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
The chalkboard menu is ambiguous about whether this pressed-to-order snack (in which housemade jam crafted from Green City Market fruit seeps from between freshly baked oat bread) is meant for breakfast or lunch, so we’ll just order it every time we’re in the neighborhood. $6. Hotel Lincoln, 1816 N. Clark St., 312-254-4665, jdvhotels.com/hotels/chicago/lincoln Previous 42. … Read more
Who says veggie sandwiches are healthy? This beefy number is indulgent and delightfully greasy. Thick browned cauliflower drips with zippy cheddar and plentiful curry aïoli; soak it (and your guilt) up with toasted multigrain bread. $9. 100 S. Marion St., Oak Park, 708-725-7200, marionstreetcheesemarket.com Previous 43. Oat Bread, Pecan Butter, and Fruit Jam Elaine's Coffee … Read more
The success of this sandwich, a Cuban tradition with shredded pork, glazed ham, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard, and pickles, rests with the bread. Cafecito’s simple white slices are crisp around the edges and spongy within: perfect bookends for a grilled sandwich. $5.49. 26 E. Congress Pkwy., 312-922-2233, cafecitochicago.com Previous 44. Cauliflower Melt Marion Street Cheese … Read more
Nestled within the freshest, chewiest pita pocket our teeth have ever met, twin logs of impeccably spiced ground lamb and beef mingle with grill-marked tomatoes, green peppers, and onions. With a crown of smooth tahini sauce, it’s a kebab fit for a sheikh. $8. 2018 W. Chicago Ave., 773-384-9930, chickpeaonthego.com Previous 45. Cubano Cafecito Next … Read more
Nothing quite satisfies the comfortfood hunger like some unfussy egg salad on multigrain toast. With no more than a dash of salt, a sprinkle of pepper, and a dollop of Dijon, this one is a testament to the sheer power of simplicity. $6.50. 25 E. Delaware Pl., 312-896-2600, goddessandgrocer.com Previous 46. Kufta Chickpea Next 48. … Read more
Proof positive that sandwiches have surpassed pizza as the most versatile meal on the planet: Zenwich packs the makings of beef curry into a ciabatta roll—potatoes, pulled beef, carrots, onions, curry gravy, and all. Sloppy and satisfying. $7.50. 416 N. York St., Elmhurst, 630-359-5234, eatmyzenwich.com Previous 47. Debbie's Egg Salad The Goddess and Grocer Next … Read more
Toni Cox spreads rich white bean hummus on a baguette and loads it up with soft roasted red peppers, baby spinach, red onions, and a splash of tomato vinaigrette. Standard veggie fare? Perhaps. But when the components soak into the bread, this sandwich becomes epic. $8.75. 65 E. Washington St., 312-726-2020, tonipatisserie.com Previous 48. Beef … Read more
