Southtown Sub

"Southtown Sub is best known for its version of a rival Chicago sandwich, the Gym Shoe. But we love a good underdog story, and Southtown's Italian beef deserves just as much respect. It’s impossible to not root for a sandwich overflowing with so much beef and giardiniera it looks like a fourth grader’s volcano science project. There’s no seating in the store itself, so the best method is to eat tailgate-style in the parking lot. If you can do this without a fork and knife (and without spilling all over your trunk) we salute you." - veda kilaru

"As its name suggests, Southtown Sub serves up a bunch of different subs (and a pretty good Italian beef). But the main reason to visit this take-out-only spot in Greater Grand Crossing is for Chicago’s underrated icon: the Gym Shoe (or Jim Shoe, though no one knows who Jim is). It’s a behemoth, with roast beef, gyro meat, and corned beef all stuffed in a sturdy French roll. But the fun doesn’t stop there—it’s loaded with a messy-but-delicious combination of cheese, tzatziki, mustard, mayo, and grilled onions. Both hands and a bunch of napkins are a necessity, but it’s a sandwich that makes ending up with tzatziki-painted eyebrows worth it." - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor

"This family-owned sub shop has been around since 1994 and recently moved from Bronzeville to Park Manor. The secret to their subs, which use Turano French loaves, is the homemade gravy which packs a little bit more zest than the traditional Italian recipe." - Eater Staff, Ashok Selvam

"Southtown Sub is a small, take-out-only sandwich shop in Greater Grand Crossing that’s best known for its classic Chicago sandwich, the Gym Shoe. But their Italian beef deserves just as much respect. The best way to describe it is robust—the French loaf is stuffed with chopped, not sliced, beef, and topped with what seems to be an entire jar of giardiniera. It adds to the heft, and provides a welcome crunchy counterpoint. There’s no seating in the store itself, so the best method is to eat tailgate-style in the parking lot. Just try not to spill your food (including the fries and soda that come with everything) all over the trunk of your new car." - Veda Kilaru

"Southtown Sub, a standby for sub sandwiches, fried chicken, and Jim Shoes in Bridgeport for 26 years before closing in 2020 due to issues with the lease, has reopened in 71st Street, Block Club Chicago reports. Abdul Wajid bought and restored the new building and will continue to run the restaurant with help from members of his family. Southtown Sub, 112 E. 71st Street, Open 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily." - Naomi Waxman