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Local picks

Meatball and sausage spots in Chicago

A butcher or kitchen that treats sausage and meatballs with equal technical precision.

Based on 801 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Bob-O’s Italian Beef image 1
Bob-O’s Italian Beef image 2
Bob-O’s Italian Beef image 3
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Counter seating on flat-topped metal stools creates a casual, fast-paced vibe suited for quick meals or small groups. The atmosphere feels fun and family-friendly, with a focus on generous portions of highly regarded beef and sausage sandwiches.

Meatball sub stands out with its excellent flavor and is often the highlight among sandwiches. It appears alongside Italian beef and sausage in a trio of mini subs.

Sausage comes in Italian and beef varieties that stay consistent in quality. Sandwiches often combine double Italian sausage with sweet peppers for a tasty, well-seasoned blend.

People are saying

"I loved their tender, juicy beef sandwiches packed with flavor."

"The Italian sausage here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"I found the Italian beef here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is convenient near Bob-O’s Italian Beef.

2

Bob-O's Italian Beef charges a fee to use a debit card.

3

The sandwich is under $10, making it an affordable option.

02
Villa Rosa Pizza Kitchen image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant offers classic Chicago thin crust and stuffed pizza with a friendly atmosphere and full bar. The space is wheelchair accessible and family-owned, creating a local, welcoming vibe. Options include dine-in, pick-up, and delivery, with a spotless kitchen visible.

Meatballs come in a traditional Nona's recipe that melts in your mouth. They appear in sandwiches and alongside tortellini, making them a regular choice with pizzas and pastas.

Sausage here has a melting texture and pairs well with peppers. It features in regular orders alongside pizzas and meatballs, showing consistent quality and flavor.

People are saying

"Their salad was delicious and fresh, never disappointing."

"The meatballs melted in your mouth with traditional Nona's flavors."

"The sausage and peppers literally melted in my mouth."

Good to know

1

The menu features jumbo wings as 12 pieces for $19.99.

2

Villa Rosa offers pick-up, delivery, and dine-in options.

3

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

03
Chef Ciccio, Beef-Balls-Beer image 1

Italian-style restaurant offers authentic Italian vibes with busy, lively atmosphere and entertaining chefs. Located in a quieter corner, it provides a family-like dining experience with views of Lake Michigan nearby.

Meatballs come in a meatball sub and a meatball marinara sandwich, both made with care and authenticity. These sandwiches deliver amazing flavor and stand out alongside the Italian beef options.

Sausage here has a perfect flavor and cooks just right with a satisfying snap. The Italian sausage combo stands out, paired with tender beef and soaked bread that adds a spicy, savory kick.

People are saying

"The Italian Beef sandwich here is absolutely delicious."

"The meatball sandwich here is outstanding and authentic."

"The Italian beef sandwich is incredible and juicy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The restaurant is open on Christmas Day for those looking to dine.

3

Expect a quick service with orders completed in 5-7 minutes.

04
Fontano's Subs & Pizzeria image 1

Classic deli and pizzeria with brick oven pizza, well-worn wood paneling, and black and white photos creating a local, authentic atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating fill up quickly, especially during busy, chaotic rush hours. Regulars gather at small tables, adding to the chill, welcoming vibe.

Subs feature very flavorful meatballs with bread that stands out as some of the best around. The meatball sandwich offers a taste reminiscent of classic Italian Sunday dinners.

Sausage combos balance well without overwhelming. The deep dish sausage pizza offers a filling slice with a taste that stands out.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly when making your sandwich."

"The meatball sub is delicious and flavorful."

"The deep dish sausage pizza slice was amazing."

Good to know

1

They charge a 3% admin fee for credit card payments without informing customers beforehand.

2

Getting the pizza by the slice saves time and avoids long waits.

3

It can be busy during lunch or dinner rush, making seating challenging.

05
Stunod's Pizzeria & Buddy's Italian Ice image 1

Small, quaint pizza spot with a cozy and friendly atmosphere. Quiet setting mostly for takeout, featuring sentimental decor and modern cleanliness. Known for hand-rolled crusts and a unique blend of Chicago-style and lighter crust pizza.

Meatballs come from grandma's recipe and show up in a meatball sandwich with mozzarella and on pizza. Both options deliver serious flavor.

Sausage here comes in tavern style pizzas and combos with beef. It pairs well with green pepper, onion, and garlic toppings and gets recommended often.

People are saying

"I thought their pizza was phenomenal, some of the best I've had."

"I found the pizza to be excellent and the best."

"I found the meatballs seriously delicious on my sandwich."

Good to know

1

They charge extra for the sweet peppers.

