I'm giving this place 2 stars only because they have a good selection of wine/whiskey, but the guy that works here is NUTS. I live a block from this place, so I thought it'd be a nice liquor store to frequent. Nope! The first time my boyfriend had gone in to grab a cold six pack, he was barely through the door when the owner immediately started asking him what he was looking for. He said he was just browsing, but the guy wouldn't leave him alone. My boyfriend said, "thank you" and walked out. I've since been there twice and both times, the guy does NOT LEAVE YOU ALONE!! He talks your ear off, steps on your heals, and tries to recommend anything and everything, even products you're not shopping for. I decided the last straw was when I heard him calling some other customers idiots when they were shopping for wine. I walked out and will not be back. Avoid!! read more

Great wine and liquor selection, convenient, and the owners are true gems. Husband and wife team, after a few visits of getting to know them, they have become one of my favorite bodegas in the city to visit. Quirky and delightful. read more

*The majority of this review is going to be commenting on the owner and how uncomfortable he made me, and this is probably going to be the longest, most detailed review I've ever written on here.* Long story short: I try not to judge peoples' character too harshly upon meeting them, because that's usually unfair. But I just wanted to buy a sandwich, and I couldn't handle the constant sales pitching, the small talk was laced with condescension, and I don't like being followed around a small space. The experience left me feeling so sour that I'm not going to go back, which is unfortunate, as I live so close by and my sandwich was really good. If you have the ability to stand up to someone who seems to be talking down to you, or if you have a ton of money to buy everything he continues to pitch to you while you're just perusing and he's following at your heels, then go here. If not, this probably isn't the place for you. It isn't for me. The worst part is the kind of personality he had makes me kind of nervous to even write this review -- like, if he saw this, he'd call me out to my face. Giving it two stars because of how great the sandwich was and the work done by the woman in the back making it. That's it. Here's the longer, detailed version: I'm not one to give low ratings, especially since I usually can easily play devil's advocate and there's often a completely fair explanation for a poor experience. But after scrolling through reviews on here that say the same things that I noticed while in Deli Boutique, I'm going to just go for it. Let me say, I was VERY excited to try this place. My neighbor recommended it to me months ago, because walking past, it just looks like a liquor store, but they sell paninis and cold sandwiches as well. I've considered ordering lunch from here frequently, but every time I've been available, it's been closed for some reason or another. So today, I went in with high hopes. I came in around noon and ordered the Coliseum panini (prosciutto, salami, mozzarella, and giardiniera. It was VERY good, but not worth the experience to get it). The owner, an older gentleman, relayed my order to the woman in the back, and then walked back out and told me that "I need wines or a bottle of something" to go with my lunch. I told him that I was just going to buy food today, and he insisted, so I told him that I actually just received quite a bit of alcohol as a gift because my birthday is next week (which is 100% true -- otherwise, I probably could've been convinced). His response: "Okay, but where is the alcohol from?" Mine: "I'm not sure, it was a gift." Him: "But I have a lot of great alcohol." I try to be as nice as possible when I'm uncomfortable, and I'm aware that can come off as rude, so I'm not even saying we were completely on the same page here. He made small talk with me and followed me around the small store, telling me where he was going to put the Rosé in the summer and why I should come back for the Rosé ("my prices are very fair, I'm going to have over 50 flavors"). He asked what kind of wine I like, and I told him Cabernet, and he walked to the front, picking up bottle after bottle, explaining to me why "his prices are fair" and how "if I really knew wine, I'd have heard of these brands," and I just felt like I was being spoken down to... and also all the while, I just kind of wanted to be left alone while I waited for my sandwich. Also, the store sells Barefoot, one of the cheapest wines, for $9.99 before tax. So not the fairest prices in my eyes, especially when my love Binny's exists. I just wanted a sandwich, and I was being as polite as I possibly could, but everywhere I stepped while I waited those 8-10 minutes I was getting a sales pitch. I'm being redundant now, but I hope my point comes across. I know I'm not the first to experience this and it's unfortunate and disappointing. There are other liquor stores around here that work just fine like Lincoln Park Food & Liquor or Carnival Foods. Just go elsewhere. read more

