These days, sandwich shop chains are popping up on every corner. But there’s a special place in our hearts for the classic mom-and-pop deli, a neighborhood spot where overstuffed sandwiches are made to order. Here are some favorites:
Ashkenaz (12 E. Cedar St., 312-944-5006): This kosher-style Gold Coast deli is the destination of choice for transplanted New Yorkers. Favorites include corned beef, meatloaf and chopped turkey. We recommend the classic pastrami ($5.75; add an extra 2 ounces of meat for $1.50).
Bari Foods (1120 W. Grand Ave., 312-666-0730): This old-school Italian deli and grocery does a brisk takeout business. Favorites include the Italian sub (capicola, mortadella, Genoa salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, seasoned oil and house-made giardiniera, $4 for a 9-inch, $5 for a 12-inch).
Big Lill’s Kitchen (1507 W. Balmoral Ave., 773-293-4800): At this tiny Andersonville eatery, customers fight their way to the counter for sandwiches, including the Dagwood (grilled turkey, ham and Jarlsberg, $6.50), and the tofu salad (jazzed up with curry mayo, scallions, celery, carrots and a smear of chutney, $5.50).
Cold Comfort (2211 W. North Ave., 773-772-4552): This Wicker Park spot features 33 varieties of sandwiches, from the classic New York pastrami ($6.25) to the outlandish “Who is Che Guevara’ (turkey pastrami, feta, spinach and tomato on grilled Italian bread, $6.75).
Costello Sandwiches and Sides (2015 W. Roscoe St., 773-929-2323). This cute-as-a-button Roscoe Village joint is decked out like a country store. Try the Pepper Turkey (pepper-crusted turkey and pepper-jack cheese baked on an Italian sub roll with chipotle mayo, pepper rings, lettuce and tomato, $5.35), or The Mess (pastrami, Genoa salami and provolone baked on sliced Italian bread with French fries and cole slaw inside the sandwich, $5.35). Costello’s recently opened a second spot, in Lincoln Square.