2

The medium pizza offers good value for the price.

3

The variety of toppings is extensive and impressive.

06
Nottoli Italian Foods image 1

Old-school Italian deli with a full-service counter and three dine-in tables offers a clean, inviting atmosphere with visible kitchen space. Long lines form for authentic sandwiches known for generous portions and unbeatable prices. Sidewalk space outside adds to the casual, accessible vibe.

Meatballs here have great flavor and stay tender. The Meatball sub and spicy Sicilian sandwiches stand out with rich taste and satisfying portions.

Italian sausage stands out for its fresh, in-house preparation and rich flavor. Hot bacon sausages pack plenty of meat, making the sandwiches hearty and satisfying.

People are saying

"Their Italian food, especially the ravioli, is fantastic."

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"I thought the Italian sausage sandwich was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Call ahead to order sandwiches to save time.

2

Fridays feature the best breaded Italian steak sandwich.

3

Expect long lines during lunch hours, but it's worth the wait.

07
PIZZ'AMICI image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, cozy space with dim lighting and tiled floor decor creates an intimate setting. Loud atmosphere with obnoxious music and shouting makes conversation difficult. The place fills quickly, attracting a lively crowd that values thin crust pizza and a casual vibe.

Tender, moist meatballs come with a delicious sauce that often outshines the meatballs themselves. Crispy, chewy focaccia pairs well to soak up the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.

Sausage comes with fresh mushrooms, not canned. The sausage giardiniera pizza stands out with its spicy kick. Sausage pairs well with JP hot gard and mushrooms on the pizza.

People are saying

"The pizza crust is ultra-thin and crispy."

"The sausage here is cracker thin and crispy."

"I loved the meatballs; they were great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly.

2

Expect long wait times without a reservation, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant is BYOB, but there's a $20 corkage fee.

08
Tre Kronor image 1
Swedish restaurant

Scandinavian-style restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a charming garden patio for outdoor seating. The space feels warm and inviting, blending casual design with a classic European vibe. It attracts those seeking a relaxed meal with authentic Nordic touches.

Tender, nutmeg-kissed meatballs swim in a velvety cream sauce. They come alongside fresh salads and potatoes, making for a hearty, classic dish.

Daily specials include delightful sausages and veal sausage links. The local and homemade sausages stand out for their tasty and different flavors.

People are saying

"The patio is lovely and delightful."

"I really enjoyed the tasty veal sausage links."

"The meatballs were tender, nutmeg-kissed, and swimming in a velvety cream sauce."

Good to know

1

The Valentine's Day menu offers a 3-course fine dining experience for $59.

2

The julebord is available during the holiday season.

3

Sankta Lucia celebrations occur in December.

09
Calabria Imports image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian deli and cafe space offers homey atmosphere with full deli and frozen meals displayed openly. Energy feels community-oriented yet somewhat basic and sparse in setup. Sandwiches and cured meats stand out as exceptional offerings.

Half sausage and half meatball options stand out with fantastic flavor. The meatball sub features hollow bread with cheese inside and pairs well with chips.

Offers half sausage and half meatball options in sandwiches. Italian sausage comes in hot and mild varieties and features in both subs and sandwiches, though toppings like hot peppers may sometimes be missing.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and home-cooked style."

"The deli staff here is really friendly and helpful."

"The Italian sausage sandwich here rocked my world."

Good to know

1

Daily specials are available, offering great deals on various menu items.

2

Calabria Imports has a full deli with a wide selection of sandwiches and meals.

3

Parking is available on the side street, with pay parking near Subway.

10
Pizza Matta image 1
Pizza delivery

Small storefront with three booths and an open view of pizza-making creates a cozy atmosphere. Quiet and charming space features pizza peels on the wall and a classic feel. Staff engage with guests, offering a friendly and family-oriented vibe.

Meatballs have a herby, garlicky flavor that stands out without overpowering. The sandwich features an ideal bread to meatball ratio with incredibly tender meatballs and a perfect sauce on an incredible roll.

Sausage on the pizza has a fennel seed flavor and is not greasy. The Lucki Leopard pizza features Italian sausage with roasted red peppers and red onion in a 'presto' combo sauce.

People are saying

"The pizza here has a satisfying, crispy crust."

"The salad here is fresh and delicious."

"The tavern-style pizza with sausage is super thin and crispy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts only digital or plastic payments, but tips can still be given in cash.

2

A slice of pizza costs $4, which is a great deal.

3

Parking is easy, with lots of street parking and pay parking available in front.

11
Top Butcher Market image 1
Butcher shop

Market combines butcher shop, dining area, and open kitchen in a comfortable, clean space with homey atmosphere. It offers high-end meats and handcrafted sauces, creating a welcoming environment with occasional noise. Sampling of soups and culinary items happens while waiting.

