Chicago’s Loop has welcomed a new lunchtime hotspot: Fatback, a hybrid sandwich shop, butcher counter, and specialty market.
Chef Charlie McKenna and The Fifty/50 Group opened Fatback to solve a common downtown challenge: how to enjoy a standout lunch while also having quality options for dinner later. Think of it as a convenient “desk-to-dinner” stop.
The European-style sandwich shop opened on West Wacker
The debut menu takes diners on a one-of-kind sandwich journey, featuring options such as the signature Jambon, made with Lady Edison country ham and whole-grain mustard beurre; the spicy ‘Nduja grilled cheese, incorporating American cheese and Maldon salt; the Beet sandwich, which includes roasted yellow beets with labneh and za’atar; and the Cochon sandwich, crafted with porchetta, tasso ham, and French raclette.
Guests can complement their meals with signature salads like the Tahini Caesar, featuring sesame dukkah, or the Grain Salad, which includes quinoa and pomegranate. Additionally, rotating sides are available, such as Carrot Râpée with cumin and honey or Vodka Tomato Soup.
Chef Charlie McKenna said:
Fatback is about the human element of dining.
It’s the reason to leave your desk at noon to talk to the person who actually brined your turkey or smoked your pastrami and take those same high-quality ingredients home with you.
A standout feature of Fatback is its elevated rotisserie chicken program, which highlights the Regalis Ivory Chicken. Through a specialized cooking process, McKenna offers French-style rotisserie chickens, providing a more sophisticated, chef-driven alternative to standard grocery store options.
In addition to its prepared menu, Fatback operates as a genuine neighborhood butcher and specialty market. The in-house butcher counter allows commuters to grab premium cuts directly from the deli cooler, making it easy to bring home a restaurant-quality dinner.
The market is inspired by small European grocers and features McKenna’s kitchen staples alongside products from local artisans, including the complete Lillie’s Q lineup, charcuterie from Tempesta, Torres Chips, Think Jerky, and Caruso’s Giardiniera.
Located at 176 West Wacker Drive, the shop operates Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For this weekend only, Fatback is extending its normal operating hours to include Saturday! Located right across from the river, Fatback will be open this Saturday in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
