On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Adams/Wabash (Orange, Brown, Purple Express, Green, Pink)
Jackson (Blue, Red)
Loading...
My sub from Fontano's was soooo good! I ordered the Blockbuster Sub that came with Ham, Salami, Capocollo, Provolone, and Swiss. This is one of the better subs I've had in Chicago! Don't forget to get the hot peppers (mild as well if you don't like it that spicy), gives it that extra level of taste goodness.
Good food, good service, several levels of pricing depending on sub size. Will definitely return for more subs!
I love Fontano's subs. The Turano bread is tough but not hard so it gives the sandwich a good bite. My favorite is just turkey with provolone and all the trimings. The turkey is amazing and so much better quality and fresher than any grocery store deli turkey.
My brother swears by the Blockbuster which is a whole slew of meats and cheeses. Gotta get the peppers, too!
The one annoyance is that this location charges more than the original off-Taylor Street location. But it's nice to have Fontano's in the loop.
Do not try unless you want to become addicted.
No, really. There's something about the giardinera (sp?) that keeps me coming back for more.
I am also biased because I ordered a prosciutto sub and they actually took out the meat slicer to cut me fresh slices. A meat slicer!! When was the last time you saw Jimmy John's or Potbelly's do that for you??
Decent sub, but apparently you have to be a fan of peppers to really enjoy this spot. Unfortunately, I am not, so I passed on the peppers on the Big Al that I ordered. The hoagie bun was extremely fresh, probably the best part of the sub. The meats were ok and the provolone was good, just not sure there's a good reason to come here over Jimmy Johns or Potbelly. Unless you are a pepper fiend, which apparently most people in line seemed to be...
I'm originally from Brooklyn but have been in Chicago for 25 years.
Never heard of Fontano's but a great friend who works at Mercy
Hospital told me that it was the best place to get a (as we call it
in NY, a hero!) Well, I don't know how or why but a long walk from the loop got me to Polk street and although I'm trying to lose 8 pounds decided to give this landmark a try. Gang, the meatball sandwich with
hot peppers has to be one of the best I have ever had. Mary, the checkout
person should have been born in Bensonhurst! Bravisimo!
These are some badass subs. I always try to get the best bang out of my buck; I try to get subs with lots of Proscuitto and Capicolla (they are the most expensive generally, and the tastiest)
So I would recommend the Italian special or the Wise Guy sub.
Btw all these meats are considered as Salumi, not be confused with Salami:
Proscuitto/Proscuittini - a cold cut, Aged, dry-cured, spiced Italian ham
Capicolla - a cold cut, similar to above, except meat is from shoulder and/or neck
Mortadella - a cold cut, like an italian bologna laced with pork fat from the neck...hmmm I think this one is probably the worse for you
Genoa salami - an uncooked zesty cured salami generally made from pork
Cotto salami - a cooked cured salami that is generally softer than Genoa
To be honest, when you are mixing the meats; unless you are an expert, it's really hard to differentiate the different meats from each other. Especially in sub form.
I'm and Asian dude, so I'm no expert; so I might not be 100% right.
The lettuce and tomatoes are very fresh, and taste rightly so.
The service is speedy, the hot peppers to die for.
The inside is more a deli with tables, than a restaurant; so dont' go for decor.
Personally, it's the best sub I know of. So good. Everything is just amazing about this place.
Fontano's serves up your traditional italian style cold cuts and lunchmeat sandwiches. They also have Italian Beef and Italian Sausage available. Pepper and Egg is available during Lent, another Italian tradition. They have a bunch of premade sandwiches, all of which are good, and you can also "create your own" sandwich.
Everything is extremely fresh. All the veggies are the highest quality, the lettuce is always crunchy and green, tomatoes thick and juicy, meats are tender and flavorful, etc.
Presentation of the sandwiches isn't as pretty as some places, but that doesn't matter to some people. There's also not much to be said for the restaurant itself. Just your typical deli and checkout counter, and a few seats.
