If you’re from Chicago—or just obsessed with dessert—you’ve probably heard of Eli’s Cheesecake. And if you haven’t? Oh man, you’re in for something sweet. It’s not just another dessert brand. This is Chicago-style cheesecake royalty. Thick, creamy, a little fluffy but not too much, and somehow... just perfect.
But before we get lost in the taste (which honestly happens quickly), let’s talk about what makes Eli’s Cheesecake such a big deal. From its one-of-a-kind texture to its wild journey from steakhouse dessert to national icon, this cheesecake is anything but average.
Alright, let’s clear something up first. Eli’s Cheesecake is not your typical New York-style situation. Chicago-style cheesecake has its own vibe. It’s baked longer and slower, which gives it a golden brown crust and a rich, creamymiddle that’s a little lighter and more whipped than the super-dense NY stuff.
Eli’s takes it up a notch with their signature shortbread cookie crust. Not graham cracker. Shortbread. That buttery crunch on the bottom hits differently. The filling? Cream cheese, eggs, sour cream—blended until smooth and baked till just set. It’s got structure, but it melts like a dream. There’s a reason this thing became the blueprint for what a Chicago-style cheesecake should be.
So how did this whole Eli’s Cheesecake craze even start? Credit goes to Eli Schulman. Back in the '60s, he opened a restaurant in Chicago called Eli’s The Place for Steak. The food was solid, but it was the cheesecake that stole the show.Celebs like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. were fans, and when word spreads through that kind of crowd... you’re onto something.
Eli kept tweaking the recipe until it was just right. In 1980, his son Marc brought Eli’s Cheesecake to the first-ever Taste of Chicago fest. People lost their minds. That one move turned the cheesecake from a steakhouse secret into a citywide obsession.
From there, it blew up. Eli’s Cheesecake became its own company. They built a huge bakery—now known as Eli’s Cheesecake World—on the northwest side of the city. And today, the Schulman family is still running the show, keeping it all in Chicago.
Craving a slice yet? Yeah, same. Luckily, Eli’s Cheesecake is super easy to get your hands on now.
Wherever you get it, it’s the same legendary recipe. You just have to try not to eat the whole thing in one sitting. (Good luck.)
Not sure what to get someone for their birthday? Housewarming? Breakup recovery? Say it with cheesecake.
Eli’s Cheesecake makes it weirdly easy to be the best gift-giver ever. Here’s what they’ve got:
These all ship out fresh and frozen. You can even schedule the delivery date. Honestly, if someone shipped me an Eli’s Cheesecake outta nowhere, I’d forgive just about anything.
Feel like getting your bake on? Eli’s has you covered there, too. They’ve dropped a bunch of official recipes on their site for the home bakers out there who wanna try making magic from scratch (or close to it).
A few favs:
You don’t need to be a pro. Just grab some cream cheese, trust the process, and don’t forget to lick the spoon.
Eli’s Cheesecake is more than just dessert. It’s a slice of Chicago’s history, a family legacy, and honestly? A good day in cake form. From its humble steakhouse roots to being shipped nationwide in fancy boxes, Eli’s still feels personal. Still feels local. Still tastes exactly the way you hope it does.
If you’ve never tried Eli’s Cheesecake, this is your sign. Grab a fork. You’ve got some catching up to do.