UPDATE: The new owner has turned this once lovely Euro-deli into a liquor store with "deli" now only an afterthought. Also, it seems that the old-fashioned European customer service is also gone. Deli Boutique is no more....it's now Booze Boutique (oh, DB's OVERALL rating was almost 5 stars prior to this new owner. Watch the score plummet!!!!) Sad news Deli Boutique fans...The place has changed hands. Met the new owner today and was NOT impressed. Although, as a neighbor, I had already received the city's mandatory postcard regarding a new liquor license...I never knew the place was sold. Turns out they will "have a full wall of beer and wine." Well, that's all good if the place is bigger!!! Nope. Oh well....we will see how it goes. I just was not impressed at all when I met the new owner. read more

Very friendly owners. Small place but extensive wine and liquor collection. The owners recommended a wonderful Pinot Noir. We're looking forward to coming back to shop here. read more

I've lived within a block of Deli Boutique for a few years, yet I've only wandered in twice. What is WRONG with me? Why would I gag myself on yet another Subway sandwich when I could spend *exactly* the same amount of money for a big, fresh, delicious panini at this local shop? Mark my words, THAT conduct is gonna change! I wandered in last week and ordered the Collosus panini. What a frickin' treat this was. Salami, another kind of salami, some other meat (ham maybe? I forget.), and fresh mozzarella melted into a delectibly-pressed panini. ...Oh! And then there's the crowning achievement of this palate-pleaser: a delicious spread of olive tapenade to bring everything together. Final price? $6.99. Get outta town! read more

Deli Boutique Wine and Spirits - Collosus panini. Great sandwich. Great price: $6.99! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My first impression was that this place was like a super mini Whole Foods. They offer a variety of cheese and meets. They also have different kinds of salads. I ordered a chicken Panini sandwich the size was big and the taste even greater. Price: around 7 dollars per person Size: Filling Taste: Delicious Employs: Overly nice read more

Deli Boutique Wine and Spirits - Wide veriety of ready foods! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is so cute, lots of appealing salads, pastries, etc. I wanted so badly to love it, especially since it's just around the corner from my house, unfortunately it was just ok. I got the tuna sandwich (aka the Mediterranean), there was nothing boutiquey or gourmet about it. It was just tuna, cheese, celery and onion on what was called multi-grain french bread. I do have to say though, that I compliment the place on their sparing use of mayo, I hate tuna when it's swimming in it. First, toss some tomato on that, the sandwich was pretty dry without it. Second, when I think french bread I think baguette, not something that strongly resembled Brownberry whole grain sliced wheat. Lastly, for $7 all I got was the sandwich, no pickle, no side, no napkin, nothing else. In my opinion the fish and veggie sandwich/panini options are lacking both in quantity and imagination. Tuna and cheese is hardly what I would call a "gourmet" sandwich. In addition to my sandwich I took home something sweet - the pastries looked delicious and very reasonably priced. I waffled between a red velvet cupcake and the pain au chocolat (under $2), and was not disappointed. The croissant portion was nice and flaky like it should be with just the right amount of chocolate. Bottom line, the sandwich portion of this place didn't meet my expectations, but I'll likely be back for more sweets. read more

Outstanding service from two wonderful people. The owner helped me pick a wine to go with my Greek food (surprise, I picked a Greek wine). Red blend, cost-effective, and very tasty. Will be my go-to place in Lincoln Park to get a bottle from now on. read more

My friends and I were ravenous after walking through the Lincoln Park Zoo so we relied on Yelp to get us somewhere with a good star rating. Good job Yelp. Deli Boutique is an A+ in my book. They have a wide selection of lunch and breakfast sandwiches. The cold weather caused me to have a lust for hot soup so I ordered a bowl of the minestrone soup and a side of their smoked cheese (forgot what kind) pasta salad. They had a variety of different cold pasta selections sold by the pound. Smoked cheese pasta salad $8/lb Minestrone $2.99 Both were DELICIOUS! When the minestrone soup came out the color was a little dull but the taste was amazing! I would highly recommend this place for people hungry after the zoo. read more

Deli Boutique Wine and Spirits - Minestrone and pasta - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great wine and liquor selection and very helpful owners! Check out their new food menu as well!

