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: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Once Upon A Bagel
Dairy-Free at Once Upon A Bagel
Once Upon A Bagel in Lake Forest has 5 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shana's Salad, Veggie Burger and Salad Tray with Sliced Bagels & Bialys. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Once Upon A Bagel
Once Upon A Bagel in Lake Forest has 2 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shana's Salad and Soup of the Day Bowl. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Once Upon A Bagel
Once Upon A Bagel in Lake Forest has 18 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Bagel or Bialy with Lox, Pasta Salad and Shana's Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Once Upon A Bagel
Once Upon A Bagel in Lake Forest has 2 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Reuben Sandwich and Soup of the Day Bowl. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Once Upon A Bagel
Once Upon A Bagel in Lake Forest has 2 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Chicken Mish Mosh Super Bowl and Soup of the Day Bowl. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Once Upon A Bagel
Once Upon A Bagel in Lake Forest has 3 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shana's Salad, Chicken Mish Mosh Super Bowl and Soup of the Day Bowl. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at Once Upon A Bagel
Once Upon A Bagel in Lake Forest has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Soup of the Day Bowl. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Once Upon A Bagel
Once Upon A Bagel in Lake Forest has 1 vegan-tagged dish on its current menu, including Mighty Fine Chili Bowl. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Once Upon A Bagel
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Tossed Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken | 32.1 g | 64.6 g |
| Reuben Sandwich | 22.7 g | 57.6 g |
| Roast Brisket Sandwich | 47 g | 53.5 g |
| Fish Tray | 82.5 g | 48.7 g |
| Turkey Club | 67.4 g | 36.1 g |
| Chef's Salad | 26.7 g | 36.1 g |
| Mini Sandwich Tray | 24.7 g | 18 g |
| Lox Plate | 27 g | 17.1 g |
| Soup of the Day Bowl | 2.6 g | 15.8 g |
| Chicken Soup Bowl | 38 g | 14.9 g |
| Hamburger | 27.9 g | 14 g |
| Shana's Salad | 8.7 g | 10.6 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
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, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Bagel or Bialy with Lox Cream Cheese - $3.95: Lox cream cheese, tomato, onion & cucumbers Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Bagel or Bialy with Lox - $12.95: Sliced lox, cream cheese, tomato, onion & cucumbers Dietary tags: Halal, 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: Halal, 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, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: breakfast, lunch
Homemade Soups & Chili
- Soup of the Day Bowl - $6.69 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame 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 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, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mighty Fine Chili Bowl - $6.69 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
Grilled Boats
- Tuna Salad Grilled Boat - $10.95: Fresh bialy loaf with melted cheese Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, 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, 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, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Philly Cheese Grilled Boat - $11.95: Fresh bialy loaf with melted cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
Just Sandwiches
- Roast Brisket Sandwich - $10.95 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Reuben Sandwich - $12.95 Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Turkey Club - $11.95 Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- BLT - $8.95 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
From the Grill
- Hamburger - $9.5 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Veggie Burger - $7.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hot Dog - $4.95 Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Cheese - $5.5 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
Salad Selections
- Shana's Salad - $13.95 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy 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, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Veggie Pancake - $3.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Pasta Salad - $3.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
Catering
- Mini Sandwich Tray - $7.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, 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: Halal, 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, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
Frequently Asked Questions about Once Upon A Bagel
- Is Once Upon A Bagel dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Once Upon A Bagel has 5 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shana's Salad, Veggie Burger and Salad Tray with Sliced Bagels & Bialys.
- What can I eat at Once Upon A Bagel on a dairy-free diet?
- Shana's Salad, Veggie Burger and Salad Tray with Sliced Bagels & Bialys carry the dairy-free tag, out of 5 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Once Upon A Bagel have vegan options?
- Yes. 1 dish is tagged vegan on the current menu, including Mighty Fine Chili Bowl.
- Is Once Upon A Bagel gluten-free?
- 2 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Once Upon A Bagel?
- Tossed Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken, at roughly 64.6g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near Once Upon A Bagel
- The English Room — American
- Hometown Coffee & Juice — 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
- Waukegan Yacht Club — American
- Deerfield Bakery — American
- ZümBier Brewery — American
