Nothing beats a quality deli sandwich.
You don't have to live in New York City to get the down-to-earth deli experience. There are lots of places to nosh in Chicago. Sample from an array of Jewish-style sandwich joints that offer traditional fare and unique twists on the classic deli experience.
Manny's Coffee Shop and Deli
Ask around about Jewish delis in Chicago and any local will point you toward Manny's. Since 1942, they've been serving it up, cafeteria-style. Proprietors tout the corned beef, pastrami and brisket. "You come to this landmark lunchroom to pile your tray high and eat like there's no tomorrow," according to Manny's Web site. Daily specials include comfort foods like chicken pot pie, oxtail stew and fried fish with macaroni.
Kaufman's Bagel and Delicatessen
Don't know deckle from pickle? Kaufman's owner Arnold Dworkin is the perfect teacher. Most delis mix all the parts of a cured brisket when they slice or package their corned beef, but Kaufman's sells the marbled part, a.k.a deckle, separately. Foodies tired of dry corned beef and looking for a melt-in-your-mouth sensation will be rewarded for driving to the burbs. If corned beef's not your thing, Kaufman's also carries an array of kosher salamis, pastrami, chopped chicken liver and chocolate-covered halvah, a rich sesame-based dessert.
Steve's Deli
The deli that has been wowing customers in the metropolitan Detroit area from its Bloomfield Hills location since 1994 is now in Chicago. Start with favorites like Nova Scotia Lox with cream cheese, kishka and gravy and chicken matzoh ball or kreplach soup. Sample from an extensive menu of sandwiches that includes traditional sandwiches as well as "lite" – no-carb and vegetarian options. Finish off with an ample dessert menu that offers cakes, cupcakes and puddings.
Thorndale Deli
Serving the Edgewater community for more than 50 years, this deli has everything you want; from corned beef, pastrami, roasts, ham and poultry to cased meats that include German salami, Italian salami and kishke (Jewish-American sausage made with matzoh meal).
Frances' Deli
Frances' Deli is like the Grandmother of delis. Pushing 70 years old, the deli opened its doors in 1938 and is still thriving, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner fare in its old-school Lincoln Park home. The stuffed omelets will have you busting at the seams. Sandwiches are equally mouthwatering and portion-heavy. If you love club sandwiches, you'll want to zero in on the list of 14 "triple decker" options. Salads, soups and nearly a dozen burgers are available as well.
New York Deli
This authentic corner deli seems to be hidden in plain sight; if half the passersby of this high-traffic stretch of Clark knew about the giant Boars Head sandwiches crafted at this place, the line would stretch as far north as Wrigley Field. The authentic New York deli is big on personality, big on portion and low on price.
Ashkenaz Deli
Pick up some bagels and lox at this Gold Coast institution, which was founded in 1973. Grab a boxed lunch that includes half a sandwich, soup and a side. Try pastrami or egg salad, creamy slaw or three-bean salad, chicken matzo or split pea soup. Family recipes for gefilte fish, cheese blintzes and noodle pudding round off the menu.
Morry's Deli
Cheap eats abound at this deli near the University of Chicago. Regulars flock for triple-decker club and chopped liver and onion sandwiches. If you can't score one of the few tables in this popular joint, just take the goods to go.
Eppy's Deli
Forget Subway and Jimmy John's, and try this independent sandwich shop downtown. Regulars praise its affordable prices, heaping portions and cozy atmosphere. How affordable? In the winter, get a cup of the soup of the day for the same price as the temperature (so if it's zero degrees out, the soup's on them!) The workers' personalities add to the over-all package. And make sure to hit up their newer Loop location.
Finkl's World Famous Deli
Stop in for a breakfast of Dean Martin eggs, or wash down a liver-sausage sandwich with some chicken matzo ball soup for lunch at this Goose Island deli.
Ada's Famous Deli and Restaurant
This Loop eatery serves up your classic deli fare and breakfast all day. Its late hours make it a destination for theater-goers and others carousing downtown at night.
The Bagel Restaurant and Deli
Start your meal at this neighborhood mainstay with "appetizers, nibbles and noshes," such as lox, salmon salad or gefilte fish. Try some potato pancakes or fried kreplach before getting your dessert on with key-lime pie or Granny Smith caramel apple pie. Regular diner fare and fountain treats are also served.
JB's Deli
This deli counter is a treasure hidden inside Gordano's Pharmacy. Stop by this Andersonville joint for lox, bagels and coffee before work. Lunch- and dinner fare include sandwiches, home-made soups and an extensive salad menu.
Shalom Deli
You can find matzo and miso soup at this friendly downtown deli. Stop by this mom-and-pop run shop and grab an open-faced bagel sandwich for lunch, but be prepared to wait as the line can run out the door during the week.
Eleven City Diner
Order a standard corned beef or pastrami sandwich or try "The Woody Allen," a double decker with both meats. The "'Shappy's Salami Sandwich" is served on challah, and you can supplement any meal with a side of "Tevi's Knish" or "Yenta's Latke." Pastas, burgers and fish dishes are also served, as well as all-day breakfast items.
Each week, Centerstage Chicago's crack staff will answer a question you have about the city, showing you some of the best places around in the process. Did we miss something? Tell us. Got a question you want us to answer? Ask us and we'll get right on it.
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