Original Bagel & Bialy — Restaurant in Buffalo Grove

I will start with the owners - they are wonderful people. They do a lot for the community, specifically the Jewish community and I respect that a ton. They are incredibly friendly, and their staff is friendly too. I go virtually every Sunday for breakfast with the guys.

Mary knows me and always says hello when I walk in. It's like having a neighborhood bar (where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came...), however, this neighborhood bar slings bagels, not bourbon.

For the most part, the food is pretty good. I'm fond of the corned beef sandwiches that come with a side of potato salad or slaw and a nice sized kosher pickle. Add a Dr. Brown's soda and it's a reminder of days gone by. Their soups are pretty good. Sometimes, there's a trifle too much oil in their chicken broth, but for the most part, their soup and matzo balls are delicious.

I also like their knishes. They'll add a side of warm gravy and it's then truly a delight.

Their bagels are good too. I just wish there was a more lactose free version as I cannot have their shmear on their bagels, so I go for a side of peanut butter with a toasted bagel. It's not the same, but a nice substitute.

The one main issue with their food is their coffee. I don't drink coffee, but easily 90% of the people I go with do and they say it's the worst coffee over every other coffee providing location. When you provide worse coffee than a truck stop in the middle of nowhere, you really should try to up your coffee game. Everyone hates it. The only way to make the coffee better is to order some other type of drink. The owners know its terrible, and choose to keep stocking up on the cheap, crappy swill anyway.

Overall, their food is pretty good. They make great trays for special occasions (holidays, life cycle events, parties, etc.).

However...despite having a multitude of staff on hand, they are the slowest at making the food for you onsite. The line moves at a snail's pace. You may be 5th or more in line and it takes quite a while to be waited on and then the time waiting for the food to arrive is crazy slow. I have a friend who I dine with every Sunday and he orders two bagels and they mess up his order every week. Do they read the notes placed during the order? It sure seems like they don't. With so much staff, there should be someone just making sure orders are correct before they deliver them to the tables, and that just ain't happening.

Again, I would give this place 5 stars, but the incredibly slow service, food prep mishaps, and crappy coffee knock a star off. Sorry.

UPDATE I need to clarify something. I mentioned about the coffee at Original Bagel and how my friends act towards the owner about what coffee he serves. He is not a coffee shop. It is his restaurant. I go almost every Sunday and they always complain about the coffee and that they need to change it. I'm getting sick and tired about them complaining about the coffee.

I don't drink it, I don't care. However, I will say this, if you don't like it, don't drink it, order...

If you're looking for a place where the food is as warm as the welcome, look no further than Original Bagel and Bialy. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a team of staff who truly know how to make you feel like part of the family. There’s a sense of genuine warmth and inclusivity here that you don’t find just anywhere. It’s clear that the team takes pride in not only serving incredible food but also creating a space where every customer feels at home.

The atmosphere is a perfect blend of cozy and lively—whether you're grabbing a quick bite or lingering over a meal, there’s always a buzz of friendly conversation. The team is attentive without being overbearing, and there’s always a smile or a laugh to be shared. It’s the kind of place where, by the time you leave, you feel like you’ve made new friends.

Now, let’s talk food. Original Bagel and Bialy has a menu packed with delicious, high-quality offerings that never disappoint. From classic bagels piled high with cream cheese and lox to their signature bialys, everything is fresh, flavorful, and made with care. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty sandwich or a lighter breakfast, there’s something here to hit the spot. It’s comfort food at its best, and it’s clear why so many people keep coming back.

But what truly sets Original Bagel and Bialy apart is the way they make you feel. It’s not just about the food—though that’s certainly a big part of it—it’s the whole experience. The staff goes out of their way to make sure every customer feels included and valued. That kind of service is rare, and it's one of the reasons I keep coming back.

Highly recommend for anyone in the area, whether you're in the mood for a delicious meal, a friendly...

A really delicious Jewish deli with an incredibly welcoming and communal atmosphere! As the name suggests, there are incredible bagels/bialys made in house featuring all of the classics (onion, garlic, Asiago, egg, etc). We got a bakers dozen and all of them have been packed full of flavor with the perfect chewy texture - they’re a match made in culinary heaven with their in-house cream cheese; or, add some of their New York-sourced lox, plus an array of fresh toppings if you want to make it a sandwich. - we had the nova lox and it was so good!

They also serve an expansive menu of deli classics (corned beef, pastrami), matzo ball soup, latkes, you name it - we loved the turkey pastrami and can’t wait to try more. It really seems like there’s something for everyone on the menu.

Beyond standout food, what stood out the most was the community. An elderly couple walked in while we were there, and Karen, the owner, immediately knew them and congratulated them on their 60th anniversary, rousing a round of applause and cheer from the staff and diners. Karen was really kind and welcoming to us, and when she learned it was our first time there, she took the time to talk us through what to try, suggested a dip recipe featuring her veggie cream cheese, and even stopped by our table later on with a free dessert to thank us for coming in!

When you receive that kind of welcome with such a great meal, it’s worth cherishing and passing it on - hence this review. We can’t wait to go back...