Fontanos runs a number of lunchtime and daily specials too, so you should check that out. Also, drinks are only .50c for students if you show an ID---not a bad deal.
5 stars for freshness, taste, and quality. Their giardiniera is something Vito Corleone would approve of---it really is that good. I always get it and quite frankly I can't eat a sub without it right now.
I go to Fontano's probably once or twice a week usually, and I won't stop until I graduate DePaul next year! Even then, I might find myself making that occasional trip on the red line just to get my favorite sandwich.
Potbelly, you just got served.
This is what you wish you were, but can't ever be. Meat piled high on the sandwiches with a hot pepper mix that puts yours to shame (and I love your hot pepper mix). Seriously, I want to eat it on every sandwich I ever have. I like it so much I want to bathe in it. I want to rub it all over my body and... ummm... well...
Get the sausage with the hot peppers and you will be thrilled you did.
Yummy in my tummy!
I went here based on the high reviews and was searching for a good sub place for lunch. This deli was right on the spot.
It's very fast paced during lunch, so be ready with what you want to order. I ordered the 6" Blockbuster containing Ham, Salami, Capocollo, Provolone and Swiss Cheese. Oh yeah, it was a blockbuster in my book.
The only complaint I have is that the bread was a tad chewy, but it was still soft and yummy. The sandwich was messy, but that means it was good...
I will definitely frequent this place again; hmmm, maybe tomorrow :)
Good but not amazing. It was a tasty sandwich with good, fresh ingedients but I paid $9 for a 10-in sub that was 2 meats and a cheese (lettuce and tomatoes). Peppers are extra.
It's probably just me but cold sandwiches are all kinda the same to me. Sure this was better than subway but that's just cause it's fresher.
Absolutely fantastic subs. There are probably a couple better Italian sub shops in the city, but none are nearly as centrally located as Fontano's, right on the loop.
I would stick with any of the Italian offerings, as that is their strength.
They sort of throw the stuff together, especially if it is busy (and its busy a lot...) so be careful when opening the sub if you take it to go.
Even so, biting through that Turano bread and into real, cured meats hits the spot every time.
I love these kind of places. You know, the place where there are only a couple options on the menu, and they probably all taste similar, where the menu is printed in huge letters.Where they use fresh, tasty ingredients. This is the type of the place you'd find on every street corner in Philly or parts of New York.
A no-nonsense sub/hoagie/grinder (whatever you may call it) spot.
I review based on the italian beef sandwich. I ordered a 6-inch beef sandwich, dry with Giardiniera peppers. I always do from every Italian beef sandwich place I go to.
As I walked in, I saw that they bottled their own Giardiniera peppers. "Hmm," I thought. "Must be good."
I was mistaken.
Though the meat had an OK taste, the peppers were weak. Very weak. The bread was soft, as well -- another bad sign for me. After the clerk tried to upsell my soda, I left there with about four used napkins -- the only good sign of the meal. I feel if a business owner knows anything about beef sandwich lovers, he knows they like to get a bit dirty with the sandwich. Again, the only good thing at Fontano's.
Located on Jackson Boulevard in downtown Chicago and near a college campus, that's precisely what the sandwich made me think of -- a 3-in-the-morning post-college binge drinking experience.
No thanks, Fontano's. I'd rather make it myself.
To recommend a beef place for future Wednesday reviews, log on to http://www.jayrodchica... and click the contact link.
Best subs in the loop. I always have trouble finishing these too...they are just so jam packed with meat and cheese and goodness.
The lunch-time options in the loop are downright depressing, but this place makes me smile.
I have to agree with the other positive reviewers of Fontano's. Despite working a block and half away for the past three years, AND going to grad school at DePaul's loop campus, I had never been here before. It doesn't look like much from the outside, so I never gave it much notice. But I came across the good reviews here on Yelp so decided to give it a shot.
I am normally an American sub guy; to be honest, I don't know my Italian meats as well as I could. But this being Fontano's, I decided to try something Italian. I went with the Blockbuster, and I was not disappointed. The fresh bread was loaded with fresh cheese and picture-perfect meats, topped with lettuce and tomatoes and hot peppers, then drizzled with Italian dressing.
