Your table gets a bowl of toasted bagel chips before you even order a sandwich. That freebie alone tells you this deli takes snacking seriously.
The real headliner is the Reuben, piled with corned beef, sauerkraut, and a house dressing that blends Russian and Thousand Island. A half-sour pickle rides along, and you can swap it for a classic dill if you ask.
This spot sits in the western suburbs of Illinois, inside a bright, unfussy room with a bakery counter on one side. There’s even a drive-thru for bagel emergencies, which feels like a very reasonable life choice.
I like that nobody here tries to be fancy. Between the generous Reuben, the little extras, and that first satisfying bite, this sounds like exactly the kind of deli worth adding to a weekend road trip.
The Reuben That Justifies Every Mile On Your Odometer
Corned beef, sauerkraut, and a tangy dressing on rye might sound simple. At Schmaltz Delicatessen, simple gets turned up to full volume.
The Reuben here is the kind of sandwich you plan a whole Saturday around. It comes stacked high, so you’ll want two hands and probably a stack of napkins.
What makes it stand out is the dressing. The deli uses its own blend of Russian dressing, giving each bite a creamy, slightly sweet tang.
That sauce plays nicely with the salty corned beef and the sharp sauerkraut. Each part balances the others, which is exactly what a great Reuben should do.
My advice is simple. Order it on your first visit, even if a dozen other sandwiches are calling your name from the menu board.
Plan to share or pack up leftovers, because this is a hearty plate. Cold Reuben the next day is still a pretty great lunch, so nothing goes to waste.
I can’t imagine a better reason to point the car toward the Chicago suburbs. Some sandwiches fill you up, and this one gives you a story to tell.
Corned Beef And Pastrami Get Their Own Fan Clubs Here
Two meats rule this menu, and picking just one feels unfair. Luckily, the deli lets you have both on the same sandwich.
The #11 Adams stacks pastrami and corned beef together with Swiss cheese and spicy mustard on rye. The #20 Old New Yorker adds coleslaw and that house Russian dressing for extra crunch and tang.
Pastrami fans get a peppery, spiced bite, while corned beef leans milder and lean. You can also ask for extra lean pastrami if you prefer less fat on your slices.
Condiments matter too. Spicy brown mustard and classic yellow are both easy to request, so you can fine-tune each bite to your liking.
Here’s a smart move for first-timers. Split one corned beef sandwich and one pastrami sandwich with a friend, then crown a winner.
Just don’t expect the debate to end quickly. In a deli this devoted to cured meat, both sides have a strong case and plenty of delicious evidence.
Free Bagel Chips Might Steal The Show Before Lunch Arrives
Bagel chips might not be the first thing you think about when visiting a deli famous for its oversized sandwiches. But at Schmaltz Delicatessen, they’re another reason to pay attention to the bakery side of the menu.
These crunchy snacks are made from sliced bagels, giving them a toasted finish that’s perfect for munching between bites of a sandwich. Some varieties even have a parmesan touch, adding a little extra flavor.
They’re worth asking about when you visit, especially if you’re the kind of person who loves something crispy alongside a big deli lunch.
Of course, bagels are a serious business here beyond the chips. Choices include garlic, everything, pumpernickel, pretzel, and cheddar jalapeño, so picking just one can turn into a surprisingly difficult decision.
You can order them as part of a breakfast sandwich or bring a bag home for later. The bakery counter makes that second option especially tempting.
A lox bagel is a classic choice when you’re craving something different from the towering corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. Tuna salad on a pretzel bagel offers another interesting combination.
My advice? Don’t rush past the bagel selection on your way to the Reuben. There’s plenty here worth discovering before you even get to the main attraction.
Pickle People, Your Moment Has Officially Arrived
Sandwiches here come with a full pickle, not a sad little sliver. That alone deserves a small round of applause.
By default, you’ll get a half-sour pickle. It’s crisp, bright green, and tastes fresher and milder than a fully brined dill.
Half-sours are an East Coast deli tradition. They spend less time in the brine, so they keep more crunch and a cucumber-like snap.
Not everyone loves that style, and that’s totally fine. Just ask for a classic dill instead, and you’ll get a tangier, more sour bite.
Why does this matter so much? A good pickle cuts through rich meats like corned beef and pastrami, resetting your taste buds between bites.
Think of it as the supporting actor that makes the star look better. Without it, a big deli sandwich can start to feel heavy halfway through.
So try the half-sour first, then decide your loyalty. Pickle opinions can get surprisingly intense, and this is a fun place to figure out where you stand.
