Steingold’s is a bustling gem in Chicago serving up creative Jewish deli classics—think delicious sandwiches and some of the best bagels around, all with artisanal coffee on the side.
"The everything bagel at this Jewish deli in Lakeview is near perfection, with a crunchy golden crust and a generous dusting of seasoning that doesn’t have any burnt garlic pieces. The crust-to-crumb ratio and the overall softness (but not mushiness) of the dough means it stands up well to cream cheese or whatever filling you choose from the long menu. Unlike a lot of the other spots on this list, Steingold’s has a legitimate dining space, and plenty of bagel flavors left even later in the afternoon. But be prepared to get your food to go during weekends when the line can spill out onto the sidewalk." - veda kilaru, john ringor
"Though it’s called the Egg on A Roll, this sandwich’s name downplays everything that’s going on here. This massive breakfast sandwich from Steingold's deli in Lakeview is a chunky combination of thick pastrami, melted havarti, and a fried egg between two pieces of pillowy challah. The fluffy bread is the ideal sponge to soak everything up." - john ringor, veda kilaru
"Steingold’s — which has locations in Lakeview, across from Wrigley Field inside the Hotel Zachary, and in Humboldt Park — takes Jewish traditions and mixes them for a modern American audience. The bagels are top-notch, but one of the best sandwiches is the Sister-in-Law made with hot pastrami, anchovy mustard, kimchi, and free dill. It’s stuffed between a hoagie roll. Steingold’s lox is also worth seeking out." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff
"Bagels are a labor of love at chef Aaron Steingold’s modern Jewish deli in Lakeview next door to the famed Music Box Theater, and that work (by bakery director Michael Appleby and his team) pays off in a big way. Widely considered some of the best bagels in town, offerings range from the classics (everything, sesame, poppy seed) to the novel (pumpkin pie). In March 2024, the team opened a takeout-only bakehouse in Humboldt Park and will unveil a new deli outpost in the summer across from Wrigley Field. Order online via Toast." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff
"Steingold’s offers a $140 Passover feast for pickup throughout the holiday that includes a choice of entree (think braised lamb shank with shawarma-spiced dates or roasted eggplant with pine nut-tahini tarator mujadara), sides such as roasted asparagus with preserved lemon, a pound of matzah, flourless chocolate cake, and macaroons. It also comes with an “edible seder plate” that translates the holiday’s symbolic centerpiece into a course unto itself — the traditional roasted egg, for example, is replaced with egg salad. The seder plate is also available a la carte and as part of a “noshes and appetizers” package featuring matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, and more. Place an order via Toast." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff
