Bende

Good Hungarian deli and European fry goods. Also a liquor department. Great place ware house . Hidden gem.
Forgot about this place. Warehouse supplier for European goods.

Service is the negative issue.
I arrived 20 minutes minutes before the 3 pm closing time and took a number, as there were 2 people ahead of me. After about 5 minutes I noticed one person behind the counter start cleaning one of the slicing machines It was now my turn and they would no longer slice meat because they cleaned the machine. I could only get sliced cheese.
Closing time at this deli means the time they walk out and not the time you can get service!

I just bought 10 packages of their Christmas candy called "szaloncukor". $9 for 350gr on his website! I bought it for $11 from one of his retailers. I am okay with the price if it is original and good. BUT! Bende packs these and inside the candies are cheap imitations of the original Hungarian ones in cheap, thin folio with funny aftertaste! He should sell the original in original packages like he did last year. I can't imagine where he got them but I am sure it was sold by a ton. Bende gave the word grid a new meaning! Don't buy them!

Bende is quite a hidden gem. It's a small European grocery (German, Polish, Eastern European) in the middle of an industrial park in Vernon Hills. When we arrived, we were quite puzzled - was this it? Were they even open? (Spoiler - yes and yes - but go early because they close at 3:30)

Inside you'll find a small but comprehensive selection of condiments (tube mustard and mayo!), snacks (paprika chips, hell yes), liqueurs, wine and beers and plenty of locally made sausages. They have a nice deli counter as well with all of those scary head cheese options. In the front is a small beauty section with authentic Nivea, Fa, Herbacin and Penaten - the prices are a little more reasonable than Merz's.

There isn't a bakery department but they do have lovely cake by the slice from a local baker. They do offer authentic Eastern European service, so don't expect smiles or any appreciation for your patronage.

Excellent , authentic European Deli. Good selection of purchased specialty items, as well as a line of smoked meat products and mason glass items of their own production. German Polish and Hungarian customers will feel right at home, and it is a treat for all others! Try some things that look good to you, and you will not be disappointed!

While I've found many local European/Mexican grocery stores carry 'Bende' products I enjoy making a trip out here once in a while. Great selection of Hungarian (and other European such as German) foods and drinks. Prices are descent, the Bende products are cheaper than if you were to buy them at other grocery stores. Deli always seems fresh and very nice variety of spirits and wines including lots of Hungarian ones!

Always had nice interaction with the workers, everyone is very helpful but don't expect super smiley happy faces, typical European service which I don't find anything wrong with! Owners are usually on site too in case you have any questions or would like to make a special order for platters or other things.

I recommend checking this place out as you don't find any other strictly Hungarian shops or establishments in the general area.

Great to have a Deli/outlet for German and Eastern European foods. Love the sausage and Cheeses. They carry a few Stieglemeir and Konneman products which we really like We find the old world cookies tough to pass up and usually leave with a case of German beer and a couple bottles of liquers you don't find in most places. If your German, Polish or Hungarian it's sorta visit. I believe the do a lot of online business I think the store as a wider selection and fresh meats and cheeses as well.

i haven't been to the vernon hills location, as it's quite a drive. we had one in glen ellyn for awhile, and it was fabulous. was so sorry to see it close.

A great place for European products, great employees treating you like family. Highly recommend

FYI. During the COVID out break, their hours have changed. They currently are not open on Sunday or Monday. Call to make sure they are open before making a trip there