Service was good. Staff were friendly and helpful. This is an independent soup & sandwich shop. I ordered a meatloaf sandwich & corn chowder. Croutons on soup were homemade. Food tasted good...however I thought the portion would be thicker in size for the meatloaf sandwich. My friend ordered a chicken sandwich and we each shared a half of each sandwich. Both were delicious and not one crumb or crust was left. I would go with the meatloaf again. The only thing missing is a handful of chips or a pickle. read more

Dave's Specialty Foods - Meatloaf Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

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We've used Dave's Specialty Foods for holiday meals for years. Our guests are never disappointed and we get the yummy leftovers. Great food, or as Dave would say, awesome food. We held a birthday party there for my wife's milestone birthday and the guests were thrilled to get both a cooking demo and outstanding food. Dave worked with me on the budget and steered everything in a good direction. Regarding the recent review about the toilet paper, while I agree that it is better than most places, I wouldn't call it luxurious or anything. And oh yeah, Dave and Maggie are great and toilet paper comments are meant to be funny! :) read more

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My sister throws the best parties and often serves food that she prepares at home. With out of town family visiting, and a busy weekend schedule, she ordered the five main items from one of her favorite go-to spots, Dave's Specialty Foods in Mount Prospect. Every item was just as delicious as it was beautiful and artfully displayed! Guests could not stop commenting about the food and how good everything was. Judy ordered a Smoked Salmon platter (my favorite), Herbed Chicken Breasts with a fabulous customized sauce, out-of-this world Smashed Potatoes (minus the standard Cajun seasonings), a lovely Crudité Platter and a Caesar Salad. Everything was fabulous! Chef Dave has many loyal customers in our network of friends and caters all sizes and types of events. The store, conveniently located downtown near the train station also has an extensive lunch menu. Strongly recommend! read more

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Food 10/10 service 10/10 ambiance 10/10 cute shop for a quick grub during lunch. Price is very fair for not being a chain. This is a small business I will support until I leave Mount Prospect and will recommend this spot to anyone who's local! You have to meet the crew! They will not let you down but you have to get there before the rush! You might miss out on the chicken sandwich they go fast! read more

Don't really like to post a review with only one visit. But I was very impressed. Yes, I know chef Dave has quite a Pedegree - but that doesnt always translate forward. But the sandwich I had was outstanding. It's a half hour from my house and I will be making the drive back. I had the salmon sandwich. The descriptions of the sandwiches are rather underwhelming on the ugly dry-erase board behind the counter. I almost walked right back out upon entering. But the sandwich surpassed the menu. So a reverse of what you normally get at resturants right? I mean the pictures on menus always look scrumptious and then you get it and it's just slop. This was the opposite. Just a perfect sandwich. And thats something nowadays. Chef Dave our host was gregarious and funny. (In our forcibly homogenized state, that has less and less personality these days, this guy was refreshing. I mean did he actually just talk to us? Did he actually just show some personality? Shocking in 2023.) read more

Nothing special about this place. For a sandwich shop...you don't get even a pickle with your skinny hardly any meat in the sandwich! Don't understand what the fuss is all about? Perhaps if I catered my experience with the food would be tastier. Highly overpriced for one $10 sandwich with no pickle no chips. The corn chowder was made with garlic only. It was not tasty whatsoever. Never again. Onto the next restaurant. read more

Attended a private event at Dave's on a Thursday night. Great intimate space for our group to mingle with apps and drinks before dinner and then dine at a tall long table which butted up against the stove where Dave provided some education on what was cooking and our dinner. It was a lovely experience to be able to socialize in the room before sitting down to dinner. BYOB was also a great bonus. They provided the glass wear. The food was very good, desert was awesome and the service all night was very personable. They do catering, private events on site, and lunch in the restaurant. I have had them cater an event for 85 in the past, they delivered and set up the food, and everything was also excellent. read more

