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
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