Great shop. They have a solid selection of whiskey and they have wines that you can't find at every other local liquor store. I feel like I'm walking into an old-school shop when I go there where the owner's aren't just buying the latest marketed product that I can find at Mariano's or Jewel. read more

Awesome selection of wine and spirits! Love the small production Greek wines you can find here and the owner is very knowledgeable!

Hands down the RUDEST experience I've ever had. Have lived in the neighborhood 2 years and had never been before. My girlfriend and I walked in just to see what the selection was looking for nothing in particular at this time. As we were walking out thinking we'd definitely come here again for a sandwich or to buy some alcohol, the owner stops serving a customer and says (exact quote) "hey guys this isn't a museum, next time buy something" and proceeds to flick us off. If I could give a 0/5 I would. I will NEVER be going there again. This guy deserves all of the bad reviews. read more

Unfortunately, the old good Deli Boutique has been sold to a new owner, and, as expected, the change is not for the best. The last time I was at Deli Boutique, was at the end of june, for my usual 2 sunday croissants. Then I was out of town for a little longer than 2 weeks and my first time back I was shocked by the dramatic change of the decor: whet was once a european cafe/deli, had now turned into a overcrowded liquor store with bottles of wine hanging all over the place. Gone is the European feel, gone the rolls displayed on the counter and gone is the friendly, smiling staff that used to work there. I was already disappointed with the change and today, a mere week later, I am sad to say that this won't be my to go place anymore. I came home and, for the first time in 5 years, as soon as I bit into my chocolate croissant, I could taste that it was old and stale. I was so disappointed that I decided to go back and returned it. When I explained to the owner what was wrong with the croissant his attitude didn't help. He said he was sorry I DIDN'T LKE the croissant and he asked me if I wanted something different. I said that it wasn't the point and that if the point was me not liking those croissant, I wouldn't have been a 5 year customer in the first place. The issue was that he tried to sell an item that wasn't fresh, knowing that it wasn't fresh, and I think that this is unacceptable and telling of the new management business style. Bye bye Deli Boutique, it was great until it lasted, but I can't find a good reason for me to come back. And there goes another nice Lincoln Park business. This is becoming the area of Sports Bars (and douchebags). read more

The quality of food is a 4 out of 5 for sure but the new owner has completely turned me off with how he treats his customers and what he says behind their backs. I was waiting for my sandwich and a customer had a simple question about the the changes they had made and the owner took offense and became immediately defensive and almost ushered the guy out of the store. After he had left the owner says to me "This F*ing guy comes in and gets a $2 cup of tea. Who the F*ck does he think he is. F*ck him" and it went on and on. The other woman behind the counter (who is awesomely nice) rolled her eyes at him as if to say not this again. I mean seriously, it's like an episode of Hell's Kitchen with how pushy this guy is. His methods of doing business don't work here. I have been coming to this place for the last 3.5 years and the last few times I have gone in for a quick sandwich he has been overly pushy, rude, disrespectful and clearly not caring about the customers as the previous owners and workers did. Again, the food is still great but the owner is the most off putting person I have met in a long time and I will no longer be a customer. read more

HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. STAY AWAY! The man who works at the counter (the owner) has some serious mental issues. Rude, pushy, condescending and sexist. A woman works with him - I believe his wife- he is so mean to her and disrespects her in front of customers. The place is crowded with alcohol and you can barely move. The only good thing about this place is the food. Good food. read more

