Jerry’s is Sandwich Heaven

Jerry’s is a small, cozily-appointed upscale sandwich eatery (I like the utensil chandeliers and candlelight) that’s been in the west Loop for about seven years, although the location I visit opened in 2007. It’s vegetarian and vegan-friendly, and the sandwich list is huge.

We’re not just talking your basic deli items here. We’re talking what looks like almost hundred sandwiches (only the most basic ones and the warm ones don‘t have names); the Milton F. is an option to make your own. The list includes more than 30 types of condiments, including wasabi mayonnaise, chipotle chutney, Carolina vinegar sauce, cranberry sauce, Cholula hot sauce and four types of mustard. Choose from nine types of bread, 12 kinds of cheeses and fillings like fried tofu, Portobello mushrooms and veggies and fruit–avocado, cilantro and peanut butter and jelly, for example. Among the fillings are 18 different types of meats, including prosciutto, seafood and roasted lemon chicken. You can even get Wagyu Kobe beef burgers. In fact, the biggest danger you face at Jerry’s is the possibility of a supermarket psychosis-like malady–there’s just so much to choose from that you can’t decide.

And to go with your sandwich, you pick a side or two from the specials menu. I love the homemade chips and the Thai cucumber salad, but you can also pick a Szechuan pasta salad with peanut sauce, cole slaw, cornbread, roast garlic mashed potatoes with smothered gravy, barbecue baked beans, mac & cheese, and other fine choices. Sometimes as our appetizer we pick the sweet potato fries with honey mustard aioli and ranch dressing, or a hummos plate. Both are fabulous.

To top it all off, this place has the best beer list I’ve ever seen in a restaurant of its type, organized several different ways with selections from around the world. You get an education just from reading the eight-page beer menu–Belgian beers, Scottish ales, barley wine, American white beer, electric lemonade, fruit beer (blueberry stout?)–it’s all here, with information on ideal temperatures and explanations of categories and types. Try a beer flight if you’re so inclined. But even if you’re not into beer, the drinks here are special. Try the homemade lemonade of the day, house-brewed iced tea, milkshakes and malts, floats and a selection of Metropolis coffees (a favorite Chicago brand). Cocktails include nine types of martinis, Jerry’s Bloody Mary, cool-sounding margaritas and a selection of wines.

Jerry’s offers weekly specials on sandwiches, drinks, beers, cocktails and desserts (peppermint milkshakes were available the last time I went–yum). Expect to pay between $9-$15 for sandwiches. There’s outdoor seating during Chicago’s nicer months plus live music or a DJ from Thursdays through Sundays, and Jerry‘s is open till 1 a.m. on those days. I really wish this place had been around when I lived within walking distance–but then again, if it had been, I might never have eaten anyplace else.

Jerry’s Wicker Park

1938 W. Division St., Chicago

(773) 235-1006

www.jerryssandwiches.com