Last fall, Chicago magazine published its best 50 sandwich list. Cursed with depression and the want to eat the entire contents of my refrigerator with a side of bread and butter I thought what better challenge to lift my spirits than to try to eat them all?
SO….Over the past several months I have made sandwiches a priority in my life. People, this is not an easy task. From restaurant closings, fires and sandwiches that sucked “seasonal menu items”…. eating all of these sandwiches has been work. What started out as “OMG I can’t wait to try” turned into…”what is left on the list, where is it, is it open, do they have other consumable food?”
By the time spring rolled around and I was out of the dumps, I was about half way through the list and made a considerable commitment so I was compelled finish. If there is one thing that I am, it’s stubborndetermined. I may have put on 20+ pounds, but that was no reason for me to stop and not finish my project, Dang it!
I’m glad to say that I did it. I completed the list. Some sandwiches were great, some….not so much.
My next challenge? Nothing that involves meat between two slices of bread!! I think it will be more along the lines of lose the 20+ lbs that I gained and come up with my own list…. the top 50 BIG SALADs in Chicago. I’ve got to be honest; I’m a salad girl at heart.
#1-BLT
Old Oak Tap
2109 W. Chicago Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: The B is applewood smoked—nice and snappy. The L is arugula—fresh and peppery. The T is a fried green slice—jacketed in cornmeal and greaseless. Slathered with pimiento cheese, the grilled ciabatta somehow stays crisp, providing three distinct layers of crunch. Truly inspired.
What I have to say: So good, I neglected to ask Charlie if he wanted a bite. I had no intention of giving Charlie a bite..it was that good.
#2-Fried Bologna
Au Cheval
800 W. Randolph St.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Thought your bologna-eating days had retired with your lunchbox? Luscious house-cured mortadella dotted with black pepper, sliced thin, and piled into layers on a spongy brioche bun should put you right back in the game. No thermos necessary.
What I have to say – Au Cheval has a name it’s B-O-L-O-G-N-A!!!
#3 Woodland Mushroom
Xoco
445 N. Clark St.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Leave it to Rick Bayless and crew to come up with a vegetarian sandwich—garlicky roasted mushrooms commingling with tangy goat cheese and sharp arugula—as satisfying as the rest of the meat-packed menu. The three-chili salsa is a must-drizzle.
What I have to say: There is a reason Rick Bayless won Top Chef Masters. My only disappointment is that they were out of the Chicharrones that I also ordered. They subbed Chips and Guac that were great.
#4- Roast Beef
Al’s Deli
914 Noyes St., Evanston
What Chicago Magazine had to say: The Francophile brothers behind this deli, which has been in the family for 63 years, have turned simple ingredients into a sophisticated sandwich that balances savory and sweet: just rare roast beef, fresh tomato, Swiss cheese, and homemade béarnaise sauce on a buttery croissant.
What I have to say: Where’s the Beef?
In all fairness, they were out of Croissants so I had it on baguette. The bread over powered the sandwich. What beef was there was really good though. The other sandwiches WILL bring me back. Smoked Salmon and Brie..YES PLEASE. AND the Salted Carmel Macron was beyond good.
#5- PB&L
Publican Quality Meats
825 W. Fulton Mkt.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: When this place opened in February, it quickly rose to the top tier with its refined roster of sandwiches. Take, for instance, the one with grilled housemade pork belly and lamb sausage. It’s sprinkled with feta, cilantro, and sweet and spicy pipérade and tucked into a toasted, buttered lobster roll. It’s like the quarterback on a team packed with future Hall-of-Famers.
What I have to say : Pork Belly- Good. Lamb -Good. Sausage- Good. Feta -Cheese Good. Toasted Butter Roll- Good.
All together in harmony as a sandwich…EXCELLENT.
#6- Belgian Chicken Curry Salad
Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter
100 E. Walton St.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: The mom-and-pop aesthetic is a yeast-scented breath of fresh air in glitzy Streeterville, and the bakery turns out one gorgeous chicken salad. Chewy Belgian country bread encapsulates pulled chicken breast sauced with a delicate housemade curry.
What I have to say: I wanted more of the superb chicken salad on the fresh and crusty county bread.
#7- Meatball Sub
Bari
1120 W. Grand Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say:No condiments, no fuss, just saucy meatballs (from the owners’ 80-year-old family recipe) on a crunchy Upper Crust roll, provolone optional. Sure, this Italian-heavy stretch of Grand Avenue is paved with meatballs—but at lunch the line starts and ends here.
What I had to say: What is not to like about a meatball sub?
#8- Smoked Salmon Salad
Birchwood Kitchen
2211 W. North Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Birchwood’s sandwich-slinging virtuosos consistently wow us with their seasonal menus. This time around, they’ve put a fallish slant on salmon salad, adding subtle notes of squash, red onion, sage, and chopped arugula to the mix and smooshing it inside a buttery, toasted sesame bagel.
What I have to say: This was good, really good. I’d go back just to get this kinda good. The buttery, toasted sesame bagel made this sandwich stand out.
#9- Atomica
CemitasCemitas Puebla
3619 W. North Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Standing three inches high, the Atomica is something to behold. It’s also a finely tuned blend of textures and spices: Krakus ham, guajillo pork loin, breaded milanesa, avocado, and Oaxacan cheese. For an extra kick, sprinkle salsa over the multitiered meat fiesta.
What I have to say –DYNOMITE!
#10- Grilled Laughing Bird Shrimp and Fried Oyster Po’ Boy
Nana
3267 S. Halsted St.,
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Grilled Laughing Bird shrimp and fried oyster po’ boy, Nana Will it be shrimp? Or, gee, the oysters? In Cajun country, you are forced to choose. So bless Bridgeport, where the friendly organic joint Nana packs a meal-and-a-half-size baguette with both—grilled Laughing Bird shrimp, perfectly fried oysters—and, for good Midwestern measure, adds housemade giardiniera.
What I have to say : The shrimp and oysters were perfectly cooked. This well-seasoned sandwich was good but for $15 they could at least throw a few potato chips, fries or slaw on the plate.
#11 Ham and Raclette Panino
Lula Café
2537 N. Kedzie Blvd.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: A crusty ciabatta bun is a flavorsome sponge for oozing Swiss cheese, rich egg yolk, and mustard with sweet-and-sour bursts of black currant. Smoky cured ham seals the deal.
What I have to say: Ham, cheese and a fried egg—what is not to like.
#12 Breaded Steak
Ricobene’s
Multiple locations
What Chicago Magazine had to say: This is what put Ricobene’s on the map: breaded skirt steak topped with housemade meat sauce on a crusty Turano French roll and finished with your choice of cheese and peppers. It’s juicy and sloppy, and you will finish every last bite.
What I have to say: Drunken food that almost tastes good sober. Defiantly add cheese and hot peppers.
#13 The Hawkeye
Frog n Snail
3124 N. Broadway
What Chicago Magazine had to say: We didn’t expect a Man v. Food–esque behemoth on Dale Levitski’s menu, but there it was: a shiny egg bun dripping grease from its delectable pan-fried and ground pork innards. And ten minutes later, there it wasn’t.
What I have to say: Delicious! The pickles make this dish awesome. FYI, this sandwich is meant for sharing unless you have been on a 5 day juice fast. IT.IS.HUGE.
#14 Chicken Dip
Crosby’s Kitchen
3455 N. Southport Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Luscious nuggets of white meat from the kitchen’s rotisserie stand in for the French dip’s usual fatty beef. Swathed in melted Jack cheese and heaped with tomato, onion, and arugula, they fold it into a soft-crisp baguette with authority. The jus is just window dressing.
What I have to say: I’m going to be honest, I was doubting this one and then I tasted the really moist and delicious chicken. Well done, Crosby’s Kitchen, Well done.
#15 Lobster Roll
Acadia
1639 S. Wabash Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: In a town that recently discovered the joys of lobster rolls, nobody does them better than Ryan McCaskey. He flies in fresh crustaceans from Maine daily, poaches them, sprinkles them with paprika and chives, and cradles them in buttery grilled rolls. From the Atlantic to your belly in 24 hours.
What I have to say: Lobster is cooked perfectly and the bun is toasted and buttery. It’s a perfect lobster roll sans an ocean view.
#16 Wild Boar Sloppy Joe
Longman & Eagle
2657 N. Kedzie Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: With its toasted brioche, peppery pickled jalapeños, crispy onions, and fried sage, this Joe is a man-size wowzer spilling over with tender, spicy ground boar. It’s better to cheat and use silverware than let any meaty morsels get away.
What I have to say: This is one SLOPPY sloppy joe. But Damn, it’s good…and spicy.
#17 Turkey Club
Eggy’s
333 E. Benton Pl.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Cut in quarters and stabbed with cellophaned toothpicks, this turkey club on whole-wheat toast gets everything right, especially the thick slices of juicy turkey. Love the red onion, and the smear of housemade cilantro mayo is brilliant.
What I have to say: I waited over 30 minutes for carry out in a restaurant that was only at half capacity. All this for an average turkey club. The red onion was a nice twist.
#18 Corned Beef
Manny’s
1141 S. Jefferson St.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: The most famous deli sandwich in Chicago is also the gold standard: a sliced-to-order spectacle of salty-sweet meat that’s so tender, juicy, and lean you’ll savor it, sans the mild rye or the mustard, using only your fork.
What I have to say: A sliced meat sandwich from Manny’s never disappoints. Warm and juicy corned beef, mustard and fresh rye bread is simply delicious. Only a wimp would use a fork though.
#19 Falafel
Old Jerusalem
1411 N. Wells St.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: The fritters of mashed chickpeas are perfectly cooked and seasoned—no burnt balls here. Fresh tomatoes and lettuce and creamy tahini sauce only add to the tastiness.
What I have to say: Great fritters, shitty pita.
#20 Crab Cake
Mindy’s HotChocolate
1747 N. Damen Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: In these parts, crab cakes are always a gamble. Mindy Segal’s sandwich hits the jackpot with its perfectly round patty that boasts a high crab-to-filler ratio, a spread of zesty giardiniera tartar sauce, and a house made brioche bun gleaming with butter.
What I have to say: Crab cakes are hit or miss, especially in the Midwest. This crab cake made a fine showing. Very crabby and not a lot of breadcrumbs. The tarter sauce complimented the cake and didn’t over power the flavor of the crab.
#21-Chicken Schnitzel
Olga’s Delicatessen
3209 W. Irving Park Rd.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: A no-frills thrill, the schnitzel is a classic sandwich (white bread, tomato, lettuce, cheese, mayo, onion) made special by Olga’s Old World touch, which creates an experience as familiar and personal as dinner at Grandma’s.
What I have to say: From the floors, to shelves, to the work area where your sandwich is made this place is dirty. NO, this place if filthy. I will give Olga some credit, the sandwich is LOADED with Schnitzel. Eat if fast because it does not travel well.
#22 Shawarma
Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen
Multiple locations
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Dawali’s filling shawarma escapes a common problem—the seasoned lamb-beef combo is in just the right proportion to the tahini sauce, greens, cucumbers, and pita bread.
What I have to say: This was a nothing special shawarma sandwich. Don’t get me wrong, it was shawarma so it was good, just nothing special or excellent about it.
#23 Toasted Pimiento Cheese
Big Jones
5347 N. Clark St.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Not the gooiest but definitely the kickiest grilled cheese around, thanks to the genius who thought to melt local heirloom pimientos right into the tangy cheddar. Chow-chow made with sautéed onions, cabbage, and peppers adds to the glow it leaves in your mouth. You’ll fall for the toasted marbled rye, too.
What I have to say: Pleasantly surprised by this sandwich. The chow-chow added the perfect hit of acid.
#24 Vegetarian Panino
La Pane
2954 W. Irving Park Rd.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: La Pane might be known for pizza, but it offers a veggie panino with a punch. The power is in the piquant green pesto, made from peppers imported from Serbia, which is also delish on a freshly baked croissant.
What I have to say: Best veggie sandwich on the list. Very hearty and perfect for splitting if you not very hungry. I also enjoyed the magazines to muse while eating.
#25 Cali Chèvre
Pastoral
Multiple locations
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Sometimes you come across a sandwich with a combination of fillings so wacky it works. For example, why would anyone put avocado, goat cheese, spiced almond butter, celery, and red onions on a baguette? We love it—whatever the reason.
What I have to say: Awesome filling if you can chew though the “artisan” bread.
#26- Pastrami
Max’s Deli
191 Skokie Valley Rd., Highland Park
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Pastrami is the bacon of deli meats—a succulent, salty guilty pleasure that’s rarely described as lean. Max’s must have a surgeon working in the kitchen because we’ve never seen pastrami this svelte and tender. And the juice from the warm meat soaks into the chewy rye bread.
What I have to say: The 35 minute drive home from Max’s Deli to eat this sandwich was torture as the smell of Pastrami filled my car. The pastrami was excellent (and I did carry out). It was moist and not overly salty. The bread was also wonderfully fresh.
#27- The Fredo
Lucky’s Sandwich Co.
Multiple locations
What Chicago Magazine had to say: This hulk—which stacks copious amounts of coleslaw and salty skin-on fries over layers of Italian deli meats and cold provolone on white—admits very few to the Clean Plate Club.
What I have to say: Meat- plentiful, Bread- soft and fresh, Slaw – tangy and tasty, French fries- limp, greasy and completely unnecessary!
#28-Smoked Ham
City Provisions
1818 W. Wilson Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Each element of this highfalutin deli delight—smoky ham, pungent Gruyère, mayo studded with chunks of apple and onion, a robust oatmeal rosemary baguette—is special enough to squelch your remorse about dropping the big bucks on it.
What I have to say: City Provisions sustainability was well, unsustainable. The deli closed in February. I’ll never know if this was really worth the price.
#29- Jibarito
Papa’s Cache Sabroso
2517 W. Division St.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Two razor-thin fried plantains—crispy, not starchy—hold in place the sweet grilled onions, well-seasoned strips of beef, and a white cheese mild enough not to overwhelm a lilt of garlic. It’s a true original: a cheesesteak-inspired jibarito.
What I have to say: Ask for beef, get chicken. Regardless, I enjoyed it very much but I didn’t appreciate it fighting with me at 3:00 am. Oh, pass the Pepcid.
#30- Shaved Prime Rib
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
218 W. Kinzie St.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Any respectable diner offers this humblest of sandwiches, the French dip. At his interpretation of a French steak house, Brendan Sodikoff flips the paradigm by serving one with succulent prime rib and a gravy boat full of jus. It’s like a French dip in the witness protection program.
What I have to say: This sandwich was pretty delicious, but it should be for 18 bones. Great bread and juicy meat filling make this sandwich a winner. FYI, it pairs well with a glass of Malbec.
#31- Serrano ham and Manchego cheese
Hannah’s Bretzel
Multiple locations
What Chicago Magazine had to say: A perpetually jammed workday lunch stop has no right turning out such beautifully marbled sliced-to-order ham. Nor should it top said ham with such thick and tasty fig chutney and encase it in an ultrafresh pretzel baguette.
What I have to say: It’s missing something. I’m not sure what but, something would make this sandwich go from eh okay to great.
#32- Tuna Salad
La Fournette
1547 N. Wells St.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Pierre Zimmermann claims to be a fourth-generation French baker. One bite of his housemade multigrain baguette laced with flax, sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin seeds convinced us. Glad he’s not too proud to stuff it with a light and creamy tuna salad with sprouts and capers.
What I have to say: The capers add the right amount of tang. This is one excellent tuna salad sandwich.
