Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

"Manny’s opened over 80 years ago, and this iconic Jewish deli is still a destination spot. It has all the things you’d want from a classic deli: it’s family-owned, has a long history, and you order your food cafeteria-style from someone whose sole purpose in life is making sure you get enough brisket. There are sandwiches stacked with piles of corned beef and pastrami (a popular combo for their Reuben), matzo balls the size of your head, latkes, and black and white cookies. Plus, Manny’s has a rotating menu of daily specials, served from 10am until they run out." - veda kilaru, adrian kane, john ringor

"Open since 1942, this South Loop Jewish deli has been the lunchtime stomping ground for generations of office workers and local politicians. But even if you want nothing to do with downtown traffic, politics, or both, you'll want everything to do with Manny’s. It has a ridiculous variety of comforting food like sandwiches, knishes, and matzah ball soup, and you order cafeteria-style from someone whose only job is to make sure you’re getting enough pastrami in your life." - nick allen, john ringor, adrian kane

"For those seeking Jewish comfort food, head over to this timeless delicatessen for a real deal matzah ball soup. Using the same recipe since 1942, it's no surprise that it's the best selling soup on the menu. Manny’s has always been popular with local politicians and media, so pull up a chair and look around — you never know who you’re sipping soup with." - Naomi Waxman

"A vital pillar of Chicago’s longstanding Jewish deli scene, Manny’s has earned its reputation as a local icon over more than 80 years of service. A casual cafeteria-style spot known for delectable corned beef, pastrami, latkes, matzo ball soup, and much more, the restaurant draws an eclectic crowd ranging from retirees and workers on lunch break to local politicians mingling with constituents." - Ashok Selvam

"The city’s most prominent Jewish deli is coming up on its 80th birthday but little about the experience has changed. Stroll in during lunch hours for massive corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, potato pancakes, knishes, matzo ball soup, and more. Cafeteria-style service keeps things moving along quickly — a big plus for diners short on time. Online orders can be placed here." - Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff