Tel-Aviv Kosher Bakery

Such a friendly atmosphere, ready to accommodate and help with special orders as needed. The treats were delicious ! They even have fresh squeezed juice, Thursday cholent that is pareve and hot for a quick grab n go, and when pre ordered gluten free options :)

I am very happy with this place. I called and I got the time wrong what time they were closing. I was late obviously and after a short phonecall they showed me kindness.i just needed two challah. A stranger on the street told me that there was a bakery down the street but it wasn't kosher. That's not what I needed. Bless this place and the ppl working it.

It would be great if they sold coffee ,and even better if the took food stamps

Amazing stuff, if you would sell coffee, I think would be a big hit and amazing.

I had to special order bialy's as they don't make them regular like Bagels and they were absolutely disgusting ! They even look more like Bagels without the hole in them ! Not authentic !! I noticed the other stuff was not that good either ! These bakers are amateurs !! I would not buy anything else from this Bakery ever again !! 🥶 North Shore Bakery has better treats, cakes and lovely, healthy gut caraway rye bread ! 🫡

Good service but gotten very expensive. Some baked goods don't sit well in my system compared to other bakeries unfortunately.

They told us it was cash only, when there is clearly a credit card machine right in the front. We got a bag of rugelach (only option) & it was just OK. Still on the hunt in Chicagoland for great rugelach...

Very good and fresh challah!! Addictive…

Fantastic baked goods. I love their almond coisant rolls. Friendly service. They close early on Fridays.

I had always been meaning to visit, and today, I took a west ward stroll down Devon. It's a drab but clean place. I was greeted by a no-nonsense type of lady and other regular customers who were there chatting and making purchases. I really wanted rugelah, but they were only sold by the bag, and the lady said she could not sell individual pieces.. couldn't tell how fresh it was anyway because a lot of pieces were crumbled. I decided to order two mushroom rolls. They keep those in another room They seem to have a variety of other pastry I really was not too tempted or in the mood for. I got home and ate part of the mushroom roll. Not impressed. Tried to heat the other half. It was too gummy for my taste. Although I would say it was fresh, but I would not order it again. Maybe another time I might try the challah? That is what some of the other customers were ordering. Don't see myself making any special trip.

I know I got there late but I came at 11 am on a Sunday and my expectations were high. They had almost bare shelves and all I saw was bread and a few bags of chocolate rugelach. Their pastries looked good but I had a very specific purpose. I don't know if they have homemade babkas or not but I was there for babkas and rugelach. Not a babka in sight and the rugelach was ok, but not the best I've had. Where is the soft, gooey, chocolatey, rugelach that I have only had in Jerusalem from Marzipan bakery? (If you know, you know) If you're jonesing for rugelach this is a B. Better than packaged rugelach. Maybe make sure to get there on Friday morning before Shabbat sets in, perhaps there's more of a selection.

Rugelach, babka and challah, oh my! I'm not sure how along this place has been in business, but it seems like a really long time. How lucky we are. The pastries, breads and cookies from Tel-Aviv Kosher are top notch and cravable. We stopped by for some rugelach recently, excited to be back in the city that was once again our home, and visiting some old favorites. It was just as I remember. When the lovely lady assisting us found out it was my husband's birthday, she added two of those chocolate and caramel lacy cookies...one for him, of course, but she didn't want me to be left out of the celebration. I love these cookies, and everything else I've ever had here. I'll return again and again!

Was just here for the first time an hour ago. The lady was very friendly. I told her it was my first time there and she gladly asked all my questions. I waited to get home so I can taste what I bought. It did not disappoint! Low sugar pastry without the after taste (of course it's kosher!) I took home a big box containing 13 pieces for less than $19!!! If you go to Starbucks that would have cost you $50+. I will be coming back for more for sure.

This Jewish bakery is AMAZING. I really like everything I've had here - the chocolate cigar is probably my favorite. You can only order an entire order of the chocolate coffee cake - which is ridiculously large and delicious but only about $8!!