#33- Paramount Reuben
Paramount Room
415 N. Milwaukee Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Briny lean brisket, kraut, and melted Gruyère neatly packaged between two thick slices of toasted marble rye can be a mighty attractive alternative to the classic mountain of corned beef.
What I have to say: My bread was still slightly frozen which pretty much ruined the sandwich but the tempura green beans were FREAKING AWESOME.
#34- The Istanbul
Melt Sandwich Shoppe
1840 N. Damen Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Sweet figs, salt-speckled bread, and smoky Gouda are an answered prayer from the lunch gods. As is the price of this oversize, splittable Turkish delight.
What I have to say: Another sandwich shop bites the dust.
#35 B.A.D.
Floriole Cafe & Bakery
1220 W. Webster Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: The silky smooth almond-date spread makes this a standout. No, wait, it’s that perfect bacon. Actually, it could be the wonderfully grainy housemade cornmeal bread. Whatever. This sandwich doesn’t live up to its name.
What I have to say: Sweet, salty, rich and crispy…this sandwich has it all. The best bacon sandwich I’ve ever had.
#36 Duck Confit and Mozzarella
First Slice Pie Café
5357 N. Ashland Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Duck is not your typical sandwich meat, but First Slice’s panino—a wonderland of blistery mozzarella, mushrooms, grilled red onions, and sun-dried tomato spread—overflows with hunks and slivers of duck confit. Ethereal and glorious.
What I have to say: Duck and mushrooms swimming in melted mozzarella, need I say more? It’s ooey gooey deliciousness.
#37- Croque Monsieur
Troquet
1834 W. Montrose Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Not fair that Parisians are so famously skinny, with grilled cheese like this at their disposal—hefty with ham, oozy with Swiss and béchamel, a feast on crusty sourdough bread. With frites, bien sûr.
What I have to say: This was good, really good. So good, I would make a return visit good.
#38-Green Garbanzo
Grahamwich
615 N. State St.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: With chewy strips of preserved lemon rind, moist couscous studded with bright garbanzo beans and pine nuts, and a squishy flatbread encasement, this vegetarian pick has serious star power. Just like Graham Elliot, the splashy chef who oversees the joint.
What I have to say: Could not have been that good if it wasn’t on the menu when I went to order it not to mention that Grahamwich is now closed.
#39- The Hen House
Saigon Sisters
Multiple locations
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Caramelized chunks of dark and white meat chicken meld with a lemongrass-ginger marinade, and the ever-important baguette attains the flawless combo of chewy and crusty, ensuring that this banh mi rules the roost.
What I have to say: The chicken was a bit on the dry side but very flavorful. I still personally prefer a traditional banh mi (mmmmm pate). I think the true sandwich gem at Saigon Sisters is the pork belly Bao, flavorful and delicious.
#40- Tuscan Chicken
Rosalia’s
241 N. York Rd., Elmhurst
What Chicago Magazine had to say: When a boneless chicken breast is dripping with jus, somebody did something right. It’s crammed into a grilled sourdough roll from Biondillo Bakery along with mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and pesto ranch dressing. Damn right.
What I have to say: Good bread + moist chicken + great seasoning = excellent sandwich! The staff is also super friendly.
#41 The Marty
Z&H MarketCafe
1323 E. 57th St.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: The generous application of muhammara—a zesty Middle Eastern spread involving peppers, ground walnuts, and pomegranate molasses—elevates this panino of grilled eggplant and tomatoes with Muenster cheese on herbed focaccia.
What I have to say: This was really tasty but I felt like it needed a spicy kick. A touch of hariasa would be prefect.
#42 Whitefish
Market House on the Square
655 Forest Ave., Lake Forest
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Could a sandwich sound more unsexy? Hardly. But this thick, juicy breaded fillet—all dolled up with sweet chili vinaigrette, shallots, and basil—is a player. Ditto for the irresistible fries.
What I have to say: My fish was far from thick and juicy. I had three tiny fillets of fish on a heavy brioche roll. It made for A LOT of bread and breading. The sweet chili vinaigrette with basil and fresh tomatoes were very good and made this sandwich not suck.
