Zabars equivalent in Chicago?
 

Is there a store similar to Zabar's anywhere in the downtown Chicago area?

What where is Zabars. Where do you peg it against the national such stores ?

New York city upper west side, 80th and B'way. Premium (mostly local ) groceries/cheese/coffee/deli/smoked fish/bakery/prepared foods. Reasonable prices, only one location. Well worth the trip for NYC cuisine aficionados. The most amazing NYC things like Babke, rugelach, and just plain wonderful everything. Kind of like a Whole foods (smaller and more reasonable), but with a decidedly NYC twist. So what does Chicago have that is decidedly "Chicago" authentic and special?

the only thing close would be Kaufmans deli in Skokie and its probably 45 minutes away.
http://kaufmansdeli.com/food-etc/
Mannys deli just south of the loop is great for dine in and take out (Corned Beef sandwiches that rival anything NYC can offer) , but doesn't really sell any bakery items or groceries like Zabar.

Thanks - but it doesn't have to be a deli or NYC centric. I like Zabars because it's so reflective of New York, and that happens to include some deli food (but it's a grocery store really first and foremost)

What does Chicago have that is "authentic" Chicago, food wise?

Well there is Treasure Island but it's not a close facsimile to Zabar's or Dean and Deluca or the like.
http://tifoods.com/locations/

You could also visit Joong Boo:
http://joongboomarket.com/

Many, many threads on this. Just search whatever you are looking for, like "deep dish."

Also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture...Food_and_drink

A big Chicago FT foodie is Sweet Willie. PM him. If you have some time, take a run here: http://www.calumetfisheries.com

Three Floyds in Munster, IN (about an hour away) is one of the truly great breweries in the world. Top 5. They make probably the best pale ale on Earth (Zombie Dust). They are a-holes, service-wise, but worth a trip: http://www.3floyds.com PM me and I will join you there (10 miles from my house).

Downtown Chicago? Not really. Eataly and L'Appetito are the only two I can think of. Presumably you're familiar with Eataly. L'Appetito is a small grocery store/bakery/prepared food spot that's much smaller but has similar features to Eataly (and also an Italian focus). Other than that you're probably looking at Whole Foods. Not sure if there's a Mariano's downtown (there's one in the South Loop), but it's more akin to Wegman's. You might find online references to Fox & Obel, but it's closed.

I can't recommend Treasure Island. I've lived about two blocks away from the Lakeview one for 20+ years and I'm mystified as to how it stays in business. It's fine for staples, but I wouldn't recommend it for fresh/prepared items because at least the one near me doesn't have the food traffic to turn it over often enough.

Check out the list of Great Neighborhood Restaurants & Resources on LTHForum.

There is also Bari in westloop, as well as Publican Quality mean in fulton dist. and J.P. Graziano Grocery Co., but as chgoeditor said these are smaller bodega/deli's. If there is specific you're looking for than you'll just have to search around, as the options are almost unlimited.

OP, if you are looking for an Italian Deli, family run with lots of good stuff including home made look for Ton's Subs and Deli on Northwest Highway ( a misnomer, a busy street,) in Chicago. About 25 mins by car from downtown. Good subs, great cheeses, take home and bake pizza, pasta etc. Tons of meats ( am a vegetarians but others speak highly of them.

Do you mean Tony's in Edison Park? http://www.tonysdeliandsubs.com/

if so, it is a wonderful deli, but IMO not worth a special trip out from the city.

I have to agree with the comment re Treasure Island - there was one close to my hotel. It was ... disappointing. So....sadly, didn't find any treats. But.....off to NYC this weekend, so Zabars/West Side Market/Fairway, here I come!

Yes you are correct in the name and location. Of course to each his own ! That is the only place I will get a sub. Wish I could eat more cheese !!!!:mad:

Must tell everyone here, you are up on your restaurant scene in Chicagoland.....People, SW organizes quite a few Chicago FF get togethers over meals.

Surprised no one has mentioned Gene's Sausage Shop in Lincoln Square, but might fit the bill in some aspects. About 30 minutes from the loop on the Brown Line, with a bonus rooftop German-style beer garden if it's a nice day.

http://www.genessausageshop.com/

I understand what you are looking for and I can not think of a Chicago equivalent. Others have done a better job of mentioning stores close to what you are looking for than I could have.

You specifically mentioned their babka - it is awesome. I am there at least once a month and buy one virtually every time.

As good as the store is, I find their website very annoying: prices are much higher online than in the store. Babka and their coffee are 2 examples. You get a signup offer and occasional offers online but they are not that good. I unsubscribed several years ago.

As you mention, there is one Zabar but as I am sure you know, there is Elizabar's on the Upper East Side.

http://www.elizabar.com/