I was greeted with a friendly "HELLO"when I walked in. I was helped by the bakery chef with the straw hat and overalls, I believe his name was Walxer or something like that. Service was prompt, despite the chef figuring out which pastry orders were for that day's delivery. Great place for blueberry, chocolate chip, or plain pastries. The place is small but with unbroken tiles and walls free of any dirt or duct tape. Customers are expected to bring back their plate if they want seconds in order to minimize food waste. In addition, customers are asked to return their trays to the front. Make sure to get there when breakfast is still being served.

I don't know why I don't come here more often, everything looked like it would taste incredible. I was drawn in by sufganyot. Every Channukah I attempt to try as many sufganyot vendors as possible. If the sufganyot was any indication of how all of their baked goods taste I will definitely be coming here more often. BTW, they were priced right and the clerk was delightful. Don't forget to support your kosher establishments through these tough times and always.

This place has a great cinnamon bun! I got the one with raisins and after heating it up in the microwave for a few seconds, it was absolutely perfect. The bread was perfectly fluffy and had a good ratio of cinnamon and icing. The cinnamon inside wasn't too overwhelming and the icing was perfectly applied. I could easily have one of those a day. The donuts were okay. The vanilla sprinkled was the best with fluffy dough but nothing too memorable. The jelly-filled raspberry and chocolate custard-filled were way too overly filled. The raspberry jam also tasted artificial, as if it was from a jar that had been sitting in a store for years. Definitely try the Cinnabon at this place but don't waste your time on the donuts.

Part of me loves that I recently discovered this bakery because the pastries here are perfection. I simply cannot think of any flaws. The other part of me stresses over my discovery of Tel-Aviv because I have no self control around their pastries. Hell, even if I'm not around their pastries, I make the 15 mile drive from my Pilsen apartment to Tel-Aviv just for some pastries. High gas prices? Who cares? The ROI on purchasing these pastries is something that can't be explained with material things like money. Plus, the employees are always friendly and patient while I stare blankly at different pastries. Please treat yourself to an experience here.

The pastries here are INSANELY delicious, very generous portions, and super affordable! I stopped in and picked up a small selection of cookies, two eclairs, a custard-filled doughnut, and what I'll describe as an individual chocolate babka. I was shocked when the total price for all of that was only about $9. (I live in the Lakeview neighborhood and a comparable order at a Lakeview bakery would have been triple the price!) Did I mention how ridiculously fresh and delicious everything was? The doughnut was bursting with perfectly sweet custard and the babka was incredibly soft and pillowy. I'm already plotting when I can go back to try more of their selections. I'll definitely be back for sufganiyot during future Hanukkahs. If I lived closer I'd want to go at least once a week. This is the stuff that my sweet tooth dreams are made of!!!

Moved in right next door and have been fighting going in ever since. If I open my window the smell of wonderful baking wafts right in... it's lovely. So today I went in and said hello, saw beautiful challah bread, but went straight for two small cinnamon buns and this chocolate sweet roll thing that rocked my world! I'll be back. Like, every single day.

If you want a pleasant surprise alternative to donuts and pastries for breakfast, this is the spot! Excellent babka and numerous other pastries I can't pronounce! Be careful with the parking, it's pay to park, and I got a parking ticket for $50, still almost a good value, since I was buying for an army, just beware!

I am a very old patron of this bakery. I found it just driving by during my work schedule and from the very first time I entered bought and tasted their pastries I have yet to be disappointed. All during this pandemic I was hoping that they would survive the hits that these small businesses have taken on profits, and today I am so pleased to know that they did survive, God is truly good. I especially love what they bring for the beginning of the Sabbath on Friday. I lived ions away but I will be making my way there again very soon to enjoy the best Kosher bakery goods this state has to offer.

