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 15 · Andres “Andy” GBAKERY PROFILE
Once Upon A Bagel
★ 4.0556 recorded reviews$10–20
1888 1st St, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA
Directory information can change. Confirm current hours, prices, products, dietary needs, and custom-order requirements directly with the bakery.
PLAN THE VISIT
Essential details
- Address
- 1888 1st St, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA
- Phone
- (847) 433-1411
- Website
- Visit official site
- Rating signal
- 4.0 from 556 recorded reviews
HOURS
Listed operating hours
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
About and visit notes
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.
VISIT FEATURES
Services and accessibility
These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.
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
PHOTOS
See the bakery
VISITOR FEEDBACK
Reviews and recurring themes
Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.
deli 53jewish 12bagels and cream cheese 11corned beef 10chicken soup 8pastrami 7omelets 6matzo ball soup 6chive 6panini 6
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.
Apr 30 · Tiffany BartonI 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!
Nov 26 · WHITE KNIGHTDougy 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!!!
Jul 27 · Pete PearsonGreat 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!
May 1 · Jen LeighNEARBY ALTERNATIVES
Compare another bakery nearby
Sorted by geographic proximity from this bakery.
This page combines directory records, available business details, submitted photos, and visitor feedback. Information may be incomplete or change without notice. For corrections, contact server@heavenlydelightsbakery.com.