Yum!!! My new lunch spot near my office. Fresh, soft bread made from scratch, tons of sandwich options including breakfast, incredibly nice staff and a clean establishment! I'm excited to come back to try more sandwiches and breakfast! read more

International Sandwich Shop - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I ordered the Chicken Hummus Pita wrap - all ingredients seemed fresh but it was devoid of any flavor. Some of the sandwiches on the menu sound great but there is only one type of bread - a "roll" type that, for me, is way too much bread and in my opinion, detracts from certain types of sandwich where a whole wheat would have made more sense. The customer service was flat and it wasn't at all crowded when I was there. They handed me the wrap in foil and seemed to take issue when I requested a bag. read more

My first time here - no one asked me what I wanted on my sandwich, so had to remove a few things as they just loaded it up ... I'll make sure to say something next time lol read more

I wish yelp would do half stars because it's more of a 3.5 than a four star. I merely indulged in the avocado toast & my coworkers ordered the rays super sub. The toast was decent. Def doesn't rank amongst the best but tbh I've had a lot worse. Biggest draw is probably the quantity of food which is a decent value for the price if you think about it especially considering the loop is chock full of overpriced mediocrity. I'd return but with my expectations well managed read more

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I ordered the Frank and Maddie which was tasty. The bread was surprisingly soft as I came later in the afternoon, so I expected the bread to be dry at that point. read more

The Frank & Maddie is unique, delicious, and should be on the list to try of anyone who's serious about sandwiches. The folks there are super nice and lovely too! read more

On a gorgeous morning in Chicago where I came down for a meeting and arriving early decided to walk from union station to my destination. In search of breakfast and wanting to avoid a chain I came here when the sign posted listed breakfast sandwiches. I ordered the farmhouse sandwich which was crafted to order. I am a big fan of hash browns in a breakfast sandwich and this was a perfect fit! Toasted croissant, fluffy egg, crisp bacon are all I needed and I also got arugula and cheese. Recommend! read more

International Sandwich Shop - Breakfast sandwich and iced coffee. - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I'm a tough critic for sandwiches but I'm declaring this as my favorite sandwich shop. I've had the tuna and a build your own. The salami and Swiss with everything on it was my favorite sandwich of all time. And I can't leave without getting myself one of their chocolate chip cookies. Go in and have a look and you'll see what I mean! read more

Avoid the breakfast sandwich. Ten bucks got me one piece of bacon and a HALF a slice of cheese.

Very good Sandwich, and very friendly folks working! Can't wait to try their bakery items next time. I would definitely recommend!

Really good sandwich and friendly staff, can't beat it! Definitely found a new lunch spot during workweek.

Their sandwiches are not like the average sandwich, and the atmosphere is personal. My attorneys really like their sandwiches.

I love the farmhouse sausage, egg and cheese. It's my favorite. They service is always great and welcoming and the ambiance is cozy.

The name is what caught my eye and why I stopped in and I could not be happier. The women running this shop are simply delightful. The italian special was delish; I only wish I asked for more of the peppers (so good). Their home made sauce was the perfect addition. To top it off the baklava is amazing. Not soaked in honey, it was a perfect treat with which to end my meal. I look forward to future trips to Chicago and enjoying a lunch here. read more

Overpriced but I assume that is just because it's downtown in the loop but sandwich was pretty devoid of any meat.

