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Best Kosher Food In Chicago

The first question when talking about a kosher restaurant is whether or not it's meat or dairy. If you're not careful, you can end up with a greasy plate of shawarma or a tasteless slice of pizza. Thankfully you've got this list that will help guide you to the best kosher joints in Chicago. Most of them are a little north of the city, but they're worth the trip. - Jeff Pearl
Bagel Country
Bagel Country's logo. (credit: bagelcountry.com)

Bagel Country

9306 Skokie Blvd
Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 673-3030
www.bagelcountry.com‎

Bagel Country has everything you'd expect from a place with that name. Come here for quality bagels loaded with lox or a variety of other vegetarian and dairy entrees. The wraps have an interesting spin from Mediterranean to Mexican, so you can get a taste of pretty much anything.

Ken's Diner
Big Boy steak sandwich from Ken's Diner. (credit: kensdiner.com)

Ken's Diner

3353 Dempster St
Skokie, Illinois 60203
(847) 679-2850
www.kensdiner.com‎

The terms "greasy spoon" and Kosher don't ordinarily go hand in hand, but at Ken's Diner they make it work. We like the burgers, but people also love the skirt steak sandwiches. Ken's gets pretty creative too with a beef frye BLT and popcorn chicken.

Mizrahi
Steak from Mizrahi. (credit: mizrahigrill.com)

Mizrahi Grill

215 Skokie Valley Rd
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 831-1400
www.mizrahigrill.com‎

Mizrahi does Chicago the favor of bringing authentic Israeli food to our doorstep. It's exactly what you'd expect with quality shawarma, falafel, and kebabs. The recipes have been maintained in the family at Mizrahi, and it comes through in the flavors.

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Kosher chefs (credit: David Silverman/Getty Images)

Metro Klub

733 W. Madison
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 602-2104

Meat sandwiches are the way to go at the Metro Klub. In Chicago's loop, it's nice to finally see a place where businessmen can go for a quality kosher meal during the day. They're only open for lunch, but the brisket and corned beef seem to keep the clientele very interested.

Now We're Cookin' Grill
The website for Now We're Cookin' Grill. (credit: cookin-grill.com)

Now We're Cookin' Grill

710 Central Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 432-7310
www.cookin-grill.com‎

It's tough for kosher eaters to enjoy traditional BBQ since the mainstream way to do it is with pork, but at Now We're Cookin' Grill you'd never miss the traditional style. The beef ribs are some of the best around, and the skirt steak sandwich is one of my favorites. Portions are gigantic too for those big eaters out there.

Sandwich Club
The Sandwich Club website. (credit: thesandwichclub.net)

Sandwich Club

4507 Oakton St
Skokie, IL 60076
(847) 677-6020
www.thesandwichclub.net

Take a traditional deli sandwich, put it in a wrap, and package it with some awesome homemade chips. That's how they roll at the Sandwich Club. They do an excellent job for any catered event, and people seem to love their fried chicken too.

Shallots Bistro
Some of the fare from Shallots Bistro. (credit: shallotsbistro.com)

Shallots Bistro

7016 Carpenter Rd.
Skokie, IL 60076
(847) 677-3463
www.shallotsbistro.com

Fine dining and kosher don't usually go together, but in Chicago, Shallots brings creative and high end dishes to the forefront. The menu is full of options that can peak even the most adventurous eater's interests. They've recently added a sushi menu as well which has received rave reviews.

Taboun
Some of the fare from Taboun. (credit: taboungrill.com)

Taboun

6339 N. California
Chicago, IL, 60659
(773) 381 2606

8808 Gross Point Road
Skokie, IL, 60077
(847) 965-1818
www.taboungrill.com

Taboun has everything you'd want out of an Israeli meal. From the Moroccan cigars to the oversized pita sandwiches stuffed with all of your favorites, Taboun brings the flavor. It has quickly become a northern suburban favorite, and the food makes it clear why.

Tein Li Chow
Kosher chinese food from Tein Li Chow. (credit: teinlichow.com)

Tein Li Chow

2485 Howard Street
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 328-4642
www.teinlichow.com

Tein Li Chow is located in somewhat of a kosher food court inside a Jewel just north of the city. Here you can get take out Chinese packed with taste, high on options, and low on price. It's perfect for hosting a party or stopping by for a quick meal. I'm very partial to the egg rolls, potstickers, and lo mein, but I'm sure after a trip or two you can come up with your own favorites.

Jeff Pearl
The author. (credit: Jeff Pearl)

Jeff Pearl has lived in the Chicagoland area his whole life and is currently a medical student at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. Food has always been a passion of Jeff's. In his free time, Jeff enjoys either cooking for his friends, going out to a new restaurant, or training for his next triathlon. Check out his blog, Jeff Eats Chicago.

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