Western Suburb Italian Subs

-The Sammy's of Chi (land)

Over a stretch of time last year I had a little gig that took me to and from the Western 'burbs or at the very least these were places located west of the city. Seeing as how there were lots of Italian delis I kept riding by I wanted to do a little investigation into as many as I could. Eventually my assignment switched and I was sent elsewhere but I did get to three local favorites. Here are my takes.

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Frankie's Deli

Lombard, IL

Frankie's might not have that classic old school look as far as Italian delis go but the food is every bit as good as the rest of them. Located in a strip mall with typical strip mall shops they've actually been around since 1964. Loyal customers flock here for a handful of things but the Italian Sub remains their best seller. They're made to order with salami, capicola, mortadella, lettuce, tomato, onion and oil. What I really liked about this sub was the crunch the lettuce provided as well as the oil it was soaking up. Overall this was my favorite of the trio and the one I'd return for if opportunity arises. 

Italian Sub at Frankie's Deli

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Augustino's Rock & Roll Deli

Carol Stream, IL

I knew this guy (he's since moved away) who would always sing the praises of his local sub shop. He'd hound me about when I was going to join him for "the best italian sub around." I never did get to eat there with him before he moved out of state but I did remember his love for it and waited for my time to try it. When I finally did I felt like this was a place I had visited at some point in my youth. No idea if that's true but I swore I'd been there before. Probably for a beef as Augustino's is popular for that too. But I had to get an Italian Sub on my stop in and I got to say it was pretty damn good. The meat was sliced to order and came loaded with fresh toppings including a potent oil. The weak link was the soft and chewy bread but all in all this sandwich hit the spot. I'd go back again.

Italian Sub at Augustino's

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Serino's Deli 

 Addison, IL

Final stop on today's tour is a little Italian Deli out on Army Trail Road in Dupage County. While this place had all the descriptions one would give a good Italian deli it's Italian sub just didn't do it for me. The bread was awful and most likely a day old while the meats and cheese were unusually cold.

Italian Sub at Serino's

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Frankie's Deli
4 Yorktown Shopping Center
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 627-7977

Augustino's Rock & Roll Deli
246 Schmale Road
Carol Stream, IL
(630) 665-5585

Serino's Deli
1720 Army Trail Blvd
Addison, IL 60101
(630) 620-2662