On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Sandwiches, Desserts [Edit]
Neighborhood: LakeviewWellington (Purple Express, Brown)
Belmont (Purple Express, Brown, Red)
"Yum. Close to my office, lots of choices, and tasty? I'm sold. Roly Poly is my new go to lunch spot. There are so many wraps to choose…" read more »
Loading...
Very strong lunch option, but be prepared for a wait even with a relatively empty restaurant. Seems a little more than it should for 2 sandwiches and 2 small sodas ($16). Not cheap, just that there aren't many chips and the sandwich isn't large at all.
However, the quality is there. Had the Spicy Philly, which was juicy and tasty, although I was expecting something really somewhat spicy, which it was more of a mild taste than anything.
Looks like a diverse menu and the counter staff was helpful in making a final decision (which is tough).
Alright, let's put it like this:
I went here for the first time last Saturday, and I have gone back 4 out of the 8 days thereafter.
The menu is fantastic, there is something for everyone.They have a few vegetarian choices. The turkey turkey sandwich is amazing. It's got the right ratio of bread to filling. Turkey, roasted red peppers, avocado, and spicy mayo on tomato bread. Super panes was also a great choice. Who doesn't like bacon? The mashed potatoes are great, they came out super hot and fresh. The soups are alright, I've only had a couple of them but they didn't blow me out of the water.
The line on weekends can get a little outrageous, so try calling ahead for pick up. They offer delivery, and you can get a loaf of their fresh baked bread for 1.75 (I think).
The prices are great. 5.50 for a big sandwich and chips.
Oh! And carrot cake. Yum. They rotate their desserts daily, the peppermint patty brownie haunts my dreams.
We absolutely love the sandwiches here!!! The menu is extensive and extremely reasonable regarding prices. We usually order the Turkey Turkey and the Todo Italiano with avocado, however always have a tough time deciding what we want while perusing through the menu. In addition, we travel 30 minutes just for one of those sandwiches!
On another note, I usually enjoy ordering for pickup rather than dining in because last time it took about 30 minutes for a sandwich to be prepared for dining in. On the contrary, pickup usually takes 15 minutes and you can cut in front of those people holding up the line because they can't make a decision on what to order.
My wife also feels as though they should specify what type of bread goes with each sandwich on their menu (and I agree). Only sandwiches with tomato bread are specified. She prefers wheat over white being the healthier choice. Could of been our bad for not just saying wheat instead of white.
Panes is awesome and delicious.
Sure, the wait kinda sucks but that's because it's awesome and everyone knows it in the area so tons of people get lunch here, and I want to say they only have one or two cooks if that?
any who the sandwich is the awesome, the bread is always fresh and yummy.
they have really good soup and I have been known to partake in their mashed potatoes.
The ladies who work there are super nice and make excellent cookies as well.
After the wife decided to hack off most of her beautiful hair, we celebrated with a first-time lunch at Panes. The cream of tomato soup they were serving up today was the best I've ever tasted. Being an old E. Lakeview resident, it was nice to get down to the old hood for a bit.
Panes seems like a nice place to grab a sammich. I like the fact that it's on Sheffield, so it's a little off the beaten path, at least in East Lakeview. Even so, around lunch time, the line can get pretty long and that can be a Pane (HA HA HA, GET IT!?! TASTE THE PUN BEOITCHES!!)
Anyway, I really enjoyed the Super Pane, which is basically a club sandwich. The wife enjoyed her chicken and prosciutto. The homemade bread is good, and I like that you can grab a loaf for $1.75.
Anyhow, if your in the neighborhood, don't loaf around. Get over to Panes, and tell them Mike sent you. When they give you a confused look, pay full price for your food and carry on.
oh my oh my. finally tried the pasta at panes and it was amazeballs. the cavatapi is to die for. fresh goat cheese... ahh! i'm in love. i've also been stopping by regularly for desserts lately - try the peanut butter brownie if they've got it. yum.
i'm a firm believer in nothing being even remotely bad here. still need to try the pizza.
i love panes (even if i haven't tried nearly everything on the menu.) i usually stick the sandwiches… Read more »
Read reviews about this place when I was looking for a cheap, healthy place to eat. Finding such a place that is unique and "unfranchised" is hard! I have to admit that I went in with low expectations. After all, it's a sandwich shop, how good could it possible be?
Well I'm happy to report that it rocked my socks.
The best way to describe Panes is by saying their sandwiches are fancier, heartier, and the same size if not bigger than Panera but half the price.
My personal favorite is the turkey turkey. Instead of ordering it on tomato bread I like to opt to have it served on their delicious handmade French bread.
I tried their chocolate chip cookie which LOOKS good but honestly, I was pretty disappointed. Subway has better cookies.. Their chocolate ball thingys though, they were quite tasty :)
By the way, THIS PLACE IS CASH ONLY
In my opinion, what makes a sandwich great depends a lot on the bread and my multigrain bread definitely completed my sandwich. Ingredients are fresh and I thought one sandwich was pretty filling.
Don't leave without trying their monster cookie. That stuff is genius...but made me feel very guilty finishing it off in a few minutes.
I think I'm done with Panes.
Today I ordered the Tuna Blanca sandwich for carryout from the less than enthused woman behind the counter, and waited approximately 20/25 minutes for the sandwich. I should also probably mention that it was approximately 2:30, and there were maybe 3 tables occupied (so not the height of lunch rush hour). After waiting maybe 15 minutes the woman behind the counter tells me my order is coming up. After about 20 minutes she asks me what my number is, and I tell her I never received a number....she then tells me, "Let me check on the order" only to come back and ask, "What did you order?" Huh, really? After 25 minutes?
I finally get my food and head to my office only to find the sandwich has cheese melted in the middle of the tuna, which the menu description mentions nothing about... and I cannot eat cheese...
While I've always enjoyed the food when my order is right, I've had enough of the subpar customer service, messed up orders, and cash only payment. Done, done, done.
+ Good food when your order is correct
+ Great breads and deserts
-Orders are often incorrect
-Does not accept credit or debit
-Long wait time, even when ordering ahead by phone
-Staff is not super friendly
This place is AWESOME!!! Great location, right off of the Brown line Wellington stop. I live right around the corner so it's great to grab a quick dinner if I get home late from work.
The menu is very diverse and super cheap. The desserts look amazing! I have only had the monster cookie, but I am obsessed. They are best if you get them warm. I have had the vegetarian sandwich (can't remember the name) and their goat cheese pasta. Both were wonderful! The bread really is awesome. Despite previous reviews, I thought the pasta was well worth it.
I really don't know what people are talking about in regards to the "unfriendly" staff. They were super nice to me! Greeting me at the counter and bringing my order to me (they call out your order number but I was lost in thought and missed mine). I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
The sandwiches are worth it for the bread alone, though I'm happy to say the bacon is pretty darn great too--crispy and tasty. I had the BLT, so I can't really give an opinion on any of the other meats. My bf, though, had the Super Panes and really, really enjoyed it, so that's sort of an endorsement. We also ordered the potato salad and the mashed potatoes, and both were good. The potato salad is very, very garlicky--almost exactly like the garlicky potato salad served at tapas restaurants. The mashed potatoes were creamy and satisfying, and the serving was HUGE.
Because that's the other thing--the amount of food you get for not a lot of money is great. There were all kinds of tempting desserts at the counter too, but we stuck with a couple of the truffles each, and they were super yummy too. I'm quite sure we'll go back for different sandwiches, loaves of bread, and some of the beautiful desserts.
Loved this place, quaint, good vibes with the colors and the bakery looked delicious. Only had time for a sandwich, but the chicken sandwich we had was wonderful!! We shared the sandwich and got a small side salad, and the price was reasonable!!
Special shout-out for the BBQ chicken pizza - my favorite item. You can't go wrong here....soup, sandwiches, pasta, a wide variety of desserts. All for a great price.
Great sandwiches at a great price. Traditional stuff and some different types as well. Their bread really makes the difference though. Also, have wonderful desserts. I understand their cult following.
Love Panes. Potbelly/ Jimmy John's prices but amazing quality and variety of options. Their bread is amazing, whenever I am close by I pick up a loaf (1.75!!!) to bring home with me.
Had a Roasted Beef sandwich today, 5.50 with chips, and it was amazing. Really moist, tender roast beef, avacado, tomato, spicy mayo piled on their awesome freshly baked garlic olive oil bread. I coulg only eat half so I brought that plus my extra loaf home.
Their ingredients are fresh, the menu is large, and I am never disappointed. Oh! They have amazing house made truffles. AMAZING.
Only caveat, they only take cash.
Holy CRAP! Where have you been all my life? My friend took me here for lunch the other day and it was the best decision he ever made for me.
The crabcake sandwich was the special and it was. Everyone ordered something bizarre and yet appealing to the inner gourmet and everyone was happy. Incredibly happy. Honeymoon happy. (Sick, isn't it?).
