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
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. $8. 2018 W. Chicago Ave., 773-384-9930, chickpeaonthego.com Previous 45. Cubano Cafecito Next … Read more
Nothing quite satisfies the comfortfood 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. $6.50. 25 E. Delaware Pl., 312-896-2600, goddessandgrocer.com Previous 46. Kufta Chickpea Next 48. … Read more
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. $7.50. 416 N. York St., Elmhurst, 630-359-5234, eatmyzenwich.com Previous 47. Debbie's Egg Salad The Goddess and Grocer Next … Read more
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. $8.75. 65 E. Washington St., 312-726-2020, tonipatisserie.com Previous 48. Beef … Read more
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. $6.85. 3351 N. Broadway, 773-868-4000, phoebesbakery.com Previous 49. Le Végétarien Toni Patisserie Next 1. BLT Old Oak Tap
Our list of Chicago’s 50 best sandwiches, ranked in order of deliciousness
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. $9.50. 445 N. Clark St., 312-334-3688, rickbayless.com Previous 2. Fried Bologna Au Cheval Next 4. Roast Beef … Read more
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. $9.40. 914 Noyes St., Evanston, 847-475-9400, alsdeli.net Previous 3. Woodland Mushroom … Read more
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 … Read more
