13 Illinois Sandwiches Locals Say Are Worth The Extra Miles
In Illinois, sandwiches aren’t just lunch, they’re a reason to hit the road.
While the state may be known for deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, locals know the real stars are found at delis, diners, and barbecue joints scattered across the Prairie State.
From towering pastrami to Italian beef dripping with gravy, these sandwiches inspire loyalty, long drives, and strong opinions.
Whether you’re hunting for a perfectly layered sub or a regional classic you can’t find anywhere else, these thirteen spots prove that great sandwiches are always worth the drive.
1. Ricobene’s Breaded Steak Sandwich – Chicago
Breaded steak sandwiches don’t get more legendary than what Ricobene’s has been serving since 1946. This family-owned gem at 252 W 26th St in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood has perfected the art of the breaded steak, turning it into a citywide obsession.
The massive cutlet gets pounded thin, breaded to golden perfection, then tucked into fresh Italian bread with your choice of toppings.
What sets this sandwich apart is the sheer size and incredible crunch of that breaded steak. Each bite delivers a satisfying crackle followed by tender, juicy meat that’s been seasoned just right.
The house red sauce adds a tangy sweetness that balances the richness perfectly.
Locals have been making pilgrimages here for generations, and first-timers always leave understanding the hype. The casual atmosphere keeps things unpretentious while the quality stays consistently outstanding.
Come hungry because these sandwiches could easily feed two people, though you probably won’t want to share once you take that first incredible bite.
2. Al’s #1 Italian Beef – Chicago
Since opening in 1938, Al’s Italian Beef has been slinging what many consider the gold standard of Chicago’s most iconic sandwich. Located at 169 W Ontario St in the River North neighborhood, this no-frills spot draws crowds from morning until late evening.
The secret lies in their perfectly seasoned, thinly sliced beef that’s been slow-roasted to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Ordering here comes with its own language: you’ll need to decide between dry, wet, or dipped, referring to how much of that flavorful gravy soaks your sandwich. Most regulars go for dipped, where the entire sandwich takes a quick bath in the savory jus.
Add sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera for the complete experience.
The combination of tender beef, crusty Italian bread, and that incredible gravy creates pure magic with every messy bite. Don’t worry about looking dignified while eating—everyone here is too busy enjoying their own sandwich to notice.
This Chicago institution has earned its reputation one perfectly seasoned, gloriously drippy sandwich at a time.
3. J.P. Graziano Grocery – Chicago
Walking into J.P. Graziano Grocery feels like stepping back to 1937 when this family business first opened its doors.
Nestled at 901 W Randolph St in Chicago’s West Loop, this Italian specialty shop has been crafting spectacular sandwiches for generations. Their signature Mr. G sandwich has achieved cult status among Chicago sandwich enthusiasts.
What makes their sandwiches extraordinary is the attention to quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods. They carefully source and season premium Italian meats, import authentic Italian products, and bake fresh bread daily.
The Mr. G layers mortadella, hot capicola, Genoa salami, and provolone with olive tapenade and hot giardiniera on perfectly crusty bread.
Every ingredient works in harmony, creating flavor combinations that keep people coming back week after week. The grocery setting adds authentic charm, with shelves stocked with imported Italian goods surrounding the deli counter.
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you—this place serves some of the finest Italian sandwiches you’ll find anywhere, making it absolutely worth battling West Loop traffic to experience their incredible creations.
4. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen – Chicago
Corned beef lovers unite at Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen, a Chicago institution serving up Jewish deli classics since 1942. Located at 1141 S Jefferson St, this cafeteria-style spot has fed everyone from politicians to construction workers with equal enthusiasm.
Their towering corned beef sandwiches have become the stuff of local legend.
The corned beef here gets brined and slow-cooked using traditional recipes that haven’t changed in decades. Piled impossibly high on fresh rye bread with just mustard, each sandwich showcases the meat’s peppery, tender perfection.
The cafeteria format means you can watch them slice your corned beef fresh from the steaming brisket.
Portions here are generously oversized, so come with an appetite or plan to take leftovers home. The old-school atmosphere, complete with vintage signage and bustling counter service, adds to the authentic experience.
Manny’s proves that sometimes the simplest preparations create the most memorable flavors, especially when you’re using quality ingredients and time-tested techniques passed down through generations of dedicated deli masters.
5. Schmaltz Delicatessen – Lisle
Suburban sandwich seekers strike gold at Schmaltz Delicatessen in Lisle, where authentic Jewish deli traditions thrive at 3011 Ogden Ave. This relatively newer addition to the Illinois deli scene has quickly earned devoted followers with their commitment to traditional preparation methods. Their pastrami sandwich rivals anything you’d find in the city.