I was drawn in after spying at the pastries in the window display during a bakery streak through Devon Ave. This bakery is full of everything you'd want a a neighborhood bakery - sweet ladies behind the counter treating you like their kid or grandkid and displays full of cookies, cakes, and pastries. I got a couple of the cookies to try (rugelach & linzer) which were alright - soft, jammy, and sweets. As the lady wrapped up the cookies, she handed a couple cookies for my friend "just for now" - so kind! But the Roshkis - the sweets that had drawn me in initially - are really bomb! It's a sweet roll swirled with chocolate. Visually it looks like~50% chocolate, but it tastes like a fudge brownie. Don't leave Devon Ave without trying it!

Wish I had known about this place sooner! I've been twice and each time delighted by the variety, quality, price, and people. The staff are so warm and inviting, and the baked goods are delicious. The amount you get for what you pay is astonishing and the variety is tremendous. I've been twice so far and each time something new and enticing has been available. Going again tomorrow and trying to convince everyone I know in the area to check it out!

The babka here is downright blissful, and my travel companions swear by the doughnuts. (I've yet to try a doughnut from Tel Aviv Bakery. I usually stick with the babkas and rugelachs here.) The rugelach is definitively flaky and flavorful, and that's a great sign. (Good rugelach is VERY hard to make. Let's be honest here. Not everyone can pull it off.) I hear the challah is good and chewy, but I seldom eat challah. (Hell, I seldom eat carb-dense foods at ALL, but often buy the babkas and rugelachs here for guests back at my hotel when I visit Chicago.) I've heard again and again that this place used to be highly disorganized and somewhat dirty, but I saw absolutely no sign of this kind of thing on my last trip up to Chicago. On the contrary, I found a clean, well lighted venue, and EXTREMELY friendly staff. Smiles all around for this kosher bakery!

This place has amazing bread and pastry. Over time, I've purchased one of everything in the front window. One person posted the Orthodox get better treatment. The women behind the counter are always polite and helpful and I'm African-American.

Absolutely love their bakes and have to stop by every time I'm in town! The poppy seed pastries are the bomb!!!

FILTHY, UNSANITARY AND DISGUSTING EMPLOYEES!!! Was in Friday and was looking around to see what to get. I saw the pastries in the display window that face the sidewalk. They looked OK (at best) but there were flies ALL OVER THEM!! The lady in front of us had a small child with her and he was sitting on the counter dribbling and drooling with a runny nose, his hands were covered in snot and he's literally sprawled out on top of the counter. The employees then put challahs or other food RIGHT ON THE SAME COUNTER!! The challahs were NOT in bags or covered. Just open and bare, RIGHT on the counter where a little child is lying on with all the fluids of his body all over. Can someone tell me how thats not some kind of health violation?? We watched this tall blonde employee while she was boxing up a cake for a customer. She took the cake out and got some chocolate on her thumb. Thumb goes right into her mouth in front of a packed place and then right back to handling food. WHY ARE THEY NOT WEARING GLOVES?!?!?!?!? I have no idea if anything there is any good or not. Wasn't worth the risk of Listeria or some other form of food poisoning to find out.

For as much as i wished i lived in Sookie, it is probably a good thing that i do not because of this bakery! I would be there every day, if possible. Today my fiance and i stopped in for a treat (actually, it was for breakfast and lunch, but...). We had an apricot danish that was wonderful and a cherry turnover, which was just as good. I have had various cookies from here- all very good. I have also had their chocolate donut and another type of danish. Today was only my second time in as i live in Will County, so i still have many goodies to test. FYI: the building is old and shows its age. It could use a little rehab and some paint but is clean and staff are nice. I look forward to our next visit.

I was so excited to find this wonderful bakery today. As a younger person I worked in a bakery and I know quality when I taste it. The owners could not have been nicer or more friendly. The food was amazing try the wonderful breads, cookies and a terrific chocolate Hungarian coffeecake. Although I'm not kosher I'm happy to see such a place for those of us who are religious. This will be my new go to store for all my Jewish pastry and bread needs.

