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8 No-Fuss Delis In Illinois Serving Up Mouthwatering Sandwiches


Picture this: you’re in Illinois, hunger strikes, and suddenly you’re on a quest for the perfect sandwich.

Fear not, we’ve scoured the Prairie State to bring you a list of delis that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!

1. Lola’s Deli (Elizabeth)

"Eat Here" indeed! Lola's colorful facade is like a beacon for sandwich lovers, promising laughter and love with every bite."Eat Here" indeed! Lola's colorful facade is like a beacon for sandwich lovers, promising laughter and love with every bite.
“Eat Here” indeed! Lola’s colorful facade is like a beacon for sandwich lovers, promising laughter and love with every bite. Photo Credit: Ken Witz

Nestled in the charming town of Elizabeth, Lola’s Deli is a sight for sore eyes and empty stomachs.

The vibrant exterior, with its bold “EAT HERE” sign, practically begs you to step inside.

And who are we to argue with such persuasive signage?

This isn’t just any deli; it’s a local institution that’s mastered the art of the sandwich.

The moment you walk in, you’re hit with the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked bread and premium meats.

It’s like a warm hug for your nostrils.

Lola’s motto, “Laugh Often, Love Always,” is plastered right on their sign, and boy, do they live up to it.

The staff here could probably make a sandwich out of sawdust and still have you coming back for seconds, thanks to their infectious good humor.

Step inside this charming deli, where the aroma of fresh bread and premium meats will have you grinning from ear to ear.Step inside this charming deli, where the aroma of fresh bread and premium meats will have you grinning from ear to ear.
Step inside this charming deli, where the aroma of fresh bread and premium meats will have you grinning from ear to ear. Photo Credit: Nikola Trninic

But let’s talk about the real star of the show: the sandwiches.

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, slapped-together affairs.

No, sir.

Each sandwich is crafted with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker and the passion of an Italian opera singer.

It’s like they’re auditioning for “America’s Got Talent: Sandwich Edition.”

2. Kaufman’s Bagel & Delicatessen (Skokie)

Kaufman's: Where bagels are elevated to an art form and schmear is a way of life. It's carb heaven, folks!Kaufman's: Where bagels are elevated to an art form and schmear is a way of life. It's carb heaven, folks!
Kaufman’s: Where bagels are elevated to an art form and schmear is a way of life. It’s carb heaven, folks! Photo credit: Todd

If Kaufman’s were a person, it’d be that cool grandparent who still rides a motorcycle and knows all the latest TikTok dances.

This Skokie staple has been around the block a few times, but it’s anything but old-fashioned.

The exterior might look like your typical suburban deli, but step inside and you’re transported to a world where calories don’t count and happiness is measured in inches of pastrami.

It’s like Willy Wonka’s factory, but for grown-ups who prefer their golden tickets in the form of perfectly toasted bagels.

Kaufman’s has perfected the art of the schmear, spreading joy (and cream cheese) across Skokie since before schmearing was cool.

Their bagels are so good, they could probably solve world peace if we just sat everyone down for a nosh.

This Skokie staple is like the cool grandparent of delis – classic charm with a modern twist. Prepare for sandwich nirvana!This Skokie staple is like the cool grandparent of delis – classic charm with a modern twist. Prepare for sandwich nirvana!
This Skokie staple is like the cool grandparent of delis – classic charm with a modern twist. Prepare for sandwich nirvana! Photo credit: Typhoon ChinChin

But don’t let the bagels steal all the spotlight.

The deli counter here is a thing of beauty, stocked with more meats and cheeses than you can shake a pickle at.

It’s like a United Nations of deliciousness, where corned beef and Swiss cheese live in perfect harmony.

3. Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen (Chicago)

Manny's: Where the skyline meets the deli line. Come for the corned beef, stay for the slice of Chicago history.Manny's: Where the skyline meets the deli line. Come for the corned beef, stay for the slice of Chicago history.
Manny’s: Where the skyline meets the deli line. Come for the corned beef, stay for the slice of Chicago history. Photo credit: David Dent

Ah, Manny’s.

If Chicago had a stomach, this would be its happy place.

Nestled in the shadow of the Windy City’s iconic skyline, Manny’s has been serving up slices of heaven (and pastrami) since 1942.

Walking into Manny’s is like stepping into a time machine, if that time machine were powered by matzo ball soup and chutzpah.

The cafeteria-style setup might seem intimidating at first, but fear not – the staff here are friendlier than a golden retriever at a frisbee convention.

The menu at Manny’s reads like a love letter to Jewish deli cuisine.

Their corned beef is so tender, it practically melts in your mouth like a snowflake on a warm tongue.

This cafeteria-style gem is like a warm hug from your Jewish grandmother, if she could bench press a brisket.This cafeteria-style gem is like a warm hug from your Jewish grandmother, if she could bench press a brisket.
This cafeteria-style gem is like a warm hug from your Jewish grandmother, if she could bench press a brisket. Photo credit: Nick Ventimiglia

And don’t even get me started on the potato pancakes – they’re crispier than a fresh dollar bill and more satisfying than finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag.

But the real magic of Manny’s lies in its atmosphere.

It’s a place where suits and hard hats rub elbows, united in their quest for the perfect sandwich.

It’s democracy in action, folks – one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all… and a side of coleslaw.

4. The Galena Kandy Kitchen (Galena)

Sweet surprise! This candy haven moonlights as a sandwich spot. It's like Willy Wonka opened a deli – pure magic!Sweet surprise! This candy haven moonlights as a sandwich spot. It's like Willy Wonka opened a deli – pure magic!
Sweet surprise! This candy haven moonlights as a sandwich spot. It’s like Willy Wonka opened a deli – pure magic! Photo credit: Galena’s Kandy Kitchen

Okay, I know what you’re thinking.

“A candy store on a deli list? Has this writer finally lost their marbles?”

But hear me out, because The Galena Kandy Kitchen is the sweet surprise in our savory sandwich journey.

Tucked away in the picturesque town of Galena, this charming confectionery is like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting – if Norman Rockwell had a serious sweet tooth.

The storefront, with its classic awning and window displays, is more inviting than a warm bed on a cold morning.

Step into a Norman Rockwell painting with a sugar rush. The Kandy Kitchen serves up nostalgia by the spoonful.Step into a Norman Rockwell painting with a sugar rush. The Kandy Kitchen serves up nostalgia by the spoonful.
Step into a Norman Rockwell painting with a sugar rush. The Kandy Kitchen serves up nostalgia by the spoonful. Photo credit: Ron Mosocco

Now, I know we’re here for sandwiches, but let’s take a moment to appreciate the candy.

This place has more sugar than a Southern grandmother’s tea, and it’s all displayed with the kind of care usually reserved for fine jewelry or newborn babies.

Related: This Mom-and-Pop Diner in Illinois has Mouth-Watering Milkshakes that are Absolutely to Die for

Related: This Whimsical Dessert Shop in Illinois is What Sweet Dreams are Made of

Related: The Cuban Sandwich at this Tiny Illinois Restaurant is so Good, You’ll Feel like You’re in Havana

But here’s the kicker – they also serve up some mean sandwiches.

It’s like they couldn’t decide between being a candy store or a deli, so they said, “Why not both?”

And let me tell you, it works.

Their sandwiches are the perfect balance to their sweets, like yin and yang, but delicious.

5. Schneider Deli (Chicago)

Don't judge this book by its cover! Schneider's stone facade hides a rainbow of flavors waiting to be discovered.Don't judge this book by its cover! Schneider's stone facade hides a rainbow of flavors waiting to be discovered.
Don’t judge this book by its cover! Schneider’s stone facade hides a rainbow of flavors waiting to be discovered. Photo credit: Chelsie Tamms

Schneider Deli is the Clark Kent of the Chicago deli scene – unassuming on the outside, but hiding superpowers within.

Tucked away in a stone-faced building that looks like it could withstand a zombie apocalypse, this place is proof that you should never judge a book by its cover… or a deli by its facade.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a riot of colors that would make a rainbow jealous.

The green and red exterior gives way to a warm, inviting interior that feels like a hug from your favorite aunt – the one who always sneaks you an extra cookie when your parents aren’t looking.

Step into sandwich paradise: Schneider's interior is as warm and inviting as their corned beef is mouthwatering.Step into sandwich paradise: Schneider's interior is as warm and inviting as their corned beef is mouthwatering.
Step into sandwich paradise: Schneider’s interior is as warm and inviting as their corned beef is mouthwatering. Photo credit: Richard Lubin

The menu here is a love letter to the art of sandwichery.

Each creation is a carefully orchestrated symphony of flavors, with every ingredient playing its part to perfection.

It’s like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, but for your taste buds.

But the real star of the show?

The corned beef.

Oh, mama mia!

This corned beef is so good, it could make a vegetarian question their life choices.

It’s tender, it’s flavorful, and it’s piled higher than a Chicago snowdrift in February.

6. Schmaltz Delicatessen (Lisle)

Schmaltz: Where pastrami dreams come true. This red-hot deli serves up sandwiches higher than a Chicago snowdrift!Schmaltz: Where pastrami dreams come true. This red-hot deli serves up sandwiches higher than a Chicago snowdrift!
Schmaltz: Where pastrami dreams come true. This red-hot deli serves up sandwiches higher than a Chicago snowdrift! Photo credit: Kevin Sparber

Schmaltz Delicatessen in Lisle is like that friend who’s always the life of the party – loud, proud, and guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied.

The bright red exterior is like a beacon of hope for hungry travelers, calling out “Come hither, all ye who crave a good nosh!”

