My Favorite Sandwich in all of Illinois - Top Butcher Market in Chicago

Top Butcher Meat Market in Chicago: A Meat Lover’s Dream

While on my search for the best sandwich in Chicago and the Chicagoland area, I came across my next location by word-of-mouth and social media buzz. Many claim this place is a meat lover’s dream, so I had to check it out.

My favorite sandwich of 2024 the pastramiPhoto bycfk

Top Butcher Market in Chicago

Before I get into the review, I want to clarify something. Although the name says “Chicago,” this spot is practically in Elmwood Park, right past Harlem Avenue on Grand Avenue. So, there’s no need to venture downtown. Now that we’ve addressed that, let’s dive into the review.

outsidePhoto byyelp

I first heard about this place from a food reviewer I follow, who raved about their pastrami sandwich. Intrigued, I had to see for myself. My wife and I headed over on a Saturday afternoon, just after noon, and the place was already packed with people—a great sign.

open kitchenPhoto bycfk

I had the pleasure of meeting their fantastic general manager, Dave. I told him I wanted to sample a bit of everything, and he happily obliged. Little did I know, I was about to be blessed with what would become my favorite sandwich of the year.

Busy insidePhoto bycfk

Sitting at a counter overlooking the kitchen, we were able to watch the sandwich masterpieces being made. Here’s a list of what Dave brought out for me to try:

• The Sinatra

Famous Italian sausage, rolled out and filled with Italian beef, mozzarella & provolone cheese blend, and giardiniera. All rolled up, cooked, and topped with homemade marinara and cheese on a griddled Turano French roll.

The SinatraPhoto bycfk

• Chicken Parm Sandwich

Homemade breaded chicken cutlet topped with marinara sauce and cheese on Turano bread.

Chicken ParmPhoto bycfk

• XXL Butcher

Two half-pound burgers topped with American cheese, brisket, bacon, and BBQ sauce on a griddled brioche bun.

HamburgerPhoto bycfk

• Pastrami Sandwich

14-hour house-cured, slow-smoked, and hand-cut pastrami, served “Reuben” style on thick-cut griddled rye with homemade pickles, slaw, and Top Butcher sauce.

Pastrami SandwichPhoto bycfk

We also tasted their smoked turkey and brisket and an incredible steak sandwich with peppers on Turano bread, which isn’t on their online menu.

Steak and Peppers sandwichPhoto bycfk

First up was the hamburger, one of the best I’ve ever had. The meat was incredibly juicy, the bun held everything together perfectly, and the flavors truly enhanced the meat without being overly salty. This burger easily earned a 9 out of 10.

Juicy Smoked TurkeyPhoto bycfk

Next, I tried the Chicken Parmesan sandwich. The classic combination of crispy chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese on a perfect Turano bun was delicious. Definitely something I would order again.

tender juicy brisketPhoto bycfk

Then came their unique sandwich, the Sinatra. This was a true flavor bomb. The delicious Italian sausage stuffed with Italian beef, combined with the intense flavors of giardiniera, made for an extraordinary sandwich. It was out of this world.

Food Network Star Jeff Mauro "Sandwich King" with his cousin Executive Chef and GM DavePhoto byInstagram

The real star of the show, however, was the pastrami sandwich. One bite, and it was everything I could possibly want. The meat was incredibly tender, with no excess fat, and it literally melted in my mouth. The tanginess of their special sauce, along with the crunch from the homemade pickles and slaw, created a flavor bomb that took me straight to cloud nine. If I had to choose a last meal, this would be it. It’s better than Katz’s Deli in New York, and the price is ridiculously affordable for what you get!

I also had the chance to sit down with General Manager Dave and his partner, John, co-owner of International Meats. They explained that the reason they’re able to offer the best cuts of meat at such fantastic prices is that they own the meat company where all these prime cuts come from. This allows them to provide unmatched quality at unbeatable prices. All the meats are fresh, never frozen, and that freshness shines through in every bite.

Turkey Club using their smoked turkeyPhoto bycfk

Top Butcher Meat Market has already expanded from a small deli with a couple of tables to a larger dining area, and they’re considering further expansion. You can also visit for their full lineup of steaks and other meats at their full-service butcher shop and deli.

Interestingly, Dave is cousins with Jeff Mauro, the “Sandwich King” from the Food Network. Jeff frequently visits and collaborates on promotions, trying out new and unique sandwiches. One of their latest creations, a Wagyu sliced Italian beef sandwich, sold out within the hour. They also use Mauro Provisions giardiniera on all their sandwiches. This place is 100% legit, and it’s easily in my top five places to eat in Illinois.

They’re open every day except Sunday. When you visit, be sure to talk to Dave, the General Manager, and if it’s your first time, let him know that the Chicago Food King sent you.

I’m giving Top Butcher Market a rare rating of 10 out of 10. This is a must-try establishment.