The Oldest Deli In Illinois Will Take You Straight To Sandwich Heaven
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published March 08, 2019
×
Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Samiches, samiches, samiches. If you’re craving a good pastrami or tender brisket, it’s about time you got yourself to the oldest deli in Illinois. It should come at no surprise that this place is located in Chicago, but that shouldn’t deter you from giving it a shot.
They don’t make restaurants like this one any more. Check it out:
Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen has been in business since 1942. Owned and operated by the Raskins, this classic eatery is known for its Jewish comfort foods made better than your grandma (shh!).
One of the only cafeteria-style restaurants left in the state, Illinois' oldest deli fronts an old-fashioned atmosphere that is unbelievably enticing. From the checkered floors to the marvelous smells, you'll be hooked from the moment you walk in the doors.
Part market and part restaurant, you'll be able to see all the delicious food waiting to be eaten as you move about the store. Grab a tray and let the staff know what you want to try.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner classics abound at the oldest deli in the state. Favorites include bagel and lox, corned beef hash and eggs, challah French toast, cheese blintzes, matzo ball soup, brisket, salami, pastrami, and potato pancakes.
You'll also find short ribs, meatloaf, beef stew, salmon, whitefish, roast beef, chopped liver, salads, noodle soup, omelets, pancakes, and several types of sandwiches. Just about any tastes can be pleased at this place.
No one can resist at least a glance at the bakery when they stop into Manny's. Traditional treats like rugelach, halvah, and challah can be found as well classics like cookies muffins, coffee cakes, bagels, rolls, macaroons, candies, and other breads.
The deli also sells bulk meats (including lox!), cheeses, salads, and sauces. You'll also find things like pickles, chips, beef sticks, and other deli snacks.
If you really love the food from the state's oldest deli, you can have it catered to your special event or shipped straight to your door. Check their website (link below) for more details.
Manny's Deli is open Monday between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., as well as Sunday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. You can even order online.
