Heading to Skokie, Illinois? Did you know that it was once named “The World’s Largest Village”? Nowadays, with a population of 63,280, it is the 19th-largest place in the state. You might have heard of Chicago and its famous Jewish delis, bagels, corned beef sandwiches, or kosher sausages, but Skokie has some delightful kosher surprises to offer as well. Skokie, formerly known as a farmer’s land, is now home to several museums and parks where you can rest after your delicious meal. It is recommended to order classics such as pizza, hamburger, hearty soups, sushi, or even Morrocan dishes. All of the places we picked are certified by the Chicago Rabbinical Council and routinely checked to keep up with kosher standards. Scroll down for the best kosher restaurants in Skokie, Illinois.
1. Ken's Diner & Grill
This retro joint is not only known for serving kosher non-dairy food but also gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan options as well. Their burger patties are juicy, and their buns are just right. You also have a wide choice ranging from turkey meat to classic beef, chicken or vegetarian variants. We recommend their signature popcorn chicken and if you get thirsty, there are free refills of drinks! Ken and his family are friendly and do a good job overall at making visitors happy. Ken’s Diner & Grill is offering a kid-friendly menu, too, and some booths have TVs. Combine that with 50s-inspired decor, homey comfort food such as soups and American-diner classics, and you will get why it’s in our list.
Ken's Diner & Grill
Address: 3353 Dempster Street, Skokie, IL 60076, United States
Website: Ken’s Diner & Grill
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 8:30pm (closed on Fri & Sat)
2. EJ's Pizzeria
Craving some crusty pizza? EJ’s Pizzeria offers pizzas, salads, as well as special items, such as gluten-free pizza, stromboli, wraps, panini, pasta, fish, or pretzels. You must also try their signature garlic rolls. This restaurant is located on the north side of Skokie and is just a five-minute walk from the ice arena, a park, or a golf course. It is also family-friendly, so bring your pack along to eat with you on this kosher restaurant. It is an unassuming place, but do not let that fool you. If you like your pizza crispy and with different toppings, then look no further than this dining spot.
EJ's Pizzeria
Address: 9149 Gross Point Rd, Skokie, IL 60077, United States
Website: EJ’s Pizzeria
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri: 11am - 2pm; Sat: 7pm - 12am
3. Taboun Grill
Israeli and Moroccan cuisine is famous for being colourful — just look at their yellow hummus, red tomato salads, or green olives. Taboun Grill is a kosher restaurant influenced by both cuisines. You can find kosher shawarma, kebab, falafel, kofta, salads, soups, and even desserts on their menu. All pitas come with hummus, tahini and Israeli salad and are actually baked in a traditional clay oven! Plus, the meat melts in your mouth. All of their vegetables are served fresh or grilled just right. As a bonus, give their grilled onions a try. Visitors here love their lamb, Yemenite soup, and chicken shawarma, among others. Head to Taboun, and here, you’ll always be served with a smile.
Taboun Grill
Address: 8808 Gross Point Rd, Skokie, IL 60077, United States
Website: Taboun Grill
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 2pm (closed on Sat)
4. Shallots Bistro
Looking for something more swanky and upscale? Or maybe, a romantic, candle-lit kosher dinner is what you have in mind. In his restaurant that’s been open since 2004, Chef Gustavo Restrepo adds a global touch to every dish at Shallots; ergo, menu items include 100 different variations of sushi, tacos, ribs and steaks. It is on the pricier side, but it’s worth it. Its nice interior which is composed of wood and stone invites everyone to enjoy with a glass of wine or a cocktail. And you can see a movie before or after eating here as Village Crossing Theatre is nearby.
Shallots Bistro
Address: 7016 Carpenter Rd, Skokie, IL 60077, United States
Website: Shallots Bistro
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Sat: 9:30pm - 12am; Sun: 4pm - 9pm (closed on Fri)
5. Sandwich Club
The name of the restaurant says it all. The Sandwich Club is favored among visitors for their sandwiches, burgers, wraps, soups, or salads. But chicken strips, wings, or tacos are worth a bite as well. Elegant, dark decor combined with the restaurant’s welcoming staff, well-priced fountain drinks, and kid-friendly menu make it a popular choice for visitors. Do not forget to check them out every month for the special “Sandwich of the Month.” If you head here for lunch, it is highly recommended to ask about the soup of the day. Roast beef, pastrami or tuna — all the meals here are kosher and yummy. But the classic sandwich served with homemade chips, pickles, and coleslaw is a go-to choice, too.
Sandwich Club
Address: 4507 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60076, United States
Website: Sandwich Club
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri: 11am - 2pm (closed on Sat)
6. Tacos Gingi
Mexican cuisine that is kosher in Skokie? This is not a problem with Tacos Gingi. This place is family-friendly and even has a special Shabbat menu. The basic menu is simple and easy to understand. First, pick either a taco, a burrito, or a bowl. Then, choose your option of meat or vegetables, and finally, toppings. Among the absolute favourites of visitors are the special fish taco and all-day breakfast burrito. The attentive staff, cool vibes, environmentally friendly packaging, and decent portions make this restaurant a Skokie star. There are no tables here — just a long counter by the window. Still, you will feel the love that owners put into the food They even work at the counter themselves!
Tacos Gingi
Address: 5128 Dempster Street, Skokie, IL 60077, United States
Website: Tacos Gingi
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri: 11am - 1pm (closed on Sat)
7. Emma's Bagel Cafe
Head to Skokie Blvd to find Emma’s Bagel Cafe — a humble, nice, cozy spot offering kosher bagels, pastries, pancakes, omelets, pasta, or even fish and chips. They basically have you covered from breakfast to dinner. The food is kosher, fresh and tasty. The restaurant is service-friendly and fast. Never had kosher French onion soup, quiche, or shakshouka? Now is your chance on this restaurant. If you are bringing your kids along, they can select something yummy from the kid-friendly menu, too.
Emma's Bagel Cafe
Address: 9306 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077, United States
Website: Emma’s Bagel Cafe
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6:30am - 7:30pm; Fri: 6:30am - 1:30pm; Sun: 7am - 7:30pm (closed on Sat)
Kosher-friendly restaurant
8. Sarah's Brick Oven
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Sarah's Brick Oven on Friday, July 3, 2020
Inspired by Mediterranean and Italian cuisines, Sarah’s Brick Oven is a fabulous family-owned, street-style restaurant that is known to provide a unique culinary experience using the freshest, high-quality food items under the supervision of the Chicago Rabbinical Council. The eatery offers a selection of pasta, pizzas, salads, paninis, and much more. If you are here for breakfast, choose between Sarah’s Breakfast, Breakfast Shakshuka, or perhaps the American Breakfast. For lunch or dinner, you could order a specialty pizza such as the Santa Fe, Blanca, or Four Cheese. Alternatively, you could also try a quinoa bowl or a gourmet fish dish. If you are traveling with a child, you will be glad to know that they also have a dedicated kid’s menu.
Sarah's Brick Oven
Address: 4032 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60076
Website: Sarah’s Brick Oven
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 8:30am - 8pm; Sat: 1 hour after sunset - 12am (closed on Fri)
Find a "geshmak" (Yiddish for tasty) food joint in Skokie, Illinois
Those that follow the dietary regulations of kashrut and are looking for kosher restaurants, should not overlook Skokie, Illinois. Our list include restaurants serving breakfast classics — such as bagels, fish, burgers, pizza, Mediterranean dishes, as well fusion dishes like sushi bowls. Most of the places are kid-friendly too. See, Skokie’s kosher restaurants will satisfy every eater from breakfast to dinner.
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