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Tony's Italian Deli
Categories: Restaurants Delis Restaurants Italian Delis, Italian
6708 N NW HwyChicago, IL 60631
Neighborhood: Edison Park
(773) 631-0055
- Hours:
Mon 9 am - 2 pm
Tue-Fri 9 am - 6 pm
Sat 9 am - 5:30 pm
Sun 9 am - 3 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- 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
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jinx T. said: "Club Lago is one big YES! This joint is a blast! Great cocktails! Great Service! Great Food! Fantastic, authentic, your grandma from Naples, Calabria or Sicily might be working in the kitchen, food! You get the idea. And C'mon -…" read more »
66 reviews for Tony's Italian Deli
Review Highlights
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"The meats, cheeses, prepared foods, etc." In 4 reviews -
"...priced groceries such as tomato paste and olive oil." In 4 reviews -
"...some really nice Italian specialty meats and cheeses." In 4 reviews
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66 reviews in English
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Review from Lee M.
Chicago, IL
3/13/2012
My wife and I discovered this place when we lived in Edison Park 7 years ago and we know live closer to downtown and make the trip back on a regular bases!
The BEST meatball sub in Chicago and burbs. One of my favorite hangover foods, I have tried numerous places to try and find one that tastes better, nothing compares to Tony's HOMEMADE MEATBALLS!
The other subs are amazing and well priced as well This is one place you have to check out! -
Review from chris c.
Chicago, IL
3/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
The sandwiches are huge, the ingredients are incredible and the price is fantastic. This place does it right behind the deli counter. I have never really bought anything else there but the sandwiches are enough to get it 5 stars without a second thought.
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Review from Mike H.
Chicago, IL
7/25/2011
Seriously - you're insane if you don't check this place out.
The deli sandwiches are to DIE for. I've had most everything off the menu at one time or another, but my favorite by far is the "Pappy."
Despite this sandwich being conceived my Mike North (who I think is a babbling douchebag), it is really a little piece of heaven. Imagine fresh, soft Italian bread piled high with roast beef (made in house), Swiss cheese, tomatoes, mayo, and homemade olive salad (the absolute BOMB). Couple this sandwich with a cold cream soda and a bag of kettle chips, and you have yourself one mouth orgasm in the making.
Tony's also offers a wide variety of homemade dishes like lasagna, meatballs, and pasta which are available fresh or frozen (I like to take a couple home for late-night microwave madness). There's also a good selection of imported olive oils and spices, if you're into cooking.
I've been going to Tony's for almost 15 years, and every time seems better than the rest.
IT'S A MUST DO! -
Review from Tim H.
Chicago, IL
10/20/2011
Tony's Italian deli (sigh) you are the best, I grew up with you, you are my earliest food memories, American subs as a youngster, Italian subs as I expanded my tastes a bit, your meatballs are the best, and the Pappy Sub? ohmigod... the Best. Your subs have accompanied me on many roadtrips and vacations, I have eaten you out of a cooler in the parking lot of Great America cause nothing in the park can compare, you were the first thing I did when I got off the plane after moving back from Vegas. You can do no wrong (except maybe giving Mike North the credit for the Pappy) your pasta selection amazes me, your arancini are the size of my head (and just as good-looking) and I don't care what any of the other reviewers have said, seeing your mother at the register is the highlight of every visit. Vito and Maria are the best of Chicago local business and I hope to keep going to Tony's forever.
Seriously though folks, the subs here define what a sub should be, I grew up down the block and I drive 30 minutes across the city when I want a sub because nothing else compares. oh, and their muffaletta is the best you'll find in Chicago. -
Review from c. t.
Chicago, IL
1/27/2012
WOW.
Yeah, really really good. Clean, fresh, friendly, affordable AND delicious.
Deli subs were terrific, olive and marinated eggplant salads bright and flavorful and the friendly service outstanding.
Italian meats and cheeses with reasonable per pound prices cry "Buy Me" A refrigerated case holding pints and quarts of homemade Marinara and Meat sauce is nestled along side the narrow but well stocked dried pasta aisle
An amazingly rich display of imported Italian food-stuffs line the shelves of this Mom and Pop, (or Mom and Son in Law and Grandkids) place.
Something in the deli-case you want warmed up? The arancini w/spinach and ricotta was fantastic. If you want to eat on-site they point you toward the front of the store where you'll find cafe tables and chairs, along with a small counter housing napkins, plasticware, etc.
