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. $7.95. 1840 N. Damen Ave., 773-681-9914, meltsandwichshoppechicago.com Previous 33. Paramount Reuben Paramount Room Next 35. B.A.D. Floriole Cafe & Bakery
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. $9. 1220 W. Webster Ave., 773-883-1313, floriole.com Previous 34. The Istanbul Melt Sandwich Shoppe Next 36. Duck Confit and Mozzarella First … Read more
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. $9. 5357 N. Ashland Ave., 773-275-4297, firstslice.org Previous 35. B.A.D. Floriole Cafe and Bakery Next 37. Croque Monsieur Troquet
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. $8. 615 N. State St., 312-265-0434, grahamwich.com Previous 37. Croque Monsieur Troquet Next 39. The … Read more
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. $7. Multiple locations, saigonsisters.com Previous 38. Green Garbanzo Grahamwich Next 40. Tuscan Chicken Rosalia's Deli
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. $7.25. 1323 E. 57th St., 773-538-7372, zhmarketcafe.com Previous 40. Tuscan Chicken Rosalia's Deli Next 42. Whitefish Market House on the Square
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. $11. 655 Forest Ave., Lake Forest, 847-234-8800, themarkethouse.com Previous 41. The Marty Z&H MarketCafe Next 43. Oat Bread, Pecan Butter, and Fruit Jam Elaine's Coffee Call
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. $6. Hotel Lincoln, 1816 N. Clark St., 312-254-4665, jdvhotels.com/hotels/chicago/lincoln Previous 42. … Read more
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. $9. 100 S. Marion St., Oak Park, 708-725-7200, marionstreetcheesemarket.com Previous 43. Oat Bread, Pecan Butter, and Fruit Jam Elaine's Coffee … Read more
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. $5.49. 26 E. Congress Pkwy., 312-922-2233, cafecitochicago.com Previous 44. Cauliflower Melt Marion Street Cheese … Read more
