'Wich Hunt for Chicago's Best Sandwiches
August is National Sandwich Month, which means it’s basically your duty to gorge on sandwiches all month long. With so many options around town, there’s plenty of ’wiches out there for everyone. Here are some favorites.
The Brown Sack
For classic sandwich comfort, The Brown Sack can’t be beat. One of the most notable sandwiches at this nostalgic Logan Square cafe is the grilled veggie sandwich, which goes far beyond the call of veggie duty with the addition of black beans, Cajun seasoning, and plantains, adding Latin flair to this Americana cafe.
Au Cheval
Fried bologna has never been so glamorous. The oft maligned lunch meat takes center stage in a big way at this modern diner, with house-cured mortadella piled high on a buttery bun and enrobed with gooey cheese. This is not the stuff of lunchbox lore.
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The space may be small, but the flavors in the brisket sandwich at this Irving Park smoke shack are huge. Served on thick, doughy slices of Texas toast, the hickory-smoked brisket is pot roast-tender, practically dissolving on your tongue. Dunk it in a side of tiger cry sauce for an extra smoky kick.
New England Seafood Company, Inc.
Everyone raves about the lobster roll at this shack-inspired seafood shop, but the clam roll should not be overlooked. A rarity in Chicago, the clam roll here is brimming with fried clams that are succulent, buttery, and crisp, absolutely bursting at the seams of its pillow-soft bun.
Panozzo’s Italian Market
For a truly unique deli-style sandwich, head to Panozzo’s Italian Market and try a crescentine sandwich. It’s all about the bread, a thin traditional Italian flatbread that is pan-fried to ensure a crisp exterior and a golden brown sheen. It’s the perfect vessel for sandwiches inspired by the likes of chicken Parmesan (chicken thigh confit, roasted tomato pesto, house mozzarella, Parmesan, pickled chiles, herbs) and Italian beef (braised beef shoulder, Parmesan cream, giardiniera, salsa verde).
Nhu Lan’s Bakery
Chicago is not lacking in banh mi sandwiches, and despite the surge in modern interpretations around town, Nhu Lan’s Bakery remains top-tier. Their bread is peerless; soft and crackly loaves of fresh baguette prime for stuffing with a myriad of meats, herbs, chiles, and vegetables. One of the best is the lemongrass tofu, featuring dark shreds of faux meat with a flavor and texture shockingly akin to beef.
The Brown Sack
3581 West Belden Avenue, Chicago
(773) 661-0675
Website
Au Cheval
800 West Randolph Street, Chicago
(312) 929-4580
Website
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4009 North Albany Avenue, Chicago
(312) 857-4221
Website
New England Seafood Company, Inc.
3341 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago
(773) 871-3474
Website
Panozzo’s Italian Market
1303 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
(312) 356-9966
Website
Nhu Lan’s Bakery
2612 West Lawrence Avenue
(773) 878-9898
Website