Hole-In-The-Wall Shop Has Best Sandwich In IL, Ranking Says

In Illinois, flashy diners and ostentatious restaurants aren’t the only places to find exceptional food. According to a recent ranking, their opposites are actually a better option.

In its ranking of the 50 Best Hole-In-The-Wall Sandwich Shops In EachState, Chowhound singled out JT's Genuine Sandwich Shop in Chicago as the best in Illinois.

"We were so surprised and excited to read that our shop had been selected as Chowhound’s best hole in the wall sandwich shop in the state," JT's owner Chris Cunningham told Patch. "It’s been so fun to meet new guests visiting our shop from towns outside of Chicago after reading the list. We are so grateful for this designation and support."

Located in Irving Park, J.T's serves up sandwiches, soup, hot dogs and snacks "all made from scratch," according to Chowhound.

"I've been eating through their menu myself and haven't had a bad sandwich yet," according to one Reddit user.

Chowhound, an influential online food community and forum dedicated to finding “undiscovered” gems hidden in a region’s food scene, said the 50 sandwich shops on the list are places “where tradition and simple care yield unforgettable flavors.”

The ranking, based on consistent praise from loyal customers on social media, press chatter, and industry awards, represents the consummate “guide to the unpretentious heart of American sandwich culture,” Chowhound said.

“Whether you’re chasing a perfectly toasted grilled cheese, a smoky barbecue sandwich, or a cold-cut masterpiece layered just right, this guide is your roadmap to discovering the hidden gems that define America's sandwich culture, one humble counter and unforgettable bite at a time,” according to Chowhound.