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Alpine Food Shop
Category: Restaurants Delis Delis [Edit]
7538 W North Ave(between 75th Ct & Jackson Ave)
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
(708) 453-3505
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 9 am - 2 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Come on in and try the best Deli in Chicago! We offer a wide selection of signature sandwiches including our Philly cheese steak, Italian hoagie and… read more »
98 reviews for Alpine Food Shop
Review Highlights
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"The Alpine subs are absolutely worth trying." In 27 reviews -
"the best italian deli, the best sandwiches." In 9 reviews -
"...fixings - especially the oil and vinegar they make there..." In 5 reviews
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98 reviews in English
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Review from Ted d.
Willow Springs, IL
12/26/2011
Best Italian Sub Around!
If you are looking for an authentic Italian sub, this is the place. Fresh and fair priced, always a treat. When visiting friends we like to pick up a few and then cut them up while visiting and enjoy. Great has a main meal or snack. -
Review from Roberto M.
Elmwood Park, IL
4/22/2012
Alpine is great Italian deli that makes delicious subs. The deli meats are fresh and the flavors are authentic. The signature sandwich, the Alpine, is top notch.
Its delis like Alpine that help you realize how awful a Subway really is. Skip the five dollar foot long gimmicks and get an Alpine sub for under $4.80. -
Review from Daniel M.
Chicago, IL
2/23/2012
Just tried this place recently for the first time and I liked it for the most part. I got their signature sandwich, the Alpine, and while the meats and seasoning were top notch, the bread was rather rugged. A few hours later my jaw was so sore it felt like I had been punched in the face by someone with below average strength.
If I could go to Bari or Damatos and get the bread they use for their sandwiches and then walk into Alpine and say," hey let me get the Alpine, but put it on this bread, I brought my own." That would be one of the most epic sandwiches this side of the Mississippi.
Also for the price, you can't beat this place either. One of the best food values in the Chicago area. -
Review from Jelena Z.
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Usually in life, less is less and more is more, but Alpine is a shining example of the less is more (in the best of ways!) philosophy.
Stay with me, as it's an uncomplicated premise and it goes like this:
Flavorful Italian meats + provolone + shredded lettuce + homemade oil and vinegar blend + hot giardiniera + some of the BEST bread you'll end up lusting after long after the sandwich is gone and you have an Alpine sub.
The service could be construed as a bit hurried but this little deli does brisk business... and, the gentleman closest to the door greets everyone AND bids them adieu. Warm touches likes this one go far!
No plastic; cash only - though, you'll find your sandwich is worth the ATM surcharge on the first trip and after that you won't ever forget Abe Lincoln at home again. Damn straight: A legendary 9-incher will set you back only $5.
Parking is a bitch, but living life sans Alpine is even more of a bitch. Eat Alpine already! -
Review from Karen P.
Chicago, IL
5/26/2012
this is the first time I tried this place. Best sub I ever tasted.
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Review from kevin k.
Chicago, IL
5/26/2012
One of the best places around to get a good sandwich!
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Review from Claire M.
12/25/2011
Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. After hearing my coworkers rave about this place and passing up dozens of lunch orders, I finally had them bring me back one of their pasta primavera salads and it was so delicious it should be illegal.
I never really knew where it was until I rode over there with one of my coworkers one day to pick up our lunch order.
Then I decided that I had to take my husband there to try it (he's hooked now too). And I finally ordered my first sub there, the veggie! Sooo yummy. And it fills the void I've had for the past 3.5 years of not eating sub sandwiches with meat on them. I'd actually substituted "real" subs for the Subway veggie sub (which is good) but the one from Alpine is a real treat.
The ingredients they use taste SO fresh and I love looking at all the cool stuff they have for sale in the shop. They even have my favorite Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies for sale by the register which I've been obligated to purchase more times than I care to admit.
I wish they were open today. I crave it!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Kane O.
BOWLING GREEN, NY
3/28/2012
Awesome. Cheap and delicious food, brought to you by a little Korean woman who you watch make your entire meal, from washing dishes to scooping rice, to frying up meat/eggs/etc.
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Review from Thomas L.