The outdoor seating was a huge plus, particularly on the gorgeous day we went.
One would think that a place with ~150 positive reviews wouldn't need another, but I'm compelled to review Panes due to my love for it, and due to the fact that I feel offended, outraged, and disheartened every time I meet a Chicagoan who hasn't been there. So perhaps adding one more great review will get more people there (but not too many, not sure if the lines can get any longer!)
Peanut butter filled chocolate balls, brownies with peppermint patties in them, and I haven't even gotten to the real star of the show, the sandwiches yet.
Every sandwich comes on their freshly baked, delicious bread, and not just a sliver either. Sometimes I'm convinced they're giving me a quarter of a loaf for a sandwich--almost a text book case of too much of a good thing...but I digress. The sandwiches are amazing, made fresh to order with top notch ingredients, I've never had a bad one, let alone one that was less than stellar. If you like a bit of a kick, I'd shoot for the Pollo Diablo...it's sinister in how good it is.
Thank you fellow Yelpers for helping me find this unassuming sandwich spot. I must say that when everyone said it was so affordable, I was concerned. We were looking for hearty, but healthy sandwiches after a night of debauchery and Panes delivered. We arrived around 5pm for linner and promptly ordered at the counter. Then, we found a sunny spot next to the window (we were practically the only ones there) and had our food delivered in no time. I ordered a vegetarian sandwich and was pleasantly surprised. It was loaded with veggies, seasoned nicely, and served on yummy, toasted sourdough bread. My husband also enjoyed his diablo chicken sandwich immensely. So, we'll definitely be back.
really good sammies. not getting 5 stars because they only take cash (you can't barter or offer them friendship) and service can be a bit slow.
I've been to Panes about 3-4 times over the past 8 months. I've gotten salads and sandwiches and have bought a loaf of bread there.
Their sandwiches are very strong. The bread is excellent, some of the best I've had in the city. The elements of the sandwich are tasty and they even toast/warm the whole thing a bit before serving it to you with chips. And they are cheap, about $6 after tax. The one consistent thing is that they tend to skimp on the protein. I had a Turkey Turkey last night and there was about 3oz of turkey on the sandwich, which is not a lot for a store-bought sandwich.
This problem hits home a little harder in the salad arena. Their salads are served with rosemary bread, which is the best part of the meal. The salads themselves are alright but are not filling at all. They have way too much lettuce and even if the description says it includes chicken, there are about 4 small pieces of chicken in it.
So I definitely recommend this place if you want a pretty good sandwich on fantastic bread. If you are in the mood for a salad, you are best off going across the street to Pompeii.
I've been coming here for a while now and I always order the same thing - Cheese and Tomato Sandwich. It's not on the menu, but it's tomato, mozz cheese, roasted red peppers with a vinaigrette. I remember when I first ordered this it was a FULL sandwich and it was awesome. As time as gone on this sandwich has dwindled down to mostly just bread. I ordered this tonight and felt I had to review for the mere fact that this is shitty. I cannot handle 1 slice of thinly sliced tomato on each half along with a couple red peppers and maybe just maybe one small (TINY) mozzarella ball on each half. That's just crap. I think I'm thoroughly upset tonight.
Of course this place has been reviewed a ton! Because it is absolutely, lick your fingers, go home and take a nap afterwards, good. Everything is homemade here - from the soups to the sandwiches and the loaf of bread you can get to go.
You know, I would usually get a little bothered by the fact that there is always a line to wait in. Or the fact that if you are one of the lucky ones to get a table, you are usually bumped up next to your neighbors table who still reeks of booze from the night before. Or the fact that sometimes I have to circle the block 7 or 8 times to find a parking spot. But not at Panes...Paines...Paynays...however you say it.
My fav sandwich is the Parisino. Fav soup is whatever's on tap that day. In the summer they have a little outdoor patio. And make sure you take the good ol green stuff - they don't take credit cards here.
fresh ingredients, delicious bread, inexpensive
my group had: the todo italiano (warmed pesto, chicken, roasted red pepper and cheese sandwich), the spinach chicken pizza and the quesadilla special (artichoke, goat cheese and roasted red peppers) with a side salad, white chocolate rice pudding and a monster cookie. All recommended... even though the quesadilla was small and the rice pudding looked a little scary (but apparently tasted great).
Panes (pronounced Pah-nays) is great, but heed my warning, it is CASH ONLY and you WILL wait!
With that being said, it is worth the wait. I have now tried a few things, ranging from the Turkey Turkey, Roast Beef and a Meatball sandwich. The TT is by far my favorite, and I get newbies to get it also. The tomato bread is just wonderful. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The mix of turkey, mayo and creamy avocado is delish. I rarely will get anything else.
