Kaufman's Bagel & Delicatessen — Restaurant in Niles Township

I was there on February 22nd between 3:30 and 4:00 pI wanted to place an order for pickup but when I called the lady foreign lady was very rude and she told me it's faster to just show up and order the food that if you placed an order in advance it would take over an hour, but they weren't busy so it would be easier to come in and place the order in person. That didn't make any sense to me, rather it sounded backwards or like there's a flaw in there ordering system,(if you're not busy a called in pickup order should take the same amount of time as a walk in order does), but I followed her advice and I went in. When I got there the black lady was very nice and attentive and directed me where I needed to place my order, as it was my first time ever going there and I was going there for somebody else. The guy who made my sandwich was also very nice and informative and the place looks very clean and the food looks delicious. There was however after that a breakdown in service. After I receive my sandwich I had no idea where to go nor did anybody pay any attention to me(I could have walked right out the front door without notice and almost did by mistake) there was a there was a foreign lady with an Eastern European accent that I couldn't place behind the counter who seemed less than happy to be working there. She noticed me standing there but didn't acknowledge me finally I went up to her and I said where do I pay for this where do I go what do I do? She she then directed me to the register with a scowl on her face and a clear bad attitude. She did an address my day, didn't ask how I was, didn't thank me for being a customer, or supporting their store. In addition to that she didn't pay attention to what she was doing and she also didn't charge me for 6 beef sticks I did inform her that I had never been there before and I didn't know what to do, she could have been friendlier and more attentive especially during these times when every penny counts for every restaurant cuz they're falling like flies. My girlfriend used to work at this store &she loves their food which is why I went there to order some for her. I understand it used to be a...

Our experience was unfortunately not a great one. Out of our group of four, one person received a sandwich without mayo, even though we specifically asked for it. The person taking our order said the sandwich “comes as is” and wouldn’t allow any modifications.

Another member of our group tried to order the Dr. Hoffberg sandwich without roast beef (substituting turkey instead), but instead of making that minor adjustment, the man insisted on starting a completely new order and asked for bread preferences without offering any options. When we asked for “any bread,” he seemed visibly frustrated, even though we were genuinely trying to be flexible and easygoing.

A third person in our group had a hard time ordering a pastrami sandwich. She felt the same staff member was impatient and gave her attitude while she tried to pick cheese and toppings. It made the ordering process stressful, especially for our first time visiting.

That said, we did enjoy most of the sandwiches once they arrived — except the one that was dry due to the lack of mayo. At the dessert counter, one woman was incredibly kind, offered great recommendations, and made us feel very welcomed. The Napoleon cake was amazing! Unfortunately, another woman behind the same counter seemed annoyed that we were standing there waiting for our order, even though we weren’t in the way. Her “Can I help you?” felt more like a scolding than an offer to assist.

All in all, while the food itself was mostly very good, the customer service made us uncomfortable. We left feeling like we were a burden for asking simple questions or trying to customize our orders. I really hope the staff can be more welcoming and accommodating — especially for new guests who are trying to understand the menu and enjoy...

For the past few months, going to Kaufman’s was my happy place. Going in there brought back so many wonderful memories when I would go there with my dad 60 years ago, I go weekly and spend a lot of money each time. The food is good, and my 94 year old mom loves the Jewish food offered! I have suffered for 40 years with a chronic, painful illness. Usually the people who work there are so pleasant. But last week and today., I was treated like I should be ashamed because I asked for help with heavy bags to my handicapped space, 2 minutes from the door. Last week the woman, ( probably,)the owner or manager)begrudgingly helped me with my bags and was even pleasant after we talked. Today I was the only customer in the store, I was humiliated and scolded. I was warned that they cannot always help me, especially if it’s busy. A young woman was kind enough to to help. I was told on phone that I should come there with a child or? to help me with my heavy bags? My children do not live in Illinois. Most of my family lives North and goes to the deli there I am beyond upset that anyone would be treated with such a disdainful manner, especially if the person is disabled. I am sad that I will not be entering the deli ever again. It was my fun time each week. I will stop telling people I know how wonderful Kaufman’s is, many people that work there are kind. But there’s no need to treat a regular customer like I was treated by this uncaring human. It’s hard enough being Ill most of my life, I don’t want to made to feel worse when I’m...