Crystal Lake, IL
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Had a very good sandwich, the alpine with mortodella instead of ham and mild gardinella! Need fresher bread though, a little to tough for me.
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Review from Dan C.
Chicago, IL
1/22/2012
This place is great. Fantastic, fresh sandwich. Prices can't be beat. I compare it to Jersey Mike's. However, it's half the price.
I can't wait until we have a need to cater an event. Going straight to Alpine. -
Review from Mike L.
Forest Park, IL
Updated - 11/29/2011
I've been eating Alpine subs since I was 5 years old and that's a long time! Even though they sold a few years ago, the current owners were smart enough not to 'reinvent the wheel' - they serve the same high quality meats and everything tastes EXACTLY the same when I was a kid.
Hands down one of the best Italian Subs you will find ANYWHERE. Their (Affitati) Coldcuts are the best!
Glad that some things never change!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/17/2011
Subway? Quizno's? Whenever I hear either of those names mentioned or think about what they serve I… Read more »
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Review from Sam H.
Omaha, NE
10/29/2011
They serve the BEST sub-sandwich on the planet.
Sublime and other-worldly. Yes, it's that good! -
Review from Mary Ann C.
Oak Park, IL
1/1/2012
Wow! My husband got an Alpine (the most amazing and authentic Italian sub) yesterday! It had the perfect combination of ingredients and was the best Italian sub I have ever had! You should try one! Fabulous!
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Review from Jay K.
7/11/2011
7358 West NORTH ave. If your at the store Yelp won't let you check in since the address listed is 10 miles away.
The subs are great and so are the folks that make 'em. Small eating area inside. -
Review from Sean C.
Chicago, IL
6/26/2011
Lemme start by saying, I used to work here, and if it wasnt for getting my degree as a Pharmacist, I would probrably ask for my job back.
Alpine food shop was where I first learned how to make great food, and to appreciate it. It was where my inner foodie was born. I still to this day go back and get custom made sub sandwiches, the finest home made italian sausage, and the best (BEST!) homemade potato and pasta salads. They have a good selection of handmade pastas and sauces if that is what you crave when you come here. I recommend trying thier corned beef or oven roasted italian beef (both homemade {and which I currently have the recipes for..haha.}) with any of thier homemade salads. anything is good really, and all of the staff are really friendly. -
Review from Kira G.
Oak Park, IL
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's okay! My boyfriend kept raving about this place and we finally went. I wasn't that impressed. Inside the sandwich tasted good, not amazing, reminded me of Frank's Deli on Lake St. My problem was the bread, it was WAY too tough and chewy, literally my jaw was sore from chewing. Overall just okay.
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Review from Nellie K.
Chicago, IL
11/8/2011
For $ 5.40 USC, the medium 9 inch "The Alpine" Italian sub, which consists of ham, salami, capicollo, provolone cheese, hot giardiniera, and Alpine's own oil and vinegar mix is the single greatest sandwich I have ever had. It is truly outstanding, and is the finest example of the classic Chicago style Italian sub sandwich. Alpine's homemade oil and vinegar mix, combined with their hot giardiniera, are a match made in heaven. When it comes to sub sandwiches, there is Alpine, and then there is everybody else. And they have the best cannoli's in the area, too, and that's saying a lot because there are some really great Italian bakeries in that area. As good as it gets !
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Review from Marlon M.
Oak Park, IL
12/20/2011
After reading the reviews, I decided to try this spot out today. I'm still trying to discover my "top spots" in the area and definitely found my sub solution. I tried the medium Alpine today and it was awesome. Tender bread and fresh meat - sliced right in front of me, with all the fixin's. Kinda reminded me of an east coast hoagie. I had a couple favorite "hoagie" spots back in Chicago - and I'm so happy that I've found my "anti-Subway" spot near my new Oak Park home. The hospitality and service was great as well. I think I've found my new sandwich addiction. Heading back tomorrow!
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Review from Melissa T.
Oak Park, IL
11/6/2010 ROTD 5/25/2011
The only sandwich I've had that comes near the tasty goodness of Alpine is Fontano's. If I had to choose between the two, however, Alpine wins every time. A sandwich from here would have been included in the "what's your last meal" prompt on for my yelp profile had the answer included enough characters for me to include about 10 other items. Since it didn't, I've chosen to mention this in my glowing review.
