mmmmmm Corned beef Sandwich....... Layered about 4" tall. don't forget the potato pancake!
(5)
Brad F.
This place is the best corned beef and everything else. I actually go there every day for lunch
(5)
B I.
Pastrami and corned beef on rye!!!! AMAZING!!!! Huge portion, tender super tasty meat, very good rye bread, and the brown mustard on the table was also very good. The potato latke (pancake) was outstanding and a very nice side to the sandwich! I highly recommend Manny's!
(5)
Christa R.
Be ready to spend more money than you usually would at a deli. The corned beef and matzo ball soup is crazy delicious. A corned beef sandwich, a bowl of matzo ball soup and a drink put be back close to $20. The atmosphere is vintage and fun. The service is great. Definitely try it out, at least once. There's parking in the back. Major plus.
(4)
Cathy H.
Came to Manny's with a Groupon. Not super-much to add to previous yelp reviews, but here are my few (somewhat repetitive) thoughts: - Yes, the line moves quickly (it was out the door when we got there, and we waited about 15 minutes to get our food and 20-25 minutes to get from the beginning of the line to the receipt-getting at the end). - Yes, both the corned beef and pastrami are tasty. Mr. Me got the regular rye break and I got the onion roll--I loved mine. - Yes, there's a free lot right behind the deli. It's pretty limited, though, and only one hour parking. However, there's plentiful street parking--just be warned that the meters are quite expensive in the South Loop ($0.25 for 6 minutes). - Yes, you park when you finish eating. Overall, I liked the food, but don't know if I'd go through the trouble of driving there, finding (expensive-ish) parking, and waiting there. But I was happy I gave it a try!
(4)
dev p.
I have eaten corned beef sandwiches all over the country and the quality at Morry's Deli in Hyde Park is much better. The meat is softer and melts in your mouth....Oh, did I mention that the sandwiches are half the price there too. Manny's is ok but too expensive for what you get....also the meat to bread ratio is too high.....also the meat is cut a bit to thick for my taste....if you havn't checked out Morry's Deli in Hyde Park give it a look.
(3)
Zac T.
What a place. A true no-frills dining experience. Manny's is all about great food and big portions. I came in hungry then left and didn't eat for 24 hours. My only regret/mistake--the matzo ball soup WITH noodles. I'd skip the noodles next time and just go with straight up Matzo + broth. The other great aspect of Manny's is the clientele. I was there with my good friend and his family (W+s+d) and we were probably a sight on our own. My friend's son was bound and determined to get every dish and utensil from the table to the floor. My friend looked like a plate spinner the way he'd catch one plate and get it back to the table just to dive for a mug. The point of this is nobody even noticed us. The mix of family's, blue collar 9 to 5ers and all the people who don't fit in to any single category allowed us to blend in and not feel like we were disturbing or disturbing anyone. Next time I'm getting my Reuben on. If it tastes 10% as good as it looked I won't be disappointed!! I'll definitely be back and definitely highly recommend.
(4)
Vince F.
I didn't get the corned beef. I know. I know. I'm sorry. I just wasn't in the mood. What I did get (pastrami), however, wasn't bad. I had it with a side of beets, which were also quite tasty. All in all, the food was good. Granted, I expected a bit more based on all the rave reviews. But not everything can be as good as everyone says. What bothered my about Manny's was the general atmosphere and set up. The place is designed like a cafeteria. You stand in line until it is your turn to grab a tray and pick what you want. This is not a bad deal in and of itself. It was just a little confusing. The line was long and no one really seemed to know where to go to get what. The folks behind the counter weren't exactly helpful in this respect, and just kept barking orders at the costumers. I think it may be part of the whole experience, but I wasn't really impressed. if I go back, I'll be sure to make a beeline directly for the corned beef so as to avoid any traffic jams and dirty stares.
(3)
Andrew C.
I wish this place was closer....such a great deli to have lunch. The only gripe I have about this place that it's a bit pricey, but you're definitely getting quality food when you go to Manny's.
(5)
Abigail D.
Good old style Jewish Soul food. Love the Deli, love the diversity of the customers. Portions are huge, incasual dinning that satisfys hunger. Good eats for sure.
(4)
Maxxy C.
I went to Manny's for lunch today. Its a well-known Jewish restaurant and I highly recommend it! The food is so delicious. The ambiance is wonderful and the service is absolutely excellent! I got the short ribs of beef, potato salad and cornbread. The ribs were so succulent, tender and tasty. I could never cook short ribs like that. So, I guess I'll have to go to Manny's every time for that. My co-worker got the corn beef sandwich was was huge and delicious! Listen, if you want good homestyle cooking, you got to go to Mannys! They also have a great breakfast menu too! If anyone is planning an Internet type of "meet and greet", Manny's is the ideal place for that.
(5)
Jenny z.
True story - when I passed the bar exam, a milestone occasion by most people's standards, I made my family come here to celebrate. I could have picked any place in the city, but to me, Manny's is a celebration in and of itself, a shrine to great deli, a restaurant to be spoken of with reverence and in hushed voices while trying not to drool on oneself. Short on atmosphere, sure, but who cares? This is the ONLY place in Chicago that serves a decent corned beef sandwich. The pastrami is fabulous too, but their corned beef is almost indecent it's so good. Seriously. Huge sandwiches, they generally make two (incredibly happy) meals for me. Their matzo ball soup is so fantastic it almost makes one hope to fall ill in order to have an excuse to eat it. Brisket, knish, kugel. .. . it brings a tear to this hungry Chicagoans eye to think of the steam rising from the hot line and the goodies contained therein. Once you sit, you can enjoy your own meal while watching local politicians struggle with their over-sized sandwiches. Good times. Also, I love the great staff and how they are fickle with the pickle. It isn't a given that you score a pickle at Manny's, so be polite to the nice people working so hard behind the counter or you might not get one. Believe me, you don't want to miss out on the pickle at Manny's. Buy some Chiclets or a lottery ticket at the handy counter on your way out the door - this place has personality plus. Some out of town half-wits just opened a new "upscale" deli nearby, which I'm sure is very clean and nice, but why would you go anywhere else when you could have Manny's? A place that separates the men from the boys, the locals from the out of towners - Manny's is a true Chicago landmark.
(5)
Ryan P.
Very tasty. A little gross inside.
(4)
Erin M.
Over priced but I felt it was worth it for the corn beef sandwich. Go at least once so you can say you went.
(4)
Timothy M.
Pretty much the best old-school Jewish fare outside of Katz's or Second Ave Deli in NYC. An institution, about as "real Chicago" as you can get. One of my true favorites in the city. It's not super cheap, but you have to get the standard fare of corned beef on rye, potato pancakes, and matzo ball soup. You can just feel the history in this cafeteria-like setting, with every ethnicity in the city represented. Only downside is that it's a tad expensive to get all your Jewish faves (matzo ball, potato pancakes, and a rueben/pastrami sandwich). Don't forget to buy a Halvah bar as you leave!
(5)
Jess S.
A Chicago institution. We visited during a weekday lunch hour. Just to be there was enough. And the sandwiches are huge! I don't know what else to say. Everyone should visit Manny's.
(4)
Lindsey M.
I know Manny's is a Chicago institution, but I wasn't too impressed. Yes, the food was good, but it was definitely too expensive to be a truly good deli. A sandwich should not cost $12 at a cafeteria-style deli in the middle of nowhere in the South Loop. Yes, the turkey pastrami was excellent (the rye bread, however, was soggy). The potato pancakes were sinfully delicious and deep fried. The pickles were yummy. I hear the brisket was also good, if a bit fatty. It was everything a good deli should be, except it left me $40 poorer. Yes, the cafeteria-style serving made me give into a few impulse buys on the way to the cash register, but sandwiches, in particular, should not be that expensive in the first place.
(3)
Emma C.
Sadness. I am giving a generous extra star for the fond memories I have of Manny's growing up in Chi-town, and for keeping that genuine old skool feel alive...I love the steam tables, the Jewish comfort food, the little cylindrical paper cups in holders, wonderful men cutting corned beef old-style, so generous I could kiss them. And, unlike some reviewers here, I do love the beef knishes enough to forgive the feeling that I ate a rock for a couple hours afterward...ahhh, gravygravygravy! Buuut, after a couple recent visits, I am so disappointed in the food. Today: a half sandwich of lukewarm BBQ beef that was like a small portion of Lloyd's from a plastic tub in my grocer's refrigerated section, chicken noodle soup a la Mrs. Grass, and this sorry little combo I could have made myself with a head cold and one hand tied behind my back was about twelve bucks. My husband's green beans looked straight out of a can, his fish had no flavor. My son liked his food, but his pastrami sandwich was on a dry bun, and the small matzo ball was crusty. Honestly, give us the same plates of food at Old Country Buffet, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference, but I sure could tell at the cash register as I dropped nearly fifty bucks for not even three full meals. They even tried to charge for the take-out containers for leftovers. Whatwhat?!? NOT CLASSY, GUYS!!! It's priced for tourists making a one-stop instead of locals who would be regulars, but a classic Chicago cafeteria whose reputation was built by locals shouldn't belong to tourists, it should belong to us...and I think we in Chicago know the difference when it comes to both food and a good deal. I left feeling almost cheated. Manny's, I want you back, and I tell you this out of love: don't live off of your reputation, live up to it.
(3)
Jimmy C.
call me crazy, since everyone just loves this place, but i just went there with my girlfriend and i was excited over all the hype of this place, but i ordered a turkey pastrami and it was so dry! My girlfriend ordered the chop liver and it was the worst i've ever tried. Not to mention that it was way over priced, me and my girlfriend each ordered a sandwich and a soup, 2 sides and it was $45 i couldn't believe it. i've had tons better Jewish food for much cheaper, and they were in nice sit down restaurants. I have to say, i was very disappointed
(2)
Darlene L.
If you are seeking a solid old fashioned deli experience, this is it. Corned beef is piled high on your choice of bread. Matzo balls are among the best I have ever had, and my mom made good ones. The soup was lukewarm and a bit watery, but the tender delicate matzo ball saved the day. The brisket was lean and thick. Potato pancakes were a bit heavy but aren't they all? Nice dinner entrees include brisket, chicken, liver and onions, and are piled high with sides. Service consists of stand up insulting comics with kind hearts as they seek to please the diner passing through their lines. Table utensils are a struggle as the knives won't cut warm butter on a hot day, but everyone should try Manny's. As a deli, this place is hard to beat in Chicago,
(4)
Hey U.
The most overrated restaurant in Chicago. Sandwiches were tiny compared to the rage we heard about. And the prices? $14 for corned beef and a potato pancake?!? You can keep it. Total tourist trap... if only they had a clue.
(1)
Sean J.
This place is fantastic. The absolute best. Finally, a real deli experience here in Chicago. OK...not really "finally", since it's been around forever. But finally in that I've just discovered it. It's a beautiful throw-back to the 60's/70's. Even the menu graphics haven't changed from back then. It's an odd system the first time you go there...kinda the high-school cafeteria method where you grab a tray and fill it up as you go, get a ticket at the end of the line, then pay AFTER you eat. Of course, I believe it's the way they did in the old days, but that was before my time. The atmosphere and decor are straight outta "Blues Brothers" ...awesome. And the food is out of this world. Towering, delicious Corned Beef Sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, Matzo ball soup, home-cooked specialties, flavorful baked fish, etc. I'd seriously go here everyday if I could. Oh...and the guys behind the counter are great. They picked on me the first time I was there, probably because I looked clueless and slowed the line. The second time I picked on them.
(5)
Chris B.
If you want a fun lunch, one that takes you back to old school Chicago, come to Manny's one day -- tell the cabbie Jefferson and Roosevelt, and you'll be right there. I first went here almost 10 years ago, when I was producing a political talk show on WLS radio. Host Bruce DuMont took me, and we were shaking hands all lunch. Turns out: virtually every Chicago (and national, for that matter) politician has stood in line with a cafeteria tray waiting for a heaping pile of corned beef, matzoh ball soup, and a potato pancake that's more hashbrown than pancake. Gino has the fastest mouth on the near South Side (if you consider Roosevelt (12th) the tipping point to South), and I've never seen him stumped when someone tries to out-smart-ass him. Now here, 10 years later, you'll still see Chicago news anchors, cops, traders, politicians, lawyers and construction workers sitting in the vast sea of corned beef and pastrami you'll find in the large communal cafeteria. Bar none -- the best lunch place in downtown Chicago. Take your business colleagues, and especially prospective clients here, and they'll be bragging about it for months.
(5)
Lady L.
Wow, a real experience. You have to go here. Basically anything you could want out of a Jewish deli and more. It's cafeteria style and you slide though the food line and point and pick up whatever your little heart desires. The potato pancakes are out of this world (and non traditional), plus they have all of the usual suspects done right. They have free valet which is a plus considering everything is so enticing that I always end up with a bill upwards of $20. Considering everything is super reasonable, that is a LOT of food.
(4)
Jennifer S.
My step-dad and I have been talking about getting a big ol' corn beef sandwich at Manny's for ages, but when we finally made it down there, we were both instantly drawn to the delicious beef stew (just like Gramma makes). The cafeteria-style set up, loads of seating, and quirky staff lend this place a laid back, family style feeling. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Davis G.
There's not much I can say that hasn't been said, but I'd encourage you to go beyond the sandwiches and potato pancakes and sample some of the entrees -- the short ribs are delicious!
(5)
Samantha R.
I finally got here after hearing all the "Huge Corned Beef" stories and they were right about that - and, it was leanest corned beef I have ever seen in my life - and, good...but there is more to the story: The rest of the food was considerably less impressive. I was thrilled to see their fare included some of the favorites my grandmother used to make but they disappointed. The noodle kugel was not even close to authentic - dry and boring; the matzo ball soup was cold although a very large dumpling and well seasoned. The ruben my friend ordered was filled with partially hardened grilled meat (from being prepared earlier) then refurbished with a mound of fresh corned beef on top. The hardened melted swiss on the sandwich was also a casualty from being made in advance. So unless freshly made in its entirety, which I suppose you can request, I'd pass on the ruben. I enjoyed the overall atmosphere - the old time cafeteria setup was fun, as were the kitchen staff who look as though they are straight out of the 50s. One of the cooks commented to my friend "hey big fellow can you handle all that meat?" It's a pleasant change from the polite phoniness you often find in restaurants today. I didn't try the cooked foods like spaghetti and meatloaf which seemed to be a hit with many of the other diners I saw chowing down. With their large selection there are probably dishes you can find that are more pleasing then my choices. The customer in line in front of me ordered an individually tossed salad where she chose each and every ingredient, which looked fantastic. I plan on returning specifically to try the salads.
(3)
David C.
Manny's does not have the best corned beef sandwich in the world. That honor belongs to The Bread Basket in Oak Park, MI. Seriously. Second would be the now defunct Second Ave. Deli. Third would be Katz's. And Manny's is fourth. Fourth is not fucking bad, as in if I were the fourth best of anything in the world, I would be pretty proud of myself. Manny's does have the best sandwich maker in the world, however. Geno is the man, and keeps the line entertained. Anyone that thinks the pastrami is the best in the world does not know what the hell s/he is talking about. While heavy on the seasoning, the pastrami sits in a steam tray and dries out. Compared with pastrami that comes straight from the steam BOX at some other places, there's no way it can win. That said, I usually get a half pastrami, half corned beef sandwich when I'm here (side by side). It's still pretty good. The brisket here is absolutely no good. Suffers from the same problem as the pastrami (dries out in the steam tray), but has very little flavor. I would like the latkes here better if they weren't lukewarm. I don't think I ever got a hot latke. I'll still eat it, though. All in all, I really like this place (I came here probably once a week), but it's not the be all and end all of deli.
(4)
Ray S.
I love Manny's. I was there today for some good pastrami and as usual, they do not disappoint. I love getting a pastrami sandwich on rye bread with a little mustard and a potato pancake. I don't know what it is about their root beer, but Dr. Brown's root beer is my favorite when eating at Manny's. I know it's strange, it's something I've always done. The place can get pretty crowded but I try to make it there on a late Saturday afternoon and that always seems to be a great time to go there. The staff is nice and knowledgeable and everything looks clean. There are pictures on the wall such as the Mayor and the president having lunch, certain celebrities and so on, letting the public know that Manny's has been around for a long time and that if it's good enough for our fair Mayor, it's good enough for you.
(3)
Zach T.
This is a good place, but THERE IS BETTER CORNED BEEF IN THE CITY. It's at Perry's deli, and anybody that tells you different MIGHT have a dead tongue. There are also much larger and Cheaper sandwiches at Perry's. In fact, my entire review is tainted by the fact that I have eaten at Perry's. This place is indeed all the things that people say it is, but I'd say it's enjoyable in the way that going to the Billy Goat Tavern is enjoyable. Not anything mindblowing from a food standpoint, but one of those Chicago things you need to do at least once. It's very cool inside and very old-school. Lots of businessmen and Safety workers, and I even say the State comptroller Dan Hynes there the day I was there. The place is a cafeteria-style Jewish Deli with several sassy servers slinging plates of the specials and the standbys. I was there for one thing: The corned beef. I ordered 2 sandwiches. One for me with Thousand Island and cheese, one plain to go for a coworker. I also ordered a bag of Harry Carray's chips (AVOID THESE) and a Coke zero (Indeed nice touch having fountain coke zero). The total? $29. The sandwich I got did not have the dressing on it. I don't think they do that and the sanwich cutter didn't want to spend time explaining that to me, so he just looked down the line for another guest (I was the end of the line). The sandwich was very lean. Very lean and very dry, and the mustard on the table wasn't cutting it as a lubricant. My verdict is three stars in light of Perrys on the following factors: 1) Perry's deli has the best corned beef in the city. It's jucier and more flavorful. While a deli, Perry's has several more and more interesting Sandwich choices than Manny's. 2) Perry's deli, for a Sandwich and a drink is under $10. At Manny's a corned beef with cheese is $10.50. 3) For that price, the sandwiches at Perry's are much larger. I could not have chips at Perry's. There's already too much food. 4) Manny's is a considerable distance from the loop. Perry's is in the loop. There it is. A very Perry-centric review, but that's my gold standard at lunch and of corned beef, and I was lured to Manny's by the promise of the "Best Corned Beef in the City". One final note, there's a Manny's at Midway that I had eaten at before and thought that it couldn't be as good as the real restaurant. However, I'm here to tell you it's the same.
(3)
Liz K.
I loved it. Great sandwiches and I would definitely come back. Especially for the matzo ball soup!
(4)
Gefilte P.
I had the long-awaited pleasure of eating here a few weeks ago. It happily reminded me of Katz's in New York. The pastrami was possibly the best Ive ever eaten, with a dark, rich, surface carmelization that was new to my life-long appreciation of pastrami. The countermen and check-out lady were appropriately effective, funny and laconic.
(5)
Jim M.
As a nice Jewish boy from Chicago, I grew up going to fantastic delis where you found delicious food that would kill you if you ate it more than once a month or so. Mountains of fresh corned beef on corn rye, matzoh ball soup, potato latkes... Not exactly haute cuisine, but when done right, fantastic! Manny's, just off Roosevelt Road, is one of the last ones left. It's the real deal and is up there with the Stage and Carnegie Deli in Manhattan. It's better though because it has some nice Chicago grit and authenticity. Gino, the nutty guy who runs the corned beef slicer with the big mustache, is not an aspiring actor - he's all about the the corned beef! On every trip home to Chicago from San Francisco, I've got two two key culinary stops: Wiener Circle and Manny's!
(5)
Kathy C.
Went here for the first time today with the b/f and the last day before it expired to use my public radio 2-for-1 deal. We each had a reuben, which was way more food than we could handle. The sandwich came with a potato pancake which was perfectly fried and crispy. The corned beef was sliced extra thin and falling off the bread. Sandwiches were pricey at $12.50/each, but did each had a 1/2 sandwich to take along with us, so it wasn't bad. There is also a free parking lot in the back, or use their valet for free with a $10 min purchase. Street parking is plentiful and easy, but seems like a ripoff after the raised the per hour rates. Also, a great place for people watching, especially if you are into seeing Chicago politicos. Look forward to going back soon and trying something different.
(4)
Janet E.
Okay, I give this place a 3.5. Unfortunately I didnt get the full experience to sit and eat here. Instead I had to order ahead of time and do a drive by with a cab to pick up my order and take it home. It was -12 degrees that day and I wanted me some Manny's!!!!! First, this place is pricey!! I should have prepared myself but didnt think a large mac & cheese, 2 corn beef sandwiches, two potato pancakes, and a large matzo ball soup would come out to be $40!! The matzo ball soup was goooood. I dont know what matzo ball is made out of but I really liked it! The mac and cheese was also good. Good but not great. The potato pancakes were good too. Good but not great. And the corn beef sandwiches were...um....dry. I was highly disappointed. What is everyone raving about?? Is there some secret sauce in this sandwich I should know about? The sandwich came with great tasting pickles which I really enjoyed! But I was hoping to enjoy the sandwich more!! I'd be willing to go back to this place but I dont think I'll be having anymore corn beef for a while. Oh, by the way, the soup, pickle, and corn beef were pretty salty. So if you dont have a love for sodium, I'd suggest staying away from these choices.
(3)
blake d.
Manny's is a Chicago institution. The food is served cafeteria style, so if you're looking for a corned beef or pastrami sandwich, you have to squeeze by the ole fogies who are waiting for the daily specials up front. i usually get the pastrami on kaiser w/ pickle and latke. The fruit salad if quite delicious- ripe and sweet, which is unusual for a cafeteria-type spot. Sandwiches are pricey, but unless you're a heifer it'll last two meals. Gino is very friendly, has a few tricks, and always pokes fun of my friend who grew up with Manny's once a week. The only beef I have with Manny's (ha) is that it lacks any sort of atmosphere in the dining areas. I understand that it caters to the wham-bam in-n-out lunch crowd, but the space reminds me of a generic low-budge banquet hall.
(4)
Amanda L.
Almost tempted to make up with my Jewish boytoy I dumped in high school, the best sandwiches in Chicago.
(5)
Joseph B.
Just a note to those comparing Manny's to Katz's, Stage and Carnegie in new york - those places are primarily for tourists (second avenue deli, mercifully re-opened, is where you'd go if you want really good pastrami). hey, the thing is with the extended hours, Manny's is a pretty good place for the kids! the cafeteria style means you get the food right away, you sit wherever you like, and there is plenty of stuff for the kids, too.
(4)
Jake B.
Manny's is not just a place to go eat, it's a place to experience. First of all, it's set up cafeteria style (you get the feeling you're in 7th grade all over again, but in a good way). When you walk in, you get a tray and silver ware and then you can choose from a plethora of food. From cafeteria basics like spaghetti and meatballs and salisbury steak to deli staples like pastrami and chopped liver, they've got comfort food covered. But the item to get there is the corned beef on rye. It's sliced in front of you and then piled high on rye bread. I would recommend a potato pancake for the side (they give you a complimentary pickle with the sandwich) and I would recommend a Cel-Ray (a celery-flavored soda) to wash it all down with. They do serve beer there also. Expect to pay about $15 for a sandwich, potato pancake, and soda, but the the sandwich is large enough to eat half of it the next day. They have slices of pie and cake for dessert. At peak dining hours the lines are usually out the door but within about 10 minutes you're ordering your food. Also, there is free valet parking with at least a $10 purchase. At Manny's you'll get to experience old Chicago with a mixing bowl of comfort food-craving patrons and leave satisfied and ready for more sooner than later.
(5)
Stephanie A.
I once traveled 6 hours round trip, while living in PA, to get the best corned beef sandwich ever. Last week I traveled 10 minutes round trip, in my own neighborhood, for a corned beef sandwich that now eclipses my love of the old "Sammy's" sandwich. Manny's is the real deal Jewish deli/cafeteria. Its authenticity and old school style is all part of it's charm. The guys behind the counter are quirky and fun. Oh, and they have parking in the back, which may be helpful for anyone who attempts to eat an entire sandwich and needs a quick way home before the food coma sets in.
(5)
savannah i.
I didn't get the hype. It's basically an expensive jewish cafeteria. The food was actually good. But there is a dinner rush and we came after. Once they run out, they don't prepare more. I don't think I'll be going back.
(2)
Terri N.
I had a craving for a delicious sandiwch and Tony had taken us here for lunch one day. Seriously huge portion. Mounds of it. I mean get a sandwich and share it with another person. However, there are people who can scarf down the ginormous sandwich in on sitting by themselves (anticipating heartburn). It's cafeteria style. They have a chalk board filled with specials and it changes daily. If you're going for something beside a sandwich then you start your order at the front of the counter. If you're ordering a sandwich, you have to slide your tray and walk towards the middle of the counter. The server there was friendly and funny. Tony and I both ordered the pastrami sandwich (Hey, I didn't know how huge it would be until AFTER we had placed our order!). The sandwich comes with pickles and a side of potato pancakes. Beware a small bowl of strawberries can run you 3.50. Tamia loves strawberries so we couldn't pass it up. Adding a bottle of green river and water and our tab was about $30. Don't get me wrong the pastrami was GREAT but it was just too much. Maybe we should've tried something else like a turkey or roast beef sandwich. Plus $30 bucks for two sandwiches and strawberries? ugh, that's pretty expensive. I don't know if we'll make it back here, but if we do, we'll probably end up splitting the sandwich. ahh...our sandwich quest continues...
(3)
Robert C.
I've ate at Katz's, Carnigie's and Junior's in New york and it's really hard to compare with those places when it comes to the ultimate corned beef and pastrami samich. Here in Chicago, I don't think there is a better place for this type of sandwhich. Try their beef stew, knish without the gravy and a combo of corned beef and pastrami on rye. Their pastrami is nothing like Katz's. Manny's is more like a bacon texture and their corned beef is only lean cuts but you know it was cooked in a fatty stage, making it flarvorful. Anytime you need to go in that area, parking is a killer, but manny's makes it easy with their free parking. They guys at the counter like to jokingly bust chops, so don't just stand there...bust their chops right back!
(4)
Eric B.
Best sandwiches. Best service. Best atmosphere. This place can do no wrong. I grew up eating corned beef on rye and this place does it perfectly.
(5)
Ryan H.
Not much else can be said about this one. Great food. Hands down the best corned beef sandwich money can buy. Little pricey. Well worth every penny though.
(5)
Mori J.
I love Manny's. If you like hefty sandwiches of the fresh corned beef or pastrami variety then head over to Manny's right now. It gets really crowded so go at "off" times. Their hot entrees are delicous too. Now that they are open for dinner, my life has changed. Grab a friend, then a Manny's sandwich and two potato pancakes and head east for Grant Park for the ultimate picnic. The matza ball soup is great too. I wish they delivered so I could have it all the time. I like that it's cafeteria-style and that you pay after you're done eating. The ambience is total blue-collar roadhouse meets middle school cafeteria but everyone fits in. I guess everyone who likes plentiful and good food, that is.
(5)
Jordan V.
this place is old school. it's like katz's in new york. so yes, you will spend $20 for a pastrami on rye (served with a huge latke) and a cream soda but it's worth it and is, hands down, the best deli in chicago. i'm a firm believer in sticking to the basics when it comes to a deli, so i can't say that i've tried much more than the pastrami. but lucky for you, the coworkers i went with last are more adventurous than myself. two got the lox plate which i was informed was quite tasty despite its basic appearance. others opted for the corned beef in lieu of the pastrami - perhaps a better option for those of you who don't love greasy sandwich meat. the matzo ball soup was also universal hit. if you have any room left after the savory portion of your meal (say by getting a half sandwich and soup), you can top off with any number of sweets: pies, bread pudding, red jello. for those of you who don't venture south of the loop or west of wells, manny's is off of roosevelt road, home to the remnants of a once thriving shopping district. so unless you're looking for a large variety of handkerchiefs, some snazzy shoes which probably won't survive a chicago winter, or a good car repair shop, you might not want to budget for an entire afternoon. no matter though, the food at manny's is enough of a draw....and, you might get to see barack obama, who i understand is a faithful customer.
(5)
ron k.
corned beef on rye w/ deli mustard, a bowl chicken matzo ball soup comes with a potato latke (soooo good but soooo greasy) and this is the joint right here it is the greatest thing on the planet OMG... no really you want the killer corned beef on rye w/ chicken soup this is the place you don't need to eat it anywhere else ever again... it's like $10 for the sandwich by itself but when you see the mountain of corned beef they give you, you will have an aha moment in your life... damn i wish they were closer to palatine...
(4)
Stephen B.
loved the corned beef, as good as it gets! bravo
(5)
Marcel M.
This place is massive. They manage to stuff rickety tables and even rickety-er chairs into this joint. No frills massive. I've yet to see the place super packed. I've only been here super early though. The corned beef and/or pastrami sandwich is humungo, but only above-average. I still think it's the overhype that makes me give it four stars. If you've been to jewish delis in NYC, you'll think it's ok. If you thought Jewish Deli was short for the cold cut aisle at your local Jewel-Osco, then you'll be in for a treat. One thing, I never eat Matzo ball soup except here. It's plain jane, but tastes authentic and kosher. I know Kosher isn't a flavor, but imagine a ball of Manischewitz crackers sitting in chicken broth. yumm... Last thing, it's pretty pricey, so don't think you'll get a steal because your bread is smothered by the corned beef. You're paying for the poundage.
(4)
PJ K.
Amazing! Everything in this place is huge and wonderful. The corned beef, roast beef and pastrami sandwiches are HUGE -- basically a cow between two slices of bread. Condiments? How about some mustard and fresh horseradish at your table. Bagels, made the way God commanded His chosen people to make them. Hot entrees that are a throwback to a Jewish deli, c. the Roosevelt administration -- short ribs and brisket and gefilte fish and matzoh ball soup featuring matzoh balls bigger than a Clincher softball. (And, amidst all this old-schoolness, they have free wi-fi. Go fig.) Manny's is, near as I can tell, Chicago's best lunch counter: chaotic and foul-mouthed and delicious and fattening and wonderful. I've never had their breakfast, but something tells me it's more of the same on all counts. Plus, as a bonus, since it's a near-mandatory place for politicians and other celebs to see and be seen, there's a fair chance you'll be chowing down in the same room as Richie Daley or Barack Obama. Chances are, the counter guys hassle them about hurrying up, too...
(5)
Tara P.
Incredible. Huuuuuuuuge sandwiches. The potato pancakes are outstanding. The cooks aren't afraid to have fun with you. I've heard really good things about the mac and cheese and can't wait to go back and see if they're true. This is an institution.
(5)
Ingrid G.
The very definition of a rhetorical question: "Would you like a potato pancake with your half corned beef sandwich and bowl of split pea soup?"
(5)
lori m.
2 1/2 3 stars. I've been there many times over the last 5 years. If I'm in the mood for Matzo Ball soup, or chopped chicken liver I go here because it's a hell of alot closer to me than The Bagel ( which I like more) or the Onion in Oak Park. I like the old school feeling about the place, and the different people that go there. First of the food prices aren't that great. Second, the food often looks neglected. For example, the tops of the Matzo Balls look stale, there is a film on the top of the entrees from not being stirred, etc. Today the carrot cake was simply stale, the potato pancake ( which they charge extra for sour cream or applesauce) seemed to have been cooked a long time ago. I've had their corned Beef sandwhich.( $10.95 W nothing else) It looks so big because they put most of the corned beef in the middle for a visual effect, towards the ends it's quite skimmpy. and unsatisfying. Why do I still go? I like the chopped chicken liver basically, and keep hoping something else I order will be good. Also it's kind of fun to take someone there for their first time. But I'd say if you not in a hurry, go somewhere else.
(2)
Zack M.
Manny's has the best corned beef sandwich and best kishke in town. It is a super no-frills cafeteria and there is virtually no bus staff. Normally this would not bother me, but when I shell out $20 on a sandwich, a side and a drink, it should be noticeably better, especially in the water service dept. It is still worth the trip occasionally. **I had lunch one weekday in 2005 and while I'm chomping down, Daley and Obama sit at the table right next to me...
(4)
Evan L.
Old school deli the only one left in chicago. Not cheap but cheaper than a trip to the Lower East Side. No ambiance just great deli. Great corned beef, new york style pastrami and potato pancakes. Chicago version of Carnagies and Katz's with chicken soup.
(4)
Sheila Y.
Went today and had the best pastrami on rye that I have ever put to these two lips! The brisket wasn't too bad either. And to boot is an amazing potato latke that is a beautiful thing. If I were staying I would be at this place at least once a month. I will be having Manny's withdrawals in a few days. Boo!
(5)
Booda B.
Manny's, I know you don't need yet another five-star review, but I need to give one to you. Specifically, these five stars belong to your knishes. I miss them and their supreme deliciousness. Those knishes first seduced me when I was but a working girl of 14, and they haunt my dreams to this day. I will continue to visit you as frequently as possible so that I can stuff my face with various forms of potatoes and meat, but know that even when I'm away, you're always in my heart. Until we meet again, my dearest.
(5)
Rocky B.
Manny's brings back memories. My mom would load us three kids up in the car at the end of the summer and head over to Chernin's Shoes that used to be right there on Roosevelt. We'd get our school shoes and then head over to Manny's for some massive corned beef sandwiches. Manny's is definitely no frills. You get into the cafeteria line, order your food, they schlep it together, next you're at the register and then you're walking around the restaurant with trays trying to search for a table. Mmmm, those corned beefs were good tho...ooh and their potato pancakes...delish!
(3)
dan b.
Wow, everything I've had from manny's is the best, but it's expensive I had lunch there and dropped a $20, but I also had leftovers and the best corned beef sandwich in the city
(5)
Renato P.
Our answer to the New York deli . The place hasn't been redecorated since the 30's , the cash station in the corner is the only indication you are in the 21st century. BIG sandwiches , great corned beef, good pastrami, a large variety of sides from pickles to kraut and potato pancakes. They also have some stuff I'd never order there like egg salad and tuna sandwiches , they all looked fine but they are not made from cooked cow , so screw them. The Matzo soup was standard , the Turkey (the wife's leftovers of course) was good. If you come here , be hungry.
(4)
Sabrina M.
I've been eating at Manny's for years (LONG before Obama), of course, and it is still my absolute favorite deli in the city. Yesterday I had my favorite piled-high corned beef sandwich and a bowl of matzo ball soup. I truly felt like I had joined the tribe! ;-) My companion had the roasted turkey leg and it was also super scrumptious. We both left stuffed and happy. Manny's is comfort food at its best. Quick, delicious, uncomplicated. Just like home. I don't go there as often as I'd like, because my diet would consist solely of corned beef. But it is truly a treat and a treasure. Beat the crowds and go mid-to-late afternoon. And bring cash -- they are old-school and it's cash only. Enjoy!
(4)
Audrey T.
I feel like such a fartface for having put off going to this place for so long. Why? Because it is worth all the ravings. What a fun little place with skilled workers (who like to show off for you) and a weird assortment of seemingly random side dishes. The latkes are phenomenal. Valet for a cafeteria? Ok! The only downside - a little sssssssspendy for a sandwich joint. Whatever. I'll be back. I had a dream last night of their fresh roast beef on an onion roll. And you probably will too.
(5)
Gena U.
This is my deli of choice. Corned beef sandwich, piled high (on rye) with a potato pancake and a pickle. Can't pass a lunch like this, with such awesome corned beef. A bowl of matzo ball soup, which admittedly was too salty, but delicious. The day I went was free Eli's cheesecake slice day, and since there's no saying no, it just make the meal complete. Cafeteria style food of high and pure deli quality.
(5)
Jims L.
How wonderful is this! Even with the pictures, you'll be thrilled with the setup. Manny's is so much fun.
(5)
Tim B.
Manny's deli is an institution for a reason. For many reasons I guess...corned beef...potato pancakes...pastrami...the huge portions and old school cafeteria style... I believe it is humanly impossible to enter Manny's and leave hungry. Can't be done. It is a little pricey for simple sandwiches, soups and sides, but those simple dishes are served with so much love, care and passionate perfection that it is tough to argue with the high prices. And I like the idea that it is as it has been for generations and the idea that it might still be there in the same exact throwback way another generation from now. Go there hungry and leave happy.
(4)
Cece Lou C.
Its worth every penny! So SO SO good, Ive had friends that have been coming here for 20+years and they say its consistant and the best in town. I do not think It is over priced one bit for the location, quality and integrity. Go to subway if your concerned about your finances! ha!
(5)
Michael S.
Best deli in Chicago...period. Literally, from the old school hot tray items (like stuffed veal breast, turkey, beef stew), to the monster sandwiches Gino puts on a plate, everything here is top quality, and fantastic. Now, they even have a half sandwich & bowl of soup special, with the half corned beef still having enough corned beef to put a twinkle in an carnivores eye (sadly, the new year dictated I had to go with the turkey...at least for a while). Manny's is a Chicago institution that draws people from all walks of life, and definitely worth 5 big ol' stars. A bit pricy, but you get a LOT of food for the money.
(5)
Annie W.
Corn Beef Sandwiches!!! That's it and that's all!!!
(4)
Matthew R.
There aren't many places like this, even in the Northeast. The corned beef and knishes are some of the best I've had anywhere, including Philly and New York. Four stars because their brisket is actually terrible, but the other things I've had there outweigh this deficiency.
(4)
awesome H.
Best corn beef in Chicago. I only come here once or twice a year because well I don't want to get fat. They give you so much food and its all good. Parking is free in back!! That fact alone makes Manny's awesome. I do agree the prices are a bit high, but again they give you so much food here. Well worth checking out if you want a great corn beef sandwich.
(4)
Tony M.
manny's is not what it is lived up to be. The corned beef is just ok. I would say "bland" and not much to rave for. i haven't had other things but they are known for the corned, so I would think it's gonna blow the rest away. Service was nice but the food was nothing special.see what you think.
(2)
Vince A.
So why not be review 199 for the famous Manny's Deli. Went to the circus on Saturday with a large group and we decided to sneak over to Manny's for a quick lunch after the show. I was surprised to see it packed at 2 PM but goes to show how popular it is. Had my usual of corned beef sandwich + matzo ball soup potato pancake. The sandwiches are outstanding - loaded with meat. The soup is always hit or miss. This was a hit day, but have had misses in the past (my parents had the mushroom barley and said it was excellent). The potato pancake are always crisp and tasty. As a bonus, Eli's was set up giving away free slices of cheesecake. I normally run in to take stuff home on my way home from work and will continue to do so.
(4)
Robyn T.
Manny's has extended there hours and you can now enjoy a potato latke or some extra lean corned beef from 5 am - 8 pm, Monday through Saturday. I am proud to say that I have visited Manny's not once in the past week, but twice. How can I say "no" to a delicious, hearty and relatively inexpensive Saturday breakfast (with no wait thank you very much)? I can't. This Chicago institution is no frills but what it lacks in decor it makes up for in people watching. This cafeteria/delicatessen is a must visit if you want to see a part of Chicago history.
(5)
Steven M.
I have heard of Manny's for years, but I didn't know where it was? I wasn't sure what to do when I got walked in? There was a lot to choose from. So I jumped in head first. Brisket, mashed with gravy, green bean and a potato pancake. WTF! It was awsome. They gave me about 2lbs of meat. I had a roll and a piece of cake also. The cake was a little dry and was not neccesary. I think that I met Manny. He was very nice and grateful that we came out. I went with a friend and when I got the bill I thought I broke a window or something. 45 bucks!. No wonder it's empty.
(5)
Poupee C.
Did Obama really frequent this place? It was ok..for cafeteria style food. We had the corned beef on rye. The bread was really good, I must admit. But, I like my corned beef sandwich hot...but since this is a 'cafeteria' setup, our food was already sitting at the counter waiting for us before we even ordered it. The split pea soup was alright. And the potato pancake was good. We only came here just so that we could say that we've been here.
(2)
Becky W.
If you like classic Jewish deli food, that is where this place really shines. As a vegetarian, I was a bit intimidated by the mounds of meat. And the whole ordering process. if you don't want one of the pre-made sandwhiches up front like corned beef, you have to ask one of the surly old guys to make it. That was very scar y. SO I panicked and got a grilled cheese. LAME! And it wasn't very good at all. But... thats what I get for getting a grilled cheese at Manny's right? I ended up eating half of my friend's blintzes, which redeemed my love for Manny's. super delicious! And the potato pancakes are amazing. seriously the best I've ever had. (Sorry Grandma). Everyone else with me ordered ruebens, and they loved them. So I think we'd all go back, and love it. I'll just be sure to order something more traditional next time to avoid the disappointment.
(4)
Edward M.
I'm from Brooklyn, NY, and experienced some of the best deli food in the world in NYC. While at the University of Illinois campus in Chicago for a meeting, a group went to Manny's. Wow!! It was like walking into one of those NYC places. The aromas were addictive. Behind the counter was a line of old salts (likely Jewish) who engaged the customers and each other in constant banter as they doled out delicious, artery glogging food. Sandwiches piled high with corned beef, pastrami, etc., accompanied by deep fried potato latka. Died and went to deli heaven. I remember those NYC deli sandwiches piled so high with meat that you couldn't open your mouth wide wnough to get them in. Manny's comes close. It doesn't come cheap but it comes good. Damn, now I'm craving a Reuben.
