Best Local: Sandwich Shops

Celebrate National Sandwich Day with these Chicago and suburban locations!

Thursday, November 3 is National Sandwich Day! Grab a foot long at any of these Chicago and suburban locations.

A close-up of a sandwich with layers of lettuce, tomato, cheese, turkey, ham, bacon, and mayonnaise on rustic bread, served on a dark slate surface.

Enjoy Cuban coffee house and cafe Cafecito! Voted Chicago’s Best Cuban Sandwiches in Chicago, Cafecito features pressed sandwiches with meats marinated in homemade mojo marinade. Sandwich varieties include pollo arugula, jardin, tilapia criolla, and guava-Q. Make it a combo with soup or salad, or come in early for a breakfast sandwich. Pair it with their special blend coffee, only an 11 minute walk from AMLI 900.

A close-up of an Italian beef sandwich topped with chopped giardiniera vegetables served in a white hoagie roll, with a side of golden French fries on a wooden surface.

Visit a Chicago favorite since the 1960s! Fontano’s Subs have not only been named Chicago’s #1 by the Sun Times, but also received the 2012 Zagat award for Best Sandwich Shop in the Nation. The sandwich shop features Italian favorites such as meatball subs, Italian special, caputo style and wiseguy sub, all with fresh deli meat. If you’re up for some friendly food competition, try their meatball challenge, eating a 3 ft. meatball sub in under an hour. Only an 11 minute walk from 73 East Lake.

Two triangular sandwich halves filled with tomato, greens, and possibly egg, served on a bed of arugula with a small bowl of ketchup and mayonnaise on the side, on a white plate.

Try L’appetito! L’appetito was the first Italian deli to open in Chicago outside of the Little Italy village. Come for their signature Proscuitto di Parma and tostinos, or grilled sandwiches, but stay for their array of Italian cookies and pastries. Only a 6 minute walk from Grand Plaza or a 12 minute walk from AMLI River North.

A close-up of a sandwich filled with sliced roast beef, shredded lettuce, and tomato slices on a baguette, resting on a cloth napkin with another baguette in the background.

Reimagine the sandwich at Zenwich! Zenwich features Asian flavors added to an American favorite, the sandwich. The sandwich shop features made to order subs with signature flavors such as wasabi roast beef, pork katsu, and tofu satay. A unique dining experience and only a 9 minute walk from Elmhurst 255.