SOUTH LOOP — Like its neighborhood, Manny's Deli is changing.
The iconic cafeteria that's served the South Loop for decades is opening a new deli and coffee shop next door Tuesday, one with La Colombe coffee, new types of lox and plenty of sweets.
The new deli is part of a total renovation for the old-school restaurant, 1141 S. Jefferson St., which first opened at Roosevelt and Jefferson in 1964. The changes took eight months and are coming amid a swarm of new developments nearby including high-rise towers and a new Portillo's.
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"It's cool to be a fourth-generation business and see the changes in the neighborhood," owner Dan Raskin said. "We don't want to change the food and feeling of the restaurant; we just want to upgrade."
Since then political figures including mayors Richard J. and Richard M. Daley, Rahm Emanuel, President Barack Obama and strategist David Axelrod have frequented Manny's over the years. Former Governor Pat Quinn notably took a victory lap at the deli after getting elected in 2010.
A man orders lunch Monday at Manny's Deli. [All photos by DNAinfo/David Matthews]
The new Manny's cafe will serve classic Jewish deli fare including corned beef sandwiches, bagels with lox spread, and treats such as frosted cookies. It will also be open on Sundays, a first for Manny's, from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Raskin declined to disclose renovation costs, but he said the project replaced "all the finishes" in the cafeteria, including its ceiling, floor, and chairs. The deli also doubled the size of its salad bar and is rolling out all-day breakfast soon, Raskin said.
The new deli is replacing a former auto supply store and other retailers Manny's took over. Check out the slideshow above or scroll down below for a first look at Manny's new deli:
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