Wish I could give 0 stars. I came in here with my boyfriend a few days ago and the owner immediately started harassing me when all I asked for was if they had white wine that was already chilled. Apparently this was an inappropriate thing to ask because he treated me like an absolute idiot from that point forward- shoving all his cold white wine in my face, telling me I'm dumb for not seeing the refrigerators in his store, and telling me that my boyfriend should pay for everything and that I couldn't make up my mind because I'm a woman. Even while I was browsing his selection, he was urging me to make a decision fast. I tried ignoring him because I figured maybe it's a cultural thing, but my blood was boiling and I couldn't wait to get out of there. This man was literally chasing me around his store. Meanwhile, he was perfectly nice to my boyfriend and making seemingly normal conversation with him. I was hesitant to leave a review because this dude was terrifying, but ultimately decided to because you simply just can't run a business like that. I definitely won't be coming back. read more

This little spot was so much better before the new ownership took over. We ordered our breakfast, and the guy behind the counter was incredibly rude. When I asked to add egg to a breakfast sandwich, he suggested I get something totally different. I explained what I wanted again, and that I have ordered this several times before with no problem, and he mocked me and made a big deal out of it. Then he acted like it was an inconvenience when my fiancé also ordered a sandwich. Aren't you here to sell people food? The food here IS awesome, and I previously raved about it to fellow LP residents, but that won't be the case now. I'm left with a bad taste in my mouth, and it certainly wasn't from the food. read more

My husband and I are dining at Sushi Para down the street. It's BYOB restaurant, so we needed a bottle of wine. My husband found this store on Yelp and popped over for a bottle. The gentleman asked how he could help, what we were having for dinner, and then recommended a lovely bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, which was $3 cheaper! We decided to purchase both (Rodney Strong & Oxford Landing) and do a taste test amongst the 6 of us during our sushi feast. Oxford Landing (the recommendation and more economical bottle) was the unanimous winner. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! read more

Decided to give this place a second shot. While the owner was not rude to me he was to others. I don't think that flicking people off and rushing them out of the store is a cultural thing, as one recent review defends his behavior. The sandwich was ok - nothing to write home about. Even if it had been the best meal in the world, the abuse is not worth the purchase. The owner should remodel the place as it seems he is more interested in selling alcohol than food. read more

My sister and I stumbled upon this cute little deli in the midst of apartment hunting. Proof that just because you are on a budget doesn't mean you have to eat crap sandwiches...! mmm The Amsterdam is the bomb dot com. Enough sando for 2 meals- we split it and spent around 3-4 bucks each. Shwing! Oh and the Chocolate Eclair, bomb. Friendly service. Definitely will frequent this place once it gets a bit warmer out! read more

I absolutely love this place - it was recommended to me by the owners of Holtzmann's jewelers and with good reason. The Deli Boutique is quaint, charming, and their small but varied menu options are delicious. Also, as many people have already mentioned, it's easy to get addicted to their breads. So far, I've had the ciabatta and the demi-baguettes. They're equally delicious but the demi-baguettes are my favourite! Currently, I'm on this "eat my dinner here" kick so, every night, I stop in to purchase a little crock of their daily soup (tonight's was home made vegetable, a thick, tomato base with huge carrots, potatoes and other veggies...delicious) and a demi-baguette. Oh, and did I mention that they're ridiculously inexpensive? Soup and baguette for less than $5. True story! There's only seating for 8, I think (four 2-top tables?), but it's never crowded when I'm there; it's just constantly steady. I mean, every time I've gone in, there are always a couple of customers trickling in and out, non-stop. If you're in the neighborhood, you should stop by; you won't be disappointed. read more

This place is right out of france. or italy. or maybe its actually just a cute little deli/sandwich shop with european decor. Regardless, it has good food and a good ambience. Everything looks pretty good, and all of the prepared foods also look like they are less expensive than you would find them for if you went to one of any of the handful of nearby overpriced markets. Bonus points for the menu being creative and nonstandard, but well thought out nonetheless. I will definitely be back. read more

While the prices are a little higher than most other places, the sandwiches are high-quality and taste amazing. This is a cute little deli with delicious food that is way above the run-of-the-mill sandwich shoppes. I meant to spell 'shoppe' that way too. I will have to try the soup when I'm around again. It's so convenient and good. read more