Each pastrami sandwich features traditional long-cured meat coated in peppery spices, then smoked to create those signature pink rings and incredible flavor. Served warm on fresh rye with spicy brown mustard, it’s a masterclass in classic deli craftsmanship.
The meat practically melts on your tongue while delivering bold, complex flavors.
Beyond pastrami, their menu offers creative twists on deli favorites without abandoning traditional roots. The friendly staff genuinely cares about your experience, offering recommendations and ensuring everything comes out perfect.
For western suburban residents, Schmaltz eliminates the need to trek into Chicago for world-class deli sandwiches, though their quality would justify driving from anywhere in the state to taste their exceptional creations.
6. Kaufman’s Bagel & Delicatessen – Skokie
Skokie’s Kaufman’s Bagel & Delicatessen at 4905 Dempster St has been a North Shore treasure since 1970, perfecting the art of Jewish deli favorites. Their lox and bagel combination represents everything a proper bagel sandwich should be.
Fresh-baked bagels provide the perfect foundation for generous portions of silky smoked salmon.
The bagels here are boiled then baked using traditional methods, creating that ideal chewy interior and slightly crispy exterior. Topped with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and tomato, each lox bagel delivers balanced flavors and textures in every bite.
The salmon quality stands out immediately—buttery, delicate, and perfectly cured.
Weekend mornings see lines forming as locals stock up on bagels and stay for breakfast sandwiches. The deli counter offers endless combinations, but that classic lox bagel remains the star attraction.
Everything gets made fresh daily, ensuring quality stays consistent whether you’re visiting on Tuesday afternoon or Sunday morning. Kaufman’s proves that sometimes the classics become classic for very good reasons, especially when executed with this level of care and expertise.
7. Bari Foods – Chicago
Hidden in plain sight at 1120 W Grand Ave, Bari Foods operates as an Italian grocery and wholesale supplier but also serves knockout sandwiches to those in the know. This under-the-radar spot has been a favorite among construction workers and West Side locals who appreciate quality Italian sandwiches without the fuss.
Their submarine sandwiches stack up beautifully against far more famous competitors.
What gives Bari an advantage is direct access to the premium Italian meats and cheeses they distribute to restaurants across the city. Each sandwich gets loaded with fresh-sliced salami, capicola, mortadella, and provolone, then dressed with oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
The bread arrives fresh daily from local bakeries they supply.
Prices remain remarkably reasonable considering the generous portions and ingredient quality. The no-frills warehouse setting won’t win design awards, but that’s part of the charm—this place focuses entirely on the food.
Smart sandwich hunters willing to venture slightly off the beaten path discover one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets, where wholesale quality meets retail prices in the most delicious way possible.
8. Vinnie’s Sub Shop – Chicago
Taylor Street’s Little Italy neighborhood houses Vinnie’s Sub Shop at 2314 W Taylor St, where submarine sandwiches reach their full potential. This family-run spot has been serving the community since the early 1960s, building loyal followings across multiple generations.
Their Italian sub perfectly represents what neighborhood sandwich shops should aspire to achieve.
Every sub starts with bread baked specifically for Vinnie’s, featuring a crispy crust that gives way to soft, chewy interior. The meats get sliced fresh to order, never sitting pre-cut in containers.
Layers of Genoa salami, capicola, mortadella, and provolone stack high, then get topped with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and their signature oil and vinegar dressing.
The sandwich artists here take genuine pride in their work, treating each order like it matters because it does. Regulars know to call ahead during lunch rushes, though waiting gives you time to admire the vintage photos covering the walls.
Vinnie’s represents old-school sandwich making at its finest, where quality ingredients, proper technique, and family recipes combine to create something worth traveling across the city to experience firsthand.
9. Epic Deli – McHenry
McHenry’s Epic Deli lives up to its name with sandwiches that truly earn the epic designation. Located at 2616 Schaid Ct, this northern Illinois gem has become a destination for sandwich lovers throughout the region.
Their creative menu takes familiar deli concepts and elevates them with unexpected flavor combinations and premium ingredients.
The signature Epic Club piles turkey, ham, bacon, and multiple cheeses with fresh vegetables on toasted bread, but calling it a club sandwich feels inadequate. Each component gets carefully selected for quality and flavor contribution.
The bacon comes thick-cut and perfectly crispy, the turkey gets roasted in-house, and the bread arrives fresh from local bakeries.
