Highest-rated delis in Chicago by diners
Highest-rated delis in Chicago by diners
Delis hold a cherished place in the tapestry of American culture, tracing their origins to Jewish immigrants who arrived in the U.S. in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries. It didn't take long for their rich culinary traditions (including food preservation methods like pickling) and communal spirit to lead to the creation of delicatessens (which translates to "delicacies" in German).
Jewish delis became essential hubs for gathering, sharing meals, and maintaining their heritage, particularly in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Iconic delis such as Katz's Delicatessen in New York City, founded in 1888, and Canter's Deli in Los Angeles, which opened in 1931, are still gastronomic landmarks in American food history. Katz's, famed for its hand-carved pastrami on rye and iconic appearances in films like "When Harry Met Sally…," exemplifies the deli's role in shaping urban cultural identity. Similarly, Canter's in Los Angeles is renowned for its extensive array of Jewish classics, like matzo ball soup and corned beef sandwiches, attracting a diverse clientele and fostering a strong sense of community across generations.
These historic delis have not only preserved Jewish culinary traditions but have also significantly influenced American food culture with iconic dishes that have become staples nationwide. Once primarily found in Jewish neighborhoods, items like knishes and bagels with lox are now celebrated across the country.
In the 21st century, delis continue to thrive, adapting to contemporary tastes while preserving old-world recipes. The modern deli has evolved to encompass a variety of offerings, often blending influences from different cuisines. Diners and food enthusiasts can expect to find deli menus today that feature a harmonious mix of classics and innovative twists. Sandwiches piled high with corned beef, pastrami, and brisket are staples, complemented by sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and pickles. Breakfast items such as bagels with cream cheese, lox, and assorted spreads are ubiquitous, as are soups like cabbage borscht and chicken noodle. Additionally, many delis now offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options, catering to a wider range of dietary needs and preferences.
Today, the term "deli" signifies more than just a place to eat; it embodies a cultural institution where food serves as a bridge between past and present. Whether in bustling metropolitan areas or smaller towns across America, delis continue to be beloved destinations where people can enjoy good food, share stories, and celebrate a tradition that has become an integral part of the American culinary landscape.
Want to know which delis are worth a visit near you? Stacker examined data from Yelp, collected in November 2024, to find the highest-rated delis in Chicago. In an effort to highlight independent businesses and local chains, restaurants with seven or more locations in Yelp's data were not included. Keep reading to see if your favorite deli made the list.
Note: The photos in this article are stock images and do not necessarily depict the specific restaurants listed or the dishes they serve.
#29. North Loop Market
- Rating: 4.3/5 (25 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 300 North State St. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#28. Racine Bakery
- Rating: 4.3/5 (69 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6216 South Archer Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Bakeries, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#27. North Buena Deli & Wine
- Rating: 4.3/5 (32 reviews)
- Address: 345 West Armitage Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Bagels
- Read more on Yelp
#26. Celina's Deli
- Rating: 4.3/5 (9 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5089 South Archer Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Grocery, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
#25. Bongiorno's Italian Deli & Pizzeria
- Rating: 4.3/5 (891 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 405 North Wabash Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Pizza, Delis, Italian
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Nottoli Italian Foods
- Rating: 4.3/5 (131 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5025 North Harlem Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Meat Shops, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Halsted Street Deli & Bagel
- Rating: 4.3/5 (26 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 311 South Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Salad, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Sub Brothers
- Rating: 4.4/5 (70 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1417 West Morse Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Fast food, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Clinton Street Smoked Meats
- Rating: 4.4/5 (10 reviews)
- Address: 131 North Clinton St. Ste 21 Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Fast food, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#20. All Too Well
- Rating: 4.5/5 (68 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 352 West Armitage Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Kathy De's Deli
- Rating: 4.5/5 (154 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3642 South Parnell Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Hollywood Deli
- Rating: 4.5/5 (34 reviews)
- Address: 5700 North Sheridan Road Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Grocery
- Read more on Yelp
#17. L&M Fine Foods
- Rating: 4.5/5 (56 reviews)
- Address: 4363 North Lincoln Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Butcher
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Mabe's Deli
- Rating: 4.5/5 (49 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 312 East 75th St. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Conte Di Savoia
- Rating: 4.5/5 (328 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1438 West Taylor St. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Italian
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Schneider Deli
- Rating: 4.5/5 (117 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 600 North La Salle Drive Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Bagels, Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Lalich Delicatessens
- Rating: 4.5/5 (15 reviews)
- Address: 4208 West Lawrence Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Grocery
- Read more on Yelp
#12. 52 North Deli and Grill
- Rating: 4.6/5 (23 reviews)
- Address: 5205 North Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Salad, Soup
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Tempesta Market
- Rating: 4.6/5 (303 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1372 West Grand Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: International Grocery, Meat Shops, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Vinnie's Sub Shop
- Rating: 4.6/5 (249 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1204 West Grand Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Salad
- Read more on Yelp
#9. J.P. Graziano Grocery
- Rating: 4.6/5 (699 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 901 West Randolph St. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Tony's Italian Deli & Subs
- Rating: 4.6/5 (351 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6708 North Northwest Hwy Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#7. North Buena Deli Uptown
- Rating: 4.6/5 (179 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4200 North Broadway Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#6. The Original Nottoli & Son
- Rating: 4.7/5 (206 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7652 West Belmont Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Meat Shops, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Oasis Fresh
- Rating: 4.7/5 (158 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 500 West Diversey Pkwy Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Falafel, Middle Eastern, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Hetman Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (13 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5513 West Belmont Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Lazic Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (10 reviews)
- Address: 7035 West Higgins Road Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Delis, Modern European
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Uptown Deli
- Rating: 4.9/5 (21 reviews)
- Address: 4759 North Sheridan Road Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Convenience Stores, Delis, Grocery
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Gold Coast Market
- Rating: 5.0/5 (19 reviews)
- Address: 71 West Chicago Ave. Chicago, Illinois
- Categories: Tobacco Shops, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 191 metros.