Sandwiches are very good! Only issue is they haven't updated their menu for higher prices. I saw them berating a confused customer who was wondering how much his sandwich actually cost. Bread is top-notch. read more

I wanted to like International Sandwich Shop, I really did. The older woman behind the counter was sweet as pie and cute as a button. But the sandwich was not good. All the previous reviews are accurate. It is literally a single slice of each meat. Attached is a picture, because I didn't believe the previous reviews and had to see for myself, so believe me! I went around 10:30am on a weekday and the place was empty as expected since I was between breakfast and lunch. I order the club but tell the woman I'm not a big ham fan and ask if she can replace the ham with just extra turkey. She tells me no substitutions allowed. Okay, fine, no big deal. Then as I'm checking out, a gentleman walks in and tries to order breakfast. She DENIES him and says sorry breakfast is over! They just opened on 10/22 and I went on 11/27, the place is empty, and they're turning away customers who want breakfast when they only have 1 single customer in the whole shop. Kinda ridiculous... The sandwich: it had very little meat. 1 slice of each luncheon meat listed. A single slice. For $9, I expected much more. The bread is delicious but you have to FILL the sandwich with meat. That's, like, the point of the sandwich. I give this place till the end of January before they go out of business unless they start putting more meat on their sandwiches, it's like they're robbing people lol. Edit: I ordered the sandwich as is, with the ham included (in response to owner's comment) read more

Another Downtown sandwich shop. I had a meatball sub, nothing was wrong with it, then again nothing was particularly good about it either. Perfectly average sandwich. The service was much the same. I told them it was my first time there, no suggestions were made or anything like that; they weren't overly friendly, but they were polite at least. Overall, just an average experience. read more

International Sandwich Shop - Meatball Sub with Chips and Drink - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Stopped into International Sandwich for lunch while on a business trip to Chicago. I heard about International Sandwich Shop from some co-workers and decided to try it out. Upon entry the restaurant is unassuming. Tasteful decorated and you can smell the freshness of the food. I wasn't sure exactly what to order and the family owner and operated staff took their time to describe the foods and their favorites. I choose the Sicilian meatball sub. Everything on this sandwich was homemade including the bun. It was amazing. Best Sicilian meatball sub I've ever had. It was perfectly balanced with the sweet bun that was light and crunchy and held the meatballs and sauce perfectly. The sauce was not overpowering and perfectly seasoned. The overall sandwich was amazing and I highly recommend this. The price point was surprising. I would have paid more for this sandwich and ended up leaving a nice tip for the staff. Outstanding sandwich. read more

I know what you are thinking...oh no, not another sandwich place. I mean how many more do we need in the Loop. However, one my coworkers raved about the French Toast she recently had for breakfast. Hmmmm...man I have not had french toast in years so on my way to work this morning I was in the mood for a good or even great breakfast sandwich; you know what I am talking about, not the crap that you get at coffee places. I tried the bacon egg cheese sandwich which is made on a fresh homemade croissant, good thin sliced bacon; cheese and freshly cracked fried egg (heaven) with some arugula and that isn't even the best part....there, tucked into the sandwich was a hash brown patty!!! Thumbs up! This is a perfectly proportioned breakfast sandwich and very tasty. Can't wait to try what else they have on the menu read more

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I was very excited to try something new but totally underwhelmed. The staff couldn't be nicer - although I was trying to read the menu and they wouldn't stop talking about their fresh baked bread and quality meats. Which, unfortunately, is all I got. The sandwich was ALL bread and a few measly slices of meat - not lettuce or tomato or anything, despite the menu saying all sandwiches come with that and more. I threw out 75% of the bread and ate the rest. It was ok. Won't be back. read more

Only open since October 22, the Khouri family has a solid start with good food, yet a need to fine tune a few things that matter, then dust themselves off. The breakfast sandwich of fresh, homemade round croissant, freshly made fried egg, bacon, american cheese, a round mound of hashbrowns and arugula. It's gooey and yummy, albeit a bit salty, of course. I ordered mine w/o bacon, yet I still paid the same $5.37 as the sammy would be with bacon. Personally, I would have two prices for meat and w/o meat, but that's just me. It's crazy to pay over 5 bucks for a meatless breakfast sandwich, although a tasty one at that. Since everything is made fresh to order, the wait can be a potential nightmare for those in a rush to their office. In time, they may see the need for more assistance, or so I hope. The coffee is Metropolis, which is very, very good, yet pricey. I bought a 12 ounce bag for $16. Not terribly expensive, but a little high for less than a pound of Joe. For a Loop place, the decor and vibe is comfy European. While it's a small place, there is enough seating to stay awhile for those not rushing to nearby offices. The menu boasts lots of interesting sandwiches, wraps and soups for lunch. A few salad options as well. Breads and bakery are homemade, and the round croissant for the breakfast sammy is buttery and yummy. In time, if they iron out the little annoyances of long waits, paper bags that disintegrate and somewhat high prices, they can potentially be a huge hit, where the places before them failed. I wish them luck, I will be back! read more