If you and your friends are looking for an unforgettable way to hang out for an enjoyable evening of food and drink, I highly recommend one of Dave's learning dinners. You only need 6 people to arrange one. And you can either have Dave cook for you while you sit chatting with your friends, or Dave will teach you how to make the wonderful dishes he creates for you. Dave said about 90% of these dinners are him teaching as he cooks. Of the other 10%, many people say afterward they wished they had learned while they ate. We did the learning dinner. Dave is an accomplished chef who's worked at some of the midwest's finest restaurants. He's unpretentious, animated, engaging and appears very much at home teaching while he cooks. I learned a lot about food at our dinner; how to prepare it and more importantly, how to make everyday food more flavorful. His dinners are very interactive so it's not like the Dave show where you sit and listen for 3 hours. The food had some unique ingredients like the appetizer he made with Kataifi shredded pastry dough. For the entre, we had incredibly tender short ribs, with risotto, and sliced Brussel sprouts. Dessert was crepes with custard and caramelized apples. I'm a pizza and hamburger kinda guy, but I can appreciate a meal when it's done this well. Dave is also very accommodating during the meal. As he was cooking one friend told him she doesn't eat wheat and another told him she doesn't eat meat. Dave made special dishes for them without skipping a beat. On average the meals are 3 to 3.5 hours. I recommend a Friday or Saturday night versus a school night. We went on Tuesday at 7:00 and were out of there by 10:30. So it's not crazy late but could be if you catch an early train to work. The meals are BYOB. We brought several bottles of wine and an opener. (Dave might have one but we didn't assume he would because he doesn't sell wines.) I can't think of a more fun evening than being in this casual setting with friends, enjoying the amazing food and learning from culinary professor Dave! read more

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We had a delicious meal. Our 2020 Jenn Air gas oven/stove is broken again after a visit from Nicor We heard of Dave's advance order only. Very, delicious considering we had to use microwave but Dave recommended oven heating. We love Dave. Not happy at all with high grade Jenn Air gas ovens , grrr read more

Dave's Specialty Foods - Menu - Sandwiches Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

What a hidden gem!! I ordered a quick sandwich to go - the tomato pesto. It was delicious. The bread was perfectly grilled and the flavor combination was just right. They have a unique menu and do some private events. I want to think on a girls night or holiday event so we can experience a cooking class with Dave. read more

Dave (and Maggie!) you've been a "5 out of 5" since pre yelp and pre internet! How fortunate we were to have you as our caterer (pre Dave's) 35 years ago for our wedding reception! Lucky us to have enjoyed your food, talent and friendship for all these years! Cheers to you and enjoy your time off! P.S. we still want the cheese puff recipe (a.k.a. Puff crack!) - not kidding - really want it!! Hugs to you and your family! Leslie and Rich Jankowski read more

Love love love this place. Dave is a great chef and everything he makes is sooooo delicious. I wish it was closer to my home because I would eat there every day read more

Yelped sandwich shop when leaving Costco in Mt. Prospect. Located near the Mt. Prospect train station. Very friendly staff that reviewed the specialty panini sandwich menu. Not your typical sandwiches as submarine sandwiches not offered. Had the BBQ Pork panini that was very good. They offer seating inside and outside with specialty type waters and soda. It was a nice change. read more

Saw the reviews and decided to pop in to order some food for an upcoming party. Service is very helpful and friendly. I got some excellent ideas on what to order. While she was ringing up my order, I perused the sandwich and soup menu and decided to try them. I ordered a tomato mozzarella sandwich and a pint of potato dill soup. Both were OUTSTANDING! I can't wait to share the party trays with my friends. I'm sure they will be impressed. I highly recommend! They have cooking classes too, if you're so inclined. read more

Best toilet paper I have ever seen at a restaurant! Not the crappy thin stuff that disintegrates in your hand. Oh yeah... Dave and Maggie are great! The best place to hold your private event! The food is amazing, Dave is extremely personable and funny. Such an entertaining evening. Great place to stop for lunch as well. Good sandwiches and outstanding homemade soup. Dave's Specialty Foods is the towns hidden gem. read more

Dave's sandwiches are simply the YUMMIEST around! From porta bella to salmon... and everything in between, these sandwiches are a delight to my tastebuds! Dave also offers catering. So far, I have ordered a green bean side dish, cookies, and a pot pie. All were delicious! This place is a gem in Mount Prospect. I look forward to my next visit! read more

Dave's Specialty Foods catered our Daughters backyard wedding. Dave promised the moon and gave us the stars as well! He and his wonderful staff were nothing short of magical! The appetizers were amazing bacon and avocado bites and charcuterie skewers were our favorites. Dinner was even better than we could have imagined. Friends and family commented they had to take a bit of everything! Could not have been more perfect! The bartenders and servers were so efficient and friendly. The entire team orchestrated our special event beautifully. read more