I don't remember my first alpine b/c I was probably around 5. This, along with Mickey's, were common go-to places when I would spend summers visiting my grandparents in merry ole River Forest in the days of yore. Despite not recalling my first delicious Alpine-y bite, I've always had high sandwich expectations because of Alpine. Generic chain sandwich shops, although they can be good, never have done subs justice for me because I knew I've had much much better.
Eating a sandwich from here in present day times tells me that even as a wee one, I knew what a damned good sandwich was. The chewiness of the bread and the freshness of the meats and cheese makes this the perfect, most delicious, most enjoyable bite o cold cut sandwich a girl could ask for. I don't normally sway from the classic Alpine b/c I'm an italian meats kind of girl.
In writing this, I must say that this isn't just part of my final meal list. This is also on my, "I want one right *expletive* now," list. If they delivered, I'd be broke and unable to fit into my clothes. It's probably in my best interest they don't.
I love this place. -
Review from Jerome H.
Oak Park, IL
1/6/2011
I like lists, so here is one as to why I love this place:
1) It looks family-run, the workers are attentive, and they seem to take pride in it. Guy closest to the door says hello and good-bye to every customer. Extremely friendly.
2) They cut meat fresh when you order.
3) The selection of meat is awesome. I asked for capicola and they had like 2-3 different kinds.
4) The bread is delicious.
5) You can buy a ton of other Italian delicacies in the store (multiple kinds of Italian sausage, sauces, frozen pastas etc.) that you won't find at Dominicks or Jewel.
6) The fixings - especially the oil and vinegar they make there - are awesome.
7) The menus is simple and easy to navigate, but gives an almost-unlimited amount of customization.
8) It is cheap! You can feed 4 for under 20 bucks. It somehow manages to do 1-7 AND keep the costs similar to a Subway and Jimmy Johns. 5 bucks gets you a 9" Alpine with toppings.
Cash only - but absolutely worth stopping at your bank's ATM or using the one in the store. -
Review from Tina M.
Chicago, IL
12/13/2010
This is a really an awesome deli that actually gives you plenty of meat on your sandwich unlike the local chains in the area.
Pros -
The sandwiches are fresh to order. Good homemade sausage.
Cons -
Long lines. Prepare to wait a while. I suggest you go a 1/2 hour early because it gets busy!
I recommend the potato salad - love it! -
Review from Sarah C.
2/13/2011
One of my favorite delis in the sorta-city. Well, it's on the edge of it. I love their selection and they have the best Italian subs for a picnic! We get extra prosciutto, it's delicious!
They also have a great selection of items and pastas in their grocery area! -
Review from Joel M.
La Grange Park, IL
4/1/2011
Alpine is a perfect example of less is more. Sticking to quality ingredients keeps this deli high upon my list of "must eat at" places. The antipasto salad is wonderful and the meats of all the sandwiches never disappoint with great flavor with each bite.
EXTREMELY friendly service!! I can not remember any time coming in where no one on the staff greeted me with a friendly "Hello" at the very least. This deli is a must visit stop in the Chicago-land area. -
Review from Dan H.
Chicago, IL
3/9/2011
I went here for the first time on Fat Tuesday. I was on my back to work from a customer call and the other person I was with REALLY wanted to stop for a sandwich. As it was still before 11 and I brought my lunch that day, I wasn't going to get anything. Well, he talked me into it and I'm glad he did.
I went for the Alpine Classic. It's obvious that the ingredients were fresh. The meat was nice and flavorful. Sandwiches were also prepared fast. I'll be back when I'm in the neighborhood.
As much as I love Jimmy John's and Potbelly, Alpine is in the whole different league -
Review from Heather G.
Melrose Park, IL
3/16/2010 ROTD 8/18/2010
In my neighborhood, it would seem that Italian delis are a dime a dozen...but then you go to Alpine and see that not all Italian delis are created equal.