#43- Oat Bread, Pecan Butter, and Fruit Jam
Elaine’s Coffee Call
Hotel Lincoln, 1816 N. Clark St.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: The chalkboard menu is ambiguous about whether this pressed-to-order snack (in which housemade jam crafted from Green City Market fruit seeps from between freshly baked oat bread) is meant for breakfast or lunch, so we’ll just order it every time we’re in the neighborhood.
What I have to say: The first time I went to get this sandwich (10 am on a Saturday morning) it was sold out (yes a PBJ Sandwich sold out?). When I finally had the sandwich I thought, where is the Pecan Butter? It was one big blueberry jam sandwich. It was good but for $7, I’ll go buy my own Pecan Butter and Blueberry Jelly and make this myself.
#44- Cauliflower Melt
Marion Street Cheese Market
Marion St., Oak Park
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Who says veggie sandwiches are healthy? This beefy number is indulgent and delightfully greasy. Thick browned cauliflower drips with zippy cheddar and plentiful curry aïoli; soak it (and your guilt) up with toasted multigrain bread.
What I have to say: Meh…this sandwich kinda sucked.
#45- Cubano
Cafecito
What Chicago Magazine had to say: The success of this sandwich, a Cuban tradition with shredded pork, glazed ham, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard, and pickles, rests with the bread. Cafecito’s simple white slices are crisp around the edges and spongy within: perfect bookends for a grilled sandwich.
What I have to say: This sandwich should be in the top 10, if not the top 5. This is Cuban sandwich perfection.
#46- Kufta
Chickpea
2018 W. Chicago Ave.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Nestled within the freshest, chewiest pita pocket our teeth have ever met, twin logs of impeccably spiced ground lamb and beef mingle with grill-marked tomatoes, green peppers, and onions. With a crown of smooth tahini sauce, it’s a kebab fit for a sheikh.
What I have to say: The pita did not stand up to the awesomeness of the inside. Perhaps I doused it in too much tahini which weakened the pita infrastructure. No worries, I just ate it with a fork and knife.
#47- Debbie’s Egg Salad
The Goddess and Grocer
25 E. Delaware Pl.
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Nothing quite satisfies the comfort food hunger like some unfussy egg salad on multigrain toast. With no more than a dash of salt, a sprinkle of pepper, and a dollop of Dijon, this one is a testament to the sheer power of simplicity.
What I have to say: Egg salad done right! Though, the bread could have been sturdier. Make sure to add onion if you’re an onion lover.
#48 Beef Curry
Zenwich
416 N. York St., Elmhurst
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Proof positive that sandwiches have surpassed pizza as the most versatile meal on the planet: Zenwich packs the makings of beef curry into a ciabatta roll—potatoes, pulled beef, carrots, onions, curry gravy, and all. Sloppy and satisfying.
What I have to say: this place would have a line around the corner if it was in the city. I was totally in Zen eating this sloppy flavorful creation.
#49- Le Végétarien
Toni Patisserie
65 E. Washington St.,
What Chicago Magazine had to say: Toni Cox spreads rich white bean hummus on a baguette and loads it up with soft roasted red peppers, baby spinach, red onions, and a splash of tomato vinaigrette. Standard veggie fare? Perhaps. But when the components soak into the bread, this sandwich becomes epic.
What I have to say: Epic is a bit overkill there Chicago Magazine. It was above average and I appreciated the very fresh baby spinach.
#50 The Gatsby
Phoebe’s Bakery
3351 N. Broadway
What Chicago Magazine had to say: The best thing about Phoebe’s panini is the crunchy multigrain bread. Steer clear of the cheese-heavy varieties and go for the Gatsby, with roasted chicken, provolone, and a lovely, light pesto mayo dipping sauce.
What I have to say: Another one bites the dust. Phoebe’s is closed and I’ll be honest, this sandwich looked like every other average chicken panini. I don’t think I missed much.
This article appeared in the November 2012 issue of Chicago magazine.
Link to original article: http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/November-2012/Best-Sandwiches-Chicago/
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