A local legend, this sandwich haven has been stuffing Northwestern students and other in-the-know sandwich lovers since the 1940s. Part of the old-fashioned charm of this family-run deli is the great care given to everything, from the sandwiches to the hand-drawn menus to the homemade brownie cookies. Small marble tables allow you to take a seat, and miniature French flags hint at the deli's culinary influence.

There are many sandwiches from which to choose, and you can have them on a baguette (an Al's specialty) or seven-grain bread, piled high with lettuce, tomato, mayo and mustard. Try the roast beef with blue cheese dressing; the dressing is homemade, of course. Or sink your teeth into a turkey croissant with bearnaise sauce; brie on a baguette with lettuce, tomato and onion; and dill havarti on seven-grain bread. The sandwiches cost just under $7, but you'll want to bring a little extra for one of the insanely addictive brownie or butter cookies.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jon Graef