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Capt'n Nemo's
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Fast Food Sandwiches, Fast Food [Edit]
3650 N Ashland Ave(between Addison St & Waveland Ave)
Chicago, IL 60613
Neighborhood: Lakeview
(773) 929-7687
- Nearest Transit:
-
Addison-Brown (Brown Line)
Paulina (Brown Line)
Southport (Brown Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 8 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
133 reviews for Capt'n Nemo's
Review Highlights
"Both their split pea soup and turkey chili are amazing."
(in 17 reviews)
"great Gonella bread and secret sauce."
(in 21 reviews)
"I love, love, love their turkey chili."
(in 20 reviews)
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133 reviews in English
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Review from Beth W.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2012
This place is so unique. The ingredients are always fresh and high quality. The bread has a nice crisp crust and the sandwiches are very generously loaded.
In addition to subs and salads, they have delicious homemade soups and chilli - veggie and meat versions. The vegetarian split pea soup is amazing. It's so flavorful and satisfying not to mention very good for you.
The staff is polite, welcoming and efficient. We always dine in. The decor is strangely amusing and the place is clean. -
Review from Luke S.
1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
It took me long enough to finally swing by this location! I was raised on Capt'n Nemo's, but I had never given this location a try. From the outside it appears to be bigger than the other locations, but looks can be misleading. The eating area is fairly similar to both Winnetka and Rogers Park. The menu is the same and they subs are made to perfection. My only gripe was that the tables were mostly empty, but not one had been wiped down.
If you're a first timer here I highly recommend a combo meal with split pea soup and either an Americanne or the Seafarrer Sub. They are both great!
FYI - They have wheat bread, but their classic white is much tastier. I am normally a huge wheat fan, but their white is on a whole different level. -
Review from Gianni C.
Chicago, IL
12/27/2011
Pros: Amazing soups and Chilis; pretty good sandwiches; fast, efficient, friendly service; extremely reasonable prices; parking.
Cons: the interior is TIRED and depressing, with cinderblock walls, sad-looking murals and newspaper clippings from decades ago; weird offerings at the cash register (like a CD for the owners (?) jazz band and "magic" brownies); the "captain's special sauce" which comes on everything, is not very flavorful.
But this is a solid 4-star place that is clean and won't disappoint, especially for take-out soup/chili on a cold winter afternoon. -
Review from Ryan M.
Brooklyn, NY
2/2/2012
The bread, delivered daily from heaven. The cold cuts, veggies and Mayo delivered daily from heaven. The sauce, delivered daily, by Baby Jesus, from heaven. Enough said.
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Review from Amy H.
10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Where have you been all my life, Capt'n Nemo?
I was out wandering around last week and decided to stop at Capt'n Nemo's for lunch. I was greeted with a little sample of minestrone soup, which I savored while I decided what to order.
I ordered the Northern Italian sub - Volpi Genoa salami, mortadella, provolone, LTO (lettuce, tomato, and onion) and olives. There were two things that I loved about this sub: It was toasted to perfection. They cut it in half and wrapped each half separately, which was perfect because I wanted to save half for dinner.
I also got a little cup of coleslaw, which you can pass up. It wasn't that great. -
Review from Virginia T.
Chicago, IL
9/19/2011
I work very close to Capt'n Nemo's. I picked up sandwiches for lunch last week.
When I got in line they offered me a sample of the turkey chili and it was really good...though I decided only to get a Northern Italian for my husband (Volpi Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Provolone, Olives, Lettuce, Tomatoes -no onions) and a Mexicanne for myself (Guacamole, Turkey Breast, Refried Beans, Brick Cheese, Lettuce and Tomato -no onion and Giardiniera). The sandwiches were great. The bread was fresh and crusty. They were big sandwiches too.
The credit card machine was being strange and taking forever to go through and the person who was ringing me out offered me a brownie for my patience. They really seemed to be having fun at work and it made my experience all the better.
It's nothing special decor wise but the food was tasty and the customer service was great.
I will definitely be back. -
Review from Hillary S.
Chicago, IL
10/12/2011
My hunny and I were on our way to Art of Pizza for a slice of deep dish to fill our hungry tummies. Well, Capt'n Nemo's approached and I asked my hunny if he's ever been there, and his answer was no.
Let's try it! I heard it was good from a foodie friend I trust, and recently discovered their soups at Whole Foods Market in the frozen aisle. I'm all for an all-natural local biz, so we stopped.