This place has been in business, in the same family for over 30 years- with good reason.
Don't Miss It- -
Review from Teri M.
7/16/2011
I love love love delis and sandwiches - jewish, italian, polish! At Tony's, I love the Italian grandma who runs the register. Everyone is really nice and helpful and the store has many Italian specialty items. Somehow I feel better buying my pasta here because it's Italian approved, even if it's Barilla!
Previously, we had Tony's cater my partner's birthday party. We needed something simple that would feed a lot of people and feel them well. Tony's hit the spot with two variety party trays of sandwiches they even cut them for us! How convenient. By the end of the night, the sandwiches were gone, so that speaks to the quality.
I have to say that while their Italian beef is good, it's not the best I've had in the city, but it works and it's close. Also, they have super cheap homemade pasta and olive salads that you can purchase in bulk. A variety of subs that are sure to please your sandwich cravings and assorted yummy Orangina from France. Next time I'm going to try a muffuletta. -
Review from Matt C.
Chicago, IL
9/22/2011
I have been eating these sandwiches my entire life, so i didn't even realize ho great they are until i moved out and tried some other delis around the city.
My choice is usually 9" italian sub which i take home and put my own EVOO. It really hits the spot. The owner is usually behind the counter and the mother works the register! -
Review from Oscar A.
Elk Grove Village, IL
3/7/2011 1 photo
I ate at this deli prior to the renovation. I love not only the food, but also the family ambiance. Grandma works the counter while Vito and the girls work the deli. I have only had the opportunity to sample their sandwiches, however I am positive that their other food is just as good. I have been coming here for over ten years. Saturday's are busy and parking can be a problem.
If you like olives, you'll love the Big Pappy and Muffuletta Subs. They both have the olive spread, they're amazing. -
Review from Conly D.
Glenview, IL
12/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
Two words for you....King Italian!
The price is great and the food is knock your socks off. They have a market as well with homemade giardiniera, peppers, etc. -
Review from Linda N.
12/20/2010
I regret not knowing about Tony's sooner. I read the good reviews for the deli sandwiches. I am always looking for a good sub (my favorites are in the city and difficult to find a good sub this far west) decided I needed to check them out seeing as they are just a few min from work.
I had a tuna sub; it was good, nothing spectacular. My complaint is the size vs filling ratio. The bread is delicious, my preference would be more filling and less bread for the sandwich - specifically an inch less to the sub for a thicker portion of fillingt. I selected a "super", expecting to have half for dinner and half for lunch and that worked out to be just right amount. The price is pretty good for the volume of sandwich.
Partner had a Papy's beef sub - adorned with olive salad, swiss and mayo. I liked that better than the tuna and I regretted not ordering that for myself. I rate this beef higher than my previous front-runner, Hero's beef. The tuna falls short of my current front-runner tie Babarinos vs Hero's.
Perused the to go entrees. All looked so tasty and fresh, eggplant parm, ravioli, sausage n peppers. I selected lasagna and stuffed shells to have for dinner the following evening. I didn't think much about the lasagna but loved the stuffed shells, not to sweet, not too runny and the ever important, sauce not too tangy.
I also picked up a small tub of meat sauce that provided a hearty beefy flavor and a few big chunks of sweet italian sausage. I also purchased a jar of their olive salad to use when I make my own sandwiches. (You may gather from a few of my other reviews, I LOVE OLIVES!)
I would rate 3.75 if I could because the elderly lady at the register overcharged me by $2 which I didn't find out until I left.
I will be going back to try the beef sandwich, the giardinera, the italian sub; .....well guess I am going to have to make Tony's a regular in my rotation! -
Review from Johnny T.
Minooka, IL
1/5/2011
I certainly can't be the only one who's done the Tony's/Conca D'Oro combo visit. Just the selection alone I can see how this place has many people talking about it. There's a lot of good things going for this place that I'm not going to bother to list since I'm sure its been already said in one of the reviews.
Calzones here were weird as my sausage one contained no cheese or sauce at all. And my pizza bread hardly had any sauce either. With that said, I really liked this place, a lot better than the stores around Elmwood Park. -
Review from Chillie D.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 2/4/2012
If you have never tried Tony's Deli for lunch, you must give this place a try. The ingredients are always fresh. The quality is always there. They are consistent with their freshness and the taste of their food is insanely fab-u-licious! Tony's Deli always takes me back to northern Italy. It is very authentic to the places one would eat and find in Italy. (Read my other review for recommendations, etc.).