There are many items here on the counter, cases, window, and on the racks behind the counter. It can be overwhelming since nothing is labeled so if you are unfamiliar, seek help from the staff. On this recent visit I picked up a bag of the chocolate rugalach and felt that they weren't particularly buttery or chocolatey. Cinnamon was the other variety, but I'm not sure if that would be enough of a difference since the dough base would remain the same. The one thing that did stand out was the almond crescent cookie that I got from the window case that had dark chocolate dipped ends. Nice browned outside with almonds, and rich almond paste inside. Good chocolate (non-waxy) taste on the dip. UPDATE: from June 3rd visit - frosted cupcake had good enough frosting, but cake was a little dry and un-chocolatey as well. But an almond cookie that was half dipped in chocolate, was a better hit! I'm tempted to drop my rating to 3 stars, but I guess as long as I'm still finding my personal favs, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt above average.

I found Tel Aviv Bakery on the web after my colleagues asked me to bring in Sufganyot (Hanukkah donuts) for Hanukkah last week. When I pulled up at Tel Aviv Bakery I was a bit concerned that I had made a bad choice ordering 10 dozen donuts. The outside leaves much to be desired as it's a total hole in the wall off of Devon. The inside is much the same, except it smells delicious. I can only speak for the donuts, but Tel Aviv Bakery has got it going on! Ha. Seriously, the donuts were fabulous. So fabulous in fact that my coworkers (including non Hanukkah celebrators) were asking where they could get some. I fear that they only make them on Hanukkah, though I can't be certain of that fact. The service was very friendly, but not speedy at all. I ordered, like I said, 10 dozen donuts and they couldn't tell me when they'd be ready or what flavors I'd be getting. I guess it's to be expected with such a small bakery with such large demand. Or maybe not... though the owners made up for the fact that I had to wait around for an hour by giving me an extra dozen. It was worth the wait because they were delicious! Tel Aviv Bakery does NOT except credit cards. I learned the hard way at 6:45 in the morning after our first snow. There's not an ATM within 2 blocks that early either.

Yum yum yum! If you've got a craving for babka and ruggelah, this is definitely the place to go. Okay, so this place is kind of far away, but it's definitely worth the trek if you adore Jewish baked goods. The ruggelah are delicious, and there's a beautiful mini-babka danish that is to die for. On our last visit, we also purchased a few bagels (not the best I've had), a challah roll (delicious), and some sprinkle cookies (pretty standard). Addressing the concerns of a few other Yelpers: I didn't see any flies, everything looked pretty clean to me, the women behind the counter were exceedingly friendly and helpful, and I think we spent about $20 total for a big bag of baked goods.

Had an iffy experience here. Called ahead for the chocolate rugalash and was quoted a price. When I arrived, the rugelash was 40% more than quoted. When I asked about the difference, it became an issue. I relented and took the rugalash. They were fantastic. Worth the money, but I wished that I simply had walked in and saved myself the frustration.

I am not a huge lover of chocolate but chocolate babka oddly happens to be a favorite dessert of mine. We arrived here on an early Sunday afternoon and fell in baked-goodies-love with the charming family feel of the place and oh my goodness the breads... the cookies... the pastries... The chocolate babka came in loaf or circular form. Julie the absolutely lovely lady running the bakery wouldn't let us leave without trying the mini chocolate babka-ish pastry (rushkie)? which was heavenly. I can attest right now covered in sugar and bread flakes - Tel Aviv as long as we're in Chicago you've got happy customers for life!

Dirty, unsanitary, disgusting. I stood in line and watched the clerk hand 6 challas(loaves of bread) to a customer with no gloves and he put his hands all over them. You have lost my business. An absolute disgrace. I am appalled. Not sure what else to say, I do not recommended this place at all. Their are many other nice bakeries.

I love the poppy seed uh..thing..they make ...it's amazing! I went in to get a chocolate babka, but they told me you have to order it 24 hours in advance. So I may do this next weekend and I'll report back, as the chocolate babka is key! They have all the old standards that you'd expect to see at the Sweets section of Zabar's in NY...turnovers, cookies, and, of course, challa. It's all good and the prices are totally reasonable. There needs to be more of these places around Chicago, although it's probably better for my health that there isn't one in my neighborhood. No complaints about this place really. I just wish it was a little more accessible. It's pretty far west on Devon Ave, so those without a car will have to work for their treats!

