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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in River North

Sandwich spots

Made for those who value the efficiency and portability of a well-constructed sandwich.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Dave’s Hot Chicken image 1
Dave’s Hot Chicken image 2
Dave’s Hot Chicken image 3
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Chicken restaurant

Outdoor and indoor spaces feature colorful artwork and a vibrant, lively atmosphere with loud 1980s rock music. Staff engage actively, often dancing, creating a welcoming and energetic vibe. Seating includes a spacious patio and walk-up counter service.

Food features bold flavors and crispy textures with consistently great service enhancing the experience.

Crispy and flavorful chicken sandwiches come with varying spice levels, including a very spicy reaper option that requires a waiver. Fresh seasoning and guidance on spice make the sandwiches stand out.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, delicious, and full of flavor."

"The Reaper Chicken Sandwich is seriously spicy; I had to sign a waiver."

"This Reaper sandwich is seriously spicy; you might need a waiver."

Good to know

1

Dave’s Hot Chicken is halal, making it a great option for those who need it.

2

Parking next to the restaurant is limited, fitting maybe 7 or 8 cars.

3

The restaurant is very clean, including the bathrooms.

02
No Vacancy image 1
Restaurant

Dark academia decor creates a classy yet casual vibe with comfortable bar seating and large screen TVs for watching games. The atmosphere stays fun and welcoming, featuring DJs on weekends and a solid beer tap system. Food and drinks include amazing birria egg rolls and craft cocktails, making it a popular spot for game days.

Bar food stands out with birria egg rolls and a creative menu. The liquor program complements the food well, and happy hour offers great deals on both.

Grouper sandwich stands out with perfect seasoning and rich flavor. Fried chicken, burger, and grilled chicken sandwiches come with fries and offer solid taste.

People are saying

"I found the birria egg rolls to be absolutely delicious."

"The birria egg rolls are the best food I've had in a long time."

"You gotta try the birria egg rolls with the Side Chick sandwich."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:30 to 6:30 pm with half-price appetizers and drinks.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere, especially during NFL games on weekends.

3

The menu features unique dishes but is small enough to not be overwhelming.

03
CBR image 1
Bar

Bar inside a hotel with dim lighting and cute furniture creates a relaxed, cool vibe that feels like catching up with old friends. DJs play great music, adding to the lively atmosphere especially during special occasions. The place draws people looking for a chill brunch spot with impressive cocktails and a well-regarded menu.

Food here stands out for being consistently delicious and fantastic. Cocktails and service match the quality of the dishes, creating a great atmosphere for sharing and enjoying meals.

Breakfast sandwiches feature crispy sourdough, aromatic meat, and a sunny side up egg. Fried chicken sandwiches offer a juicy bite with perfect crunch. Options include short ribs and avocado chicken sandwiches.

People are saying

"Happy Hour craft cocktails and modern American dishes were delicious."

"I found the food here to be fantastic and delicious."

"The fried chicken sandwich had a perfect crunch."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Tuesday to Friday from 4 pm to 6 pm.

2

Cocktails during happy hour are priced between $8-12.

3

Draft beers, ciders, and house wines are available at happy hour prices.

04
Lizzano Focacceria & Spritzeria image 1

Italian restaurant offers traditional focaccia sandwiches with fresh ingredients and large portions. Atmosphere feels authentic and quaint, with lively music and bright, cute decor featuring Aperol and Campari bottles. Outdoor patio seating adds to the welcoming vibe.

Food arrives quickly during less busy times and tastes light and delicious. Staff check in regularly, enhancing the wonderful atmosphere alongside great music.

Italian sandwiches feature prosciutto, mozzarella, basil, and tomato on focaccia bread. The sandwiches offer a unique combination of ingredients and a taste reminiscent of Italy.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches to be delicious and amazing."

"I found the food here to be amazing and full of Italian flavors."

"The bread here is so fresh, it's crispy outside and soft inside."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available from Wednesday to Friday between 4pm and 6pm.

2

During happy hour, spirits and wine are $9, and Italian boards are 50% off.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options on the menu.

05
Crushed By Giants Brewing Company image 1

Brewpub occupies a spacious second-floor spot with modern decor and fantastic artwork. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with good music playing at a comfortable volume. Seating includes wide, cushioned bar stools that add to the relaxed vibe.

Food includes delicious burgers and nachos that are filling and well-prepared. The menu pairs well with craft brews, making meals satisfying and enjoyable.

Spicy fried chicken sandwiches stand out with perfect seasoning and a pickled tomato instead of pickles. Pulled pork and Reuben sandwiches offer tasty, well-balanced flavors.

People are saying

"They have a great mix of beers on tap."

"The food here is excellent, with flavorful dishes and good-sized portions."

"I thought the spicy chicken sandwich was one of the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The brewery is located on the second floor of the AMC building.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

The kitchen closes at 9pm, so arrive early for food.

06
Schneider Deli River North image 1

Small deli space with maximum efficiency and a soda shoppe feel creates a cozy, homey atmosphere. Friendly energy and an authentic vibe make it feel like a walk back in time. Tables are few and always full, enhancing the intimate setting.

Food features tender corned beef and lox with quick service even during busy times. Pricing stays reasonable for the quality, and the owner often checks in to ensure needs are met.

Thick cut pastrami stands out with a perfect blend of ingredients and flavors. The corned beef and lox sandwiches also deliver strong, satisfying tastes.

People are saying

"These bagels are soft, super fresh, and perfect."

"The breakfast sandwich here is delicious, especially on fresh bagels."

"The food here is outstanding and delicious."

Good to know

1

Takeout is recommended due to limited seating inside.

2

Online ordering is advised for weekend breakfast to avoid long lines.

3

Expect a line during busy hours, especially on weekends.

07
Sinya Mediterranean image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers an airy, spacious interior with tasteful decor and soft lighting that creates a calm, casual vibe. Plenty of seating and outlets support relaxed dining or working. The atmosphere balances upscale design with a welcoming, comfortable feel.

Food features excellent Greek dishes with delicious Mediterranean flavors and amazing coffees served in a beautiful space.

Falafel sandwiches stand out with bold flavor and generous portions. Chicken shawarma sandwiches are popular but can vary in cooking quality.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is fresh, flavorful, and authentically delicious."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared."

"I had the best falafel sandwich ever."

Good to know

1

Knafeh is only available at the River North location from 4 PM to 10 PM.

2

The place is legit zabiha halal.

3

They give free hummus and salad with each order.

08
Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria image 1

Cozy, family-owned Italian restaurant with small, crowded space and loud atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a pleasant seating option. Known for authentic Italian pizza and pasta with a lively, energetic vibe.

Food features amazing Italian dishes with excellent service and a welcoming ambiance. The menu offers a true oasis for Italian cuisine with consistently great flavors.

Beef sandwiches stand out with fresh Italian breads imported from Italy. Options like the Italian beef and prosciutto sandwiches offer good size and reasonable prices.

People are saying

"The pizza here is amazing; the staff makes you feel so welcome."

"The food here is delicious, hot, and fresh."

"The Italian beef sandwich with cheese and giardiniera was delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located behind the Trump Tower in downtown Chicago.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner hours.

09
Marshall's Landing image 1
American restaurant

Space offers great river views and a wrap-around bar with comfortable seating. Atmosphere feels warm and versatile, suitable for quiet work or informal meetings, though music can be loud and varied. Private dining rooms overlook the river, supporting gatherings and events.

Food features great quality and fantastic flavors paired with dark matter coffee. Meals consistently score high marks for taste and satisfaction.

Sandwiches stand out with options like the Peri-Peri Sandwich and a notable lobster sandwich at Marshall's Landing. Staff offer swaps for spice levels, showing attention to individual tastes.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The river views here are absolutely stunning."

"I thought the sandwiches here were excellent."

Good to know

1

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

2

Marshall's Landing is a popular spot for hosting corporate events and parties.

3

The venue offers a spacious area suitable for networking events.

10
Sophia Steak Chicago image 1

Upscale steakhouse offers intimate indoor seating and a welcoming outdoor patio with plants and shade. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting with stylish decor including Deco lamps and a flowered canopy. Cocktails and wine pairings complement perfectly cooked steaks in a comfortable setting.

Food impresses with outstanding quality and arrives promptly even when busy. Dining here offers a great vibe alongside a team that goes above and beyond.

Portions come large for the price. The French dip sandwich melts like butter. Fried chicken sandwich and Gold Coast Club stand out as solid choices.

People are saying

"The steak here is melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly seasoned."

"The food, especially the steaks, is refined and flavorful."

"The sandwiches here offer the largest portions for their price."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, including weekends.

2

Reservations are recommended for special occasions like birthdays.

3

Half off bottles of wine are available on Monday nights.

11
Ema image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers warm, modern interior with two bar areas and outdoor seating including a patio and rooftop. Atmosphere stays lively but not noisy, creating an inviting and relaxed vibe. Extensive gluten-free menu and accommodating options stand out for dietary needs.

