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. $7.25. 100 E. Walton St., 312-649-6717 Previous 5. PB&L Publican Qualty Meats Next 7. Lobster Roll Acadia
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. $9. 3619 W. North Ave., 773-772-8435, cemitaspuebla.com Previous 8. Smoked Salmon Salad Birchwood … Read more
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. $17. … Read more
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. $11.95. 1141 S. Jefferson St., 312-939-2855, mannysdeli.com Previous 16. Meatball Sub Bari Next 18. Turkey Club Eggy's
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. $6.25. 1411 N. Wells St., 312-944-0459, oldjerusalemchicago.com Previous 18. Turkey Club Eggy's Next 20. Crab Cake Mindy's HotChocolate
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. $5. 3209 W. Irving Park Rd., 773-539-8038 Previous 20. Crab Cake Mindy's HotChocolate Next 22. Shawarma Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen
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. $7. 2517 W. Division St., 773-862-8313, papascachesabroso.com Previous 28. Smoked Ham City Provisions Next 30. Shaved Prime Rib Bavette's … Read more
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. $9.79. Multiple locations, hannahsbretzel.com Previous 30. Shaved Prime Rib Bavette's Bar & Boeuf Next 32. Tuna Salad La … Read more
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. $9.75. 1547 N. Wells St., 312-624-9430, lafournette.com Previous 31. Serrano … Read more
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. $13. 415 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-829-6300, paramountroom.com Previous 32. Tuna Salad La Fournette Next 34. The Istanbul Melt Sandwich Shoppe
