These 12 Family-Owned Illinois Sandwich Shops Are Local Legends
Illinois is home to some of the most iconic and mouthwatering sandwiches, and the best ones come from family-owned shops that have been perfecting their craft for generations. These local legends have earned their reputation by serving up everything from hearty Italian subs to the crispiest fried chicken sandwiches, all with a side of hometown charm.
You won’t find mass-produced chains here, just authentic, time-tested recipes that keep customers coming back. For sandwich lovers and anyone craving a true taste of Illinois, these family-run spots offer a delicious slice of local history, one bite at a time.
So, let’s dive into the spots that have been feeding the community for decades and share a little taste of what makes them so special.
1. Bari Italian Subs
Walking into Bari feels like stepping back to a time when sandwiches were simple and perfect. This family spot has been feeding Chicago since 1966, and they haven’t changed much because they never needed to.
Everything here screams authenticity, from the way they slice the meat to how generously they pile it on fresh Italian bread.
You’ll find them at 1120 W. Grand Avenue in Chicago’s River West neighborhood.
Their Italian sub is legendary, layers of mortadella, capicola, salami, and provolone dressed with oil, vinegar, and just the right amount of giardiniera. The bread comes from a local bakery daily, and you can taste the difference.
What makes Bari special isn’t just the food. Families run this place with pride, treating every customer like they matter.
Lines form during lunch, but the wait is always worth it. Grab extra napkins because these subs are messy in the best possible way.
2. J.P. Graziano Grocery Co.
Since 1937, this family operation has been crafting sandwiches that make you wonder why anyone bothers with chains. Four generations have worked behind the counter at J.P.
Graziano, and each one learned the secret to building a perfect sub. Their grocery shelves are packed with imported Italian goods, but most people come for one thing, the Mr. G sandwich.
Located at 901 W. Randolph Street in Chicago’s West Loop, this spot feels more like a neighborhood secret than a tourist destination.
The Mr. G features mortadella, hot capicola, aged provolone, roasted peppers, and their signature olive spread on crusty bread. Every bite balances salt, fat, and tangy brightness perfectly.
Jim Graziano still runs the place with his family, maintaining standards his great-grandfather established decades ago. They slice everything fresh and build each sandwich with care.
Stop by early because they sell out regularly, especially on weekends.
3. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen
Corned beef piled high on rye bread, that’s what Manny’s has done better than almost anyone since 1942. This Chicago institution serves cafeteria-style, but don’t let that fool you.
The quality here rivals any white-tablecloth deli you’ll find. Politicians, celebrities, and regular folks all line up together, trays in hand, waiting for massive sandwiches.
You’ll find this legendary spot at 1141 S. Jefferson Street in Chicago’s South Loop.
Their corned beef gets brined and cooked in-house, then hand-carved thick and tender. Order it on rye with mustard and maybe some potato pancakes on the side.
The pastrami is equally impressive if you can’t decide.
Three generations of the Raskin family have kept Manny’s running strong. The walls are covered with photos of famous visitors, but the real stars are the people in the kitchen.
Portions are huge, prices are fair, and the vibe is pure Chicago.
4. The Original Nottoli & Son Sausage Shop & Deli
Springfield doesn’t get enough credit for its sandwich scene, but locals know Nottoli is treasure worth protecting. Operating since 1963, this family shop makes their own sausages and uses them to build some of the best sandwiches in central Illinois.
The smell of grilling meat hits you before you even open the door.
Find them at 1415 W. Monroe Street in Springfield, where they’ve been a neighborhood fixture for six decades.
Their Italian sausage sandwich is the move, juicy, perfectly seasoned links on fresh bread with peppers and onions. They also make incredible meatball subs and roast beef sandwiches that disappear fast.
The Nottoli family still runs everything, grinding meat and making sausage the old way. Nothing here tastes mass-produced because it isn’t.
Prices remain reasonable despite rising costs everywhere else. Stop in and you’ll understand why generations of Springfield families consider this their spot.
5. Fontano’s Subs
Chicago Heights has a gem that locals guard jealously, Fontano’s Subs. This family spot opened in 1960 and quickly became the standard by which all other subs in the south suburbs get measured.
Everything about Fontano’s feels right, from the friendly service to the perfectly balanced sandwiches that never skimp on ingredients.
Located at 1058 Dixie Highway in Chicago Heights, Fontano’s keeps things straightforward. Their Italian sub is a masterclass in proportion, quality meats, cheese, fresh vegetables, and house dressing on bread that stays crispy outside and soft inside.
The turkey sub is surprisingly excellent too, something you don’t always find at Italian delis.
Multiple generations have worked here, and you can tell they take pride in consistency. Regulars have been coming for fifty years because nothing ever disappoints.
The shop isn’t fancy, but the food speaks loudly enough. Grab a sub and some homemade Italian ice if they have it.
6. Vinnie’s Sub Shop
Rockford’s sandwich scene revolves around Vinnie’s Sub Shop, and for good reason. Since opening decades ago, this family-run spot has built a reputation on generous portions and flavors that hit every time.
People drive across town just to grab one of their massive subs, and nobody ever complains about leaving hungry.
You’ll find Vinnie’s at 2051 Rural Street in Rockford, tucked into a neighborhood where everyone seems to know each other. Their steak and cheese sub is ridiculously good, tender meat, melted cheese, and grilled onions that caramelize perfectly.