Ok, seriously - Tel Aviv is basically the most popular kosher bakery in town and probably the busiest. That's no easy task. They've been around since forever (70s, 80s?) and what are there here? 27 reviews? Give me a break! Their food is everywhere - at Shabbos tables every week, at events, at schools... The Challah is great - I'm sure we've had every kind. The donuts are excellent. Really, do you want to go to Dunkin Donuts and get a tiny air-puff donut because they're popular and have extra color/options or get a nice big one here? The custard donuts are amazing. They don't need the reviews - just stop by on a Friday - but this place deserves more reviews and appreciation. I have a business and it annoys me to no end when I know a company has thousands of happy clients and only a few handfuls take the time to say something nice. It's lacking in hakoras hatov (ungrateful in Hebrew), and just results in a few loud people having wildly disproportionate influence. If there's something you are dissatisfied about a company, acknowledge their efforts (first personally before online) and humbly mention that you feel they can work on such and such, but don't call names and make bold statements. Your reviews are static and permanent while every company continually evolves.

How anyone could give this outstanding bakery less than 5 stars is a mystery. If there's a bakery in heaven, this is it!

Thank goodness for this place! I needed a good loaf of Challah bread for a recipe and it was a bit hard to find in my neighborhood. These guys were worth the drive. It was delicious and priced right. Also, not really thinking about it (totally my fault) I came in with my dog. They politely told me I couldn't bring him in, but said they'd bring the bread out to me. They could have been rude about it and instead were really sweet. I'd definitely recommend!

I found this place by accident while I was taking a walk the on an unusually warm winter day. I saw the most beautiful pumpernickel bread I had ever seen in the window and I just had to go in. There were mounds of cookies and every breakfast treat you could imagine. The ladies that run the place are super nice. So I am happy to report that it was in fact the best pumpernickel bread with raisins I have ever had. The only reason why the're not getting five stars is because the cookies I bought could've had a little bit more variety in their taste and the place could have a little better presence. But I highly recommend them!

The bread alone is enough to make me a loyal customer, but everything is great. It's all home-made and has kind of an old-world ambiance (hence no credit cards). It's difficult to go back to store-bought bread after you get used to their multi-grain or rye breads......nothing artificial and the great crusty outside, chewy inside texture that you can only get from homemade. They also have these chocolate, caramel lacey cookies that are the best cookies I've ever had. Thankfully, I live far enough away that they're not a significant and obesifying part of my diet. They are very kosher, and so not open on Saturdays, which has put a hinder on many a craving, but oh well, these are small problems. All other days of the week, this place is a hidden gem, and I hope it stays that way.

My husband brought home bakery from this place. I tried this chocolate sweet roll and have been addicted to them ever since! They are called Rushkies (spelling ?). Rushkies are huge & my all time favorite bakery item from this bakery! Cookies are delicious, too. This bakery also has chocolate & carmel Lacey's. Those are to die for, too!

The team at Tel-Aviv is absolutely wonderful and their baked goods are world-class. If you are unfamiliar with the variety of treats at a kosher bakery, they'll go out of their way to help you find something you'll love. Get some extra and share with friends!

Absolutely incredible baked goods. The cookies are amazing The breads are spectacular The service is great, Minow and Julie are so nice and helpful!

Very friendly people behind the counter, great service! I cannot believe everything was dairy free!!!! Delicious!!!!

Wonderfully delicious pecan glazed cookies and lots of fresh baked breads. Their windows are always full of eye catching goods, but you have to go in for the delightful smell. I remember riding a few miles on my bicycle, in the rain, just to get a box of those chocolate pecan cookies. Also they make great looking cakes and tasty chocolate chip cookies. Go!

Place is great. Everything is wonderful. They now ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS!!! Try it out. You'll love it!!

