The Hole-In-The-Wall Illinois Spot Serving Italian Dishes Straight Out Of Tradition
I’ve eaten a lot of “authentic” Italian food in my life. I’ve stood in line for trendy pastas in West Loop and paid too much for tiny appetizers in River North.
But the real stuff-the kind that smells like your grandmother’s kitchen, even if she wasn’t Italian-that’s hard to find. It’s usually hidden away, inconspicuous, demanding that you judge it based only on aroma and reputation. That’s exactly what happened the first time I wound up outside Fontano’s in Little Italy.
The minute I stepped out of the Chicago heat, a profound, rich scent of vinegar, cured meats, and freshly baked bread hit me like a wall. Forget the fancy signage and the ambient lighting, this tiny spot doesn’t need to try hard. It just is.
A Family Legacy That Started With Groceries
Back in 1929, Mary and James Fontano opened a modest corner grocery store in Little Italy, stocking shelves with imported Italian goods for homesick immigrants. They probably never imagined their small shop would evolve into a Chicago sandwich legend.
Fast forward to 1960, and their vision transformed into Fontano’s Subs, a dedicated sandwich shop that kept the family’s commitment to quality alive. The transition from groceries to sandwiches made perfect sense since they already knew where to source the finest Italian meats and cheeses.
Today, the Fontano name still represents authentic Italian tradition in Chicago, proving that some family businesses really do get better with age.
Chicago’s Number One Sub According To The Experts
When the Chicago Sun-Times crowned Fontano’s with the title of serving Chicago’s best sub sandwich, they weren’t just throwing around compliments. This recognition came after decades of competition from countless sandwich shops across the Windy City.
What makes their subs stand out is the careful balance of flavors and textures, from the crusty Italian bread to the perfectly proportioned meats and cheeses. Every bite delivers that authentic taste that keeps customers lined up at the counter.
Awards aside, the real proof comes from watching regulars order the same sandwich they’ve been eating for thirty years, never getting tired of that winning combination.
The Blockbuster Lives Up To Its Name
Ordering the Blockbuster feels like committing to a serious relationship with your lunch. This monster sandwich comes loaded with ham, salami, capicola, provolone, and Swiss cheese, creating a tower of Italian goodness that requires both hands and possibly a game plan.
My first encounter with the Blockbuster left me wondering if I’d accidentally ordered a sandwich meant for three people. Spoiler alert: I finished it anyway, and the food coma was absolutely worth it.
The combination of cured meats and melted cheeses creates flavor explosions that justify every calorie, making this the sandwich that put Fontano’s on the map.
No-Frills Atmosphere That Lets The Food Shine
Walking into Fontano’s won’t transport you to a fancy Italian villa with marble columns and chandeliers. Instead, you’ll find a straightforward sandwich counter where the focus stays firmly on what matters: incredible food made right.
The unpretentious vibe actually adds to the charm, reminding everyone that great Italian cooking never needed fancy decorations or tablecloths. You order at the counter, grab your sandwich, and find a spot to enjoy your meal without any fuss.
This stripped-down approach means your money goes into quality ingredients rather than expensive furniture, which seems like a pretty smart trade-off to most customers.
Traditional Italian Ingredients Make All The Difference
Fontano’s doesn’t mess around with shortcuts or substitutions when it comes to sourcing ingredients. Their commitment to authentic Italian meats and cheeses means every sandwich tastes like something you’d actually find in a Roman deli.
From the creamy mortadella to the spicy capicola, each meat gets selected for its quality and traditional preparation methods. The provolone and Swiss cheeses complement rather than overpower, creating that perfect harmony Italian cooks have perfected over centuries.
Fresh bread arrives daily, ensuring that crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture that makes Italian sandwiches legendary around the world.
Multiple Locations Without Losing The Magic
Expanding from one beloved Little Italy location to multiple spots across Chicago could have spelled disaster for quality and authenticity. Many family businesses lose their soul when they grow too fast or spread too thin.
Fontano’s managed to pull off the rare feat of expansion without dilution, now serving customers at 332 S Michigan Ave and 2151 W 95th St alongside the original location. Each spot maintains the same commitment to traditional recipes and quality ingredients.
The growth means more Chicagoans can grab an authentic Italian sub without trekking to Little Italy, though purists still swear the original location tastes slightly better.
What To Order When You Finally Visit
First-timers often freeze when facing Fontano’s menu, overwhelmed by tempting options ranging from the famous Blockbuster to the Big L loaded with three types of salami. Starting with the Blockbuster makes sense since it represents everything the shop does best.
Chicago beef lovers should absolutely try the Italian Beef sandwich, which honors the city’s legendary sandwich tradition with tender, juicy meat piled on fresh bread. The meatball sub offers another solid choice for those wanting something warm and comforting.
Whatever you choose, arrive hungry and prepare for generous portions that might require splitting or saving half for later.