All together I got an 8" sub, a little thing of macaroni salad, a small bag of chips and a 16" oz drink for about $9.50 after tax. Not bad, considering I was stuffed from the sandwich and mac salad, so I didn't need to touch the chips.
The sandwich was very tasty, but I have to warn you that it is messy! I went through countless napkins trying to eat the thing at my desk.
Since I've been on an extended healthy eating kick, this is probably not a place I can let myself go to frequently, but I will definitely be back.
Philadelphia, you have spoiled me for other cities when it comes to hoagies/subs. By Philadelphia standards, this would be just an okay hoagie.
Breakin it down...
The Bad: Unlike most places that put the oil on the bread, they put it on top, which makes it both messy and the bread dry (the latter assuming you don't get mayo which I didn't). Also seemed a bit pricey, but again I'm judging by Philly standards. Instead of cherry peppers they had these little hot Italian peppers I can't remember the name of...while I enjoyed trying something different, I prefer the hot cherry peppers to these. Also onions and oregano apparently are not standard (though you can probably request them).
The Good: The owners/staff are pretty awesome-- friendly, talkative and one of the women casually curses as much as I do (and that's fuckin impressive), the quality of both the bread and meats are very good. They pile plenty of meat and cheese on the sub. Also they have a good number of food items to buy and take-home.
I am addicted to Fontano's. They definitely don't skimp you on the meat and know how to make a real sub. The meat, cheese, vegetables and bread are always fresh. None of this Subway nonsense. The Big Al is my favorite, with the mortadella, genoa salami and provolone. I like their dressing because it's not too oily and not to overpowering.
I eat there after work and right before class once a week. It's nice to come in, sit in Fontano's, relax and enjoy a sub.
Go here for their Italian subs. I've ordered the Italian Special (Prosciuttini, Capocollo, & provolone), the Big Al Italian (Mortadella, Cotto salami, Genoa salami, & provolone), and the Meatball sub. They were all excellent sandwiches. Best subs in the Loop, hands down.
They have several other sandwiches to choose from, both hot and cold, and you can create your own sub. Vegetarians can do an all-cheese sandwich with provolone and swiss. They offer sides, soup, and chili. Their lunch specials include a small bag of chips and pop.
It's a small space, with few tables, so your best bet is to take your sandwich to go. Forget the usual fast-food joints in the Loop and check out Fontano's instead.
The real deal
Subway can't hold a candle to Fontano's [Mr. Submarine might, but they're closing like flies]. Fontano's make the best subs in the Loop, they also have great sandwiches [sometimes you just need a big fat egg salad sandwich]. Plenty of potato and tortilla bagged chips from which to choose, and fountain drinks, 'hand poured' :P
Everyone knows it's the bread that makes a great sandwich and Fontano's rolls are good and chewy.
There's limited seating and the line can get long right in the middle of lunch, but give it a try once and you'll find yourself going back time and time again.
Decent subs for a decent price. Nothing to write home about and didn't blow my skirt up as far a quality, but the place is clean and bright, the helpings are generous, and the service is excellent.
Oh speaking of service...I'm pretty sure that the only reason my coworker insists we eat here once a week is because of the long-lashed young man behind the deli counter with the dimpled smile and muscled arms. Puuuukkke.
If you get north side and you like Fontano's, I have to recommend you stop by Fiore's on Oakley and Erie. Less bright, less friendly, but way more tasty.
I may have just put on 5 pounds or so from the 8" ham sub soaked in italian dressing that I just devoured at work. Fresh Italian bread, quality meat and cheese, and homemade Italian dressing (that tastes very similar to the one I make at home!)
Fontano's...forget skinny dipping. You are going to make me a chunky dunker this summer.
My first time and won't be my last time. I tried the Big Al and damn was that good. Very delicious. Service is quick but fairly expensive. Defintley 10times better than subway. This is my new sub stop when I'm craving and near.
All my life I hated salami sandwiches. Then I went to Fontano's.