At first it smelled a bit weird in there, like a chemical cleaner of some sort. The personable man behind the counter distracted us with samples of all three of their soups. As we sipped on soups, he gave us a complete run down of the menu and the most popular items. He was very helpful and interactive which made our first moments at Capt'n Nemo's memorable.
My hunny got the American, and I got the Vegetarian. The man behind the counter gave us some baguette with their special sauce on it so we could decide if or if not we wanted it, and yum... I wanted it!
We both ended getting the combo (half sandwich, cup o soup and a drink) and then were offered one of their brownies or blondies on house because we were Capt'n Nemo virgins. And let's just say this...
We aren't virgins anymore, and we are rowdy for some more yummy soups, sandwiches, and brownies.
We'll be back. -
Review from Jelena Z.
7/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Did you know that Nemo spelled backwards is omen? Nemo's is an omen, all right... an omen that I'd be eating well!
Super crusty bread, a generous pile of fresh meats and veggies and the nicest staffers around make this sandwich shop a neighborhood favorite. i still haven't figured out what the components of that wildly interesting secret sauce could be... no matter, as it makes my sandwich extra saucy and flavorful. One thing it's not is a Thousand Island mix - it's more giardiniera and less mayo.
While you're waiting for your sandwich to get out of the toaster (say yes to toasting, btw), the staffers will offer you a complimentary sample of the soup. Not just today, but always. I love the hearty minestrone and the split pea is quite good as well. Just make sure to let it cool down before you try - my tongue still hurts!
Free parking lot, too... these dudes got it going on! -
Review from Jon L.
Chicago, IL
9/23/2011
Doesn't look like much from the outside, but when you enter you'll be happy you did. Amazing subs and soups await.
Just got 4 gallons of chili delivered to work today in honor of the Packers/Bears rivalry. Delicious. It was still hot and man is that turkey chili damn tasty.
Been here a couple other times. Had the South Sea, sounds like it would be horrible, but it's not. Everything just works together. The Americanne was slightly disappointing but after the South Sea most sandwiches are.
Great place for a sandwich. Don't be scared -
Review from Allie R.
Lakeview, Chicago, IL
9/23/2011
Just ordered three, 5 gallon jugs of Captn' Nemos Chili for a work event. Steve was AMAZING to work with and even delivered the Chili himself. Turkey chili was by far the office favorite, but the beef and vegetarian were big hits as well.
Definitely recommend for any catering event! -
Review from Lopa P.
Addison, IL
8/31/2011
Friendly/entertaining service.
Free soup sample when you walk in. I did not understand the love for the vegetarian split pea soup at first.. but after trying it a few times, I've started ordering it! Does it include trace amounts of crack? Why do I add a thick soup to my sandwich on a 90 degree day?
The vegetarian Mexicanne: you WILL look like a slob eating it, as guacamole and oil from the peppers will inevitably squish out the sides of the sandwich. Just a warning. The "Vegetarian" sandwich is also good, but the Mexicanne keeps me coming back.
The bread. Ohhhhh the bread. Crusty (but not too hard!) and tasty. Actually, the bread is what really keeps me coming back. Yum.
Pay with cash and you get a 5% discount! hey hey hey -
Review from Vanessa M.
Chicago, IL
9/26/2011 10 Check-ins Here
I love Capt'n Nemo's. I go here every other week or so. (It helps that I live across the street from them.) They are always helpful and if they keep you waiting for very long, they give samples of their chili (veggie or reg) or daily soup. My boyfriend swears by the South Sea sub and I tend to eat the Veggie or Turkey and Cheese. The crusty bread and the secret sauce makes the sandwich. The sandwiches usually seem to have double ingredients = more bang for your buck. Also, the fact that if you get a whole sandwich, they wrap it in two halves and it's perfect for later. Genius.
Listed in: Holding out for a Hero, Because sometimes I'm broker…
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Review from Andrea D.
Chicago, IL
3/26/2011
I have lived in this neighborhood for almost two years, and it took pretty much until I'm ready to move out for me to (a) find a good*, local** sandwich shop, and (b) figure out what the heck Capt'n Nemos is. Sigh. (But thanks Melanie S., it was your review that put all the pieces of the puzzle together!)
