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ZipPicks Awards

Best Sandwiches in Highland Park Best Brunch in Highland Park

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Belle's Delicatessen 8.3
Highland Park
Belle’s Delicatessen & Bar turns the beloved Belle’s Bagels pop-up into a full-on Jewish deli and nighttime hangout, with double-fermented bagels, hefty pastrami sandwiches, and cocktails like the pickle martini. The room blends vintage memorabilia with a busy bar, making it as good for a late-night Reuben as a brunchy bacon-egg-and-cheese.
Must-Try Dishes: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bagel, Reuben, Westlake Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 6.7 Service: 8 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 8.5 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: An all-day Jewish deli where serious bagel sandwiches meet a real bar.
Who should go: Bagel fans who also love proper cocktails.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early evening for full deli-bar vibe.
What to order: Bacon egg & cheese bagel, Reuben, and a pickle martini.
Insider tip: Snag bar seats for faster service and a front-row view of the action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the main option; it’s generally manageable midday but gets tight after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, nice tops, and weekend-brunch fits all work.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can chat comfortably at a table, but the bar area gets energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes for walk-ins, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several options including veggie bagels, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — you can build a veggie-forward bagel, but many deli staples include dairy or eggs.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free bagels; a few salads and sides are safe choices, but options are limited for full meals.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s lively but not overwhelming, and the vintage deli–meets–cocktail-bar vibe gives you plenty to talk about. Great for a casual, fun first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. They keep room for walk-ins, but during peak brunch or weekend evenings you may wait. Bar seats are the quickest path to getting served.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — daytime is fine for kids who can hang in a busy deli environment, but evenings skew adult due to the bar-centric vibe.
Best For
Better for: Creative bagel sandwiches, hearty deli classics, and a legit bar program under one roof — a standout combo compared to standard bagel shops or delis.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet meal, need gluten-free bagels, or prefer a traditional deli without the bar-driven energy.

Hours

Monday7am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Tuesday7am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Wednesday7am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Thursday7am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Friday7am - 3pm, 5pm - 12am
Saturday8am - 3pm, 5pm - 12am
Sunday8am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm