Gapers Block has ceased publication.

Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
 Thank you for your readership and contributions. 

TODAY

Friday, March 29

Gapers Block
Search

Gapers Block on Facebook Gapers Block on Flickr Gapers Block on Twitter The Gapers Block Tumblr


Fuel

karen / April 5, 2006 1:54 PM

avocado....period.

Stephen / April 5, 2006 1:57 PM

A good sandwich always begins and ends with good bread.

So many good sandwiches out there, too. But, nearing perfection (in my opinion) is Handlebar's "Green Meanie": sliced avocado, feta-herb spread, spinach, tomato, sprouts & honey mustard. But it's the bread they toast for it that makes it (and me) complete.

allie / April 5, 2006 1:57 PM

love, of course. i'm partial to the sandwiches at milk & honey. shame i have this "job" that interferes with weektime indulging.

Nat / April 5, 2006 2:05 PM

I'm not going to try to justify it as a favorite, or even as better than any other sandwich, but the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co makes a hell of a sandwich in a real old-school way: lots of oil, anchovies, marinated peppers.

At least until Eleven City Diner works out some kinks, Manny's pastrami on an onion bialy is king.

MikeH / April 5, 2006 2:14 PM

Mustard and swiss cheese usually find their way into many of the sandwiches I make...

miami grad / April 5, 2006 2:16 PM

chicago bagel authority.....steamed!

Naz / April 5, 2006 2:31 PM

Samuel's Deli on Broadway, just south of Cornelia across from Trasure Island is a classic Jewish deli. Lots of good sliced meats on normal rye (no overly large supersize loafs here) with slaw and dressing.

They also have fresh bialy's the only place in the city I know that has them. Their bag of day old bagels for 35 cents can't be beat either.

I'm actually pretty partial to Philly's Best's oven grinders -- lots of varieties and good toppings and styles.

I think a good sandwich is all about good bread, quality and fresh ingredients. not the kitchen sink necessarily -- some of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I've ever had were simply good sourdough with two or three types of quality cheese with some eggplant or tomato thrown in for good measure.

Naz / April 5, 2006 2:32 PM

Addendum: the grilled cheese sandwich at Einstein's Bagels of all places is actually pretty damn good: cheedar on wheat, with a veggie schmear and tomatoes.

miss ellen / April 5, 2006 2:46 PM

lil' guys makes some great stuff, as they roast all the meats onsite for sandwiches. you can also buy stuff by the lb. & create your own.

i personally love that the "house" bread is hawaiian bread; the chicken salad on house bread with some honey mustard --- yummmm!

Carrie / April 5, 2006 2:46 PM

Avocado was my answer, too. cheese, avocado, sprouts, tomatoes and something like mustard or a nice dressing so it doesn't stick to the roof of your mouth= tasty. Not sure where to get that, but that's my idea of perfection.

I just moved by Handlebar, I can't wait to try the sandwich you mentioned Stephen. Thanks for the tip!

runningboy93 / April 5, 2006 2:46 PM

Ashkenaz. I have to disagree with Naz' comments about Samuel's Deli on Broadway. Thought they were a pale comparison to a real NY deli. If you're looking for great pastrami on rye or corned beef, or even tasty lox and a schmear on an onion bagel, I heartily endorse Ashkenaz on Cedar in the Gold Coast.

Nat / April 5, 2006 2:54 PM

Samuel's staff is too friendly to ever be mistaken for New York-anything.

p / April 5, 2006 3:05 PM

Bari Deli on Grand.
Peppo's near Bridgeview courthouse.
PorkChop Sandwich at the Depot.
Local Option poboys.
Cuban sandwiches are "over-rated".
Avocados are god's gift to all sandwiches.
The quality of a diner is marked by their quality of club sandwich. And/Or Grecian Chicken, but that's another topic.
Oh and Quizno's is some hot garbage.

Mike / April 5, 2006 3:14 PM

The best sandwich I've ever had is, hands-down, the Maine "Italian" sandwiches my grandfather made when we used to visit my grandparents in Portland, Maine. The ingredients: sliced deli ham, sliced provolone deli cheese, sour dill pickles, sliced tomato, greek olives, sliced onion, sliced green pepper, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.