The menu here is short and to the point -- they make sandwiches and a few different types of either pasta or olive salads. But stop: these aren't your typical subs. The Bonaccorsi family should receive a Nobel prize for Alpine's meats and cheeses. Fresh, flavorful, and quite simply, far superior to any other deli I've ever been too. Coupled with Gonnella bread, their signature "Alpine" sandwich (made with ham, salami, capicollo & provolone) is so good I'm sure it's been requested among some for their final meal. It may very well be mine.
It's a small shop with shelves stocked full of lots of imported Italian delicacies. Small area of seating, though the vast majority of their business is locals coming in to pick up a few sandwiches and perhaps a pastry or two. Although it's almost always packed, these guys have it down to a science -- you won't wait long. Besides, even if you did, a) it'll give you a minute or two to peruse the shelves of imports, and b) it's one of those few places where any wait is worth it. -
Review from Mary T.
1/3/2009
Sung as a cheer usually while doing my "I'm getting Alpine" happy dance:
Alpine subs are number one!
They come on a great Italian bun!
Alpine subs are like food porn!
They'd make me trade in my first born!
Alpine, Alpine sure is sweet!
It almost makes me regret not eating meat!
Alpine, Alpine is the best!
I'll take Alpine you can have the rest!
Alpine, Alpine what do you say?!
Just don't try to come on Monday! (end cheer)
I grew up on Alpine subs and anyone I've taken here immediately becomes hooked. Earlier this week I was out with my dad and convinced him to make a trip to Alpine with me, I did my Alpine happy dance and everything. Sadly, I discovered they were closed on Mondays.
Today, I made an impromptu trip back to the burbs with my sick kitty. When I stopped by my parents I was starving and thrilled when my mom suggested Alpine. Like always the place was bumpin', but they keep everything moving at a fast clip. We took our number and were in and out in under 15 minutes. It's a little Italian deli/grocer (emphasis on the little), but there is a small seating area if you want to dine in.
Bottom line: These are the best subs ever! Repeat Best. Subs. Ever. Next time you're in the area swing by and get a medium sub, you won't be sorry! It just might be the best 9" you've ever put in your mouth.
TIP: They take phone orders, if you don't want to wait call in your order.Listed in: Take my money, please!, The Burbs, Hanging with the P's
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Review from Robert R.
Forest Park, IL
7/16/2006
I can't believe that Alpine isn't as yelped as Johnnie Beef in Elmwood park! Alpine is right down the street and ALWAYS busy. Don't let the line fool you. It is TOTALLY worth it to wait. If you don't like lines you can always call in and pick up your order when it is ready.
If you're in the Elmwood Park area and hung over this is the place to get a great, healthy, sub sandwich. The bread is always fresh and soft. The signature sandwich is the Alpine (pretty much an Italian but not as spicy), it has turky, pepperoni, capicolla, lettuce and to top it off, an awesome oil sauce. A medium sandwich is only $4.20.
Italian bonus: If you're Italian or just like Italian food, you can get sliced deli meats, fresh anti-pasta salads and even authentic italian grocieries. Grab a cannoli from the freezer, you will be pleased :) -
Review from Brett G.
Chicago, IL
10/27/2008
Now if this place were in the city, I would get sandwiches from here ALL THE TIME. The bread is crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside, and the oil and vinegar they use is delicious. Alpine gives you lots of meat (the turkey is mouth-watering), offers a variety of cheeses if you'd like, and I can't get enough of the heaps of oily, vinegary shredded lettuce.
Lines can be long, but prices are low and the wait is worth it every time. It's always been a popular place, and there's a good reason for it. If you are anywhere in the area, you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't visit here. -
Review from Jenni I.
12/10/2008
I agree with all previous yelpers; this is the best Italian sub by far. Get the Apline Classic Italian Sub - it can't be beat.
It is best to call ahead as this place takes lot of catering/party orders and gets very busy around lunchtime. Also, beware that there is mayo on this sandwich so if you have an aversion to mayo like I do be sure to tell them to leave it off. -
Review from Mike P.
6/22/2007
Maybe the best Italian sub ever created. If you find yourself on North Avenue around lunch time in Elmwood Park, you have to try Alpine at least once.