I've had the panini (try "the Amsterdam" minus the onions), a few of the salads and the mixed fruit muffins here (filled with cranberries, apple, blueberries -- yum). The food is good, but due to the high quality of the imported items, it is expensive. The staff is friendly, and willing to accommodate special requests. Dena S. -- I don't really care for the drinks in the "serve yourself" cooler; however, they keep a stash of Coke/Diet Coke, etc. in the fridge behind the cash register! read more

I have been here twice and both times found myself content with the omelette sandwich and quality o.j. Recommended for a quick sandwich and nice to go pasta salad type orders. read more

Came here with a group of friends a couple of weeks ago and as soon as we walked in they constantly were asking us "What can I help help you with? What did you want to get?" There's not a lot of selection in what they have yet it made us very uncomfortable because we didn't even get to decide what we wanted because they were constantly badgering us! Never walking in here again. read more

Yesterday I walked into this establishment checking them out as I had passed them several times on my lunch break. Dressed appropriately as I was then on my lunch break, I casually come in to look at the items that were in their store. I was asked numerous times by what seemed to be the owner's wife what was I looking for. I simply stated I had passed by this establishment several times and I wanted to see the variety of things they had. Shortly after, the owner comes out and says hi and asks if I need help, I reply again that I am just looking. He then replies "For what?! We have wine other places don't have and that's the story so what do you need?" I reply again that I pass by the store often on my break and I just was looking to see what they have. (At this point I have said the same thing at least 4-6 times). So then he goes "Yeah how do you like the weather?" and I'm like "Yeah it's cool!" and he replies "Yeah well I am trying to get a tan. I wanna be as black as you!" Please keep in mind that I am an African American and he seemed to be Caucasian. I was very offended by the nature of this conversation and how I had to constantly tell both persons that I was just window shopping nothing further. I will not be back to this establishment and I hope this review evokes the same measure to those who read it. I am very glad none of my money was spent here. This place deserves to be shut down for such comments. read more

I agree with the other reviewer that the man who works here does not wear a mask. In fact, two men who work here were not wearing masks while I was in the store. One of them got very close to me and other customers. It's a small store and they are clearly not following health guidelines. This is enough to make me not go back, ever. Their wine selection is very poorly organized. The red wines are not arranged by grape or price. Though there is some effort to separate by country, many of the French wines are mixed with South American ones. There's no logic. Go to Miskas down the block which has a better selection, the workers wear masks and they even have a protective shield at the register. read more

As an East Coast transplant, deli's have been a big part of my life-and my main source of sustenance-since I could walk. I'm used to a (good) deli being either of the Italian-American persuasion or Jewish-style. Deli boutique, as a European deli, is neither. It is, however, completely boss. The sandwiches are fantastic, but the quiet star of deli boutique is their bread. I think they get stuff par-baked and finish it off on-site, which gives it a freshness that's hard to beat. Their ciabatta and portuguese rolls, in particular, are amazing and make any sandwich you get on them two notches better. Their baked goods and veggie/pasta salads, are very good, but for me it's all about the sandwiches. The napoli (a foodie's version of an italian sub on ciabatta) and barcelona are my favorite cold sandwiches. I recommend getting the barcelona on ciabatta as well, because the roll it comes on is a little small considering the tower of meat, cheese and coleslaw they try to squeeze into it. For a hot sandwich, I recommend the coliseum panini or the breakfast sandwich with fried eggs, a latke (fried potato pancake), swiss and sauteed mushrooms. It may sound a little weird, but try it. For fresh-squeezed oj nuts like me, they have a Zumex machine, the kind that is ubiquitous in cafes in many European countries. The juice is pricey, but worth it. It can get crowded during lunch on weekends, but get it to go and head over to the park for some al fresco dining. read more

Found this place while in LP looking for somewhere to eat lunch. Arent I glad for the helpful Yelp App for all my foodie desires. It saved me from disgusting, overpriced Cosi. Anyway, this is a super cute little sandwich shop with a little bit of everything. They have paninis, homemade soups. LaVazza coffee, soft serve ice cream, smoothies, pastas, etc. The sandwiches were really fantastic. We had the tuna salad and the Amsterdam. Both complimented each other well. They are a little pricey, but what the hell. We also had the lentil soup and some of the pesto pasta salad. It was fantastic. It seems like such a little fun cafe. Check it out if you are in the area. Much better than the mainstream sandwich shops and about the same price. read more