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/5/2011
This family-owned business has been around the Edison Park neighborhood for many, many, many years.… Read more »
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Review from Carolynne M.
Chicago, IL
12/31/2007
Very pleased with this little deli in Edison Park. I love the fresh breads, the frozen handmade pastas, the reasonably priced groceries such as tomato paste and olive oil. Cheese selection is decent for such a small refrigerator case. But the BEST items are the pre-made meals such as pastas, sausage & peppers, baked artichokes, arancini balls etc. If you want a quick, AWESOME dinner, this is the place to go.
Also, Mom (who you will see working the cash register) makes the delicious pasta sauce you can buy by the pint or quart (plain, meat or vodka), which is the best I have ever had (aside from my own*cough cough* ) as well as all the little cookies next to the register up front. This is important to know because I was in there one day when the guy in front of me asked her if the bread & cookies came from the bakery next door. Boy, if looks could kill that man would have been burned to a crisp that day as she said "NO. I MAKE EVERYTHING HERE!!" haha. You go Mama!
Anyway, the reason I knocked off a star is because even though the sandwiches made in the deli are decently priced, they come sans condiments which was a huge surprise the first time I bit into one. No mayo, mustard, nothing! And you arent given any in little packets either. Thats just weird to me and kind of gross. Thanks for the dry sammich Tony. What the heck!Listed in: Where to go on the FAR…, Thats-A Spicy Meatball
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Review from Ed A.
11/24/2009
Tony's deli I dig because it's a throwback to the days of neighborhood grocery stores, mom and pop shops, people who know you (even though I don't really know them but I wish I did), with great food made by the people who actually sell you the food.
Whole Food seems to have gotten credit that they are the originators of freshly prepared food. Okay, I'll give them organic, but the owners of Tony's deli and people and businesses like them have been doing this for years without all the fanfare by suburban soccer moms and popular media.
You want a great sandwich, they have them. You want freshly made lasagna, they have it and in many varieties. The best olive oil, pasta, olives they have along with the assortment of commonly loved Italian specialties.
Before you road trip to to your local supermarket, Subway franchise or any other nationally known chain, give Tony's deli a try, at least once, and you may realize that their store produces as good a product and probably better at cheaper prices than what you find most of the places.Listed in: Products or Services I Use
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Review from Amaliya L.
Chicago, IL
10/1/2007
I am super impressed.
I haven't had the opportunity to check the place out in person, but I was fortunate enough to taste their food at a party thrown by friends yesterday.
Their antipasto tray was super impressive...the size of car wheel. It was laden with marinated olives, mushrooms, artichokes, cheeses, salami, etc.
I also tasted their mostaccioli with meat sauce, cheese ravioli, pasta salad, and Italian beef. The meat sauce was to die for. I will definitely try them for my next catered event! -
Review from Brent P.
Chicago, IL
8/17/2010
I have been a incredibly happy customer for Tony's for five years now and all I can say is that when it comes to Italian Deli's in a city with a lot of them this one is far and away the best.
First off the Deli section has a great selections of meats and pastas but the real gem is the sandwiches. All of them are delicious and very reasonably priced for the quality and size you receive. Their best are the Italian, Pappy, American and Meatball. I eat here at least once a week for that last 5 years and haven't gotten sick of it yet.
They have a small store where you can buy a wide variety of Italian ingredients like olive oil, pasta, sweets, and other random ingredients. They have a large pre-made freezer where you can buy frozen pasta that is wonder full and also very inexpensive.
The staff is what really sells the place though. It is family owned and operated and is about as authentic Italian as you can get from with 3 generations working the store every day. Tony's is one of the gems of the Chicago area and you wont find a better Italian deli in the city. -
Review from Chris P.
Chicago, IL
10/21/2010 8 Check-ins Here
I first discovered Tony's Deli 12 years ago when I worked at the nearby Happy Foods. The charming storefront isn't at all hard to miss, yet I never knew that tucked beyond the claustrophobic aisles was a treasure trove of delicious deli sandwiches and pasta salads.
Jimmy John's, Subway ... keep 'em. For half the price you can get an authentic deli sandwich that tastes twice as good. If you're in a rush, they have sandwiches and salads ready-made in the fridge. I've admittedly never sampled anything else at Tony's, but everyone raves about the pasta sauce.
The only thing that knocks this joint down a notch is the cantankerous, old woman at the register. Customer service simply isn't her specialty, and she's almost a parody of an elderly Italian lady from the old country. Perhaps it's time she stays behind the scenes if she can't show simple courtesy to paying customers. -
Review from Tom M.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2006
This place is a trip back in time, to another world!
I love finding a place like this just to wander the aisles, discover some new item, relish in some new tastes.
Great fresh meats and cheeses, prepared foods, old world charm - like grocery stores used to be! -
Review from Janette L.
Chicago, IL
1/24/2008
I got my first sampling of Tony's catered food at a friend's party. After sampling the Mostaccioli, Italian beef, and Italian sausage I knew I was going to come here for my next event. So, when I had people over for NYE, I ordered the Mostaccioli with meat sauce. One large pan served my 15+ guests and still provided leftovers for my roomie and I for weeks (we eventually had to throw it out!). Just keep in mind that this is take-and-bake style.
Service was good (ordered 2 days in advance and my food was ready on time), food was great, parking was easy. -
Review from Rob W.
8/11/2010
As deli's go, this is as good as it gets nowadays. Plenty of homecooked roast beef - not the packaged stuff that seems to be in every deli nowadays. Super selection of pasta, frozen items and sauces. Great giardiniera.
I try to stop there whenever I'm in Edison Park. -
Review from Mike O.
Updated - 11/15/2008
Last time I reviewed this place I said I should check out the arancini balls. Well, I did and they might be the best I ever had. The little old lady behind the cash register confirmed that too.
Then I had to come back again the next day since my wife liked the arancini so much with our dinner, so I had to get a few more.
And if I haven't said it before, check out the frozen ravioli too.Listed in: At'sa 'Talian, My Edison Park
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/21/2008
I've passed this place almost daily for the last 3 years and finally came in on a Saturday afternoon… Read more »
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Review from Rodrigo D.
Des Plaines, IL
10/23/2010
4 stars on the sandwich, but 2 stars on the customer service.
I came in at 5PM on Saturday and got a sandwich at the deli section. The young lady, who I believe is one of the daughters of the family that runs the place was very friendly and recommended me a sandwich. However, my experience at the cashier (Mama), was not a pleasant one. I did not get a "Hello or a How are you?" and when I asked if it was OK to eat the sandwich at her shop, she looked at her watch as if to say "No". When I asked again, she again looked at the watch and said that there is time.
Who knows, maybe she was having a bad day, but customers, especially those that are friendly, should be treated well. I gave this place three stars because the sandwich was good and the young lady that prepared it had a nice attitude. -
Review from Michelle M.
IL
4/6/2007
The BEST Italian Beef around! We have ordered it many times in different amounts for parties. Beef in one container and juice separate. Terrific price and just great! Also we have ordered the baked mostaccioli many times and my daughter who is almost 2 LOVES it! We have been shocked by the amount she has eaten at one sitting!
I have never gotten their sandwiches but I imagine they are as great as everything else! I don't think the parking is the easiest - yes there is the metra lot a little bit away - usually you can find street parking.
Vito is the best!
http://www.tonysdelian... -
Review from Jeff B.
Chicago, IL
1/9/2009
I've been coming here for about 6 years since I heard about the place. I'd been looking around Chicago for an Italian Deli, so many on the South Side closed when the neighborhoods turned Mexican. Go Figure.
Anyhow, Tony's has really reasonable prices, great selection and is always willing to talk to you. I've always had great service here.
On a side note, there's a really old school bakery next door...I don't know the name, but it has the best cannoli, hands down. Every time I go to Tony's, I stop next door and buy a box. -
Review from Tom Z.
2/29/2008 1 Check-in Here
I didn't know about Tony's until I saw the ad in the Sun-Times.
I am glad I found this place. The meats are very high quality and the Italian Beef and Sausage Combo was great.
Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I look forward to returning and trying some of the other food both hot and ready to warm at home.
If you are in the Edison Park area of Chicago, this is a must try place.
My only minor problem was the parking, but that is a product of the area, too many great places in the neighborhood. There is a lot near the park for all the local businesses and also limited meter parking on the street.
Again, I will be returning! -
Review from maggie s.
Cook, IL
4/6/2011
I've been coming here for years for the subs but the other day a friend suggested I try the red sauce.. and boy, I'm glad they did! Their red sauce is awesome. I love homemade sauce and it hands down blows the pants off of any old jar you'd get at the grocery store.
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Review from Katherine R.
Chicago, IL
12/13/2008
Molto Bene Tony!
