There’s something special about a no-frills deli—somewhere with regulars, a place that has been around for decades, and serves a delicious sandwich that doesn’t cost a quarter of your paycheck. In New York City, you have Katz’s Delicatessen; in Los Angeles, there’s Langer’s Deli; and in Chicago, you can find Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen.
Yes, Manny’s may have gained national attention after former President Barack Obama visited, but it was a Chicago institution long before that. They have been serving sandwiches in Chicago since before World War II even ended—yes, that long.
In 1942, two brothers opened a tiny Chicago deli
It was 1942 when brothers Jack and Charlie Raskin opened the Purity deli at Van Buren and Halsted. After the end of the war, Jack went out on his own near Maxwell Street, buying a spot called Sunny’s. With a mix of sentimentality and convenience, he renamed it Manny’s after his son Emanuel, since he only had to change two letters on the sign.
In the mid-1960s, the deli relocated to 1141 S. Jefferson St., where Manny Raskin transformed it into the cafeteria-style landmark we know today. His son Ken eventually took over, and now Ken and his son Dan continue the family business, making Manny’s a fourth-generation establishment with roots stretching back over 80 years.
What to order at Manny’s
The corned beef sandwich at Manny’s is non-negotiable (if you eat meat and enjoy corned beef, of course—we’re not forcing anyone to get something they don’t want). But it’s what people come to wait in line for.
The corned beef on rye is juicy, tender, piled high, and exactly what a proper Chicago deli sandwich should be. Many of the menu items are made in-house, and the portions are generous—and we mean really generous.
But do not sleep on the potato pancakes. Crispy outside, soft inside, and absolutely worthy of a detour—especially if you grab a side of gravy for dipping. That combination is a game changer, and yes, people have been known to stop in just for a few pancakes to go.
You can find Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen at 1141 South Jefferson Street, Chicago, IL 60607.