(5)
Lois A.
If you have had the Pastrami sandwich from here and are also a huge fan of Chris Farley you will know what I mean when I say that I could not get Chris Farley singing "Fat guy in a little coat..." out of my head while looking at my sandwich. My two little slices of rye bread were on my Pastrami like David Spade's tiny blue blazer on Farley's massive frame. I want to give Manny's more stars but I can't because for only a few dollars more than my Pastrami sandwich I could have been eating the heaven sent Mango Mole and Pork over at Mixteco. I just don't think a sandwich + 1/2 sandwich and soup + two coffees should come to over $30 dollars. This place makes ANY other sandwich place seem cheap. I also wanted just a little more bread for my mountain of meat because the meat was amazing when tasted with the bread and without the bread it just tasted like heart attack. My matzo ball soup soup was good. I like that there are free coffee refills but after all that meat I couldn't even drink another cup of coffee. My favorite thing about this place...the pickles!!! Do not eat so much that you have no room for your pickles. That would be insanity. I ate three pickles today and if I had a death wish I would have had four. Any place that gives you more than one huge pickle is tops in my book if they taste that good. Bonus points for the free parking in back, that's a rare treat in this city!
(3)
Robert J.
I don't know if I went on a bad Friday night after 5pm, but I was very disappointed. The corned beef my girlfriend had felt as if it was out for a while and the pastrami I had was way too greasy. This place is way overhyped to me because of our president (still love him though). I've had better pastrami sandwiches than this. Won't be going back to this place.
(1)
A F.
I've heard about Manny's for years, but have never stopped in until today. I ordered the famous corned beef sandwich (on rye). The guy behind the counter looked at my strangely when I told him that I had never been to Manny's before. I asked him to tell me about the specials. The expression on his face was priceless. Nevertheless, my sandwich was huge. The meat was tender and not greasy. The rye bread was delish as well. Manny's is great. Try it.
(4)
Nathan R.
I have a love/hate relationship with Manny's. I love the food, especially the legendary corned beef and pastrami, but even the sides like the potato pancakes. I hate that I am forever ruined for eating deli sandwiches in my home town of San Francisco. I can't stop thinking, "well that was okay, but it sure was no Manny's."
this is old man food. not the so old you need to gum it kind, but the old man food which is served in big hearty man style servings, served plain and simple without painted on streaks of reductions and foams, served by young hearts with older shoe soles than Abe Lincoln that have been standing for years behind the counters serving thousands of sandwiches to those wanting it big, meaty and tasty, served on a plate to be put onto your lunch tray which you carry yourself to your simple table in a huge room filled with others lost in the world of unhinging mouths. pastrami on rye, corned beef, potato latkes, matzo ball soup, porn sized pickels and now all available for evening suppers with a cold beer.
(4)
Lon T.
Although Manny's is a bit out of the way it's worth the schlep. If you've been to Katz's in NYC this is as close as you're going to find in Chicago. Since I worked in a kosher deli in high school I think I know my corned beef from my brisket. For my first trip here I tried the split pea soup and half of a pastrami sandwich. The soup was standard but the pastrami was really good. This is also one of the only places I've seen in Chicago with Dr. Browns black cherry soda - my favorite. A solid experience and for about $15 you really can't beat it.
(3)
Shervene D.
I love this place. The employees are all so very friendly, patient, and eager to help. The food is THE BEST! The atmosphere is one of home. I spend too much money at Manny's, but I will never complain about it. You will not regret eating here.
(5)
Andrea R.
I bookmarked Manny's months ago and have been meaning to see what the big deal is. Growing up in Boca Raton, Florida I've had my share of good corned beef sandwiches and I'm not sure Chicago really knows what a good corned beef sandwich is (based on the other deli's in this city). I have to agree with y'all on this one...the corned beef from Manny's is incredible! I still haven't actually made my way into this popular deli, but I was lucky enough to attend a meeting tonight catered by Manny's. I actually went up for a second helping of corned beef...that's how good it was! The turkey was also pretty tasty and the tuna was incredible (& I'm very picky when it comes to my tuna). The food I had from Manny's tonight is definitely 5 star quality and I'm planning on visiting the deli for some more corned beef very soon...looking forward to seeing if their matzo ball soup is as good as the soup back home!
(5)
Tony M.
I'm stuffed. Went to Manny's tonight and ordered the corned beef. They pile on a ton of thin sliced, tasty meat. The sandwich is enough for two to share or one person with a big appetite. Prices were reasonable for the amount of food you get. My girlfriend and I each ordered a sandwich combo with drinks and the total bill was $35. The staff was friendly and joked around with us in line. Great experience and I will be back soon.
(4)
Brad O.
Insanely good pastrami. Better than Katz's in NYC. Killer latkes. Insanely expensive. It's a treat now-and-then.
(4)
Devon F.
Atmosphere was good. I had the corned beef sandwich, it was a good sandwich but it costs 12.75! A little too pricey I think. I don't know if I would ever go back due to the cost, but I think it was worth it to go there once.
(3)
Slu S.
This place is really spectacular. Nothing beats grabbing pounds of corned beef and pastrami from 60 year old men who flirt with your wife like crazy. After that, she can't get enough. She loves going there. Which is good for me too. I love the pastrami. Not to mention that every time that I walk in the door with Pastrami on my brain, I walk out with a full carton of great Chicago Deli food. Don't let the curmudgeons bring you down by saying that it can't touch New York. Just like those who complain about Chinese food not being as good as San Fran, Cuban as good as Miami, etc. Manny's is pretty darned good and the best part about it (besides the food and the old guys) is that I don't have to weather 2 2 hour delays at OHare and LGA to get it.
(4)
Holden C.
This is far and away the best deli anywhere! If you don't like it you don't get it. At its core, a restaurant is about food. And Manny's has great food. You can go with the standard Corned Beef sandwich, on rye, potato pancake. Or try the roast beef sandwich which is great. Kasha Varniskas is like grandma used to make. The soup is something special. There is a reason this place is so successful. They provide great food and great value (I did not say cheap) If a $20 deli lunch scares you, go someplace else. If you understand flavor and value (you get about a pound of corned beef for the $12 sandwich) PS.Ii am told there is an occasional groupon for dinner but I have not seen one.
(5)
Brooke T.
The pastrami is delicious, the latkes are just the way I like them (warm and with some crunch to them), and their horseradish deli mustard is so good, it's worth the trip over to Manny's (which is surrounded by a whole lot of scary-ass nothing) just to buy some, but here's the thing: 1. It's absolutely out-of-control overpriced. It's like a cafeteria where everything that isn't nailed down costs $2+. $12+ for a sandwich and a Green River is totally not what's hot on the streets. And you're getting nickel and dimed for everything. Want sour cream or apple sauce with your latke? You're paying extra. Want a whole sandwich? You're paying extra. I'm amazed they leave the mustard and other condiments on the tables, instead of charging you like they do for everything else. 2. It seems dirty or dingy and I question the food that sits out pretty much all day. The place is huge, and I've never been in there when it was packed (though I never go at lunchtime). I can't really speak on the quality of the pre-made entrees, because spaghetti and fish sitting under a heatlamp for eight hours doesn't really make me salivate. 3. There's definitely a slant toward regulars. The first time I had Manny's, it was at a work party. I hadn't seen the prices or set foot inside the actual deli yet, but the food alone was good enough to get me to make the trip. When I got there, I didn't really know the system and I definitely got some attitude from the slack-jawed goth impressario behind the counter - which I was totally not having. Thankfully, however, the women who got my drink/completed my ticket, and the older man who bussed my table were extremely polite and nice. The pastrami was some of the best I've had, but it wasn't worth $15 plus a heaping of attitude. There are better delis out there. Sorry - but it's true!
(2)
Stephanie Y.
Being that good little Jewish girl that I am, this is comfort food at it's finest! You can order A corned beef sandwich, but you will end up with something more like 2. Maybe 2 1/2 depending on how much those crazy guys behind the counter like you ;). They also have Green River. AND diet Green River. As if the corned beef & potato pancakes aren't enough! The old school cafeteria style is just part of it's charm. Manny's wouldn't be Manny's without it.
(5)
Nicholas H.
Few places in my book are well deserving of 5 stars. In fact, I love this place so much, that if you ever need a friend to go with - please do call me - I will come with. *wink* I went here for the first time on my B-day (March 17th) this year and have revisted twice since then. I am a sucker for a good Jewish Deli. Yet, not exactly the kinda place to find a good "shiksa." The women here - WILL - remind you of your mother. Prob. because the place exudes that small town VFW appeal. As for the food - UNBELIEVABLE. Its not Moto - its not David Burke's Prime House - its down to earth, simple, cafeteria style deliciousness. Its the kinda place you eagerly drive out of your way for. Personal Favorite: Corn Beef sandwich on Challah Bread, Potato Pancake and a bowl of Matza Ball Soup. (If you do decide to visit, Go with a friend.....or with me......and share a meal. Otherwise you'll want to curl up into a ball in the corner next to the lottery ticket machine because of over eating.)
(5)
Julie B.
YUM! Obama and I both love Manny's!!! This cafeteria style deli has everything you can imagine. I recommend the corned beef on rye thought - personal fav. Excellent corned beef sandwiches with a potatoe latke - come on! I was only able to eat half of my sandwich as they are huge. My friend Joni and I met here on Saturday afternoon. She was amazed that it was my first time. Expect a bit of attitude when you are gracious to the men carving the meat - but all in fun! Solid deserts, anything you can imagine from a good jewish deli without the frills. A bit pricey otherwise would have received 5 stars!!! ENJOY!!!!!!
(4)
Michael B.
I have been going to Manny's since I was a kid and highly recommend the corned beef sandwich and their potato pancakes. Their corned beef is lean and piled high and their potato pancake is out of this world! The sandwiches are big enough to split, which makes the cost more reasonable. Manny's is a great place to go if you are looking for a great deli with big portions. Also, there is parking in the back.
(4)
Will P.
Mannys is really expensive for just a sandwich, but its all about the experience as well as the awesome food. Where else can you get a pastrami and corned beef sandwich with INCHES of meat on rye bread. Its so good. Come in stay a while, feel the atmosphere, get yelled at by the employees for not knowing the line procedure, its all good.
(5)
Emily E.
FINALLY went there for the first time this past week. It was a cold rainy day, but when I walked into Manny's the soothing aroma of homestyle cooking made me feel all warm and cozy. I ordered a corned beef sandwich which was HUGE and amazing. Each half of the sandwich was the size of one of my fists. In addition, I got a pickle, AND a potato pancake. I always feel a little weird when I've never been to a restaurant especially if it's during a busy time like lunch, because I'm not sure how to order or where to go. At Manny's the staff (guys behind the counter) were friendly and didn't make me feel flustered. I ordered what I wanted and made it through the line smoothly. This place is really big, and there is plenty of seating. I'd say that a huge part of the Manny's experience is sitting in their dining room and people watching. If you want something filling and very Chicago, hit up Manny's. It's absolutely worth every penny.
(5)
E'stormae S.
Last time I was here was almost two years ago. Im afraid it wasnt as good of a trip as it should have been. I got there bright and early (dad taught me to go early to get best food). I had gotten the stuffed breast of veal($12) and it was cold. I'm sure that the situation was that they had made it day before, but had not warned it up enough to serve yet. Their solution was to microwave it. I drove an hour (with gas prices @$4/gallon) to basically get leftovers get microwaved. They offered some mild apologies but I still felt really ripped off. I'm not expecting a free meal out of it.. but something? They could see it was COLD. refrigerated cold. not something I was making up. Place has gone downhill compaired to what it used to be. My dad used to be friends with the original owner (he passed away some time ago). Now its I think like the grand kids running the place and basically they're just resting on their laurels. Its good still.. just not as great as it used to be. I'd still give it top stars out of loyalty. I miss the old people who were there though. Loved the red headed lady at cash register with missing fingers.. she was a gem... always so sweet to us when we were kids.(a lot of people treat kids like they are the adults 'child accessories'). Its funny how much this place has changed. Every 5 years or so they added on space to it. If you go there with somebody who knows the place... they can show you where. Funny store.. When I was like 8 years old.. somebody ask us (my family) what (ethnic group) we were.. and I piped up.. 'we're jewish!'. My dad explained to me that just because we go to Manny's all the time.. doesnt make us Jewish. They have a large menu that you cant go bored with. They have stuff you can get every day, and stuff you can only get on certain days. I always judge Matzo Ball Soup here cause it was my first love. Sometimes, we would get them to substitute the chicken broth with beef broth. These days they look at you really funny when you ask for that. Dont freak out with the prices. Yes.. they are expensive for a dinner... but the food is really worth it. Most of the time, the portions are extremely large. For instance, the corned beef. Its got to have about a pound of meat on there. You could (and should) split that sandwich and get another dish to share (be sure to get an onion poppyseed roll instead of rye bread). Every thing I've had there I have like with exception of liver and onions. It was just tough and the flavor was not great. Not a huge liver fan, but I gave it a shot. Every thing else I've eaten there has been just plain awesome. Over the past 40 years, I've had: Corned beef, pastrami, burger, reuben, pickles, potatoe pancakes, kinish, kishke, stuffed breast of veal, ox tail stew (they did this before it was popular!), short ribs, short ribs with prunes, pepper steak, salisbury steak, meatloaf, stuffed cabbage, stuffed green peppers, corn beef hash (when they slice the corned beef.. they use the stuff that falls for this), beef sew, whitefish, fried perch, kasha n noodles, mac and cheese( they change the noodles in these two dishes a lot). Im sure there are more, but I could not find them on the menu. I recomment every thing i've had except liver and onions. Bring a friend and be prepared to bring home leftovers. Check about credit cards before going. I dont think they take all of them. Dont forget to buy a little chocolate mint before you leave.
(5)
Colin E.
Be afraid. Be very afraid. Somuchfood. I will only eat once today as a result of going to Manny's. When I stepped up and ordered a portion of BBQ Beef, the guy behind the counter could barely hold in his joy as he handed me a water buffalo-sized portion. "Hope you're hungry", he said. Oh, and it came with mashed potatoes, bread, and a side of vegetables. However, it was pretty darn good. My girlfriend got herself the beef stew, which came with golf ball sized chunks of potato, beef, and various vegetables mixed in...and it was delicious. On my next visit, I'm going to have to try their famous sandwiches, as they state that they have gluten-free bread (Huzzah!) and they look equally obscene. The menu is fairly deep, and I'm confident that I wouldn't have a problem finding something good there...and I'm sure I'd never leave hungry.
(4)
L C B.
With over 550 reviews it is hard to write something different, the place is an icon. But coming in the place at 10 am, to get sandwiches can be a bit different since everything is still being prepped to bring out to the warming trays. But they were up and running and the slicer was humming, and I realized that machine was the heart of the program! I asked if I could take a few photos and the guy just laughed, "they don't make the machine anymore, they take parts from old broken ones to fix this one!" Keep slicing Manny's!
(5)
Lord Of T.
Manny's is the real deal!!!! The potato pancakes are great, so is the corned beef, etc., etc... I've been going there for close to 30 years. Some things have changed, and it is for the better. They're open until 8pm now, they take credit card and they serve beer! (O: If you go during the week there's a good chance you'll see various Chicago "political royalty" while you're in there...... so you may need to take a shower to clean the slime off after lunch! :O)
(5)
Steve M.
What can I say that hasn't already been said about this staple of cured meats and Jewish food on the near South Side? The corned beef sandwiches are massive and oozing with flavor. Matzo ball soup starring softball-sized matzos and steamy delicious penicillin-y broth. The potato pancakes are like crusty delicious hockey pucks, crunchy on the outside with a perfect starchy blast of potato goodness. Make sure you get a sour cream tube and cup of apple sauce too. The staff are almost telepathic - sensing which delicacy you're zeroing in on, and quick to dole out the delicious. Enjoy watching local folks peruse, dine, and converse with one another, and maybe even grab a Manny's t-shirt on the way out. This joint has been around since 1942! With food this good it's easy to see why. Here's to another 73 years.
(5)
Bill W.
What's not to like about Manny's. It's your classic Jewish deli. Corned Beef, Pastrami and Matzo Ball Soup along with a latke. You can't go wrong.
(4)
Tasha F.
Ok. I did not have a typical deli sandwich, although the pastrami looked delicious. I really wanted some bread pudding so I had that and a BLT. For the newbies, they have free valet and free parking in the rear. You walk in order your food, get a ticket, eat, then pay. The BLT was not near to average for a deli. I think they use miracle whip and called it mayo. It was too sweet. The lettuce had a taste, even though it was from the head. Maybe the head was a little aged. The bacon was good, very crisp. The bread pudding was underwhelming. It was served cold and very eggy. You can play the lotto inside.
(3)
Shannon N.
Seriously, the best darned corned beef around. The pastrami is fantastic too - and the potato pancake... yum (especially with applesauce!). Kugel is really great, and a tasty knish as well. Can't go wrong with all the Jewish classics here! Gino is the perfect example of service with a smile, and Manny's is always my first stop after flying into Chicago. Apple slice is a slice of perfection too. ;)
(5)
J R.
Corned beef sandwich and Potato pancake are fantastic!!! (Ralph) try oxtails on Thursdays and matzo ball soup
(5)
Dyer B.
BEST REUBEN SANDWICH ANYWHERE. HANDS DOWN. The atmosphere is pure lunch line cafeteria. Very old school. It is not for the squeamish as you are greeted by a man with a large pile of red shaved meat who asks you two questions...what sandwich do you want and what bread? After that, he reaches onto the meat and begins to pile huge handfuls of meat onto your bread, which no one should ever eat in one sitting unless they want a massive coronary. When he's done he adds a grease laden taste of heaven potato cake on the side. There are other choices on the line, but why even look? Fantastic. I also had desert. The bread pudding I had is made on site, just like all of the deserts. It was just like homemade. This is a Chicago staple. You can get Manny's at Midway airport, but it is worth the trip to the downtown location.
(5)
Michelangelo V.
Honest review: the only place in chicago that is like a new york deli. The best corn beef and pastrami sandwich. Its like a typical cafeteria setting not like your typical restaurants plz be mindful of that because i saw a couple that were confused. They have all sorts of other foods not just sandwiches like short ribs pasta and things of that nature. I always try to try something new but always end up getting a pastrami. The atmosphere isnt fancy or nice its a normal diner type of place. There arent any waiters its just u sit and u eat and somebody cleans up. Only problems are wish food would me warmer sometimes its cold. Wish food would be more fresh sits there all day. Sometimes food can be really salty. and plz toast the bread only takes a second Food: pastrami sandwich omg its so good theres so much meet its incredible theres so much meat what i like to do is when i eat all the bread i make a sandwich with the potato pancake. Its not salty or supper fatty. Really tender not dry. I like with an onion roll because i think it tastes better then the rye bread. Doubt anybody in chicago can make a better pastrami Corn Beef sandwich: i have had alot of corn beef sandwiches in my life and most of the time there either to salty or to much or a pickling spice flavor that can be really sour. Then theres times where its old and supper dry. This is not ur typical cheap deli corn beef that u just give to the dog. Its perfect u would think their Irish. Potato pancake: this is one of my least favorite things here. Sometimes its really crispy which is good other times its greasy. Sometimes theres no seasoning so it doesnt really taste like anything. Other times its old. I wish they did something to make it better. soup: need to get it with matzo ball and keploch this is the best soup i ever had nothing really fancy just simple plane soup that if your sick will cure u in an instant. Only problem is the soup could sometimes be supper salty arancini: i dont think thats the name of it but its like it. Its mash potatoes fried and filled with meat and comes with gravy. The mash potatoes has the perfect texture not over cooked . The gravy tastes really good its really rich and really thick. Theres so much meet that it really is filling. Bread pudding: i love bread pudding this isnt my favorite its okay nothing special no wow factor just really simple. Its not to sweet which is good. All in all i love this place been coming here for years know the owners really is the best deli in chicago
(5)
Krysia Z.
It was the best pastrami and corned beef sandwich I have ever had. That being said wow it is pricey! Loved their apple pie, the kids love their salami sandwich. Overall delicious food but expensive. We paid $70 for a family of 4
(4)
Dan P.
This place is sweet. Ive been to a few delis that claim to be great, but this one actually fits the bill. Their menu is pretty straight forward, with some interesting specials through out the week. I had the corned beef because who doesnt love corned beef? Their corned beef is thin sliced with little fat, its not chewy at all. I also has a potato pancake which was awesome. Great texture and flavor. A green river soda (hell yes) and a slice of cherry pie to top it off. Everything felt and tasted home made. Their cafeteria style tray system is fun. You get a tray, run down the line, and your food is crafted before your eyes in a split second. A guy I was with had the ox tail special, and says its amazing here. I'll take his word for it. Its a tad expensive, but whatever. Worth it.
(5)
Jane M.
Wow, don't go here if you're on a diet, do go here if you want really delicious deli food and hot meals. The hubby, 2 friends and I trekked here after the Blackhawks Stanley Cup Victory Rally yesterday and believe me, we were happy we logged the extra mile + from Soldier Field to have the home made deliciousness that is Manny's. I had an enormous Brisket sandwich, hubby had the corned beef sandwich, we both raved. The rest of our party had turkey salad sandwich and the turkey dinner plate. All helpings were piled high, couldn't finish our meals. Friends at nearby tables took huge homemade cookies home with them. Yes, we will be back. Loved the old-school water "glasses". They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and have been fishing since 1942. Long live Manny's!!
(5)
Bobblehead B.
If the walls could only talk in this place!!! Just a fabulous spot for people watching in Chicago. Anybody may drop in from the President of the United States, the Mayor, a Governor, a former Governor on trial, or the regular Chicagoan, Joe and Jane Sixpack. The place is historical. Cafeteria style. Great Deli food. We do not have many Jewish Deli's left in Chicago. Manny's always had the highest visibility. It does not disappoint. Great Corned Beef , Pastrami, Roast Beef, Turkey. Salads...a great selection. Daily specials. A Chicago classic.
(4)
Don K.
Nice and clean for as old and busy as this place is. Enjoyed a stuffed cabbage with steamed spinach and boiled potato on the side. I went "old school" instead of a corned beef sandwich which looked delicious BTW. If you can find on the street parking it is definitely worth the visit. And bring a good appetite because the portions are generous!
(4)
Mark H.
Ahhh Manny's... a landmark for all things Chicago. From the exterior signage saying "Chicago Since 1942" to the caricatures of "Da Bears" accents serving you from behind the cafeteria line...this place is def a must visit spot for tourists and even for young locals looking to experience a piece of true vintage. If you remember the Daley era, many politicians then paid regular homage to this place and probably brokered the City's future in the back room. Manny's proudly displays photos on the walls of some of the local elected officials. One photo you can't help but to notice is of a Chicago nobody, that rose to ultimate political stardom, with his big naive smile before he left for Washington in '08. The 1/2 corn beef sandwich and soup is very popular. The meat is fresh, not salty and perfectly tender. The matzo ball soup, other than Max's, have the best seasoned broth and matzo's amazing thick:fluffy ratio. Truly a science. Don't stop there. Add a potato pancake and a pickle. Push for the side pasta and finish off with a slice of cherry pie all within an arm's reach. And as you roll out of this historical treat, you can smile knowing that there are still places like Manny's left where you and your grandmother's generation both have shared memories.
(5)
Shannon S.
Manny's is a Chicago staple and for a good reason. This is comfort food to the max! There's really no better place I can think of to nurse your hangover, cure your cold, or mend your deep dark emotional wounds (everyone has those right????). My husband and I like to go together, over-order, and then share everything because the portions of everything are gigantic. I once made 3 meals out of the corned beef sandwich. This is also a great place for family's with children. They have a magician on the weekends for dining entertainment. For some reason I never remember this but am always pleasantly surprised when he rolls up table-side with his bag of tricks. The menu is so diverse I can't imagine a situation where someone would not be able to find something to fit their tastes. Favorite foods: - Matzo ball soup - The best! I sometimes go in just to carry out some matzo ball soup so I can eat it all day on a weekend in. - Corned beef sandwich - An obvious choice and also a mountain of corned beef. - Potato pancakes - A must! - Beef stew - Noodle kugle - Kreplachs - Scalloped potatoes - Bread pudding The list really goes on and on. Every time I eat at Manny's I want a little bit of everything and of all that I've eaten I have NEVER been dissatisfied. Note to the Manny's newbs: Grab yourself a tray and silverware when you first enter and move down the line cafeteria style. Also, don't try and pay the first person to ring you up. You'll get a ticket from the first register and then pay at the register by the door on your way out.
(5)
Paul M.
I'm sitting in California 2000 miles from Manny's and am salivating! Got a trip to Chicago planned later this year and Pizzaria Due and Manny's are the only two eateries on my short list. Working in outside sales many years ago in my youth, I fit these two fine eating establishments into my schedule just as often as I could. Haven't been to Manny's in several years and visiting their website gave me hunger pangs for a Reuben and pickle. Only plan on one lunch there and a dinner at Uno's then will be eating salads for the rest of the stay. Damn! Gotta keep my doc happy (satisfied) with the cholesterol count. One meal at either Manny's or Uno's is a week's worth of fat and calories but worth all subsequent sacrafice.
(5)
Nick N.
Quick review: Food: Good quality, the Reuben was good, no fatty pieces in the corned beef. Price: LORD HAVE MERCY! There ain't a deli this side of the Mississippi with prices even close to Manny's. Be ready to take out a second mortgage if you're taking a date here. Staff: God-awful attitudes. I can care less how long you've been around and how "prestigious" you think your restaurant is, don't be a complete jerk to your customers. I went in there for the first time and did not know what they had to offer and needed a few minutes. You'd think I parked my car in the middle of the restaurant the way they treated me. Overall: It tastes the same as any other decent quality deli in Chicago. I ate there once just to say I ate there, and I see no need to eat there again. Side note: my dad was in the fire academy 30 years ago. Manny's was right next door to the fire academy. Him and his fireman class ate there once, and none of them ever stepped foot in there again. I guess some things never change ;)
(1)
Misty S.
I came here to try what others claimed to be the best Rueben. My first thought was, no, that's Boloney (pun intended). There is a nice size parking lot in the back of the restaurant offering free parking to customers. Not to be confused with the parking on the side of the building with the giant sign that says not to park there for Manny's (I appreciate the sign). I felt like I was stepping into the 50's when I walked it. There's a board that displays all the daily specials. It's cozy and inviting on the inside. You can grab a tray and walk down the counter to see the food offerings. Besides their signature Rueben, they have other sandwiches and hot meals (e.g. stuffed peppers). After you get to the end of the line, you get the bill for your food but you don't pay for it until you exit through their mini store. So, back to this $14 Rueben - it was good, jam packed with meat and good flavoring, but I don't think anything can top the Reubenesque from Boloney's for me, especially for half the price. The soup with Matzo ball was good and the pecan pie was decent. But the Rueben with the $14 price tag is hefty for a sandwich. That's not how I roll. Roll, get it? Nevermind...
(4)
Rob J.
There is such a special feeling at Manny's of jumping into the past when these types of cafeterias were everywhere. Alas they no longer are, but certainly Manny's was one of the best then and now. It's very much like a New York deli, but in the kinder, cleaner city of chicago. :) Great matso ball soup, pastrami, corned beef, and...my goodness...the potato pancakes are out of this world!!!!! Make sure to pick up a couple packets of sour cream for them. Yum yum yum!!! Don't ever hesitate to stop by, people watch, and eat great food at Manny's. I hope in 2042 it'll still be here and run in the same wonderful way it's run now. Great classic informal dining.
(5)
Sean N.
Quick Review: Solid ruben and potato pancake. Have no problem spending $ on a meal but after adding a drink and desert, spending +/-$20 for lunch was a little much for an average meal in my opinion. Wouldn't rule out going back but don't see it happening anytime soon.
(3)
Mike Q.
It's always a pleasure coming in Mannys and I love the beef stew and corn beef sandwiches and of course the bread pudding.
(5)
Lucas A.
This is Cafeterias style food served by old guys that seem like they were time-warped from the 1940s. The portions were HUGE! My wife's beef stew was better than my Salisbury steak. Lunch was kinda pricey at 45 bucks, but we enjoyed it. We would definitely go again.
(4)
G.d. C.
My 'go to' spot, for sure ! The best old school comfort food I know of. A true, classic, deli. Headed up by my man Gino Gamboretta, resident corn beef slicer extrordinare. A meat emporium of favor/taste. Enormous portions. Ironically, for a decidedly 1940's decor, a place to see and be seen, particularly for the political set (Think Presidents, Governors, Mayors & well connected/known deal makers). Not for your diet, although the salads are awesome.
(5)
Kimberly B.
Wasn't a very big fan, myself. The food was overpriced and not very good, in my opinion. Some of the friends that I went with loved it! I had a turkey reuben, and it was just okay.
(3)
Food S.
Quite possibly the best corned beef on the planet. I have been to deli's all over the country and nobody does corned beef like Manny's. They also have one of the best potato pancakes I've ever had my life, they don't need applesauce or anything they're great on their own. Gino the chief sandwich maker has been there for 25 years plus. When ordering, tell Gino you want a hot corned beef on rye ask for the fat it's delicious. Now watch what he does with his big fork and pickle trick.
(5)
jasen w.
Been to this place three times already. Always left satisfied. Prices are a little above average but you do get plenty on the plate and the workers are friendly. I believe Geno is one of the servers.
(5)
Terry S.
What can i say-- one of the perfect cafateria style delis left.. As good as it gets.. 1/2 corned beef & krepla soup
(5)
Pedro L.
Been here a few times. Don't get the fuss. It is an old dirty cafeteria that serves homemade food in gigantic unhealthy portions. The food isn't bad, but it's not amazing. It's not comforting and blowing in my ear and distracting me from shooting my arrow straighter than John Boy, or whoever Robin Hood was trying to challenge in that arrow shooting contest. Oh, Kevin Costner, who can't you play? That being said, it's not bad either. Decent lunch spot. A bit overpriced, but they make up for that in portion size. The corned beef hash wasn't gross, but I wanted it as a small side, not a 3 lb serving. Dried out my mouthpiece. Maybe add gravy. Not a healthy option, but an option none-the-less. Who am I kidding? I'm a nobody to give them advice. They'll be here serving presidents long after I'm contemplating suicide while I'm connected to a dialasis machine. I've had the pastrami and corned beef before. Not too shabby. I like Perrys deli better, but whatevs. Quick tips: Parking in the rear (ha), be ready to order only 1 thing (huge portions) and you pay on your way out after eating,
(3)
Jake L.
This is another place I've been coming for 20 years. One thing I would recommend that no one talks about is the roast beef sandwich. It's rare and very juicy, which is just the way I like it. The pastrami is also some of the best you'll find in Chicago. Also, Manny's beef stew is just like mom used to make, and very comforting. And if you like potatoes like I do, make sure to try the potato pancakes. The sandwiches can be expensive, but are well worth it for the quality and portion size. If you have any room left, there are plenty of dessert options available.
(5)
Sany N.
A cute family owned and operated business! For a first timer, I know this won't be my last. I only eat paltry so I was a bit scared when I entered a place that is known for their pastrami. However, they have two types of turkey! Turkey pastrami and regular turkey. I got the regular turkey because the turkey pastrami had pieces of peppers in it in addition to pastrami mixed together. I also got the onion roll and its a small dinner roll seasoned with grilled chopped onions.. delish! The turkey and the onion roll together was flavorful enough that all I did was add a touch of mustard with each bite. I also got a taste of their chocolate chip cheesecake which I know is purchased from Eli's cheesecake. A famous local cheesecake bakery in Chicago. I love how they support local small businesses. A must try! Its quick, cheap and flavorful. The atmosphere reminds me of Portillos. I'll be back!
(4)
Padma A.
another freebie down the drain after checking in. Pass by this place all the time and today had to pick lunch for a friend @ Rush Hospital. The order of corned beef with side of potato pancake was @15+. I am told food is good here. When i was playing with my phone later i noticed a free potato pancake for my check in. Darn!!
(4)
Andrew B.
Maybe I missed it or it was just too hyped but this place was just ok. I had the pastrami sandwich and soup. There was nothing special about the pastrami and the soup tastes like miss Grass. Plus it was $14 for a half sandwich and soup. Way overpriced. With so many good offerings in Chicago, skip this place.
(2)
Lisa A.
There is no one like Mannys. No. One. The corned beef is hands down the BEST , THE best! in all of Chicago. Same for the pot roast. OMG...the pot roast....I am still trying to figure out what it is they do to the pot roast to make it so good. Portion size? I measured the Reuben I got once. It was 12" tall. Take that Panera and corporate branded plasticky delis! If you have not tried Manny's yet you are missing out. This is a no frills, no corporate by product deli. Mannys is an institution in Chicago. No nonsense. No fancy schmancy. Just honest to goodness, solid delish. Quality fill you up to the top!
(5)
Negro B.
Fourth time on a Friday I have been there and they don't have fried smelt again I think Mannys is riding on their reputation they had six items that I wanted to order on their menu and they were already out of either someone's not doing their job or they are riding on their reputation it's 509 they close at eight and they're out of half their menu for Friday unacceptable I wasted my time again
(1)
Meredith K.
I used to frequent Manny's for lunch about 12 yrs ago. I'm happy to report that the quality and taste has remained. About the only thing that I can see that's different are the prices. That being said its still a great value. I've only had the turkey pastrami on rye w/ the occasional potato pancake and/or matzo ball soup. You get a ton of turkey!! I usually get a to-go bag for the extra meat and make a little sandwich out of it. Everything is fresh and delicious. The people are very friendly and helpful. This last time I finally tried some of their desserts. We had a slice of caramel cake. It was like a cake version of Fall. I felt like it was back-to-school time. Very yummy. I like that they have parking in the back so we can come back for lunch or dinner again. This time I won't wait 12 years.
(4)
Claudia D.
Huge portions. Get a half sandwich --- you will be stuffed!!! The husband enjoys a half sandwich with soup. I like the turkey pastrami half on the with dark delicious horseradish mustard, lettuce, tomato, and onion. I'm not a fan of Manny's potato pancakes which are served cold. I find them too greasy. The iced cookies are ok. You go through the line asking the servers for your items. Do not step into the line until you have decided upon your order. Read the signage, you are expected to know what it says! At the end, your order will be rung up and you will be handed your bill----don't lose it. Get your own silver, napkins, water, condiments. Choose a table, sit down and eat. When you are finished, take your bill to the cashier by the exit and pay! I recommend Manny's when you're craving a 'real' deli sandwich---but remember this is NOT heart healthy food!!!! Street parking, or use the little lot behind the building and south of the Marathon gas station. Restrooms are clean.
(4)
Lauren D.
KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID...KEY WORD: "SIMPLE!" If you are seeking fancy dishes of eggs, such as, eggs Benedict, poached, or frittata, don't bother coming here. It's simple food. It's a simple menu. It's simple service. Manny's keeps it super simple! There is nothing pretentious here. This is the kind of joint you come to when you want hearty comfort food. You can create your own omelet for $9.95 by choosing up to four ingredients. I ordered the jack cheese, onions, and ham. It was fluffy, light, quality ham, not greasy, and worthy of 4-stars. The omelets are stuffed with your choice of vegetables, cheeses or a variety of meat choices. They are well-known for their made-from-scratch corned beef hash, so I ordered a "side" of this for $3.95. It was excellent and high quality meat. This was plenty for two or three people to share, so we shared. The coffee is strong and robust without the bitter aftertaste, and coffee refills are plentiful. A classic breakfast evokes casual morning comfort. Sure, it's nice to be fancy, but sometimes, you just want to roll out of bed, run your fingers through your bed hair, and venture out for some cheesy eggs, strong coffee and a no eye-rolling attitude. If you are expecting decadent, over-the-top breakfast fare, stay home. You are not going to see the following items on their menu: Eggs Benedict topped with tenderloin steak, real lump crab meat folded into an omelet, savory crepes bathed in a white-wine or lemon-sage cream sauce. Got a major hangover? It's also good food to cure your katzenjammer (hangover). This is not a fancy foodie joint filled with hipsters wearing dark sunglasses after a night of heavy drinking (although we spotted three who were obviously nursing a katzenjammer)! Manny's has all the makings of a quintessential breakfast spot. They serve up huge portions, inexpensive prices and ridiculously quick service. The breakfast menu features traditional bacon and egg platters, pancakes, oatmeal, cream of wheat and fresh fruit. Also, this is a great spot for vegetarians. The servers are no-nonsense, keeping customers' cups full of hot, fresh coffee. They're not exactly reinventing the wheel here. Manny's is a classic choice with a no-fuss, unpretentious attitude. My breakfast came to $18 and change (excluding tip). My friend enjoyed her oatmeal with fresh fruit, a side of potato pancakes, and thought the coffee was exceptional. I went here with someone that I met through the Chicago Foodie Meet-Up group. The Chicago Foodie Meet-Up group hits up different restaurants once a month. No, we do not get "Free" food; we actually pay for our meals. Therefore, we can be more objective when writing a review. ;D The kitchen could easily grind down over time under the weight of lunch and breakfast services, an ambitious but simple menu, and the endless hamster wheel-of-room-service obligations. When people think of Chicago most people may think of Al Capone, John Dillinger, the prohibition era, beautiful architecture, the famous Chicago fire, Water Tower, Lake Michigan, the Magnificent Mile, Chicago style deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs and crooked Chicago politicians. The same can be said about Manny's restaurant. It is a Chicago institution that has been around for decades (you know, just like corrupt Chicago politicians). It defines a Midwestern stick-to-your ribs hearty breakfast without all the B.S. that other restaurants seem to offer in order to justify their insanely high prices! Hey, "Debbie Downer" Yelp reviewers, if you want a cheap-ass, low-quality breakfast go to Denny's or the I-HOP. Maybe it will impress your date ;D Manny's restaurant has accomplished a loyal following of Chicago locals, but it has definitely become a destination for tourists who have discovered that you don't have to spend $30 to eat a hearty, solid breakfast near the Loop. Manny's has managed to keep a cult-ish following over the last several decades from Chicago locals to suburbanites to tourists. Good simple food, simple menu, exceptional coffee, affordable, solid 5-star service, and simple philoxenia. Manny's definitely keeps it simple! What the fook more can you ask for?
(4)
DEALS D.
BEST CORNED BEEF AND PASTRAMI SANDWICH EVER. the place is a chicago institution. Will be bringing my fiance and my kids here soon. Been going to this place since I was a kid. Nothing changed. Still the best.
(5)
Monique B.
So glad I came back to the original. The corned beef is soft and moist and delicious. The portions are crazy. The potato pancakes are perfection. And the staff is the friendliest and most welcoming and helpful group of people ever. I've been going here since I was a kid and I had my very first corned beef. I'm so glad the original hasn't changed in all these years!
(4)
Daniella B.
Had the pastrami on rye. It was really good! I don't know about $14 good but definitely good. Piles of pastrami overflowing a rye bun. No lettuce, tomato, or onion but they offer plenty of horseradish and mustard at the table. It can be overwhelming when you walk in. Lots of signs, menus and food right at the door. I ordered the pastrami because it was a deli and that's the first thing that popped into my head.
(3)
Eric A.
I won't go anywhere else, but Manny's, for hot pastrami and a potato pancake. They are the best. The pancake is seasoned JUST RIGHT. And the staff is great, also. Mmmmmmmm.
(5)
Vik K.
Eeks! Plates piled high with processed kosher meat?? No wonder the cancer and obesity rates can get so high in today's age. Avoid this place, and go to Chipotle around the corner and eat fresh, organic food & meat which has never been processed!!
(1)
Michel M.
This is what happens when determination meets thunder; when spunk meets Garfunkel. This is the kind of meal people fly planes into buildings for. Too soon? Check your pacemaker at the door, they've got their own industrial pumps.
(5)
Mud B.
Grab a tray and go down the line at this deli. You tell the guys behind the counter what you want and they serve it up on a plate right there and then. Entrees are first, then there is the sandwich area. Geno is slicing the meat and giving a little sass and a smile. A little further down are traditional cold sides and desserts, then drinks including beer and wine. You get your check (PAY AS YOU LEAVE) and you eat up. The sandwiches are huge so you will probably need it wrapped up (go back by the person who gave you the check and there are people to wrap it up for you.). I love to get the pastrami/corned beef sandwich. I find if you do all pastrami, it's too much. The sandwich comes with a potato pancake. I get a second one. I have a HUGE appetite and I tend to eat both pancakes and half the sandwich, taking the other half home. There is parking available and sometimes there is free valet. You never know who you might run into. I once walked out as the governor was walking in.
(5)
Angela S.
Not sure how I'm able to write this review because I died and went to beef heaven! Love the cafeteria style. The place is also super clean and huge! Tables are nice and spaced out so after you're blown out from eating that delicious, honking sandwich you can spread out and not worry about bumping bellies w/ the person dining next to you. It was a bit pricey, but I don't know where else you could get something as traditional in the city. I'll forever be craving this joint.
(4)
Allan C.