The most important ingredient though is the locally-sold soft Amato's Italian bread. Amato's invented the sandwich, but my grandfather put more care into them. I've never been able to find any bread that comes close to Amato's bread.

Equally important is the quantity of each ingredient and how you assemble the sandwich. You have to fold everything together so that each bite contains every ingredient. The sandwich takes a while to make but it is a work of art when it's complete. My grandfather had to write it down years ago so I'd remember, and I still have the card.

A friend of mine lives in NYC and her parents in Maine FedEx her Italian sandwiches.

And, yes, you're right ... it doesn't sound like an Italian sandwich. But to anyone in southern Maine, it is. Here's the story behind it: http://www.amatos.com/about_01.html

josh / April 5, 2006 3:24 PM

The sandwich from the movie 'Spanglish' is pretty good:

bacon, lettuce, tomato, monteray jack cheese, a fried egg, and a little mayo, on toasted bread.

As someone else said, good bread is very key.

C-Note / April 5, 2006 3:24 PM

Yawn... Who gives a shit? Just choose a sandwich and eat. Next question, please...

I have to say, these fuel questions are getting pretty lame.

fluffy / April 5, 2006 3:29 PM

1. avocado, swiss cheese, a bit of refried beans, hot peppers, tomato, shredded lettuce, some garlicky mayonnaise, salt & pepper - all between either 2 slices of healthy 7-grain toasted bread or a super-fresh bolillo (my preference), sliced.

2. chicken in mole sauce from a day or two ago, with some cheese melted on top, a couple of slices on onion (just don't overpower the taste of the mole) - you don't need much else- maybe a squeeze of lime- all in a fresh bolillo. yum.

3. I love egg sandwiches in the morning with really strong, really hot coffee.

All these sandwiches can be had at my house.

JP / April 5, 2006 3:33 PM

I predict that I will continue to not give a rats ass about sandwich's in general. However, since I am a single girl living in Wrigleyville I can only say that if the sandwich shop moved I would not miss the onoxious yuppie Cub fans, eating sandwich's in my gang way, eating chips in front of my house and offering me a bite when I walk my dog.

Erica / April 5, 2006 3:36 PM

Alpine Food Shop in Elmwood Park is head and shoulders above most subs I've ever had. Fresh cheese and meat (and lots of it) on a hearty Italian roll. If Italian beefs are yr thing, though, no one beats another Elmwood Park institution: Johnny's Beef.

Pick Me Up Cafe on Clark rocks my world w/it sammiches when I'm in Wrigleyville.

Believe it or not, Big City Tap on Belmont and Sheffield has a great sandwich menu, too. They use those dang delicious pretzel rolls on some sandwiches. Order the Polish Nachos to start and/or tater tots. You won't leave hungy!

Houlihan's Chicken Balsamic Panini is pretty rad, too, when I'm stuck in the pedway on a Friday and I'm hungee for something between two pieces of bread.

El Cid makes a mean chicken torta.
Salud's El Borracho (pork sandwich) will kick your mouth's ass. :)

fluffy / April 5, 2006 3:38 PM


I'm not a sandwich expert, but there's a place in Ann Arbor called Zingermans. http://www.zingermans.com/deli/menu.pasp

oh.my.god. They're huge, they're delicious, they're not in chicago. :-(

Proactive / April 5, 2006 3:40 PM

C-Note, why don't you send the Gapers people some suggestions if you're so bored? Also, obv. people like talking about sandwiches or else no one would have posted.

robin / April 5, 2006 3:47 PM

I like a quality tuna salad sandwich. One where the tuna is mixed with other ingredients besides mayonnaise. The best I've had is at S3 kitchen in Oak Park. So good, they sell out of it almost every day I try to get one. The not so secret ingredient is diced sour apples. Served on multi-grain bread with side salad of your choice (which are also excellent, my favorite is the mediterranean marinated veggies) it is a delightful and healthy lunch.

Good sandwiches in my home neighborhood are to be had at Beans and Bagels (Rockwell). Stop in and support them while Rockwell Station is closed!

party poopers / April 5, 2006 3:51 PM

C-Nut and JP should make a love sandwich, and have angry bitchy little children. they can live in a neighborhood with one of the biggest tourist/jocks/yuppies attractions and then complain about the fans, complain about their local sandwich shop, and all have PB&J tacos for lunch!

The Ghost of Don Kessenger / April 5, 2006 3:55 PM

JP, dense baseball fans can tell you that the plural of sandwich is sandwiches.

Baldeesh / April 5, 2006 3:56 PM

Mmmmm, love sandwich. I haven't had one of those in awhile...

I'm seeing a pattern ... / April 5, 2006 4:09 PM

04.05.06, 07:26 AM — C-Note said:
Yawn... Who gives a shit? Just choose one and go to sleep. Next question, please...

04.03.06, 10:59 AM — C-Note said:
Jackson- the Pink Line will be distinguishable from the Red Line, just like the Blue from the Purple, primarily because THEY'RE DIFFERENT LINES! THEY GO IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS! They could all be the same color, and it wouldn't fuckin' matter. Just get on the one that goes kind of near where you're going. Do you get confused by the buses, 'cause they're the same color? Jesus.

03.21.06, 04:08 PM — C-Note said:
Hell no I didn't vote. Wouldn't want to encourage the bastards. Voting is for fat-ass bleeding-heart, white-dreadlocked, hippie shitheads like Fluffy and Waleeta. And lemmings.

03.09.06, 10:56 AM — C-Note said:
Inspiration does not exist. Hard work exists. Inspiration is a romantic ideal hatched by myth-makers and people who think creativity is innate or mystical or something. It isn't that at all; it's just hard to do.

03.03.06, 06:52 PM — C-Note said:
I love how they fill up these slow-day cubicle-jockey 'jobs' with retarded white people - it's like another form of welfare for lazy white people.

CarrieD / April 5, 2006 4:13 PM

Props to all of you for not nominating Potbelly's! There's one across the street from my work, and I'm always mystified at the line stretching out the door each day for their bland sandwiches. Bleh.

jp / April 5, 2006 4:20 PM

Man, I need to get a new screen name.

And, erm, I really like Potbelly's sandwiches. Toasted. With mayo and brown mustard. And with a chocolate shake and macaroni salad, pls.

bam / April 5, 2006 4:25 PM

I'll second the Zingerman's recommendation. Some of the best foodstuffs anywhere. I've detoured many miles and driven through blizzards to load up on their foodstuffs. Sure they've got the mail order catalog...but it doesn't smell as good.

Ari's Guide to Good Eating makes some nice reading too.

JP / April 5, 2006 4:43 PM

Hey..... somebody is pretending to be me. I like sandwiches damit!

Naz / April 5, 2006 4:45 PM

runningboy93 - Totally forgot about Ashkenaz! Haven't been there in a few years but I'll second that disagreement. I mentioned it the other day too.

That said -- well, Samuel's isn't a NY-deli but this isn't New York either. I should probably say they're in the style of an NY deli but not an NY deli. C'est la vie.

paul / April 5, 2006 5:01 PM

A sandwich requires meat. If it's just green stuff on bread, it's nothing but a salad served between two large croutons.

For the classic Jewish sandwich, Manny's alternatives are Finkl's Deli and Kaufman's deli in Skokie, who have their own bakery, which definetly makes a good sandwich.

I have not yet been able to find a classic Italian sub that meets my east coast criteria - no crappy bologna, the proper balance of lettuce and thinly sliced onions, and just the right amount of oil and vinegar to make the bread wet, but not soggy. Sub Tender in Forest Park is a decent facsimile.

The Boston Corned Beef and Kerrygold Swiss on dark rye at the Celtic Knot in Evanston is awesome.

My favorite at the moment though is the Paulina Market Brat, at Goose Island. A big-assed brat on a pretzel roll with beer onions sauerkraut and Dusseldorf mustard.

Leelah / April 5, 2006 5:18 PM

a good "egg mayo" can be had in England, where I'll be in two days. I believe I shall partake in one of those....

HuckleCat / April 5, 2006 5:23 PM

I like the design-your-own sandwich option at Bourgeois Pig.

Toasted tomato focaccia, grilled chicken, spinach, tomatoes, munster cheese, red onions, and of course avocado.

mmm...

Moon / April 5, 2006 5:28 PM

I don't know if they still exist, but the fast food joints on North Avenue in Melrose Park used to make the greatest sausage sandwiches and meatball sandwiches ever.

/with Italian gravy

Moon / April 5, 2006 5:30 PM

Naz

I went into Ashkenaz a couple weeks ago and maybe they were having a bad day, but it seemed dumpier and dirtier than I remember from a few years ago. So bad that I walked out.

/Their chicken salad was great.

matty / April 5, 2006 5:46 PM

Jimmy John's. So good. So deliciously good.

matty / April 5, 2006 5:47 PM

oh and the best ham sandwich in the city, hands down, is from Andy's Deli on Division and Paulina (off Ashland). You can gawk at some of the hot polish chicks who make it for you too.

hench / April 5, 2006 7:34 PM

horseradish is the essential.

giardiniara is also the essential.

lots of good sandwiches to choose from in this city... bari is my choice for subs.

sandwiches / April 5, 2006 7:45 PM

i think c-note needs a hug sandwich.

lil' guys is awful. i paid something like $10 for tuna on a roll of some sort and a root beer. the tuna was dry, bland, and was tuna and mayo - that's IT! i'll never go back.

i'm a fan of costello's. and i had a great veggie/avocado/sprouts/pesto mayo sandwich at the daily bar & grill one time.

s / April 5, 2006 7:58 PM

For all you friendsters out there... "Our generation has really done a number on the way society thinks about sandwiches."

Andrew / April 5, 2006 8:13 PM

To the person who is impersonating C-Note and JP (the negative comments above were both the work of one impersonator):

Please stop. Or, barring that, please have the guts to troll under your own name. Your IP has been recorded and will be banned if you continue impersonating people.

Vanessa / April 5, 2006 8:16 PM

Jerry's Sandwiches in the West Loop on Madison are freaking fantastic. Veggie, meat, they're all just bliss...

Justin / April 5, 2006 9:15 PM

I wondered if the strike-throughs were a proto-troll cap. Interesting.

Tomato, cucumber, green leaf or spinach, sprouts, sometimes onion, sometimes avocado, always hummus, on ciabatta* in my kitchen.

* Red Hen clerk: "What?! You want it sliced? Are you sure?" Yes. :)

printdude / April 5, 2006 9:36 PM

I was wondering if Jerry's was still open. They taught me the goodness of a grilled salmon sandwich. I have part of their old chalkboard in my basement.

Jerry's makes damn good sammiches. Can't go wrong there at all.

Clarke / April 5, 2006 9:42 PM

P,B aaaaand...J. Warmed up in the microwave. Ooh yeah.

DebO / April 5, 2006 11:09 PM

Here's another vote for avocado as a key sandwich ingredient. For example, Stella's on N Broadway will make (on request) a BLT with avocado that is just splendid.

I don't think anybody has mentioned Cosi, but this brings me to another key sandwich ingredient: basil. Cosi's TBM (Tomato Basil Mozzarella) and Hummus (with basil!) sandwiches are very satisfying, even if the delicious bread IS a zillion calories.

Sans avocado or basil, the Philly cheesesteak at Philly's Best on Belmont is also pretty perfect...

Steve / April 6, 2006 12:35 AM

Peanut Butter Jelly, of course.

jima / April 6, 2006 8:15 AM

Can't go wrong with good bread and good meat. Also tasty: grilled onions or a nice slab of cheese.

Good sandwiches in town: the horseradish roast beef at Costello's; the pulled pork sandwich at Fat Willy's Rib Shack; and the corned beef from Manny's. I used to go to Finkl's Deli all the time for lunch when I worked near the old location on Milwaukee, but nowadays I get my deli sandwich fix at Ada's on Wabash. And I sometimes take a long walk to get over to Luke's Italian Beef. The exercise during the walk cancels out the negative dietary effects of the sandwich, or at least that's what I tell myself.

Also of interest: the PBS documentary Sandwiches You Will Like, which I found while I was flipping channels a while ago, and had to stop and watch the rest of it. An hour of the best sandwiches from all across the country. By the end of the show, you will be SOOOO hungry. The Chicago representation in the doc: Mr. Beef and Buona Beef.

Oh, and I used to be crazy for the regular Tuna sub from Mr. Submarine. I used to work near the location on N. Wells, and their combination of tuna fish, mayo and onions was just about perfect. For me, at least.

Pat / April 6, 2006 9:03 AM

Peanut butter, banana, and fluff. Fried up preferably. My Kitchen.

Megan / April 6, 2006 9:22 AM

Al's Deli on Noyes street, right near the purple line stop, has great sandwiches. 2 brothers run it, used to belong to their father. Not a huge selection, but what they serve is the very best, made from the freshest meats, cheeses, and breads. "Open every day, exceot on Tuesday, when we are closed."

Leah / April 6, 2006 9:47 AM

I agree with the first person.

Avocados.

Since I got back from Israel, my avocado consumption has quintupled if not more. I'm enjoying them almost everyday.

Somewhere I read that Avocados were nature's mayonaisse and I agree. I put it on burgers, good on a veggie sand with sprouts and tomatos, good on a chicken breast sandwhich. And while I don't eat bacon--the reviews of bacon/avocado sandwiches sound so damn good.

So... avocado and some sort of bread.

slb / April 6, 2006 9:48 AM

good cheese. good bread, of course. it should have some contrast in tastes - sharp cheese, tangy sauce, something to give it interest. some crunch from veggies - sprouts, onions, lettuce, cucumbers, all of those will do.

i've mentioned calliope cafe on lincoln just north of diversey in Fuel before, but i'll mention it again. it's good. their steak grinder is the awesome. also: i do like costello's. irazu has good sandwiches. i second handlebar's green meanie. goddess and grocer on damen in WP has really tasty sandwiches, and cooking fools on north is pretty good too. Trotters to go has some good sandwiches if you are willing to pay like $8 for a tiny little thing, although not all of them are great and there are not enough veggies on them. the steak and blue cheese one is worth it, though. oh - and semiramis on kedzie!!! shawerma special sandwich! i want one right now! cold comfort cafe is pretty good though they never seem to be open when i am around.

i am a big fan of sandwiches. i'm sure i'll think of many others.

joshua / April 6, 2006 10:19 AM

Perry's on Franklin between Lake and Randolph has been around for years and makes some of the best sandwiches in town. their fresh brisket is amazing and you can't beat the friendly service. it's jammed at lunch but well worth the wait. the bread isn't so special (standard deli rye) but everything between the slices will impress the hell out of you.

em / April 6, 2006 10:40 AM

I myself love the BLTA. I once met a new yorker who accused midwesterners of putting bacon on everything. Good thing I'm a midwesterner.

ALSO: does anyone have recommendations on the best italian beef in the city? I have an out of towner I'd like to impress this weekend. I live in Albany Park, but will travel for meat.

Ross / April 6, 2006 11:00 AM

Try the pulled pork at Calvin's on Armitage, but be sure to order it with extra sauce - they never give you quite enough.

I would also like to second Philly's Best, but only if it's the one in the carwash on Milwaukee Ave. There's something great about eating a cheese steak in a carwash that I can't quite put my finger on. Plus the guy who works there is always making cheese steak related jokes. Awesome.

Andrew / April 6, 2006 11:34 AM

em: I recommend Al's #1 on Taylor Street. Superior to Mr. Beef, in my opinion.

mark / April 6, 2006 11:42 AM

zingerman's zee best, you can also order online or from a catalog and get it delievered in two days packed in dry ice...mmmmmm

local
9" great bread freshly sliced italian meats, and giardinera
can only be BARI on grand
and only 4 bucks

bam / April 6, 2006 11:43 AM

Em --

Johnnie's Beef is widely regarded (though not without sprited debate) as the premier Beef & Sausage shop in Chicagoland.

Johnnie's Beef
7500 W North Ave
Elmwood Park, IL

Al's (on Taylor) is also a fine choice, though perhaps not really #1.

Search LTHforum.com for tales of Beefathons I thru V or maybe VI by now -- imagine a couple of carloads of food loving folks driving around and sampling a half-dozen beef shops during an afternoon of gluttony, or should I say research. They've covered a whole lot of turf over the course of these various outings.

Jeremy / April 6, 2006 11:52 AM

The pastrami at Ashkenaz in the Gold Coast is absolutely phenominal. Marbled with just the right amount of fat, and on great rye. I love the atmosphere of this place. Plus, they have fantastic black and white cookies!

Craig / April 6, 2006 12:18 PM

Jerry's makes the only sandwich that matters.

Michael / April 6, 2006 12:39 PM

Sorry to make you all retch, but...

When we were growing up my mom would make us peanut butter and bacon sandwiches on toast. Sounds Presleyian, I know, but a treat.

sammich / April 6, 2006 12:53 PM

capt'n nemo's on ashland and addison. big tasty subs and free tastes of their daily soup. yummers.

matty / April 6, 2006 1:14 PM

(the jp impersonations are hilarious)

fluffy / April 6, 2006 1:36 PM

I like captn nemo's too- there's a sandwich called the mexican that is my favorite.

I don't mean to bring up a touchy subject, but lula's tineka sandwich is good: spicy peanut butter on multigrain bread, tomato, cucumber, red onion, sprouts, sambal, and indonesian sweet soy sauce. Although, I did have the roast turkey sandwich recently, and the bread cut up the roof of my mouth.

At Costello's, the California Turk is great.

This is fun- I can't wait to try Jerry's, Ashkenaz, Al's, BARI's.....

'cheesy' question : what do you think they eat in Sandwich,IL?

annie / April 6, 2006 1:49 PM

Mayonnaise. The worst thing is when you want to make a sandwhich and someone has used all the mayo. And Miracle Whip is for psychos.

annie / April 6, 2006 1:54 PM

I think they eat antiques in Sandwich, IL.

st / April 6, 2006 1:57 PM

Most important fresh bread.

Best Places:

Bari Grocery @ Grand & Racine,
best giardenara ever

Parnell Foods @ 36th & Parnell
good, fresh, and dirt cheap

Luke / April 6, 2006 2:15 PM

I agree with Annie. Like this one time, I went to make a sandwich and my girlfriend had used all of the mayonnaise to make deviled eggs. Man, was I pissed. Then she forgot she used it all and blamed me when she wanted to make a sandwich.

rc / April 6, 2006 2:17 PM

A great sandwich needs great ingredients.

Like Bari's sub sandwich being made with bread from the bakery next door, fine smoked meats, imported provolone and homemade roasted peppers and giardinara mix.

Like Frontera Fresco at Marshall Fields' grilled steak totra with avocado, refried black beans, homemade dressing on the greens, grilled red onions.

Like the chicken salad sandwich at Fox and Obel being served on a homemade potato roll using rotisserie chicken and apples and fresh herbs all bound up in a homemade mayo-like dressing.

slb / April 6, 2006 2:43 PM

Craig- thanks for the Jerry's recommendation. It looks awesome - I can't wait to try it!

And Annie: You are wrong. Miracle Whip rules. Tangy zip!

steven / April 6, 2006 2:47 PM

plently of mayo (NOT miracle whip), cucumbers, turkey pastrami, some good wheat bread...mmmmmmm

Carlos / April 6, 2006 3:01 PM

Although not 100% a sandwich...I love me my torta de jamon from "El Indio" on Cermak in Cicero.

Lot's of ham, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado's, a bit of red hot sauce and a side of rice.

A meal all by itself but I just love their rice.

fluffy / April 6, 2006 4:08 PM

from rc's post: "fine,smoked,meats"

Finally! A name for my band! Well, I don't really have a band, but if I had one....

matty / April 6, 2006 4:23 PM

omg Jimmy John's attack! I have to go get one RIGHT NOW! :D :D :D

Y A J / April 6, 2006 4:24 PM

Hey, enough of this sandwich talk, I'm drooling on my keyboard!

