Top 10 Best Sandwich Shops in Chicago

New Best Sub has earned its superlative name with a near-perfect 4.9 rating across nearly a thousand reviews, a feat that speaks volumes in Chicago's competitive sandwich landscape. The West Side institution has perfected the formula of quality ingredients, proper technique, and consistent execution that keeps customers returning week after week. Whether you're a first-timer or a regular, expect hefty sandwiches that deliver on flavor without breaking the bank, served by folks who clearly take pride in their craft. The unpretentious storefront belies the serious sandwich game happening inside.

DA Sandwich Shop serves the South Side with generous portions and genuine soul, filling a crucial role in a neighborhood that deserves more dining attention. The family-run operation takes pride in every sandwich, treating each customer like a regular regardless of whether it's your first or fiftieth visit. The straightforward menu focuses on doing classics exceptionally well rather than chasing trends, and the value proposition is outstanding. This is community-focused dining at its finest—support them, and they'll feed you right.

Tempesta Market combines Italian grocery shopping with some of the finest sandwiches in Chicago, all crafted by a veteran chef with serious culinary chops. The house-made salumi and imported Italian ingredients create authentic flavors that transport you straight to a Roman mercato, and the quality justifies any wait during peak lunch rushes. The market atmosphere means you can grab provisions for dinner while picking up lunch, making it a smart stop for anyone who appreciates Italian food culture. Insider tip: the daily specials often feature seasonal ingredients you won't find on the regular menu.

Sando Street is the new kid making waves in Wicker Park with globally-inspired sandwiches that take creative risks and mostly nail the landing. The menu reads like a world tour between bread, incorporating flavors and techniques from various cuisines while maintaining sandwich fundamentals. The modern, Instagram-ready space attracts a younger crowd looking for something beyond traditional Chicago sandwich offerings, and the reasonable prices keep it accessible. It's proof that Chicago's sandwich scene continues to evolve while respecting what makes a great handheld meal.

Cured & Crafted lives up to its name with meticulously prepared artisan sandwiches featuring house-cured meats and thoughtfully sourced ingredients on the Northwest Side. This isn't your average sub shop—the attention to detail in every component, from the bread to the spreads, elevates these sandwiches into genuine culinary territory. The cozy space attracts everyone from business lunches to families seeking quality without stuffiness, and the passionate ownership shines through in both service and execution. If you care about where your food comes from and how it's prepared, this is your spot.

Cheba Hut brings a Colorado-born concept to Wrigleyville with cannabis-themed sandwich names and a bar atmosphere that's equal parts playful and delicious. Don't let the gimmick fool you—these toasted subs are legitimately excellent, piled high with fresh ingredients and creative flavor combinations that satisfy whether you're bar-hopping or just hungry. The late-night hours and full bar make it a go-to for post-game Cubs fans and night owls craving something more substantial than typical drunk food. The staff embraces the fun, tongue-in-cheek vibe while still taking their sandwich craft seriously.

Bodega Bay operates as part corner store, part sandwich counter, and wholly delicious, tucked into a Wicker Park space that feels like a neighborhood secret. Behind the craft beer selection and grocery shelves, they're cranking out some seriously underrated sandwiches that punch well above their price point. The laid-back vibe and combination grocery-meets-deli format makes it perfect for grabbing a sandwich and a six-pack for a picnic in nearby parks. It's the kind of place that rewards curiosity—locals know this unassuming spot rivals fancier sandwich joints at a fraction of the cost.

Fontano's is a West Loop legend that's been feeding hungry Chicagoans massive, wallet-friendly subs since forever, earning over a thousand glowing reviews in the process. The portions are genuinely obscene—one sandwich can easily feed two people—and the prices remain shockingly reasonable despite the neighborhood's gentrification. University students, blue-collar workers, and budget-conscious foodies all converge here for their fix, creating a wonderfully unpretentious atmosphere. Cash is king here, so hit the ATM before you go.

JT's brings old-school sandwich shop authenticity to the Elston corridor with no frills, just seriously good sandwiches made with premium ingredients. This is where Northwest Side locals go when they want a proper Italian sub or perfectly executed turkey club without any hipster pretense. The stellar 4.8 rating across nearly 500 reviews speaks to their consistency—every sandwich hits the same high note whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth. It's ideal for anyone who believes a great sandwich doesn't need to reinvent the wheel, just nail the fundamentals.

TriBecca's has earned its stripes as a Belmont Avenue institution, slinging creative sandwiches that go way beyond your standard deli fare. Their inventive combinations and house-made ingredients attract a loyal following of locals who appreciate quality without pretension. The casual, counter-service vibe makes it perfect for a quick lunch solo or grabbing takeout for the office, and the staff's genuine friendliness keeps customers coming back. Don't sleep on their daily specials—they're often the best thing on the menu.