Some tips for Panes:
-Be sure to check the board for the specials of the day!
-If you are set on what you want, and you want to have it to go, CALL AHEAD!
-Know what you want when it is your turn to order. No time for long decision making
Also, the desserts are fantastic. I usually get the peanut butter ball ..similar to buckeye for those Ohioans. Yum!
Everything (at least sandwich wise) is priced around $6. You get the sandwich and chips with the meal (they are Lay's, and you cannot substitute them out so deal!).
You do have to clean up after yourself and table seating is limited. Not a place to bring your laptop and do work!
It was a windy, rainy night in The Briar, and we were all wearing sweatpants.
Everyone wanted dinner, but no one wanted to go out. If Chili's delivered chips and salsa, we'd be golden, but they didn't.
So, we yelped all the pizza places we hadn't had before. Dominic was "trying to stay away from dairy *hand motion*" and annie wanted to tear up a peetz like whoa. So then she mentioned Panes, a place closeby with lots of delicious options to keep us eating during "The Real Housewives of New York City."
We got kind of wild with it, ordering sandwiches, salads and pastas. and a cookie. what? it was that time of the month -- i needed a dessert.
it was just a lot of shit. 3 bags for 4 people. so much food. but, after eating everything they had to offer, we basically concluded that the only thing worth it are the sandwiches. Just stick to those and you're golden. And they're only $5 and really big! So enjoy.
Panes is a unique place. It's the essence of an anti-chain sandwich shop, which is a good thing (for the most part).
Pretty good selection of sandwiches, although many if not most of them are vegetarian. That's great if you're into that kind of thing, but me, well I'm just not. If we weren't meant to eat animals, then why are they made of meat? Why are they so delicious?
They serve breakfast until late; I think 3pm. The omelet was good, the portions were large, and anything you order comes with a side of "toast" (which isn't really toasted but is good nevertheless) and "salsa" (which isn't really salsa but is good nevertheless). They hooked it up with a free refill on the coffee.
Not much impressed by the following:
- The line has nowhere to go but woven amongst the tables, which can be awkward.
- Many of the tables are pushed together in an effort to get them all to fit in the restaurant, which means you'll likely be dining elbow to elbow with a new friend. And some other people in a line right next to you.
- Cash only. Get with the picture, friends, it's 2009. I know plenty of business with much smaller revenue that accept credit cards, so don't play the "I'm the little guy" card.
I like it though. I'll go back.
Delicious, I cannot wait to go back! You can't really go wrong with a sandwich place that makes their own bread, and wonderful, delicious bread at that. There were scrumptious looking baked goods in the case, including homemade truffles, which I highly recommend grabbing one of these little chocolaty delights. They're a little pricey for a single piece of candy, $.50 a pop, but absolutely worth it, especially if you're anything like me and crave a little sweet after a meal. Although speaking of prices, I really shouldn't complain at all, all the sandwiches were between $5-6 which in this world of $8-10 sandwiches you absolutely can't beat for the size of the sandwich or the quality. I can't wait to go back and try to eat everything on the menu!
This is the only place that I have ever, and may ever, buy a vegetarian sandwich. I agree with an earlier poster that usually they are dead boring but Panes changes that-- my personal favorite is the Veggie Cabra.
No one has yet mentioned their pizza which happens to be phenomenal! And, their soups? Spectacular, especially considering that right now a bowl of soup which comes with bread and butter is less than $3. The Cream of Tomato soup is out of this world!
I was introduced to this place by the bf a few years ago and it is one of my favorites ever since. I kick myself for not knowing about this place as I used to literally live 2 blocks away (I guess I saved some money that way)
I recommend the salads and the portabella mushroom panini. The panini is especially good. Their minestrone soup is filled with veggies and delicious. I do feel like they used to include more in their portabella salad (maybe broccoli?) but it a nice fresh salad or lite meal. I have tried some of the veggie pastas too, the portions are nicely sized. And the baked goods and freshly baked bread?? Cant beat it... The seating is cozy and they have little twinkly lights around, which I happen to love. In the summer they also have a few tables to sit outside.
If you are on the corner of Wellington and Sheffield, pick Panes. Don't go across the street for Pompeii. (there are always flies there. ugh!)
Two small vices with this place: 1) How do you pronounce the name?? (Who cares, it is delicious) and 2) I believe that on Saturday they have a special with bacon in it. The entire place smells like bacon. If you go with someone who keeps kosher (as I did) expect an adverse, kind of hilarious reaction.