Meatballs come in a full tray for catering and appear in a meatball sandwich. They pair with smoked beans and roasted vegetables in group meals.

Sausages come from a prime butcher shop with a recipe that goes back three generations. The Sinatra features Italian sausage stuffed with Italian beef, melty mozzarella, provolone, and zesty giardiniera, all perfectly cooked.

People are saying

"This place is a hidden gem with phenomenal sandwiches and meats."

"The beef and sausage were perfectly cooked and excellent."

"I really enjoyed the meatballs here."

Good to know

1

They offer a wide selection of high-quality meats and ingredients.

2

Prices increased by 20-30% recently across the board.

3

They make their own ketchup, which is a unique offering.

12
Peanut Park Trattoria image 1
Italian restaurant

Rooftop dining with a retractable roof offers a quaint and intimate setting complemented by large open windows that blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Atmosphere balances comfortable space and lively energy, though noise can rise during busy times. The setup supports group gatherings while maintaining a pleasant view and inviting vibe.

Meatballs come with great flavor and taste, often enjoyed as a starter or alongside other dishes. They pair well with the pizza and calamari, making them a solid choice on the menu.

Sausage dishes come in hearty portions with big flavor. Options include sausage and peppers in both red and clear sauces, a classic half sausage half cheese pizza, and Italian sausage orecchiette.

People are saying

"The homemade pasta here is so delicious."

"The staff's friendly and attentive service made the Meatballs experience great."

"The sausage and peppers appetizer was excellent."

Good to know

1

Peanut Park Trattoria offers a happy hour between 4-6pm with $3 off pizzas.

2

Brunch is served on weekends with a special menu.

3

Expect long wait times on holidays like Valentine's Day.

13
Smakosz Restaurant image 1
Polish restaurant

Polish restaurant with a cozy, vintage atmosphere featuring wood paneling and cultural paintings. The space feels warm and welcoming, though music can be loud at times. A small, stylish interior creates an intimate dining experience with authentic Polish dishes.

Meatballs come with dill sauce or mushroom sauce, both rich and flavorful. The dill sauce version stands out for its unique taste.

Sausage comes tasty and well-seasoned, often served alongside pierogies and stuffed cabbage. Platters include crispy potato pancakes that complement the sausage well.

People are saying

"I found the authentic Polish food here to be homemade and delicious."

"The sausage here is so flavorful."

"The meatballs with dill sauce were delicious."

Good to know

1

Making reservations is recommended before visiting.

2

Street parking is available near the restaurant.

3

The prices are affordable for the quality of food.

14
Tufano's Vernon Park Tap image 1
Italian restaurant

Family-owned Italian restaurant with an old school atmosphere featuring chalkboard menus and a bar front. Welcoming vibe with lovely outdoor seating including a dog-friendly patio and a big fountain. Offers free valet parking and a designated room for large parties, creating a homey and convenient setting.

Meatballs come as a standout dish, served alongside spaghetti or as a side. They pair well with other Italian classics like stuffed shells and chicken parmigiana.

Sausage comes with peppers in a tasty appetizer and appears in a farfalle with peas in tomato cream sauce. The sausage and peppers dish stands out as very flavorful and pairs well with pastas.

People are saying

"I found the food to be fantastic and the portions generous."

"I had the best sausage and peppers I’ve ever tasted."

"I think their meatballs are my favorite in Chicago."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash, check, or Venmo; no credit or debit cards.

2

Parking is tough unless using the valet service.

3

They require customers to look at chalkboards for menu items instead of printed menus.

15
Fontano's Subs image 1
Sandwich shop

Old school corner deli with a classic Italian sub shop vibe and no-frills atmosphere. Quiet and laid-back with simple, cozy decor featuring linoleum tables and shelves of snacks. Known for authentic sandwiches with fresh bread and generous meat portions.

Meatballs melt in your mouth with a fresh, buttery bread that holds up well. Sauce balances perfectly with the meatballs, and homemade giardiniera adds a nice touch.

Sausage comes in a dry Italian style here, served in subs with provolone, marinara, and hot peppers. Homemade giardiniera and meatballs accompany the sausage, which pairs well with fresh, tender beef in sandwiches.

People are saying

"I considered this the best sub sandwich I've ever had."

"The meatball sandwich here is divine and melts in your mouth."

"The sausage sub was good, but the hot peppers were very hot."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a bit challenging in the area.

2

The subs are reasonably priced and generous in portion.

3

You can order a sandwich or make it a meal with chips and a soda.

