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
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
