Food Fight: Where to get the best Italian subs in Chicago
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Italian sub from Paulina Meat Market. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
A great Italian sub starts with the meat.
The Genoa salami, capicola and ham should be toothsome and plentiful.
Yes, but: To compete in Chicago, you also need a soft, chewy roll soaked with just the right squirt of seasoned oil.
Today, we're duking it out over who makes the best Italian sub in the city, updating the list we compiled back in 2022.
Monica's pick: The huge "Paulina's Own" ($14.95) from Lakeview's venerable Paulina Meat Market, where they pack this sammie with house-cured ham, bologna, salami, jagdwurst and cheese and condiments of your choice.
Be warned: You have to order it online at least 30 minutes before you pick it up. And then, still expect a wait. But it's worth it.
- You can usually find a spot on Cornelia to park for 15 minutes with your flashers on.
Justin's pick: In 2022, I picked JP Graziano's. To spice things up, I'm switching my pick this year to Conte Di Savoia in Little Italy.
- The Italian grocer and deli represents everything I love about the neighborhood. I got the simple yet affordable Italian sub special ($7.75) that comes with chips and a drink.
- Honorable mention goes to the "Italian Job" at TriBecca's Sandwich Shop in Avondale. It might've taken my top spot, but I wanted to head off any concerns about not picking an authentic Little Italy deli. đ€Ł
Of note: I'm on a no-lettuce kick until we get the all-clear, so that does affect the sandwich's overall look and feel.
Carrie's pick: This food fight is a tough one for a pescetarian. Like we say at the top, it's all about the meat.
- So please allow me to bend the rules a little and recommend the Verdure Arrostite ($10.95) from Café L'Appetito in River North. The veggie sandwich comes with eggplant, roasted red peppers, arugula, goat cheese, and is doused in olive oil.
- I add mushrooms, artichokes and spicy giardiniera, and on this latest order, skipped the greens because, as Justin said, eek.