On the first visit, I stopped to pick up sandwiches, and the owner was working the line. Oh boy--I'll have what he's having. He was super energetic and clearly very proud of his family-owned business. I happened to mention it was my first time there, and he gave me the run-down on the place, and even threw in a free bag of Famous Amos at check out. That was nice of him. The other guys on subsequent visits have been very friendly, and the guy who rang me up cracked me up.
Two things I love about Capt'n Nemo's? (1) They make their own soup, and I *LOVE* soup. I could eat (and have) it every day, if given the opportunity. (2) Even better? They give you a sample when you walk in the door. It's like shooting fish in a barrel with me. Split pea was good (but I prefer mine with ham), and beef barley was great! I can't wait to try more.
The sandwiches are very good, too, and you can have them cold or toasted. I found a winner with the turkey club (and I very much enjoy the addition of the Captain's Special Sauce--it's vinegary, so don't let your mind go to the thousand-island-masquerade when you hear "special sauce.") The fiance got the Italian and Swiss, which, while not up my alley, I can say was good and would be a great choice for the right person.
Best of both worlds: they have combo meals so you can get part of a sandwich and a cup of soup. Rejoice for options!
Bonus: they have their own parking lot! YES!
If you like sandwiches and supporting long-standing, local businesses, be sure to check out Capt'n Nemo's!
3.5 stars +
*If you think Costello's is good, you better check yourself. That. place. blows.
**Subway and Jimmy John's do not count because they are in they area, and frankly, should not even be considered real food, IMO.Listed in: *I* like Lakeview
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Review from Ang R.
Chicago, IL
4/2/2011
This might be my new favorite sub place. I loved the secret sauce, the food is plentiful and cheap, and best of all? The bread. Nemo's bread might be the best sub bread ever. It's so good. It makes the sandwich.
I'm shocked no one mentions this when talking about real, classic American subs. This place has got 'em, and they're awesome. (I do have one small complaint--I think there's almost too MUCH meat on the subs. Seriously.)Listed in: Sandwiches are Awesome
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Review from Jeff N.
Chicago, IL
9/8/2011
This place is great. No gimmicks or fan fare and the inside is outdated and cheesey. However, the sandwiches and soup are great and priced well. I go here 1 to 4 times a week and they have parking. Their club and Italian beef sandwiches are great. The split pea soup is awesome but didn't start to like it until the 5th time I tried it
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Review from Keith A.
Wilmette, IL
5/26/2011
Its been forever since I've had a sandwich from capt'n nemos. In fact, its been since high school as there was one near my high school that I would go to. This one being a bit more out of the way from the north burbs and me being hungry, I needed a sandwich to keep my day going
I ordered up a turkey and cheese sandwich. They also provided a sample of chilli while my sandwich was being made. This was pretty cool and something nice to have. I had planned on getting some chilli as well, but this just sealed the deal.
The sandwich was really good. The mayo and sauce made the sandwich for me. The chilli however was on the runny side and was just kinda boring. I was able to get that+a drink for $8, so it was very easy on the wallet. Really I'd give it 3.5 stars, but it just doesn't have that 4 feel for me so 3 it is -
Review from Melanie S.
Chicago, IL
10/29/2010
I bookmarked this place after reading Colleen C's review last week.
When fall comes around, it's all about soup. I could eat it every day. Nothing warms my belly or hits the spot quite like it.
So this review is just for their hot, delicious, homemade and CHEAP soup - easily of one of the best bangs-for-your-buck out there.
Add this place to my ever-expanding list of places I've driven-by-for-years- and-never-went-to-but-should-have, but I am now happily in-the-know.
I went on Monday intending to purchase enough soup for lunches (or a light dinner) throughout the week.
Their soup of the day was navy bean, and they also had split pea, both of which are some of my favorites. I ordered up two pints of each and grabbed a chicken soup from the freezer. The guy behind the counter asked me if I wanted a sample before I bought and gave me a taste of the navy bean. It was steamy, creamy, and soul-satisfying. I couldn't wait to devour the whole pint.
The guy who rang me up was friendly and funny and complimented my red nails saying, "Nice nails. RAWWWWR." He made me laugh.
Over the course of the week, I've tried all three kinds and they are all winners. My least favorite was probably the split pea, which I'm sure is because it's vegetarian. Split pea soup really benefits from being made with a ham bone so without it this soup was kind of bland. It also had mushrooms in it which I've never seen in split pea soup before.
As I mentioned, that navy bean soup was killer, but so was the Mama's Remedy chicken soup. It was a flavorful broth chock full of veggies and big round noodles that were almost like dumplings. The entire pint was only 160 calories, so it makes for a (relatively) low-calorie, filling lunch.
I'm now sweet on the Capt'n. I have indeed, found Nemo. -
Review from Robert P.
Santa Monica, CA
1/5/2011
My first wife and I were among the late, great founder's first customers at the first shop on Clark St. It was the first sub sandwich I had ever eaten, and to this day remains the best (even outshining the incredible sandwiches at Bay City Imports in Santa Monica,CA).
I left Chicago years ago. But each time I return I make it a point to stop by. The bread is incredible. The quality meats and cheeses are sliced to order. And the Captain's "secret dressing and seasoning powder" are The Best.
And, of course, just like years ago on Clark St., you"re given a small taste of their wonderful soup to eat while your sandwich is constructed.
I introduced my kids to Captain Nemo's; each time we visit Chicago they ask if we can eat there -- every day!
Wish we were eating here today ...Listed in: At The Top Of Their Game
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Review from Colleen C.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 10/23/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Oh, Nemo. What the hell is up with switching to PEPSI!? It's enough to make me leave forever and never come back.
But, there's the soup.
And the crunchy fresh bread.
And the combination of deli American cheese, turkey, onions, tomatoes and lettuce that makes my head spin in a really miraculous fashion.
So, fine. I forgive the soda folly. Sort of.
Also, the soup is made from scratch. AND, they sell it by the quart (freezer) by checkout for $2.99. Seriously, homemade soup (there's even a variety called Mama's Cure) for $2.99? About as expensive as the pre-packaged cans in the store, but about 100000x better. It's going to get cold soon, so here you have it. A great deal, a local biz, and awesome soup. This is made by Mrs. Nemo. Seriously.
The Cap'n is on my "list" for droppin' the DC, but the missus comes in with a soup win, so all is fair in love, diet coke and war.Listed in: Cheap Eats: Northside Chicago
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/3/2008
Dude, Nemo's got a facelift. Ok, a paint job...it looks remarkably better!
Their crispy, crunchy… Read more »
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Review from Julia D.
Kalamazoo, MI
12/19/2010
How have I not reviewed Nemo's? Love this place. It's right around the corner from my place, which is awesome because it's always good to be close to great sandwiches. Not great sandwiches, perfect sandwiches. Toasted bread, loaded with meat, cheese, veggies and the secret sauce. Ohhhh so good.
Not only are the sandwiches perfect, they always give you generous "samples" of the delicious soup. If I go in there wanting soup, the sample satisfies my craving and I walk out with a sandwich or 8.
There's a guy that works there and always flirts with me and gives me free cookies...but he does the same thing to my man friend. Idk. I just smile and thank him for the cookies.
Seriously, the place looks a little hood, but there is free parking and the food is soooooo good and soooo cheap. Make the trek. You might even get free cookies. It's more of a to-go place than a sit down place (I've literally never seen people sitting and eating here despite the many seats), but I live literally a stone's throw away so I'm not staying either way.Listed in: North Center, yo
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Review from Brent K.
Chicago, IL
1/10/2011
One of the best sandwich spots in the City!
Here's why I give'm five stars.
1. Great Service. The Boss and Manny are fantastic.
2. Great Bread and Sandwichs on the Menu.
3. Free sample immediately upon entering of their fantasic Chili or soup of the day.
4. Great Italian Beef's. You can buy it by the pound.
5. The decor in this place can not be compared to anywhere else I have ever been. It's quite weird, in a good way!
I remember years ago when I practially lived next door to it and for years my roommate and I walked past it everyday and never gave it a try. We were to busy eating garbage at Pot Bellys and Quiznos. We always regret us not trying it earlier in our 6 year stay on addison/ashland. I actually knew a guy a couple years ago that basically lived off their chili for at least 4 months. Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Good!
I Love Nemos.
Kudos to Nemos!! -
Review from Tom C.
Chicago, IL
9/23/2011 1 photo
My office had Capt'n Nemos cater our fall party. We ordered five gallons of chili and damn that chili was good. Just enough spice, just enough meat, just perfect.
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Review from Johnny B.
Chicago, IL
10/26/2010
Simply the best turkey club I've ever had. It's a double decker and damn near impossible to keep together, but I don't care; it's delicious. And the turkey chili is damn good as well (as are the regular and veggie chili).