Came in jonesing for a corned beef sandwich and got my usual: Corned beef on rye with lettuce, tomato, and yellow mustard. Meh. It was ok. The corned beef was more salt than any other spice. It was pretty chewy as well. When you have a huge mound of the stuff, that can get pretty unwieldly. You're definitely paying the markup for the fact that it's been around for a really long time. I wouldn't object to coming here again, but Chicago's gotta have better places than this. C'mon.
(3)
David M.
About the best place around when it comes to real deli food....a bit on the expensive side, but you'll probably get more than you can eat in one setting. My 'go to' lunch here is the pastrami...hot and spicy...excellent.
(4)
Ben S.
People, the world is so hard and life only gets more and more complicated so when there exists something like Mannys which is a beacon of hope to every man woman and child and literally all things good we must cherish it and keep it sacred and definitely, definitely not talk shit about it on Yelp. Best corned beef sandwich in Chicago, maybe the world.
(5)
Lotoyus H.
Ate here tonight for the first time as I was in search for a good corn beef sandwich. I did my yelp research as well as Google & Mannys was the place to go. Me & my 10 yr old daughter went for dine in. We ordered the corn beef sandwich to share and a potato pancake. Unfortunately I was unimpressed. The beef is sliced thin and piled high on rye. My expectations are from growing up in Milwaukee & eating at Jakes Deli. I expected a thick & moist sandwich. I couldn't get past the thin & dry. Ohhh I forgot we did order sauerkraut as well which helped with consumption. Potato pancake, it was alright. So if any of you yelpers know of place in town that serves a thick & moist sliced sandwich, please direct me. Mannys I may see you in my near future to check out your breakfast menu...
(2)
Jon F.
... Rounding down from a floating 3 / 4 stars. I want to round this up to a 4 star but I just can't do it. I can't find enough there. I visited Manny's on a strange-ish night before dinner really hit. Since there was no line I had some time to look over the menu and get the dealio even though I knew the SO and I were getting a Reuben and a Pastrami. The items out looked pretty good and the menu looks decent, but absolutely nothing fancy. When the flavor is good that's what counts though. I came in as a Reuben aficionado looking for the "best Reuben in the world" - according to other reviews. I got an A-OK, pretty darn good Reuben. Plenty of meat for a healthy, full helping... but not anywhere near the gorging portions other people are claiming. As far as the texture of bread, the helping, the flavor and moistness of the corned beef, the flavor in the thousand island - there are many places that do it all better. Good, but definitely not great. The pastrami was good. Really darn good... but while having a potato pancake as a side might fill your belly your mouth might be looking for something more. A small side of coleslaw would be a great addition for a sandwich that seems like it drives a lot of business. The potato pancake with the sandwich was hearty and good. We also had the mazo ball soup and a pecan pie that were pretty good, but not too notable. Circling back to value for your money - the prices here aren't bad for Chicago, but I'd rate it average at best on value. You can get a bigger, more creative, and while not "classic" ultimately better sandwich at Lucky's in Wrigley for half the price. Cafeteria seating did not bother me one bit. They have a bus boy taking care of anything that needs tending to, so things are in top shape. Don't ask for water (unless you need ice) at the pre-cashier - there is a funky water fountain machine with paper cups where you can serve yourself water just inside the eating area. The serving line and pay system works great if you know what to order - but if you are clueless the menu won't be much help and you might be stuck holding up a hungry line behind you. Service from all parties was fast, efficient, and generally friendly though. I swear I don't joke when they get some good weight on their score from the foot-handle to open the bathroom door. No gross hands, yay! In the end, maybe a visit for some beef stew or some of the other goods would help bump them over the hurdle to 4 stars for me, but I just can't find it right now.
(3)
Economic Far Right W.
Love this place, there is nothing exactly like it anywhere. If you have some time to kill, both the employees and people hanging out there are funny as hail. This is the only deli, I ever remember not feeling the least bit rushed at. Prices are sky high, but they pile on the food. Really liked the mac n cheese and the beef stew, and potato pancakes. They sell a ton of corned beef, would have ordered but it was a bit overwhelming, that should be 3 meals.
(5)
Wanda C.
I went to Manny's after work I bought 2 Corned beefs on rye and it was DELICIOUS!!! Full of DELICIOUS meat and the service was the best I've EVER experienced the 2 lovely ladies were so nice they smiled and helped me I just wanted to kiss them both on the cheek... I recommend Manny's to everybody go in and sit down or order to go it was fast and DELICIOUS and they have other tantalizing tempting food as well. My husband and I will definitely be back soon... Sorry I didn't take a picture we were to busy eating...
(5)
John L.
what can I say - $ 14.00 for a corned beef sandwich - YES! Place hasn't changed in the 40 years that I have been going there. Although confined to California for close to 20 years, I still get the urge to visit when I travel back to the Windy City. My wife had never been here before - and while going down the line of the steam table - holding all the wonderful goodies that only a Jewish deli can offer - she asked if she could purchase "just a little - a taste" of the noodles and cheese that sat inviting just under the glass of the sneeze guard. The response from the paper hat wearing cook was - "we don't serve little - that's not who we are". Of course, after finishing her meal - the left overs could have provided sustenance for a family of four for a day or two. Yes - it is a little pricey when you compare Manny's brightly lit menu board with the "dollar menu and more" that McDonald's offers - but hey - where else can you dine under the newspaper clippings touting visits by none other than Barrack Obama - or sit next to the David Axelrod table. I bet 'Da Mayor himself has even dined here occasionally.
(5)
Angelica G.
This place is delicious! Love the cafeteria style buffet line. They give you so much of one serving you'll have enough for dinner. Meatloaf & pot roast is unbelievable! !!! Really clean, staff is really nice & welcoming. Come here with a big appetite. It has an old original atmosphere in the dining hall, first they ring up your order, then you pay after you eat at the 2nd register on your way out. :) you will not be disappointed
(4)
Paul T.
I decided to have lunch at Manny's today after reading its good Yelp reviews. Some personal factors to help others judge the usefulness of my review: I watch my nutrition carefully, particularly calories, to stay in top shape and weigh 135 lbs., so I don't need to eat a lot of food. With that in mind, I knew a lunch at Manny's wasn't the best idea, but I need to cheat occasionally. My lunch consisted of half a pastrami sandwich on onion bun ($13), potato pancake ($1) with side of applesauce ($0.50), piece of apple pie ($4), and a fountain soda ($2.50). I was warned multiple times that since I didn't want the soup, I would be charged as if I had ordered the whole sandwich. I just didn't feel like having the empty calories from the matzo ball. I was surprised at how little food I was getting for $23 ($2 for Chicago sales tax), given that everyone on here seemed to rave about portion sizes. Perhaps those reviews are outdated. I realize I didn't optimize my food/$ ratio by getting a whole sandwich, but it's still egregious to spend $23 to eat in a cafeteria. The food itself also wasn't noteworthy and my pastrami was cold by the time I sat down to eat, another pitfall of the cafeteria style. In summary, I do not recommend Manny's.
(1)
Jordan C.
Visited Chicago for the first time last week and was lucky enough to have been taken to Manny's for lunch by my co-worker. What an awesome experience. You feel like you're taking a step back in time once you pass through the door. Ordered a classic pastrami on rye which came with a hefty pickle spear and a tasty potato pancake. They don't mess around here, be prepared to eat a good pound of pastrami. Finished my plate with ease. I'll miss Manny's the most.
(5)
Alex B.
Manny's was o.k., but it does fall short of Deli greatness. Love the interior and the overall vibe. 5 stars. Kind of like the old Valois in Hyde Park before their trendy makeover. Nothing fancy here, but it does feel like a small piece of history. Also, they do have Dr. Brown's, which is definitely a requirement for an establishment of this ilk. Now, while I understand that this is a cafeteria, with plenty of food options (chicken chop suey was a daily special when I recently visited!?!?) I will keep my comments focused on the two primary reasons why you come to a classic place like this - Corned Beef and Pastrami. Both were ok, neither were great. Pastrami lacked the real punch of garlic which is a requirement and it was also just too tough. Pastrami is normally fatty, but it shouldn't be this tough. Corned Beef lacked the flavor it normally has and was just kind of bland. Also too tough, just like the Pastrami. Good news though, pots of horse radish on the table. Bad news, dull and watery mustard as well. So, as a native Chicagoan I shudder to say it, but you want a good Corned Beef sandwich, go to New York. Not sure you can get a good Pastrami any more since Pastrami King closed in Queens, but I hear Fumare in the French Market is doing some good things.
(3)
Andrew T.
I will agree with the litany of friends and family that appear to have rated this place before me, but I don't think I am quite as excited about it as they are. Manny's is good - that's not in doubt. Jon T is right - their pastrami is better than the corned beef. My beef stew was good, with big chunks of veggies and very tender beef. But it wasn't amazing. And to boot, this was all a little expensive for what it was. Granted, the portions of items like the sandwiches are truly massive. But my beef stew wasn't large on that order, and it ended up being something like $13, $14. Maybe it's the place that threw me off - it looks like nothing fancy (and that's fine with me) but it might have subconsciously set my expectations as to price. So would I go back? I think I would. There's plenty of stuff to try. But I would have my expectations set correctly - and I would plan to take half home.
(3)
Dana C.
One of my favorite restaurants in the city! I take everyone here - family, significant others, guests from out of town. The food is delicious and the cafeteria-style service is fun. I recommend the "mile-high" pastrami sandwich - you literally can't see the bottom slice of bread because of the massive pile of meat on top. Also delicious: the matzo ball soup, the latkes, and corned beef. Go hungry, leave happy.
(5)
Albert M.
NYC has hundreds of deli restaurants that are world renowned. Everyone has their favorite. Carnegie, Katz, 2nd Ave. Deli, Stage, Wolfies, etc. LA has a few renowed delis. Everyone has their favorite. Langers, Factors, Nate and Al's, and Canters. Chicago has one. Just one. One deli that is everyone's favorite. One deli that keeps the people coming back. If the third largest metropolitan city in America only boasts one famous deli, it must be great, and it is. This is a cafeteria style place where you order your sandwich to the guy behind the slicer and watch it be made. Where you fill a tray with all the amazing goodies they have to offer from the soups to sides to sandwiches to desserts. Manny's is great!!! I get the corned beef on rye, mac and cheese, and pie with a giant soda. It is truly a midwestern institution that stands in the pantheon of great delis from the midwest with Shapiros from Indy! PS- When the food festival Taste of Chicago takes over the city in August, Manny's is the most popular booth, not because of deli food...but because of the turkey leg...the only thing they make...turkey leg. Other places at the taste make stuff you can get everyday at their respective permanent locations, Manny's makes something they only make once a year special for the food festival
(4)
Allen F.
This place is such an old school staple in Chicago, love it. I always get the meatloaf and leave happy. But everything I have ever tried has been hearty and delicious.
(5)
Jon T.
Ms T and I visited Aunt Sue and Uncle Mike in Chicago for an exhibition at the Art Institute. We had had a good lunch at The Gage and decided to stuff ourselves with a few pounds of corned beef and pastrami at Manny's. Manny's is a classic place. You go down the line and order. They have an assortment of hot food to serve up from baked chicken to brisket to hot turkey to stews. It all looks good, but I came for corned beef. Ms T ordered a Reuben, so I switched to pastrami. The sandwiches are huge. It may just have been the night but my pastrami was much better than the corned beef on the Reuben. The corned beef on this night was undercooked. It was just not tender. I also felt that the cure was pretty mild. It would be very good cooked to the proper point, but it will not overwhelm you with spices. My pastrami on the other hand was excellent, more flavorful and very tender. We wrapped up half of each sandwich and they actually made it back to Missouri with us the next day. They did not go to waste. Uncle Mike sampled the hot turkey which was fine. I guess the same could be said for Andrew's beef stew. Look this is not fancy food, it is gut warming stuff and turns out to be exactly what it looks like. I think I will stick with the corned beef or pastrami. I can make better beef stew and turkey at home. This is a great fun place, very genuine.
(4)
Chris O.
Manny's is flat out living off of it past laurels. The massive sandwiches we got were lukewarm and unexceptional. They just didn't have much taste. On a positive note, the sweet potato pie was very good. Overall, there is no way two bland deli sandwiches and a slice of pie should have cost $38 unless you like paying for nostalgia. Of all the places I've eaten in Chicago, this is the only one that truly made me feel ripped off. This place is ripe for a food reality show makeover and lower prices. I don't care how long you have been around and how many long-term customers you have if your expensive food tastes below average. Save your money and get better, and cheaper, food somewhere else.
(2)
Beth K.
Oh Manny's....only my Mom would want to go to Manny's for her birthday. Came here on a Friday for lunch, was pretty busy per norm. Doesn't take long to get through the line. For those who have never been, it's cafeteria setup. Like being back in school, you grab a tray and pick tell the nice men behind the counter what you want. We went with the usual...corned beef sandwiches, on rye. Potato pancakes and a side of kishke or maybe it was a knish? I don't know, I didn't eat it. The sandwiches are bigger then me, which isn't saying much. I could barely get through half of a half. I swear there was a pound of corned beef on that thing. The corned beef there is really good though, tender, not too fatty. My Mom swears by the potato pancakes, they were good. I am just not a fan of them in general. Oh and if you check in on your Yelp app, you get a FREE potato pancake! As an added bonus, they sell lottery tickets there! I was feeling lucky, since it was my Mom's Bday and I bought 3 tickets. One for my Mom, brother and myself....my bro and I didn't win, but my Mom won $20!! Bday luck for sure. Wish I could say that the $20 covered the bill, but no chance. I wouldn't say Manny's is cheap, I think a corned beef sandwich is $12.00. I will say that is absolutely worth every penny though. Plus the people watching is great there!
(5)
Erica S.
People might be tempted to complain that the sandwiches are too expensive... But have they seen how enormous they are? Consistently amazing corned beef sandwiches consistently delicious potato pancakes. The staff is always friendly and will treat you like a regular even if they've never seen you before. My recommendation: buy the 'oops' cookies they're delicious, just a little weird shaped, and like half price.
(5)
Lisa C.
Don't fall for the potato pancake scam. They give you a potato pancake with your sandwich without asking, but you have to pay for it. I wouldn't mind if it tasted good, but it's very oily and has no flavor. Other than that, they have the best pastrami in Chicago.
(4)
Christina F.
I am so glad I found this place, it was near my work and I finally had time to check it out. The corned beef/pastrami had layers and layers of meat on a simple rye. The layout is a little confusing, lunch counter looks like a buffet but everything is ala carte. You pay while they bag you up-- they remembered to give some mustard which was nice, the kosher pickle was awesome, and the cream soda I got to go with it brought me back to simplier times. It was almost $15 for a sandwich, so I wish there was better value but in terms of taste, it was great.
(4)
Andrew N.
Absolutely love tbhis place, best and only Jewish restaurant in Chicago . don't leave until you have the apple pie.corn beef sandwich and a knishe
(4)
Chuck T.
Read some "interesting" reviews of Manny's lately, so I thought I'd add my two cents: Admittedly, Manny's is no Vegan Health food restaurant. Instead, it is a local institution that is preserving a traditional Chicago way of life, while simultaneously remaining a solid place to get great, huge, old-fashioned pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. A bit pricy and cholesterol-laden? You bet! (My wallet and heart can't take a steady dose.) So, want a cheaper sandwich? Go to Arby's. Worried about your heart? Try their fruit and salad specials. Found a better product in NYC? Well, bet you don't like Chicago deep-dish either. But for an authentic Chicago meal that tastes great and fills you up, head to Manny's!
(5)
Sean K.
Excellent Jewish deli. The corned beef is great. Only drawback is that it's expensive.
(5)
Kelly S.
I was so disappointed!!!! I ordered two Pastrami sandwiches to go. $31.00!!!! Ok, so I know it will be great. When I got home and opened them they were half the size of what I saw people eating at the restaurant and our pastrami was full of fat! I went to The french marketplace in the train station recently and Fumare's Smoke Pastrami was to die for!!! $8.95 for a whole sandwich piled with juicy pastrami! I will never go to Manny's again!!!
(1)
Mark C.
1/2 Sandwich Soup 11.95 went to cashier 12.95 they charged me a dollar for potato cake. Keep Classy.
(2)
Chelsie P.
I was searching for a place to have corned beef and I decided to try Manny's... It is quaint, but my sandwich left something to be desired. The meat was a little on the dry side and the noodle soup tasted like Campbell's. I was hoping for a more homemade taste... The portions were extremely generous and the food wasn't bad... It just wasn't stellar either. Middle of the road for me.
(3)
Laura G.
Love this place.... I had the corn beef sandwich and it was big enough for 2 people to share. The corn beef was amazing. Service was excellent. I will definitely visit again.
(5)
Majid M.
always a good place for a classic cornbeef sandwich. almost comparable to newyork deli's.
(4)
John F.
It just doesn't get better than Manny's! This unique old style steam-table cafeteria lets you see the actual food you that can be put on your plate, just by asking. No menu needed. That's called immediate gratification. The portions are huge. The food is like the great memorable home cooked meals your mother or grandmother used to make. To me, the humongous corned beef and pastrami combo is the best sandwich in Chicago, but either meat in a sandwich by itself is awesome. The old style kosher style pickles are great complements, but the best companion is the thick potato pancake. Even their deli mustard is the best. Yikes! Try the short ribs, oxtail stew, or beef stew with real mashed potatoes and thick gravy. Of course there is chicken, fish, liver, sliced turkey, great roast beef sandwiches (sliced right before your eyes) and daily specials. Oh, and if you're craving a salad, their salads are made to order right in front of you, just the way you like them. Try the yellow cake with caramel frosting for dessert or the hand made decorated sugar cookies. The staff is friendly. The atmosphere is casual. The owners are hands on and always present. One trip there and you can understand why they have so many regular customers. Oh yeah, breakfasts are just as good as lunch and dinner (try the lox egg white omelet.) Once you take a customer or friend there that person will visit you more often and make the not-so-subtle request that you return to Manny's. I reread this and realize I sound like I work there. No, I don't. It's just when you find a capable and honest mechanic, a plumber who fixes things right the first time, or a restaurant that suits your tastes perfectly, you cherish it. John F
(5)
S C M.
All I can say is - this is "home-cooking heaven" - love the short rib and even the desserts are just like my mom makes it. And the pastrami and corn beef is great. Everyone of the people who served us are unique characters and focused on getting us the food we want...and we've been back once a week for a month...in the early afternoon. Not sure if the service would be so great when they are very, very busy...but it's great when it's quiet. Try it!
(5)
Rick E.
Corned Beef Rueben is the BIZNESS!!! Best corned beef sandwich I have ever had! They put a little corned beef on rye bread with cheese and kraut and toast it. Next they pile handfulls of freshly sliced corned beef sky high. I recommend sharing this beast of a sandwich. They will cut it in half for you and give you a pickle and thousand island dressing. Get your food, Grab a seat, pay on your way out.
(5)
Doug R.
I've been going here since I was a kid and the food is still amazing. I think a lot of the cooks have been there for a very long time, which helps, so you know the food is just as good as it's ever been. Corned beef, roast beef, steak, mac and cheese, spaghetti, it doesn't matter what you get. It's always great.
(5)
Adam L.
I first ate at Manny's when I was probably 6 or 7 years old. I've been hooked since then and it is always my go to spot when in the area. There aren't many restaurants these days that make deli and comfort food classics with old time family recipes, which is why Manny's is so great. Another plus at Manny's are the employees. It is hard to find restaurants that have the same employees for so many years and who get to know the customers like they do at Manny's. Two thumbs up and five stars! I love Manny's!
(5)
Jennifer Q.
Holy cow. This place was awesome. I love that I felt like I was on an episode of Seinfeld. It's a totally old school looking cafeteria style place...but the food is superb! I ordered a pastrami sandwich on rye and a matzo ball soup. I don't even remember what my coworkers ordered. It didn't matter, as we all loved our food and the overall experience. The pie looked really good but the portions are so ridiculous, we did not have room for dessert!! It was a little "pricy" for a soup and sandwich, around $18, but consider it a splurge for some of the best "deli" food you are going to eat. To me, it was worth it for the whole experience! Great place!
(5)
M K.
This is a Chicago landmark. I grew up as a kid eating here and I hope to take my kids here one day. I always get the cornbeef sandwich which is enough for about three people. The beef stew is also excellent. If you don't know what to get just ask one of the over friendly employees that make this place so special. I forgot to mention how good the carrot cake is. You should just get it.
(5)
Rick F.
A must stop joint in Chicago, the history, the presidents and local politicians, the mobsters, the guidos and thugs. This is where all of them and every class of folk comes together. I have a thing for corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, i seek out the best place in every city and make a beeline when visiting. The rude factor here is much less than other cities the people are just too friendly that are waiting on you. I was hoping for less. The matzo ball soup excellent, the potato pancakes horrible. The corned beef good. I'm sorry yelpers but the pastrami was just not good. I'll stick with the corned beef sandwich moving forward and try other things on the steam table which looked appealing.
(4)
Peter D.
I want to give it four stars but it was just a little too much for the experience. $2 for a Dr. Brown's? $13 for Pastrami on Rye? Compared to Katz's in NYC, I guess this is slightly cheaper. The difference is Manny's pastrami ain't as good as Katz's. This place further proves how great Attman's Deli in Baltimore is...offering their pastrami at $6.89 a sandwich. That being said, I love the ambience here. It's totally classic Chicago and closely resembles Katz's in the cafeteria experience. The sandwich was pretty massive, I will post a picture when I get the chance. I was able to save a good portion of it for dinner the next day (this still does not justify the $13 pricetag). If you come here with another person, definitely split one sandwich. I guarantee half of it is a regular at most other places...hell they give you extra bread!!! It's also in kind of an awkward location on the cusp of industrial wasteland, UIC, and to its south Pilsen. I think I'll stick to the east coast delis for pastrami but I'd come back for breakfast.
(3)
Michael G.
Best corned beef & pastrami in Chicago. One of a kind in Chicago. And Geno & Kenny make you feel welcome. Pricey but worth it. Bring your appetite! Please keep everything the same.
(5)
Andrew P.
Can't go wrong. Your great deli with good food. a bit pricey, but flavor and experience make it all worth it. Corned beef on rye a must with the potato pancake, pair with matzo ball soup, and wrap with slice of pie. Heaven.
(5)
Ron S.
Manny's is a Chicago institution. It's true that we are not as fortunate as NYC when it comes to deli's. So we have to seek out the good purveyors of corned beef and pastrami. (When it comes to sub shops we can go head-to-head with any town. ) Everything that's been said before is true; expensive, crowded and no atmosphere. But...Ohhhh the sandwiches. If you go for lunch you probably will only need a light snack for dinner so maybe they aren't that expensive after all. The standard order for my wife and I are a couple of pastrami & swiss on rye with potato pancakes, one kreplach and one matzo soups. Add a couple of sodas and the bill comes to $43. You get a huge amount of food. It actually may be wiser to just get one sandwich and ask for two potato pancakes and you'll still leave satisfied. For those that whine that there are dozens of delis in N.Y. that serve a better corned beef, well good for you! Chicago isn't as fortunate. But then again we have REAL pizza...
(4)
Christina F.
Is it possible to eat one of their reubens in one sitting? I really don't think it is. They are huge! But I mean, they better be for the price. I think I paid around $12 for my sandwich (I have had ones just as big and good in NYC for half that). But Chicago is not NYC and I get that. The sandwich lasted me about 3 days for lunch and I was staving when I first got it. It is opened faced and loaded with meat. They give you the thousand island on the side which I really appreciated because I usually don't say anything. It kept the bread crispy toasted for the time it took me to eat it. The man behind the counter also talked me into getting a potato cake. I forgot the real name of it, but it was super good. I was hesitant about getting it, but he made me a little plate with a little piece of it and some of the corned beef and roast beef for me to try. It was a pleasant surprise the service was so good. Will definitely be back when I get another reuben craving!
(4)
Hauwei L.
Manny's is a Chicago institution known for their huge corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. Rightfully so, the meat is delicious and there is enough to, as my friend Jeff puts it, "make an auxiliary sandwich if you have any extra bread." Their matzo ball soup is delicious too. Old school charm and friendly staff make this a must visit. Their menu is expansive and I'm looking forward to trying some more of it.
(5)
Deena D.
I want more Mannys's, please and thank you. I had a coworker tell me the East Coaster in me would love this place so we stopped by for lunch. Definitely different from what I was expecting - walk in grab a tray and order up! We decided to go big and do pastrami & roast beef on rye, I definitely could have split this but "I'm a big girl, I need my own plate" syndrome kicked in momentarily. Oh and if you check in you get a free potato pancake (there goes my summer diet - checkyalater) The meat was perfectly seasoned, this ain't no Subway. I would definitely check out the half soup & sammy deal next time and check out their matzo since it's gotten good reviews as well. Do me a favor as well and get yourself a Dr. Brown soda as well (my personal fav is Black Cherry), you''re not fully embracing the experience without it! Large cafeteria seating and casual which was easy in and easy out. Pay as you leave and yes the total bill for 2 comes to $35 but well worth it, get that 'ish to go and you've got dinner for the rest of the week. Oh and don't forget the spicy mustard.....
(4)
Erika G.
Where do I begin? To tell the story of how great a love can be . . . The sweet love story that is older than the sea . . . The simple truth about the love Manny's brings to me . . . Where do I start? With apologies to Andy Williams, but for someone who loves Reuben sandwiches as much as I do, Manny's is Mecca (with apologies to Allah too). It rivals Brett's Kitchen for Best Reuben in Chicago - but don't tell Bretts, I don't want them to fight. Headed here for a li'l pre-Valentine's day nosh - and nothing says romance like a fist-sized Reuben, baby! In MY world, anyway. This sandwich was literally like jamming a fist into my mouth - and then chewing and swallowing. Mmmmm . . . sexy, sexy meat. And I love the little bonus potato pancake that is standard issue with every Reuben. Perfectly made. Could have used a bit more kraut, but there is never enough kraut for this Kraut. Fun to scan the crowd for lunching Chicago politicos. Was very thankful that we got there before the rush - the line was already to the door when the tour bus pulled up! Seven star companion had a chopped liver and pastrami - I'd never had chopped liver (What am I?!), so this was my maiden voyage into that yid-dish (apologies to M. "7*" S.). I think it needed brown mustard. The pastrami though, yum - and even a little amuse bouche of pastrami, on the side, with the pastrami sandwich. Yum. There is so much good stuff you could eat here every day and not get bored. You might need a new wardrobe of comfortable pants with no waistbands, but dammit - you'd never be bored. So much I wanted to try - but after all, I am just one woman with one stomach. I want to come back for the goulash, the mac n' cheese, the SALAMI SANDWICH! And now to retreat to the couch with my leftover Manny's Reuben for dinner . . . ahhhhhh, I Feel Love (with apologies to Donna Summer)! And plus . . . Obama loves this place. That alone makes it wonderful.
(5)
OG W.
I had the opportunity to eat here for lunch the other day, and I was blown away. This reminded me of the food I would eat back in Detroit. All of my Jewish friends parents would be impressed with the authenticity of Manny's. It's a little expensive for what it is, but the portions are insanely huge. I'm not giving it a full five stars because of the price range, but if you can get past the cost for a cafeteria you will be blown away.
(4)
Vincent Y.
Great, great, great. Finally stopped by here. I ran 14$ for a latke and a corned beef sandwich which is certainly over my ordinary budget and the meat was particularly dry BUT SO MUCH FOOD. It's diner-style, it's fast, it's plentiful--if you're in the area, pay a visit. I won't say they make spectcularly delicious food but if I'm in the area, I'd like to take a trip to this classic.
(4)
Gary W.
I have been coming to Manny's for years. The corned beef sandwich is the best in the city. I also like the cherry coke.
(5)
Jeremy D.
WOW... Everyone is that much of a Sheep? Manny's... "World Famous"... "Rivals NYC..." Look, I'm from Chicago. Hands down... One of the WORST Reuben Sandwiches I've ever had. B I G doesn't mean good. When I'm paying $15 for a SANDWICH, I expect that it is FRESHLY made. I don't expect a "pre grilled sandwic"h (with the swiss, kraut and SOME corned beef already in it) to be grabbed off the steam table... Put into a paninni press so it is RE-GRILLED, pulled apart and have pre-sliced and room temperature corned beef to be loaded into my sandwich. Served also with an incredibly STALE and been "sitting for too long" potato pancake. Industrial grade, from a 2.5 gallon jar, Russian Dressing... OH... And a very decent pickle (didn't screw that one up)... For $15! Am I lying? Go watch them make the sandwiches! Maybe at 11:45am, the Reuben is different, but at 3:15p on a Saturday, this is when you DO NOT want a Reuben sammich at Manny's. Oh, and if you are going to charge another $3.00 for a bottled soda? Yea, I want it ICE cold and not "sir, this is how cold they are" bs... "care for a glass of ice?" No, no ice, thanks... I want a 34F soda straight out of the bottle. I want two FRESH pieces of bread piled up with Kraut and Swiss that wasn't pre-made at 10a and still waiting for me. I want my meat piled up at the same time and sliced FRESH, like I can get at Katz Deli in NYC. I want the WHOLE THING grilled together and not some half-assed "pre-make this and grill it" BS that you do. For $10, I can get a VASTLY better Reuben at three other joints in town. I don't care that you have been here since 194when-the-hell-ever. The food here is terrible and the experience isn't all that either.
(1)
Ron N.
Good but we had a Pre- made Rueben that was cold. Matzo ball soup was excellent. Potato pancake was also premade sitting in a bin and cold. Ranked behind Corky and Lenny's in Cleve. Ashkenazi and 14 th street Deli in Chicago and Chompers in Phoenix. Good stacked sandwhich but no trouble finishing my own. Might have had trouble finishing a second sandwhich. It was good but have had better.
(4)
Nektaria R.
Not sure if I really like this place. I've never been a fan of cafeterias, cringe, Amundsen flashback. Maybe I'm just not a fan of deli meats. Not really sure. The sandwiches are huge and God forbid if you ask what kind of bread do they have. They do not have wheat or anything healthy. The guy behind the counter really snapped at me when I asked what kind of bread they've got (kind of funny if you ask me). I really don't know how anyone can eat a whole sandwich. I really don't think it's possible. I got a corned beef on whatever bread he wanted to put it on. It was so huge, I think I ate a quarter of it. I didn't care for the potato pancakes. Not sure what they should taste like but if cold, greasy potato creation is it, then they nailed it. Tons of desserts. Those were pretty sweet. Couldn't decide on one so we shared a couple (cherry pie and chocolate cake) - very good, sweet and fresh. Not sure if I'd go back. Maybe, if only to share a properly prepared sandwich with a friend - definitely without my husband since knowing how picky he is, we'd get thrown out for sure!
(3)
Patty S.
I love the old school cafeteria style and the honor system where you pay on your way out the door. This is definitely a no-frill, old school place that's all about the food. The best part is that you get to see exactly what you are ordering - from the beef stew to fish fry, and, of course, their most loved corned beef sandwiches. I wanted to order a plate of everything, but we ended up with the matzo ball soup, the corned beef & pastrami combo sandwich on onion roll (bc I don't like rye), and a slice of apple pie. The meat was piled on a mile high and there was no way I could have fit my mouth around that so I knife and fork'd it. (I know I'm probably offending someone as I'm typing this.) The corned beef and pastrami were so thinly sliced that they just melted in your mouth! I was trying to see if I had a favorite between the 2 different meats, but they were both equally good. I've never really been a fan of matzo ball soup, but this is one that I will definitely order over and over again. The soup was very flavorful and the matzo ball just melted into the soup. The best part is the side of corn bread it comes with! You can just taste the butter and slight sweetness of the corn. The apple pie was a nice ending to a great lunch! My only complaint is that I wish it was baked a bit longer as the dough on the inside was still raw. Besides that the apples weren't baked to a mush and the filing was not overly sweet and you could only take a couple of bites. I would highly recommend this landmark to anyone with a craving for a great pastrami or corned beef sandwich!
(4)
Jared P.
If you like some old school bigger than your head sandwiches, look no further! This place starts out as a cafeteria type setup and, as you approach where they custom slice each sandwich, you'll get more and more attitude from the servers, in a joking way of course. The corned beef sandwich was enormous. I mean, it is literally as big as your head. I ate mine plus my potato pancake (along with my girlfriend's potato pancake). Delicious!
(4)
David C.
Everything is great. Pastrami - great. Corned beef - great. Potato pancakes - fantastic. And the noodle kugel is perfect. I will be back.
(5)
Sarah Beth B.
basically jewish food perfection. I don't know how better to describe it. *perfect corned beef on rye (i'm taking off 1/10th of a star bc I don't like seeded rye, but really, that's my only complaint) * I will never not love cafeteria style dining. Give in to the old-school charm! *AMAZING kreplach (what? you've never had a kreplach? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!) in light, delicate chicken broth * potato pancakes-- YUM. make sure to pick up a little dish of apple sauce for dipping. * And my favorite, source of 4.5 of my 5 stars, was the knish. WHERE HAS THIS bEEN MY WHOLE LIFE! make sure to get gravy. you will be so so happy. *phenomenal crowd-- old jews, cops, businessmen in suits, regulars, tourists-- the best. Yes, it's a little pricey-- my dr. brown's was $2.50!-- but it's not like i'm eating there every day. Plus, I could be very happy with a coke and a knish, and that is totally in an everyday budget (if you plan to gain 1000 pounds). Just eat there and be so happy the rest of the day.
(5)
Long N.
This place was great. First time order was the beef stew and it was good. Next time it's going to be the famous sandwich!
(5)
Stephanie L.
AHHHH, its more like a 3.5 So we got take out at this deli and I was ready to have the best sandwich of my life...unfortunately it only half delivered. So we had the matzo ball soup, reuben, brisket, potato pancake and I think that was it. The matzo ball soup was FANTASTIC! I have to admit to another one of my guilty pleasures....great soup. This did not disappoint. The matzo balls were really firm and the broth was perfect. The potato pancake was great, however, I needed like a dipping sauce or something. Something was missing. It was good, not fantastic. The reuben was really good with the side of thousand island....yummy. I could have used a little more sauerkraut, but it was still good. The brisket was dry and not flavorful at all. I dont know if they forgot the sauce or what. It was literally meat and bread...nothing exciting. Maybe we ordered wrong, I am not sure. Manny's deli will break your bank...most sandwiches are pretty pricey for just a sandwich. Did I love it, no....was it good, yes. Was it worth the drive and price...judge judy is still deciding.
(3)
Kristen L.
"Holy pastrami, batman!" is what I imagine Robin would say if he saw the beautiful beast that is the pastrami sandwich from Manny's Deli. A favorite spot of the boyfriend's and mine, we come here every so often when we're really hankering for a good meal. As soon as you walk in, you get a school cafeteria like feel--you grab a tray, your own silverware and walk along the food line, picking what you want to eat. The people behind the counter are the same people I see every single time and they are friendly to boot. When you reach the end of the line, they ring up your order and allow you to sit wherever you please. I have a "usual" every time I'm at Manny's: the beef stew and matzo ball soup. The beef stew is the best I've had. The meat is tender--cut with a fork tender, as are the vegetables. The dish itself is quite filling and I always ask for a to-go container before I start eating. The matzo ball soup is also quite delectable. The matzo ball is soft, but has a great texture to it and the broth is delicious. The bf usually gets the pastrami sandwich (which comes with a potato pancake), a knish and some other dish. This time around, he ordered the short ribs. The pastrami sandwich is absolutely, mouthwatering-ly delicious. They pile the meat high on your choice of bread (usually rye or french) and add nothing more. Now, some may be thinking that it might be too dry or plain, but I say to you, don't add anything else! The flavor of the pastrami is enough alone and has so much flavor to it...almost like a mix between bacon, proscuitto and a really good ham. The knish is awesome and is best eaten when covered in gravy. The inside has a nice smooth potato texture along with a generous amount of meat. The short ribs are fall off the bone tender...literally. Barely touching it, the meat falls right off and almost melts in your mouth. The prices are a bit steep, but if you're in the mood for a great, filling meal, then you're definitely in the right place.
(5)
C P.
When you go to Manny's, you're paying for the experience rather than the food. As I carefully walked toward my table, attempting to balance my tray of food and hold my strange water cup, I was reminded of being an awkward teenager stumbling through a public school cafeteria. The food was also reminiscent of a school lunch: bland but plentiful and of an undefined age (there is no way that soup was fresh). My cupcake was dry, soup bland, and salad mushy. I definitely wouldn't go back, but I suppose now I've had the "Manny's experience".
(2)
Ann Marie Z.
Positives: Kitchy, unique, pretty nifty little diner Some to most of the food is good Attracts lots of different kind of people they have a magician that walks around and does sleight of hand Turkey pastrami was delicious! They have mustard and horseradish on each table Latkes were good Bus staff keeps it clean and are attentive Negatives: Surprisingly EXPENSIVE Can be overwhelming when it is busy People serving and people in line get really impatient really fast some of the food is gross and cheap, like canned '50s and '60s stuff. I got the half sandwich/soup combo and an iced tea. The total was $17. With a small cookie, my total went to almost $25! For lunch. At a place that has self-serve jello for $4 a piece. Although the Turkey Pastrami sandwich was delicious, it was not worth the price. The regular lipton's iced tea was $2.50. They sell small bowls frozen steamed mixed vegetables (think rubbery grade school green beans) for like $4-5 each. My soup was the Barley Mushroom. Honestly, it was gross. I tried but couldn't eat it. It smelled and tasted like pure molasses. I felt bad leaving it, but it was just nasty. I like the throwback feel and might be back for a sandwich, but I don't think the cost is very fair for what they serve.
(3)
Nicholas C.
Manny's is exactly what you want from a deli. Its quick, it's easy, and the food is sensational. I love the old guys behind the counter serving out the assorted goodies, they have a dry sense of humor that I really appreciate. HUGE portions of food, whatever you order do not expect to leave hungry.
(5)
Steve L.
If I could marry a sandwich...wait a minute, wrong website... I love this place. I make sure to stop in at least once every time I pass through Chicago. You can't go wrong with Corned beef and Pastrami combo on rye with mustard, a few potato pancakes, a bowl of soup, a half dozen pickles and a diet coke (I have to watch my figure). The service is fast, the guys at the counter are fun and will joke around with you, and the food is phenomenal (coming from a NY Jew, this means a lot) Enjoy!
(5)
Mike T.
This is one of the last cafeteria style restaurants in Chicago, staffed by the same friendly group of guys for years. They serve up a great selection of food and the best corned beef sandwich on the planet! This sandwich is so big; it can easily be shared by two and that's what my wife and I usually do. We also order the beef stew to go, it is some of the best we've ever had, and it also is such a large portion that it can satisfy two. The Food: = Great! The Service: = Great self service & the guys behind the counter are great. The Price: = Considering the huge portions, moderate.
(5)
Katherine M.
Not really a cheap Deli but it has the best comfort food in Chicago, especially the Kreplach which always is delicious, The stews are always excellent. Portions very large. Coming here many years and it still hits a spot. I am sad so many Delis have closed. Cafeteria style, go hungry so you can fit it all in--half sandwich really is enough. Beef brisket and roasted spuds or in gravy, yum.
(5)
Michelle U.
There is no better corn beef in the Midwest! The potato pancakes with a little applesauce and sour cream are absolutely yummy! Anything you get here will be an excellent choice and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Marissa M.
Hands down the best, and very greasy, potato pancakes (Latkes) I have ever had. I used to love the corn beef sandwiches, when I ate corn beef and the pastrami isn't bad. Bring cash, last time I checked they still only take cash and the ATM is not your bank, trust me. It's very masculine and dingy, so don't take a date or look for amazing decor. This is just a place to get a GREAT sandwich with a pickle if you like them or the BEST latkes...and you can get everything to go if you want to eat at home. Small parking lot in the back. And I was eating there before President Obama!
(4)
Patrick D.
This place is incredible. I have had their food a few times over the years catered at work, but today I went to the restaurant for the first time. Life changing pastrami! What a fun experience and great food. I would put this place up against Katz's in NYC any day. Tied for the best pastrami on the planet. The atmosphere is a lot of fun. At a table in front of me sat four gentlemen that could have been mobsters, and just to my left sat 3 persons in expensive suits. Love the atmosphere. I had a pastrami on a roll as recommended by the nazi staff member that had us all laughing. The matzo ball soup was decent, but a return trip for more pastrami is in order.
(5)
joe k.
This place is a local neighborhood gem and as my cab driver said this is Obama's favorite place to eat deli food. It has been around since 1942 and the food is truly good and filling. Huge sandwiches or if you want a hot meal with the trimings they offer it. It is cafeteria style so you grab your tray and start pointing at what you want in line. A standard for cops and locals. It is not in downtown Chicago but a short cab ride from the center of town and closer to the McCormick Convention Center. The cab ride cost me about $8 but it was worth it.
(4)
Christine S.
I only come here like twice a year... but it's a treat when I do! I mean, ya can't eat a corned beef sandwich the size of your head and keep your girlish figure, can you? Manny's is a true Chicago staple... If you're ever looking for just about any politician, you can come here and probably find them chowing down a corned beef. President Obama's favorite thing here is the cherry pie. I personally love the corned beef sandwich, potato pancake (seriously to die for), and pickle slice... if you add on a drink you'll be out the door with all of these goodies for around $20. Perfect lunch (and probably left overs for dinner).
