Grab a Sandwich

Corner Italian market in Cicero, open for more than 65 years, combining a deli, bakery, hot-food counter and gelato case. Beef on Turano rolls with olive-studded giardiniera, plus excellent subs. Closed Sundays.

Old-school Mount Greenwood counter with a garlicky beef. Order it wet if you're fine with a knife-and-fork sandwich. Closed Mondays.

Born in Little Village and now in Hillside, serving beef on Gonnella rolls with a notably spicy giardiniera. Add a cannoli milkshake.

The other half of the Maxwell Street Polish rivalry, a few doors from Jim's on Union. Polish with a good snap, charred grilled onions and mustard, served from early morning to 1 a.m.

Round-the-clock Bridgeport stand near the White Sox ballpark, serving Polish with grilled onions and pork chop sandwiches at any hour.

Logan Square Puerto Rican spot with the widest range of jibaritos in town, including a Cubano version.

Decades-old Noble Square diner that wraps its jibaritos tight and serves them with three housemade condiments.

Tiny Greater Grand Crossing takeout counter famous for its Gym Shoe. No seating, so eat it in the parking lot like everyone else; fries and a soda come with every order.

Southeast Side sub shop credited with inventing the Gym Shoe: corned beef, roast beef and gyro meat piled on a French roll with gyro sauce, mayo and the works.

The stand that has served the Maxwell Street Polish since 1939: grilled Polish, sweet grilled onions and mustard, with fries included. This is its North Side stand; the historic flagship on Union Ave has been told to relocate to Pilsen, so check before heading there.

No-frills River North beef stand and the real-life inspiration for the restaurant in The Bear.

Tiny family-run corner spot near Al's with outstanding bread and peppery jus, plus a cash-only Italian ice window.