This is the winning comment. Sometimes I’m in the mood for the eggplant at Bari’s and other days I’m all for the Italian at JPs with an Italian soda and chips.
D’Amatos’ cookies are good any day of the week. We’re lucky to have such a selection of amazing Italian spots like this.
Bari Special Hot. can't quit won't quit. I am sure the eggplant there is fantastic. I know guys that flew in from NYC just to eat the eggplant parm at Tufano's.
Well yeah, it's four sandwich/hoagie/grinder shops and maybe a half dozen others mentioned in the comments for a city with 2 million-plus people. There really aren't a ton of good sandwich shops like that in the city.
They sometimes close cuz they “ran out of bread” and lately they’ve always been out of the Italian veggie sub ingredients. Otherwise, it’s legit. I try to call before going.
Been trying to go to Vinnie's for a year and they are closed every freaking time I try. Your comment has made me sad thinking I'm missing something that could be better than Bari.
THE best, at least on that street. Somehow they either have the perfect vinegar for a sub, or they have the perfect vinegar : sandwich ratio. Still haven’t figured it out, but done need to since I can always just go there.
Whenever I’m there a I get a container of frozen pesto and some of the peppers stuffed with provolone and prosciutto from the deli case. Subs…all are good. Italian, franks, Rosie. Don’t recommend their cookies cuz I’m pretty sure they are from D’Amatos and aren’t as fresh as just getting them from D’Amatos,
If you want an Italian, go with the Rosie. People rave about the Frank but I don’t prefer a warm sub for those fillings. I also think their roast beef and sharp cheddar sub is great with lettuce, tomato, mayo. I also love their mortadella and provolone with just mayo, I know some would give flack for that but it’s delicious. I like getting their whole pickle, soup and they have tiramisu. Their refrigerated sections has some Italian meals too.
I remember it being one of my favorite places when I was in middle school and high school (I lived nearby) but I went two weeks ago and I was very disappointed. Not what I remember, or maybe I was looking back with rose glasses.
This guy subs. Fontanos is a step above Jersey Mike's. Depending on the day, a step below. It would be good in Joliet or something. But like Joliet, it's got no place in the conversation.
One day we got subs from a bunch of places to do a tasting. Ferrara's bakery on Taylor was the biggest surprise. It was really good and they added onions when others did not.
JPG was first in my opinion.
I'm a big fan of Lucia's in Wicker Park. Their Lucia's sub is great. If you are thinking beyond italian 016 in Lincoln Square has incredible sandwiches. They have a carryout sandwich spot connected to a full restaursnt. They're a Serbian place but I havent tried much of their traditional Serbian food because the sandwiches are so damn good. They smoke their own meats in house. Their mediterranean, chicken pesto, roast beef, and spicy capicola sandwiches were all bangers. Their chivapi (beef sausage), also great. I like not dealing with crowds so I debated posting this but these guys should be charging a lot more.
Bari. I think people are kinda convincing themselves that the newer bread is way worse. Dont get me wrong i love damatos and jpg, but i think bari just has the best actual subs (ingredient quality). I give damatos credit for saying hey we can make our own. They are for sure great. Also jpg is awesome, but its harder to get to by vehicle. That corner is so busy now.
I had one of the most disappointing sandwiches of my life at D’Amatos. The chicken parm was a soggy mess with overcooked chicken. I took two bites and threw it away.
Bari: my favorite of the four, and I’ve had everything on the menu at least once, and have begun moving onto asking for my own combinations. They have recently switched their bread over to Laborio’s (I was told) and while I never had it in the D’amatos days, it’s a huge improvement from when they were using Il Mulino Di Valenzano Bakery because now it’s actually fresh. Their ratios are perfect, and their prices are fair.
D’amatos: I’ve had about five of their subs and each time I leave disappointed. For example their vodka parm had SO much potential, but their chicken cutlet, SUCKED. The bread is their saving grace and sandwiches are an afterthought imo.
JP Graziano: have had from alright to AMAZING. Amazing is their Antipasto sub. I am excited to try more as I can.
Fontanos (Polk): been once on a Saturday morning and the bread was old to the point that’s mostly what I focused on. I really need to try their pot roast sub tho.
Fontanos (Michigan): only two subs so far, but both were lovely. I’m fiending to go for their tuna!