Visited for the first time today and had a delightful experience. The folks behind the counter could not have been more welcoming and friendly. They asked if it was my first time and I said yes. They offered some suggestions and I ordered the grilled garlic chicken wrap. It was delicious!! Huge chunks of fresh, juicy white meat chicken, just the right thickness Lebanese bread, yummy garlic spread, onions, arugula and Persian pickles. I skipped the tomatoes. Those pickles though!! The pickles were everything... They have a big menu with lots of different sandwich options. Soups sounded tasty and there were some baked goodies that caught my eye. I'll definitely be back! Yes we have lots of options in the loop but this is a great addition. Late Feb update: I have been many more times and enjoy several things on their menu. I'm upgrading to 5 stars because I love this place. The Italian special, chicken salad and village pita are delicious. Their homemade breads are great and I love the toppings! The mild peppers and ray's special sauce are awesome. The labneh toast for breakfast is out of this world. Don't miss the smore cookies when they are fresh out of the oven!! I always like supporting family owned businesses but this family in particular is just lovely. Definitely check them out. read more

Post-pandemic finding food in downtown Chicago is not easy. When I stumbled upon an open breakfast place I went in and was greeted by a nice young woman and what I assume was the owner. It is family owned business. I ordered the sausage, egg & cheese croissant. It was delicious and very inexpensive. The coffee was superb and was evidently from a local company called Metropolis. They have a nice menu for lunch. read more

If you're looking for a new place to grab lunch in the Loop, this is it. The Loop is so overrun with poor quality chain restaurants, and it is so refreshing to have a family owned and operated small business which great food and even better prices. The homemade bread is amazing and made daily, and the meatball provolone sub can't be beat. The service is great and they are so kind. Next time you grab lunch, support this small business! read more

Uuuugh very underwhelming for a $9 sandwich. Geeesh add a pickle or a bag of chips. It's all bread.... And while I'm on the subject, internationally speaking.....people from other countries eat bread that's made with some sort of grains not just sugar & white flour. Should change your name to just Sandwich Shop, nothing international about this place. Goodwin's was waaaaaaaaaaaay better. Come back Shane come back!! read more

I'm giving it 2 stars instead of 1 because of how friendly everyone was - but they were friendly to the point of distraction. It was my first time in the shop and instead of letting me review the menu or ask me if I wanted some suggestions, they were just thrown out there. I had three people staring at me as I'm trying to read the menu and talking to me about the place. I'm already there, trying it, I'm not about to walk out because you failed to mention the fresh bread five times. Eventually I just chose the chicken salad sandwich because I gave up trying to actually read the menu with all of the people behind the counter talking to me. And the sandwich wasn't that good. The "fresh bread" has no taste or texture and the chicken salad just tasted like mayo without any texture either. I literally threw it away because I couldn't eat it anymore. I'd be willing to try it again and write this off as an unfortunate ordering choice, but please give your customers a little space and ask if they want you to help guide them through the menu or offer suggestions so they don't get stressed out just trying to order a sandwich. Also, give a different kind of bread a try. read more

Love this place. Their bread is home made and heavenly. My favorite sandwich is the Tuna Salad. It's honestly the best sandwich shop in the city read more

Wasn't expecting much but this was outstanding. Super fresh ingredients but what's put this place over the top is Ray's cause, the peppers and the amazing bread which is sweet and has a nice chewiness to it. Loved it. read more