YUM Panes!
I AM cookie monster. Anyone that knows me, knows I am a chocolate chip cookie fiend, And if there is one thing that will make me detour out of my way for, it is the Monster cookies (with M&M bits) at Panes!!!
I once lived 1/2 block on Wellington from Panes, so I certainly had my share of their homemade breads, soups, sandwiches and cookies!! Their banana bread is excellent and their portabella and veggie sandwiches and soups are so tasty. I'm glad Panes has stood the test of time because they are truly a great gem in Chicago!!
A place called Panes needs to have good bread. And it does! Love the neighborhood atmosphere in there. Even when it's busy I get my sandwiches in a good amount of time.
Very clean and the kids love it too.
I used to live right near this place, and I agree that the sandwiches are really good. The side dishes are tasty too!
Had to take away a few stars because the flan was the nastiest I have ever tasted, and the employees are always a pain. The cash-only policy never bothered me, but something was definitely always bothering them... maybe they ate the flan or something.
I think this is really 4.5 stars. I really love this place, but I sometimes I feel like to sandwiches could have a touch more flavor, or at least I expected a little more...but that is a ver very small complaint, cause this place is awsome.
I love sandwiches so very much, and you get big cheap ones here! And they are fancy ones too! The soup is also fantastic. I don't think I'll ever come here for pasta again, but the sandwiches will have me wishing I lived next door forever!
My favorite turkey club in the city. I enjoy the delicious deserts and good service. The atmosphere is very cozy and the prices are reasonable. I go quite often. I have not tried the soups, but my girlfriend thinks they are great. A must have if you are in the area.
The last time I walked out in the snow, all bundled up, I was rewarded with a delicious plate of chilaquiles at Panes Bread Cafe. This time I just got cold and I realized how nice a plate of savory chiliquiles would be and figured that since it is now all snowy and icy in Seattle perhaps they would like to open up a location here?
We don't have any good sandwich shops like this, and we certainly don't have any that are this cheap! You could charge more here if you wanted and I would happily pay the price for your generous portions, fresh ingredients, and that rice pudding.
If you live in Chicago and you don't go to Panes on a semi-regular basis I say, "Shame on you."
This is one of the first places I tried when I moved to lakeview and I have lived here almost two years and can't even count the amount of times I have been here:)
I love love love their sandwiches. My boyfriend will reccomend the Pork Sandwich and I'd reccomend the Turkey Turkey. They always have great specials too. Their chicken salad sandwich is so different than the stereotypical over mayo-ed blop you get sometimes.
But hands down the best part in their bread! I stop by here all the time for a cheap fresh loaf to go with dinner or toast or whatever at home.
They are so CHEAP compared to what they could be pricing things at for this neighborhood and for the quality of food they serve... It's hands down one of my top picks for this area.
Wish it had more seating but love its prices. Where else can you get a big salad for $5 these days? Ha. Wonderful bread (of course) and a great atmosphere for a quick, healthy lunch (if you skip their desserts that is).
Mmmmmm
ok. panes. we know, your sandwiches are the best in chicago, we got it.
but seriously, why why why does it take 15 minutes to make a sandwich no matter how many people are there? i would eat you everyday, but i just don't have that kinda time! even though i dream about your oaxacan at least once a week. mmm.
Prices are very reasonable, the sandwiches are adequate. Could be much more imaginative with the menu. Fluffy french bread is reccomended.
LOVE Panes and I'm not a big sandwich eater.
Everything I've had here has been completely delicious! Tends to be pretty busy right at noon so call ahead and place an order for pick up if you're in a hurry.
I usually get the Super Panes (turkey, ham, bacon, cheese, lettuce tomato and honey mustard) the Chicken Club (a delicious club with a whole chicken breast) or the Turkey Turkey (so good, on tomato bread) and I never stop by without getting a peanut butter ball...pure delight! My boss really likes the Popular and my mom loved the Portobello!
Don't forget the cash though, as they don't take plastic!
FREE Homemade Potato Chips &…
Neighborhood: Noble Square
free 12oz cafe' con leche
Neighborhood: Logan Square
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Category: Delis
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Category: Pizza
Neighborhood: Ravenswood
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Category: Hot Dogs
i'm moving out-but these are the places that i…
Nothing is better than meat, cheese and vegetables…
We all know food is the most important thing in my…
Places that cater to both sides of the taste…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
You can definitely eat at these places for less…
Places within steps of home -- for my out-of-town…