Your Grandma Would Approve Of These Comfort Classics
Matzo ball soup might be the coziest thing on the whole menu. The cup arrives looking more like a bowl at most restaurants.
Inside, you’ll find tender chicken, carrots, and celery swimming in golden broth. A single giant matzo ball sits in the middle, soft outside and a bit firmer inside.
Pairing a cup of soup with half a sandwich is a smart combo. You get a taste of two classics without needing a nap afterward.
Latkes deserve attention too. These crispy potato pancakes are a deli staple and make a great side for sharing.
Knishes round out the comfort lineup nicely. These filled, baked pastries are hearty, warm, and perfect for a chilly Illinois afternoon.
Chili also appears on the menu for anyone wanting something with more kick. It’s a fun option when the weather turns gray and windy.
I believe comfort food should feel like a hug from someone who loves you. This part of the menu nails that feeling without any fuss.
Early Birds Get Pastrami On A Bagel, And That’s A Win
Doors open at 8 AM most days, which means breakfast is fair game. And yes, pastrami for breakfast is completely encouraged here.
The Schmaltz bagel is a standout morning pick. It layers eggs, pastrami, and cheese on a bagel for a hearty start.
Choose your bagel wisely, since it changes the whole experience. Cheddar jalapeño adds a little heat that plays well with the spiced pastrami.
Garlic is another bold option with plenty of personality. If you want something milder, a plain or everything bagel keeps things classic.
The Atlantic special brings a seafood angle to the breakfast menu. It’s a nice change if you’ve already done the meat-heavy route before.
Morning visits can also feel a bit calmer than the lunch rush. That gives you more time to study the menu without feeling hurried.
Road-trippers, this is a great tip. Leave home early, grab breakfast here, and pick up a bag of bagels for later before heading back out on the road.
Save Room For An Eclair Bigger Than Your Ambitions
Dessert first? At this deli, that idea isn’t as wild as it sounds.
The chocolate eclair is a big, eye-catching treat that tempts you from the bakery case. It’s large enough that sharing feels generous, not stingy.
Hand pies are another sweet option with flaky crust. If you’re too full after lunch, take one to go and enjoy it later.
The bakery side of Schmaltz Delicatessen shows off breads and pastries on display. Browsing that case is half the fun, even before you pick anything.
Drinks deserve a quick shout-out too. Dr. Brown’s sodas are a classic deli pairing, including the famous Cel-Ray celery flavor.
Cel-Ray sounds odd, but it has loyal fans for good reason. Its crisp, peppery taste works surprisingly well with rich pastrami and corned beef.
My suggestion is to pick a sweet treat before you order your main meal. That way you won’t fill up on sandwich and miss out on the grand finale.
Counter, Table, Or Drive-Thru, You Get To Pick Your Adventure
Picture two sides of one happy room. The left half handles takeout and bakery items, while the right side offers sit-down seating.
Counter service is quick and easy for grab-and-go meals. Table service lets you relax, ask questions, and enjoy those free bagel chips.
The staff is known for being friendly and helpful with recommendations. If the big menu feels overwhelming, just ask for guidance.
Decor stays simple and bright, without fancy frills. The focus stays where it belongs, on the food and the people serving it.
A drive-thru adds even more convenience. It’s handy if you’re short on time but still craving a deli fix.
One quick tip about the parking lot. Enter from the side where the drive-thru line forms, and follow the signs to avoid the exit lane.
That flexibility makes this Illinois deli easy to fit into almost any plan. Whether you’re rushing or lingering, there’s a way to get your sandwich that suits your day.
Plan Your Trip Around These Hours Or Risk Sandwich Heartbreak
Mondays are off-limits, so don’t make that mistake. Schmaltz Delicatessen closes every Monday.
Tuesday through Friday, plus Sunday, hours run from 8 AM to 3 PM. Saturday stretches a bit longer, staying open until 4 PM.
Notice something important? This is a daytime deli, so dinner plans won’t work here.
You’ll find it at 3011 Ogden Ave, Lisle, IL 60532. Ogden Avenue is a busy road, which makes the drive pretty straightforward.
Lisle sits in the western suburbs of Chicago, so it’s easy to reach from many parts of Illinois. It makes a great stop if you’re heading through the area anyway.
Lunch hours can get busy, especially on weekdays. Arriving a little before noon or in mid-afternoon can make things feel more relaxed.
Bring a cooler if you’re driving far. Extra bagels, deli meats, and pastries travel well, and you’ll be glad to have them at home.
A sandwich this good deserves a little planning. Check the calendar, set your alarm, and let the Reuben pilgrimage begin.
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