This place has literally everything you need when it comes to Italian food. The owners are authentic Italian, none of this, " well my grandpa is from there...." no. You can eat in house, one of their freshly made sandwiches or take whatever you need, to go.
The place seriously has everything and it's pretty reasonably priced for being the real deal. I think Dominick's and other places that try to pawn off authentic Italian foods, charge more than these guys!
Bennissima! -
Review from Alex M.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2010
I've been coming to Tony's Deli for years, even more when I used to work in Edison Park. You walk in there and it's a change of pace from your usual spots. Not your typical convenience store, but a smattering of European Italian culture in Chicago.
Most of of their aisles contain imported goods from Italy, both in terms of food and gifts. The big thing that sets them apart is how many homemade items they carry. The submarine sandwiches are made fresh, the soup is homemade, the pastas in the coolers are homemade, and the Italian Beef is to die for. In my opinion the best Italian Beef in the City of Chicago. Nothing compares to them.
Whether you need a few groceries and some deli meats and cheeses, or desire a little lunch, this is a gem of a store that will never disappoint. -
Review from Franklin R.
Chicago, IL
7/10/2011
WOW. I am so happy I found this place. As a lover of Italian foods I always try to find the best and in tonys I believe I have. Their meatball sandwich is a perfect balance of delicious meatballs tasty sauce and peppers and nice soft fresh bread. All the sandwiches are top shelf. They have a nice assortment of sides in true Italian style. TRY IT. You will not be disappointed.
The food store side has all the AUTHENTIC stuff. San Marzano tomatoes ... :) fresh cheeses, imported pastas, seriously aged balsamic (so good it makes me dizzy) and more you name it. They also do prepped foods so you can just take home and heat and pretend like you're a pro when you serve it, and all at fair prices.
Then there are the intangibles as others have noted ... it's a true family run local business, support this place people. -
Review from Chris S.
Chicago, IL
12/30/2008
I have a lot of reasons to love the Northwest side of Chicago and just as many to dislike it (I grew up there, so I have opinions), but Tony's is pretty much everything I love about this part of town.
Using the rule of thumb taught to me by my dad and uncle when I worked for them in junior high and high school, which is "if city workers and cops eat there, YOU eat there," I knew this place was going to be great. The service was speedy, bare bones and very "Chicago." In fact, the "Chicago accent" runs pretty deep in this place. So much so that I felt my well concealed NW side accent start to come out while talking to my co-workers. Solid place.
They seem to have a pretty decent grocery selection, specializing in Italian foods too. There's a whole aisle of just oils.
Good stuff. -
Review from Sarah C.
1/1/2011
I love Tonys. I've been to Italy twice and every time I start to miss it, I stop by Tonys! Great sammys. Fresh mozzarella. Amazing pastas. And my favorite-authentic Italian foods and snacks.
Comment from maria d. of Tony's Italian Deli 4/1/2011
Thankyou Sarah we apreciate your business... More » -
Review from Brandon B.
Chicago, IL
3/9/2011
About as stereotypical as a Chicago Italian deli can get. Sweet Italian grandma working behind the counter, spectacular Italian beef and sausage, mobster music for sale behind the counter. I wish I could've tried some more items there, but the place is fantastic for lunch.
Comment from maria d. of Tony's Italian Deli 4/1/2011
Thankyou for the "sweet italian grandma" comment most people… More » -
Review from Ms G.
Wheaton, IL
1/21/2010
This is one of the BEST Italian delis in all of Chicago. I grew up having Tony's famous pasta sauce for dinner once a week. My family has also used Tony's for parties: their spinach lasagna, Italian beef, and broccoli and olive oil pasta are perfect for a get together.
Be sure to try one of the subs- they come on the delicious Italian bread and are full of Italian meats and cheeses- plus, they are huge.
This is the type of place you can come in and as soon as you step in the door you smell Italy. The aisles of imported pastas, sauces, cookies, breads, etc. This is a great place to shop for authentic Italian goodies. Don't miss the freezer in the back full of Tony's sauce, lasagna, eggplant Parmesan and other classics. -
Review from Jennifer P.
Chicago, IL
5/6/2011
This place has all the goods from espresso (including instant), a great cheese selection, spices, breads, and take home entrées. Very friendly staff, the side dishes at the deli are a last minute life saver for me to bring to parties the Italian beef is delicious. You CANNOT go wrong with their takeout containers of homemade marinara sauce and I have a really hard time passing up a homemade cannoli at the front register. Love everything about this place.
