The Loopwich

By Camille Izlar 
Hapless Intern

Lunch=sandwich. Loop lunch=better sandwich. The ubiquitous meal is everywhere downtown. But I found you can eat better than Potbelly for less money. Check out these famous and not-so-famous places when you find yourself lost in the Loop and wondering why everyone else seems to have such purpose in life.

Central Loop
Sopraffina
All over the Loop, Sopraffina sandwiches are killer, quick and cheap. The restaurant is Green certified, Italian, no-nonsense, fast and – of course – delicious. Top lunch choice is the Milano with the Caprese coming in at a close second. (Both under $5) There is ample seating (at the Dearborn location) for your quick deal-making chat.

Cafecito
Take a quick trip south to Cafecito where (mostly) young and old join in celebration of Cubano sandwiches, just east of State on Congress. After munching on this crisp, melted pork and pickled prize, you will feel capable of facing the melancholy snow slush. And if you don’t – just chill out for the rest of the afternoon munching on churros and cafe con leche.

West Loop

Publican Quality Meats
I once saw a whole pig chopped up here, so I know they’re using the real stuff. Now, Publican has a cafe that is intern friendly! Well, at least more so than the restaurant. If you’ve been dying to try their famed pork and beef, go for a weekday lunch sandwich and get the same quality for ⅓ the price. Warning:  the PB&L is not peanut butter (pork belly).

Morgan St. Cafe
Disclaimer: I once worked at Morgan St. Cafe. But, this will not stop me from rating them top among quick, hearty sandwicheries. And all the other West Loopsters will back me up. Go to Morgan St.  (on, as you may have guessed, Morgan and Adams) for a hot, creative grilled chicken creation or check out the little brother location, M2 Cafe,  for the newest combinations – and a lot more space. Secrets of an ex-barista: they have real matcha (green tea).

Slightly more north Loop

Pastoral
As we head north, the sandwiches – like everything else – start to get a little pricier. But a week of pb & j merits a Friday treat at Pastoral, the artisanal cheese and bread shop on Lake. Just being around this much cheese is uplifting. Add to that a perfectly balanced sandwich on a freshly baked baguette and you can swallow the cost. I like Turkey Sedona but that may be my sentimental attachment to Formager D’Affinois.

Hannah’s Bretzel boasts organic, ethically friendly über sandwiches. And they don’t lie. As are the wont of green restaurants, a meal is almost always more than $10 with tax. Soups are well worth the trip if your wallet is lacking.