For decades, the Cap'n and his crew of sub scalawags have been docked on Ashland and serving up sandwiches to the Chicago public. From more standard subs like their Americanne (ham, turkey, bologna, cheese, condiments) and their more ... call them "fragrant" selections like the Conqueror (liverwurst, muenster cheese, eggs, sauerkraut), Nemo’s knows how and what to slap on a Gonella roll. And like everyone else in the country selling sandwiches nowadays, you can get 'em toasted, too.

Chili, soups and Italian beefs and sausages round out the menu, and three locations (Lakeview, Rogers Park, and Winnetka) ensure that northsiders can find the Cap'n if they have an overwhelming craving for a South Sea sub with ham, salami, and pineapple sauce. Prices are reasonable, with half sandwiches around $4 and a whole sub no more than $8. Soups and chili (of which they offer turkey and vegetarian in addition to beef) are $2-4 for a cup or bowl, and every visitor gets a free sample of their choice when they walk in.

In addition, thousands of Chicago schoolkids surely know Cap'n Nemo's from their catering and specialized School Lunch program, making them one of the go-to providers for a solid sandwich for kids across the city – and netting them devoted food followers from a young age. Cap'n Nemo may not have gourmet dining, but he certainly know hows to appeal to a captive audience.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Karl Klockars