J.T.’s Genuine Sandwich Shop

"The burgers at this sandwich shop aren’t super smooshed, but they are pressed down hard enough to get a nice sear on the patty that we really enjoy. There are two options: the Darn Good Burger which comes with LTO, pickles, American cheese, and dijonaise and tastes like the definition of a classic cheeseburger. But our personal favorite is JT’s special, which has two patties, caramelized onions, cheddar, bacon, and pickled apple. It’s smoky and sweet, and the soft bun holds it together perfectly." - adrian kane

"While this submission isn’t officially labeled a smash burger, the team at J.T.’s delivers each Darn Good Burger (lettuce, onion, pickle, American cheese, dijonaise) and J.T.’s Special Burger (caramelized onions, cheddar, Granny Smith apple, bacon, dijonaise) with a delightfully griddled texture that satisfies all those smash burger cravings." - Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam

"Irving Park shop JT’s pulls on Midwestern influences for much of its menu, which includes options like a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich and a Coney dog. Owner Christopher Cunningham’s finest creation, however, is a riff on a Philly favorite, the Italian roast pork sandwich. His version consists of thinly-shaved pork in a honey and garlic glaze, served on a sesame roll with provolone, grilled rapini, Calabrian chili aioli, and jus. Al fresco dining is available on the restaurant’s patio when the weather permits." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff

"JT’s Genuine is a sandwich shop in Irving Park with a menu of about 13 sandwiches that are so meticulously constructed it seems like they were engineered by NASA. There’s a breaded pork tenderloin that’s beautifully tender, and thinly pounded so that the meat is sticking out of the buttery bun like one of Saturn’s rings. The “roast turkey” is actually a Thanksgiving sandwich, a perfect balance of cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayo on thick, toasted white bread. The counter-service space is small, but there are a few tables if you want to eat there. And if you get your sandwiches to go, everything is carefully wrapped and travels very well. " - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor

"An improvisational afternoon of steak sandwiches from Billy Z at J.T.’s Genuine, along with dumplings and dim sum at Dolo, provided a unique dining experience." - Ashok Selvam