Inside, it’s a whirlwind of activity that would make a New York deli proud.

The staff here move with the precision of a well-oiled machine, slicing, dicing, and schmearing faster than you can say “oy vey.”

Step into sandwich central: Schmaltz is a whirlwind of deliciousness that'll leave you saying "Oy vey, that's good!"Step into sandwich central: Schmaltz is a whirlwind of deliciousness that'll leave you saying "Oy vey, that's good!"
Step into sandwich central: Schmaltz is a whirlwind of deliciousness that’ll leave you saying “Oy vey, that’s good!” Photo credit: American Marketing & Publishing

But let’s talk about the star of the show – the pastrami.

This isn’t just any pastrami.

No, sir.

This is pastrami that’s been loved, nurtured, and cared for like a favorite child.

It’s smoky, it’s tender, and it’s piled so high on the sandwich that you’ll need to unhinge your jaw like a snake to take a bite.

And don’t even get me started on their matzo ball soup.

It’s like a warm hug for your insides, with matzo balls so light and fluffy they could probably float away if not for the rich, savory broth anchoring them down.

7. Frankie’s Deli (Oakbrook Terrace)

Frankie's: Where modern meets mouthwatering. It's like Milan Fashion Week for your taste buds!Frankie's: Where modern meets mouthwatering. It's like Milan Fashion Week for your taste buds!
Frankie’s: Where modern meets mouthwatering. It’s like Milan Fashion Week for your taste buds! Photo credit: Steven Combs

Frankie’s Deli in Oakbrook Terrace is like that cool Italian cousin who shows up at family reunions with great stories and even better food.

The modern exterior, with its sleek lines and inviting patio, is more “Milan fashion week” than “your nonna’s kitchen,” but don’t let that fool you – the food here is as authentic as it gets.

Step inside, and you’re hit with an aroma so tantalizing it should come with a warning label.

It’s a heady mix of cured meats, fresh bread, and something that can only be described as “Essence of Italy.”

If they could bottle this smell, they’d make a fortune.

The sandwich menu here reads like a who’s who of Italian deli all-stars.

You’ve got your capicola, your mortadella, your prosciutto – it’s like a reunion of the cast of “The Sopranos,” but instead of whacking people, they’re stacked between two slices of perfectly crusty bread.

Step into sandwich nirvana: Frankie's sleek exterior hides a world of Italian deli delights. Prepare for flavor overload!Step into sandwich nirvana: Frankie's sleek exterior hides a world of Italian deli delights. Prepare for flavor overload!
Step into sandwich nirvana: Frankie’s sleek exterior hides a world of Italian deli delights. Prepare for flavor overload! Photo credit: Shane Sarathain

But the real showstopper?

The Italian beef.

This sandwich is so juicy, so flavorful, so perfectly spiced that it could bring tears to the eyes of even the toughest Chicago cop.

It’s a mess to eat, sure, but the best things in life usually are.

8. Epic Deli (McHenry)

Epic by name, epic by nature! This deli turns sandwiches into superheroes. Prepare for taste bud liftoff!Epic by name, epic by nature! This deli turns sandwiches into superheroes. Prepare for taste bud liftoff!
Epic by name, epic by nature! This deli turns sandwiches into superheroes. Prepare for taste bud liftoff! Photo credit: Mike Raia

Last but certainly not least, we have Epic Deli in McHenry.

And folks, let me tell you, they’re not messing around with that name.

This place is more epic than a Marvel movie marathon, and twice as satisfying.

The exterior is unassuming, like Clark Kent’s glasses, but step inside and BAM! – you’re hit with a superhero-sized menu that’ll make your head spin faster than Superman circling the globe.

The walls are adorned with sandwich names that read like the track list of a heavy metal album – bold, in-your-face, and promising one heck of a ride.

But Epic Deli isn’t just about shock value.

No, sir.

These sandwiches are crafted with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker and the creativity of a mad scientist.

It’s like they looked at a normal sandwich and said, “That’s cute, but what if we added MORE?”

Step into sandwich Valhalla: Epic Deli's creations are so mighty, Thor himself would trade his hammer for a bite.Step into sandwich Valhalla: Epic Deli's creations are so mighty, Thor himself would trade his hammer for a bite.
Step into sandwich Valhalla: Epic Deli’s creations are so mighty, Thor himself would trade his hammer for a bite. Photo credit: James Steele

Take their “Mortal Kombat” sandwich, for instance.

This beast is packed with more meats than a butcher’s freezer, more cheese than a mouse’s dream, and enough heat to make you yell “FINISH HIM!”

It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience.

So there you have it, folks – eight Illinois delis that’ll knock your socks off faster than you can say “hold the mayo.”

From old-school Jewish delis to new-wave sandwich innovators, the Prairie State’s got it all.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, all this writing has made me hungry.

I’m off to get a sandwich… or eight.





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