Just wish it didn't feel 30 years out of date, thus my wife's disgust of the Cap'n, thus keeping me from becoming a regular. -
Review from matty z.
12/27/2010
Dude, this place is weird.
But it's good.
And the folks behind the counter are pleasant and will joke with you like all-get-out.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend the soups, but the sandwiches are really pretty good, and very filling. I saved half for lunch the next day-- two meals! Happy Matty! -
Review from Mike H.
Chicago, IL
7/1/2010
I've been a big fan of Nemo's for quite a while, and you can hardly do better if you're into hearty deli subs. Combine that with some fantastic homemade soups and chili, and, well, you're in hog heaven!
For liverwurst fans (I'm a big one), I strongly suggest the CONQUEROR, a delectable Liverwurst sub with, Muenster Cheese, Salami, Eggs, Sauerkraut Dressing, and the Captain's secret sauce. So good!
The split pea and ham soup is to die for! The Chili is also very, very good. I have also purchased a bottle of the Captain's secret sauce for home use, and it makes my ho-hum sandwiches at home very flavorful.
The only reason I'm not giving Nemo's 5 stars is 1) The place is kinda dingy, with uncomfortable booths and dirty floors. 2) The staff is grumpy/less than friendly. I personally counter these negatives by placing my order to go.
Summary - definitely worth the trip, strongly consider carryout. -
Review from Ryan S.
Chicago, IL
1/25/2011
Great chili both vegetarian and meat versions are definitely worth trying. Sandwiches are good as well, but not as great as the chili. Really good Tuna sandwiches, and surprisingly tasty 'special sauces' on a variety of their sandwiches.
Service is always great and the crew is always polite, smiling, and fast!
Only downside to this establishment is the smell. I have never eaten here I always order to go, but I couldn't imagine eating there. The smell of cleaning supplies is to much. I guess on the positive side the place has to be sanitary considering the potency of cleaning supplies in the air.
Also the free sample of chili they offer upon arrival is a genius idea! If it wasn't for that sample I would most likely have not tried their chili and never fallen in love with it! -
Review from Linda P.
Chicago, IL
12/6/2007
Mmmmmmm...Capt'n Nemo's I love you!!! You are my waiting room for when I take my car to be repaired at the Shell Station at Addison and Ashland!
The guys at the counter are so friendly, they offer you a yummy free sample of soup the minute you walk in the door. The guy who served me today even remembered me from the last time I was in Nemo's back in August and remarked that he hadn't seen us in a while :), That is great customer service right there!
The food is QUALITY. Soups are hot, filling and delicious, I highly recommend the Minestrone and the Split Pea. The chili is OMG GOOOOOD, had me a bowl of the beef chili. It had the perfect amount of spice without burning my mouth and it was full of MEAT and you all know how much I love my meat ;). The cornbread that comes with the chili is perfect with the right amount of sweetness that reminds me of my late Grandma's cornbread. Sandwiches are fresh and tasty, lots of ingredients piled atop crusty fresh bread. Just a warning, since they put a ton of fillings in the subs, they can be pretty messy to eat so it is a good thing the bread is sturdy. My personal fave is the classic South Sea with ham, salami and the works...this is the only sub I have ever tasted with pineapple dressing and chopped egg, take THAT crappy ol' Subway!!!
A whole sub is pricey on paper at $7.58, but if you take a look at how stuffed full of goodies it is, it is actually a resaonbly priced meal. At 12 inches, it is enough for dinner and breakfast the next morning! My personal tip is to get their Combo meals, a half sub with soup and medium drink is about $6 and chili with cornbread and medium drink will run you about $5. Not dirt cheap but when you consider a meal at McNasty's is about the same price you will feel like you got a steal!Listed in: North Roscoe View, Cheapie Eaties!
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Review from Carla F.
Chicago, IL
8/24/2009
I've been here a few times and I cannot think of a reason to not give them 5 stars. The employees have always been extremely friendly and the food is superb. My favorite subs are the Americanne and Northern Italian. YUM! And their split pea soup and turkey chili---DElish.
If you're in the mood for a good sub and a friendly person to make it for you, this is the place! :) -
Review from Ryan C.
