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The Bagel Restaurant & Deli
Master Critic Review
The Bagel Restaurant & Deli
8.3
The Bagel Restaurant & Deli is an old-school Jewish deli where matzo ball soup, corned beef, and bagel-and-lox platters fuel family breakfasts and casual dinners. The Broadway dining room is bustling and a bit worn-in, but it’s one of the few places in Lakeview that still feels like a classic neighborhood deli.
Must-Try Dishes:
Matzo ball soup, Hot corned beef sandwich, Bagel with lox and cream cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A long-running Jewish deli where families share soups, sandwiches, and bagel platters around big tables.
Who should go: Deli lovers and families craving bagels, lox, and soup.
When to visit: Late-morning weekends or early weeknight dinners for smoother service.
What to order: Matzo ball soup, hot corned beef on rye, bagel with lox.
Insider tip: Platters are generous—ordering one large smoked-fish or deli platter often feeds more people than the menu suggests.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Broadway and nearby side streets; can be tight during weekend brunch and peak dinner hours; no valet service.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and everyday family-dining attire are completely appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during brunch and busy dinners — conversation is possible, but expect steady dining-room bustle.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on peak hours and party size.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of holiday periods.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several options including salads, omelets, cheese blintzes, potato pancakes, and breakfast plates.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and sides can be adapted, but most deli classics include eggs or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some dishes can be modified (soups, egg plates, salads), but bread-heavy staples and bagels are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re looking for a casual, nostalgic deli setting — it’s lively, bright, and family-oriented rather than intimate or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they typically operate on a walk-in basis; arrive early for weekend brunch to avoid lines, or come off-peak for the shortest wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — big booths, kid-compatible menus, and a relaxed atmosphere; best for children comfortable in busy dining rooms.
Best For
Better for: Large family meals, classic Jewish deli comfort food, big platters to share, and nostalgic neighborhood dining.
Skip if: You want a quiet date setting, a trendy or cocktail-driven brunch, or strictly vegan/gluten-free dining.