The Italian sub holds its own too, packed with cold cuts and dressed simply but effectively.
The family behind Vinnie’s treats customers like friends, remembering orders and asking about your day. Prices haven’t inflated like everywhere else, which makes this place even more valuable.
If you’re anywhere near Rockford and hungry, this is your answer. Bring cash, they prefer it.
7. Carm’s Little Italy
Elmwood Park’s best-kept secret might be Carm’s Little Italy, though anyone who’s eaten here can’t keep quiet about it. This family spot serves sandwiches that taste like someone’s Italian grandmother made them, authentic, flavorful, and impossibly satisfying.
The shop is small, but the flavors are enormous.
Located at 2901 N. Harlem Avenue in Elmwood Park, Carm’s has been a fixture since the 1980s.
Their beef and sausage combo is outstanding, juicy Italian beef mixed with perfectly grilled sausage, all soaked in gravy and piled on fresh bread. The meatball sandwich rivals anything you’ll find downtown.
Both come with peppers if you want them, and you definitely want them.
Carm’s family runs a tight ship here, making sure every sandwich meets their standards before it leaves the counter. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for a quick lunch or takeout dinner.
Lines can get long during peak hours, but they move fast.
8. Al’s #1 Italian Beef
No list of Illinois sandwich legends would be complete without Al’s Italian Beef. Started in 1938 by Al Ferreri and his sister, this family business basically invented the Chicago Italian beef sandwich as we know it.
Their original recipe for thin-sliced roast beef soaked in seasoned gravy changed the city’s food culture forever.
The original location sits at 1079 W. Taylor Street in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood.
Order your beef wet with hot peppers and watch them dip the entire sandwich in gravy before wrapping it up. The bread gets completely soaked, the beef is tender and flavorful, and the peppers add perfect heat.
It’s messy, delicious, and totally Chicago.
Multiple Al’s locations exist now, but the Taylor Street shop remains special. The Ferreri family sold the business years ago, but the recipes stayed the same.
Tourists and locals alike line up here, all chasing that perfect beef sandwich experience.
9. Johnnie’s Beef
Elmwood Park’s Johnnie’s Beef has been slinging legendary Italian beef sandwiches since 1961. This family operation set up shop and never looked back, building a following that spans generations.
On any given day, you’ll see lines wrapped around the building, everyone waiting patiently for what many consider the best beef sandwich in Chicagoland.
Located at 7500 W. North Avenue in Elmwood Park, Johnnie’s does beef right.
The meat is sliced thin, seasoned perfectly, and soaked in gravy that’s been perfected over six decades. Order it dipped with hot peppers and maybe add a sausage if you’re extra hungry.
The combination sandwich here is legendary, mixing beef and sausage in perfect harmony.
The Zucchero family still runs Johnnie’s, maintaining the standards that made this place famous. There’s minimal seating, so most people eat in their cars or take it home.
Either way, you’re getting one of Illinois’ best sandwiches.
10. Ricobene’s
Bridgeport’s Ricobene’s is famous for something unique, the breaded steak sandwich. While other places do Italian beef, Ricobene’s created something entirely different and absolutely delicious.
This family restaurant opened in 1946 and has been perfecting their signature sandwich ever since.
You’ll find them at 252 W. 26th Street in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. The breaded steak sandwich features a thin, crispy-fried steak cutlet on fresh bread with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
It sounds simple, but the execution is flawless. The steak stays crispy even under the sauce, and the flavors balance beautifully.
They also serve excellent Italian beef if you want something more traditional.
Four generations of the Ricobene family have worked here, each one learning the recipes and techniques from the last. The restaurant has expanded over the years, but the quality never wavers.
Stop by and try something you won’t find anywhere else in Illinois.
11. Beef Villa
Aurora’s Beef Villa has been a western suburb staple since 1974, serving Italian beef that rivals anything in the city. This family-owned spot built its reputation on consistency, quality ingredients, and portions that never disappoint.
Locals know Beef Villa as the place to go when you need a proper Chicago-style sandwich without driving downtown.
Located at 551 S. Lake Street in Aurora, Beef Villa keeps things classic.
Their Italian beef is tender, well-seasoned, and served on bread that holds up to the gravy. Order it wet with sweet or hot peppers, depending on your preference.
The combo sandwich adds Italian sausage and takes everything to another level. Their fries are excellent too, crispy and perfectly salted.
The family running Beef Villa treats every sandwich like it matters because to them, it does. They’ve built a loyal following over nearly fifty years by never cutting corners.
Stop by and you’ll understand why Aurora residents are so protective of this place.
12. Monty’s Submarines
Peoria’s sandwich scene belongs to Monty’s Submarines, a family operation that’s been building perfect subs since 1965. This place understands that great sandwiches require fresh ingredients, proper technique, and genuine care.
Everything at Monty’s reflects those values, from the bread they use to the way they treat customers.
You’ll find Monty’s at 1101 W. Pioneer Parkway in Peoria, serving up sandwiches that keep people coming back for decades.
Their Italian sub is loaded with quality meats and cheese, dressed with oil and vinegar, and served on bread that’s crusty outside and soft inside. The turkey sub is equally impressive, proving they do more than just Italian cold cuts.
Portions are generous without being wasteful.
The family behind Monty’s has maintained the same standards since day one, never compromising quality for profit. Regulars know the staff by name, and the staff remembers their orders.
It’s the kind of place that makes you appreciate family-owned businesses.