sauce, ranch or honey mustard dressing.
Bagel Veggie Skins $8.95
Open faced wheat bagel filled with grilled veggies and covered with melted cheese. Comes with salsa.

Grilled Boats
Tuna Salad Grilled Boat $10.95
Grilled tuna with tomato and choice of cheese on our homemade sub roll with a pickle on the side.
Corned Beef Grilled Boat $11.95
grilled lean or regular corned beef with choice of cheese on our homemade sub roll with a pickle on the side.
Corned Beef Reuben Grilled Boat $11.95
choice of lean or regular corned beef with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, thousand island dressing and a pickle on the side.
Beef Pastrami Grilled Boat $11.95
Beef pastrami with your choice of cheese on our homemade sub roll and a pickle on the side.
Beef Pastrami Reuben Grilled Boat $11.95
Grilled beef pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, thousand island dressing and a pickle on the side.
Turkey Grilled Boat $11.95
Grilled turkey, choice of cheese served on our homemade sub roll with a pickle on the side.
Turkey Reuben Grilled Boat $11.95
Grilled turkey, Swiss cheese, thousand island dressing on our homemade sub roll with a pickle on the side.
Turkey Pastrami Grilled Boat $11.95
Choice of cheese served on our homemade sub roll with a pickle on the side.
Salami Grilled Boat $11.95
Grilled salami with choice of cheese on our homemade sub roll with a pickle on the side.
Ham Grilled Boat $11.95
Grilled ham with choice of cheese served on our homemade sub roll with a pickle on the side.
Italian Beef Grilled Boat $11.95
Our homemade Italian beef with melted mozzarella cheese on our homemade sub roll with a pickle and giardiniera on the side.
BBQ Beef Grilled Boat $11.95
Grilled BBQ beef, your choice of cheese served on our homemade sub roll with a pickle on the side.
Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Boat $11.95
Grilled Philly meat, grilled green peppers, mushrooms and onion, mozzarella cheese served on our homemade sub roll with a pickle on the side.

Chicken Sandwiches
Grilled Chicken Sandwich $10.50
Choice of Original, Cajun, Buffalo, Bar-B-Que or Teriyaki. Served on a challah roll with lettuce, tomato and a pickle.
Chicken Club $12.95
Grilled chicken, melted mozzarella, crispy bacon, lettuce and tomato on a fresh bialy loaf.

Just Sandwiches
Roast Brisket Sandwich $10.95
Hot brisket with au jus with lettuce and tomato on a bagel, bialy, roll or bread. Comes with a pickle.
Corned Beef Sandwich $10.95
Hot lean or regular cut corned beef on rye. With a pickle.
Roast Beef Sandwich $10.95
Roast beef with lettuce, tomatoes and mayo on your choice of bread. With a pickle.
Turkey Sandwich $10.95
Turkey on choice of bread, lettuce, tomato and a pickle on the side.
Beef Pastrami Sandwich $10.95
Hot beef pastrami on rye bread. With a pickle.
Turkey Pastrami $10.95
Served on choice of bread with lettuce, tomato and a pickle on the side.
Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato Sandwich $8.95
Served on your choice of toasted bread with lettuce, tomatoes and mayo. With a pickle on the side.
Turkey Club Sandwich $11.95
Turkey or grilled chicken with lettuce, tomato, bacon and mayo on white or wheat toast with a pickle on the side.
Chopped Liver $10.95
Soft Salami Sandwich $10.95
On your choice of bread with a pickle on the side.
Hard Salami Sandwich $12.95
On your choice of bread with a pickle on the side.
Bologna Sandwich $10.95
On choice of bread with a pickle on the side.
Baked Ham Sandwich $10.95
On your choice of bread with lettuce, tomato and a pickle on the side.
Vegetarian Sandwich $7.95
Lettuce, tomato, onion, carrot, cucumber, spinach with honey mustard dressing and a pickle on the side.

New York Style Specialty Sandwiches
New York Style Hot Corned Beef Sandwich $15.95
New York Style Hot Pastrami Sandwich $15.95
New York Style Reuben Sandwich $17.25
Corned beef or pastrami with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on rye bread.