Food here stands out for its exceptional Mediterranean flavors and consistently delicious taste. Both the dishes and service maintain a spectacular quality that never disappoints.

Fried chicken and braised short rib sandwiches stand out with rich, savory flavors. Falafel sandwiches come with flavorful seasoning and a perfect tzatziki addition.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly incredible."

"The chicken kebab here is prepared and presented perfectly."

"The falafel sandwich was delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Ema offers an extensive gluten-free menu with many options.

2

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly.

3

Happy hour features generous portions but a limited list of spreads.

12
TARY image 1
Cafe

Cozy, minimal café with authentic Kazakh decor and subtle cultural elements creates a calm, pleasant atmosphere. Plenty of seating and strong WiFi support work or socializing, while unique Central Asian pastries and dishes offer a distinct culinary experience.

Kazakh cuisine stands out with healthy fast food options and great presentation. Coffee pairs well with dishes, making the food experience complete.

Salmon sandwich features fresh ingredients and stands out for its flavor. Turkey egg breakfast sandwich offers high quality. Sandwiches arrive with some delay and in an unusual order.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was super good."

"The food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"I absolutely loved this spot for their sandwiches."

Good to know

1

Parking is reserved for commercial vehicles only, leading to potential tickets.

2

TARY serves unique Central Asian pastries and drinks not found elsewhere.

3

The cafe gets packed, making tables hard to get at times.

13
Brehon Pub image 1
Restaurant

Irish pub with old-fashioned decor and a quiet secretive back area contrasts with a crowded front room. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, suited for watching sports with multiple screens and playing games like pool and darts. Offers a huge patio and a relaxed, neighborhood vibe.

Food comes out fast with awesome flavors and pairs well with great beer. Service supports a smooth dining experience.

Prime rib trio sandwiches stand out with rich flavor. The chicken parm sandwich special comes with crispy waffle fries. It pairs well with a pint for a casual meal.

People are saying

"The food and beer at this pub were awesome."

"The food here is great, especially the mushroom swiss burger."

"I thought the prime rib trio sandwich was excellent."

Good to know

1

The pub charges an extra 3% on the bill for credit card payments.

2

Expect a $1 table fee for games, payable in quarters or bills.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

14
The Green Door Tavern image 1

Cozy dive bar with historic wooden interiors and a hidden speakeasy downstairs creates a unique old-school vibe. Social and friendly atmosphere fills the space with nostalgic memorabilia and warm energy. Regulars enjoy spinning a shot wheel and relaxing with good music and sports on TV.

Food features reasonably priced options with chicken tenders and Italian beef poutine standing out. The menu includes chicken strips and consistently delivers great quality dishes.

The Crispy Braised beef sandwich stands out as a large, satisfying option. Other notable choices include the blackened chicken sandwich with fries and a Reuben sandwich priced at $18.

People are saying

"The bartender Autumn's energy made the whole bar feel more enjoyable."

"The food here is really good and tasty."

"The crispy beef sandwich was a monster, totally satisfying."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the downstairs speakeasy to ensure entry.

2

The hidden bar opens later in the evening, providing a unique experience.

3

Happy hour offers late night food and drink specials.

15
Peet's Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop offers indoor and outdoor seating with fast internet and plenty of space to work. Atmosphere stays cozy and quiet despite steady flow of people, making it suitable for breaks or remote work. Location near the river adds a pleasant outdoor vibe with shaded patio seating.

Food includes pre-made, microwaved items served in small portions. Quality ranges from average to amazing depending on the visit.

Warm sandwiches feature melty cheese and herby notes that balance flavors well. Options include a caprese sandwich and a simple egg and cheese breakfast sandwich.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good."

"I thought the food here was amazing."

"This sandwich is warm, perfectly balanced, and has melty cheese."

Good to know

1

The takeout process is easy and quick.

2

Expect a long queue for the single restroom in the cafe.

3

The cafe is busy, especially on Saturday afternoons.

16
Cafe L'Appetito image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with a true deli vibe and a dog-friendly outdoor patio offers a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. The place feels like a grocery store food court with an affordable menu focused on Italian sandwiches and coffee. It suits quick bites and casual meals rather than cozy dining.

Freshness stands out with fresh and tasty sandwiches and Italian dishes. Plenty of food comes with consistently delicious flavors and great service.

Italian sandwiches like the Diavolo, Italiano, and Genoa stand out for their freshness and flavor. Breakfast options include a pesto egg sandwich bagel that pairs well with coffee.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be excellent."

"I got the diavolo sandwich; it was amazing."

"The Italian subs and prepared foods here are delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch hours; arrive early for full service.