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Review from Molly L.
Shaftsburg, MI
11/5/2011
Yum! Daily special was excellent. Good Italian deli.
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Review from Jay K.
Updated - 11/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
Brought my son in for lunch today. We both had subs, mine was a 15" Italian for $5...yes $5, yes 15". He had a turkey and some Italian meats made the way he wanted it. Good bread, good fresh meats and veggies. We ate at a little table inside and watched TV. He loved it and so did I. Yes I brought home 2 lbs. of beef, aujus, and a loaf of bread for Italian Beef sandwiches tonight. Not sure what the wife is having for dinner.LOL
Listed in: Best Subs, Best Italian Beef sandwich
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/4/2010
If your in or near Edison Park this is a must stop. Great little Italian grocery store with hot and… Read more »
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Review from Debbie W.
Chicago, IL
8/14/2010
The only subs I enjoy are good old fashioned Italian subs and Tony's certainly fills that bill! I am also thrilled with the selection of Italian ingredients they have to offer. Since moving into the neighborhood, I will be a frequent shopper!
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Review from David J.
Chicago, IL
2/13/2011
Simply the best of the Italian delis in town, and I've tried most of them. Their submarine sandwiches are superior. The meats, cheeses, prepared foods, etc., are the freshest and most tasty available. I reluctantly reduced the rating to four stars because of the bad treatment I have repeatedly received at the cash register. The cashier is an old Italian lady with a hostile attitude. She usually short changes me, and when I call her on it she becomes defensive. Once when I took my purchases to the counter and was nibbling on a sample of their Parmesano Reggiano, she looked at me with a chilling glare and demanded "Where did you get that". I replied that it had been given to me as a sample at the deli counter. "Who gave it to you" she damanded. I replied that it was the man who I presumed was the owner. "What was his name?" she asked. Well, I had had enough, so I told her that I had sneaked behind the counter disguised as a Carabinieri officer, taken a large knife, chopped off a piece of the cheese for msyelf and simply stole it. She fixed me with a stare that was so hateful that I damned near left my purchases on the counter and walked out before
paying.
I go to the other delis frequently for the sweet behavior of the people that operate them, and their food is generally very good. I still go to Tony's, too, when my desire for quality overrides my reluctance to deal with humorless and miserable thief that runs the register. -
Review from Edward W.
10/14/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Great subs. Incredible selection of Italian specialty food.
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Review from Benjamin H.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2008
I got a chance to swing through Tony's Italian Deli this past week. All I can say is that it's a real shame i'll have to travel all the way to Edison Park to fulfill my Italian Deli needs!!
Living on the North side of Chicago, you would think us city dwellers would have better access to a classic Italian deli, complete with delicious meats and pastas. The fact that we really DONT have one, only dawned on me when I went searching for one last week! I love making homemade pizza, but making the dough can be laborious and somewhat time consuming. So I went searching for an Italian deli...since a little known secret is that they tend to sell their own frozen dough for pizzas. Well, once I realized that this simply wasn't going to happen in my neighborhood, I went searching on Yelp and low and behold, I found Tony's!
This spot is really great! Edison Park is a cool little neighborhood, filled with an apparent and vibrant Italian population. Italian cafes and restaurants adorn the entire downtown. This is also where Tony's has set up shop. You are immediately confronted with the classic signs in the window offering specials on Prosciutto and homemade pastas. Upon walking in, it has that old and claustrophobic feeling, where shelves are cluttered with pastas and oils. I noticed they had some really nice stuff like sun dried tomato paste and nice Italian anchovies. Towards the back, they have a massive deli, selling some really nice Italian specialty meats and cheeses. Giant chunks of parmesan and Brasaola...what the hell else could you want? In this very deli, they also make specialty sandwiches. The meatball sandwich I had was really very delicious and a steal for around $5. On the other side of the deli, they have a freezer, selling their homemade pastas and meatballs. Their pasta looked fantastic and was a great price for simple stuff like Gnocchi and ravioli. This is where I also found the pizza dough, which turned out to be of excellent quality and made a fantastic pizza! It was a huge chunk for only $2.50 and could make at least two pizzas!! Overall, this is a great place. We could really use a spot like this somewhere in the north side!! It will definitely become a regular destination spot for me, where i'll stock up on pastas and dough. And per the numerous customer service complaints, I had a great experience and everyone was really nice.