(5)
Hoang L.
Overpriced corn beef sandwiches. It's a good thing my girlfriend eats like a girl so we can actually split it because it's pretty huge. The people serving the food made me feel a little uncomfortable, almost like a peer pressure feeling that you should try their food. It felt like a contest to win me over (there were multiple servers). Not cool. Don't think I'll come back anytime soon though. I would really have to be craving corn beef and just happen to be in the area shopping. We'll see. Good luck.
(3)
Grant S.
Being from Hawaii, I am not an expert of delis. Obama endorses this place, good enough for me. Gotta support my homie. So its a cafeteria, straight up. Old school, OG cafeteria. RESPECT. Grab a tray and go to town. The older gentlemen that work the line are awesome, wise beyond their years, and helpful, oftentimes offering a taste to the unfamiliar. The Reuben. Spectacufreakintacular. Huge. Filling, dressing such a compliment. 100% recommended. Fresh sides, pies, GREEN RIVER to drink. All the greatest sides to a filling meal. This place is quite pricey, but I don't rate on price, but even if I did, well worth it. Get a little of everything, spend maybe $20. Be in heaven for the rest of the day.
(5)
Aaron Jae M.
I have been coming here since I was a kid. The food is delicious and you always get a ton of it. I go pastrami on rye bread with a potato pancake and extra pickle spears. You get so much meat you should get an extra plate of bread and consider trading some meat for someone else's so you can try more things. They also have ready to go "to-go" bags which is very handy since only professional eaters could finish this much food in one sitting. Obama has been there and you can order what he ordered (it's called the presidential special or something like that) but I don't really care about that since he didn't order what I ordered a.k.a. the best order. I love that their water is self service but I HATE that it is those tiny little cone cups that barely hold water and it's such a waste considering how many people go through their every day. They really need to buy some regular old plastic reusable cups, or at the very least larger disposable cups.
(5)
Melanie S.
I guess with the end of the year and the beginning of a new one, I tend to wax a bit nostalgic. My first trip to Manny's was with my grampa when I was about 6. He took me to the Chernin's shoe store to buy me my first pair of black patent leather Mary Janes. Manny's was right around the corner, so he took me there for my first corned beef sandwich and a bowl of matzo ball soup. I swear that sandwich was about as big as I was and the matzo ball was bigger than my head, so Gramps and I shared it. We didn't speak, but just savored every bite. I also recall that I tried my first cream soda, and every time I think of cream soda, I think of my grampa. He was a real mensch. So times have changed. It's 2010. The world is a different place. Manny's however, remains frozen in time. The staff is the same, the menu is the same, the setup is the same. The only thing that I can think of that's different is that the same corned beef sandwich will now set you back $10.95. Is it worth it? Absolutely. If only just for the fond memories.
(5)
Jane K.
This was my first experience at a New York/Jewish deli style place because I'm honestly not a big fan of pastrami/corned beef/etc. I've never had Matzo ball soup. I've never had a potato pancake. Basically I'm a total newbie when it comes to these sorts of things. But my friend was in town, she wanted to go here, and I thought "Eh, why not." Um, the real question is... why have I not been here before?!?! I had the half sandwich/soup combo deal for like, $11 or something. I chose the corned beef sandwich, matzo ball soup, and got a potato pancake because everyone kept raving about it. The water "cups" are paper snocone cups that you put in these cute red cone holders. Pretty nifty. Wow. Pretty stinkin' good. And the people at the table next to me ordered the meatloaf and spaghetti, which looked delicious even though I was already stuffed from my own meal. Shows that I'm either a true glutton or that this food just is THAT good. Also, they were dipping their potato pancakes in apple sauce... which I thought was weird... but maybe that's a normal thing because they looked like they knew what they were doing. I secretly wished I had ordered applesauce just so I could try it... next time? Anyways, definitely worth making a trip down to Manny's. Plus I got to stare at Obama's and Clinton's faces while I ate, which was cool I guess.
(4)
Julie P.
We stumbled upon this place. It looked like nothing special since it reminded me kf a school lunch. I was much mistaken. I ordered the beef strew and wow the portion was huge! Big chunks of beef,carrot and potato. I couldnt make it through the whole plate full. I did also get a slice of sweet potato pie which waa delectable--very sweet. The prices arent cheap but the food is filling and very flavorful. If i was in town longer i would have come back for the lunch special. The sandwiches looked to have hearty portions.
(4)
Sarah C.
Corned beef Sammies! Roast beef sammies galore! I love heading down here on a weekday, you never know who you'll run into! I'm glad that this gem of a deli hasn't expanded and the drive into the city is well worth it! I will say though that I am not a fan of the potato pancake. (don't kill me!) I ask for a plate without it, it'll save you a few bucks.
(5)
Richie D.
Two words: CORNED BEEF! Put the thoughts of Uptown Sinclair's book "The Jungle" out of your head and dig in to their classic corned beef. Be sure to take advantage of their Corned Beef & Cabbage St. Patty Days special served with boiled potatoes, rye bread, Manny's mustard and horseradish. After all, Chicago has more bars and taverns per capita than any other city in the United States most likely due to its Irish influences.
(5)
Kyle E.
I felt like I was on a food network show while I was in here. It was great. The guy cutting the meat was very sarcastic and funny. He hooked me up good because I told him I had walked two miles to get there, which I did and would do again! GO HERE WHILE IN CHICAGO
(5)
Tom T.
Returned to Manny last nite for some deli food. This time I got Matza ball soup and half pastrami with potato pancake. My GF got brisket sandwich. Yowzah! I've concluded that the "half sandwich" refers to the fact that you get only 1 piece of bread instead of 2. The amount of pastrami given is still massive!! Yuummmyy!! The brisket is juicy, tender, and flavorful too! You just can't go wrong with Manny's!
(4)
B C.
12:30pm Tuesday at Manny's is a scene out of Law and Order, or a textbook picture subtitled "cronyism." Take a look around. Listen in the cafeteria, and you'll notice you're surrounded by the lawyers, politicians, and police that turn Chicago's gears. They're big-waisted, grinning, glad-handed and confident. If you eat at Manny's with any regularity, you too will be big waisted and grinning. I accidentally ordered way too much food: a corned beef sandwich with potato pancake and a beef-stuffed knish topped with gravy. If you like mashed potatoes, you'll like the knish. My eye-popping large order constituted two separate meals. I got excited when I saw the knish and I have no regrets because it was delicious. Along with coffee, which I needed as a mid-day emergency measure against all that heavy food, it came out to $21. That's a little pricey for a cafeteria-style lunch, but like I said, it was two-meals worth. Manny's is a Chicago tradition and an interesting scene too. Without the crowd, it's probably not as interesting outside of rush hours. The food is a little more expensive than average, but it's satisfying classic deli fare.
(4)
Carol K.
The line snaked through the entire diner, through the double vestibule and out to the street. Yes. I was at Manny's. Yes, it was lunchtime. Yes, I was hungry. And so it began. After striking up a conversation with the valet (yes, a diner with valet- anything to keep the people moving through), and the gentlemen on both sides of me, I waited a couple of minutes outside and then I was in! Now I have eaten in at Manny's before- but on this day- the mission was take out- a whole new experience for me as I promised a friend I'd bring over lunch some lunch. But the guy behind me in line was a pro at it and offered up helpful suggestions along the way. You still grab a tray and drag it along the silver cafeteria line. The trick is to know what they pack up behind the counter to go (soup ) and what they pack up at the end (sandwiches) I ordered the matzo ball soup (got mushroom barley, but no matter- it was hot and good) and a sandwich and a half of their corned beef. A half a sandwich, you say? You bet. These things are huge with enough corned beef for two more sandwiches (I always want more of that rye bread that they have) so depending on how big an eater you are- you probably will be fine with just a half. (my friend got the whole one and he was a happy camper!) The sandwiches come with a great pickle and a potato pancake. But as you slide along the sliver snake- you are tempted by an array of desserts, chips, pies and other treats. When you get to the end- you tell the cashier that it is to go and you hand your tray over to one of the packers. They pack up your food (it ended up looking like a lunch my mom used to make with everything wrapped in foil and put into a bag) You then cross over to the next line where you hand over your receipt and pay on the way out. Quite the perfectly run machine, if I do say so. For those who are eating in- there are plenty of tables and the same routine applies (pay on your way out) A full sandwich runs about $13.50 and you can get a half with soup for about the same price. My total on this day ran about $30 for lunch. Know before you go that there will be a line. But it moves along quickly, and within minutes you'll be eyeballing the sandwich that sits in front of you and wondering just how you are going to eat all of it. But the funny thing is? You do.
(4)
Andy P.
I first came here with an old roommate of mine about four years ago. He told me about the place and I thought right away, "wtf? I don't want to eat at a deli!" I decided to go with him anyways and boy am I glad that I did. I come here often with my gf now and let me tell you this. The food here is amazing. It is a little pricey but for most items you do get a pretty big portion. Every time I come here I leave with a massive food coma. I usually get the pastrami sandwich with a potato pancake. That by itself it already pretty filling. But being the fat ass that I am I usually get a knish too and their short ribs. Let me tell you this.. their short ribs are cooked to perfection. They fall right off the bone. And the pastrami sandwich.. well just look at the pictures. Those things are monstrosities. As for the decor of the place, it looks like a cafeteria. It's pretty much an assembly line. You grab your tray and utensils and just go down the line telling them what you want. It's like those movies where you see people going down the lunch lines at school or prison waiting for slop to be handed to them but instead of slop it's food coma inducing goodness. It might sound stupid but I like the whole cafeteria assembly line idea. It's simple and yet effective. You also get to look through the counter window pane as your walking through the line and look at your choices. So instead of pictures you get to see what your food will actually look like. To me that is a huge plus. All in all, go to this place if you are ready for some hearty food coma inducing deliciousness.
(5)
Meredith B.
So now that I'm out of school and have way too much free time, I visited the boyfriend at his place of employment for a lunch break! A few weeks ago, he brought home this amazing beef stew from a place called Manny's, and I insisted that he take me there ASAP! Walking into Manny's makes you feel like you are in the 1950s, taking a quick stop at the lunch counter before you go back to the daily grind. The signs are old, the staff is old (and they were paper hats!) and the food is classic. It's served cafeteria-style, which was a bit confusing at first, but nobody rushes you. I was dying for matzo ball soup, and I noticed they had a soup - 1/2 sandwich combo. I chose a turkey sandwich to accompany my soup, and the sandwich came with a potato pancake and a pickle. It ended up being a pretty darn big meal! I also grabbed a cream soda and an apple pie slice to split with the boy - assuming we still had tummy room. We took a seat at a table near a bunch of men in their '50s with loud voices and big bellies. My matzo ball soup was pretty good - hot, tasty broth, and a soft fluffy ball. ha. The sandwich....let's say I was underwhelmed. I'm sorry, but the turkey was really dry. It didn't taste bad, but it's hard to swallow since there was no moisture at all. They do give you an absolute ton of meat, however, it's almost comedic the way they stuff the meat between the bread - it seriously is spilling out of the sandwich onto the plate. I maybe ate half the meat, and it was already just a half sandwich! But yeah, I couldn't manage it without mustard for some moisture. Not gonna lie - I was not overwhelmed by the potato pancake! I like them made of grated potatoes and fried in a pan.....these seemed to be deep fried, and it just was not my style. Cream soda was delicious (though obviously they did not make that) and the pie was pretty good too. Anyway, I REALLY wanted to love this place - maybe I just need to order something else in the future. The beef stew was great, and I had a bite of my boyfriend's Reuben which was also very good. I guess I'd try an entree next time, not a sandwich, and hope for better luck there. The atmosphere is awesome though - the place is such a time warp!
(3)
Cristina T.
Came here on Wednesday night and ordered a corned beef, mac & cheese, matzo ball soup and garbage salad. The corned beef was incredible-shouldn't even be considered a sandwich but a pile of huge, delicious meat. So incredible. The mac and cheese and matzo ball soup were perfect as well. The potato pancake was massive and unlike any other latke I had ever had. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. I loved the garbage salad, which also shouldn't be considered healthy as it is loaded with meat, mayo-dressing and cheese. SO good! Too full for dessert, we took a slice of cherry pie to go. Incredible as well. Great, fast service and quality food will have me going to Manny's for a long time!
(5)
Recie H.
First time her on 7/02/2013;The Corn Beef and Pastrami are the bomb! A Must Food Place To Try with Other Dishes as well!
(5)
Jimmy N.
I honestly do not understand why this place is so highly rated... I have been to Manny's twice, and this is my story: After recently living in NYC and dining at the famous NYC delis, I developed a fond, and admittedly pampered, taste for pastrami and corn beef. I discovered goodness and deliciousness and succulent yum-yum-yummy that is in said meat products. So when I came to Chicago I searched yelp and google for the best Jewish delis and almost all signs pointed to Manny's. Yay freakin' yay... Visit #1: Pastrami on rye. This was not pastrami... It was bad quality fatty meat left out to dry and then dipped in pastrami flavored liquid and then put into bulk onto a sandwich... The rye bread was legit though. Visit #2: Maybe my first visit was a mistake I thought. Maybe pastrami just wasn't their thing I thought. After all, pastrami is one of the holy food trinity of NYC and not of Chicago. Maybe Manny's corn beef is their charm... Visit #2 was better than visit #1. I admit Manny does have corn beef, although it is dry, quite dry, though they do have several kinds of mustards there for you to squirt on and convince yourself that you're eating a moist sandwich. I will not be visiting Manny's again.
(1)
Art O.
Last spring, I visited Chicago for the first time w/ my buddy from SoCal. After I dropped my luggage at the hotel, I headed to a local bar where a handful of the patrons suggested I check out Manny's. "It's a good Chicago experience", they said. After some navigation troubles, we ended up here after a long night out. Luckily, I'd seen some show about East Coast delis and understood that you paid on your way out. There's nothing like this place in SF. We were, however, a little nervous about the ordering system and such but it was actually fun to have the deli guys talk smack about our worse-for-wear appearance. I laughed it off and the guy gave me a little extra pastrami for being a good sport. Well the pastrami sandwich was as good as advertised! And the thing was monstrous. Check out the photo I posted. Overall it was a fun experience and the food hit the spot after our all-nighter. I loved it so much, I even got a T-shirt on our way out!
(4)
Sandra W.
If you like meat, come here. SO MUCH FOOD. I really like this place. I would come back. If it weren't so far south, I would go more often. I saw Manny's Deli on the Food Network on "Good Eats" with Ted Allen and I told myself that I'd go try it. I went with 3 other girls. One ordered the Pastrami sandwich, one ordered the corn beef sandwich, one ordered the beef stew and matzo ball soup, and I ordered the Rueben Sandwich. The amount of food that was sitting in front of me was ridiculous. All of us could only eat half our sandwich. It's just as good eating them as leftovers as anything. We also had pickles and potato pancakes with our sandwiches. It was just so good. I really want to go back. The place itself reminds me of an old Deli (which it is) and a cafeteria. I wish there was something like this around where I live. I like the atmosphere. Everyone there was extremely nice and friendly. Great experience. A+
(5)
Hungry M.
Are you kidding me!!!!!!!!!!! Planned on going here for lunch yesterday and couldn't get my mind off of it. Today I enjoyed the corned beef, piled high, on rye w/potato pancake and pickle spear, WOW. The fresh horseradish on the table pushed it over the top, amazing!!!!!
(5)
Ron C.
Just absolutely the best deli in America, that's all. Whenever I visit Chicago, I head to the Jefferson Street location for corned beef, pastrami, matzo ball soup, potato pancakes, et al. I even maneuver travel so that I have enough time at Midway to partake in Manny's cuisine and often on Chicago vacation will go to Manny's Midway for a meal before heading into the city.
(5)
First L.
We've been eating here since before Barry became Barack. Along with all of the cops, judges, lawyers, and other gustatory geniuses who understand that sometimes you just need a mountain of meat for lunch. Parking in back of the building or you can valet. So you go for the first time for a pastrami on rye, pickle, and potato pancake. Maybe you do that a few more times when you finally realize you can take half of your sammich home with you (they have to go stuff at the first register). So you start ordering a little extra, like a bowl of awesome kreplach, or matzoh ball soup. Then you get a little crazy one day and order some crazy deli fare that is really traditional food. Finally, you're buying one or two pounds of pastrami - half turkey half regular once or twice a week and the guys at the counter treat you like you ARE Obama because they see you so much... That last little bit was, er, something I heard, er, from a friend. Yeah, that's it. A friend. So go early to avoid the rush. In fact, you can start there for breakfast now...just think fried potatoes, eggs, and corned beef or pastrami that you used to have to suffer half of the day through just to get some... Go. Park. Enjoy. And if you haven't been to Manny's yet, welcome to Chicago!
(4)
Jenna S.
Best thing outside of Katz's in NY. It's my total "Oopsy I flubbed up, here boo, have a Manny's Meal" for my fiance. But, honestly, I'm such a fan too! The potato pancakes are heavenly. The noodle keugle is to DIE for. And of course, how can you go wrong with the corned beef on rye with the Manny's mustard? I always way over indulge on food here...some reason I just can't help myself when I walk in those doors. Perhaps it's the photos of the prez that put me in a trance?
(5)
Dan G.
Oh Manny's! How I lament, how melancholy I am that it's PASSOVER and I need some of that soft, warm, slightly crusty, delicous rye bread to hold me together! Mannys, I'm telling you, I need just a little bit. I know we were slaves and now were not, and parting the red sea was the bomb don't get me wrong but come on how better to celebrate freedom and life then a stop in your hospital-like-lighting dining room, if it wasn't for all that leavened bread goodness! To gaze down on my high-school-lunch-room orange/red color tray, neatlly organized with plates of love and delicous Jewishness. Watching your guys slice me fresh pastrami and corned beef and stuff it onto a seemingly impossibly small piece of warm rye bread. To gaze longingly over at the beef stew...stewing, but to look forward in great antcipation to moving down the line - the latke awaits! Oh and so does the chicken soup, kreplach bigger than your ears. And just past that the rack of OMG good blueberry pie. This has to be what it feels like to be an angel getting your wings. Oh and theres WiFi too and even a valet. I love you Moses, but man I miss you Mannys....just for a few days anyway.
(5)
Pete V.
I had to stop into Manny's tonight to redeem my groupon before it expires next weekend. I wasn't expecting much after reading the yelp reviews, but damn this place is good. The pastrami on rye sandwich was outstanding. Delicious, flavorful pastrami on fresh, hearty rye...now that's the way pastrami should be served! The matzo ball soup was very good and the potato pancake was a delightful accompaniment to our meal. And did I forget to mention that you can get a Pilsner Urquell for $4? My only advice is that they definitely have a standardized method for dining here. Grab a tray, order, grab your drinks, get your receipt, eat in the big (not the small) dining area, and then pay. DO NOT deviate from this order or you may cause all hell to break loose. Abide by this order, grab a delicious sandwich and a beer, and just enjoy the goodness of Manny's deli.
(4)
Kristopher K.
Best pastrami in the city! I usually get the half sandwich with a bowl of matzoh. Always get the potato pancake (latke) too. Prices are a little high but I think they take credit card now. The place is cafeteria style, so you walk up to the counter and tell them what you want. They then ring you up and give you a receipt; you pay after you eat. Usually the cooks will make a Yiddish wisecrack at you too, but they're harmless. I usually just say some smartass thing back to them and sometimes they give me extra food Enjoy the politicians, this place has plenty
(5)
Maarten M.
Amazing food.., everything is delicious! This is the place to go when in the City!
(5)
Brandon T.
This place is by no means as good as the stars beside it's name make it appear to be. Seriously nostalgia is the only thing keeping the doors open. Went here after seeing it on the food network best thing I ever ate program. Super disappointed. Got a corned beef sandwich, not complaining about the portion size, but the meat was cut in the morning and slapped on bread in the afternoon. The decor is disgusting, and the coleslaw was sub par. Seriously read some of the reviews and question why people give five stars and say the food wasn't that good? Just because your dad ate here 20 years ago doesn't make it amazing, or even good for that matter.
(2)
Rustin F.
"Whoa! A real life cafeteria! And a deli! No wonder this place is so famous. This is gonna be awesome. I'm just gonna try a little of everything, and there are supposed to be huge portions, right? This place is so old and outdated, I could probably get all of this for $10, maybe $15 max. I'm sure as hell not paying for the location or the atmosphere. Oh, the side of mac & cheese is $6 alone? That's weird, but whatever, I just won't get that. So matzo ball soup, pastrami sandwich that comes with a potato pancake, little bowl of cole slaw, and Coke. "The food looks good. And everything tastes alright, except the potato pancake is stale. Okay, the cole slaw sucks, too. Wait... what does it say on the receipt? $25?? And you charged me for the potato pancake you didn't ask me if I wanted? Whatever. I'll put it on my card. Oh, what's this? A line for a tip? They must have forgotten that they don't offer any table service." TL;DR: The food is fine, but there is absolutely no reason to charge so much given the lack of service, atmosphere, and location. And know that everything's á la carte.
(2)
Keith D.
This is an update just to recognize Chicago Magazine's #17 Sandwich on their top 50 - Manny's Corned Beef. Huge Fan! The corned beef is everything Chicago is. The potato pancake is just a bonus. Once you add in all the ambiance, it's no surprise that this sandwich makes the top 20. There's something about the mustard. It's the first place I recommend when people tell me they're coming to Chicago.
(4)
Tina B.
I love you Manny, but fucking ass - I bought a (one, single) sandwich, a drink, some fruit and an extra latke the other day and it cost $25 motherloving dollars. Got-daaaaaaaaaaamn. That is really unappetizing. It was hella delicious and all, but seriously? Daaaaaaaaaaammmmn!
(4)
Dennis S.
Great food, marginal atmosphere, a Chicago institution. It's cafeteria style with some serving pans behind the counter displaying food that is less than appetizing. And you have to watch the extras they offer - many of them have a charge attached when you pay. But many items are exceptional. They have great matzo ball soup. Awesome corned beef, served in huge portions. Potato pancakes that look marginal, but taste great. The cherry pie is good for a mass produced pie. The great deal is a half sandwich and a bowl of soup. That half sandwich would be a large full-size sandwich elsewhere. Coffee refills are free. The place has a casual diner atmosphere, but it's huge. You pay as you leave, from the check they gave you at the end of the food line. Manny's has free parking in back, and free valet parking most of the time. Can't beat that.
(4)
Chris K.
Solid reuben sandwich. Watch them slice the corned beef fresh as they make your sandwich. Expensive for a no frills type of place, but you are getting a big meal that could feed two people... if you don't mind fighting over the potato pancake that comes with it. The service was good and the guys making the sandwiches had a sharp sense of humor. Make sure to couple of bucks on you to leave the bus boys who clean up after you. I wanted to love this place... and while I enjoyed it, I can't say it was great. The potato pancake was a nice surprise though. I'd also like to try the matzo ball soup the next time I'm there.
(3)
Tony B.
Nothing else like it in Chicago, but Manny's is pricy. A plate of beef stew is $13.95. It's a lot of food, but damn near 14 bucks for stew at a cafeteria? That's just plain expensive. Recently they awkwardly leased some floor space inside the dining room to a ticket broker. A ticket broker! I've uploaded a photo. Very weird.
(4)
Betsy H.
It's as fantastic as people say, but here is my suggestion, DON'T OVER ORDER. I was so hungry going in and everything looked great and we truly only ate half of what we ordered as the sandwiches are huge. But if you have a fridge to store leftovers in, go wild!
(5)
Alex F.
This place was not what I expected, but I had a decent experience. This is not a deli in the traditional sense (or maybe it is), but a cafeteria. You tell the guys behind the counter what you want and they scoop it out or cut it up for you. I heard their pastrami on rye was amazing here, so I got that. It came with a latki. The price? $15! This is a ridiculous price for a super casual, old school deli. Summary: The food is pretty good (what I ordered at least), but the cost is very prohibitive. I'm glad I went once, because it was like visiting a museum of Chicago history, but once is enough.
(3)
Andres D.
Today I visited Manny's for the first time and had their thursday daily special "Chicken Breast w/ Rice". Would I have ordered something different had I been there before....of course. I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed with the large food selection so I panic! It is a fairly large establishment with plenty of tables more then ready to accomodate large groups. The logo says it on the sign "cafeteria & delicatessen" and you are getting exactly that except this food is better then your highschool lunches. From moments glance I did see other people dining on meatloaf, beef stew, short ribs, knish, roast beef sandwiches and salads. Once I finished my meal I was confused to where the garbage cans were....then it hit me, just get up and walk to the front of the restaurant and pay your bill. They have a very quick clean-up crew. I also like how they brand their image with stickers across all their pastries on they way out. If you are an early bird they open at 5AM and serve breakfast. I also like the spend $10 or more here and you get FREE valet, or else they have a FREE open lot in the back.
(4)
Michael S.
Lox-O-Meter needs no Cialis at Manny's. Manny's is King of the Yid-dish. Today the sign at lunch said "Pickled Tongue. First Come, First Served." So, I came. But the tongue was gone before I got there. I suppose the veteran counter man sensed my culinary blue balls, so sensing the Gestalt of the moment he suggested a pastrami and chopped liver sandwich. yelp.com/biz_photos/5n86… Purrrrfect. And there ain't no recession at Manny's. There was a line out the door. Excellence speaks for itself. yelp.com/biz_photos/5n86…
(5)
Jacob G.
The food at Manny's is very good. I've been going to this place for many years. It's a classic restaurant in Chicago that everyone should try at least once.
(4)
Sarahmond W.
If you're looking for a corned beef or pastrami sandwich this IS the place to go. Best corned beef and pastrami in the city, hands down. The knishes are off the chart too.
(5)
Sourma K.
Listen I'd be silly if I didn't say that the reason I went to Manny's isn't because of Barack Obama but maybe that's just as silly, either way who cares. Manny's is the definition of a true deli and the neighborhood its in is the perfect location, it sort of goes to the ambiance. Be prepared you will need to know what you want to order and if not don't get in line. The old boys seem to be one roast beef sandwich away from anger management classes but hey its Chicago having an attitude comes with the territory I guess. And besides since Barack Obama really helped put this place on the map you can imagine how many more customers they've gotten. But at the end of the day, I highly recommend checking this place out at least once, it is sort of pricey and shockingly for a deli - but again I think they've more than capitalized on their fame. The roast beef or pastrami are amazing.
(5)
M F.
Best pastrami sandwich you'll ever have. Come hungry and expect to leave with a to-go bag.
(5)
Colleen C.
Never have I ever...eaten at Manny's. Or a "real" deli, for that matter! I know, I know...seriously, get with it Colleen. No one ever took me, and I never know what to get! So, finally. Went to Manny's with a gal pal that knows her stuff before heading to a show downtown....Colleen and corned beef, finally united! Ok, not really...I had the fantastic turkey burger slathered in luscious onions, a side of well-cooked green beans, 2 pickles (mmm, love non-neon pickles and Manny's has 'em), and a cup of turkey chili, small diet coke. A LOT of food for about $16...I could have probably forgone the chili, but could not resist... I kind of dig the counter service/cafeteria vibe with overhead sterile lighting. Screw traditional ambience, Manny's rocks the old school charm. All walks of life eating, chatting. Retired cops. Children. Group of girls. Pair of guys. Old man with newspaper. Old lady with glasses. Everyone likes good food, c'mon now! I like that you pay on your way out (as opposed to when you make it through the counter line)...as it really encourages you to eat more. I mean really, we all need to eat more these days! Go get another matzo ball soup or pastrami sammich. Manny wants you to eat! Parking is a breeze. Free valet, and there are a million meters up and down the street (though they are 25 cents for 15 minutes now, thanks Daley! Do you NOT want me to have that second helping of dessert? I don't have time now because my meter ran out, so I'll blame you if I starve to death!) ::::end fake rant:::: Ending: I need to go back for lunch or breakfast, but the food is pretty phenom, and it's fast food that's not awful. In fact, it's quite the opposite...
(4)
Justin W.
Look if you live anywhere with in the Chicago area and haven't eaten here yet, you are out of your mind. My girlfriend brought me here after experiencing it with some co-workers a while back. This is a type of deli that should have died during the 80's or 90's. But, they are doing everything right that's it's probably hard to fail. Some of the guys that work here look like they have been their whole life, and are still happy. I couldn't believe the size of my sandwich(the pastrami) and the potato pancake was amazing. The sandwich was so juicy and delicious it is going to make it hard to eat that crappy grocery store deli pastrami ever again!
(5)
Michael B.
I have been coming here since I was a kid. I guess it is just that kind of a place. One where your grandpa took your dad and he takes you. Everything about this place makes you feel like you are in a New York (jewish) deli. The seating is exactly as you would expect; hundreds of tables packed with hungry, over-sized people who talk too loud for their own good. The only difference is that the food is better. Trust me. I have taken many of my fellow jewish friends to Manny's and each time they have been blown away with the food! In most cases we end up coming back 2 times in the same week, which, if you know Manny's sandwiches, is CRAZY! each one is large enough to feed an army. Now on to the food...I must admit I have been a creature of habit when it comes to Manny's. I consistently get the same corned beef sandwich on rye with a potato pancake and side of apple sauce and two pickle slices. When I am famished I also go for the matzoh ball soup as well (as if I didn't have enough sodium in the sandwich). Oh and speaking of habit, each time I have gone to Manny's for the last 15 years or so, the same gentleman has prepared and stacked my corned beef sandwich! Yes, the same person every time. He goes by "The General" or something as ridiculous as that and I swear that each time I come he adds 5 slices of corned beef from my previous visit...prepare for leftovers! Summary: If you are looking to have a great meal with a home-cooked feeling then Manny's is for you! Believe me, you will not go away hungry and you will not be disappointed in the food.
(5)
Jeremy S.
Manny's is my kind of place... and yes the fact that it is an old school Jewish deli wins major points with me... This is the type of place to go to if you are starving. You get a monsterous sized handful of corned beef sandwiched between two thin slices of rye. Throw in some old school Matzo ball soup and nice fried up potato pancake, and you are ready to rock and roll! Manny's wins for a bunch of reasons. 1) I got to shake Rahm Emmanuel's hand (not a coincidence, but a fundraiser at Manny's). I cordially invited him to sit and eat with my friend and I, to which I was turned down so that he could go shmooze the crowd. I guess he has the right idea, I'm not chock full of cash and don't have that much influence (yet), but a few more Yelp! reviews and he'll no better to take me up on that offer the next time around. 2) The food is solid and you get a ton of it. Please see the previous notes above regarding Mannys a "place to go if you are starving". 3) The family who owns the restaurant is awesome. It's been family owned for four generations, and it is a very important historical spot. Jews unite, we do have food options outside of slice of life. THANK GOD. Manny's until next time my good friend, I'll be coming hungry.
(5)
Billy M.
A Chicago staple that serves delicious corned beef on rye's with a potato pancake among many other things. Everything is delicious and the atmosphere is great. If corned beef is not your thing then order the pastrami, it's my favorite. All around great old school atmosphere. A woking man's kind of place. Enjoy!
(5)
Geoffrey D.
Now THIS is a deli. Ever been to Katz's in NY? Manny's is just like that. But with a different name. And in the midwest. Mammoth portions, excellent meat and a no-frills cafeteria-style experience. Bring your appetite, and your wallet.
(4)
Kymberly J.
The groupon brought me here but the food will keep me going back! I love a good corned beef and I think I found the best. This even tops the $17.00 corned beef sandwich I had in NYC a few years back. Juicy, tender, melt in your mouth and full of flavor. MMM MMMM MMMM! I got the best ever potato pancake with my sandwich too! Walking in was like stepping back in time. I love places that dont change and this is surely one of them. No frills, old fashioned font on the menu board which has probably served the same menu since my parents were born - nothing fancy and new (except for the foccacia) just good and simple home-style cooking.
(4)
J J.
I've eaten here a couple of times and it seems like the meat quality on sandwiches vary from visit to visit. Pros: Definitely good corned beef, if you can get sliced very thin, else its rather fatty and grisly if its too thick. Love many of their sides: potato pancake, kugel, knish, mushroom barley soup and chicken soup. Cons: pricey! my meal was $26! that is a soup and half sandwich, soda, two side dishes and a piece of pie! In fact, I don't even go there anymore because they charge too da#$ much for a side and don't include them with the meals or sandwiches. the pastrami I had was a bomb: fatty and grisly, and I really don't think any meat was there at all!
(3)
Cindy D.
Great food here at this cafeteria style restaurant. Pastrami sandwich is awesome. Also got the Monday special of shortribs. Delish! Would go again, and it's about $15/pp.
(4)
Mike C.
MANNYS. Get the half pastrami, half corned beef sandwich, it's so good I could literally scarf it down in 10 seconds even though its huge. They have a half sandwich plus soup combo. Grab your receipt and pay after eating, that combo is like $14 which is worth it cause you're gonna leave happy and you will be for the rest of the day.
(5)
Kyle H.
Here is your mission should you choose to accept it: Codename: Thanksgiving Expansion Location: Manny's You know what I'm talking about, if you eat more the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, you'll increase your intake abilities and thus increase your overall joy of Thanksgiving! Ever notice how hungry you are on the Friday after? Yep, you feel me. It's a Thanksgiving sure thing, like a Lions' Loss! So let's beat Thanksgiving at it's own "game", and institute a Wednesday "Thanksgiving Expansion"! And I suggest we institute it at Manny's, a Chicago Institution. Manny's is a cafeteria-style deli, serving it up old school. I mean, it's literally like going back to the Third Grade! You take a tray and shuffle down the line past succulent white fish, tongue, corned beef sandwiches, matzo ball soups, beet and cucumber salads, jello squares...The selection can be daunting and in my case, I just asked the Beef Tongue guy where I could get a Chicken Salad sandwich, since I knew I had seen it once before. It's down in "Salads", not in the "Sandwich" area...check. My sandwich was piled so high it nearly came up to my chin. Same with my co-workers' corned beef sandwiches! This is where the Expansion comes into play. I ordered a cucumber salad simply to try to eat more healthy, it was delightful. It made the 50% Polish part of me sing with Old World delight! The chicken salad was a nice grind of chicken that you could tell wasn't ordered frozen. It was fabulous! But one downside to Manny's is that the prices are pretty high for cafeteria-deli items; so my co-workers and I go pretty infrequently. And then in my forgetfulness I tried to eat the whole sandwich. Talk about expansion...and then all I wanted to do was sleep through my afternoon meetings! I imagine many shady City deals have been transacted over lunch at Manny's. It's home to old school politicians and "Chicahgah" types, that like a good toothpick after their meal...or a cigar, or M&Ms or that Violet gum that your grandmother bought. Yeah, Manny's has a candy counter with all of these items as you walk out to pay your bill! "Thanksgiving Expansion" people! Let's do this thing.
(5)
Byron L.
The meat in the pastrami and cb hash melted in my mouth. The turkey in the sandwich was soft. The ball in the metzo bowl was moist. The kugel was like a sweet lasagna cake. Absolutely delicious and price is fantastic.
(4)
Julie A.
I'm wowed and amazed that I have never been here before. What have I been missing? A LOT! I came here with my parents during a bustling lunch hour on a Wednesday, and even though I feared parking and seating would be an issue, it wasn't. I didn't see the free parking lot, or the complementary valet, but I'm happy after I parked two blocks away that I'm aware of it now. Walking in I felt like I went back in time. I loved the cafeteria style space, and the selection was outstanding. I had the Obama special, sans the cherry pie (corned beef sandwich + potato pancake) and my dad has the pastrami on rye. It was delicious. Places like this are a treasure, and everyone needs to check this place out. I found myself staring at the guys behind the counter, because I felt like it was a real-life version of an old photograph. Totally cool. I'm definitely going back this weekend - I can't stop thinking about it!
(5)
Phil T.
Its not possible to go into a meat coma from a Sammy, right?!? Don't think so then come to Manny's on the south side!!! As I was torn from the ever popular corned beef then I saw they do pastrami as well. Undecided and as the line moves so does your order, guys asking what ya want in like new yorker accents. Makes the ordering even that more nerve racking bc no one likes to be the rookie orderer! I had a face like a light bulb just went off in my head. I asked for a combo of both meats on rye. Sure thing and slaps both meats into the grinders and reminded me of the mad scientist he was soooo happy to just see juicy slices of meat come onto his hand. I think he even was drooling as I was! lol Comes w/ a killer potatoe pancake and the housemade mustard and horseradish can be found at the tables, both are killer! I know, I know so what meat was better? Answer: Neither, do the combo you get the best of both flavors then combined together is even better. I loved my order and will go back for the same thing. You do get a full cow in between some bread so be prepared to eat! FYI you pay at the end and not at the beginning...
(5)
Dolly K.
You will never find a better corned beef in Chicago, they sell out of my favorite the roast beef by 1pm, I normally hate pastrami but theirs I truly enjoy. Great Matzo ball soup. Their breakfast is terrible sorry and their latke's are an insult to the potato pancake. The old timer who cuts the meat in front of you when you order is the Deli Nazi of Manny's. He is so personable and fun. I know it looks like a dinghy diner, who cares, the quality is there.
(4)
Jess H.
I bet this place was AMAZING back in the day. And I bet they didn't charge you $10-$15 for a sandwich full of dry/greasy meat on limp bread. Yes, it's a kitschy deli. Which is cool in its own right. (1 point) And yes, the sandwiches are as big as your face. Which is always tempting. (1 point) But, I've had much, much better for the same cost. And only a little bit worse for a much less cost. Also, I have to factor in that it exists in a part of town that is not easily accessible to me, living in Lakeview. In fact, it's an hour bus ride - one way. Sorry Manny's - I don't think I will be returning anytime soon.
(2)
William L.
Manny's holds a very special place in my heart. My family and I have been going way out of our way to visit Manny's during the holidays for many years now. With good reason. If you want a great hot meal and don't give a hoot about "ambiance" or any of that garbage, go to Manny's. The corned beef is outstanding, only trumped by the pastrami sandwich (in my oh so humble opinion). The potato pancakes are always fresh and crispy. Also try the beef stew on a cold day, it's sublime. The crowning glory is the spaghetti. I believe it's only served on Saturday (I may be wrong), but it is incredible. The sauce is better than my mom's homemade sauce, but don't tell her that. It's sweet, rich, and has just enough meat to do the job right.
(5)
Maija D.
OH come on it doesn't get any better than this! Old style Kosher Deli. This is better than the Carnegie in NYC or the Roxie, and just as good as then old Wolfies. Simply the best! We go there and get take out and we eat there too. Their corned beef is the best ever! And their Latke's rock! I just salivate by writing this! They cater. Gotta try it. I have only lived here for 10 years and love this place.
(5)
Tracey M.
The first thing I noticed about Manny's when I walk through the door is its bare bones, sterile environment. I'm talking; this makes your high school cafeteria look like an upscale steakhouse. The second thing is that it is in fact cafeteria style dining. If these two things make you cringe, I suggest you do not read any further. However, if you are like me, and you appreciate such an old-school environment/experience, please stay with me a bit longer. The selection of items on the menu is vast. There is so much to choose from and too little space in the stomach to have it all. Though pricey, you do get a lot of food. A lot of TASTY food. Personally, I only got through one quarter of my sandwich, but that may have had something to do with the fact that I also indulged in a side of mash potatoes and gravy and the potato latke that came with my sandwich. The folks who work behind the counter are real characters (which I just loved) and great service all around. Some other tidbits about Manny's include: * They offer Dr. Brown's sodas here - good to know before you grab one of the assorted run-of-the-mill pop products. * They have free parking. It's a small lot, but free nonetheless. * On Saturdays there is a magician that goes around entertaining patrons. * To-go bags are available. I recommend if you anticipate before you sit down that you won't be able to finish, ask for one as you get your check. (It will save you a trip at the end of your meal.) All said and done, I can see why people have been flocking to Manny's for almost seven decades. If II lived closer, I would surely be back often.
(4)
Stephanie J.
Paid almost 8 bucks for a Sausage, Egg and Cheese sandwich (yes, SAMMICH!) and coffee. I could have made it at home myself and brought it to work to eat cold. No one there was personable (I had to ask someone to take my order. And it was dead!) and just stared at me waiting for me to leave. I prefer the family restaurant around the corner (Eppel's) or the bakery across the street (Bake For Me). No, thank you.
(1)
Kimberly L.
Wow, I cannot believe what a mediocre experience I had here. How very disappointing. We brought an out-of-towner here in search of the perfect potato pancake. I tried the half sandwich and salad combo and had one latke on the side. I was really looking forward to the turkey pastrami on rye but frankly Jewel deli meat is probably more flavorful. The potato pancake was also really bland. Even sour cream and apple sauce couldn't help it. And this place isn't a bargain either. Add to that a loud busboy who kept throwing dishes as loudly as possible into a nearby bus pan every two minutes and we had us a real bust on our hands. I won't be back.
(2)
Tiffany S.
I really wish I was Jewish. Stepping into Manny's, I almost felt like an immediate "member of the tribe". How about some kugel? Want some latkes? Don't forget the apple sauce... The food is good for starters. They're not stingy with the portions (in fact, probably overly generous), and everything is delicious in the homey, coffee shop kind of way. For me, the real draw was the atmosphere. I love the cafeteria style service, the counters, the process. They make eating at Manny's an experience, that seems to be grounded in tradition, efficiency, and service. Which to me, makes the experience far more authentic, and I will definitely be back!