I think Fluffy's got the next question: if you had a band, what would it be named?

Or have we done that one already?

Bittersweet / April 6, 2006 4:41 PM

I think good bread definitely makes a big difference. As does avocado and melted cheese. Not necessarily all of the time though.

Favorites:

Vesuvio - Bar Louie
A Wreck - Potbelly's
Vito - Jimmy John's
Smokin' Turk - Costello's
Crab Cake - Milk N' Honey

I've also had a really awesome sub sandwich from Carm's Beef & Italian Ice and also an Italian grocery store on Taylor Street.

danzp / April 6, 2006 4:58 PM

jima--

i saw that pbs sandwiches documentary on the last day of a week-long fast. seriously. i've never been hungrier in my life. good stuff! er, if you're not fasting. and there's bread and ingredients around. or whatever.

sammiches rule!

Kelly / April 6, 2006 5:10 PM

Wow, no love for Ba Le on Argyle yet? I love almost all of their sandwiches - the shrimp cake and pate are tops - I couldn't choke down the shredded pork skin, though.

I also love the Cuban from La Unica on Devon, the various meaty wraps (that's like a sandwich, right?) from Hyderabad House, and the crab cake at the Morseland. Mm mm.

Dutch101 / April 6, 2006 10:01 PM

Hey, does anyone know where to get a good authentic Muffaletta? I have yet to find one in this town. Christ, they were easier to find in Montana!

Brian / April 6, 2006 10:14 PM

Maybe I'm just old school or something, but gimme an Italian Beef (Scala's of course), dipped, with loads of gardenera peppers. It's oh so bad, but ohh soo good. And my favorite supplier of said sandwich these days is Bacci's Pizza on Archer and S. Pulaski.

Miranda / April 6, 2006 10:22 PM

Ok, I know it's not in Chicago - but, in my opinion, the best sandwiches in the world - in the world, people - are to be found at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia at a stand called Salumeria. Call it a sub, call it a hoagie - doesn't matter - it all stands for delicious. I still dream of them - great Italian bread, special vinaigrette sauce on the bread, fresh veggies (including whole slices of fresh zucchini, marinated artichokes, and roasted peppers), great Italian cheeses and meats...so good...it's one of the first places I visit when I go back to Philly.

tim / April 6, 2006 10:36 PM

I need to put in a good word for Lucky's Sandwich Co. by Wrigley Field. I always get a grilled turkey and swiss, and it is pure heaven. Though I have a feeling now that baseball is back, the place will start to get a bit more obnoxious.

tunafreak / April 7, 2006 9:35 AM

after searching for the best tuna sub:
1. bari (with kalamata spread)
2. red hen on milwaukee (with capers)
3. l'appetito (hancock tower)
4. pot belly (i know shoot me)

non-tuna favorites:
egg plant parm from piece
falafel at sultan's
mozzarella tomato basil from santullo's
(guess what, i work in wicker park)

mc / April 7, 2006 5:03 PM

They have a humongous muffalletta at L'Appetito. I love the grilled cheese there.

phoebe / April 11, 2006 4:54 PM

Kaufman's in Skokie has the BEST roast beef sandwich on rye EVER--with kosher dill and a side of chips--the best EVER!

phoebe / April 11, 2006 4:55 PM

Kaufman's in Skokie has the BEST roast beef on rye EVER--with kosher dill and a side of chips--it's the best EVER!

lisa / April 10, 2007 3:47 PM

The Italian Grinder at Costello's. Hmm..the Spicy Roscoe is good, too.

GB store

Recently on Fuel

Urban Ethos [26]
What is Chicago's "urban ethos"?

Cool Glass of... [16]
What're you drinking?

Supreme Decision [22]
What's your reaction to the Supreme Court's decision on the Affordable Care Act?

Taking it to the Streets [20]
Chicago Street Fairs: Revolting or Awesome?

I Can Be Cruel [9]
Be real: what is the meanest thing you've ever done?

View the complete archive

GB Store

GB Buttons $1.50

GB T-Shirt $12

I ✶ Chi T-Shirts $15