Alef Sausage & Deli

Let me preface my review by saying I have spent much of my life surrounded by Russian people and culture (first generation American with parents from the former USSR) and am married into a Russian family. I am no stranger to Russian personalities and business approaches. My biggest misfortune is that despite spending so much time around Russian people, I do not speak Russian myself.
First off, Alef is a sausage and salami producer. This is a factory store of sorts for their meats. Their products are far and above superior to most other Eastern European salami and sausage products. Their salami (all varieties) is awesome. You can get their products at a variety of grocery stores including Garden Fresh next door.
In addition to Alef brand products, they sell a large variety of different meats, cheeses, teas, bread, deserts, snacks, drinks (Kvas, tarhun, Buratino) and prepared Russian soups, salads and foods. You can stock up on just about most food products here. Their prepared Russian food is not as good as other Russian deli’s.
My biggest issue with Alef is the attitude of their employees. I am not one to be offended by the no nonsense Eastern European attitude (see my Deli 4 u review). I want to see places like this do well. Unfortunately, most American patrons are instantly put off when they come in, don’t speak Russian and are glared at by Alef’s employees. What’s worse is that I know Russian speakers who complain about the employee attitudes. I have encountered a couple instances where their deli employees brush me off because I speak English.
Russian business people are driven by making money and for those of you oblivious to the former USSR, people weren’t compensated for hard work. If Alef is to get reviews and positive word of mouth reviews between customers in the north/​northwest suburbs, an attitude adjustment and a rethinking of approach may be necessary. As the influx of Eastern European people slows, businesses like Alef need to adapt to their environment. Having a touch of customer service and a pleasant, welcoming attitude will go a long way to make Alef a name recognized by all walks of life and by future generations. Unless that happens, I’m afraid to say in the next ten years, the store front for the sausage production company known as Alef probably won’t survive. Other Russian deli’s are figuring it out. I’ll still go to Alef if I need a quick fix for Russian food but if I have time, I will take my business elsewhere.

I’m a big fan of this store. Go in there often for «pirozhki» and «chebureki». Thank Goodness I do not leave nearby and only stop by there occasionally. I’d just blow up on all there deliciousnesses. They also make there own sausages of all kinds and always sell them fresh. Have not tried anything I did not like yet. They have an impeccable reputation for fresh homemade food and meat delicatessen.

Half of the staff doesn’t speak English. Once they realize you don’t speak their language you will get this look of disgust. Aside from all of that, only some things are fresh and the rest is frozen. For the prices you are better off going to Wheeling or Schaumburg for the fresh stuff.

My boyfriend and I often go to this store for their desserts (cake) they’re really good, they have a variety. I think the owners (I suppose) are kind and I don’t speak Russian or am. Anyway, I like this place. It can be pricey too.

Tried their cold cuts, red caviar, salads, thanksgiving turkey, and a few cakes — all were excellent; exceeded expectations. Give them a try, you won’t be disappointed.

A medium sized European Deli, with a fairly decent selection of goods. I know next to nothing about Eastern European products but I saw alot of neat looking things and several delicious looking lunch meats and sausages. I did try their Polish sausage and the smoked pork loin, both really good.

Very friendly place with a lot of Eastern European products. The ladies behind the counter will let you try just about everything and are very helpful (although they speak very little English). Decent prices as well.

Its a great Eastern European deli. They make their own sausages, and they have a decent selection of cheeses and cured fish. In the back of the store they have variety of refrigerated and frozen ready to eat soups, salads, and main course items. I find it fascinating that they were able to recreate traditional Russian «gastranom» in Mundelein. Their baked goods are yummy and fresh, and you can find almost everything that would make feel like you’re back home.