Dirty sandwich dives usually serve up dishes that firmly fall into the "spectacularly good" or "horribly awful" categories, rarely producing an entrée that would qualify as "decent" or "so-so." Humboldt Park's Best Submarine #2 is no exception, but sort of manages to rectify the problem simply by delivering an enormous menu, so that for every botched sandwich there exists at least one fantastic offering. Prepare to mine the menu for gold - repeat visits are required.

Stepping into the shop feels a little like stepping into the late 80s - one dusty analog TV hangs in the corner, on the precipice of total static, while cheesy and retro posters of people with awful haircuts enjoying various meats line the walls. Pictures of sandwiches and other selections allow a visual sampling of everything that's offered - feel free to order whichever image your tummy chooses.

So what's on tap? First, the shop's specialty: sub sandwiches ($3.25 for regular sized, $4.99 for super, both served with fries), from Philly steak to salami to turkey, or the roast or corned beef, a juicy cut with the bread packed to the brim with meat. "Best" submarines in the city may be hyperbole, but it's sure up there. Fried chicken, gyros, and an assortment of burgers seem to be another popular choice, all messy and artery clogging. Best Submarine's seafood options - cat fish, fried okra(!), perch dinner - help solidify the dive as a unique dining experience. Are there misses? You bet, but it's a reasoned, rational risk to take in order to find that perfect late-night indulgence.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Andy Seifert