The shop is a cool little Italian deli. The staff is warm and friendly, even when there are hoards of people linning up for the subs.
When I used to live in this area, I always tried to go early on Saturday to avoid the crowd. -
Review from Michael P.
Chicago, IL
3/19/2010
Alpine is one of those "it's been the same since I was a kid" places, and that's what's great about it.
Their sandwiches are the best around. It's hard to explain, b/c they use the same ingredients as everyone else, I guess they just have the ratio / slicing mojo.
New owners kept up the great tradition of friendly, fast service, even when it's crowded. If anything they've improved the quickliness of the service some. (that's right, I made up a word!)
(if you're wondering - over 40 years I've been going there! Kinda sticks in my throat to say that ...)
Call ahead, order an Alpine sub, a turkey sub and/or a roast beef.
Six flags. More flags, more fun! -
Review from Kate P.
Chicago, IL
1/22/2008
This little food shop is absolutely incredible. Whenever I have the chance, my co-workers and I sneak over for their 100 percent delish Italian subs. For desert, take the cannoli, it is incredible, trust me.
The staff is amazing, super friendly and always willing to answer questions and best of all they make amazing food. Although the shop is a little cramped, especially during lunch time, it's worth it. -
Review from Lori S.
Arlington, VA
5/7/2008
I crave this place....I've been going here for about 17 years. Great subs. I don't even like turkey that much and I LOVE their turkey sub. Italian sub hits the spot too. Love the pasta salad....everything. Best sandwich place in the Chicagoland area! They need to deliver to DC.
PS-Call ahead to order. Then you can just go in and pick it up if there is a line. -
Review from Pam F.
Forest Park, IL
5/8/2009
Great subs, how do they slice that meat soooooooo thin.
The potato salad alone is worth the trip.
And where else can you possibly get served by a member of THE Freddy Jones Band.
How awesome is that. -
Review from Alan S.
Evanston, IL
10/30/2010
This deli is the last european family owned business of its kind in chicagoland area offering quality home cooked food.
The sandwiches are GOURMET!!!!! -
Review from Katie J.
Orland Park, IL
4/27/2008
AMAZING SANDWICHES & DELI!
Thats all I can say - the Italian Sub is perfect! -
Review from Q.P. G.
Evanston, IL
8/20/2008
The best Italian sub I've ever had - they do everything just right here. A long time ago when I used to commute to Melrose Park (inserts gun in mouth) from Chicago for work, this place was a shimmering beacon of hope in an otherwise dreary workweek. I'd head east on North Ave, past the strip malls, past the race track & Kiddie Land, past Russell's BBQ (which was difficult because that place is legendary as well) and finally arrive at Alpine and order an Alpine Sub easy on the oil.
I've been working in the city for over 3 years now and once in a while I'll think about Alpine, wipe a tear from my eye and plot my next journey to the western suburbs to secure the best sandwich in the universe. -
Review from Jean C.
Forest Park, IL
1/16/2012
Absolutely, the best.
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Review from Brittany C.
Chicago, IL
9/26/2008
I do not know how many more people need to review this place as the best Italian deli they have ever been to, but, alas it is true for me as well. The BEST.
The signature sammy, called the Alpine, comes in a variety of sizes. It is worth traveling to get it, just get extra for later or tomorrow! The meat/bread/condiment ratio is perfect (don't be a wuss, get everything on it).
Each sandwich is made fresh to order, so call ahead and have it ready to pick up.
My only negative: This small deli is not open enough hours for me to get my fix when I need it. Many a drunk night left me wailing for this Italian goodness.. Solution: Always have an Alpine handy for emergency occasions. NOW that's an idea... -
Review from Yvonne O.
Chicago, IL
4/6/2010
I am NOT a sub or sandwich kind of girl, so it took a lot of convincing by the husband to "waste" my lunch on a sandwich shop that you couldn't even eat inside.
WOW. I am sold. This is the most fresh and fabulous sandwich I have ever had the pleasure of eating. And, it made the husband so happy to be able to lord over me that he was right, so a win, win situation.
A lot of people in the neighborhood use this as their go-to place for parties and sports snacks - and I definitely can see why! YUM!
