Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Where can you find a good sandwich in Chicago?




Not only is Spring Fashion on my mind these days but my bf and I were discussing great sandwich places last night and it got me thinking.. wow, I sure do like a great sandwich in the spring/summer. I know the day is coming soon when I'll be actually able to eat my lunch outside again. I decided I would do a little research on the topic and report to you what places I found to be the best..


Here are my findings. If you have any recommendations, you should definitely comment!


Chicago's Best Sandwiches North of the Loop:


There are places in Chicago that elevate the sandwich to a new level. There is a variety of amazing sandwich shops, each boasting a wide selection of menu times along with fresh ingredients and quick service. And all for the fraction of a typical lunch or dinner on the town. Here are some fantastic sandwich shops on the North and West sides that you’re sure to want to try.


When searching for a great sandwich, one usually thinks of fresh ingredients, a wide array of selection, and something that doesn't take long to receive after ordering.


Panes Bread Café (located at 3002 N. Sheffield Avenue) specializes in all of this and much more. Panes is arguably the best deal in Chicago, offering a selection of nearly 20 sandwiches along with 10 salads, pizza, pastas, and more, with most everything right around the $5.00 mark. Yes, just 5 bucks. The menu also features rotating daily specials that include soup and vegetarian meals. Panes bakes their own breads daily, offerings include Tomato Foccacia, Rosemary Olive Oil, and a couple different kinds of Sourdough. Panes' menu has Mediterranean influence, as does their cute décor. You can order food ahead of time, or place an order when you arrive. You’ll wait no more then 10 minutes for your food. There is usually plenty of seating inside, or visit in the spring or summer and enjoy their outdoor seating.


Another solid sandwich shop on the North side of Chicago is Calliope Café. Like Panes, Calliope (located at 2826 N. Lincoln Avenue) is a quick and affordable alternative for local eaters in the Lincoln Park/Lakeview area. Calliope serves up traditional sure-to-please sandwiches like wraps and grinders, but also features a variety of unique sandwiches. Enjoy their “Fat Bastard” steak sandwich, the Buffalo Chicken sandwich, or try the Orange Barbecue Pork Loin. If Calliope’s entrée sandwiches aren’t enough, they also offer soups, salads, and appetizers such as quesadillas and spinach artichoke dip. Calliope also has an outdoor dining area. And, if that’s not enough, Calliope is BYOB, so it makes a great place for a casual date or a night out with a group of friends. For additional info including menus, visit http://www.calliopecafe.com/index.html.


Milk and Honey (located at 1920 W. Division Street) is self described as a “gourmet café”, offering sandwiches and salad, as well as homemade soups and pastries. Milk and Honey’s gourmet sandwiches include the delicious crab cake, grilled portabella mushroom, and the herb crusted roast beef fares. Unlike most of the cafes featured, Milk and Honey is unique as they offer breakfast as well. Opening daily at 8 am, they whip up everything from bagel sandwiches to egg dishes to pancakes. Also served are the traditional sides such as bacon, sausage and toast. A house special worth mentioning is their homemade granola, which is served with fresh fruit and yogurt. On the weekend Milk and Honey serves brunch until 2 pm. For more info, including weekly specials, menus and pricing, go to http://www.milkandhoneycafe.com/.


A bit closer to downtown but northwest of the loop you'll find Café Sandwicheria. Café Sandwicheria (located at 455 N. Milwaukee Avenue) is a quaint sandwich shop where you can find a filling, affordable sandwich. Offering cold wraps and sandwich staples such as turkey, ham, and chicken salad, Café Sandwicheria also serves up toasted sandwiches including paninis. They also allow you to substitute and switch around sandwich compliments to your liking. For an added kick I recommend adding the spicy peppers. The only drawback to Café Sandwicheria is that the staff usually consists of only one sandwich maker, so if there are a lot of people there, prepare to wait 15 minutes for your food. They do have newspapers, magazines, as well a TV in their dining area, and there are plenty of meters right outside if you plan on driving here.

The Deli Boutique is a lesser known, but equally fantastic newer edition to the Chicago sandwich scene. The Deli Boutique (located at 2318 N. Clark Street) is infused with Italian influence, offering a variation of fresh sandwiches served on your choice of breads. A must have is their monster sized panino sandwich, served on Turano bread, which they also sell loafs of in store. The Deli Boutique serves cold sandwiches on ciabatta, focaccia and the like. Or try their panini sandwiches, which are stacked with ingredients, then served up warm and crisp. Choose any sandwich of their menu or get one made to order. Along with traditional options, the Deli Boutique serves up olive mixes and Italian meats including prosciutto, or Parma ham, which is dry-cured ham that is a bit saltier and thinner than American ham.


Happy Sandwiching...

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