Leave your diet at the door and nosh nostalgically at Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli, a Chicago tradition since 1942. At its current location since 1964, the interior and exterior have seen few changes, but the pastrami and corned beef are enough of an attraction to keep politicians, police and area workers coming back. Wisecracking employees and the pace of the cafeteria-style counter may seem intimidating for first-time diners, so having an idea of what you're going to order helps. Grab a crispy potato pancake to accompany your monstrous cured-meat sandwich of choice, and don't plan on any rigorous afternoon activity. No alcohol available. Serving breakfast, lunch, and – since October 2007, for the first time in 40 years – dinner from 5 am-8 pm Mon–Sat. Closed Sun.
Where the Locals Eat Rating
Best Deli
Top 100 Restaurant, Chicago
"Come into Manny's any day and expect to get into a line moving quickly through this cafeteria-style Chicago institution. ... At Manny's you don't diet. You don't snack. You don't nosh. You come to this landmark lunchroom to pile your tray high and eat like there's no tomorrow."
– Manny's Coffee Shop and Deli website
"A big, cafeteria-style eatery frequented by cops and wise guys, politicians and business people, and cured-meat lovers from the distant suburbs, Manny's is one of Chicago's grandest eating experiences."
– Michael Stern, Roadfood.com
"But before you get in line ... decide what you want. You'll pass by plates of Jell-O and chicken salad, but this line moves too quickly for you to make decisions on the spot. Overwhelmed? We'll make it easy for you: Grab one of the inhumanely oversize corned beef or pastrami sandwiches (there really is bread under all that meat, we promise), a potato pancake on the side and a packet of Tums for dessert."
– TimeOut Chicago magazine
How Others Rate Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli
Zagat 2009
23 Food Rating (Very Good to Excellent)