La Pane might be known for pizza, but it offers a veggie panino with a punch. The power is in the piquant green pesto, made from peppers imported from Serbia, which is also delish on a freshly baked croissant. $5.99. 2954 W. Irving Park Rd., 773-539-5321, lapanechicago.com
Sometimes you come across a sandwich with a combination of fillings so wacky it works. For example, why would anyone put avocado, goat cheese, spiced almond butter, celery, and red onions on a baguette? We love it—whatever the reason. $7.52. Multiple locations, pastoralartisan.com Previous 24. Vegetarian Panino La Pane Next 26. Pastrami Max's Deli
This hulk—which stacks copious amounts of coleslaw and salty skin-on fries over layers of Italian deli meats and cold provolone on white—admits very few to the Clean Plate Club. $7.50. Multiple locations, luckysandwich.com Previous 26. Pastrami Max's Deli Next 28. Smoked Ham City Provisions
Each element of this highfalutin deli delight—smoky ham, pungent Gruyère, mayo studded with chunks of apple and onion, a robust oatmeal rosemary baguette—is special enough to squelch your remorse about dropping the big bucks on it. $12.95. 1818 W. Wilson Ave., 773-293-2489, cityprovisions.com Previous 27. The Fredo Lucky's Sandwich Co. Next 29. Jibarito Papa's Cache … Read more
“Truly inspired.”
Thought your bologna-eating days had retired with your lunchbox? Luscious house-cured mortadella dotted with black pepper, sliced thin, and piled into layers on a spongy brioche bun should put you right back in the game. No thermos necessary. $9. 800 W. Randolph St., 312-929-4580, aucheval.tumblr.com Previous 1. BLT Old Oak Tap Next 3. Woodland Mushroom … Read more
The mom-and-pop aesthetic is a yeast-scented breath of fresh air in glitzy Streeterville, and the bakery turns out one gorgeous chicken salad. Chewy Belgian country bread encapsulates pulled chicken breast sauced with a delicate housemade curry. $7.25. 100 E. Walton St., 312-649-6717 Previous 5. PB&L Publican Qualty Meats Next 7. Lobster Roll Acadia
Standing three inches high, the Atomica is something to behold. It’s also a finely tuned blend of textures and spices: Krakus ham, guajillo pork loin, breaded milanesa, avocado, and Oaxacan cheese. For an extra kick, sprinkle salsa over the multitiered meat fiesta. $9. 3619 W. North Ave., 773-772-8435, cemitaspuebla.com Previous 8. Smoked Salmon Salad Birchwood … Read more
Grilled Laughing Bird shrimp and fried oyster po’ boy, Nana Will it be shrimp? Or, gee, the oysters? In Cajun country, you are forced to choose. So bless Bridgeport, where the friendly organic joint Nana packs a meal-and-a-half-size baguette with both—grilled Laughing Bird shrimp, perfectly fried oysters—and, for good Midwestern measure, adds housemade giardiniera. $17. … Read more
The most famous deli sandwich in Chicago is also the gold standard: a sliced-to-order spectacle of salty-sweet meat that’s so tender, juicy, and lean you’ll savor it, sans the mild rye or the mustard, using only your fork. $11.95. 1141 S. Jefferson St., 312-939-2855, mannysdeli.com Previous 16. Meatball Sub Bari Next 18. Turkey Club Eggy's
