Restaurant Review: Steingold’s of Chicago
Beloved Steingold’s Delicatessen recently moved, but their modern take on the classic deli menu is still one of the best in the city. The delicatessen has changed addresses, moving from Lincoln Square to a new abode at 3737 North Southport in Lakeview. Situated next to the Music Box Theater, visitors can still expect the delicious bagels, meats, and sandwiches that made Steingold’s a favorite amongst city dwellers looking for traditional Lower East Side NYC food with a twist.
Steingold’s is a Jewish deli at heart, so you can expect all the traditional favorites done right, such as lox sandwiches, Reubens, and matzo ball soup. What differentiates Steingold’s from other delis in the city is the unique and delicious mixture of items from different cultures to add a kick to the menu. For instance, the Sister-in-Law sandwich features pastrami, slow-cooked for six hours no less, on rye with the significant addition of kimchi, giving this sandwich an ideal blend of old and modern tastes.
For those longing for overstuffed sandwiches, Steingold’s has you covered. The Uncle Rube features thick-cut pastrami, Russian dressing, Swiss cheese, and sour kraut on grilled Publican Quality Rye. If reading this gets your taste buds going into overdrive, wait until you take your first bite. The Classic Lox sandwich lets you choose your choice of bagel and cream cheese, with house-cured Skuna Bay lox, red onion, tomato, capers, and pickled cucumbers. Lox fans looking for a great spot in the city will rejoice at the explosion of taste coming this mighty sandwich.
There’s literally a sandwich for whatever you’re craving at Steingold’s. The Uncle Paul BLT has applewood smoked bacon, thick-sliced Mighty Vine tomatoes, and mayo on a grilled PQB rye. Their Grandma Rachel hot sandwich features pastrami spiced turkey, Swiss cheese, pickled red cabbage, and Russian dressing on grilled challah, which is sure to put your mother’s BLTs to shame (sorry, mom). If you want something cold and fresh, go for the Aunt Alice headlined by smoked whitefish salad with lettuce, tomato, and onion on challah.
Steingold’s has really upped the bagel dog game in the city with their delicious chicken thigh duck fat dog served with brown mustard on either a plain or everything bagel. Each bite brings forth a wild fusion of tastes that is nothing short of out of this world.
Speaking of bagels, one would be hard-pressed not to order some to go the next time they visit. Whether you crave plain, everything, garlic, poppy, onion, cinnamon sugar, or just about any other kind of bagel, Steingold’s has it. Their baker’s dozen is a surefire way to make your next brunch a destination event. While you’re at it, the slice challah loaf is going to make the Wonder Bread in your fridge extremely jealous.
Steingold’s new location has them right next to the Music Box Theater, with more significant square footage than their previous spot in Lincoln Square and a walk-up window to quickly grab your food while maintaining social distancing. There are plans in the next few months to add a bakery, which is sure to be just as exciting and welcoming as their already tasty menu.
Steingold’s of Chicago is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 8 am to 2 pm. Order online here.
ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