Just like the Macomb Location!!! As a WIU alum, I was super excited to learn that there was a Chicago Location. The sandwiches are exactly the same as the Macomb location. I highly recommend the chicken salad sandwich. So happy that ISS is back in my life! read more

Good sandwiches, great variety, and nice people. Their breads are all great, and the "Ray's sauce" -- a tangy homemade mustard vinaigrette -- livens up their subs. A nice addition to the block. read more

Bread and ingredients are fresh, the roast beef is thinly sliced just how I like it. Yes it can take a few minutes to make your sandwich, it's not subway. My go to for a lunch sandwich read more

Editing to add: I was able to go to ISS today and it was amazing! The owner is a gem. Will definitely be back!

I hosted an Open House and they provided the food. Incredible platter of freshly made sandwiches and sweets delivered right to the unit. Everybody enjoyed it. They couldn't decide which they liked more, the fresh home made bread or the sweets! I highly recommend them and will certainly use them again. Friendly family owned restaurant, they really care and it shows. read more

I love this place! Everything over ever had from the homemade soups to the sandwiches, bomb ass breakfast to amazing pastries, this place is definitely a hidden gem in the West Loop. The avocado toast is to die for and hands down the best I've ever had in my life. The owners are the sweetest people you will ever meet and their staff is always friendly and polite. If you're looking for homemade with fresh ingredients you definitely need to check this place out! read more

I had the club with everything, and it was delicious. Bread is really good. Everyone behind the counter was very friendly and helpful!

Great new place at Franklin and Monroe! Super fresh and tasty bread, and great ingredients on my Italian sub. Fun story behind the expansion into Chicago, after winning over Western Illinois University. read more

Best sandwich, salad and soup spot ever. Everything is super fresh and made to order. The best thing about this lovely little place, though, is the service. Kind caring people make this place my Loop go-to. read more

While I am no "Elite" Yelper, I respectfully disagree with the previous bad reviews, particularly the review dated November 29, 2018. Earlier today I had the Club and it was delicious. As a big time carnivore, I do find it frustrating when sandwiches do not have enough meat, yet my sandwich had plenty of it, and it was great. On top of this "more than adequate amount of meat," the sandwich also had fresh (and tasty) veggies. As for the bread, it is awesome, and yes, its sweet. To those complaining about how sweet it is, newsflash- their website literally says, "FAMOUS sweet French Bread." So yeah, its sweeter than "normal" bread, but its also delicious. In addition to being an excellent sandwich, it was also a great value. I don't know where everyone else is eating in the loop, but where you can get more bang for your buck? Outside of traditional fast food, there are hardly any places where you can purchase lunch for the same price. Even if the sandwich was merely "good" or "decent" (it was not good or decent, it was excellent), I would still eat here again as the customer service was superb. Everyone was very polite, helpful, and more than willing to answer my questions. A co-worker of mine also ate here recently and mentioned that the employees went out of their way to help construct an a la carte breakfast for her, which, to be clear, was ordered during breakfast time. On that note, I would be remiss if I did not point out that while I also believe it is important for businesses in the service industry to do as much as they possibly can to satisfy their customers (if they want to stay in business), that does NOT mean that you should just expect to be able to order breakfast whenever you want. This place is a small business and there is a lot that goes into having the breakfast food/equipment out and ready to go. When breakfast is over, you order lunch food. If you really want breakfast food after the breakfast period is over, then walk down the block and go to McDonalds. Oh, and by the way, the reason the shop only had "1 single customer" in it while you were there, was because, as you stated, it was 10:30 AM! (i.e. a time when 99% of the population has already consumed breakfast and is most likely at their desk working, but is also before 99% of the population eats lunch). In conclusion, this sandwich shop makes delicious sandwiches and has great customer service. I will continue to patronize this place and I hope they are successful. read more

Love the people here, their chicken salad and tuna salad are super amazing and the customer service can't be beat!