1/15/2009
I've lived across the street of Capt'n Nemos for almost 3 years and am baffled on how the hell they are still open? I hardly ever see anyone there. I've been there several times and always had a kick ass "samich" made just right and the previous reviews are always good. Shouldn't that be a recipe for a full house? Everyone that works there is as nice and polite as can be and always giving out samples of their latest batch of soup or chili, which is always wonderful.
Capt'n Nemo, seriously, what gives? Where the hell are the customers to keep this place running everyday? Oh well, regardless of where they, Capt'n Nemo you receive five "Ay ay, Capt'n's" out 5 on the "Ay ay Capt'n" scale. -
Review from Sharon Z.
Chicago, IL
4/25/2007
I must admit, at first I was a little sketched out by this place. There are people cut-outs carved into the back of the booth seats and when you first walk in, you are immediately asked if you would like to try a sample of the day's soup (I've always been weirded out by sampling).
BUT...the subs are amazing! Much heartier than your basic sub shop. The bread is thick and crisp. The ingredients also give it a different twist. They use some kind of special sauce and the first time I went the guy recommended muenster with the turkey which I had never thought of but is a great combo.
The minestrone soup is always a winner and they also have frozen pints (or quarts? I don't know my liquid measures very well). Definitely worth checking out. -
Review from melissa a.
Chicago, IL
9/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Love their chili.
I forgot how i stumbled across captain nemo's, i think my dad brought me here to get some turkey chilli bc i was going through a phase of eating no red meat, (a phase i grew out of long ago) But yes both their turkey chillin and beef chilli are delicious! I like my chilli meaty, not super watery/or full of broth and with beans (kidney i believe) Prices are pretty good to! about $2 for a cup, i think the bowl is $4 and the quart of chilli is $7. I usually go monday - thurs so there is rarely a line or long wait. But the guy who works there says fridays and saturdays get very busy!! This place is a hit with the cubs fans. Ive gotten coworkers hooked on their chilli...they practically inhaled it. -
Review from Jack P.
9/25/2007
This was my first visit to the Capt'N's. My friend Marc and I chose it for our weekday "old man lunch." While I liked the sandwich I had very much, the ambience leaves something to be desired. I mean, I know it's a fast food sub spot, but with all the glass block dividers, and the cement block walls painted white, and the linoleum tiled floor, you feel like you are having lunch in a rest stop or a restroom in new Jersey.
As far as the food goes, it was great. I chose the $5.79 special of a half sub, with turkey, toasted, a cup of pea soup, and a drink. The bread is fantastic. Kind of meaty and crunchy. The pea soup wasn't as good as my mom Betty's, but it was flavorful for vegetarian fare.
So I would definitely go back,but I would take my meal somewhere else to chow down. -
Review from Kathy L.
San Diego, CA
7/28/2010
Capt'n Nemo's is really a wonderful place because it helped me through my first cold Chicago winter. I came here with a friend who told me she heard it was good and I figured I would go with. I wasn't in the mood for anything but soup and soupbox was really far. I can't remember what soup I got, and really it doesn't matter which soup it was because every soup I have tried since then has been amazing. You can ask for a sample of whatever soup you want and they are really great about it - I would try anything that sounds even remotely exciting because they do a great job with every soup on hand.
This place has a little something over soupbox though, their garlic bread. Holy moly, this garlic bread is awesome in all of its buttery goodness and the perfect thing to add a couple more pounds when you're fighting off old man winter. -
Review from Kevin M.
Chicago, IL
9/26/2007
Captain Nemo's is a great sub shop, with a large variety of subs. The staff are friendly and conversational, and you will be offered a free sample of soup or chili when you walk in.
The subs are hearty and filling, and I look forward to trying some of the more adventurous subs on the menu. Word of warning, the bread is pretty "hard" so if you wear dentures or have sensitive teeth, order something else. I'm not a big fan of the CSS either, but a lot of people seem to like it.
I can't comment much on the decor', I usually carry out, but the backdrops of the seats are quite interesting, and will sometimes freak you out a bit if you catch them in the corner of your eye. They have a good selection of newspapers (Chicago Reader, Onion, etc) as well, if, like me, you like to read while you eat. -
Review from Max S.
Chicago, IL
4/30/2007
I love the Captain and his delicious meaty creations. This is one of the better sub shops in the city, you just have to get over the strange high school locker room odor when you first enter the place. Just as your sense of smell is processing that odor, you'll be offered samples of the day's soups. They are always great, my favorites are the chili and minestrone. Once you've tried them, it's impossible not to order them. I always tell myself I'm not ordering chili, but as soon as I see it sitting behind the counter I instinctively order a cup. They also have frozen soups available for take home.