Beyond classics, their specials board features rotating creations that showcase seasonal ingredients and creative inspiration. The friendly staff clearly enjoys what they do, making recommendations and customizing orders to match preferences.
For McHenry County residents, Epic Deli provides big-city sandwich quality without the drive, though plenty of visitors from surrounding areas make the trip specifically for these outstanding creations that redefine what deli sandwiches can accomplish.
10. Chick-N-Dip – Hampshire
Hampshire’s Chick-N-Dip at 995 S State St serves up what locals simply call perfection: crispy fried chicken on a bun with their famous special sauce. This small-town treasure has been frying chicken to golden excellence for decades, creating sandwiches that draw crowds from surrounding counties.
The name tells you everything you need to know about their specialty.
Each chicken breast gets hand-breaded and fried to order, ensuring maximum crispiness and juiciness. The breading delivers satisfying crunch while the meat inside stays incredibly tender and flavorful.
That special dipping sauce—creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet—transforms good fried chicken into something extraordinary when combined.
The casual, friendly atmosphere makes everyone feel like regulars, even first-time visitors. Portions are generous without being wasteful, and prices remain refreshingly reasonable.
Weekend evenings often see lines forming, but the wait moves quickly and proves absolutely worthwhile. Chick-N-Dip represents small-town dining at its absolute best, where simple concepts executed with care and quality ingredients create memorable meals that keep people coming back year after year.
11. D’Arcy’s Pint Horseshoe Sandwich – Springfield
Springfield’s signature contribution to sandwich culture is the Horseshoe, and D’Arcy’s Pint at 661 W Stanford Ave serves one of the city’s finest versions. This open-faced creation layers meat over toasted bread, then smothers everything in creamy cheese sauce and French fries.
Yes, fries on top of the sandwich—it’s wonderfully excessive and absolutely delicious.
D’Arcy’s offers multiple protein options, but their hamburger Horseshoe remains the classic choice. The beef patties get grilled perfectly, the cheese sauce flows rich and smooth, and the fries on top add textural contrast and extra heartiness.
Each bite combines multiple elements into one gloriously indulgent experience.
Attempting to eat a Horseshoe with any dignity is futile—embrace the fork and knife approach. The portions could easily satisfy two people, though most locals tackle the whole thing solo.
This uniquely Springfield creation might confuse outsiders initially, but one taste converts skeptics into believers. D’Arcy’s has perfected this regional specialty, making it absolutely essential eating for anyone visiting the capital city or seeking truly unique Illinois sandwich experiences.
12. Charlie Parker’s Diner – Springfield
Classic diner sandwiches shine at Charlie Parker’s Diner, located at 700 North St in Springfield. This retro-style eatery serves breakfast and lunch favorites with the kind of quality and care that built America’s diner culture.
Their tenderloin sandwich represents Midwestern comfort food at its absolute finest, featuring a massive pork tenderloin pounded thin and fried crispy.
The tenderloin here extends far beyond the bun’s edges, as tradition demands. Each bite delivers perfectly seasoned, crispy breading surrounding juicy pork that’s been tenderized to perfection.
Simple toppings of lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles let the star ingredient shine while adding freshness and crunch.
The vintage diner atmosphere, complete with counter seating and friendly servers, enhances the entire experience. Everything on the menu reflects the same commitment to quality and generous portions.
Breakfast offerings run all day for those craving morning favorites at lunchtime. Charlie Parker’s proves that diners remain relevant when they focus on executing classics properly, using quality ingredients, and treating every customer like family returning home for a delicious, satisfying meal.
13. 17th Street Barbecue – Murphysboro
Southern Illinois barbecue reaches its peak at 17th Street Barbecue in Murphysboro, located at 32 N 17th St. This award-winning smokehouse has earned national recognition for their barbecue, with their pulled pork sandwich leading the charge. Owner Mike Mills, known as “The Legend,” has won more barbecue championships than most pitmasters dream of entering.
Each pork shoulder gets smoked low and slow over apple and cherry wood until the meat pulls apart effortlessly. The result is incredibly tender, smoky pork with beautiful pink smoke rings and complex flavor that needs no sauce, though their signature options complement beautifully.
Piled high on a soft bun with coleslaw, it’s barbecue perfection.
The casual, welcoming atmosphere lets the food take center stage without pretension. Locals and barbecue pilgrims from across the country share tables, united by appreciation for exceptional smoked meat.
Making the drive to Murphysboro might seem extreme for a sandwich, but one bite of 17th Street’s pulled pork justifies every mile traveled, proving that true barbecue mastery deserves whatever effort it takes to experience firsthand.