(4)
Kristin S.
There isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said. Basically, every Chicagoan should get down to Manny's at some point for a corned beef sandwich and matzo ball soup (though the corned beef and potato pancake is really where it's at, yum!). The cafeteria style can seem a little intimidating at first, but everyone there was friendly and helpful and the food was delicious! There's a parking lot out back, but I could see it filling up at busy times, so go during an off time if you're driving. Just make sure you go!
(4)
Benjamin S.
One of the greatest sandwiches in the city. WOW.... Just about a pound of corned beef on some rye a potato pancake, what a day. You need to make sure that you ask for thousand island dressing and all the sides are over priced. But the sandwich really is on point! Valet available everyday and sometimes needed... Keep it up Manny!
(4)
Mikey J.
Went here with my two friends from Hahvahd. For east-coast academic elite, they sure were excited for some good ol' working class pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. They also liked the fact that a fellow alum (Obama) had visited the place earlier. While the sandwiches was dandy (flavorful and moist) and the place is brimming with nostalgia, I was overall not too impressed with Manny's. The food is overpriced, ($12 for a deli sandwich?) and the desserts made me frown. If I'm ever in the area, I'll probably come back but don't think I'd go out of my way for this deli.
(3)
Jonathan C.
just went with my fiance there for V-day. Nothing says I love you like hot corned beef and a big greasy pastrami sandwich. Ahhhh good times.
(5)
Corinna K.
Heard this was a pretty good sandwich place so we decided to come by and try takeout from here. When I walked in for pickup, I was pleasantly surprised at the cafetaria style eating area. Wouldn't mind coming in to try it out one day. The sandwiches were pretty costly...almost $12 a sandwich. So imagine my surprise when we opened up everything at home and noticed that it was just that...a sandwich consisting of just the bread and meat..lots of it to be fair...but nothing else. It came with little packages of fast-food style condiments, no lettuce, cheese, tomoatoes, or anything for that matter. It did come with a sliver per order of crunchy pickles. But for the price, it must be that good that it doesn't need anything to compliment it right? Hmm, not really. The corned beef on rye was good. This one lived up to it's popularity. Corned beef was tender. The pastrami on onion roll was also very good. But what would make both sandwiches even better is if it came with a more gourmet type mustard or horseradish or some sort of brown mustard versus the yellow mustard packets that came with the order. On the other hand, the roasted turkey sandwich on white bread and the roast beef sandwich on wheat was dry dry dry. The roast beef sandwich was tasteless and the texture was rough. Felt like I was chewing on cardboard. The whole thing was just extremely hard to swallow. We ended up throwing half of it away. The turkey was a little better, but still dry and tough. The wheat and white breads were nothing special. I think the Butternut and Wholesum breads i get from the grocery store tastes better and is softer. For the price we truly expected these two sandwiches to be something at least decent. The potato pancakes were thick and huge. Not crunchy, but I'll blame that on the order being a takeout. It was very oily though tasty enough. My kids loved it and ate only that, but both ended up with diarhea afterwards. Overall decent if you order the right sandwiches. Lots of meat in their sandwiches which could be a good or bad thing. I wouldn't mind a trade-off where there is slightly less meat and maybe the order comes with fries or at least some decent condiments. I might still try the cafetaria style food, but i will need to be really hungry and desperate if I am going to pay $12 for a sandwich from here.
(3)
Jessica Y.
One of my suppliers at work took my co-worker and I out to lunch at Manny's, which is closeby their office and apparently one of Obama's favorite food destinations in Chicago! The inside is just like a traditional American deli. Nothing too impressive, but long lines and lots of meat! Manny's is known for their corned beef sandwiches, so that's what I tried of course! Sorry, but like the deli itself, it was none too impressive. I couldn't figure out what makes it so popular! I really tried to give it a chance, even trying out their salad and soup, but it just didn't do anything for me. The meat was salty and too heavy. The meat portion they give you is probably 1.5x the size of the bun and I was sure it was clogging my arteries as I ate it! So 3 stars to Manny's, but I probably won't go back again.
(3)
Jonathan K.
I know this place has the power of lore behind it. And the decor nor staff seems to have changed since the 1950s. (Reminded me of Katz's.). But just in terms of food, not all that. The pastrami was... Meh. The bread wasn't hme made or fresh. The matzo ball soup broth wasn't rich from bones and time. The matzoh ball was too large and fluffy. Hard to believe Bergstein's in the south suburbs has better food!
(3)
Jake M.
If nostalgia and good food is what you're looking for, Manny's is where you need to be. Grab a tray, wait in line, and take a step back in time 60 years. It starts with nourishing chicken broth (the cure for everything) with either a huge matzah ball, ground beef filled kreplach dumplings, noodles, or rice in it and a plate of bakery bread (rye, bagel, etc). Next, there's the sandwich. If it's you're first time here, you will get a corned beef and pastrami combo sandwich on rye. The corned beef is excellent, but the pastrami, oh my god the pastrami, is the juiciest, most flavorful you will ever eat in your life. The way the rye absorbs the meat juices is like taking a trip to heaven. All you need is a few squirts of yellow mustard. Also, one cannot forget the garlicky deli pickle and earth shakingly crispy potato pancake (the recipe of which is framed somewhere in the restaurant). On the way out you could grab some dessert but chances are you're too full. Manny's is the best deli in the area, I'll be back and so will you!
(5)
Bob A.
Wow! The corned beef sandwich was huge! So was the bill. But I'm not complaining, probably got served 2 lbs of corned beef on my sandwich. Added bonus! FREE parking at the rear of the building,,that's worth $10 bucks, so overall not bad. Again, the food was awesome.
(4)
F M.
I've been here many times and it is always great. Be Warned - this is a cafeteria style DELI. Don't go here looking for a regular restaurant. Grab a tray slide it down the counter and go nuts. I think some of the people preparing the food behind the counter have been there forever and the consistency shows. Huge portions, prices are not cheap but they are reasonable. Best pastrami I've ever had. Great corned beef. I'm getting hungry typing this - can't wait to go back.
(5)
Maggie R.
Best deli food ever!! I love the pasta salad. It's delicious!
(5)
Jason L.
A Chicago staple for 4 generations! Great corned beef, great spaghetti, no frills and cafeteria style. I've been going here for 24 years and will keep going for another 24!
(5)
Marko V.
I've been to Manny's probably about 120 times, give or take 20 corned beef sandwiches. And wouldn't you know it, I've ordered a corned beef every single one of those visits. I guess that says something. Something happened this particular visit though; I was given several pieces of Pastrami for free. Holy vagina it was good. I will be going the half and half route my next visit, which is hopefully soon.
(5)
Colleen B.
If you like dirty cafeterias with yellowing furniture, grabby lunch ladies, and ridiculously expensive yet mediocre food, you'll LOVE Manny's. It's disgusting, but somehow it's a Chicago legend. If you're in from out of town, try it. Otherwise, just know that it exists.
(1)
Stephanie B.
I am currently in a state of food coma as I just came back from Manny's for lunch. This place rivals the likes of Carnegie's and Bloom's in New York. I simply cannot wait to go back! Sandwiches the size of your head. Savory matzo ball soup. Homemade kugel and Knish. For the portions that come stacked on your plate, the prices are really appropriate. Today was my first experience with this deli, and it did not disappoint! I was overwhelmed with the varieties of foods prepared. The specials that day included oxtail stew, chicken and dumplings, and other specialties. I grabbed a tray and tried to make my decision as quickly as possible (given the evergrowing line). Thank god for my prior research on yelp and the website I was able to narrow my choices down quickly. I opted for a schmorgesborg of foods: 1/2 a corned beef sandwich on rye which comes served with a pickle and a latke, and a bowl of mazto ball soup. To wash it all down I opted for a Dr. Brown's cream soda. Next time, I might just go out on a limb and try that Celery pop! Everything was delicious. My meat could have been a little leaner, but apparently I hadn't specified a lean cut. I wasn't aware I could do that. At least, for next time, now I know! The stone ground mustard was amazing to swipe my corned beef in. I can proudly say I am a member of the clean plate club for Manny's, and I cannot wait to go back.
(4)
Liz P.
I went to Manny's a few weeks ago, and my only regret is that I ordered my own sandwich - the portions are crazy huge! I should have split a plate with my friend. The food was good and the staff was really nice.
(4)
Mollie H.
Nothing beats a Manny's corned beef sandwich. You can't go wrong though with anything here. Make sure to grab the bread pudding for dessert too! Delicious.
(4)
Douglas J.
I am definitely in the minority here, but I absolutely hated Manny's. I'm used to the authentic Jewish deli's from New Jersey/New York so I must admit that my expectations were very high for Manny's. From the cafeteria setup to the food, everything here was a disappointment. I was excited to see kashe on the menu but when I went to order it, I was told it's only available on Thursdays. The menu should be more clear then. The potato pancake was dry and tasteless. If this is the "best" deli in Chicago, then I'll never be eating deli food here again.
(1)
Cecilia T.
Because I'm not a huge meateater, I couldn't give this place 4 stars. But based on all of my friends who love meat and deli type places, this is really a 4 star place if you have a craving for corned beef or just love meaty sandwiches. The group that I went with really really liked this place. The corned beef sandwich basically comes with a huge amount of meat between 2 pieces of bread, and then a potato pancake and pickles on the side. The potato pancake was rather a disappointment - it seemed a bit old, but perhaps it was because it was mid-day as opposed to being around lunchtime when it might be fresher. I had the rice pudding dessert too - not bad, really filling! I was surprised at how expensive his place was! This is a cafetaria like place, but my meal cost $20. So in summary, this place is good if this type of deli style food is your thang.
It was my first visit to Manny's after wanting to go there forever. We went there for dinner and were pleased to find a large (free) parking lot in back, and it was not busy at all (had allotted WAY more time before going to the show than I needed to!). Anyway, I love the look of the place...cafeteria-style with all the guys lined up to serve up the food. I was a bit overwhelmed by all the choices, and we ended up getting a corned beef & pastrami sandwich, potato pancake, mac & cheese and a piece of red velvet cake. The sandwich was excellent, but I only ate some of the corned beef, because the pastrami looked kind of old and funky (BF ate it all though, and said it was good). The potato pancake had seen better days...it was dry and rubbery and tough. The mac & cheese was YUMMY, and the cake was decent. I really want to go back here when it is buzzing with people and the food is not sitting on the steam table for hours. There are many things on the menu that looked/sounded good, and I look forward to visiting again.
(3)
Arian A.
Corned beef was off the chain!! It came with two pickles and a potato pancake. Man ... so worth the extra miles I had to run to work this off. Quick tip: walk or take a cab here. All parking is valet.
(4)
Gabe L.
I decided to connect with my Jewish roots and come here. A picture of the president greeted me. "What's this?" i said to myself. Not out loud though. That'd be weird. Apparently it's the Obama special consisting of: - Corned Beef Sandwich - Potato Pancake (or latke as we call them ... the more you know ...) - Cherry Pie (did not get this; it's not easy looking this good) Man that was a lot of meat (that's what she said). Really tender too. I can't say the potato pancake beat my mom's cooking (after all she might read this review), but between you and me, itway idday. Afterwards, I started giving out tax credits to anybody who purchased a low calorie item and offering free health care to everybody who didn't - but that might have been taking it too far. sidenote (not a germaphobe, but funny nontheless): Instead of waiting 5 seconds for the next senior to come open the bathroom door for me (it was like clockwork, i swear), they had a step-pull thingy where you can open the door with your foot. MIND=BLOWN.
(4)
Claudia M.
I discovered Manny's on Roosevelt and Jefferson about two years ago with my BF. He loves going to this place. It's a large Cafeteria style deli. You get yourself a tray and silverware at the door. You tell the guys what you'd like and they give you a receipt at the end of line. You pay for your bill when you leave the Deli. I usually split the Corned Beef sandwich and a Knish with my BF. A knish is a round potato dumpling filled with beef. It's pretty good. I absolutely love anything with mashed potatoes , so I just eat the outer shell of the knish. We each get our own potato pancake with a beef stew gravy on the side. All of the food is very salty. Probably not very good for you but man does it taste good. I haven't paid the bill yet but my BF always says it's expensive for the amount of food you get but he also says you can't get this type of food anywhere else in Chicago. I'm a fan!
(4)
Handyman Rich E.
Manny's is a great place for lunch (haven't tried dinner there yet). Paying $11.00 for a sandwich is something I haven't done since the sandwich shop @ the top of Water tower Place packed it's pickle, but this $11.00 sandwich fed my wife & I, and we had some left for lunch the next day. Yes the food is cafeteria style, & the 'atmosphere' is like a step back to the 50s, so if new, modern, & cutting edge is your thing, Manny's is not the place. However, it is a unique atmosphere, the food is tasty and bountiful, and a $20 lunch for two that includes matzo bowl soup, a potatoE pancake, pecan pie, and left overs fits this household's budget..
(5)
Karen A.
My grandfather used to eat here with his old cronies, surrounded by all the other Chicago cronies and politcos, chowing down on massive corned beef sandwiches or meat loaf or slippery eggs and greasy meat breakfasts, slurping coffee after mediocre coffee. Yea, my grandpa's ticker took a beating from years of eating at this place, but I am sure, where ever he is now, he'd say it was worth it. Burp.
(4)
Amelie D.
I'll take plate of corned beef for $500, Alex. Get your eatin' pants on and head to Manny's. If ala carte service gives you panic attacks, take the easy route and order the following: corned beef sandwich on rye with a mushroom barley soup and a potato pancake. Try the grapefruit slices if you need something to cut the heavy meal afterward. If you're just getting soup, or you're not waiting to get your sandwich carved, then don't be afraid to skip the slowpokes at the beginning of the line. Not only will you aid deli efficiency, but you'll look like a true pro.
(5)
Jay D.
Don't bother going out of your way to eat here. Manny's is clearly cashing in on the name and past reputation. So-so pastrami, chewy rye bread and chewy, soggy latkes aren't worth going out of your way and dropping 13 bucks for. I'll bet there are delis in the loop with better sandwiches for less money. I think Eleven Diner had better food than Manny's. The name and reputation has clearly eclipsed the quality of the food here. You'll notice the people that give this place 4 stars are the ones that have been eating there "forever", proving it's a nostalgia thing. I suppose they're capable of serving better food, but they're clearly not above serving warmed-over mediocre food and knowing they can get away with it just because they're Manny's. I had a far better experience at Schmaltz deli in Naperville. A superior sandwich for half the price.
(2)
Joe S.
I will just say that this place has the best sandwiches in the city...hands down, none better. The only con, it can get a little crowded, but well worth the wait.. YUMMY!
(5)
Simone G.
I don't see how you could go to this place and not give it five stars. If you feel a bit out of place, take your time to look around a bit and figure out what they have. Nobody is forcing you to take a tray. The staff is cool enough that if you need help, an answer is only a question away. Get the corned beef, get your fixins, and don't forget the sour cream for your latke (potato pancake). Don't forget you are paying for a huge pile of corned beef. Im a 6'2'' guy that can put his food away and I come away from here with a half a sandwich every time. The only thing close to a negative that I have to say is that sometimes the corned beef is not as lean as I would prefer, but even when thats the case, you could get plenty worse. Get over to manny's yesterday, but don't worry it'll be there tomorrow
(5)
Erin C.
I went here with my jewish friend, eric a while back. The man at the counter made me a fresh corned beef sandwich and called me a shiksa (sp?) goddess while giving my friend a sandwich that had been sitting under a light for a while. He told Eric that he was lucky to be with me and couldn't expect such a cute date and a fresh sandwich all on the same day. I guess this is the usual schtick performed at this place. The sandwich was good, but maybe i'm just not that into the whole jewish deli type of thing. I could only eat half of my $10 sandwich and when i tried to eat the leftovers, the bread was dry and crumbly. The Chicago experience was nice to have, but i'll get my sandwiches elsewhere from now on!
(3)
Alan R.
The truest Jewish deli in Chicago. Corned Beef or Brisket sandwiches nearly a mile high served cafeteria style. Be prepared to order as you go though the line or you get the business from the men behind the counter. Old style deserts like chocolate pudding, noodle kugel or carrot cake. Old school drinks like Green River and Dr. Browns are on the beverage menu. A Chicago institution and must for out of towners looking for a Taste of Chicago"
(5)
steve h.
i hate when my new york friends come in and say 'yeah, its ALMOST as good as blah blah back home...' manny's wins. ok? if someone took manny's and plopped it in a new york burrough then right there people will start saying 'yeah manny's...the BEST deli in new york". so come here to cram like a pound of corned beef into your hard working chicago belly. your body will reward you by putting you into a blissful meat coma for the next few hours. don't worry, you'll come out of it just in time for happy hour.
(5)
Zayna D.
ummm all I have to say is the portion portion portion is AMAZING...not that I can ever finish, but it's nice to see all the piles of goodness in front of you:) Pastrami all the way!
(5)
Karen L.
This place has the BIGGEST sandwiches. They are known for their corned beef sandwiches and they are definitely good. However, you pay the price. A sandwich is around $11! For me, it was just ok, though, because I am not a huge sandwich fan, plus they were way too big. You go through a cafeteria line and you really feel like you are in a school cafeteria. The clientele is mostly older and male. It would be a good place to go for lunch during the work day and if you can eat a lot. (A couple things I did really like: their matzo ball soup and that they have such an extensive menu.)
(2)
Thomas L.
This sandwich is big enough to satisfy a Chicago-sized hunger. Visiting Manny's gave me the feeling that I was traveling back in time to the 50s when nobody cared about calories and carbs. The Corned Beef Hash rocked my world and the potato pancake was incredible. I will be back
(5)
John G.
Manny's is a Chicago institution, packed with local flavor. It's the kind of place that Jake the neighborhood Old Style guy would love. You're not a Chicagoan until you eat here, so stop pretending and get yourself a heaping corned beef sandwich.
(4)
Heidi S.
A Jewish deli? You've gotta be kidding me! This place is about the farthest thing from a Jewish deli as McDonald's is! The food is appauling! My friend & I went there on a Saturday. The line was out the door. It was cold out, so I was up for a hearty meal, such as beef stew, some freshly made Pumpernickel bread, and a bowl of Matzoh Ball Soup. I could've broke a window with the meat in the beef stew. The veggies--ie--carrots, potatoes, and celery (if you call 'em vegetables)--were frozen-tasting...Jolly Green Giant frozen veggies would've tasted better...The veggies they used for the "beef stew" tasted like they purchased them at Aldi's...Actually even veggies from Aldi's wpould be too good. And besides the beef being tough, it also had an inferior taste too it, like they purchased it in bulk from a cheap meat store. Then let's talk about the Pumpernickel bread. Two measley slices of bread (Not that I would've wanted more than that!) were thrown on a plate wiothout any sarran wrap, etc. on top of where the warm food was located. We all know what happens to bread when we leave it out wiothout covering it...It gets stale very quick. Needless to say, the bread was hard as a rock, and more importantly, even if it wasn't as hard as a rock, it had absolutely no taste! Then the Matzoh Ball soup...Again, if that's what you call it...The Matzoh Ball itself tasted like a wet, dirty sponge...No taste! My friend got "Barbecue Beef" with fake mashed potatoes. They probably got the "Barbecue Beef" in bulk from Sam's, as that's what it tasted like...Generic barbecue sauce, again, inferior meat, etc. None of the food had ANY taste...We literally used a pound of salt in an attempt to give it some flavor. The worst part...$50.00 for this slop!!! They have a lot of nerve charging $50.00. Compare this place to REAL JEWISH DELIS/RESTAURANTS--ie---Katz Deli in lower east end of Manhattan, the old "Rascal's" on Collins Avenue in North Miami Beach, Chompie's in Scottsdale, Arizona...These places are real Jewish delis...Manny's is a TOTAL JOKE when you compare it to DECENT Jewish delis! Obviously Chicago Jews are sheltered to think that Manny's is all that!!! If you like paying $50.00 for frozen, inferior food go to Manny's...Otherwise, save your money & go to Wendy's or McDonald's...Wendy's & McDonald's would be better than Manny's which has the audacity to call itself a Jewish deli!!!!
(1)
TheLeg G.
The pastrami sandwich was a religious experience. Just a huge pastrami and rye orgy. The matzo ball soup? Ehhh. Was good, but not enough noodles in the broth for my taste.
(4)
Amanda P.
Everyone's crowing about the corned beef here, but I have to say that the rare roast beef is my favorite. The warm, homemade gefilte fish isn't bad either, if you like that stuff (which I do!)
(5)
John Dale K.
fantastic place for lunch. the wait is worth it. i was introduced to this place years ago, and when i get back to chicago, it is on my list of places to stop at. the pastrami beats new york, or anywhere else. and the potato pancakes---you can grease a car with one of those things--and maybe that's why i always order two. geez--i miss this place
(5)
Ray A.
it was good, they try to be a take off of nyc deli's, but you cant... other wise its good.
(3)
Kevin H.
Not much more can be said about this place.
(5)
Lezah G.
Even though I grew up in Chicago, I went to Manny's for the first time only a couple of weeks ago. I had been hearing the "hype" about them for a few years now and after eating there, I came to the conclusion that all this hype is based on nostalgia for the old fashioned Jewish delis and cafeterias which you don't see too many of around the Chicago area any more. They serve a lot of old time dishes and soups. This review, however, is for their corned beef sandwiches only. Their other food might be wonderful but their corned beef was a disappointment. It's true that the sandwiches are huge. I split one and that half sandwich was more than enough. The corned beef was just o.k. It wasn't that tasty and it was crumbly--like it was minced instead of sliced. I should have known better. Manny's has been around for decades. If their corned beef were really spectacular, my dad, who knew Chicago well and loved his corned beef, would have taken the family there for lunch years ago! I still recommend going there just to go back in time for a few hours. It's a little bit like a Jewish food museum.
(2)
Linda K.
To get to the point- Manny's is awesome!
(5)
S to the izzo F.
Even though Manny's is a buffet style, cafeteria like restaurant, the food is simply AWESOME. The Corn beef is one of the best, if not the best, in the entire Chicago land area. The Sandwiches are HUGE!! The best potato pancake I have ever had the pleasure to eat!!!!!!! I can't decide what else to get when I go there. The Matzo Ball soup and Kishke are so, so, so good! Manny's is truly one of my favorites! Parking can be tuff, especially during lunch, But Manny's always has a place to sit in it's huge dinning area. the prices are reasonable for amount of food served. Once you get the craving for Manny's nothing else will do!
(5)
Poker B.
Delicious! The pastrami sandwich is the best I've tasted outside of NYC. The sandwiches here are HUGE and can be shared with a friend. The Midway airport also has a small outpost. I ate there once and was totally disappointed. The original Manny's has old school surroundings and is a great spot for a HEAVY lunch.
(5)
Jay D.
Not exactly in the Loop, but you'll find plenty of authentic Chicago history and culture inside of this bare-bones quasi cafeteria/deli. Best corned beef in the city.
(5)
Laura O.
Was not impressed with the food or place.
(2)
Edward H.
Manny's is by far one of the best deli's in Chicago and definitely a local favorite. Finding parking in the area proves to be quite difficult since so many patrons pack in for their monster corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. But if you do manage to get into this old school deli, you'll find yourself in a cafeteria style eatery full of friendly servers (who will occasionally do a bit of deli acrobatics for you - you'll know it when you see it) and a whole lotta mouth watering foods. All foods come in only one size - a heaping helping. Their corned beef and pastrami sandwiches can be about a good 3-4" thick! If you're health concious, they now offer turkey pastrami (delish!). Don't forget to grab yourself a potato pancake. They've also great matzah ball soup and stuffed cabbage. Order what you like, eat up, and then pay at the door on your way out. Everyone should try this Chicago classic at least once - I bet you'll be back for more.
(5)
Joanna B.
Fanstastic. You have to go if you've never been here. Of course the corned beef is good, but I also love their gefilte fish, mac and cheese and matzo ball soup. Sandwiches are big enough to split, unless you are a big guy or have a huge appetite. Never disappoints. Oh yeah, they are closed on Sundays.
(5)
John M.
The only real deli in Chicago, which makes no sense to me. Outstanding roast beef sandwich and potato pancake. Service is excellent too.
(5)
John H.
This place is clean and smells of home. This is not an inexpensive lunch spot. 7-10 dollars for breakfast and 10-15 dollars for lunch is usual. The corned beef hash is real (not from a can) and the corned beef sandwich is $11. The Matzo balls are firm and the chicken soup will cure anything, even a broken heart. The food is clean, large portions and worth every penny. The food is comfort food. I could say how amazing this place is, but you have to like the ambiance of a cafeteria to see the truth of it. I have eaten every where in the world and at Chicago's finest. This is where I go to be with friends, family and where I feel welcomed; this place is Chicago to me. Four generations of my family have eaten here. It is a place where everyone is welcome, cops and judges, bosses and employees, sit at the same table, and everyone leaves with a sense of peace. Take your time as no one is in a hurry to see you leave. Get to know the owner, Kenny, his mother, and his sons. They like to talk to their customers and make you feel like family. Gino will always give you a lean corned beef sandwich and ask after your family. I think they are open evenings now. Enjoy!
(5)
Rachel W.
I was born and raised in Chicago, and live in San Francisco now. My dad used to take me here for the corned beef sandwiches. Seriously people, don't ever take Manny's for granted. Most other places in the country have nothing remotely like the Chicago Jewish deli/corned beef sandwich, and Manny's does it the best. I miss it dearly and come here whenever I am at home.
(5)
Joel K.
Oh if you haven't had a real Deli-Diner experience then you gotta go to Manny's for lunch. You walk into a cafeteria style deli and are overwhelmed with the lovely smells of fresh cooking foods. I come to this place for sandwiches, my favorite being the roast beef or pastrami on an onion roll. You can't help but notice the meat slicers constantly shaving off fresh roasted hunks of meat. If you like roast beef, pastrami, or corned beef this is the place to get hooked up. The sandwiches are piled so high with meat that you need a fork to eat it down so you can grab it with both hands. To go with you should also get the fried potato cake with sour cream and a fresh fountain soda to wash it all down. Take your time in the veterans lodge style seating to enjoy your meal cause you'll need it. I usually end up taking some of it to go since the portions are so large. This place is definitely worth the drive down to the south side.
(5)
John N.
The first time I tasted Manny's was when my mom brought home their fish, spaghetti, green beans, and bread after work - my palate was very happy afterwards. Fast forward to two weeks, I'm standing in Manny's with my parents around 3 on a Thursday. The place was practically empty so it was nice to take our time, but I was still confused on how to order - it's cafeteria style, but then what!? It's one of those places that you have to go to daily to know what to get and how to order, so it's a good idea to have someone who's familiar with the system to hold your hand the first time. I'll be more prepared next time I visit. The menu is more than enough to satisfy any homemade cooking or deli craving you have. Word of caution, it's a bit pricey -- I got one whole plate (don't know why) of their beef stew not realizing it's freakin' $13. So to be smart, divide your plate into two or three sections, you'll be glad you did. Depending on how you see it, it's not a bang-for-your-buck place, but the generous portions and quality is worth the expense and humiliation. The staff is friendly and helpful to newcomers, so just asked and they shall tell. This is a no frills diner, so decor it kept to a minimum, which I like. I had a hard time getting water (needed my mom to help me turn the darn thing on. . .) Only four stars since it's a bit pricey and the menu wasn't user friendly to newcomers. Visit Manny's at least once when you're in Chicago. What you see and smell is definitely what you get. Oh, Manny's is a place that observes the day of obligation, so no Sunday action, unfortunately.
(4)
Ari G.
hands down, the best corned beef sandwiches in Chicago, perhaps in the whole world. They're simple on rye with mustard, a pickle, and a home-made potato pancake, and pure heaven from beginning to end. all other menu items are also very good, including roast beef sandwiches, pastrami, very unique freshly-ground burgers, kishke, fish entres, deli-julianne salad, cakes, matza ball or kreplach or noodle soup, it's ALL SO GOOD! Living in San Francisco now and i absolutely DREAM about Manny's! It's always my first and last stop on trips to or through Chicago. Plenty of room to sit and eat, in an old-school, deli-style atmosphere including the long serving line at the beginning to get your food.
(5)
Aaron R.
There isn't a single deli in Chicago that beats this Jewish deli. The corned beef is delicious and their matzah ball soup may just beat my grandmother's. My only complaint is that they are closed on Sundays.
(5)
Michael F.
As far as deli's go in the city of Chicago, nothing else holds a candle to this place. A Chicago institution for years. THE place to see politicians, cops, firemen (the dept. headquarters is around the corner), and anybody who's anybody in da Chicago patronage circles. Fantastic corn beef, pastrami's not too bad either. Go for lunch and see who's who.
(5)
Chas S.
Reminds me of the cafeteria at a hospital. Nuff said. But we buy pounds of their corned beef for our St. Paddys day party every year cause there simply is no substitute for that wonderful menu gem. However, I must share with you the experience I had there last fall while enjoying a quiet morning brunch with the boy. I was forking at my cafeteria cole slaw in my beige-colored bowl, when a well-to-do family of mom, dad, daughter, and son-in-law sat down at a table five feet away from us. Didn't pay much attention to them, but was aware that the dad had a MASSIVE corned beef sammich on his tray, filled to the brim with meat. No biggie. But all that is wrong in this world and with people's idea of table manners and just plain "ickiness" came to be in a single moment...when the dad dropped half his corned beef on the floor, scraped it off the table leg below him, ignored his wife's comment of "you're not going to eat that, are you?", and continued his blissful munching without a single thought as to what he had just put in his mouth. Are you kidding me? I put my fork down, tried not to think about the last time that table leg had been thoroughly cleaned, and have been unable to return since. Call it a mind block, but I simply cannot go near that place without thinking of that rancid pig eating meat off the floor. People suck.
(3)
Chloe M.
By far the best deli in Chicago. It's really far away from my apartment, but it's worth the drive out here for their amazing sandwiches.
(4)
Lee-Han H.
They do have the tasty corned beef sandwiches. Now I don't eat just anybody's corned beef so I give these guys alot of credit. Nothing is overpriced in here.
(5)
Josh ..
As far as Chicago delis, this is the standard. Not much more to say. Gotta check it out if you've never been.
(4)
Dennis H.
A Chicago CLASSIC. Go for the corned beef (served with attitude), and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
kb j.
I've been going to Manny's for as long as I can remember and went there recently after being out of the country for a week. It's not very fancy (if you like cafeteria-style service and formica-top tables, this place is for you). You go through a cafeteria line and ask the countermen to hand you your food. The menu is large, but I'm a huge fan of (and almost always get) the corned beef and pastrami sandwich with a potato pancake. Your order is rung up as you exit the cafeteria line, but remember to hold onto your ticket because you pay a cashier at the front as you leave the restaurant following your meal. Portions are huge. The potato pancake is the size of a small plate and the sandwich is so large that Jabba the Hutt would probably not be able to finish it. The corned beef and pastrami are both excellent as is the potato pancake. This place should be on the list of real foodies.
(5)
Mark P.
Disappointing that the pastrami wasn't sliced to order but instead pre-sliced and soaking in juices in the steam table. Perhaps I'll try the corned beef next time.
(2)
Tony S.
Best Corned Beef sandwich is Chicago period.... There is not even close to a comparison in Chicago. When I worked downtonw I would go there all the time. Miss this place. The beef is pricey but also double the size of any where else out there. So its acutally 2 sandwich for the price of 1.5. Good Deal when you think about it!
(5)
david k.
along w Ashkenaz, this is a real Deli, with good cured meats sandwiches and platters. Nothing better in Chicago.
(4)
Michael P.
Still the place for corned beef and pastrami (and matzah ball soup). Full of character (characters), personality and originality. A slice of the city. Not cheap - but worth every penny - for the history and personal memories alone. Where else can you get a potato pancake with your memories? Hold me personally responsible for introducing dozens of people and a second generation to Mannys (as a Saturday morning field trip - and via the corned beef sandwiches - with pickles - served at the "Ethnic Table" at our wedding several years ago). It's all good.
(5)
Brad C.
Business lunch, want to stuff your self, want to experience the day-to-day working life of Chicago... this is your place. I just love hitting this spot for a little punishment from the huge portions and getting some real food for the money in Chicago. This is not suit & tie business lunch, this is working jeans and getting life done type business lunch.
(5)
Marco D.
I've been here a few times now and every time I sit down and take a bite of my sandwich all I can think is, "Why don't I come here more often?" And then I remember....because I don't want to be extricated from my apartment via the fire department and a forklift. Manny's is a really wonderful Chicago landmark and is really a must for any hard core foodie. The food is the real deal and is made with a lot of care and craft by their staff who are true believers in the quality of food they put on your plate. It started out as a small jewish deli/coffee shop whose dining areas have expanded into three neighboring storefronts. I mean this place has a valet service because it gets so busy during the lunch rush! So the food is the best of the best jewish cuisine. Home cooked comfort food. The portions are enormous. On my last venture I tried the turkey pastrami (reuben) which came with a giant potato latke that was absolute perfection. The sandwiches are as big as your head and are easily two meals for me. One if I'm feeling a lack of self control. The Matzo ball soup is legendary and the Matzos are the size of baseballs. I've recommended this place to all of my friends and I certainly recommend it to you. It's not a place I would go to every day because it is a bit pricy. Be ready to spend $10-15 per sandwich. It's expensive but in this case you really do get your money's worth.
(5)
Brian V.
Best pastrami I've ever had? Nah, but its still pretty damn good and satisfies the craving. Manny's is a real old school joint, looks more like a big over-lit cafeteria than anything. As far as what they serve, Jewish deli... you get it. The rye bread is awesome, and really pulls the sandwich together. A pickles a pickle and the potato pancake was good. Warm pastrami on rye with a potato pancake and a pickle cost something like $13.50, so get ready to pay.
(4)
Eazmg C.
amazing deli/cafeteria! lives up to its hype. I pretty much haven't like any of my orders here, but i do agree the corned beef, matzo, and potato pancakes are amazing. pretty good spot for a hangover, just remember it's closed sunday.
(5)
peter l.
This place is good but I expect a $12 ($13 if they slip in the potatoe pancake) corned beef sandwich to not have lot's of fat and gristle. Annoyed at the lack of prices on side dishes and soda's. I grabbed a can of soda and it was $2.50, no wonder the price isn't listed. The guys who work the cafeteria line are cool and friendly but the cashiers are not too friendly or welcoming. I will go back someday but this is not the best corned beef I ever had. The portions are large but I'd rather have a $9 sandwich that's smaller. You will not go home hungry.
(3)
Zak O.
Fun, casual restaurant with an almost overwhelming number of options to choose from. I had the pastrami on rye, which was phenomenal. Someone else had the corned beef which was a little dry and lacking in flavor, but overall pretty good. The staff is a ton of fun and crack jokes with you. Overall a good experience.
(4)
Marcos G.
Superb, superb, superb ! AAA. The best corned beef on rye in Chicago. And by the way, anything or everything else you want to order and enjoy is excellent. Do I really have to say anything else. I have known the owner for years. And he knows me as well. He probably never knew me by name, because often I would show up with many of his older customers that have either permanently retired to South Florida, or .....passed. (The Senator Neistein and Co crowd) Whether is be the beef stew, the chicken, the roast beef, the pastrami, and don't forget the dairy dishes like his savory tuna fish salad, ...all salads in fact, or the hallmark potato pancakes with a corned beef, you cannot go wrong in terms of taste, and portion. Keep in mind, you get what you pay for. If you think you are only paying 5 dollars for corned beef, go to one of those joints where the bread is thick and the corned beef is barely seen....if seen at all. You will pay quite a bit more, but if you want to see what you get, see the pic next to my name. It's so huge, only a seasoned and overweight eater like myself can eat the entire sandwich in one sitting. if you are an average eater, it is both a bargain and delicious. Don't forget the pickle. (you get it with the sandwich) . If you want anything that is even close you have to go to New York..... a bit far for a CBR. Just go. You will be back. Again and again....just like me.....for over 30 years !! By the way, Manny's is now open til 8 or 9. Have fun and enjoy.
(5)
chris g.
Each time I return here I say I'm going to order something different. But then I get in the food line & something happens. I panic with too many choices. The menu boards span the whole mile long cafeteria line. So I go with what they are famous for, Corned Beef sandwich, potato pancakes & Matzo soup. Well actually I mixed it up a bit this time with a 1/2 Pastrami & 1/2 Corned Beef for $12. The potato pancakes are $2.50, the Matzo soup is $3.75 along with a can of pop & suddenly you realize your lunch adds up pretty fast. It's become the political hot spot for lunch so don't be surprised to see a politician or two.
(4)
Nicole S.
I really Miss eating Manny's as often as I used to when my office was located in the south loop... First off the sandwiches are huge and seriously piled with meat so make sure you have an appetite or you'll definately have a couple meals worth of food left over! Corned Beef, Turkey Pastrami, The Latkes are what I always go back for and thier soup is warm and comforting in the cooler months. The interior is pretty dingy looking and it has a very old school cafeteria feel to it. Always pretty busy when I've gone in to pick up food, but it's always been hot and ready on time after phoning it in even with the crowds.
(4)
Adele n.
I saw the corned beef sandwich and almost gave up vegetarianism on the spot. Dear god, that thing looked good. I fought off the blood thirsty urge and ordered a veggie sandwich (mozzarella cheese, roasted red pepper and tomato on dense bread). The counter guys looked at me a little crooked when I ordered it, but when I got a potato pancake on the side everything was cool. Food was good. Atmosphere was better. What a fun, old school place.
(4)
Dae K.
I was drawn into this shop because I've read reviews of the place saying President Obama loved this place when he lived in Chicago. The logic was that if I visited places where he used to visit, maybe I could become more like him - yes it's flawed. The "popular" menu here is the corned beef sandwich with potato "hash browns" and a sliver of blueberry/raspberry/cherry pie. It's a delicious combination! There is always a long ordering line here during the peak hours. The preparers on the other side of the counter are always busy, and the way they prepare food is so crude to the point that it's hilarious. When I ordered a corned beef sandwich, he put a huge chunk of corned beef on the slicer and started moving the meat back and forth really quickly. When bunch of slices fell through the who-knows-how-long-it-hasn't-been-cleaned wooden preparation table, he grabbed a fistful of meat and smashed it in between slices of bread, and cut it into two halves. The resulting corned beef sandwich looked fit for consumption by... cows. Moo.
(4)
Tim Y.
Finest deli west of New York. The hot pastrami is excellent, especially when paired with good deli mustard and horseradish. Though I generally love potato pancakes, these were a bit tough. I think I got the last one in the steam tray, so maybe next time I'll get one a bit less chewy.
(4)
Dan Y.
Pricey but worth EVERY PENNY. By far the best corned beef and pastrami sandwich...AMAZING Matza Ball soup. The kugel is great too.
(5)
Michael S.
Killer old school Jewish Deli that my family has been going to for years. There is no glitz or glamor when it comes to Manny's. Simply put Manny's is deli food dreams are made from. Highlights Include: Reuben Potato Pancakes (Some of the best of have ever had) Old school smiley face cookie
(4)
Edward W.
Expensive but just great food. Been going there since I was a kid. Matzo ball soup, beef on onion roll, or I also love the beef stew.
(5)
Jaye J.
Never lets me down. I can't add much more to the reviews below about the food, except to say that yes, the sandwiches are delicious and HUGE. Easily enough corned beef or pastrami for 2 more big sandwiches. Their potato pancakes don't get enough love. they are delicious and come with the sandwiches. Steam table items are a bit of a gamble. had some delicious chicken there, and the liver and onions yum - but I got some fish that was both dried out and soggy at the same time. The steam table veggies are....well, usually steam table veggies. The soup - so good. I like matzo ball, but I LOVE kreplach (like a filled dumpling. a little deli potsticker!) and theirs are delicious and tender and more fun for me in the hot chickeny broth. try some different stuff - give the chopped liver a try. Try the lox. the cucumber salad is good, the pies are good, the bread is good. The mustard on the tables is good. It's a great people watching spot - this include the antics behind the counter making your sandwiches...those guys have skills. Everybody eats at manny's. Cops, little old Jewish folk getting a bite, families, bikers, students, ven the president got some corned beef and pie there. Now I wish we'd gotten some extra soup to have at home.
(5)
Kevin W.
Still the best, though I feel the portions got a little chincy! I always get the pastrami on rye, It is awesome!! You got to check this place out, It's a Chicago institution!
(4)
P S.
Manny's. After all this time. Finally. I mean, it's not like I'm the queen of deli meats. It's only been about four years since my first pastrami on rye and this visit was the first corned beef sandwich I've ever eaten. But I gotta say, I'm glad I don't get a hankerin' for Manny's daily because I'd eventually be found dead on the floor of a serious myocardial infarction of the nth degree, or, drowned in a tub of that glorious horseradish mustard. I can't decide... Split between two of us with two drinks, one corned beef on rye, a potato pancake and a slice of cherry pie came to a hootin' $21. I was a bit floored at that cost, but for something you do pretty rarely I guess it's worth it given that it's a classic establishment and all.