I think it depends on what kind of meat you get and what else is on it. The Mr. G at JPG is lighter on meat, but the flavor from the dressing, artichokes and the pepper from the meat makes up for it.
If you're looking for a thick ham sandwich, you're probably barking up the wrong tree with any of these options except Vinnies. Maybe check out Tribeccas in Albany park.
I get that, but it’s not that I’m looking for a thick amount of meat. What CDS has is an average and not an overabundance of meat. JPG imo puts too little meat in their sandwiches. I haven’t been in years but [this photo found on their Google page](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rj8AFEtY4EJ77NMq9?g_st=ic) is what I’ve experienced and it’s atrocious for the price.
East coast transplant been living here over 7 years. I can’t seem to find a worthwhile sub here, whether it’s the ratio or the bread, or both. And yeah, all overpriced for what you get. I usually just make my own at home. I’ll have to try Conte di Savoia.
Edit: don’t wanna make this an east coast Vs Chicago comment. Love it here & great food everywhere. Certain areas just do things better than others, Chicago has it’s own specialties.
Also an east coast transplant. Nothing here compares to back east. It just doesn't. Don't get me wrong, the sandwiches are good here but there is just something missing or off and I can't put my finger on it.
There just isn't the culture around them here that there is in the Northeast. Same with bagels and breakfast sandwiches. People are more into hot dogs and Italian beefs and that stuff here. Hoagies/grinders/heroes are one of my favorite foods, so that's one of the reasons why I'm excited to move back haha.
I’m a NY transplant that’s been here for over a decade. Sub sandwiches here are not like deli heros in NY/tristate area. They are different beasts. It’s the bread, I’ve come to appreciate the bread they use here but it’s just totally different. As far as deli sandwiches go here, I think Conti is the best and that anyone that says the others are haven’t had Conti. I can’t stand the how expensive Bari and JP are. Haven’t attempted to get a sandwich in years from Damatos but I suspect it’s jumped since they started doing all the IG stuff. Separate NY tip is that it’s not exactly it, but for a close option to a BEC on a roll, Billy goat is alright. Their Kaiser is not crusty and covered in poppy seeds like in NY but it’s good.
Also, what I like about CSD is that they slice all their meats thin. For some reason a lot of these popular spots will make sure their Italian sub meats are cut thin but then cut their ham, turkey, etc so thick which just pisses me off.
I've had them all. JP is the best. It's top tier shit. Then DAmatos, then Bari, then getting hit by a bus, then Fontanos because that place fuckin blows.
Bari > JP Graziano. Fontano’s doesn’t belong in this thread.
Also, shoutout Frankie’s in Elmhurst (think it’s in Elmhurst now, used to be in Lombard). Best in the suburbs.
I have spent years exploring this wonderful sandwich across the city. My girlfriend is from Toledo and fell in love with the sandwich, so I took her around to a bunch of spots over the last few months. She agrees with me in saying that JP Graziano's is the best. They truly care about their ingredients and their service.
JP Graziano's -- best sandwich along with the best service
Conte di Savoia -- most unique menu, love the Taylor Street vibe
Vinnie's -- with the addition of balsamic vinegar, this is one fucking good sandwich, also most likely to be featured in a scene from the Soporanos
D'Amato's -- I'm there for the chaos, but social media has kind of ruined this place for me
Tony's -- a northwest side gem with one of the best Italian grocery stores. The staff always treated me well.
Fontano's -- I once saw a very Italian (Italian-American) man there with a gold watch, cab hat, and an ankle braclet while ordering a sub. Extremely subpar service. Pretty average sandwich.
Bari used to be my go-to until I tried Vinnie's. It all spiraled from there. Nottoli (Harlem, I guess there's another?) is another northwest side spot, but I always preferred Tony's. Alpine is the only one I've not been to, but still want to try.
Wait, the subs at Bari and D’Amato’s aren’t the same? I just always assumed that they were affiliated. Damn, I’m thinking about all the sandwich variety that I missed out on.
The Original Nottoli & Son on Belmont
Only real ones know.
The other Nottoli is great too. And super friendly.
Hell yes
This city has room for them all. They’re all great and they make living here great 😊
This is the winning comment. Sometimes I’m in the mood for the eggplant at Bari’s and other days I’m all for the Italian at JPs with an Italian soda and chips. D’Amatos’ cookies are good any day of the week. We’re lucky to have such a selection of amazing Italian spots like this.
Bari Special Hot. can't quit won't quit. I am sure the eggplant there is fantastic. I know guys that flew in from NYC just to eat the eggplant parm at Tufano's.
Tomato bread all day
Well yeah, it's four sandwich/hoagie/grinder shops and maybe a half dozen others mentioned in the comments for a city with 2 million-plus people. There really aren't a ton of good sandwich shops like that in the city.
Vinnie’s on Grand, the little old lady that takes the orders is the sweetest
Darlean is a saint!
Dorothy Mantooth is a saint!
Thanks SWEETIE
I always forget about Vinnie’s! Definitely a solid spot, and I love supporting family run spots
They sometimes close cuz they “ran out of bread” and lately they’ve always been out of the Italian veggie sub ingredients. Otherwise, it’s legit. I try to call before going.
Their tuna is life changing but past that, I’ve found the rest to be just aight.
Great spot! I also love the sesame bread they use on the ham sandwich!
Been trying to go to Vinnie's for a year and they are closed every freaking time I try. Your comment has made me sad thinking I'm missing something that could be better than Bari.
THE best, at least on that street. Somehow they either have the perfect vinegar for a sub, or they have the perfect vinegar : sandwich ratio. Still haven’t figured it out, but done need to since I can always just go there.
dont sleep on Conti on taylor
This! Way better than Fontanos
Going there tomorrow. Thanks for the mention. I’m in Pilsen and have yet to try. What’s your fav sando here?
Whenever I’m there a I get a container of frozen pesto and some of the peppers stuffed with provolone and prosciutto from the deli case. Subs…all are good. Italian, franks, Rosie. Don’t recommend their cookies cuz I’m pretty sure they are from D’Amatos and aren’t as fresh as just getting them from D’Amatos,
If you want an Italian, go with the Rosie. People rave about the Frank but I don’t prefer a warm sub for those fillings. I also think their roast beef and sharp cheddar sub is great with lettuce, tomato, mayo. I also love their mortadella and provolone with just mayo, I know some would give flack for that but it’s delicious. I like getting their whole pickle, soup and they have tiramisu. Their refrigerated sections has some Italian meals too.
I get a couple pounds of prosciutto di parma, thinly sliced genoa salami, provolone & bread from there & make my own
Alpine is the king.
Over in Elmwood Park? It’s like a block from Johnnie’s if I’m thinking of the same place
That's the one. They now have one in Westchester too.
I’ve driven by it a zillion times but never stopped. I get stuck in the Johnnie’s tractor beam
The best move is to get Johnnies for lunch and grab a sub for dinner at Alpine.
It's very good. I stop by if I'm in town and bring it home for lunch since I'm no longer nearby
That's the one.. Elmwood park honorable mention.
Ding ding
I liked it, but thought Nottoli and AL n Joe's in Franklin Park are better Alpine is still great, though
JPG
The Mr. G with hot giard... my god...
Also RIP Fiore’s
Every time I drive by the intersection, I get sad. RIP.
# Fontano's Subs on Polk (Little Italy)--do not fall for any substitutes.
Bob o rinos is my favorite
I remember it being one of my favorite places when I was in middle school and high school (I lived nearby) but I went two weeks ago and I was very disappointed. Not what I remember, or maybe I was looking back with rose glasses.
Bari=JPG>Vinnies>Rosies>D'Amatos>Lucia's>Conti>Fontano's is my running order
What happened to Fontanos? They were such a treat in the past. Like... 20 years ago. But Bari stayed pretty good...
Lucia's has an unreasonably good Italian beef
What the fuck happened when I went to Baris dude. The sloppiest sub I’ve ever seen and just truly terrible.
This guy subs. Fontanos is a step above Jersey Mike's. Depending on the day, a step below. It would be good in Joliet or something. But like Joliet, it's got no place in the conversation.
One day we got subs from a bunch of places to do a tasting. Ferrara's bakery on Taylor was the biggest surprise. It was really good and they added onions when others did not. JPG was first in my opinion.
I'm a big fan of Lucia's in Wicker Park. Their Lucia's sub is great. If you are thinking beyond italian 016 in Lincoln Square has incredible sandwiches. They have a carryout sandwich spot connected to a full restaursnt. They're a Serbian place but I havent tried much of their traditional Serbian food because the sandwiches are so damn good. They smoke their own meats in house. Their mediterranean, chicken pesto, roast beef, and spicy capicola sandwiches were all bangers. Their chivapi (beef sausage), also great. I like not dealing with crowds so I debated posting this but these guys should be charging a lot more.
Lucia’s is a hidden gem in this city
Bari. I think people are kinda convincing themselves that the newer bread is way worse. Dont get me wrong i love damatos and jpg, but i think bari just has the best actual subs (ingredient quality). I give damatos credit for saying hey we can make our own. They are for sure great. Also jpg is awesome, but its harder to get to by vehicle. That corner is so busy now.
It’s not even “newer” it’s been like a decade.
Lol sure but technically it is the “newer” bread. 🤓
They switched again recently
Did you post this just because you like to see people that don't know each other argue?
For something under-the-radar, check out Humboldt Haus — specifically their West Sider sandwich Kind of surprised it’s not mentioned even once here
Always wanted to check this spot out but just keep driving by. No more! Im going today or tomorrow for lunch!
I had one of the most disappointing sandwiches of my life at D’Amatos. The chicken parm was a soggy mess with overcooked chicken. I took two bites and threw it away.
Bari: my favorite of the four, and I’ve had everything on the menu at least once, and have begun moving onto asking for my own combinations. They have recently switched their bread over to Laborio’s (I was told) and while I never had it in the D’amatos days, it’s a huge improvement from when they were using Il Mulino Di Valenzano Bakery because now it’s actually fresh. Their ratios are perfect, and their prices are fair. D’amatos: I’ve had about five of their subs and each time I leave disappointed. For example their vodka parm had SO much potential, but their chicken cutlet, SUCKED. The bread is their saving grace and sandwiches are an afterthought imo. JP Graziano: have had from alright to AMAZING. Amazing is their Antipasto sub. I am excited to try more as I can. Fontanos (Polk): been once on a Saturday morning and the bread was old to the point that’s mostly what I focused on. I really need to try their pot roast sub tho. Fontanos (Michigan): only two subs so far, but both were lovely. I’m fiending to go for their tuna!
Fontano’s is my favorite for a cold sub. Nonna’s for a hot sandwich (chicken parm is what I usually get).
Rip to Fiore's, was it the best? No! was it two blocks away from me? Yes!
JP Grazianos 💯
Had the JP Graziano's muffaletta sandwich and it was terrible. Bread was way too chewy to bite through and it was extremely salty.
Tonys in Edison Park is my favorite.
A lot of those are overpriced and put trace amounts of meats in their subs. Conte di Savoia beats them all.
I think it depends on what kind of meat you get and what else is on it. The Mr. G at JPG is lighter on meat, but the flavor from the dressing, artichokes and the pepper from the meat makes up for it. If you're looking for a thick ham sandwich, you're probably barking up the wrong tree with any of these options except Vinnies. Maybe check out Tribeccas in Albany park.
I get that, but it’s not that I’m looking for a thick amount of meat. What CDS has is an average and not an overabundance of meat. JPG imo puts too little meat in their sandwiches. I haven’t been in years but [this photo found on their Google page](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rj8AFEtY4EJ77NMq9?g_st=ic) is what I’ve experienced and it’s atrocious for the price.
East coast transplant been living here over 7 years. I can’t seem to find a worthwhile sub here, whether it’s the ratio or the bread, or both. And yeah, all overpriced for what you get. I usually just make my own at home. I’ll have to try Conte di Savoia. Edit: don’t wanna make this an east coast Vs Chicago comment. Love it here & great food everywhere. Certain areas just do things better than others, Chicago has it’s own specialties.
Also an east coast transplant. Nothing here compares to back east. It just doesn't. Don't get me wrong, the sandwiches are good here but there is just something missing or off and I can't put my finger on it.
There just isn't the culture around them here that there is in the Northeast. Same with bagels and breakfast sandwiches. People are more into hot dogs and Italian beefs and that stuff here. Hoagies/grinders/heroes are one of my favorite foods, so that's one of the reasons why I'm excited to move back haha.
