Best Delicatessens In Chicago

There are no shortage of delicatessens in Chicago. While Windy City citizens love their encased meats and deep dish pizza, they also love a great sandwich, and no we're not just talking about Italian beefs. Whether it's the meaty toppings, or the crusty bread, these five delis (in addition to these five) have some flair... in addition to the best sandwich flavors in town.

Perry's Deli
174 N. Franklin St.
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 372-7557
www.perrysdeli.com

Whatever you do when you head to this Loop delicatessen, come with a big appetite... and turn off your phones. That's because, for one, cell phones are so discouraged that if you so much as look at your phone, a siren may go off. That aside, it's the sandwiches you come here for, and the sandwiches? They're as big as your head, stacked high with all sorts of delicious combinations of meat, and that goes for both the triple-decker sandwiches and the 'old world' deli sandwiches. Since you really should only pick one here (unless you're splitting with someone else, and even then, we dare you to take more than few bites of each), try either the corned beef or the Caveat Emperor, which is topped with just about every meat and topping imaginable. When you have a choice of dressing, always go with the Russian. Trust us; it's just that good.

Publican Quality Meats
825 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 445-8977
www.publicanqualitymeats.com

For starters, this butcher and deli shop from restauranteur Paul Kahan and his partners is located in just the right spot: the heart of the meatpacking district. Step inside and you'll be greeted by the most beautiful array of meats (seriously), and if you time your visit around meal time, you can also nab some wonderful meals and sandwiches made from those meats (and a few other in-store products). While all offer some tasty flavor combinations, one of the best of the best sandwiches is their porchetta. But don't look for it during the week. It's a Saturday (and sometimes Sunday) exclusive that makes a grand entrance around 12:30 p.m.

L'Appetito
875 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787-9881
www.lappetito.com

L'Appetito has a history, and it all started by being the first Italian deli to open outside Little Italy in Chicago. Today, the delicatessen has three locations, all in different Windy City neighborhoods, and all offer a wonderful array of Italian imports in the grocery section, as well as gelato and other desserts. But it's the Tostinos that have the most wonderful flavor of combinations of all (although the Italian and American sandwiches are tasty in their own right). But with an extensive menu, how is one to choose between the cold sandwiches and the warm? Start with the Rosina. It's simple but delicious — as so many Italian dishes are — and made with roasted red peppers, mozzarella and prosciutto cotto.

Related: Best Sandwiches in Chicago

J.P. Graziano Grocery & Sub Shop
901 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 666-4587
www.jpgraziano.com

This fourth generation delicatessen and Italian grocery import shop is a favorite of the chefs around the Randolph Corridor. Between that, and the fact they've been around for four generations, they're doing a lot right. All the meats and topping fixings are high-quality and imported from Italy; pair that with the crusty D'amato bread from around the corner, and this is one of the best sandwiches in town. One of the top favorites? Their house specialty, Mr. G. This top-notch sandwich starts with the crusty bread and is topped with provolone from Northern Italy, Italian meats (hot sopressata, Volpi Genoa salami, and Prosciutto di Parma), and then all tied together with marinated artichokes, basil, housemade truffle mustard-balsamic vinaigrette and hot oil -- matches made in heaven. But don't stop at the sandwich — before walking out that door make sure to get an Italian dessert, or two.

Nottoli & Son
7652 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60634
(773) 589-1010
www.nottoli.com

Tucked away in the western side of the city, Nottoli & Son is a gem that's been around for decades. But this gem isn't hidden at all; in fact, it makes more than 6,000 pounds of sausage a day. A lot of those encased meats are ferried to various restaurants around the city, but, lucky for the patrons of this Italian shop, they also make the perfect sausage. Buy the hand-cut sausage uncooked, or part of a delicious sub sandwich covered in giardinera, the Chicago way. Nottoli & Son also offers sandwiches, as well as a variety of sides.

Related: Best Vegetarian Sandwiches in Chicago

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.