(4)
Mike K.
This review will serve as your road map for your trip to Manny's. First of all, park in the free lot if you can to avoid paying Da Mare's de facto tax, i.e. the pay box. Then, make sure you have a bit of money in your pocket before you enter Manny's. When you enter, grab a tray, silverware and a napkin. Lay said tray on the metal bars and proceed straight past the dinner selections to the Matzo ball soup. Place your order for the Matzo ball soup at this time, and then proceed to the corned beef guy with the 'stache at the slicer. The guy with the 'stache at the slicer is an icon. He will give you a hard time. He will pull your leg. He's a treasure and I think a veteran, so smile and order your corned beef on onion roll with a couple of potato pancakes. Banter with him a bit if you dare. Then move on with your tray down the line and grab a Green River. You are now ready to move to your table. No, you won't pay right now. You'll get a receipt. On to the formica and the huge meal. You'll find there's enough corned beef for two sandwiches. You'll probably remove some of it to make it easier to eat the sandwich. If you can finish it all, as well as the potato pancakes and soup, you are a hero. Afterwards, you'll saunter towards the door, fuller than you've ever been, and pay the damages. Yes, it's going to cost you a bit of money. But it's worth it. This is the best corned beef sandwich in the city. But you can only eat here twice a year at the most. Otherwise, you'll find yourself going out to buy new pants with a larger waist size. It's that good. I highly recommend Manny's, especially for a hungry Saturday morning/afternoon. Definitely something every Chicagoan should experience at least once. You will know why this city is referred to as the City of Broad Shoulders after eating here.
(5)
Sarah H.
Potato Pancakes!!! The best I have had and can't wait for more. You have to have it with the sour cream and apple sauce or you are missing out on the full experience. Next you need to have a cornbeef sandwich and the best part is you will have leftover for tomorrow, make sure to ask for extra bread. The staff is very friendly and helpful and wish more restaurants had staff like those at Manny's. The line might look long at lunch but moves very fast! Enjoy!!
(5)
KChicagoan S.
So they earn the stars mostly for the potato pancake - that thing is goooood! I tried a hot chicken dish with a side of mac n' cheese and my husband got a pastrami and corned beef sandwich. Everything I tried was just fine. Actually, take it back, the mac n' cheese was gross (and I looooove mac n' cheese). The flavor of the pastrami was pretty good but the corned beef was dry. Also, it was rather pricey for what we got. A sandwich, one potato pancake, and my chicken dish with one soda for $29. It wasn't a bad experience or meal, but I don't think I'll be going back to Manny's anytime soon.
(3)
Jill W.
One word to describe Manny's- overrated. Are the corned beef sandwiches good? Sure. Are they worth $11? Probably not. Growing up Jewish, I've had my fair share of latkes and matzoh ball soup and Manny's just didn't impress me. Wish I could give 2 1/2 stars.
(2)
Mark S.
This place is perfect. Been going for years. Awesome experience every time. They are famous for their corned beef and other sandwhiches (which are amazing) But I think their breakfast is amazing. My mouth is watering thinking of their eggs and potatoes right now.
(5)
Stephen F.
Seriously? This is supposed to represent the best Chicago delis can offer? Either Chicago delis are truly bad, or the one Jewish alderman who keeps raving about Manny's hasn't been here since 1974. Note that I don't eat corned beef or pastrami, so if those Manny's specialties are good as advertised my review may not apply to you. But I do object to flavorless pickles, oozy and gelatinous gefilte fish, half raw potato pancakes, and what I think of simply as the anti-knish. The pie was a log of lard. I felt sick later after trying to eat this food. The groupon defrayed the cost of this debacle, but without it the prices would have been absurd. You can eat at a restaurant for the same amount. This relic of 50s school cafeterias gets an F.
(1)
Lawrence C.
What a treat. Been going here for years and if haven't been here go here. Cafeteria style but quite the show especially when they are in rare form. they make 1,000 sandwiches a day and don't miss a beat! Enjoy!!!
(5)
Vicky K.
Excellent corned beef. Every other item that I have tried has been wonderful as well. Pricey but you get a lot for the money. Friendly, accomodating staff. Clean. ^5! Now if only we can get them to vote Republican.........
(5)
Laurie R.
I took my coworker here last week, I hadn't been in years. It's still as awesome as ever. The best corned beef I ever had - old school piled high on rye. Bring your appetite or share with a friend. I love the potato pancakes. The staff is super friendly and will kid around with you like an old friend. You have to experience it yourself to truly appreciate how great it is.
(5)
Angelo P.
Holy hell the sandwiches are ginormous! All of the meat on the thing spills out over the bread and halfway over the plate! :P This is a no fuss get ur sandwich and get in and out kinda place. It's all about the food and not some yuppie posh atmosphere where you pay the same price for a sandwich with 1 slice of meat and lettuce. The latkes on the side was a good change of scenery and both the corned beef n pastrami were pretty good. I've had better outside of Chicago but Jewish delis are a rare breed in this city. When I'm having a craving for the good stuff, I come here.
(4)
Mark M.
The potato pancakes and the corned beef are really good. A solid 4 star place with some good Chicago history.
(4)
fab f.
Nothing I can add to the good reviews. I enjoyed the good Jewish deli in NY, and i think this one is at the same level, with a Chicago taste. I really felt I was in the heart of the busy, large shoulders, hard working people Chicago. Loved it.
(5)
Jonathan A.
I finally made it to Manny's after having only previously ordered delivery. This place is awesome. I can't wait to come back. And it's so much better than getting it delivered. It almost defeats the whole purpose. The reuben and potato pancakes were awesome. The only comparison I could make would be Katz' Deli in New York.
(5)
Luke S.
Thank you Groupon and thank you Manny's! That was some of the best/cheapest corned beef around. It was a heaping stack of meat on fresh baked rye. While the potato pancake is not Luke beach approved, I did eat half. I've had a lot of potato pancakes in my day, but that was best I've had. Don't be discouraged by the lines, as they will move quick. I think this might be the best deli food that I've ever had.
(5)
Alf O.
Chicago's best and real deal Jewish Deli. Grab a tray and head down the line cafeteria style. Small chance of running into Chicago politicians like Daley or Emanuel (or even Obama once). The sandwiches and potato pancakes are the best (along with everything else), and the staff is friendly and playful.
(5)
Joseph H.
The best!!! the place has not changes a bit since I first went over 20 years ago! Had the best corned beef sandwich (huge, shared it with my son), potatoe knish (like shredded beef goodness inside mashed potatoes smothered in gravy!), and a potato pancake. Awesome!!!!
(5)
Moon D.
The debate goes on about Jewish deli's and Chicago and the North Side but fact is, they have been here forever and it is still consistent quality. I think it's a tad overpriced but it has never stopped me from going. Pastrami and corned beef combo, potato pancake, matzso ball soup....whew!!! Good stuff. Old school cafeteria style. The even have the paper water cups that are coned shape and fit into the plastic holder! You look around and think it's 1966 and your in a time warp. You know a ton of cool negotiations took place in these rooms. Love it here. I end up with about a $16.00 tab for the above mentioned food. Check it out...way cool!
(4)
Eddie S.
Sometimes you need to just roll up your sleeves (wayyy up) and dig into a generously sized pastrami sandwich. Get the potato pancake too. The cafeteria-like decor, complete with trays, is befitting the feel they're going for. Can be considered pricey for what you get (~$15 for pastrami sandwich and potato pancake), but you'll leave stuffed and satisfied.
(4)
Dusty K.
Manny's is a Chicago landmark since 1942. It's a hopping place that seems to be buzzing even during off hours. I almost left with a t-shirt but after my $40 bill decided to skip that part of my trip. I parked in the rear and headed in to discover a short line before the dinner crowd. Not knowing what to expect, I smiled when I saw how cafeteria-like this place is. I unfortunately ordered a side of mac and cheese before moving onto the sandwich portion of the line. More on this later. The guy near the corned beef slicer has a way with words. But seeing him trim the fat off each cut of corned beef was like watching a painter at work. It was simply beautiful. He also told me to 'take my sandwich and get the hell outta here' to which I replied 'you're damn right I will'. Sarcasm is a wonderful thing. My half corned beef half pastrami sandwich hit the spot. I have a hard time calling this a sandwich as it was more a mountain of meat between two rye croutons. The mac and cheese looked delicious but failed on flavor. It was creamy, which was nice, but didn't have that slap you in the face cheese flavor that I look for. If you head to Manny's stick with what made them famous. Pastrami, corned beef and the potato pancake the sandwich comes with. It's more than enough food and is probably the best way to experience this place without your bill getting too high. But don't be surprised if you find yourself and another person dishing out $40 for lunch. It's not the cheapest place in town but definitely worth a trip.
(4)
Megan B.
3 stars perfectly sums up my Manny's experience. I think it is a good place - not fantastic, but not bad. Ordering: I hadn't been to a cafeteria in ages, and while I enjoyed the cafeteria line at Manny's, I also found it a bit overwhelming. Because the wall menu is so extensive, it is impossible to even read or even see more than 1/4 of before it is time to order. Not wanting to hold up regulars, I quickly ordered the first thing I laid eyes upon - a corned beef sandwich with a potato pancake, having no idea of the cost. I added to that red jello (my cafeteria staple) and a coke 0 (nice touch, Manny's). While the amount of food on my tray was fit for a 300lb man, I was still slightly surprised at the nearly $18 price tag. Eating: I was a corned beef virgin coming to Manny's. Keeping in mind that I have nothing to compare it to, I will say that my corned beef sandwich was solidly "good." The meat was savory and not fatty. I loved the flavor of the rye bread, although I was slightly put off by the sogginess of the bottom slice. Since I'm not a huge meat eater, I would have preferred a higher bread-to-meat ratio, but I suppose I'm in the minority on that preference. The sandwich was so huge that I could only eat half. Too bad I forgot my doggy bag on the table. As for the potato pancake, it was fine, but not memorable. If I go again, I will order the chicken salad sandwich; I had a bite of Kyle H's, and it was amazing and only half the price of my corned beef sandwich. Contemplating: I am glad that I got to experience the famed Manny's. It is a nice alternative to the usual Loop lunch spots. I loved the cafeteria atmosphere, but the high price and inconvenient location will keep me from being a frequent visitor.
(3)
Nicole C.
5+ stars for Manny's Deli. This is where I want to be on St. Patty's Day! :) By far the best corned beef and cabbage I've had. The MOUND of corned beef was enough to build a sandwich to take home while still having way more than enough for dinner alongside cabbage and potatoes. Although the restaurant itself is cafeteria-style with fluorescent lights and all, it was great to see tables of ladies meeting to play scrabble and card games. This place is definitely a Chicago institution. I can't believe that they only recently opened for dinner, but I certainly hope it stays this way. I can only dream that they start delivering....
(5)
Ronald H. R.
Wanting to visit Manny's after all I have heard about it, I finally got there, hungry, so bought several things. Well, I do not have a good thing to say about it's food. What a disappointment. Wanted a hot pastrami on rye and what I got was some cold, dark, overcooked scraps of dry tasteless meat. I also had the tasteless cucumbers, and a not very good cole slaw or potato pancake. I was really hungry so my experience was a disaster and it cost me 22 bucks. I took the excess home and threw it away, it was that bad. What an overrated place. I won't be back. I suggest they re-invent themselves and take a close look at what they are offering their clients. No stars from me. I know what a good deli is and this ain't it. I miss Berghoffs where I always got a really good sandwich.
(1)
Alan N.
Some of the best Corned Beef ever! Sandwiches made the way they're supposed to be! Why can't I get this out in the burbs? Don't they know from a good Deli? Honestly, the chicken (I had Mish Mosh) soup is passable but the potato pancake is tasty and as others have said - the Corned Beef is excellent and plentiful. It is flavorful and not too fatty. If you like less meaty sandwiches then grab one of the plates with the slices of Rye bread and make a second sandwich to take home or for a friend. If I had a "bubbie" I would bring her here for sure!
(5)
Steve M.
Oh Mannys you have become such a tourist hang out with your valet parking and already prepared corned beef sandwiches. The food is still good but the prices seem to have skied since I was there last. $20 for a sandwich, drink, and a cucumber side seems a tad over the top. I still can't believe there is valet parking but oh well business must be good.
(3)
Jenna T.
I believe when you go out to eat that the service should be friendly, the restaurant should be visually appealing, and the portions should be reasonable. All of that is thrown out of the water at Manny's! And rightfully so. Manny's is an old Chicago stand by, serving up authentic Deli food including the most massive, jam packed corned beef and pastrami sandwiches you have ever seen. The food is without question done exceptionally well maintaining true delicatessen recipes over several decades. They are consistently delicious. Food is served up cafeteria style and the men behind the counter have a lot of personality and are not afraid to give it to you straight. They expect you to know what you want as soon as they are ready for you and you better be ready. Don't ask for any other bread other than Rye, pay attention, and you should be an ace in the hole! Slow the line up, and the stack of mean mugs behind you will let you know. Most of those folks are regulars who have been coming here for generations. Why 4 stars and not 5? The environment itself is pretty stale. A lot of people appreciate that because it stays true to their roots, which I get. But its a bit sterile in there and its not very comfortable to eat inside. But its exactly what you would expect of a place like Manny's and it should probably stay that way. Want to indulge on some seriously delicious delicatessen food in Chicago? This is the only place you should be visiting.
(4)
bryan c.
My memories of cafeterias mostly stem from my childhood; everyday it was russian roulette with the potentially spoiled chocolate milk, the suspicious chili and the swamp-like cole slaw. But like many of the things that haunted me as a child that have since reappeared in my adulthood, it's really not that bad. See, Manny's is a cafeteria. You have the tray, the despondent and harried cooks putting food on a plate for you, but, it's for grown-ups. And while you can make a kid eat your crappy cooking, you certainly can't make an adult eat your crappy cooking and Manny's has that covered. We're talking top-notch food here. Even Obama comes here and one of the first things you see is a picture of the President chowing down on some stuff and they even went so far as to name a special after him. Keep in mind, though, the prices here are kind of steep. The reuben is around $12 but piled high enough to double as a tribute to Mount Olympus. If you spoil yourself with fancy yuppie food that has complex sauces and hard to pronounce names then you might strike out here. This is Food, that is, food with a capital "F", not food with a lower case "f" and written in italics. Manny's is for people who like large portions of savory and like topping it off with traditional sweet. If public school cafeterias were all like Manny's, we'd have an entire generation of Ditkas on our hands.
(5)
Cat L.
Cat: 1. Brisket sammich: 0. I always feel victorious when I see that my plate is clean after lunch at Manny's. I loooove the brisket on rye topped with spicy mustard, and always seem to stick with that when I go. And a potato pancake. ALWAYS a potato pancake. I'm sure the vibe at Manny's hasn't changed much over the years, and that's a good thing. And sure, the price may be steep (almost $16 for a brisket sammich, potato pancake, and a Doc Brown's soda), but it's oh-so-worth it. Just don't tell Mom I ate meat on a Friday during Lent (gasp!!).
(4)
Julian W.
The corned beef was good, but I was really impressed with the potato pancakes. And Gino, the chef who fixed my sandwich, was very funny and a nice guy. Definitely recommended---
(4)
Michael W.
Corn beef & pastrami. Onion roll. Umm! Didn't know what to order so we asked the gentleman behind the counter to create something delicious. Did we eat latkes? Yes, we did. And a black and white cookie too. Manny's, of course, has been around forever. And for good reason. It's the best Jewish deli I've ever experienced. No wonder President-elect Obama likes this spot. There is something familial about the cafeteria style. It gives the place character missing in other joints. Beautiful.
(5)
Ashley T.
Really? I must have missed something, because from looking at these reviews, this place is to die for. Uhhh....well....I'll tell you about my experience, but it's nothing like the others.... The food here is PRICEY. Not a little, A LOT. The portions are big, but you end up paying around $15 bucks by the time you get your sandwich and your side. Not including the drink. You want a piece of pie? 6 bucks. Which brings the grand total to approximately $22/person. For a deli?? No way dude, no way. It's served cafeteria style, for the love of God! I don't care HOW good it is, that's too much. I could get glazed salmon and a effing margarita at that price. And table service! That being said, the sandwich was REALLY good. If I did go back, I would eat chips in the car and have my soda ready to go for when I got back in. I'm not cheap, but I'm not dumb, either. What a rip.
(2)
Rachel O.
I got a groupon and my boyfriend had been interested in checking this place out so I figured what to we have to lose. I'm happy I checked out it but its not a place I can imagine having a craving to go back to. Its a spot for people who just love meat. The sandwiches must have had a pound each. That said I can't give it more than 2 stars because its just not my forte. If you want a pile of greasy food, then check it out. I mean its unique in its own right, but I don't think I'll go back. I felt sick when I left from all the greasy pastrami. Not a big fan
(2)
Samantha K.
I went to this restaurant recently with my dad. The restaurant looked so old so I wasn't excited to actually eat there. The food portions were huge (for me..). I wanted to try the corned beef or the beef stew. The corned beef was really big so I didn't order it knowing that I wouldn't be able to finish even half of it. (I wasn't THAT hungry) and they ran out of beef stew!! I was so sadddd. So I had the fish, potato pancakes (?), mixed veggies, and mashed potatoes. Those potato pancakes were THE BEST. Seriously, I don't think I've had potato pancakes that were that good. I ordered some to take home too! The rest of the food was very good and very flavorful. It is way expensive. For just me and my dad it was about 40 dollars. I would absolutely go back there though. The atmosphere was vintage. I felt like I was standing in line in the cafeteria in high school again. :) A.
(5)
Keely B.
Manny's is not in a neighborhood I venture to often, but when I had an audition scheduled nearby, a friend suggested that we meet here for dinner. I was told that Obama loves his place, and that people rave about the Matzo ball soup. I'm game for pretty much anything (as long as it doesn't involve red meat, fish, pork, mushrooms, or onions--that's a short list, right?), so off we went. The matzo ball soup was, indeed, tasty. The toppings on the turkey sandwich I ordered were piled very high. I believe I also got a piece of pie or pudding or something like that. Overall, I'd say the experience was akin to eating really good, rather expensive, hospital cafeteria food.
(3)
Brandon G.
Manny's is the best place to get corned beef in the city. The potato pancakes are the best I have ever had. It can get pricey if you order too much, but definitely worth it for the huge portions.
(4)
Jean C.
We came here using our groupon last night and all day I was debating on what to order. Corned beef sandwich, the Reuben, and Matzo ball soup. I didn't want to be too gluttonous but how does one decide? Well, when we arrived, viola! Soup and 1/2 a sandwich deal for $10.95! How perfect! I couldn't get the half Reuben but beggars can't be choosers. I got my matzo ball soup and a half corned beef and pastrami sandwich. Everything was delicious. The hubs got the Reuben with a potato pancake which I ate since he was full. I ate some of the meat that fell out of the sandwich and it was tasty. The soup, the potato pancake, the two pickle slices and I was full! I brought my sandwich for lunch today and am already wanting to taste it. Can't it be lunch now?! Using the coupon we had, we ended up paying almost $10 out of pocket but we did get a $5 coupon to use on another visit! Can't wait to go back and get that Reuben. Or the lox plate.
(4)
Kim A.
How have I not written a review about Manny's? Seriously? I love this place. Sometimes I find myself so seriously jonesing for this place it is absolutely ridiculous. I don't even know where to begin... To me, Manny's is a Chicago institution. To me, the usual is corned beef and a potato pancake, but don't let that deter you from ordering their other deliciously cooked and lovingly sliced meats. Yep, I said it. I used those words when referring to meat. And what? This food will guarantee to fill you up, and probably a hearty lunch the next day too. Don't expect fancy combination or exotic ingredients... that's not what Manny's it about. There is REAL beef in the beef stew... cooked with BEEF stock, with carrots, celery, and potato. That's it... nothing that you can't pronounce or need a special pig to dig out of a tree. Manny's... serious food for serious eaters.
(5)
Negin J.
Friendly staff, free parking garage, but the unhealthiest food ever. I wish I had stopped by McDonald. That was even a better idea.
(2)
Jason K.
one of the best pastromi sandwichs I have had in Chicago!! Can't wait to go back...
(4)
Carmen C.
$11.95 for a dry-as-a-bone corned beef sandwich?! That does not include cheese, any sort of condiment, or cole slaw!? Cheese and cole slaw are $1+ extra, by the way. I could see not needing all the extras if the corned beef was juicy and succulent. but this certainly was not. Flavorful, yes. But that's it. Go to Perry's in the loop for an excellent juicy corned beef sandwich. That'll get you plenty of condiments, thousand island-my fav, and toppings. and a sandwich truly large enough for two meals. And for less money. You can even get a better corned beef sandwich at the White Sox stadium or United Center. This was a disgrace. I was so baffled and disappointed because I have heard this place was so great. Maybe it was a dry corned beef day. Either way, the price was not justifiable.
(1)
Rahul S.
Wow, this place flat out rocks!! Despite the fact that Obama didn't show up this time, my experience was great! There's a buzz of activity even at 11am Sat, I almost didn't know where to start in terms of what to get. Some of my friends got one of the specials for the day, meatloaf w/ a side of spaghetti, all of which looked mouth watering. I went w/ the corn beef hash w/ two scrambled eggs, sliced potatoes and a bagel on the side. The food was delicious and flavorful, and I could barely move by the end w/ such a huge quanity, which at $6.95 was a steal. There are some big guys there, and you have to be big to finish one of their deli sandwiches, which are stacked ridiculously high. I can't wait to come back and try the pastrami/corn beef sandwich, as well as the meatloaf/spaghetti!!
(4)
Perla T.
Though, I can't go to Katz's or Stage Deli in New York, I am grateful we have Manny's in Chicago. Everything in this place is good. I recently had the roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and peas and carrots. Oh yeah, topped off with an onion roll. DEEE - licious! I was stuffed. Every time I go there, I want to order everything. I LOVE the matzo ball soup, the potato latke, the desserts, the brisket, etc. When I come to Manny's, it is one of the few restaurants where I don't care how much I've ordered or the calories. It's experiences like this where I simply appreciate the food. Waist-line be damned! You can come here alone or with a friend. Either way, you won't do much talking because you'll be in food nirvana!
(5)
Christine P.
We visited Manny's this weekend while running a bunch of errands. I knew the place would be hopping, but I had no idea when I walked in how efficient it would be. We went up to the pickup counter to order one corned beef and one reuben. The wait was extremely short, but I was extremely surprised to get to the front and realize that 2 sandwiches, one potato pancake, and two drinks was $31. Next time, I'll double check the website first!
(3)
Elaine C.
It's pretty awesome to find a Jewish cafeteria deli here in Chicago. It's a little bit of New York charm right here in the south Loop. Matzo ball soup: amazing. I think I might come back just for that. Corned beef: lean and delicious. I'm always a little scared of corned beef cause it gets really fatty and grosses me out, but I finished an entire gigantic sandwich (over the course of the day.) Potato pancakes were decent. (Whoever said they are better than grandma's: shame on you.) And pickles were plentiful and delicious. I even tried a Dr. Brown's Celery Soda... that was, um, interesting. The only reason this isn't a 5-star is 'cause it does seem a little pricey for a cafeteria-style deli. A corned beef sandwich that comes with a latke and two pickles is like $12. $4 for soup, $2 for soda... that adds up! It's a lot of food but it doesn't seem like the right ambiance for a $12 sandwich. I'd still def. come back--I need to check out the cole slaw next. I saw they had stuffed cabbage and other things too! Aw man, I wish I had more Jewish friends.
(4)
Val B.
Hands down, the best Jewish food in Chicago. Cafeteria-style, something for everyone, I'm sure! Prices are a bit high, but it's fast, friendly, and it's been around forever. Talk to the guys behind the counter -- they are super interesting! Also, take time to read some of the newspaper articles hanging on the walls.
(5)
Jason C.
They get 4 stars for the atmosphere alone. This is a Chicago icon. The corned beef was good - not the best I have had in the city. More choices than you can imagine - all comfort food. The potato pancake was not that crispy but it still tasted good. Also, very pricey!! 2 sandwiches, 2 drinks and a side were almost $35!! Go if you have not been. Its an experience.
(4)
Rico T.
I tried something different here today. Went with the turkey leg with rice & veggies and washed it all down with a Green River. Not as good as the pastrami on rye & potato pancakes, but damn tasty! I'm over the renovation from years back. I'm OK with the windows now. Question-what's with the valet up front? It's a cafeteria!
(5)
Christine B.
Im from NY so I know good pastrami. Let me tell you that the pastrami on rye is comprable to Katz's deli in NYC. Delish. Dont forget the jewish potato fry. I have gone 2 times and intent to go again.
(4)
Vivian Y.
I'm updating this review to 5- stars for the pastrami sandwich! WOW was it good! My friend and I order one Pastrami and one corned beef sandwich. We shared and we both agreed the the pastrami won hands down!!! it was HOT and thinly shaved. the meat was well marbled and flavorful. Corned beef was ok but not sliced thin enough. but that's just my taste. Manny's has great pickles! YUM and crispy!
(5)
Jeanie P.
Oh Manny's why are you so expensive??? (-1 star) This place looks like a friendly neighborhood chummy diner, and it is! But... it is deceivingly costly....(each of us spent like nearly 20 dollars on lunch alone... with one knish, one half sandwich, and small bowl of soup, granted this is a lot of food). I went here last week with friends in search of knish, basically a really large potato ball filled with beef. We were all complete noobs to this place and were standingly foolishly in line without trays, until we saw some old grandfatherly regulars come in behind us. So the moral of the story is, grab a tray before getting in line. It's cafeteria style boys and girls! We all ended up getting the half sandwich and soup combo (around 11 dollars) Anyway, I suggest getting this because those sandwiches are HUGE... I'm talking about like 4x the needed meat). This comes with two pickles. And here is where I discovered TRUE pastrami. It was AMAZING. But the bread-meat ratio was way off for me, and ended up taking the rest home. I must say, I think I took in at least triple of my daily sodium with this one meal. Also, watch out because they could thrust a potato pancake onto your plate if you don't tell them you don't want it. The matzo ball soup was just average. It was my first time trying it, and it came in a small bowl with a huge matzo ball in yellow soup. It didn't impress. The knish was also alright and was better with ketchup. The pastrami on rye was definitely the star of the meal and tasted really great with the horseradish relish that they give you at the table. I also liked the honey dijon mustard on my sandwich. When we were here, the ox tail stew was a special, and I will definitely need to try that next time. I definitely love the feel of this place which you can tell is just full of loyal regulars. Hmm so overall good food, great sandwiches, questionable prices.
(3)
Lori M.
Bulk jewish items by the pound, and college day memories all rolled into one cheese & tomato sandwich on dark rye, with a pickle. I can always go for the potato pancake when I'm feeling the need to absorb my Ketel One overflow. And even though Manny has little to offer a vegetarian like myself, I've been known to order 10 lbs. of 'old world' phosphate-free Pastrami for my butcher-father, Doc. He swears by it, on it, for it, and after eating it. Dis is an Institution foh shua. I think I may have a (yes, stolen) souvenir from Manny's - a pink plastic tray from 1983, which I believe to be an expression of my love for this world within a deli.
(5)
Kate P.
What a delicious mistake--lost walking from Union Station, we happened upon this place. Yum. Pass on the soup, and stick with the corned beef sandwich. Unreal! It's a big serving though it's a $13 sandwich, so, really, you're getting what you pay for, which is a good thing. Friendly staff. This place is a new tradition for us each time we visit Chicago! It's a fav for President Obama too.
(4)
Erik B.
Best pastrami sandwich Ive had in Chicago. The rest of the food is good too. Its just a tad on the pricey side. The employees always seem to be happy and friendly. Also note that you shouldnt be too alarmed by long lunch or dinner time lines. They move fast. Line movement is fast and efficient because of the cafeteria style ordering combined with a lot of local (i.e., not first timers... try waiting in line at Hot Doug's... its not worth it!) customers.
(4)
Lyn B.
Manny's corned beef is good. It's no New York corned beef, but still worthwhile to try!
(4)
Jane T.
So I've never had corned beef before and this was my first. From a friend's recommendation, I ordered the Reuben. It was definitely different ... and the portion was HUGE! I wound up pulling all the excess meat out of my sandwich, I could've made 2 more sandwiches with it! The servers were friendly. The man making the sandwiches asked my bf if we were sharing and when we told him no he exclaimed "I was gonna give you extra meat but forget it now!" He was quite the joker, flirting with all the ladies in line. The potato pancakes were the highlight of my meal. I enjoyed that way more than my sandwich. I guess to really savor the quality of the sandwiches at Manny's, I'd have to try a mediocre corned beef sandwich before heading there. I'll definitely give it a try again, after I've had a taste of others. Also, it's pretty pricey there for a sandwich. Our bill was almost $40 for 2 sandwiches and 2 drinks! Ooh, I loved the fact that they have a parking lot in the back and FREE valet.
(3)
Alexander R.
The Reuben, the potato pancakes, and the matzah ball soup - Amazing!! speaks for itself. A little pricey, but well worth it. I can eat there every day.
(5)
Tina D.
This was by far the worst corn beef sandwich i have ever had!!! I think i expected a lil more considering i paid $32 for 2 sandwhiches and 2 sides. I got the Kugel which tasted pretty good but was portioned for an infant. The corn beef sandwich, yeah, had tons o meat, but the meat had no taste. Its corn beef!! Cmon!! that should b packed w flavor. I would never in my life go there ever again!! $32!! gimmie a break! I have no idea how they stay in business! Go to Dillinger's on 127th and Ashland for an amazing corn beef sandwich! Also, Morry's Deli 5500 s Cornell has a great corn beef.
(1)
Mike K.
this place claims to have the best cornbeef in chicago. Its good cornbeef. One of those places where you look at the half of the sandwich and you are in awe of how much stacked with cornbeef it is. Its just, claiming to be the best...it was a little dry. Not saying it wasnt good...just a little dry. Thats all. The potato pancake I got in the side was great though, no complaints there!
(3)
Annie R.
The corned beef sand which here is amazing. As it should be for 13bucks. But its not quite as great as a NY corned beef for sure. The ambiance is terrible, it really is a cafeteria bright lights and all and the tables are old etc. The potato pancakes were just fine. Nothing special. There are not many delis like this in Chicago so if you are craving a good corned beef its worth the trek (as it is not really near anything).
(3)
Jin K.
okay, after trying small variations of how the sandwich needs to be, i have deemed that the corned beef with a touch of pastrami is the way to go. Still get yourself the potato pancake but the soup should be the kreplach soup, the matza ball soup is good too. some decide to get pie but quite frankly that would be gluttony beyond what I am comfortable with. but if you can mustard up the courage, go for the cherry pie seems to be the favorite. (obama's got a pic in there with a slice of cherry pie sitting next to his mile high corned beef sandwich).
(5)
David W.
Typically I make my way to Manny's when I am craving a corned beef for lunch. However, on this day I was craving corned beef for breakfast. Not to worry, Manny's got your back in the AM too! I ordered a full plate of Corned Beef Hash and a Dr. Brown's Cream Soda. The Corned Beef Hash was perfectly cooked and seasoned. You gotta love it when your hash has a bit of a crunchy crust on it from being on the griddle just the right amount of time. Add a little bit of ketchup and you have yourself the perfect meaty breakfast. Washing it down with a Dr. Brown's just made the experience all the better. Is this heaven? No it's South Jefferson Street. The interior, well..... It's a dive, but I'm sure they'd take that as a compliment. Manny's isn't trying to be anything else other than a good cafeteria with giant portions that serves up what might be the city's best Corned Beef Sandwich and Hash. The service is always.....serviceable. If you go to Manny's and it's your first time be sure to hang onto your receipt because you pay on your way out. Yum Yum! 1 Ginormous Plate of Hash 1 Soda ----------------------------------------- $10.75
(4)
Elias W.
Best corned beef sandwich ever. Get a second serving of bread as you order your sandwich. Two can share. I love the taste and the leanness of the corned beef. WOW !!!
(5)
Cee. D.
We treated ourselves at the office on Tuesday, 8/4/09 (ordered it the day before and had it delivered). All I can say is, "My corned beef sandwich was received as ordered (corned beef on dark rye bread, mustard on the side and extra pickles). I also ordered a side of chicken noodle soup which was tasty but not impressive. My bill was $16 & some change. For me, due to the size of the sandwich, it did last 2 days, which is a plus due to $. I don't eat corned beef that often, but I would say that if it wasn't for my love of mustard, I probably wouldn't be a corned beef eater. I don't know, my mom did cook it when I was a kid."
(3)
Lisa L.
Seriously starve yourself before going to Manny's because their portions are huge and the food is rich. My father asks for two extra slices of bread with his corned beef sandwich because they give him enough meat to make two decent-sized sandwiches. Personally, I always get meatloaf and pickled beets, or some other equally old-man-style meal.
(4)
Jon C.
Heard a lot of good things about this place and was pleased. The portions are definitley large enough to split (but you pay for the portion size) or you can have another dinner when you bring home your leftovers.
(4)
MJ B.
The Reuben is so good, I almost started to cry. The omelet and pastrami are also fabulous. I've only gotten take-out, so I'm not sure if it'd be different eating-in, but I think the potato pancakes are only OK.
(5)
Joe S.
Big trays of bland oily old fogey food served by crab asses averaging around $12 per item plus whatever you end up paying for side dishes and a drink. Always packed at peak hours. Lots of sausage fingered business men mostly who love to make a show out of buying their post lunch cigar at the checkout and making sure everyone knows that they know the owners by name. The menu is all over the the map. The Super Jumbo Hot dog w/ Potato Pancake go together just like bacon and eggs. Not interested? How about Fried Fish w/ Macaroni? Knish? Kishke? Hmmm...Herring with Bread? If you're short on cash there's always the Baked Hamburger for $5.95 served with a generous side of one pickle chip. I'm pretty sure everyone loves a good baked burger. To call something a sandwich I believe that it should at least handle somewhat as such. Their renowned corned beef or pastrami is really just a showy pile of meat with a a couple pieces of dry rye bread thrown in somewhere for good measure. So instead I'd steer towards the chopped liver, sardine, or sockeye salmon sandwich instead off the cold menu as they're much easier to manage and wash it down with a Celery Soda. Eech. Manny's has time on it's side and people love the familiar and will rave about a place just because they know it's there. Worth one visit at least so you can agree with everyone else about how amazing it is when it comes up in conversation.
(2)
William D.
Here's another Chicago culinary landmark that I try to get to every few months, usually with my colleague Jeff. It's a nostalgic lunchtime: the matzo ball soup reminds Jeff of his grandfather (a German cook) and the whole atmosphere reminds me of the cafeterias I frequented as a child in 1950s Indianapolis. The sandwiches are phenomenal--mile high corned beef. I recommend splitting one sandwich (unless you're built like Dan Blocker) but be sure to use the table-top horseradish sparingly--hoo hah! The hot entrees are almost always well done (I found their corned beef hash to be dry but the lamb shanks are incredible). Too, you gotta love a place that still serves canned vanilla and chocolate pudding yin-yanged in little dessert bowls. This is also a great melting pot--you find yourself surrounded by men in pinstripe suits and construction workers from nearby road crews, families with screaming kids and retirees that you know have been coming here since 1948. For such an unpretentious, at times brusque dining experience, the free valet parking here is charmingly quirky. On our last visit, J. and I noted that the place was not as busy as it usually is. Nonetheless, I pulled up to the curb, tossed my keys to the valet, took my claim check, and went in for an hour or so of good food and talk. When J and I left, we discovered that the valet had parked my car literally one car length from where I left it on Jefferson. I thought it was a hoot.
(4)
Wayne H.
A few weeks ago I had spent some time in NY and Katz's deli was recommended to me. I was skeptical but man, the pastrami sandwich was the best thing ever. I never knew two slices of bread, meat, and mustard could taste so good. So coming back to Chicago I was craving a good deli sandwich. Heard about Manny's from yelp and friends so I went for Saturday brunch. It wasn't too crowded and the servers were friendly and polite even though I wasnt sure how the whole cafeteria worked. I saw a picture of a happy Obama eating the "presidential meal" so since I was feeling presidential I got that. Corned beef, potato pancake, and cherry pie. It was pretty good (tho expensive, $17 total) and I would go back again when I'm craving a good sandwich. Sorry to say though, definitely no Katz's...
(3)
Emily S.
I don't know why I have not been going here for years. Apparently I missed the memo. This is absolutely my new favorite deli!!! The food is top notch, you actually get a tray and silverware and go down the line. The staff is hilarious and make you feel welcome even if it is your first time. Portions are huge too!! I'm making it my Friday lunch ritual! I was there today and just missed president elect-Obama! It doesn't look like much from outside or the inside but you nave to try this place! Old school Jewish food....gotta love it!
(5)
Food M.
The Corned Beef sandwich is probably the best in the Midwest. The other deli's dont come close in taste and especially the portion size. As a matter of fact, split the sandwich (which is close to 12 oz of meat) to have a bowl of daily made fresh soups and potatoe pancakes..... AND Valet Parking is free ( but be sure to tip the valet. These guys are great and work hard)
(5)
Boniface J.
The pastrami and corn beef sandwiches here are amazing. It's a bit pricey but the amount of food they give you is overwhelming. The stack of meat they put on the bread..... incredible. The food is delicious and the matzo ball soup is taste homemade.
(4)
Stacy Y.
Old school at it's finest! I have memories of my dad bringing me here at a kid - this is the ultimate comfort food for me. Cafeteria style with the best character's behind the counter (I love that these dudes still wear the paper hats). I've had tons of pieces of food extended towards me "try this!", my dad & one of the guys sharing philosophies about marriage, another one described kishke as a Jewish chitlin - how can you not love that!?!? The food never disappoints - whether it's one of the rotating nightly entrees like lamb shank or short ribs - the meat is always so tender and falls off the bone. Served with traditional sides like mixed veggies, mashed potatoes, etc. Don't forget to try the essentials when you go: the kishke, latke and the matzah ball soup! The sandwiches - oooooh! A 1/2 sandwich is the size of 2 entire sandwiches you'd purchase at 7-11 or the like. There is meat for days - warm corned beef or my personal favorite, pastrami. Or sometimes a combo of both (they can make ANY kind of sandwich you'd like) on rye (or an onion roll) with a kosher pickle on the side. Sandwich heaven. *sigh* Pure awesomeness.
(5)
Dave L.
Manny's is Amazing and now in Midway Airport and McCormick Place! The other day at the McCormick place location I had a fresh sliced Half Pastrami / Half Corned Beef with a Potato Pancake (sour cream and apple sauce). If food can make you drunk, it sure did. I just wanted to pass out right there. The Matzah Ball soup is awesome too. Note: It seemed expensive at McCormick Place but I don't think the food was cheap at the original location.
(5)
Sue N.
A Chicago legend! Lives up to its reputation. The sandwiches were very large and the corned beef lean and well spiced. The potato pancake was awesome....i highly recommend it. Don't be intimidated by the cafeteria style service and the servers. It is all good.
(5)
Kristi D.
Every so often we head to Manny's when we have a craving for pastrami, the sandwiches here are huge so we tend to split a sandwich and then get a few sides, this time we tried a knish, the kugel and potato latkes (pancakes). Everything is delicious, I've never had a disappointing meal here. The quality is always there, Manny's isn't resting on it's laurels or on the endorsement given by the President of the United States. I see some people complaining that it's expensive but $11.95 for a sandwich two can split? That's expensive? For Chicago? You load up at the counter, find yourself a seat and pay on the way out. The line goes quick, everything is served hot. There is a really small free lot behind the restaurant or there's pay parking on the street.
(5)
Matt P.
Hands down, the best corned beef sandwich and potato pancake you will ever eat. Taking that all into account, you can dismiss the corned beef carver, that tries too hard to be a stereotypical New York deli guy, analagous to the soup nazi from Seinfeld.
(5)
Linda P.
Best Cornbeef sandwich around! and yes the reuben is by far the best ive ever had!
(5)
Carmen R.
I get it. It's a throwback place. The kind you'd find a Royko or a Daley at back in the day. But honestly? Meh. Parking was weird, since there were so many cars jammed in front of the place I couldn't see the 'free valet' sign nor did I catch the 'parking in rear' until I walked back from parking at a meter a block away. The long line, nearly out the door, was daunting but moved quickly enough and service was efficient if not effusive. The food was good, hot and what you'd expect from good deli. Portions were generous and the mashed potatoes were real potatoes. But $40 for lunch just to take in the simple, 50s cafeteria ambiance - including $5 for two sodas? I don't know how I feel about that. All in all, just an 'ok' experience.
(3)
Stephen Z.
I have been going here for years and as I take a break from my HUGE corn beef sandwich I needed to at least give a 5 star because it's so damn good. Keep it up
(5)
Arlene D.
Best. Corn. Beef. EVER! Nuff said
(5)
Dug D.
