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. $11. 2537 N. Kedzie Blvd., 773-489-9554, lulacafe.com Previous 10. Griled laughing Bird Shrimp and Fried Oyster Po Boy Cemitas Puebla Next 12. Breaded Steak Ricobene's
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. $5.49. Multiple locations, ricobenespizza.com Previous 11. Ham and Raclette Panino Lula Cafe Next … Read more
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. $14. 3124 N. Broadway, 773-661-9166, frognsnail.com Previous 12. Breaded Steak Ricobene's Next 14. Chicken Dip Crosby's Kitchen
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 windowdressing. $10. 3455 N. Southport Ave., 773-883-2525, crosbyskitchenchicago.com Previous 13. The Hawkeye … Read more
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. $13. 2657 N. Kedzie Ave., 773-276-7110, longmanandeagle.com Previous 14. Chicken Dip Crosby’s Kitchen Next 16. Meatball … Read more
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. $4.50. 1120 W. Grand Ave., 312-666-0730, bariitaliansubs.com Previous 15. Wild Boar Sloppy Joe Longman & … Read more
Drink to That The whole sassy crew at HotChocolate agrees there’s nothing finer than a chilled white with seafood, so look to a glass of crisp 2008 Koehler-Ruprecht pinot blanc ($15) to enhance the crab’s flavor. In these parts, crab cakes are always a gamble. Mindy Segal’s sandwich hits the jackpot with its perfectly round … Read more
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. $8. 5347 N. Clark … Read more
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. $11.95. 191 Skokie Valley Rd., Highland Park, 847-831-0600, … Read more
Drink to That “Our Lillet Rose martini [$12] is a great apéritif to begin any meal,” says bar manager Amie Autenrieth. “It’s clean and crisp, floral and fruity, but the Lillet gives it depth. We came up with it because not everyone wants brown spirits.” Photo: Travas Machel Any respectable diner offers this humblest of … Read more