2

The cafe closes at 6:20 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Affordable meals are available, typically around $10.

17
Mendocino Farms image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop features faux grass benches and blue farm-inspired accents creating a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. It stays constantly packed with ample seating and offers vegetarian and vegan options. Wait times can be long during peak hours, reflecting its popularity.

Food here stands out for its phenomenal quality and fair pricing. Every item tastes delicious, making the fast casual dining experience feel exceptional and vibrant.

Chicken pesto caprese and prosciutto and peach sandwiches stand out for their flavor. Most sandwiches can be made gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.

People are saying

"I was so pleased with the fresh ingredients and amazing flavor of this sandwich."

"This lunch spot has exceptionally delicious food."

"The food here is really awesome and fresh."

Good to know

1

Expect an average wait time of 20-30 minutes for your meal.

2

Prices are higher than typical fast food options.

3

Mendocino Farms offers vegetarian and vegan menu items.

18
Galleria Market image 1
Convenience store

Upscale convenience store with a grab-and-go setup and a sit-down area for quick meals. The atmosphere stays lively with a DJ playing music to keep energy high. Known for exceptional sandwiches and a wide variety of items, it blends supermarket variety with a bodega vibe.

Many food options exist in a huge market that also includes a convenience and liquor store. Some food items are past their sell-by date.

Handmade sandwiches come in a huge selection with both toasted and untoasted options. The chicken salad sandwich stands out, and the deli offers consistent quality across all sandwiches.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were the best in the city."

"The deli sandwiches here are exceptionally good."

"You can get great sandwiches and wraps here."

Good to know

1

Galleria Market offers a wide variety of items, including groceries and deli options.

2

Prices at Galleria Market are generally considered affordable for the area.

3

The deli inside Galleria Market is known for its great sandwiches.

19
Dough Bros Pizzeria & Sub Shop image 1

Small pizzeria with a walk-up window and brick oven creates a rustic, cozy atmosphere. Seating fits solo diners or small groups, with a few tables and ESPN on TV adding a retro vibe. Weekend nights bring a chaotic energy, while police presence adds security but a slightly sketchy feel.

Food comes out hot with enough cheese and pepperonis. Ingredients stay excellent and the menu stays affordable, making it a solid late-night choice for groups.

Sub sandwiches come in very large sizes with options like the Italiano and Caprese. Some sandwiches listed online, like one canceled 15 years ago, still appear on delivery menus.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza was amazing and really legit."

"The pizza here has a perfect crunch and cooks to perfection."

"I thought their sandwiches were good."

Good to know

1

Parking is not available nearby, so consider alternative transport options.

2

Pizza slices are available for $4.50 each, which is a good deal.

3

The pizzeria is open late, making it a great option for night owls.

20
Einstein Bros. Bagels image 1

Huge space with loads of seating creates an inviting and warm atmosphere. Bagels are fresh and tasty, often paired with egg and bacon for a satisfying breakfast. Staff are friendly, and orders are ready quickly, supporting a relaxed yet efficient vibe.

Food comes out fresh and quickly with consistent flavor and good cooking. Prices stay reasonable while the taste remains solid.

Breakfast sandwiches come fresh and made to order with friendly service. The All Nighter sandwich features egg, bacon, and cheese on a cheesy hashbrown bagel.

People are saying

"The staff here are super friendly and welcoming."

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"They always greeted me and made my sandwiches fresh."

Good to know

1

This location has no dining room, so eating in is not an option.

2

Restrooms are for customers only; purchase required for access.

3

Limited paid street parking is available, with a $16 self-park lot nearby.

21
The Lobby image 1
American restaurant

Luxurious interior with live violin and cello music creates an elegant, quiet atmosphere ideal for special occasions. Classic decor blends with modern flair, featuring views of an ice skating rink and tasteful holiday decorations. Tables near busy service areas can disrupt the otherwise calm, refined vibe.

Food here comes with great quality and attentive service. Staff handle dietary restrictions carefully, making dining smooth and inclusive.

Savory sandwiches come with tea pastries and scones in a set experience. The finger sandwiches stand out alongside sweet treats and tea cakes.

People are saying

"The holiday tea experience with magical Mr. and Mrs. Claus is so kid friendly."

"The little sandwiches were the best part of the tea."

"The food here was amazing and excellent."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is available from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM, Monday through Sunday, and can be booked on OpenTable.

2

Reservations are recommended for holiday-themed tea events like Halloween and Christmas.

3

The restaurant offers a separate menu for vegetarian options and accommodates dietary restrictions.

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River North, Chicago

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