Once Upon A Bagel – American
The air at this bustling neighborhood staple is thick with the comforting scent of toasted dough and simmering chicken broth, drawing guests into a space where the morning ritual is elevated to an art form. Velvety schmears of cream cheese meet perfectly chewy, golden-brown bagels, while vibrant ribbons of lox and hearty, steam-filled bowls of soup offer a nostalgic taste of classic deli comfort. Every visit feels like a warm embrace from a community favorite that celebrates the simple, timeless joy of a meal made with care.
268 East Deerpath, Lake Forest IL 60045 https://lakeforest.onceupononline.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: American
Price range: $
Dietary options: vegetarian, vegan, keto, low-carb, high-protein, kosher, pescatarian, plant-based, heart-healthy, low-sodium, low-fat, anti-inflammatory, atkins, south-beach, dash-sodium-reduced, low-cholesterol, gerd, alkaline, aip, carnivore, tlc, volumetrics, renal, zone, macrobiotic, lectin-free
Currently closed
Hours
- Tuesday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sunday
- 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners rave about the delectable food and perfectly sized portions, frequently highlighting the high quality of the menu offerings. Guests praise the knowledgeable and attentive service, noting that the staff’s expertise and deep menu knowledge significantly enhance the dining experience. Celebrated for its relaxed vibe and memorable atmosphere, the space is often described as a standout choice for those seeking a comfortable yet impressive meal.
Menu
Once Upon Favorites
- Bagel or Bialy with Cream Cheese - $3.25: Cream cheese, tomato, onion & cucumbers Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Bagel or Bialy with Lox Cream Cheese - $3.95: Lox cream cheese, tomato, onion & cucumbers Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Bagel or Bialy with Lox - $12.95: Sliced lox, cream cheese, tomato, onion & cucumbers Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Lox Lettuce Wrap - $12.95: Cream cheese, cucumber, avocado Available at: brunch, dinner, lunch
- Lox Plate - $12.95: Sliced lox, cream cheese, tomato, onion, & olive capers Dietary tags: High-Protein, Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Once Upon A Bagel Breakfast Sandwich - $8.95 Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Pizza Bagel or Bialy - $3.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, lunch
Homemade Soups & Chili
- Soup of the Day Bowl - $6.69 Dietary tags: Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Soup Bowl - $5.69: Choice of rice, noodles, matzo ball or kreplack Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Combo Bowl - $6.69: Kreplack or matzo ball with rice or noodles Dietary tags: Kosher Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Mish Mosh Super Bowl - $12.98: All items in soup Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Carnivore, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mighty Fine Chili Bowl - $6.69 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
Grilled Boats
- Tuna Salad Grilled Boat - $10.95: Fresh bialy loaf with melted cheese Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Corned Beef or Reuben Grilled Boat - $12.95: Fresh bialy loaf with melted cheese Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Turkey or Reuben Grilled Boat - $11.95: Fresh bialy loaf with melted cheese Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Philly Cheese Grilled Boat - $11.95: Fresh bialy loaf with melted cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Just Sandwiches
- Roast Brisket Sandwich - $10.95 Available at: dinner, lunch
- Reuben Sandwich - $12.95 Available at: dinner, lunch
- Turkey Club - $11.95 Dietary tags: AIP, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- BLT - $8.95 Available at: dinner, lunch
From the Grill
- Hamburger - $9.5 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Veggie Burger - $7.95 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hot Dog - $4.95 Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Cheese - $5.5 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Salad Selections
- Shana's Salad - $13.95 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chef's Salad - $13.95 Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tossed Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken - $13.95 Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- Potato Pancake - $3.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Veggie Pancake - $3.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Pasta Salad - $3.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Catering
- Mini Sandwich Tray - $7.95 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fish Tray - $17.95: Hand-cut nova or regular lox, cream cheese, three salads, cheese, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, olives, rolls Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Salad Tray with Sliced Bagels & Bialys - $118.95: 2 dozen sliced bagels, three containers of salad, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, & pickles Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
Restaurants near Once Upon A Bagel
- Hometown Coffee & Juice — American
- The English Room — American
- The Peanut Gallery — American
- The Bar — American
- White Hart Pub — American
- Magnolia Cafe & Bakery — American
- Wick 'n Ore — American
- The Green Room — American
- Chipy Cafe — American
- Anastasia's Restaurant & Sports Lounge — American
- Post Marketplace Cafe — American
- Dockside Ice Cream — American
