Inside North Center’s Striking New Jewish Deli, Now Open

North Center’s massive new Jewish deli (click for the menu) is open. Steingold’s of Chicago takes traditional Jewish classics — smoked meats, fish, and sandwiches — and in some cases applies modern twists while adding a dash of Lebanese flavors. Owner Aaron Steingold is a restaurant veteran (he last worked as Trench’s GM in Wicker Park) who is ready to unleash a 2,000-square-foot space at 1840 W. Irving Park Road.

The deli also hopes to quiet picky customers who don’t believe Chicagoans can bake a quality bagel. The bagels come from The Bagel Chef, a suburban Detroiter who calls Chicago home. They’ll serve Sparrow Coffee and Rare Tea Cellars tea. That should make commuters who use the CTA’s nearby Irving Park Brown Line stop happy.

There’s a cafeteria-style line, a hallmark of many deli counters. Customers in a rush can park themselves on a stool in front of the window and grab a quick bite. Fans of the shuttered Snaggletooth may find some smoked fish they like at Steingold’s. The decor features plenty of fish drawings and suggests that it could be the closed Lakeview restaurant’s spiritual successor.

Take a walk through below. Steingold had to close the deli early on opening day as they ran out of pastrami and other items. They’re rolling back hours as they adjust and hope to extend for dinner in the future.

Steingold’s of Chicago, 1840 W. Irving Park Road, (773) 661-2469, open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.