Fontano's is so good, especially compared to all awful chains and overpriced pubs in the loop, that it is one of the only downtown places that I recommend to out-of-town friends and tourists who ask me where to get a good bite. I have always considered this THE BEST place to eat in the loop.
The meats are flavorful, the Italian bread is nice and chewy, and the service is good. But be warned: unless you order giardiniera peppers, you have all but wasted a sandwich. The giardiniera (their own recipe) comes in both hot and mild, and ties the whole sub together.
I have to make a special plug for their Italian beef, which according to an article on the wall is their own special recipe, and (other than Luke's) is the ONLY decent Italian beef you can get downtown.
There has been a lot of talk about where to get a good sub sandwich in the talk threads lately. You have your typical chains: Potbelly, Jimmy John, Quizno's, and Subway. None of these place are all that good. To hell with them all as they cower in the shadow of this place.
This place is rather tiny but the quality of the ingredients, the price, the value and the friendliness of the staff blows pretty much any other place out of the water. I wish this place was a little bigger on the inside which is the only drawback.
I have been eating Fontano's subs for 15 yrs. Their subs, which are made in the deli section of their grocery store, are wonderful. They're topped with Fontano's own hot or mild giardiniera peppers, provolone, lettuce, mayo and tomatoes. The famous "Blockbuster" sandwich made with ham, salami, capicola and swiss. Parking can be hard to find. Phone in your order ahead of time if you plan on eating it for lunch ( 11:00 am - 1pm ). They have the freshest products with excellent service.
The location that I reviewed is at:
1058 W. Polk St., Chicago (312) 421-4474
I tried to edit my review but it would not accept the change
I just tried Fontano's last week for the first time despite my law school being located directly across the street, and I have realized the error of my ways.
I used to frequent Jimmy John's, Potbelly, and Subway when in need of a quick, relatively healthy, cheap meal. I love my sandwiches and I make a mean one at home when I have time, so these establishments always left me wanting.
Fontano's cured my lunchtime mediocre sandwich blues. (Is that Dylan song....? I kiid I kiiiid).
I've had the corned beef and the Blockbuster. Not the BEST I've EVER had, but more than worth the price of admission-4.95 gets you a fully loaded sangwich.
They also have a combo soup and (4") sandwich ffor $5. Might try that sometime.
One of few favorite Loop sub shops.
Their Italian beef can't be beat. Try tackling the large, the price is perfect and is filling, some may have leftovers. Just do it, add the cheese. Lunch hours can be terribly busy, its a small shop, small dining area. Call ahead if you like, I prefer ordering in person. I like to order my beef a little juicy. They've got a few different salads, i.e. macaroni, pasta, worth a taste test. They go well with the subs.
This place used to be one of my favorite places to go for lunch when I worked downtown. The selection is great, the meat and peppers taste really fresh.
The staff are nice and it appears to be family run, based on the string of Italian from one of the older ladies directed at a younger guy working the register. Complete with an upward smack across the back of his head. Sweet.
The student discount is just another reason to skip the chain restaurants and go to Fontano's. The one closer to UIC is more like a grocery store, but you can still get the same sandwiches as well.
Oh Fontano's, how I love your bread so.
The bread alone is worth the trip, but I enjoy every sandwhich I've ever had here. It's the prefect place to grab a sub and eat in the park or take back to your desk. The bread is *drool* wonderful, the deli meat and cheese is always fresh and tasty and it's made to order right there.
The only thing I don't like about the place is that sometimes the service can be ... too rushed. They are always busy and can be short with you. Know what you want before you order, or they get a little edgy.
The place is small, so don't make it a place to eat for a birthday celebration. Have the sandwiches delivered or take them to go and sit at the fountains at the art institute with a smaller crowd.
Great family run place! :)
I can't say how much I love this place. I used to eat Jimmy John's, then one day I decided to wander in to this place, and Jimmy John's is a distant memory now.