I wish I could review their entire sandwich menu, but I've never ordered anything except the Northern Italian. I want to try other sandwiches, I read the entire menu every time I go in and I always make a genuine effort to say something other than "Northern Italian" when they ask for my order, but I always end up with it anyhow. I suspect it has the same addictive chemicals as the chili. Make sure to get hot peppers on it!
The bread is the proper consistency, some sub shops have bread so hard that everytime you attempt to bite in, some of your meat slides out the back of the sub. There are no such meat leakage problems with the Captain's bread. The meats, veggies and cheese are always fresh too.
The staff is super friendly and will give you a sample of just about anything you want. Feel free to customize your sandwich or ask for advice as well. Go often enough and you'll soon be on a first name basis with them.
Why go to Subway and get wimpy subs made out of meat and veggies from plastic bags when you can go to Captain Nemo's and get yourself a great sandwich and an even better soup? -
Review from Jacob J.
8/13/2008
I allowed my bro to order for me since he loves the Captain. I think I had the turkey club with extra sauce. It was way too messy and their napkins are the cheap flimsy kind. I liked the toasty bit and probably could've enjoyed it more had it not been ordered extra saucy.
If you order the large sandwich there's enough for a big guy to have left overs.
The last time I was there the seating and tables were filthy with crumbs and dried sauce.. blah.
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Did you guys catch that inspection done by the city in April of 2008 ? Yikes! Another Yelper posted the link in their review. -
Review from Tracy K.
Chicago, IL
4/21/2008
I come to Capt'n Nemo's when I want something beyond the one or sometimes two vegetarian options I have at Jimmy Quizway chains.
I like that they let us know the soup & veggie chili are vegetarian; at other places, I have to ask and am often met with an "uh, I think so.."
Its nice to be greeted with free samples too.
My favorite things about Capt'n Nemo's:
1) the stickers that label each sandwich make sorting efficient.
2) a whole sandwich comes in two parts. Its almost as if Capt'n Nemo knew I couldn't eat the whole thing in one sitting.
3) good, crusty bread.. yum.
And I always need extra napkins because the CSS seems to make sandwiches especially messy. -
Review from steve k.
IL
4/19/2007
how could I have forgotten about this place? I love their subs, I think its different than any other sub shops anywhere. They always have fresh cuts of meat and cheeses and the bread is perfect - not too crusty and not too soft. The soups are all killer, I don't even like split pea, but if its the soup of the day then you know I'm getting it.
I like the one in Rogers Park, but I don't know if they are still open...the nemo's on Ashland looks like a reject hollywood diner, but same quality of food. -
Review from Alejandra Ines R.
Chicago, IL
1/13/2010
This is the perfect sandwich joint!
I LOVED their roast beef, its extra meaty and has double cheese. All of their soups are great and fresh.
I'm not a fan of the special sauce but I'm pretty sure my husband is willing to name our first born SpecialSauce.
Overall, a great pic if you want a quick bite, are tired of Potbellys and Jimmy Johns, and is very kid friendly. Enjoy! -
Review from Jesse W.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2007
One of my favorite submarine shops in Chicago. As previously mentioned, it does smell like a wet dog and bologna. BUT the food is quite good. The bread has always been fresh and crusty to me. The secret sauce is indeed a secret, as I still can't figure out the ingredients to the sauce nor can I pinpoint what makes it just so addictive. The High Flyer has a load of trimmings (radish, hard-boiled eggs, turkey, ham, secret sauce, etc.). It doesn't sound too good, but it is amazing! Their beef is also quite good. I ordered the Italian Beef with provolone (dipped, of course) AND a High Flyer (for a second meal later in the day). I had to get a bowl of their Split Pea soup while I was there, too. I normally dislike peas, but I'll take a Capt'n Nemo's split pea soup any day. No crackers or bread are needed for this soup.
The atmosphere is kinda tacky, and there's usually a cop car or two in the lot. But that leaves my rating unscathed. Capt'n Nemo's serves up one hell of a sub. Btw, the subs (half) are $3.99 and are about 5". A "whole" sub doesn't save you anything besides not having to find something to eat in a couple hours (i.e. Subway), as it costs $7.98. Everything I've tried is great. Highly recommended.
