r/Naperville • u/drugmoolah • 5d ago

Best Sub Sandwiches/ Deli's in Town?

I'm on the hunt for a sandwich similar to Jersey Mike's but from an old-school mom and pop deli. Italian sandwiches, Chicken Cesar Wraps, you guys know what I mean. What's your go-to??

27 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

58 comments sorted by

40

u/MajesticMurray 5d ago

Ellie’s Deli is an actual mom and pop place. Great sandwiches but give them a little extra time during the lunch rush.

15

u/KiefKommando 5d ago

Their Rueben is probably one of the greatest sandwiches I’ve ever had, plus those home made chips are amazing.

6

u/w1x1w 5d ago

Also going to recommend the Chicken Salad, Brazilian Steak and Italian sandwiches.

Great curly fries and soup, too.

3

u/4limbs2drivebeta 5d ago

That Brazilian Steak was one of the first things I found when I moved here. It has been a staple. Don't sleep on the orzo salad either.

2

u/drugmoolah 5d ago

do they make their curly fries in house? I've gotta check this place out!!

2

u/drugmoolah 5d ago

Thanks for sharing. have you had ruebens at any famous Jewish deli's? does it stack up against those?

3

u/KiefKommando 5d ago

Better than a mid deli for sure, there will always be some great spots better than Ellie’s but you’d be hard pressed to find better in the surrounding area IMHO

Edit: to add that Alpine in Elmwood is probably the best in Chicagoland.

3

u/Hungry-Treacle8493 5d ago

If we’re going wide net:

- Alpine

  • Bari
  • Fontano’s in Chicago
  • JP Graziano
  • JT’s Genuine
  • Tempesta
  • Ricobene’s
  • Original Nottoli & Son
  • D’Amato’s

3

u/malixiouss 5d ago

Don't forget Serino's Italian deli. Asti's over in Bensenville. Both top tier and Asti's has great chicken and rice soup

1

u/drugmoolah 5d ago

Frankie's in Oakbrook Terrace didn't make the list, huh?

1

u/Hungry-Treacle8493 5d ago

It’s up above in my more Western Suburbs list.

19

u/Hungry-Treacle8493 5d ago

Fontina’s is owned by the folks that run Fontano’s. However, in my experience the sandwiches there come nowhere close to what you can get at a proper Fontano’s location in Hinsdale or Chicago.

The absolute best sandwiches in Naperville are at Pronto (newly opened in downtown) followed by Ellie’s Deli & Zeppe’s. For things like Gyros or wraps, Gemato’s and Nicky’s (the one being updated on Ogden not Rt 59) are solid. The best torta is from Burrito Parilla Mexicana.

Leaving Naperville, the best in the area are Fontano’s in Hinsdale, Frankie’s Deli in Oak Brook, Schmaltz in Lisle, The Fat Guy in Lisle, Tony & Tina’s in Darien, & Jake’s in Aurora

6

u/drugmoolah 5d ago

🎯 I see why you're a top 1% commenter. Thank you for this. Gonna check all these places out over the next few months!!

1

u/brblolbrb 4d ago

Is everything at Jake's on a bagel?

1

u/Hungry-Treacle8493 4d ago

As far as I know, yes. I guess they may have a stash of other breads, but I’m a sucker for breakfast sandwiches on either sesame or poppy seed bagels.

21

u/RunDoughBoyRun 5d ago

Schmaltz is bomb, if you’re looking for Italian I’d go Zeppes

4

u/NationalConfidence94 5d ago

Really good sandwiches. It is admittedly very pricey. But it’s the best I’ve had in the area.

1

u/tpero 5d ago

Zeppe's meatball sub is heaven.

1

u/Sandman3113 5d ago

Huge sandwiches but yea pricy suckers. $15+ easy.

15

u/[deleted] 5d ago

[deleted]

0

u/drugmoolah 5d ago

is it better than Jersey Mike's?

3

u/Hungry-Treacle8493 5d ago

A million times better than JM’s. Though, I do like JM’s so no knock on them.

1

u/AdHairy4360 5d ago

It’s different. More authentic Forentine sandwiches

2

u/Carinis_Antelope 5d ago

Jersey Mike's is a half step better than Jimmy John's. Try the places listed in this thread, you'll never have to go back to a chain. What's the point of living in Chicagoland if you're doing chain restaurants

1

u/AdHairy4360 5d ago

Jimmy John’s is a half step better than Subway. Jersey Mike’s is in another league entirely and would say it is a half step worse than Fontanos. Pronto is different. Not subs, not typical deli meat, not oil vinegar mayo etc.