Salad Sandwiches
Egg Salad Sandwich $8.95
On your choice of bread with lettuce and tomatoes. Comes with a pickle.
Egg White Egg Salad Sandwich $9.95
With lettuce and tomato on a bagel, bialy, roll or bread. Comes with a pickle.
Poultry Salad Sandwich $9.95
With lettuce and tomato on a bagel, bialy, roll or bread. Comes with a pickle.
President's Poultry Salad $9.95
With lettuce and tomato on a bagel, bialy, roll or bread. Comes with a pickle.
Tuna Salad Sandwich $9.95
Original, Gramma's, Lucky or California. With lettuce and tomato on a bagel, bialy, roll or bread. Comes with a pickle.
Salmon Salad Sandwich $9.95
With lettuce and tomato on a bagel, bialy, roll or bread. Comes with a pickle.
Grandpa's Salmon Salad Sandwich $9.95
With lettuce and tomato on a bagel, bialy, roll or bread. Comes with a pickle.
Whitefish Salad Sandwich $10.95
With lettuce and tomato on a bagel, bialy, roll or bread. Comes with a pickle.

Salad Selections
Shana's Salad $13.95
"Our Signature Salad" romaine, spinach, chicken, bacon, broccoli, red pepper, onions, celery and avocado. With a choice of dressing.
Garden Salad $9.95
Lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, carrots and hard boiled egg. Choice of dressing.
Chef's Salad $13.95
A garden salad with turkey, swiss and American cheese. Choice of dressing.
Chicken Supreme Salad $13.95
Grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, green peppers. Choice of dressing.
Veggie Supreme Salad $9.95
Lettuce, tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, green peppers. Choice of dressing.
Tuna Salad Plate $13.95
A garden salad with a scoop of your choice of tuna. Choice of dressing.
Tossed Caesar Salad $9.95
Lettuce, spinach, parmesan cheese, croutons and Caesar dressing.
Tossed Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken $13.95
Grilled chicken, lettuce, spinach, parmesan cheese, croutons and Caesar dressing.
Chinese Tossed Salad $9.95
Lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, broccoli, water chestnuts, mandarin oranges and Chinese noodles. Comes with toasted sesame dressing on the side.
Chinese Tossed Salad with Grilled Chicken $13.95
Grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, broccoli, water chestnuts, mandarin oranges and Chinese noodles. Comes with toasted sesame dressing on the side.

Tortilla Rollups
Grilled Steak Tortilla Rollup $15.95
Grilled steak, lettuce, tomato, muenster cheese and honey dijon dressing or Caesar style.
Grilled Chicken Tortilla Rollup $10.95
Grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, muenster cheese and honey dijon dressing or Caesar style.
Turkey Tortilla Rollup $10.95
Turkey, lettuce, tomato, muenster cheese and honey dijon dressing or Caesar style.
Veggie Tortilla Rollup $7.95
Lettuce, tomato, spinach, broccoli, muenster cheese and honey dijon dressing or Caesar style.
Tuna Salad Tortilla Rollup $10.95
Tuna, lettuce, tomato, muenster cheese and honey dijon dressing or Caesar style.
Poultry Salad Tortilla Rollup $10.95
Poultry salad, lettuce, tomato, muenster cheese and honey dijon dressing or Caesar style.
Roast Beef Tortilla Rollups $10.95

Stir Frys
Grilled Steak Stir Fry $16.95
Skirt steak with sauteed onions, carrots, green and red peppers on a bed of rice with teriyaki sauce and Chinese noodles.
Grilled Chicken Stir Fry $12.95
Grilled chicken breast with sauteed onions, carrots, green and red peppers on a bed of rice with teriyaki sauce and Chinese noodles.
Grilled Veggie Stir Fry $9.75
Sauteed onions, carrots, green and red peppers on a bed of rice with teriyaki sauce and Chinese noodles.