First, they slice the meats on site. Second, they are the ORIGINAL Italian sub, done the right way (look-up the write up the Trib did on this subject -- Fontano's was in it!). Third, during Lent they have non-meat options that will still satisfy your hunger, and they take requests if you ask nice, like I asked them to make me a Provolone-only sub, and they charged down for it since I didn't get any meat -- try getting them to do that at Jimmy Johns or Subway. Plus, if you can't get across the loop, they deliver, which is always a plus especially if you get addicted while you are a student across the street and then end up stuck working in an office across the loop. This is a local city run joint with only a small handfull of locations, one that I fully support.
Oh man, now I am hungry.
Oh yeah baby! This place is our office favorite and it just makes your mouth and belly sing. We joke that they must put some drug in their oil or something because whenever we go, we are beyond happy all afternoon.
Having a bad day? This place always puts a smile on our face and leaves us wanting more.
I highly recommend the Big Al or Big L (depends on what sign you are looking at but they are the same sandwich) or if you like it kicked up a bit, go for my personal favorite, the Caputo.
They are fresh, packed with flavor, and the bread---hoo baby!
It just doesn't get any better.
Oh yeah, their giardinera is terrific and you can buy it in a jar to go.
You just have to love a sub shop that has five different types of "Italian subs." They pretty much have on their menu every possible combination of salami, pepperoni, prosciuttini, capicola, and provolone.
All of the meats and cheeses (and not just the Italian ones) are fresh and high-quality. The optional hot peppers are *gasp* actually hot, and all of the toppings in general are tasty. Word of warning, though: if you get Italian dressing on your sub, it will be drippy as all get out. Yummy, though.
I appreciate that they have a student special (free drink/chips with ID), even though I don't drink pop or often eat chips. Best sammich joint in the Loop.
Admittedly, the bread is good here. I think I saw a box that said it was Gonella. And sure, they loaded up my corned beef sub on the meat. I'm just lacking the spark that I wan't from a tasty sandwich. Maybe I'm just smitten by my craving for a reuben right about now, but a sammy doesn't have to be hot to be good.
Oh Fontano's, you make me chubby but I love you. My boyfriend lived across the street from the Fontano's on Polk street and I became addicted to their turkey sandwich after one bite. Only eat this sandwich with people that don't mind watching oil and mayo drip from your chin...so good.
The Loop outpost of the Polk Street original in Little Italy, this place has some of the best subs in the city. Turano bread, quality meats and cheeses, and fast friendly service. Definitely a true taste of Chicago come lunch time.
On days when I am stuck at school, Fontano's is my go-to place for lunch. DePaul is surrounded by sandwich places and cafes, but I pick Fontano's 95% of the time. Their high-quality meats and cheeses make their sandwiches worth the extra dollar you would save at Potbelly's. The staff is generally really friendly and efficient, and if you are a student you get a free soda, and I like free stuff. Next time you are in the area picking a place for lunch, try Fontano's instead of Cosi or Potbelly's - selection is smaller but oh so tasty!
Without a doubt the best sub you will have. Everything about Fantano's is awesome. Get the prosciutto, you will be in heaven.
Perfect sub sandwich. I just ate there for the first time and now seriously doubt I could walk past Fontano's to go to Potbelly. Everything was great; the meat, the cheese, the bread, the toppings. I can't wait to go back and try more!
Great subs - great bread, fresh meats, cheeses, and veggies. The sandwiches are made just the way you want them. Service and prices are just right.
This is a real sub shop, people. For anyone that says they'd rather eat at Subway, you obviously have no palate and have never been out of your own backyard. This place puts all those other so-called sandwich shops to shame...Snotbelly's, Jimmy Yawns, Subpar, Quizblows. Nothing compares to Fontano's!
Junior's Cheesecake from…
Neighborhood: South Loop
Red Bag Specials
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: Delis
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: Sandwiches
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: Cheese Shops
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: Burgers
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: Mexican
These places might not be the most obvious to…
No carrot sticks or Jamba Juice for me... I want…
When I'm not crunching numbers or keeping my…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
Here are some off the beaten path (read NON-CHAIN)…
