The Hole-In-The-Wall Illinois Deli Where Every Sandwich Still Tastes Like Home
Tucked away on South Jefferson Street in Chicago sits a legendary deli that has been serving up comfort on a plate since 1942.
Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen isn’t fancy or pretentious, it’s just honest-to-goodness food that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into your grandmother’s kitchen.
From politicians to blue-collar workers, everyone lines up at this unassuming spot for overstuffed sandwiches that have been famous for generations.
A Chicago Staple With Humble Beginnings
Manny’s was founded in 1942 and named after Emanuel “Manny” Raskin, becoming a Chicago institution where Jewish deli traditions thrived in the Windy City.
Today it’s run by the fourth generation of the Raskin family, and while the business has evolved, many of the beloved recipes remain rooted in tradition. The worn floors and simple decor tell stories of millions of satisfied customers who’ve made this pilgrimage over eight decades.
Why Manny’s Still Feels Like Home
Stepping through the door at Manny’s is like traveling back in time. Fluorescent lights illuminate the cafeteria-style service line where hungry customers grab their trays and point at what they want, just like they did decades ago.
Regulars are welcomed warmly by staff, and the atmosphere stays casual and unhurried. The tables might be simple formica, and the chairs nothing special, but that’s exactly the point, Manny’s puts all its energy into the food, not fancy decor.
Sandwiches That Could Feed A Small Army
Your jaw will drop before your first bite. Manny’s sandwiches aren’t just meals, they’re monuments to excess that would make a cardiologist wince and a hungry heart sing with joy. The corned beef is sliced by hand, warm and tender, piled so high you’ll need to unhinge your jaw like a python.
Fans especially rave about the pastrami’s peppery, smoky flavor, and the Reuben piled with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and corned beef between slices of rye.
More Than Meat And Bread
Golden potato latkes arrive crackling hot, crispy on the outside and tender inside, the perfect vehicle for applesauce or sour cream. Matzo ball soup steams with chicken-y goodness, featuring dumplings that float proudly in broth clear enough to see your spoon through.
If available, kishke offers a hearty taste of tradition, though newcomers may find it an acquired favorite. Don’t miss the potato salad that puts picnic versions to shame. Even the humble pickle spear deserves attention, crunchy, garlicky perfection that cleanses your palate between bites of deli heaven.
Where Presidents Rub Elbows With Plumbers
The walls at Manny’s tell stories through faded photographs of famous visitors. President Barack Obama is among the most notable diners, and many local politicians have made Manny’s a campaign stop over the years.
Yet what makes this place special isn’t just the celebrity sightings. It’s watching a construction worker share a table with a CEO, both bonding over perfect pastrami. Manny’s doesn’t care about your tax bracket, only whether you appreciate food that speaks the universal language of comfort and tradition.