Paninis
Classic Panini $8.95
American, swiss & provolone cheese's with lettuce & tomato.
Chicken Panini $11.95
Grilled chicken, avocado & melted provolone cheese.
Fresh Veggie Panini $8.95
Mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers & provolone.
Club Panini $11.95
Turkey, bacon, tomato & provolone cheese.
Panini Burger $11.95
Beef burger, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomato & onion.
Francheese Panini $10.50
Bacon, hot dog, American cheese, lettuce & tomato

Bagels Bialys & Breads
Mini Bagels $0.75
Each $0.75 | Baker's Dozen (13) $9.00
Rye Bread Full Loaf $14.95
Rye Bread Half Loaf $8.95
Seedless Rye Full Loaf $14.95
Seedless Rye Half Loaf $8.95
Whole Challah Loaf $12.95
Bagel Balls $0.85
Each $0.85 | Baker's Dozen (13) $10.20
Skinny Bagels $1.29
Each $1.29 | Baker's Dozen (13) $15.48
Bagels $1.29
Each $1.29 | Baker's Dozen (13) $15.48
Bialys $1.29
Each $1.29 | Baker's Dozen (13) $15.48

Just For Kids
Kids Corned Beef Sandwich $8.95
Lean corned beef or white, wheat, rye or a plain bagel. With fries, chips or fruit.
Kids Roasted Turkey Sandwich $8.95
Turkey on white, wheat, rye or a plain bagel. With fries, chips or fruit.
Kids Tuna Sandwich $8.95
Tuna on white, wheat, rye or a plain bagel. With fries, chips or fruit.
Kids Grilled Cheese Sandwich $8.95
Grilled American cheese on white, wheat, rye or challah toast with fries, chips or fruit.
Kids Chicken Fingers $8.95
Kids Hot Dog $8.95
Steamed hot dog on a challah bun.
Kid's Silver Dollar Pancakes $8.95
Kids French Toast $8.95
Includes choice of bacon or sausage.

Pizza
Cheese Pizza $3.95
Veggie Pizza $4.95

On The Side
Curly Fries (Regular or Cajun) $3.50
Potato Pancake $3.95
Once Upon's special recipe.
Veggie Potato Pancake $3.95
Once Upon's special recipe.
Sweet Potato Chips $3.50
Made to order.
Creamy Cole Slaw Side $3.50
Potato Salad Side $3.50
Pasta Salad Side $3.95
Cucumber Salad Side $3.95
Piece of Kugel $3.50
Plain, apple cinnamon or raisin.

Menu
Relish Tray $4.95
Sweet and dill pickles along with black, green and Greek olives | Minimum 10 people.
Cubed or Sliced Cheese Tray $4.95
Includes assorted cheeses, your choice of up to five cheeses. Minimum 10 people.
Veggie Tray $4.95
Our delicious homemade ranch dip surrounded by broccoli, carrots, celery, cucumbers and red & green peppers | Minimum 10 people.
Chopped Liver Appetizer Tray $5.50
Homemade chicken chopped liver served with cocktail rye bread and assorted bread flats | Minimum 10 people.
Fruit Tray $4.95
A delicious blend of fresh seasonal fruits including pineapple, cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, grapes, kiwi and more | Minimum 10 people.
Sweet Tray $59.95
Small (Feeds 10-15 people) - $59.95 | Large (Feeds 20-25 people) - $84.95 • Includes assorted Leonard’s Bakery cookies, mandel bread, rugelach and pastries.
Breakfast Tray $59.95
Small - $59.95 | Large - $84.95 • Includes assorted Leonard’s Bakery coffee cakes, Once Upon’s famous chocolate donuts, muffins and cookies.
Sliced Bagels & Cream Cheese Tray $54.95
Small (Two dozen bagels) - $54.95 | Large (Three dozen bagels) - $69.95 • With choice of three cream cheeses. Also, includes tomatoes and cucumbers.
Sliced Mini Bagels & Cream Cheese Tray $54.95
Small (Three dozen mini bagels) - $54.95 | Large (Five dozen mini bagels) - $69.95 • With choice of three cream cheeses. Also, includes tomatoes and cucumbers.
Breakfast Combo Tray $64.50
Includes one assorted dozen bagels with cream cheese along with donuts, muffins and coffee cakes. | Serves about 10-12 people
Salad Tray with Sliced Bagels $118.95
Includes two dozen sliced bagels with your choice of three salad. Also includes tomatoes, lettuce and pickles | Tray serves 10-15 people.
Mini Sandwich Tray $79.50
10 People $79.50 | 15 People $119.25 | 20 People $159.00 • Per Sandwich - $6.95| Any assortment of sandwiches on mini challah rolls. Served with pickles and your choice of Coleslaw, Potato Salad or Pasta Salad | Minimum 10 sandwiches. Please let us know your breakdown of sandwiches in the special instructions.
Sandwich Tray $119.50
10 People $119.50 | 15 People $179.25 | 20 People $239.00 • Per Sandwich - $11.95 | Any assortment of sandwiches on your choice of Bread, Bagels, Challah Rolls, Kaiser Rolls or Onion Rolls. Served with pickles and your choice of Coleslaw, Potato Salad or Pasta Salad | Minimum 10 sandwiches. Please let us know your breakdown of sandwiches in the special instructions.
Rollup Tray $119.50
10 People $119.50 | 15 People $179.25 | 20 People $239.00 • Per Rollup - $11.95 | Any assortment of rollups served on White or Wheat Tortillas. Served with pickles and your choice of Coleslaw, Potato Salad or Pasta Salad.| Minimum 10 rollups. Please let us know your breakdown of sandwiches in the special instructions.
Fish Tray $179.50
10 People $179.50 | 15 People $269.25 | 20 People $359.00 • Per Person - $17.95 | Includes hand sliced nova lox. Three salads of your choice. Plain, chive & vegetable cream cheeses. Muenster and Swiss cheeses. Tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and olives. Also comes with two bagels and bialys per person. | Minimum 10 people.
Meat Tray $179.50
10 People $179.50 | 15 People $269.25 | 20 People $359.00 • Per Person - $17.95| Includes Lean corned beef, turkey and roast beef and salami. Muenster, Swiss and American cheese. Creamy coleslaw and potato salad. Lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, mayo and mustard. Also includes an assortment of bagels, rolls and rye bread.

Once Upon A Bagel Details

Service options
Delivery
In-store pickup
In-store shopping
Takeout
Dine-in

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings
Coffee

Dining options
Breakfast

Amenities
Restroom

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking

Once Upon A Bagel Photos

Once Upon A Bagel Location

Once Upon A Bagel

Illinois Lake County Highland Park 1st Street

1888 1st St, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA

Once Upon A Bagel Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 556 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I went here on mother's day 2025, for the first time. The place was a mad house in the best of ways! They had SO many pre-orders I knew I was at a great spot! I purchased a variety of bagels, 18, as well as lox, veg, & walnut raisin smears. All were fantastic! The smears all had perfectly sized pieces of their respective items. The price was also acceptable. I also noticed they smoke a lot of their own fish. I will be back many more times to keep trying new items!
May 14 · Andres “Andy” G
Really disappointed in myself for paying $15 for a turkey sandwich in this economy. The sandwich was so basic. No mayo, no mustard. The lettuce wasn’t even shredded it was just large pieces that had been cut. I asked for salt,pepper, oil, and vinegar and they gave me containers of oil and vinegar and salt and pepper packets. How can you say it’s like a New York Deli if you don’t have oil & vinegar available/ready to just put on the sandwich. Very underwhelming.
April 30 · Tiffany Barton
I recently discovered *Once Upon A Bagel*, and it turned out to be so much more than I expected. While working on a project, a friend brought over some food that looked incredible, and when I found out it was from this spot, I had to check it out. What I thought was just a simple bagel shop turned out to be a hidden gem, offering an array of classic foods you don’t find much anymore.The bakery was outstanding, the deli impressive, and the hot food section full of delicious options. I decided to try the matzoh ball soup, and I have to say, it was the best I’ve ever had. Having tried legendary spots like Wolfie's in Miami and Rascals, I can confidently say this soup topped them all.If you’re craving great breakfast, lunch, or some nostalgic classics, I highly recommend stopping by *Once Upon A Bagel*. The place is extremely clean, well-staffed, and serves high-quality food. I can’t wait to go back!
November 26 · WHITE KNIGHT
Dougy approved! Enjoyed the staff very organized great food! Chili and a variety of bagels... THERE IS NO OTHER PLACE COMPARABLE AROUND! BEST IN THE USA!!!
July 26 · Pete Pearson
Great Bagel shop with a Major Variety of items to choose from. The menu is Absolutely Massive!! Definitely worth the stop if your in the area!
April 30 · Jen Leigh