Dave and his staff catered our wedding celebration at our home. They were so easy to work with during the planning. On the day, things went so smoothly and we received great compliments about the food and service. They literally cannot be beat for quality, service and price! We had a family meal and then passed appetizers for an extended group of friends. Dave and the staff were an absolute pleasure! We look forward to working with them in the future. read more

Dave is a cool dude. I came in for the first time today for lunch and he was taking orders, slinging sandwiches and keeping the trains on schedule all by himself, and he did it with joy. It made you happy just to be there. Now, the sandwich: I asked which one to try, and when I rattled off my contenders Dave immediately said: Portobello. He was so right. The bread is fresh and toasted perfectly. The pesto is fresh and flavorful. The portobellos were (fresh, had to say it) and marinated and seasoned to perfection. The melted mozzarella on top was *chef's kiss.* IT IS ALL FRESH. This place rules and I will be back. Keep on keepin' it real, Dave. read more

Dave's Specialty Foods - a half eaten sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

This past Sunday I catered a family party from Dave's Specialty Foods. I cannot even express what a great experience from the planning to delivery. Maggie helped me get my number of items and proportions on point. Delivery was friendly and efficient. Now the food.......amazing! From the meatballs to the brisket and so on. Every dish was flavorful and left the guests wanting more! I highly recommend this restaurant! read more

The sign in the window says "our sandwiches don't suck". Mind blown on the chicken sandwich with caramelized onions and apple chutney!! No, dear Dave, they certainly do not suck!!! I am secretly happy that you are a bit of a drive from my house or your chicken sandwich might become an obsession. read more

Dave's Specialty Foods - a sign in the window - Sandwiches Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

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Had the food catered for a party and everything was outstanding. Special shout-out for the cheese puffs, rumaki and brisket.

You cannot order food or eat here without encountering Dave, the namesake and force of nature. He's unabashedly the friendliest person I have ever met and will inevitably cheer up whatever kind of day you have going. He's a rare and wonderful man. Now. His sandwiches are other-worldly! They're amazing! Being vegetarian, I have only had his non meat selections, the cheese and the veggie, but they are good enough to make my mouth water just thinking about them. He's the last of a dying breed of restauranteurs who really care about their food and their customers. Get him while he lasts! read more

Dave's Specialty Foods - Sandwiches Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

Dave has provided amazing food for our family for so many years and important events! My wife and I just moved permanently to MP three weeks ago. Eating in more is obviously the reality of most of our lives these days. To celebrate our anniversary yesterday, my mother in law had Dave prepare appetizers, salad, and several sides to accompany the steaks I had planned to BBQ. Everything was really amazing! Thank you for helping make our night less stressful in the kitchen, and super tasty at the table! read more

Dave's Specialty Foods - Cheese puffs and risotto bites! Yummy dot com! - Sandwiches Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

The Portobello is my absolute new favorite sandwich ever!!! Tried it for the first time today and can't wait to go back again. Also Dave and his staff were so friendly, I felt like part of the family read more

We catered a small family party at our home and were so pleased with everything. The cheese puffs lived up to the hype. Order extra. The sandwiches and salads were so flavorful and fresh. We will definitely use Dave's Specialty Foods for our next family party. read more

We went to Dave's for lunch today for the first time. The shop has great atmosphere. The smells of cooking appeal, and the decor is fun. Our sandwiches we're so delicious, and so was the brownie. Will definitely be back again and again. Many items on the menu for vegetarians. read more

Great place for cooking classes! Dave is very casual about his presentation- very easy going and makes you feel comfortable. We have been part of a New Orleans cooking class (beignets!!), knife skills class (hands-on class), french bistro night (very delicious, his specialty), and farm to table. The classes are entertaining and it helps they are BYOB. Keep in mind that the only student, hands on class, is the knife skills class. read more

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Thanks for an absolutely delicious Mother's Day Meal! Everything was so good and enjoyed by all! My favorite was the Risotto Cakes (as usual) ! Or was it the Salmon w Mango Salsas! Or was it dessert! The quick reheat instructions made it so simple for my family to cook for me! Thanks Dave and Maggie and your "team"! read more

Dave's Specialty Foods in Mt Prospect, IL offers fresh food made daily to carry out or enjoy at the large table located inside. They also offer cooking classes once a week. If you like cheese, check out their selection. They have just about everything. This is a video of the store: http://chicagobuffets.ning.com/video/video/show?id=1988700%3AVideo%3A307 They also have a wide variety of loose leaf teas. I tried their chamomile tea and it was great. Enjoy, Todor Krecu http://hotfortea.yelp.com/ read more