16
George's Deep Dish LLC image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small space with 80’s music videos and a goat mural creates a cozy, down-home diner vibe. Atmosphere feels warm and family-like, inviting relaxed dining. Limited seating and pre-order system reflect high demand and exclusivity.

Homemade meatballs bring a lot of flavor to the pizzas here. They appear on various pies, including those with Italian sausage, cup-and-char pepperoni, and mushrooms.

Meaty chunks of Italian sausage top a deep dish pizza with a tasty crust and sauce. Sausage pairs well with ricotta and spicy cherry peppers for a flavorful bite.

People are saying

"I thought this deep dish pizza was one of the best I ever had."

"The sourdough crust is crispy, airy, and has a wonderful tangy flavor."

"The sausage here is really tasty and complements the pizza."

Good to know

1

The place is pre-order only with only 50 pizzas made per night.

2

I recommend ordering ahead of time to secure your pizza.

3

You can only pay with credit card on the site.

17
Bob-O's Hot Dogs image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small diner with stools inside and picnic tables outside offers a classic Chicago hot dog and beef joint vibe. Atmosphere feels authentic and unpretentious, reflecting a long-standing neighborhood institution. Cash-only policy and focus on Chicago flavors shape the experience distinctly.

Homemade meatballs feature prominently in sandwiches and dishes here, paired with beef or grilled chicken. Fresh cut fries and chili often accompany the meatball subs.

Italian sausage comes with sweet peppers that complement its flavor well. Beef and sausage combos taste very good, though the sausage can be dry when unwrapped at home.

People are saying

"The Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef are the best."

"I thought the homemade meatball sandwich was excellent."

"The Italian sausage combo is still great tasting."

Good to know

1

Bob-O's Hot Dogs only accepts cash payments; there's an ATM inside.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially after winning the best beef award.

3

There are no bathrooms available for customers at Bob-O's Hot Dogs.

18
Ricobene's image 1
Pizza restaurant

Spacious pizza restaurant with old Chicago feel and walls adorned with historic photos. Atmosphere is warm and family-like, offering a cozy mom-and-pop shop vibe. Plenty of seating and simple, stylish decor create a welcoming environment.

Meatball sandwich stands out with its hot peppers adding a spicy kick. It consistently earns high praise for being hot and flavorful and ranks above other sandwiches like the breaded steak.

Sausage shines on the deep dish pizza, especially with toppings like green peppers, onion, and mushroom. The Italian sausage sandwich and sausage slices also stand out for their rich flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the breaded steak sandwich was the best."

"I enjoyed the deep dish sausage pizza and the hot dog with cheese."

"The meatball sandwich with hot peppers is hot and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Handicap parking is available in the lot.

2

Ricobene's does not offer delivery to all nearby locations.

3

Prices for sandwiches are around $17.99, which may vary.

19
Nonna's Pizza & Sandwiches image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, bright space with covered outdoor seating surrounded by flowers offers a cozy, authentic vibe. Energy feels like a home-cooked Italian kitchen with a casual, bustling atmosphere. Regulars enjoy best sandwiches and exceptional chicken Parmesan in a setting that blends city hustle with intimate dining.

Meatball subs stand out with rich flavor and a satisfying texture. The menu also features a meatball salad that pairs well with other dishes like tomato soup.

Slices feature good sized sausage chunks with a creamy parmesan touch on the NY sausage slice. The sausage sandwich costs $12.49, is homemade, and stands out as exceptionally good.

People are saying

"I thought the chicken Parmesan sandwich was the best."

"I think the meatball subs here are the best in town."

"I thought the sausage slices were some of the best in the city."

Good to know

1

They accept cash, credit, and debit cards for payment.

2

The restaurant only offers takeout options with no indoor seating.

3

Expect busy lunch hours, which may lead to longer wait times.

20
Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar image 1

Big-screen TVs cover every wall, creating a sports-focused environment with rustic charm. Loud music from a live DJ energizes the space, encouraging singing and dancing. Seating is ample, designed for casual family dinners and lively game nights.

Two massive, well-seasoned meatballs come with spaghetti cooked expertly al dente. The sauce has an inviting spice that complements the healthy portion size.

Chicken sausage stands out with its seasoned to perfection flavor and absence of pork casing. Both deep dish and thin crust pizzas feature flavorful sausage that balances well with sauce and cheese.

People are saying

"This deep dish pizza is amazing and straight out of the oven."

"These meatballs are a revelation, perfectly seasoned and massive."

"The chicken sausage here is seasoned to perfection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Parking is difficult; consider using a ride share or park a block away.

3

A DJ performs on Friday nights, creating a lively atmosphere.

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