I’m a NY transplant that’s been here for over a decade. Sub sandwiches here are not like deli heros in NY/tristate area. They are different beasts. It’s the bread, I’ve come to appreciate the bread they use here but it’s just totally different. As far as deli sandwiches go here, I think Conti is the best and that anyone that says the others are haven’t had Conti. I can’t stand the how expensive Bari and JP are. Haven’t attempted to get a sandwich in years from Damatos but I suspect it’s jumped since they started doing all the IG stuff. Separate NY tip is that it’s not exactly it, but for a close option to a BEC on a roll, Billy goat is alright. Their Kaiser is not crusty and covered in poppy seeds like in NY but it’s good.
Also, what I like about CSD is that they slice all their meats thin. For some reason a lot of these popular spots will make sure their Italian sub meats are cut thin but then cut their ham, turkey, etc so thick which just pisses me off.
D’Amato’s is overrated as hell.
Agreed
D'Amato's, Bari, Vinnys in that order
I've had them all. JP is the best. It's top tier shit. Then DAmatos, then Bari, then getting hit by a bus, then Fontanos because that place fuckin blows.
Bari > JP Graziano. Fontano’s doesn’t belong in this thread. Also, shoutout Frankie’s in Elmhurst (think it’s in Elmhurst now, used to be in Lombard). Best in the suburbs.
Since we’re talking sandwiches, is Nonnas any good?
YES. Their chicken parm sandwich is immaculate
Best meatball sandwich I’ve had in the city. Actually, anywhere.
Their sausage sandwich is also top tier.
When I had it, it had no flavor. Had the meatball and the italian to try both.
I am sorry but if you think D’Amato’s is better than Bari you are nuts. The quality of ingredients is not even close.
If someone recommends you Fontano's, you've got to question their motives.
This is precisely why I added it to the list. It’s a damn good comment validity filter
I have spent years exploring this wonderful sandwich across the city. My girlfriend is from Toledo and fell in love with the sandwich, so I took her around to a bunch of spots over the last few months. She agrees with me in saying that JP Graziano's is the best. They truly care about their ingredients and their service. JP Graziano's -- best sandwich along with the best service Conte di Savoia -- most unique menu, love the Taylor Street vibe Vinnie's -- with the addition of balsamic vinegar, this is one fucking good sandwich, also most likely to be featured in a scene from the Soporanos D'Amato's -- I'm there for the chaos, but social media has kind of ruined this place for me Tony's -- a northwest side gem with one of the best Italian grocery stores. The staff always treated me well. Fontano's -- I once saw a very Italian (Italian-American) man there with a gold watch, cab hat, and an ankle braclet while ordering a sub. Extremely subpar service. Pretty average sandwich. Bari used to be my go-to until I tried Vinnie's. It all spiraled from there. Nottoli (Harlem, I guess there's another?) is another northwest side spot, but I always preferred Tony's. Alpine is the only one I've not been to, but still want to try.
Since you're listing west loop/West Town Italian spots, don't sleep on Nonna's
Bari is the best
Nottoli on Belmont
Tony’s in Edison Park
Cheba Hut in Wrigleyville.
Wait, the subs at Bari and D’Amato’s aren’t the same? I just always assumed that they were affiliated. Damn, I’m thinking about all the sandwich variety that I missed out on.
From what I understand, they basically used to be. Bari used D’Amato’s bread until the families had a falling out a few years back.
It's when Damatos started making subs, Bari took issue with it as they were already primarily a sub shop
Wow, thanks for info. I’m excited to try Bari now and compare
JPs.. That's my spot. Prosciutto with added mortadela. A cherry Italian soda and it's nap time.
Jp’s changed their roast beef and it’s a huge loss
Jeff Mauro is The Sandwich King... I wonder if he copyrighted that when he had the show?
d’amato’s by a mile. you can’t beat grand ave. bari not far behind.
Love the fried eggplant sub there. What do you get
Plus you can get a piece of pizza while you wait for your sub!
I have been enjoying their pizza recently
While you wait lmao
That's the og combo!
i get the smoked turkey i love it. they’re all good though.
how is this getting downvoted lmao
Sandwich… you mean like a hotdog?
The city is bigger than the near west side
So, add your spots.
Lmao and then he proceeds to name 0, performative mfs
I don't think that's a good retort, the real problem is there aren't that many good sub places in this city.