The man who works here does not wear a mask and gets very close to you. Made me feel very uncomfortable. Do not recommend going here during this health crisis. read more

Enjoyed the food and the experience of this quant little shop. I stopped in for some breakfast hangover cure food which I was not disappointed to find. The breakfast deli sandwich and breakfast croissant plus an iced coffee were the items of choice. The owners (husband & wife) were quite pleasant to chat with while my food was being prepared. Upon my return home, the breakfast goodness was rapidly consumed by me and my lady all the while thoroughly enjoying each bite. We will be back. Also, they have random wine tasting days there plus a large selection of liquor to choose from. Enjoy! read more

I wish I could give this place no star! My husband and I were walking on Clark street and thinking to buy a bottle of wine for the party tonight. I walked in the store and immediately the owner started his sales pitch and following me around. He showed me a bottle and I then asked my husband to use the app he has on his phone to check the rating of the bottle. The owner started talking to my husband about the app and gave him condescending comments. I felt uncomfortable and asked my husband to leave and put back the bottle on its place. The owner started cursing and said "you didn't put the bottle back in its fucking place and get the fuck out!" I was shocked... we left the store and walked a block away but I couldn't get it out of my mind that how rude he was! I wanted people to know how rude and nasty he was, so went back and took a picture of the store name. The owner is rude, nasty and terrible. Not to mention that the bottle was posted for $11 online and was priced $14.99 at the store! I wish people read the reviews and don't go to this guy's shop. I read the review after the fact and before I wrote mine! This guy is notoriously crazy! The reviews are so surreal my husband commented that maybe there are hidden cameras and it is a skit for a television show. read more

Deli Boutique Wine and Spirits - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A great little shop that offers ice cream, coffee, desserts and a variety of deli items like soup, panini, salads, etc... I've stopped in a few times and like his shop much more than any national-chain competitor. The food items are fabulous and the atmosphere of friendly workers who genuinely take an interest in their patrons is refreshing. I had a great panini with Italian meats and fresh mozzarella on one occasion, it was big enough for 2 meals. I had a dessert dubbed the Mona Lisa which was fantastic. Basically, vanilla mousse on bottom, light sponge cake in the middle, chocolate mousse on top. Wow, I am not a dessert guy but this was really good! My young son loves the various cookies, freshly baked and delicious! read more

Sandwiches are a staple in my diet. The Deli Boutique features hot panini samitches and fresh sliced cold cuts to boot. I got the Matador- which had roast beef, mushrooms, blue cheese, and provolone(?) or mozzarella. This sandwich wasn't just delicious it was HUGE. I had to take half of it home. But I have to say- I was disappointed; I got the butt of the bread! I hate butts of bread. Although- the butts were a downer, the Deli Boutique had this delightful candy called Cunchie. Which I did not realize was sold in America! So- all around good experience. I would not recommend bringing a crew with you because there is limited seating. read more

Wow what a great little place! I stopped in here today after getting soaked with a thunderstorm and it turned out to be a great surprise! I got the Barcelona Sandwich and some couscous salad. Both of which were excellent. The desserts there looked VERY good, but sadly I didn't try any. If you're in need of a quick bite to eat and are looking for something better than a normal run-of-the-mill Subway sub, stop in here. read more

This place rocks! It's super tiny so sitting and eating isn't exactly ideal but they have awesome salads and even better crab cakes (and only for $2.99 each!!! -- super bonus). I wish I lived closer to the area so that I could visit more often. read more

I live about a block from Deli Boutique and have eaten there at least once a week; probably 30 times since they've opened. I stick with the non-panini sandwiches and have had each several times. Every sandwich is distinctly different from the others (Barcelona, Napoli, Bombay, etc) and all are fantastic. Good espresso drinks, too! I'm moving to Wrigleyville in a few months and Deli Boutique is the neighborhood place I'll miss the most. We have food places galore in Chicago, but not many like DB. She'll be missed! read more