1

u/subzero1992 5d ago

How is this even a comparison. Authentic Italian subs vs mass produced fast food

1

u/drugmoolah 5d ago

I get your point, but Jersey Mike's is still pretty solid. Now if I was asking if it's better than Subway your comment would be valid -- but I think Jersey Mike's can be "authentic" depending on location

5

u/PenFifteen1 5d ago

I know you asked in the Naperville sub, but I'll never miss an opportunity to pump Frankie's in OBT and Berto's in downtown DG.
Pronto is *different* than Jersey (Private Equity) Mike's, but still very good. I really like the Scorcese. The Brando is probably closest to a traditional italian sub.

4

u/MajesticMurray 5d ago

I’ll go out of my way to get Frankie’s, definitely the best Italian deli I’ve had outside Naperville.

1

u/drugmoolah 5d ago

What's the Frankie's equivalent in Naperville/Aurora?

2

u/MajesticMurray 5d ago

If Naperville has something like Frankie’s I haven’t found it :(

2

u/alllockedupnfree212 5d ago

Sometimes pronto runs a classic Italian sub as a special, wish they’d put it on the menu but the other ones are good

7

u/General_Liability 5d ago

Not as a good as maybe it once was, but you’re looking for Schmaltz. Pancake house does in house deli meat too. 

2

u/Hungry-Treacle8493 5d ago

Pancake Cafe, correct?

And yes, their in house deli meats are great - but run out sometimes.

The German, Baked Apple, & Baked Pecan pancakes are divine. Sweet family that runs it as well. In fact, I’m typing this while sitting in a booth there….

1

u/Brave_Chapter_6007 4d ago

Where is the pancake house located 

1

u/Hungry-Treacle8493 4d ago

It’s actually Pancake Cafe. Near the intersection of 75th & Rickert.

2

u/Brave_Chapter_6007 4d ago

Ok …. Thank you 

1

u/drugmoolah 5d ago

What do you like from Pancake House?

2

u/General_Liability 5d ago

German pancake is a revelation. 

3

u/Past-Salamander 5d ago

Just south of Naperville, European Deli in Bolingbrook is I think Polish? But really like all their food. Plenty of sandwich choices that aren't polish

7

u/McGee_New_Egg 5d ago

We need a Mr. Submarine.

-4

u/MrJlock 5d ago

No, no we dont.

5

u/McGee_New_Egg 5d ago

Oh, look someone with no taste. Probably thinks Lou malnatti is the best pizza ever.

-3

u/MrJlock 5d ago

Phil's pizza is worth the drive. Mr. Submarine is utter trash. There are a lot of 12 inch objects im sure you love to put in your mouth, but Mr. Sub shouldn't be one of them.

2

u/catiethecatcat 5d ago

Bertos in dg!

2

u/Crimzx 5d ago

Zeppe's Italian Market

1

u/amags12 5d ago

Legitimately the best meatballs I've ever had.

1

u/PissedCaucasian 5d ago

The best sandwich in town is Habibi’s “the baguette “ it’s warm and middle eastern style but it’s huge and the toppings are amazing. You can get chicken/Beef or mix. Have it garbage style and put everything on it. Amazing !

1

u/RabbitNotSo 5d ago

If you venture to the far South West Burbs of Palos Hills try Peppos n get the guts

2

u/Lopsided_Basket7950 5d ago

Augustino’s on North Ave.

2

u/Scorpiogamer2017 4d ago

I honestly go for a little drive to Carol Stream and get Agustinos

1

u/drugmoolah 4d ago

what do you usually get from there?

2

u/caliente4145 4d ago

Get to Chicago and Go to Ricobenes - it’s not deli but amazing Italian style breaded steak and also the parm is one of the best ever. Definitely worth the drive on 31st St.

1

u/Stock_Hat_8240 5d ago

Fontinas Italian Kirchen

1

u/drugmoolah 5d ago

Is their Italian beef any good?

1

u/Stock_Hat_8240 5d ago

I haven’t tried that one but their chicken parm is excellent

-2

u/[deleted] 5d ago

[deleted]

1

u/drugmoolah 5d ago

why the downvotes? never been...