I should of known not to business with this bakery when I first walked in. A customer was screaming at the cashier asking for the owner and she was screaming back that she wouldn't call him. In desperate need of a kosher cake for my sons birthday party I had to go through with the order. I needed a full sheet cake for 70 people, a big order for a small bakery but I was still treated rudely. As I inquired about the kinds of cakes, size, servings, etc the other cashier kept saying we need a deposit and telling the person I was dealing with you better take a deposit from her. I said yes of course I don't mind giving the deposit and they still kept bring that up asking to pay 50% of the price of front and not really answering any other questions. I gave them a deposit and asked for a Mickey Mouse cake to match the theme of the party. Both cashiers said ya, I asked for a pic of how it would look they didn't have it they explained it would be an airbrushed pic I agreed. The day of the pick up I called to ask if the cake was ready and I was placed on hold several times. When someone finally got on the phone the gave me a different quote. I had no choice, I went to pick it up. Lastly when I saw the cake there was a plastic mask from party city placed on the cake and the writing on the cake looked like a 2 year old did it. Last time I'm going into this plus and the cake didn't taste good either.

The Tel-Aviv Bakery has the best rye bread in Chicago. It also has excellent rolls, especially the big onion-filled rolls called "French rolls"---the size of a hot dog bun and made of what I think is challah dough. Babka (raisin, apple, or chocolate) is great. There is also a rolled-up nut-filled honey-glazed cake variously called Kiddush Cake and Nuts Cake, very fine. Closed Saturday. Worth the trip just for the rolls---that night, forget dinner, just have rolls and butter and coffee and you'll think you're in New York at Ratner's in the old days.

Yes...a fresh, friendly, not too expensive bakery. Easy parking. They have a variety available at almost all times, very convenient

As a bakery addict, my review of Tel Aviv bakery is 4 stars. With prices going up everywhere, including the Swedish bakery, I have had a difficult time getting my fix until I drove by this hole in the wall on Devon. I too was hesitant... but after eating a vanilla frosted donut, I love the place ! The butter cookies and the danish with the chocolate chips are also perfect ! Sure there is NO atmosphere here, (hence 4 stars) but the place is kosher clean (a.k.a. VERY clean) , it appears to be mom & pop owned, and the products are traditional. I actually hesitate to suggest this place because I would rather keep it a secret.

They have an awful lot of diversity in the foods they have everything from quiche to the usual kosher delights. I was really happy with what I had-donuts, some pizza bagel type things and the quiche. Will go back. The service is a bit "energetic".

Love this place!!! The freshest bread and staff here is so friendly. Julie is absolutely the sweetest lady. She never lets us leave unless the kids get a free cookie. As long as this bakery is open, they have my business. Thank you again Julie!

They have a lot of good cookies, pastries and bread. However there cake is not good. It has like a salty taste to it. Not my favorite bakery. However, the staff is nice and I enjoy supporting local Kosher shops.

Read that they had Channukah cookies, so since I was going to a Channukah party thought I'd stop and pick up some cookies, etc. with a Channukah theme. First of all the bakery must have had 20 people in line. All frum and obnoxious, couldn't make up their mind what they wanted. Children running around the place. Ladies working behind the counter were rude, don't even treat you nicely as a customer. There never was a thank you after purchase. Speaking of purchase, when it was my turn I asked for the cookies, and one of the ladies working there threw them all in a bag. Four different varieties thrown in a bag. When I went to the party and took them out of the bag, not only were they all broken, but she gave me some that were not even blue and the other varieties looked gross to eat. All the blue sparkles were off the cookies. It is quite obvious they do not care how they package or sell their cookies. I also noticed they pay much more attention to the orthodox than off the street customers. Much nicer and they gave more care to what cookies, cakes, bread they gave them and how they package them. Most of my cookies look terrible.. Very disorganized in there. Disappointed because I waited in line forever for poor service and you should know the cookies were bland, tasteless.

this is a great place...best bakery i have been too...u feel very welcomed when you enter this place. they also have the best cookies.....the ones that are half caramel/chocolate...YUMMO. they also have the greatest bread I have ever tasted...especially toasted in the morning. I totally recommed this place to everyone, even if you are not Jewish...the best bakery on the northside with great prices.