Highly recommend for catering. My family had a retirement dinner for me and hired Dave to make the meal. My own personal chef and oh my, the food was FABULOUS. Dave was also entertaining and explained how he made all the courses. It was such a special evening. Thank you Dave!! read more

I feel so lucky to work only a few buildings down from Dave's Specialty!!!! It is so easy for me to get a quick lunch at the world's friendliest man's business. You are always sure to see Dave and his smiling face! Whenever I enter the building, Dave is there with a smile as if I am a very important person! His daughter who helps out is just as kind and personable! Let's just say the apple does not fall far from the tree. Today, I ordered zucchini bread, risotto cake, and mushroom soup! All very delicious. I have never catered from Dave, but I hope I have an event coming up so I can choose him! read more

I emailed Dave two days before an event I had in a desperate attempt for catering as I needed something for 15 people to eat outside on a sweltering day and couldn't think of what else to do. He emailed back with a proposed menu and absolutely killed it! Everything was phenomenal. The flavors were absolutely delicious. I was impressed with the menu he came up with under the conditions I gave him (we served everything on ice outside in 100 degrees and it was fresh and delicious) and on such short notice. Everyone loved it and couldn't stop talking about how good it was. read more

I had a client appreciation event at Dave's. We did a standing/sitting/mingling heavy appetizers, with BYOB beer & wine from Binny's. Then Dave did a couple of great cooking demonstrations, taught us a lot about cooking. Too much to fit in a Yelp review. Even clients who are GREAT cooks learned a lot. I told Dave I wanted a sort of faux cooking class, small dishes, standing/sitting/mingling, with BYOB, and he pulled it off marvelously. Dave put together a great menu for me to approve, and he made sure that no one went home hungry. My clients loved this event. read more

Amazing food and customer service! I always enjoy my visits to this shop, and the redhead behind the counter is super cute.

My family has been doing business with Dave for years now. This fall, he catered my wedding, and we couldn't have been happier with our decision. Dave's team was professional, and the food was exquisite. Can't recommend enough! read more

Best cooking class ever for my siblings and I! Everything came out outright delicious. Dave was just incredible and hilarious. Highly recommend. read more

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I selected their chicken breast sandwich that had this amazing goat cheese on it. It was a hot sandwich so it was all nice and healthy. And a very reasonable price with a very reasonable portion end it was a great lunch. Not too heavy so I could easily get back to work for the rest of the day. We also tried their side of potato salad. It had the perfect amount of dill - and everyone knows how difficult it is to get the right amount of dill! Will definitely be going back read more

It feels weird writing this review because after a year of planning a wedding together-- it feels like he and Sue are part of our family and not just the caterer at our wedding. The food was amazingly well priced and delicious as hell (people kept coming up during both the cocktail hour and the reception asking us for recipes). They are all incredibly nice and hospitable and took care of us throughout the entire process. We are not only going to use this company again for as many different types of events as possible (or just to order those amazing cheese puffs for sitting around the house) but we plan on going there for classes or even just lunch. LOVE THIS COMPANY! read more

I actually ate at my own wedding! And it is one of the best memories of the day. From meeting Dave to planning with him to eating his delicious food to his very professional follow-up, I highly recommend him. Dave catered our wedding at the Byron Colby Barn. On their list of recommended caterers you'll find a wide variety. There are catering companies who do food, and real foodies who have grown into catering. Dave is the latter. He has a passion for food, he's an expert chef, and he has assembled a team to cater events very well. Plus, he is reasonably priced for such high-end food. Be prepared that the small store can get very busy and they can be slow in responding to emails. But don't let that freak you out. In retrospect, with all my wedding vendors, I've found what matters most is the day-of performance, followed by the ease of planning. Whenever I spoke with Dave it was a fun, easy process, and he gave me a lot of expert planning advice (mixed with funny anecdotes to illustrate his points!) On the day, his crew arrived and set up the space on time and as planned. As he put it: "You may have a lot of people there to help, but we arrive prepared to do it all." He also did us a few huge logistical favors above and beyond the job. Above all, the food was spectacular. We had brisket that just crumbled under the fork, sweet & tender mango chicken, colorful spinach salad that is not the generic spinach salad you're thinking of, his signature risotto cakes, fresh fruit, herb-roasted veggies and . . . I missed the hors d'ourves while taking photos, but our guests still talk about them, especially the cheese puffs! read more