Well I finally had a sammich from Manny's. I have lived in and around Chicago for 13 yrs. now so its about damn time! We got delivery at work today. i had the pastrami on rye with provalone and a potato pancake. WOW hellava sandwich. my potato pancake was cold and they forgot the sour cream so that was a bit of a disappoinntment. i'll just remember to get one when i eat there AND i will be going back. Helluva sandwich!! you may be thinking to yourself "hey dummy they don't deliver!!" Well technically they don't BUT you can get it delivered if you order thru Foodler.com OR DiningIn.com .
(5)
B.G. L.
I have to agree with Jeremy D. Maybe if you go when they first open up things are fresh but I was there at around 2 and my hot dog bun was hard as a rock. Manny's is living off their old reputation if folks don't remember fresh, go to Manny's. The potato pancake is awful. Hard stale, tough. Yuck.
(1)
Katrina M.
Every time I go to a deli, I have three sandWISHES: good bread, good meat, good prices. My wishes were BEYOND fulfilled at Manny's. The sandwiches are huge, because they pack in so much meat. They give you a corn fritter, and two pickles with each sandwich too! Meat is flavorful and tender. I had the roast beef. :) They also have a variety of sides, desserts, and drinks to choose from. Most of all, the affordable prices are just right for the amount and quality of the food.
(5)
Christina N.
I have heard such good things about this place that I had to try it. Once I walked in I immediately wanted to march right out. The food looked grotesque! The only thing I could muster up the courage to order was a turkey and swiss sandwich on focaccia bread. Sounded simple enough- I haven't tasted worse...until I tried the chocolate cake- what do they put in their batter? Chalk? How can you screw up chocolate cake? The kicker: The tiny turkey sandwich was $10.95 and the cake, $3.50!!!! I couldn't finish either. I wish I had went to Jimmy Johns...RIDICULOUS. I will never go back. You want a REAL DELI? Try Katz's in NYC. They get it right.
(1)
Yo U.
WATCH YOUR BILL VERY CAREFULLY! I hate having to do this, but do it I must. I ordered a hot pastrami sandwich at Manny's and without any prompting from me, the friendly guy slicing the meat put an unsolicited potato pancake on my plate. I didn't think anything of it. I knew what I had ordered: a hot pastrami sandwich, and that sandwich costs $10.95. I presumed that the couple of pickle spears and this pancake on my plate must come with it and must be included in the price. Never did he ask me if I wanted to add a potato pancake for an extra dollar. There were also no signs in evidence to put you on notice that a potato pancake is not included in the price and that it costs a dollar extra. Imagine my surprise when upon almost finishing my meal, I discovered that my sandwich was listed as $11.95 on the bill because they had charged me for the potato pancake! Well, when I went to the cashier and explained what happened, she cautioned me that if I ate the pancake, then they (management or the owners) would not be likely to take the dollar off. Sure enough, she calls for a gentleman to come to the front and he is informed that I ate the pancake. He then said that I should have taken it back. When I explained to him that I didn't notice the extra charge on my bill until after I had finished the pancake, he relented, albeit reluctantly. Given the fact that the cashier had a good idea of how this would play out, I suspect that this is not an uncommon occurrence at Manny's. If this happens with any regularity, then it is sketchy and shady as all get out. Like some places in Chinatown that try to charge $1 per bowl for rice when they bring it to your table even if you didn't order it (thank heavens I didn't touch the rice that one time it happened to me at Lao Sze Chuan) or places in Europe who try to charge you for bread when it is brought unsolicited to your table and you help yourself, the pancake game at Manny's -- if, indeed, that is what it is -- is dodgy to say the least. To boot, the sandwich was not great. It may be good by Chicago standards, but I have had much better elsewhere. The best part of the meal was the cinnamon roll that I bought for dessert. That's sad. I wouldn't bother with this place if I were you.
(1)
Andrew A.
If you're coming here for cheap eats, look elsewhere. However, the deli selections are always very good. Newbies get a little confused, but it's simple: pick your food, get rung up and given a ticket (don't pay yet), then eat! As you leave, pay the ticket.
(3)
J M.
The best pastrami on rye sandwich I have ever tasted. However, the price (15 bucks) for a sandwich is just as likely to give you a heart attack as the meat. Again, the food is amazing, the price, not so much
(4)
John R.
Went for lunch today. It was OK. The kugel was nice, so was the potato pancake, but the pastrami was the greasiest I've ever had in my life. Nothing like good NYC deli (Katz's or 2nd ave) or even better options in Chicago. Really, it was embarrassing. The vegetables were overcooked and underseasoned, but hey, you don't go to a deli for green beans. Overall, I won't go back.
(2)
Mill V.
This place is perfect for a good honest Deli sandwich. And worth every penny. Remember, you are paying for a great quality sandwich, not some unearthy, frozen, mush you get at some food court. So yeah, it's gonna cost more, but damn worth it. It's cafeteria style, and the selection of hot food looked equally good. It changes everyday, but I didn't come there for that. (I overheard someone say their knish tasted like boiled unsalted potatoes) I had a bowl of the beef dumpling soup. The broth was salty goodness, and the dumpling was surprisingly tasty(looked like they made it on premise). The sandwiches are what you go there for. My pastrami sandwich was juicy goodness. Good fat content, as some places will add too much to extend their product. The onion bread that it was on was really yummy, too. My mom really enjoyed her corned beef. The potato pancake was also a treat , almost as big as my hand. I love everything about this place! I wish this location was near me!
(5)
Anya H.
If you want to over pay for a huge pile of meat tentatively held together by two wimpy slices of bread then this is your place. Not really my cup of tea so i would say skip it
(2)
Carly O.
Some might think being introduced to a Chicago classic by their parents is a big embarrassing, but I have no problem with admitting this. They swooped me up from work one day when they were in town from the burbs and told me Manny's was THE place to go for corned beef/pastrami sandwiches. Fine.By.Me. I have no idea how much the decor has or hasn't changed, but I loved the old school feel. Guys behind in the counter with paper hats and white aprons, carving meat and piling it high on rye bread. I ended up giving half of meat to my dad to make himself another sandwich later on. The potato pancakes are awesome.
(5)
Jeremy W.
Never have I been to a more over-hyped place than Manny's. Manny's interior looks like a throwback to a 1970's diner or something. Obama must need his taste buds examined because we could find nothing appealing about this place. The corned beef sandwich meal which cost more than $13.00, was piled quite high but the flavor was not there. Sides were not that good, especially the macaroni. We ate only a few bites of our sandwich, hoping each subsequent bite would offer at least a sliver of satisfaction, it didn't.
(1)
ari b.
What can I say... I have a special clog in my heart for manny's. I have been coming here for years. I now live in the bay area and lament the sad lack of a proper fress station. I always get the corned beef and pastrami on rye. The potato pancake is delish and the pickles are perfectly half sour. I wish I could take the horseradish mustard intravenously. The best part is Gino... Always there, always funny... I go with my grandma and he says, "hey there's my girlfriend... I got news sweetheart, I've been cheating". This is a living piece of Chicago history and we're lucky it's open.
(5)
Ralph L.
Food=good service=self price=moderate stool's(BM) the next day=scary original deli=priceless!
(5)
Jacob F.
Manny's is best describes as controlled chaos. The line spills out the door unless you come during offpeak hours, the din in the restaurant verges on deafening, the counter guys do not suffer fools and people constantly bob in and out of line around the uninitiated. Don't let this put you off, though. This is the best pastrami sandwich in the city, if not the world. I found out about this place through yelp about a year ago (much respect to those that recommended it) and I hopped on the CTA with my bookbag hoping for a low key pastrami sandwich, a piece of pie and a couple hours of productive studying. Arriving in the middle of the lunch rush was a jarring experience. Upon seeing the line out the door, I almost turned tail and fled, but luckily I didn't. The memory of that sandwich, and the failed attempt at studying to follow, were what brought me back to the restaurant a couple of weeks later when my friends and I were desperate for a dinner spot before an 8 PM movie. Much to my surprise, there was no dinner rush. Without the frantic shoving and bustling of the huge line, there was an oddly uncharacteristic calm to the place. The counter guys were content to chat for a couple of minutes and I had an interesting conversation with the sandwich guy, Gino. Since that day, I try to visit the restaurant on slightly off-peak hours. Not generally for dinner, mind you, but maybe a late lunch at 2:30. The place is at its best right as the lunch rush starts petering off, as it still has some hustle and bustle, but it's not intrusive. The line's also much shorter, if not nonexistent, and so you get to talk to the counter guys. You also get a nice chance to see life go by on Jefferson Street, or even study if you feel like it. As for the food, I'm sure that the stuff in the front of the line is great. I'd imagine they have great specials, I know they have good soup and nice blintzes, and David Axelrod swears by their salads. Having said that, going to Manny's with these foods in mind is kind of a cop out. You go there for corned beef or pastrami. The corned beef has a nice texture and a good beef flavor that's not covered up by spices. It's a bit dry, though. On the other hand, the pastrami is spicy, salty, greasy and so delicious. It manages to be flavorful without suppressing the taste of the meat. Gino heaps it high on your choice of bread (onion roll, please) and serves it with a potato pancake and two kosher dill spears. One of the things I like best about this place is completely unrelated to the food. This place is completely devoid of any pretentiousness. This restaurant sees governors, senators, entertainers and Chicago power brokers rubbing shoulders with everyone from doctors, lawyers and traders to college students, families and retirees. Nobody is special here. Everyone's just sharing in the experience of eating good food in an interesting setting. In fact, in the 67 years the restaurant has been open, they never had any specials named after anyone until December. Who, you ask, could warrant such treatment? Only the leader of the free world, then President-elect Barack Obama. The fact that you have to be the most powerful person in the world to get special recognition in that restaurant is a refreshing taste of ego deflation in a place like Chicago, where so many local personages are larger than life.
(5)
Kari S.
Who knew such an awesome place existed in southwest Chicago?! I didn't until a couple weeks ago...I went for the deli sandwiches and I will go back for the potato pancakes and matzo ball soup. All the food looks delicious and the sandwiches are made to order, so can pick everything yourself. I had a half turkey pastrami sandwich, which I then had for one more lunch because there was lunch meat piled high. Their bread is fresh, and I recommend rye. I also had the matzo ball soup, which was so deliciously salty. On the way out, purchase the Mannys dijon mustard. Its delicious and the packaging is really cute. I'm sad that since reading "Skinny Bitch" I find it hard to eat any meat, but maybe I will make an exception every once in awhile for Manny's.
(5)
Rory F.
Consistently the best corned beef Ive ever had... I actually am in SanFran and just ate at Tommy's Joynt here, which reminded me how much more I like Manny's. The cafeteria line has a few personalities almost as worthwhile as the beef, and you have to match up the sammy with a Black Cherry Dr. Browns. So Nice try SanFran, Tommy's was good but Manny's is still the king of the ring!
(5)
Greg F.
me and my wife claire come here as often as we can to split an enormous and delicious-as-can-be corned beef sandwich. that and everything else you see as you slide your tray along will taste fantastic i can testify trying different sides every visit. move slowly to take in all the mouth-watering aromas, the regular customers behind you will grumble a little while passing admiring slo-pokes (like me). the restaurant is cafeteria-style bright and clean but like another popular cafeteria layout PANDA EXPRESS i criticize i have absolutely no use for MANNY'S food pricing methods and display. while not laying a hand on the food serving they should tear everything down on the wall behind regardless of how art-deco and replace with names/explanations/prices even the nearsighted Mr. Magoo can read and instantly comprehend at a cafeteria-speed glance. any customer anywhere deserves to be able to decide & calculate cost totals just about to the penny while selecting, and that's particularly important at the pricier eateries which some other reviewers accuse MANNY'S of MANNY'S has a hidden free parking lot nearby. Jefferson St is one-way going north so one approaches from Roosevelt Rd, then you turn right at the first street which is Grenshaw and that's one-way going east. after turning immediately on your right will be the parking lot entrance you go in
(4)
Alec B.
Manny's is decent deli fare, but thats about all it is. If you're in the area, drop in, but its not really worth a big trip.
(3)
Wendy Y.
As a food-obsessed Jew, I can definatlly state that this place is authentic and delicious. I love it! Today I had the Matzo Ball Soup and half a corned beef and it was great. My life in Chicago has been made just a little bit better knowing that there is an authentic Jewish Deli right down the street (with parking!). The food is pretty pricey, so try to be selective, but I think it is (almost) up to par with my favorite Delis in Detroit and New York.
(5)
Emma C.
Mannys is an institution. I can't say it enough. If you like a good jewish deli- this is the place. I've been going here for about 8 or 9 years, and it never lets me down. If you've got a taste for a great potato pancake- this is your spot. Plus corned beef sandwiches are to die! Hit this spot up whenever you can!
(5)
Jenn K.
Sweet baby Jesus on rye. Wow. After 10 years as a vegetarian, I broke my decade long pastrami-free fast at Ashkenaz and I thought, "Yes. This is good." And I stand by that, but man oh man, if I had known about Manny's I may never have gone veggie in the first place. The sandwiches are huge, as has been described by many. And they are accompanied by a wholly unnecessary latke-- very delicious, very fried. The matzoh ball soup is not to be missed, even if you are awed by the size and weight of your sandwich. I had a hard time carrying my tray to the dining room and now feel stronger for the effort. I recommend the trip for anyone not in the area-- make a day of it if you're headed down to see a Sox game. The prices are a little higher than you generally see at delis-- soup, sandwich and a drink will run about $20, believe it or not-- but it's a splurge that you can easily rationalize. A Manny's lunch, depending on if you hit it early or late, will serve you in good stead for two meals, or at least one and a half. I have to say, though, that Manny's failed to impress on the pickle front. Ashkenaz wins there, hands down.
(5)
Jason T.
Can't believe I haven't written a review of my favorite Jewish Deli in the Chi. Manny's, you are a delicious gift from the heavens, tam-ganeydn. The first thing everyone notices when walking into Manny's deli is the boisterous, low-key cafeteria atmosphere. There are always plenty of folks sitting around kibbitzing, so it can be loud, but I like it that way. Grab a tray, then glance at the menu and try not be overwhelmed. Pro-tip: You want a sammich, everything else is gravy. When you decide, your food is served to you by a deli counter-man, tell him what you want and he'll retrieve it for you, put it on a plate, which you then put on your tray and take to the register. They give you a receipt which you will pay for as you exit. Now for the menu run-down. If you are looking for healthy food at Manny's, you are a schmuck. Please leave. If you enjoy heaping piles of delicious meats with plenty of schmaltz (yiddish for grease/fat/everything that makes the food here taste good), then Mazel Tov, you are in the right place. When standing in the counter line at Manny's, I am usually frozen in a deep, pensive quandary. Should I get the corned beef, or should I get the pastrami? Perhaps a reuben is the answer? Oy veysmir, too much deliciousness. The meat for the sandwiches here is fantastic, so moist and tender, you really can't go wrong. The portion size is absolutely ridiculous, crazy, meshuge, verkokte (or however you spell that). A normal person could absolutely be full with a half sandwich, but I always eat the full thing (my cardiologist will never want for money). Check out one of my profile pictures to get an idea of how much meat there is. The sides here are also very good, they are a mix of your standard Jewish deli fare and some American cafeteria standards too. Matzo ball soup, latkes (potato pancakes to us goy), macaroni and cheese and spaghetti are just a few options. I always get a latke with my sammich (only 1$ extra), and if I'm feeling particularly hungry I get some matzo ball soup. They also have a wide variety of cookie and baked goods available, which are tasty but in my opinion a bit overpriced (2$ black and white cookie?). They have all varieties of drinks here, I usually get Doc Brown's stuff. So, if you are looking for a delicious option on the south side and don't have any health concerns, Manny's should be right up your alley. It is a bit more expensive than your normal deli (12$+ for a sandwich), but the portions are also much bigger than anywhere else I've been. The owner of Manny's is a real mentsh, it's a mitzvah to have such good jewish deli in our city (yiddish FTW!).
(5)
Liz S.
I've been eating at Manny's since I was in Kindergarden, not joke. I went to school with the owners son, so we always had lunch sent to the school on special occasions and EVERYONE always looked forward to it. As an adult I look forward to going to the actual brick and mortar location. The food is delicious, the staff is friendly, and prices are extremely fair for the amount of food you are served. I don't think I've ever ordered anything and disliked it or not thought it tasted right. And considering it's done cafeteria style that says A LOT. If you know anything about the family you know it really is a family run restaurant. Often you can find the owners wife behind the counter working, the son working the register, and the owner talking to customers. Not to mention there are TONS of family pictures all over the place. Also, I was told that there is consideration of staying open for dinner. So, there's a chance that people might be able to enjoy this place even more. We shall see what they decide.
(5)
Jean C.
Still not the best corned beef I've ever eaten -- that honor belongs to the late, lamented Henrici's -- but a darn good sandwich nonetheless. Lean, flavorful and piled up high enough to justify the astronomical price. Good potato pancake on the side, too, and excellent coleslaw. Matzoh soup was good, but I prefer my matzoh balls on the cannonball side of firmness, and these were too light for my taste. So overall? No ambiance at all, though one of the sandwich chefs did wink at me. Big, noisy place, and confusing if you haven't done it before. Take a native guide. Way pricey for the sort of place it is, but the sheer amount of food and its quality makes up for that.
(4)
George M.
I would give it zero stars if i could,that being said i went there with my wife for lunch.2 half corn beef sandwiches average at best,2 soups not very good,2 greasy potato pancakes 1 tea and 1 bottle of coke(which i must say was the best thing i had ) Total with tax $29.00 what a RIPOFF!!!! I for one will never be back and i hope you don't go either
(1)
Georgie B.
Been to Manny's twice now. Enjoyed both times. One of the last "authentic" places - loud, too many menu items, staff average age 60ish - that's reason enough to go. The food is good too, at least what I've had. Not a red meat eater so I had Chix Soup with Matzo ball. really good. Also had the famous potato pancake both this time and last time - like dropping a bomb in your stomach at lunchtime, but really tasty and only $2.50. You take your tray, pick your food or ask for something, get your order written up by a "lunch lady" from your elementary school, then eat. You pay on the way out. Advertising fashionistas share their lunch tables with blue collar guys in hard hats. Lots of cops, firemen and families with little kids. If you go to Chicago go there. Whether you like the food or don't you'll be glad you saw the place. A rare breed in the era of Olive Garden, UNOs, and Cheesecake Factory.
(4)
Mary K.
When it comes to delis, I love the gritty ambiance full of various walks of life and this is the only reason Manny's gets a couple stars. Yes the sandwiches had a lot of meat but the food (bread, pastrami, dessert) was overall a "meh."
(2)
Rhonda M.
This place was the WORST! I almost threw my sandwich at the owner. The corned beef was flavorless, tough, chewy, gristle-y and just TERRIBLE. The chicken soup was even worse (the rice had to be 10 day old minute rice)! Honestly, I got the half sandwich, soup combo and my Mom was stuck with this enormous, inedible 2 pound pile of garbage meat that they call corned beef! I walked out of the place $31 poorer, and looking for edible food to consume. Really, don't believe the hype. This was just plain awful. Who cares if you get a sandwich the size of your head if it's terrible?! Oh yeah, the "potato pancake" was this yucky, spongy, weirdly textured thing that resembled a torn up nerf football more than any potato pancake I've ever encountered. More yuck. And rancid ketchup to boot. The highlight of this experience was spotting David Axlerod. Really, this was just not worth it. Save your money. Go to the Athenian Room in Lincoln Park, our original destination.
(1)
Bryan M.
If I could eat at mannys every day, I would. Unfortunately, I live in the boonies.
(5)
Joyce L.
This place is cafeteria style. It totally reminded me of going to eat at the cafeteria at the hospital where my mom worked when we were kids...except that the food here is yummy!!!! We went for breakfast. I had the corned beef hash with two eggs and my husband had the lox omlette and some coffee. The corned beef hash was a little over cooked (hence, dry) but the flavor was still quite good. And for $17 for the two of us, worth the price. Oh, another plus...there is a free parking lot around back.
(4)
Adam K.
Best deli in Chicago, hands down. Super old school and I HIGHLY recommend the potatoe pancakes.
(5)
Robert P.
What can you say - this is simply the best Deli in the world period! It blows any NY Deli away. I have been coming here since 1973 when I began my college education at UIC. The corned beef is out of this world. You will not be diappointed! Gino working the sandwich counter is fantastic. Keep it up Manny's.
(5)
Agnes F.
tasty corned beef or pastrami sandwiches and i am the biggest fan of the short rib too! it is truly fall off the bone tender and the boiled potato that comes with soaks up all the au jus from the meat hmm, super yum if you actually have room after eating all that food, try the potato pancake as well, definitely worth it
(4)
Phyllis D.
My husband and I eat here frequently on our weekend outings. This place runs like a well oiled machine. We brought our grandchildren here on a Saturday for the magic show that happens table side. The kids loved it so much they cant wait to go back. A real gem in the heart of the city.
(5)
Alex R.
Manny's, located in the south loop, is a great place to grab a sandwich if you work in the area. It reminds me of a good version of a school cafeteria. Grab a tray, and work your way down the line! You can choose from delicous pot roast (mmm), sandwiches, cakes, fruits, and other goodies. Their deli meat is fresh and savory, and the portions are big. The sandwiches here are definitely the highlight, but other foods are good as well. I took a star off, because I just can't justify the $11.00+ price tag on my sandwich though :(
(4)
Kairo C.
ok so i wasn't too impressed with my first round at manny's - however i do see some potential. the line is just like back in the day at a school cafeteria - long at times with a handful of boarish preparers in hair nets and paper hats peering at you to make a decision already. its not as easy like in school where the chicken nuggets or pizza puffs were staples. it's adult food here and while i've grown out of nuggets and puffs i like that. but with a line behind me and a million choices we all felt rush to just blab the first things our eyes come across "well just have that right there" pointing and nodding hastily. two meals split between three friends (one no red meat eater). had the plates not been $12 bucks each we may have had the liberty to explore without having to consider each others diets. corned beef on one plate and some poultry (turkey or chicken - quite the same to me anyways) on the other plate. it was basically two pieces of bread and a tower of meat. nothing else for the sammich. then a potato pancake on the side to make us feel like we weren't cheated. oh ya and a pickle. so it wasn't all bad - just a bit boring. the meat was quality. for the price i expected a saladful of veggies to go on it... at least some lettuce... even iceberg lettuce for pete's sake. they had condiments on the table like horseradish and mustard which saved the sammich a bit. i saw some folks walking around the corner of the dining area and i imagined maybe, just maybe there was a designated veggie/condiment station to dress it up yourself. had there been i'd give the service 1 star for lack of direction and the sammich 3 stars for improvements. i had a lame experience but not one that would keep me repelled. 1 strike of my 3 strike policy.
(2)
Char Y.
This is the best pastrami, corn beef, and brisket I had in Chicago, not comparing to NYC. The sandwiches are HUGE and the matza ball soup delicious. I cannot believe I have been in the area so long and not knowing where the restaurant is. Good deli food!
(2)
Pawel M.
So I had maybe the most delicious roast beef sandwich ever to grace a slice of bread from here. First off when they say roast beef, they are not talking about the dry thin slices that you get from the deli counter at your local Dominick's. Nononono, here you watch a hunk of meat picked up from a wonderful tub of juice, sliced directly onto your sandwich. Juicy morsels of goodness that I paired with a potato pancake, and wash down with some Green River pop. You heard me they have Green River available here readily. Outside of that there is a good variety of other dishes available here, so if you can get over the shock of walking into a place that looks like a cafeteria from the 70's, you will be treated to a fine meal. It might not be your "traditional" Jewish deli in the sense that people aren't lined up to pick up a knish like some places in the burbs, but with them making a sammich like this I could care less.
(4)
MaryAnne M.
For me this is the closest thing to an authentic NYC Jewish deli here in Chicago. My family & I have been coming here for as long as I can remember. The corned beef sandwich is perfect for 2 people to share and the potato pancakes are some of my favorite in the city. The matzo ball soup is my 2nd favorite( What's Cooking is first) And I love all the sides.
(5)
shirley m.
Came here for dinner using a groupon coupon......I recommend ordering the sandwiches as they are made fresh. Nice concept, cafeteria style setup, grab a tray and walk down the line and order whatever they have made for the day. Usually about 6-8 different items on a rotating basis. I ordered the beef stew and my BF ordered the meat loaf with mashed potatoes and veggies. ( Boo Hoo) the stew was a but tough (I like my stew fork tender). Meat loaf was not bad, could use some extra seasoning. Several desserts and sides to pick from, staff is really friendly.
(3)
Ryan K.
This is clearly the best cafeteria style joint in Chicago. I can't even think of a close competitor. Tips: - They have a parking lot. - Don't overthink things. Get a Corned Beef on Rye. - Great soda selection. - Potato pancakes are the finest in the city too. Grab an extra :)
(5)
K M.
Sorry to rain on Manny's parade- but I doubt my review is going to do much to tarnish them. It's not that it was bad or anything, it just did not live up to expectations or make any impression at all- I've been hearing about this place forever. Granted, not eating red meat (so no corned beef for me!) or wanting to consume something heavy for lunch likely puts a damper on the experience (some fried fish up front was tempting-looking). I went with a veggie sandwich, which was tasty and gets it up to the 3 stars for almost tasting llike pizza (I had REALLY wanted to give 2 but thought I might get laughed off the site :)) but WAY overpriced at something like $8-9 - there was very little to it. Same with the $2 for a glass of diet coke. You can justify that in a more upscale environment perhaps, but not at this cafeteria in the south loop (or whatever this technically is). Lowering the prices would do a lot in my book. My lunch buddy seemed to like his turkey legs but it looked like a disaster to try to eat and was $12 for the plate. Seriously? All in all I would not have expected lunch here to cost $30 for the 2 of us! On the upside, the folks working the counter seemed sweet (not sure why it took several minutes to heat up my veggie sandwich that had been shrink-wrapped though- so much for freshness!) The layout is also confusing for first-timers. Basically I guess if you don't want anything up front, you skip ahead to the next part of the counter? I'm sure the regulars understand this but we wasted a lot of time standing around trying to figure out where we needed to wait. I would give it another shot but definitely would not go out of my way for it. Go ahead and judge me! If this is any evidence, I suppose my ex was right that I really don't "get" Jewish culture :)
(3)
Kyung P.
Manny's is open for dinner (until 8:30PM)! It is cafeteria style, but instead of paying at the end of the line, they give you a check, and you pay on the way out. They also have a great selection of candy by the cash register - including chuckles! I went last night, and it was delicious! I saved half of my pastrami on rye for lunch today...I can't wait! Only if it was socially acceptable to eat pastrami sandwiches for breakfast... It was actually a tad salty - but still excellent. The corned beef was fantastic! I took off 1 star for the soggy and greasy potato pancake. It wasn't crowded at all for dinner, and I imagine that the pancake had been sitting there since lunch...it was really too bad though, because I had really high expectation. Meter parking was plentiful in the evening - even though they offer free valet. Unlike the New York delis, Manny's accepts credit cards! Woo hoo. I'll definitely be trying the roast beef next time.
(4)
D. S.
A fan of the Jewish Deli, I had been hearing great things about Manny's for a long long time. Recently I found myself in the neighborhood for work and decided to go in for some lunch. I had corned beef on challah bread, a latke(which is included automatically), and some matzah ball soup. The corned beef was really dry and the resturant was filthy, the matzah ball soup left alot to be desired but the latke was truly top notch. All in all the food was just ok. The Matzah ball itself was good but the broth was bland. I would probably go back if I was in the area but I would not make the journey for so so Deli.
(3)
David W.
So this review has been long in coming. I deem this place as one of the best deli's in Chicago. I always love there corn beef, and always get a matzo ball soup. It opens up your inner Jew in you(no offense meant). I've had many upon many places that say they have a great corn beef but this place sets the standard with its immense proportions as well as the whole grain mustard that is sitting at the table waiting for you what better to accompany this masterpiece then the two potato pancakes that are served along with your favorite helping of Dr. brown. I have to come here at least once every two weeks
(5)
Jacob S.
Growing up in Chicago, my family and I ate here probably 2x a month, but it felt like it was a weekly thing. The epitome of what a sandwich should be: meat between bread. More specifically, a mountain of corned beef between two slices of rye. Fixins? You want fixins? The only thing acceptable to add to the sandwiches at Manny's is either some mustard or horseradish, beyond that, you're in the wrong place. To complete your plate a pickle spear or two accompanied by a latke, and maybe a Doctor Brown's soda. Heaven. They expanded the place a handful of years ago, and the neighborhood is changing (Whole Foods, Target, established businesses fading away), but the feel inside is just like it was 20+ years ago.
(5)
Rupert V.
The food: Meat stacked on meat stacked on smoked meat smushed into two teeny weenie slices of rye bread with a giant pickle on the side. Too big to pick up with your hands, too big even to use a knife and fork. You have to bend down to the plate and open your mouth and eat it like a dog. Often accompanied by a potato pankake dripping with grease. The ambience: Two Jewish guys behind the counter making wisecracks about your impending coronary event from said food, while trying to hurry into making rash decsions about your nutritional health. Overall: Best deli this side of NYC.
(4)
Katie D.
If you love a good Jewish deli and are near the downtown Chicago area, you must check out Manny's. The pastrami is to DIE for!
(5)
Seth P.
Everyone has sung the praises of this wonderful place - so I will simply wax poetic about one of its offerings - the PHOSPHATE. You order it at the end of the cafeteria line. What is it? A very old-fashioned Midwestern favorite; basically pop that they carbonate in front of you (soda water + syrup). Sounds prosaic, but no -- the cherry phosphate is rich, liquid candy, not sickly-sweet but oh so RED in flavor -- they also have chocolate.
(5)
John H.
This is the best deli in the world. All the food is good, corned beef is great, can't go wrong. Gotta try it!
(5)
Erin S.
Been going since I was a little girl. Everything still looks the same. People complain about the sandwich prices a lot, but look at it this way. You're probably getting 1-2 pounds of meet and half is certainly enough for a meal. So you really get two meals out of it. Also, if you just want the lox platter or anything cold, you can skip the hotline and go straight to that section. You really can't beat their corned beef or pastrami!
(4)
Michelle H.
Manny's brings me back to the days of when I lived in New York, but better. Not only do you have your regular choices of tongue, corned beef, pastrami, and salami sammies, you also have full on meals like beef stew and other classic favorites. The food here is nothing but perfect, fresh, american food. And the people are a little pushy too, which helps the atmosphere and adds to the experience in my opinion. Make sure to bring $15-20 for a meal, after you add everything you want on your plate the bill adds up, but it's worth it.
(4)
cynthia w.
What a fun place to go! I love Manny's. Giant plates of yummy food. My favorite meal is the terrific corned beef on rye with crispy potato pancake and a black cherry soda. The guy who makes the sandwiches is a riot! He makes the wait entertaining. I've been going there for many years, and nothing has changed. Breakfast there is pretty good too. You often bump into people you know, or you see high powered politicos. Just remember that it's cash only. Sometimes you get close to the ninth degree about which container you need, but that just adds to the character.
(5)
Joan K.
O M G! I have not had a meal like that in years. Best Brisket around. Two meal sandwiches for sure. Love THE unusual potato pancakes. Yum-mo! The gentlemen behind the counters make it fun! If you've never been here, YOU HAVE TO TRY IT!!
(5)
Meredith H.
i dig manny's. considering my favorite foods are soup and mashed potatoes (bc i am apparently 80 years old) this place appealed to me right away. the bf and i used a groupon and it's a good thing we did bc we would have had no idea how much manny's full price would end up being. we discussed and determined that the amount of food is good for the price, but it's still suprising considering this is a cafeteria/deli. matzo ball soup was fantasic, chicken salad sandwhich on wheat very good as well. i have gotten a ton of crap from my coworkers for not eating the corned beef or pastrami, but those are really just not my thing. the bf had the corned beef and cabbage, and we both had desert and drinks. total cost (before glorious groupon) was $35. manny's has real history and i like that - check out their website for the story. and barry o. likes it, so that gives it some street cred too. hmmm wonder if blago likes it? does that give any more cred since his dad owned a laundromat in a black neighborhood??? i kid, i kid.
(4)
Samuel M.
Eh. Perhaps I have an unfairly high standard for pastrami. This wasn't bad for a diaspora sandwich (sorry, fellow Chicagoans - nothing compares to New York in the deli department), but it was still slightly too fatty for its level of juiciness, and the spicing wasn't assertive enough for my personal taste. The potato pancake, on the other hand, was delicious, pillowy, and enormous. The corned beef that others in my party had was good, but that's not really my thing. Pickles were mediocre. Despite some complaints below, I found that the pricing was actually quite good (sandwiches such as these run $15-20 if they're good enough), and the place is so iconic that I don't mind paying a little more than I would at Potbelly's to eat the same average pastrami that presidents have eaten. A marginally above average experience, but this kind of food needs to knock your socks off to be worth the gout it invariably induces. I'll be back, but infrequently.
(3)
A. R.
Manny's offers the perfect way to support America's cattle industry and cardiac doctors. Overflowing corned beef, pastrami and brisket sandwiches were the norm during my recent lunchtime visit. As I felt compelled to support America's cattlemen, and to a lesser extent the medical profession, I ordered the pastrami on rye. I was happy to see that my 2 pounds of succulent meat were pretty lean - the last thing that I wanted to do was be encumbered by fat. I was hungry and nothing but peppery beef, rye bread, and mustard would satiate me. Although the sandwich was good, the potato pancake that I also got was a greasy disc of mediocrity. I can only hope that my experience was an aberration, and that their other side dishes are better.
(3)
Alex V.
Holy mounds of meat! The corned beef sandwich's are huge and very tasty. I have never nor will never walk out of this place hungry. Wish I could get here more often because the place is great. The service is fast and if its not too busy you can get some quick chit chat about most anything. The potato pancakes are the the best I ever had. They are so good I usually get two. I will forever be a fan of this place. The only down side is that they are very expensive.
(4)
Ed B.
Not sure about some of the reviews here and not been to some of the places mentioned below. Been to many delis' around the country and many in New York the Mecca of Deli I think. The best of them have nothing on Manny''s and they are even more expensive. If price is your problem for a huge portion go ahead and try and find the same quality of corned beef in your deli and stay home. In any case I have been going there for years and the quality and comfort food is second to none. Sure there is always a place that may have a particular item that is better than here to an individuals taste. I have never had a bad meal here and I have tried nearly everything. Overall the consistency over the many years is never wavering. Was surprised to hear below that the place was dirty. In all my visits I have not sen that here. Especially considering the volume of traffic that goes through this quite large dining room. even that bathrooms are clean. It is old to be sure and a really cool throwback decor wise for the most part but not dirty. Yes parking may be an issue as high noon but they have valet service if you want. BTW- They have an outlet in Midway Airport. Not nearly as good. Especially if you have been to the Jefferson St. location. Portions much smaller and quality is inconsistent. People working at the airport location seem indifferent and snotty. Hey Manny's- You may want to take a look at that. The Midway location is doing nothing good for your brand and reputation. Tried it several time and will no more. Even for an airport there are much better options for the same price or less.
(5)
Zach J.
Please excuse my horrible language in advance and for the F-bombs, but I was sooo wronged by this place and I want to put a point accross that if you treat people like crap they will get this pissed Alright let my beating up of this place begin.....well the sandwhich I had was ok which was the pastrami, but it was not worth all that money especially for how they premake a lot of the sandwhich which makes me upset. Want a good Jewish deli sandwhich....??? Go to Chicago Heights to Bergsteins which will blow you away and they treat you so much better. I was shocked and appalled when I asked for a glass of water with my meal and the snotty cashier replied with "You don't know.....?" I responded with "I don't know what?" She did not reply and instead gave me a cup of ice, so I thought ok I guess she's an idiot now I can go find the water dispenser, although I did not appreciate her being short with me. Well after I exited the line and paid I regretfully found no water dispenser anywhere. First of all what stupid place carries no damn water???!!! Second if you do not fucking say you do not carry water anywhere, don't be a bitch about it!!!!! Oh she made me so freakin mad and this place made me mad, because I had to eat my meal with no drink! WTF!! I hate soda pop unless it's spiked with hard booze, but if I knew they did not serve you water in advance, I would have bought a pop while in line. She totally screwed me out of a drink! I hate this place for that reason and will never return since I was treated like dog shit for asking for a fucking water! The lack of communication I find appalling, offensive, rude, and unprofessional! I am deeply appalled by the staff treating people like garbage and I have read other reviews from others that are treated like crap too. This place thinks they are high and mighty due to their reputation, but if you go in there you eat at a shitty cafeteria with pre made food, and they rob you of every penny for it! Then the water thing......ugh!.....I don't want to get started about that again. I am personally going to comb through all the negative reviews and check off cool, funny, and usefull for as many as time gives me! Also, this place is cafeteria style which never yields high quality food. There is too much hype for this place that will serve you cafeteria style food. Food that sits in those bins will never be as good. The hype and prices do not match the quality. Manny's...if you do not want to give someone a glass of water put a fucking sign that says NO WATER or tell your stupid ass cashier to at least inform customers that you won't serve it instead of being a smart ass! I also want to clear something up, I sound angry and pissy right now, but when I was at Manny's I was respectable and not annoying neither was my brother who got gipped on water too, manny's had no excuse to treat me and my brother like garbage.
(1)
Mitchell I.
This is the hands down, the best sandwich place in my little foodie world. This is Chicago. Grab a tray and make sure you know what you want to order at this joint. The staff becomes a little impatient and smart ass if you hold up the line. I do not even have to ask for more pastrami fat in my sandwich. It already is perfect. Stacked high and amazing flavor. I do overdo the deli mustard. Why not? I do not even think twice about driving down here to its west side location. No matter where I am in the Chicago area. Of course, I always order potato pancakes with extra sour cream and apple sauce. This place is not for the health conscious. Just enjoy the cholesterol.
(5)
Alice C.
Now that I've recovered from meat stroke (sorta) after eating here, I can finally write this review. FOOD: If you order half corned beef and half pastrami on rye, I can guarantee you won't be able to put this meat in your mouth fast enough, and you can't wait to swallow it, too. (That IS what she said.) The potato pancake was decent, but I prefer mine a little more doughy and less fried. Note that this did not stop me from shoveling it in my mouth like a fat kid that just tasted candy for the first time. The kreplach soup is also a must-try. A kreplach is a dumpling filled with some ground meat inside, and it comes with the same broth that's used in matzo ball soup. See if you can get it around lunch though because of the 2 times I had it, when I tried it around lunch, it was much more flavorful and fresh. When I had it towards the end of the night, it was a bit too salty for my taste. Watch out for the daily specials, and other sides. It could take me 6 months, literally, to try everything on the menu. There's dessert, too! BEVERAGES: If you grew up in Chicago, you'll most likely know what a Green River is. And they have these drinks here! Bonus points for childhood nostalgia. ATMOSPHERE: No thrills, no frills. Casual, for sure. It's cafeteria-like in that you get a tray, get in line, and order from the 2-4 guys that are working the counter. Careful though - the lines could get long! Luckily, there is a very large dining area. PRICE: Pretty pricey for a sandwich at around $13, but neither my brother, who is a pretty hearty eater, nor I could finish the whole sandwich. So overall - a fairly good value because you'll more than likely have leftovers, and/or suffer meat stroke/a food coma in the process. You pay the cashier after your meal. MISC: Parking in the back! But like I said earlier, it's better to get there early because the lines could be long. Some say that the neighborhood is on the shadier side, but the ghetto has never gotten in the way of my hunger (or procuring cheap gas, for that matter), and that's not gonna change now!
(4)
Matthew D.
Hands down the best deli place on the planet. Soup, brisket sandwich... Best jewish food ever, sorry grandma. Best ingredients, staff is very nice. No frills. My new favorite place in the south loop were I just moved from NYC!
(5)
Terry L.
Rude employees, way overpriced food, just OK for flavor, filthy dirty dining area, very confusing signage (did not have many of the items on the board), felt very rushed going through the line, other than those little issues, OK then. I would not go back if they gave me the food.
Delicious cafeteria-style food. I had the meatloaf with green beans and a potato pancake. Everyone is very friendly and the atmosphere is very relaxed/casual. It brings back memories of high school cafeteria days!
(4)
Daniel S.
Classic Chicago food staple, that any tourist or local needs to see, there are so many food options, the pastrami is the best ive ever had, comes with a potato pancake, the mac and cheese and Salisbury steak are also excellent, the knish was very good, the white fish was good, not their best option, the desserts were just ok, it may be a bit expensive but you get a lot of food and is worth the price, just be prepared to order when you get in line because the staff is kinda impatient
(5)
Marcee W.
Definitely a Manny's fan over the years, stopped in tonight for corned beef sandwiches with a friend. Although giant (and they should be for the $12 price tag!), they were overly dry and disappointing. Potato latkes were as tasty as I remembered (although I tend to prefer them thinner and crispier) and the mac and cheese was bland. I won't let this mediocre visit taint my desire for Manny's, but I might think twice next time about spending $43 for a couple of sandwiches and sides that weren't as satisfying as my memories of them were.
(3)
Cat C.
Pricey- but delicious. Went for lunch with friends today. ordered a hot turkey on rye and had fresh strawberries and a glass bottle coke. yum. There was enough turkey on my sandwich for 4 sandwiches. It was thick and juicy and delightful. my strawberries were perfect. my coke was..coke. worth $20? not really. But epic delicious. I'll definitely go again, but perhaps split a sandwich with someone. There was more than enough for two.
(4)
Curt M.
Top Notch Chicago Joint! Food is excellent and there is plenty of it, very clean dining room and spotless washrooms. Plenty of room to spread out and kibitz with your Friends. All the staff is courteous, if not a downright pleasure to joke around with! I have been here Tens of times and have always had a pleasant and repeatable time!
(5)
Clifford S.
I've wanted to come here ever since we attended the taping of America's Best Sandwich and I got a sample of a Manny's corned beef sandwich. Combination of O'Hare early afternoon drop off and 7:30 Theatre tickets led to us having a late lunch here. Did I say late lunch? I meant great lunch, magnificent lunch, piles of meat on rye bread fabulous lunch. Why has a carnivorous guy like me waited so long to eat here? I don't know but if you haven't had the meat satisfying sandwich that they create at Manny's you need to get down here and get your corned beef on. Not only did I consume the entire giant sandwich and any shreds of meat that may have fallen on the plate but I devoured the coleslaw, slurped up the matzo ball soup and ate some mac and cheese. But don't worry, I washed it all down with a Diet Coke. Burp. Manny's may not have won the sandwich contest but it sure won a new fan in me. As soon as I digest my amazing lunch, I will be back.
(5)
Justin B.
Tried the hot pastrami half-sandwich with a bowl of potato soup and the cornbread. At $12 and with enough pastrami for at least another adult-sized sandwich, it's a ton of food. And damn, is that pastrami good. You don't come for the frills, you come for the low-budget look of the place, and it's got character in spades thanks to staff that appears to have been there for at least 20 years a piece! Wish this was closer, but that's what my car is for.
(5)
Danny W.
Don't be discouraged at first glance. Their Rueben is a grower, not a show-er. It starts with only a small slab of meat before going under the grill, but afterwards it becomes the corned beef equivalent of the Mr. Universe winner. Seriously...after each layer they added my brother and I looked at each other in disbelief. Once ready we were both extremely regretful that we ordered Matzo ball soup as well. (although it was delicious too) The meat is phenomenal! So succulent that you really don't need any fixens or dressings for it to be one of your favs. It's simple and that's what makes this place so special. Awesome meat. Bread. And a pickle. Now that's a Man-wich. Pun fully intended.
(5)
Analyse M.
First place I stopped at on my business trip in Chicago. I was over whelmed by the choices. So much good food. Got the fried Alaskan fish.. mashed potatoes. My coworkers got the Italian beef. Let's just say we were all stuffed and needed a nap. Totally recommend.
(5)
Lynda W.
I was so disappointed with food at this restaurant .the corn beef was grainy and dried out. The mashed potato were cold and the beans were soggy. My girlfriend turkey meatloaf was not cooked all the way through and her macaroni and cheese tastes like kraft. I paid 30.00 for our meals and I was still hungary when we left. I will never go there for food again.
(1)
Ryan S.
Was a decent sandwhich. A bit expensive. Perrys has them beat. Pastrami was dry but piled high as it should be for a $15 sandwhich.
(3)
Bob B.
The Tab: 1/2 Corn Beef 1/2 Pastrami, 1 Potato Pancake (free with Yelp checkin) = $13.15 w/ tax The Review: Service = N/A (Self Serve) Ambience = 1.0 Food = 4.0 Pricing = 2.0 Overall = 3.0 So, I had a taste for a Reuben after having a tasty one at the Omega restaurant in Niles on Golf. So, after hours of Yelp research, and after the recommendation of a Jewish acquaintance, I decided to venture out to Manny's on a weekday night. When I walked in, it was kind of confusing to understand the restaurant structure since it was cafeteria style and there were 2 cashier stops. The furniture was old and I thought I was going into a hot tub time machine back to the 70's. The sandwich was pretty delicious. The meat was pretty good portion size and not dry, but I have seen bigger portion size sandwiches on Yelp that mammoth what was given to me. *** I think the server saw that I was Asian, and thought "oh, I'll just give him a small one". *** Overall, because of the $13 I paid for a no-frills sandwich, with just cold cuts slapped between 2 thin slices of bread.... I'm not expecting a return. If the price was lower, then "YES". Best bet is to pay the $13 for decent sandwich at Wildfire with table service and ambiance.
(3)
Mark B.
A throwback to a old school cafeteria and deli. The corn beef was lean and full of flavor, the only reason it wasn't 5 stars, was the corn beef was served cold on a Ruben sandwich. The potato pancake was very good but was also served cold. It was a typical size deli sandwich. It was a little on the expensive side, but worth every penny. I was so full it almost put me to sleep in my afternoon meeting. When I'm in Chicago again, I will definitely be back.
(4)
Dave H.
Okay, WOW loss for words. Yes the food is that good. Hands down the best ruben I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. Everything looks great smells great, I just haven't tried anything else yet. Next time I am trying the brisket!!! I cant wait!!!
(5)
Jamie H.
Such a fun, unique place! It is kind of overwhelming when you first go in there. Good selection and massive portions! I can't wait to come back.
(4)
Jack H.
If there is one thing I crave. It's a good jewish meal. Some friends of my wife and I took us here since Skoki was a bit too far to travel at the time for a Jewish deli. I was hoping for stuffed cabbage but that's only served Tuesdays. So I had the beef stew and kreplach soup. Everything was extremely fresh and tasty. I can't wait to come back and try the stuffed cabbage.
(5)
Kerry W.
I went here searching for a great jewish-style deli. Manny's was great, the guys making the sandwiches were older, maybe the owners, and were awesome. We weren't sure what to get so they let us try all the meats. The turkey pastrami was my favorite and had a piece of the apple pie. Dont skimp on the pie, it was the best part.
(5)
Tony H.
The best Jewish deli in America. Prices are high but the food is worth it. The corned beef is always excellent. The pastrami is too fatty for my liking. Most of the entrees in the servery look so good that I wish I could order more. The matzo ball soup is perfection. Too many delis, either the matzo balls are subpar or the broth is. At Manny's, both are right on the money. The staff is quick and prompt and even when the line is to the front door, you will not wait long. As a kicker, there is even a free parking lot for customers.
(5)
Bubba G.
Over priced food for self service, went there for lunch and it cost me $38.00 for two people.
(2)
Patrick D.
I think Manny's has become a victim of it's own success. Yes, it's still a very nice deli, lots of great selections on a steam table line cafeteria line, but it's changed. It's no longer a funky interesting place where you might be dining with President Obama (yes, he's been there) or with someone of less substantial means coming in for a good deal on some very good food. First the prices. WOW! I went there two days ago and had a half sandwich (pastrami) and a small salad special, a quarter slice of a pickle, and an iced tea ..... $17.07. Thank goodness I ordered a half sandwich. There was tons of pastrami, enough for an overloaded FULL sandwich, but even if it had been a full sandwich $17.07 for a sandwich, part of a pickle, a small salad, and iced tea??? in a cafeteria? Second, it's lost its local neighborhood flavor. It's all bright and shiny, and very clean, and filled with nice middle class people dropping by Manny's for a bite. and it has free valet parking. Valet at Manny's?? This explains the lots of nice middle class people who probably don't live anywhere close ... and the prices. Part of the charm of Manny's used to be the horrible parking situation. If you went to eat there, you occasionally really had to REALLY want to eat there because parking could be a real challenge. Win the parking roulette and you were rewarded with a delicious meal at reasonable prices. No longer. Now, easy parking, delicious meal, pricey. Part of the charm is it was always clean, but not so much SPARKLE!!! The lighting was always OK but more like a grade school cafeteria, not enough to enhance your tan ... or make your jewelry SPARKLE!!! Heck, most of the old customers weren't wearing sparkly jewelry, if any jewelry at all. Some did, some didn't. That was Manny's. That's what kept it interesting to eat there. If you've read this far I've got to tell you about one good deal there for Manny's lovers. They are selling their old trays with the Manny's logo. $10 for one, $15 for two. It's a good deal for a memento of the old favorite place. That deal won't last long because the cashier told me they are getting snapped up fast.
(3)
Dan K.
Manny's is great. My dad took me here one day years and years ago, and I was not impressed at all by the cafeteria style setup because I thought that was all they had to offer. Then I saw the pastrami. Enough said. If you want a giant pastrami or corned beef along with the excellent potato pancake, there is no better place to go in Chicago than Manny's.
(5)
Carol G.
If you want plain old good food with no pretense this is the place. The sandwiches are huge and delicious. We split a corned beef pastrami combo. It was terrific and plenty for two. The staff are efficient and friendly and very helpful if you have questions or need directions like we did. It's out of the way a bit, but worth the side trip.
(5)
Fei W.
Cafeteria style. It's really nice to be able to see the food you're ordering as you walk down the line. Really cheap prices for the quality and quantity served. The potato pancakes are giant. The corned beef on rye is so overstuffed with corned beef that you will have issues picking it up. I keep meaning to come back and try more offerings. They have a free valet at lunch.
(3)
Am C.
If you're looking for a quick, affordable lunch then this is the place to be. It's set up cafeteria-style, so the first thing you want to do is grab a tray by the door. Go ahead and grab utensils, too. Even if you're there for a sandwich, just grab a fork, spoon, knife. Because if you don't: -The person in front of you will get soup and you can't because you didn't get a spoon -The nice man making your sandwich is going to offer you a potato (latke) and you can't have one because you didn't get a fork -Your sandwich meat is gonna be massive and hanging out of your sandwich, but since you didn't get a knife... Just kidding. There are more utensils at the end of the line that you can grab. And put your wallet away, you don't pay at the end of the line. You get your yellow slip there, go sit down to eat, and then pay on your way out the door. Except your yellow slip won't reflect your total because you'll probably grab some rugelach on your way out. And maybe a pack of gum. And maybe some lottery tickets. And you might as well get another bottle of water since you're there. Check out their menu online
(5)
Stacy R.
If you're in the mood for a Reuben, Manny's is the place to go...just make sure to bring your appetite! They pile a pound of tasty corned beef onto your sandwich along with all the fixings of a Reuben. When you're there, make sure to get a potato pancake on the side...very good!
(5)
Kathleen M.
Why oh why have I waited so long to come here? And I might never have made it had I not realized it was so close to some fabric stores that have become a new addiction. My daughter, the intrepid city driver, and I came here on Friday and the only bad part was that we weren't able to snag a spot in the free lot. That was literally the mere wrinkle in an otherwise idyllic time. I love all the people here from all over the city. I loved the cafeteria line and my confusion about which delicious thing to order. Manny's obviously has dealt with people like me before and there it was - the obvious choice sitting there for me to grab. I just had to reach out and the plate with a monster sized corned beef sandwich, pickle and a potato pancake was mine. A perfect potato pancake I might add that I savored first lest I be too full to enjoy it after tackling the huge sandwich. I didn't come anywhere near to finishing it but as we were going to be in the car for the day, I didn't get to bring it home. Now I would like to finish it so the obvious answer is a return trip. My husband didn't get to come with so I will be selfless and come back with him. (I know, that is just the kind of giving gal I am.) Manny's, I shall return!
(5)
Samantha H.
Mannys is so much larger than I anticipated. I love the idea of the cafeteria line style and I have to say the staff is amazing. My husband got the brisket and I got the pastrami and corned beef, which is supposed to be a staple. The meat was really good, especially the brisket. The sandwiches are just so large though, almost to the point of being obscene. I'm not a huge fan of the American 'mine is bigger than yours' mentality when it comes to food. Quality, not quantity! For me the meat was good but just plain meat on bread doesn't cut it for me. I'm a sandwich connoisseur and I need some creativity for them to stand out for me. Mannys has clearly made a name for itself and people will continue to go there for that well-known namesake and perhaps because they like the gymormous sizes...but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
(3)
Debbie O.
The corned beef and pastrami sandwich is all you'll need at Manny's. The size of it is literally as big as your head. I was just watching in awe as the server was filling the sandwich up with layers and layers of sliced corned beef and pastrami. It also comes with additional slices of bread, which you will need as well. The meat itself is delicious. Juicy yet lean enough to taste amazingly moist. From the moment we walked in, we knew this place was legit. There were Jewish ladies playing majong and annoyed servers if you ask too much about the food. It's good. Just trust them. We also had matzo balls and potato cakes, which were both very delicious. The special that day was the beef stew, which came with lots of potatoes and carrots. The potato was different. You could tell it was stewed for a long time, but it wasn't mushy or crumbly at all. The texture was actually a bit chewy but not at all rubbery. It was SO GOOD. I'm not a huge fan of corned beef, but this was definitely worth trying once. I can now say I've had the Manny's experience, and it was great!
(3)
Danny B.
Best corned beef sandwich around! I come from the suburbs to get it and am always pleased with the food and service! 5 stars all day!
(5)
Patrick S.
Meh. It;s pretty good for a sandwich and some food that will stick to your ribs. I tell you what though... forget the Knish, it blows. the Kugel noodle is okay. What you really want is the Pastrami over the corned beef and you absolutely must get the Cel-Ray Soda Pop and some of dem pickles. GET THE CELERY SODA with your sandwich! IT IS DA Bomb! Free Parking in the back... Bonus! Bring lots of money too. Their Sandwich is like $12 and the soda is $2.90 I kid you not! PS They have a Manny's at MDW too. I saw it on my exit back to Portland. Enjoy!
(4)
Maria P.
Prepare yourself, this place is no bargain. But you get what you pay for! My husband loves their pastrami and corner beef sandwiches. That's definitely what they are known for. I am all about the lox & bagel platter. You definitely get a lot of lox for your bagel. If you're looking for a deli, this is your place!
(4)
Tom B.
What could someone say bad about this place. The WORLD'S best corned beef sandwich. It was freezing this week and I felt like treating my employees. Ordered 55 corned beef sandwiches, potato latkes, etched. Those who hadn't had a manny' corned beef sandwich were in heaven, those who have had one went back to heaven. I've always had an amazing meal there
(5)
Matt M.
A Knish with gravy is only eclipsed by the grandeur that is a reuben. Every sweet, tender bit of these delicious treats are complimented well by their incredible portion sizes and friendly staff. The guy in charge of the corned beef is a sharp as a tac and insists on chiding the customers in a friendly and inviting way that adds that extra bit of flavor to your old school deli experience. $30 buys two people lunch fit for kings. Its not cheap, but its well worth it. PS - get your winning lotto tickets here
(5)
Jody G.
It's very difficult to find a New York Style or Jewish Style Deli anywhere but the Big Apple..... and yet I continue my search. And, you know what..... this place comes pretty darn close (taste-wise at least). I wasn't a huge fan of the cafeteria style ambiance and multitude of daily specials sitting in steaming trays, but that was purely due to appearance. I didn't try them. I came here for corned beef and matzoh ball soup.... and that's what I got. And, they were both mighty tasty. "Manny's" offers a special which consists of half a sandwich and a bowl of soup for just over $10. Quite a deal by any big city's standards. The soup had wonderful, flavorful broth with a GIANT light, fluffy matzoh ball. It could have used a couple of carrot and/or celery chunks (that's how I roll) and it could have been a tad hotter, but all-in-all it was darn close to grandma's. The half sandwich was GINORMOUS! I don't see how anyone can eat anything but a half. I had to eat half of the meat (morsel by tasty morsel with my fingers) before even attempting to lift that baby up. And, still it was difficult to shove it into my salivating mouth. The (requested extra lean) sliced-right-before-my-eyes corned beef was pleasantly warm, perfectly spiced, and tender as can be. The rye bread hearty and filled with lots of caraway seeds. And, "Manny's" delicious horseradish mustard that I slathered all over the top was fantastic! My only complaint was the pickle. Maybe I'm being too much of a "deli snob" here..... but I like my pickles soaking in a metal bucket where I can pick out the oldest and sourest of the bunch.... not an already sliced dill placed on my plate by the (very friendly!) guy behind the counter. Oh well.....the potato pancake served with my sandwich more than made up for it! YUM!
(4)
M Z.
Had the matza ball and kreplach soup. It was AWESOME. Just as good as my grandma's.
(5)
Michael D.
Manny's cafeteria and delicatessen is a Chicago dinning institution of long standing. It is a family owned business that has been operating in the area since the mid 40s and at it's present location since 1964. It is in the University Village neighborhood that's a stone's throw from the Loop and open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It serves a large variety of Jewish cooking cafeteria style, i.e., patrons pick up a tray and walk along a long counter and make selections. This is a no-frills eatery with a very large Spartan dinning area. People in all walks of life that include politicians, lawyers, cops, and blue-collar workers patronize it. You should never be surprised by who you might see chomping on a sandwich or slopping down a bowl of soup. I go to Manny's for the corned beef on rye sandwich that is served piled very high with meat and accompanied by an potato pancake and a large dill pickle spear. The bread is always crusty, fresh, and hearty. The corned beef is of the highest quality and it is served in such abundance that it is almost impossible to get it into your mouth to take a bite. The pancake is very tasty and pairs perfectly with the sandwich. The price for this selection is about $13 that at first seems rather high. However, the portion of meat is enormous and I cannot remember finishing the whole thing. Usually, I take quite a bit home. As a tip, if you go with another person, one can order the sandwich and the other a bowl of soup for a few bucks that comes with a plate of several slices of rye bread. By using the extra bread and some of the corned beef in the sandwich literally several additional sandwiches can be made. I strongly recommend Manny's because it has by far the best corned beef sandwich in town.
(5)
tony c.
i'm going to give it 5 stars. I can't afford to eat there to often $21.00 for corned beef sandwich ,soup and potatoe pancake.. had to drink water or the bill would of been $24.00. .good food extremely crazy priceing. time for an overhaul on the inside. tradition only lasts so long.
(5)
Milan P.
Two different experiences in two different nights this week. Same personable and competent line service and cashier, but the "chicken soup" was more than disappointing. Soup, according to my experience and Google (citing Wikipedia), is a primarily liquid food, generally served warm, that is made by combining ingredients such as meat and vegetables with stock, juice, water, or another liquid. Tonight, I ordered a large chicken noodle which turned out to be spaghetti noodles tucked into a container with warm chicken stock poured over it. Not a piece of chicken, vegetable, or even a bit of parsley. It was less than good. I called about it and got a "I'll tell the manager." No sorry about your experience, etc. She told me that it is supposed to be stock and spaghetti. Sad when I consider the good bean soup I got the other night.
(2)
Amr A.
CORNED BEEF HEAVEN!!!!! couple bucks pricier than I expected, but man was it good. Also How can you beat free parking in the south loop.
(5)
John G.
Traditional deli with lots of great food. I had a half brisket sandwich and it still was a meal.
(4)
Roy H.
Do I want corned beef or pastrami? Such a tough question... I was standing there like a fool pondering this. Well, there is an easy solution to this...for like $1 extra you can get both on the same sandwich....and talk about a sandwich. These things are HUGE, bigger than those silly overpriced NYC delis (yes, I have been to multiple ones). They also cut the meat much thinner and they also toss in a yummy potato pancake and pickles with the order. The only other thing I needed to create the perfect meal was a cream soda, and of course they had it. The dining area is quite big, and there was even a nice flat screen TV. I went during off-ish hours so it wasnt too bust either. Very friendly service too, that old school style. I love that.
(5)
Ellen H.
Love this throwback, Chicago institution- a must whenever I'm in town. Worth every penny, though maybe not worth every calorie :) My favorite knishes anywhere - heavenly smooth mashed potatoes surrounding yummy spiced meat (tastes like it might be ground brisket or the like). $4.95 and I'm stuffed for hours. My hubbie loved his massive corned beef. I wish I could try the turkey, as it looks fab, but I can't pass on the knish. I don't see how anyone could complain about the pricing. If you ate $20 worth of food there by yourself, you ate enough for a small family. And I bet it was sooooooo tasty!!! Be prepared for bare bones, linoleum, school cafeteria atmosphere with gruff elderly staff. And learn the procedure for lining up, ordering, paying etc before you get involved - the other patrons can be gruff too! :)
(5)
Richard E.
Manny's is a cool restaurant to try, it's cafeteria style, I actually enjoyed the tray experience. The sandwich's are thick and tasty, go ahead, try Manny's.
(3)
Cindy J.
I really hope God allows Pastrami Sandwiches in the afterlife. Even further, I hope they are Manny's Pastrami Sandwiches. These things are monsters and definitely enough for two meals or good to share. There are plenty of other great things on the menu (including the potato pancakes). They are far from skimpy with the portions at Manny's. Be careful, however, as this is one place where the eyes can get too big for the stomach (has happened to me a couple times. This place isn't the cheapest of deli's (despite appearances). I easily racked up a $19.00 bill on breakfast for just moi. The owners here are friendly. They give back to the community. This place has a lot of rich Chicago history. For those reasons, along with the great food, I hope to build a little history of my own at Manny's Deli.
(4)
Phoebe W.
Eh. Manny's was a good place to try out, but I don't see myself returning anytime soon. I wanted to check it out since I saw Manny's noodle kugel featured on "Best Thing I Ever Ate" on Food Network. I had the beef brisket, which was a on the dry side but ended up improving when I reheated it several hours later. Boyfriend had the corned beef sandwich and was satisfied as well. Neither of us liked our potato pancakes since they were eerily chewy and not crispy like they're supposed to be. Thankfully, the noodle kugel and free valet parking were some redeeming qualities about the place. Manny's charges more than I'd like to pay for a beef sandwich and soggy potato pancakes, but I think they'll survive just fine without my business.
(3)
Susan S.
I have been going to Manny's for almost 40 years. There is no deli like it anywhere in the world, as near as I can tell. Don't look for frills. This is straight cafeteria-style deli with the best corned beef anywhere. Gino's smiling greeting makes it even better. Sandwiches are well-endowed and the latkes are divine. Chopped liver is excellent. Matzah balls are huge and delicious. I miss the baked apples they no longer make. ;-( We always run into people we know there because it is a Chicago institution. Kenny and his kids have done a fabulous job carrying on the family tradition. May they always find success!
(5)
Laila C.
well...I got a free shirt out of it? But yeah $17 for a reuben, even one that's a pound of meat, is not worth it. The short ribs were kind of over cooked. The veggies were all just boiled and old mushy looking. Skip.
(2)
Betty H.
Lived in Chicago for years, just found out about this place. ABSOLUTELY love their pastrami sandwiches and mazta ball soup. My hubby always gets a plateful of food + 2 desserts. He never eats dessert.
(5)
Mark M.
corned beef and pastrami are at the best here, good food cafeteria style.
I had the beef stew and coke, my sister had the half brisket sandwich with matzo soup, potato pancake, cucumber salad and coke and my cousin got the corned beef/pastrami sandwich and Dr. Brown's root beer. Everything was ok. The beef stew was like something my mom makes, so for $13.95 it's quite expensive. The matzo soup wasn't too our liking. The potato pancake was ok, nothing spectacular. The pastrami was very good though. I think if I return, I'll definitely get that! It was a different, but I would recommend everyone check it out at least once. Our tab was a little over $50 so it's quite expensive for lunch.
(3)
Andrew I.
Gino.
(5)
Michael W.
Great deli!! Not enough of them in Chicago.
(5)
Patricia W.
We had a Groupon which is how we have found so many wonderful & diverse resturaunts. This is another to add to our growing list. Manny's is a fantastic find. The sandwiches alone could feed several people! I got a Rueben's & my partner got a Reuben with both Corned Beef & Pastrami! Good heavens they are really enormous! Really! We also ordered a Split Pea Soup & Potao Cakes. It came with two crunchy dill pickles. And we had ordered a slice of Cherry pie & a slice if German Chocolate Cake. We took home the desserts! Plus plenty left overs. The meat is lean & tender. Everything was great & do not forget to try the Horseradish! It deserves a star. All on it's own!
(4)
Carmen S.
Why haven't I ever came here before? The brisket and corned beef sandwiches are amazing! This is a Chicago staple. Jokes from the staff, good food and great service for as inexpensive as it gets.
(5)
Michael G.
Much as I try to be post-hype, sometimes I fall for the very marketing ploys that I profess to know and avoid following. Case in point: the Manny's Groupon. I was relatively new on that site at the time, but I figured there was something very unique about a Groupon with a 2,000 person cap. And one that started its own thread on Yelp (post-hype just became postmodern) to boot. So I bought one. The Groupon was $10 for $25 worth of food. I thought at the time that was a good deal. I thought that would probably feed two people. Little did I know that basically all the Groupon did was take an average dinner cost at Manny's and bring it down to "in this economy..." levels. Manny's is EXPENSIVE (an average deli sandwich is around $12.00)! Having not checked the prices I fell for the hype. The Groupon was also good for dinner only. I thought at the time that wasn't going to be a herbivore's dilemma. Having, again, not checked the menu I didn't realize the entire set of mains on the dinner menu is meat based (the lunch menu is much more vegetarian friendly). Having not checked the choices I fell for the hype. In short, my ignorance on Manny's knew no bounds. Thankfully, however, it extended so far that I also didn't realize it was entirely possible to make a meal out of sides. From the "side" of filling, tasty macaroni and cheese to the hearty and large vegetarian vegetable soup with kosher rye for dipping, Manny's is a cafeteria heaven (with large portion dished out by their counter workers). Even the deserts were too good to pass up. Their caramel cake was to die for! In fact, I ate so much good food (actually passing my $25 of prepaid sustenance), I thought I just might! Service is a little pushy, hovering and clearing plates as quickly as possible (this place is busy, busy, busy so it's understandable). But it's still a good place to actually enjoy a sit down meal despite being a cafeteria. Staff from the nearby hospital seem to flock here to cool down after work. And I can't blame them. A Guinness tallboy here to wash down my insane amount of food was only $3! Yes, you can buy canned alcohol with your food making it an amazing Friday after work wind down spot. That is if you work in the West Loop or University Village - this place is close to nothing. Still it lives up to most of the hype. If there's ever another Groupon for Manny's, I will fall for the hype all over again (even knowing its shortcomings).
(4)
Tina G.
Yum yum yum, I actually love their breakfast the best! I ordered a couple cookies bouquets there, they were a big hit! A great place when I am stuck in the city and can't make it home on time to make dinner (or so the excuse goes ; ) and surprise the family.... oh and also FREE PARKING!!! BTW Lilly's favorite cookie from there is the purse and butterfly... go figure ; )
(5)
Sue T.
Cafeteria-line service with scary-big portions of comfort food. We could have shared one order of beef stew with huge chunks of meat, potatoes and veggies in a rich, thick broth. They asked several times if we were sure we only needed one serving of fresh bread. I think they were afraid we were going to starve. By the time I finished a bowl of delicious chicken broth with a large matzo ball I was already full. I want to try a pastrami sandwich but I'll have to plan a fast before attempting it.
(4)
Camille T.
I totally love this deli.. waiting in line you better speakup and get your order in or else you'll be mowed over . hold your ground and move along...I come here for the corned beef sandwich, which is heaping huge with a pickle and potato pancake to fill you up even more.. It's abit pricey $12. but you can take half of it home.. such a treat !
(5)
Susan L.
The food here is delish and portions are generous. But, $20 for soup + half sandwich + drink + a cookie? This was my first and last time visiting.
(2)
Alan K.
I am not really sure what the appeal of this place is. I would suggest one review the menu before coming here. They give you large portions and the food is on the pricer side. My friend suggested that I order the corned beef sandwich. Then I received my plate, it was a really large plate. I wish I had ordered something else like the beef stew because my friend's beef stew looked mighty delicious. Also, the prices for this food is on the pricer side. They also have these ice cream cups for water. I suppose this was so popular that they sell this as a souvenir if you chose to want one. Also, there are Obama pictures posted everywhere in this establishment. Also, the free potash that the dish came with was quite disappointing. Also, when I ordered the side salad, it was already made and left at room temperature which is not so fresh. Parking is located towards the back but again, that is also quite limited as well.
(3)
David S.
Corned Beef, pastrami and latkes to be reckoned with. Manny's is as good as delis get. Also, the free parking is a plus.
(4)
Antonio M.
Yes. Yes what? Yes, go to Manny's. I hate to give side-by-side comparisons, but the Reuben and another sandwich (can't remember name but it begins with 'ch' and has pastrami and corned beef in it) were out of this world. I have been getting Reubens consistently in Chicago and this place blows the others out of the water. Little Goat, I'm looking at you. Sure you're going to be paying $10+ for a sandwich alone, but have you seen these bad boys? Each half is literally larger than my fist. Not only that, but their latke's? My oh my, those things are so delicious and soooo dense. The ambiance is perfect and maintains that cafeteria feel. Not to mention the staff. I arrived about 30-40 minutes before closing, the place was fairly empty and the employees were hilarious. As long as you don't mind a little bit of ribbing, it's great. One of the best sandwiches I have had in Chicago. A+ and cannot wait to go again.
(5)
Jennifer M.
Maybe it's the hype. I lived 16 years and never went. My husband has a group of friends who meet there every month. And he's always telling me how I should go. And it is iconic Chicago. Yeah, I guess. The food is good. Not super-duper damn good. But good. And it was important - like going up the Sears Tower. It is and will always the Sears Tower. I really think it was the hype. I don't know what I expected. Dancing girls? It's a deli. We went during Passover and they did not just have matzoh, they had a Nice, little Passover menu, including cookies. The decor went past cool and old timey to kinda old and worn out. And the prices are in line with the famous name than it is with the experience.
(4)
Dan G.
The East Coaster in me loves delis. So when my friend heard that I had never been to Manny's she insisted that we make the pilgrimage for lunch. I know better than to stand between a hungry lady and her food, so off we went. Manny's impressed me from the start. It had all of those little things that I look for in a quality deli. ADD boy started mentally checking off those little boxes in my head as I took it all in. What are those things you ask? -Most likely they are run by someone Jewish and they know what they are doing. -It has to be no frills. -There should be a line, that they cruise through efficiently. -Meats must be freshly sliced to order. -They have to have knishes. -They must have different varieties of mustard. It's my favorite condiment and nothing tops some good corned beef or pastrami better than a good spicy mustard. -They absolutely must have Dr. Brown's. Get with this one people. CelRay, Cherry or Cream soda. Trust me and grab yourself one. -We need stacks of fresh rye bread. -They've got to have good pickles and serve them with the sandwich. Those last two are from my childhood days at New Jersey's Harolds's Deli. This joint was amazing folks. Your sandwich was huge and it was served with half a loaf of rye for all the extra meat. They also had a pickle bar that had full sour, half sour, cherry tomatoes and peppers. Someone in Chicago needs to start one of those, I really miss it. We worked our way through the cafeteria style line and grabbed our sandwiches, corned beef for the lady and the Reuben for me (which I like much more with mustard in lieu of dressing) plus potato pancakes. I grabbed my Dr. Brown's at the register and then we got a seat to get down to business. Hold on to your ticket and settle up on the way out. I really liked the Reuben. The rye was good, the kraut had perfect tanginess and the meat was excellent. Tables had all the extra fixings that you may need to jack up your dish. Manny's is a Chicago landmark and while I looked around the cafeteria remembering the scene from the Chicago Code that took place here, my friend astutely pointed out that what she loves about Manny's is that you can eat here and be right next to average joes, cops, streets and sans guys, aldermen, senators, or even President Obama. A Chicago local's pride came shining through at the best deli I've found outside the East Coast. I guess that's just Manny being Manny.
(5)
Eric B.
Jane and Michael Stern's road food brought me here and way before Manny's developed a certain political cache. I love old school places, especially when a founding family member once said: "I know what the people around here want, and I'm the only one left who can do it." Same as it Ever Was. And dripping with Attitude and Yiddishkeit. Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli came into being shortly after World War II, when the Raskin brothers split up so that Jack could open his own restaurant on Roosevelt Road near the open-air market area known as Maxwell Street. The restaurant property Jack bought had been originally named Sunny's. So rather than tear down the old sign and get a whole new one, he named it after his teenage son, Emanuel (or Manny, to family and friends), saving money by simply buying two letters and replacing the "Su" in Sunny's with "Ma." The address changed a few times, and in 1964 Manny's moved to its current spot on Jefferson Street. I also enjoy exploring the dining room walls decorated with news clippings, reviews, snapshots, and other memorabilia. I also appreciate an authentic Jewish Deli experience and where the following words will never be heard : "I'll take a corned beef sandwich on white bread with mayo"......
(4)
Chet M.
Beef stew and short ribs are spot on with flavor. And the potato pancakes are like bread at the altar. Not cheap or what you think you should be paying for the looks of this joint but a "must do" Chicago institution and the closest thing to Katz's Deli NYC. I think I saw Daley scream in ecstasy over at table 17!
(4)
french i.
my boyfriend wanted to try manny's one more time. we have boycotted the place since my last review. we should have stuck to the boycott. the problem is with the quality of the corned beef now. it's is so lean that is is dry - no juice, no moisture, no sign of any fat which you need to have good corned beef. so unfortunately, when we got our sandwiches home, they were as dry as the sahara. that will be our last visit.
(1)
Rachel H.
It's hard to elaborate on something that everyone knows all about, but Manny's is special because Manny's gives me enough pickles that I don't have to specify, demand, and downright beg for extra pickles. PICKLES dammit. I need them The other night's visit really hit the spot as only a heart attack on a tray can. I felt a few palpitations, I won't lie. It was worth it. Having been told I didn't want the roast beef sandwich (because they were out, so obviously it is good), I obediently ordered the corned beef sandwich on rye. Hello whole cow in my mouth. You used to be a cute animal friend. Now you are my dinner. I also slurped down some matzo ball soup with a matzo ball that I'm sure was actually a schmaltz ball. I mean that in a good way. My matzo ball soup at home is pretty much just melted schmaltz with some chicken bits in it, so I can appreciate it. This is what school lunch should have been like, but then again there's that whole childhood obesity problem in this country. Fat schmat.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Valet, Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
FoodEd C.
mmmmmm Corned beef Sandwich....... Layered about 4" tall. don't forget the potato pancake!
(5)Brad F.
This place is the best corned beef and everything else. I actually go there every day for lunch
(5)B I.
Pastrami and corned beef on rye!!!! AMAZING!!!! Huge portion, tender super tasty meat, very good rye bread, and the brown mustard on the table was also very good. The potato latke (pancake) was outstanding and a very nice side to the sandwich! I highly recommend Manny's!
(5)Christa R.
Be ready to spend more money than you usually would at a deli. The corned beef and matzo ball soup is crazy delicious. A corned beef sandwich, a bowl of matzo ball soup and a drink put be back close to $20. The atmosphere is vintage and fun. The service is great. Definitely try it out, at least once. There's parking in the back. Major plus.
(4)Cathy H.
Came to Manny's with a Groupon. Not super-much to add to previous yelp reviews, but here are my few (somewhat repetitive) thoughts: - Yes, the line moves quickly (it was out the door when we got there, and we waited about 15 minutes to get our food and 20-25 minutes to get from the beginning of the line to the receipt-getting at the end). - Yes, both the corned beef and pastrami are tasty. Mr. Me got the regular rye break and I got the onion roll--I loved mine. - Yes, there's a free lot right behind the deli. It's pretty limited, though, and only one hour parking. However, there's plentiful street parking--just be warned that the meters are quite expensive in the South Loop ($0.25 for 6 minutes). - Yes, you park when you finish eating. Overall, I liked the food, but don't know if I'd go through the trouble of driving there, finding (expensive-ish) parking, and waiting there. But I was happy I gave it a try!
(4)dev p.
I have eaten corned beef sandwiches all over the country and the quality at Morry's Deli in Hyde Park is much better. The meat is softer and melts in your mouth....Oh, did I mention that the sandwiches are half the price there too. Manny's is ok but too expensive for what you get....also the meat to bread ratio is too high.....also the meat is cut a bit to thick for my taste....if you havn't checked out Morry's Deli in Hyde Park give it a look.
(3)Zac T.
What a place. A true no-frills dining experience. Manny's is all about great food and big portions. I came in hungry then left and didn't eat for 24 hours. My only regret/mistake--the matzo ball soup WITH noodles. I'd skip the noodles next time and just go with straight up Matzo + broth. The other great aspect of Manny's is the clientele. I was there with my good friend and his family (W+s+d) and we were probably a sight on our own. My friend's son was bound and determined to get every dish and utensil from the table to the floor. My friend looked like a plate spinner the way he'd catch one plate and get it back to the table just to dive for a mug. The point of this is nobody even noticed us. The mix of family's, blue collar 9 to 5ers and all the people who don't fit in to any single category allowed us to blend in and not feel like we were disturbing or disturbing anyone. Next time I'm getting my Reuben on. If it tastes 10% as good as it looked I won't be disappointed!! I'll definitely be back and definitely highly recommend.
(4)Vince F.
I didn't get the corned beef. I know. I know. I'm sorry. I just wasn't in the mood. What I did get (pastrami), however, wasn't bad. I had it with a side of beets, which were also quite tasty. All in all, the food was good. Granted, I expected a bit more based on all the rave reviews. But not everything can be as good as everyone says. What bothered my about Manny's was the general atmosphere and set up. The place is designed like a cafeteria. You stand in line until it is your turn to grab a tray and pick what you want. This is not a bad deal in and of itself. It was just a little confusing. The line was long and no one really seemed to know where to go to get what. The folks behind the counter weren't exactly helpful in this respect, and just kept barking orders at the costumers. I think it may be part of the whole experience, but I wasn't really impressed. if I go back, I'll be sure to make a beeline directly for the corned beef so as to avoid any traffic jams and dirty stares.
(3)Andrew C.
I wish this place was closer....such a great deli to have lunch. The only gripe I have about this place that it's a bit pricey, but you're definitely getting quality food when you go to Manny's.
(5)Abigail D.
Good old style Jewish Soul food. Love the Deli, love the diversity of the customers. Portions are huge, incasual dinning that satisfys hunger. Good eats for sure.
(4)Maxxy C.
I went to Manny's for lunch today. Its a well-known Jewish restaurant and I highly recommend it! The food is so delicious. The ambiance is wonderful and the service is absolutely excellent! I got the short ribs of beef, potato salad and cornbread. The ribs were so succulent, tender and tasty. I could never cook short ribs like that. So, I guess I'll have to go to Manny's every time for that. My co-worker got the corn beef sandwich was was huge and delicious! Listen, if you want good homestyle cooking, you got to go to Mannys! They also have a great breakfast menu too! If anyone is planning an Internet type of "meet and greet", Manny's is the ideal place for that.
(5)Jenny z.
True story - when I passed the bar exam, a milestone occasion by most people's standards, I made my family come here to celebrate. I could have picked any place in the city, but to me, Manny's is a celebration in and of itself, a shrine to great deli, a restaurant to be spoken of with reverence and in hushed voices while trying not to drool on oneself. Short on atmosphere, sure, but who cares? This is the ONLY place in Chicago that serves a decent corned beef sandwich. The pastrami is fabulous too, but their corned beef is almost indecent it's so good. Seriously. Huge sandwiches, they generally make two (incredibly happy) meals for me. Their matzo ball soup is so fantastic it almost makes one hope to fall ill in order to have an excuse to eat it. Brisket, knish, kugel. .. . it brings a tear to this hungry Chicagoans eye to think of the steam rising from the hot line and the goodies contained therein. Once you sit, you can enjoy your own meal while watching local politicians struggle with their over-sized sandwiches. Good times. Also, I love the great staff and how they are fickle with the pickle. It isn't a given that you score a pickle at Manny's, so be polite to the nice people working so hard behind the counter or you might not get one. Believe me, you don't want to miss out on the pickle at Manny's. Buy some Chiclets or a lottery ticket at the handy counter on your way out the door - this place has personality plus. Some out of town half-wits just opened a new "upscale" deli nearby, which I'm sure is very clean and nice, but why would you go anywhere else when you could have Manny's? A place that separates the men from the boys, the locals from the out of towners - Manny's is a true Chicago landmark.
(5)Ryan P.
Very tasty. A little gross inside.
(4)Erin M.
Over priced but I felt it was worth it for the corn beef sandwich. Go at least once so you can say you went.
(4)Timothy M.
Pretty much the best old-school Jewish fare outside of Katz's or Second Ave Deli in NYC. An institution, about as "real Chicago" as you can get. One of my true favorites in the city. It's not super cheap, but you have to get the standard fare of corned beef on rye, potato pancakes, and matzo ball soup. You can just feel the history in this cafeteria-like setting, with every ethnicity in the city represented. Only downside is that it's a tad expensive to get all your Jewish faves (matzo ball, potato pancakes, and a rueben/pastrami sandwich). Don't forget to buy a Halvah bar as you leave!
(5)Jess S.
A Chicago institution. We visited during a weekday lunch hour. Just to be there was enough. And the sandwiches are huge! I don't know what else to say. Everyone should visit Manny's.
(4)Lindsey M.
I know Manny's is a Chicago institution, but I wasn't too impressed. Yes, the food was good, but it was definitely too expensive to be a truly good deli. A sandwich should not cost $12 at a cafeteria-style deli in the middle of nowhere in the South Loop. Yes, the turkey pastrami was excellent (the rye bread, however, was soggy). The potato pancakes were sinfully delicious and deep fried. The pickles were yummy. I hear the brisket was also good, if a bit fatty. It was everything a good deli should be, except it left me $40 poorer. Yes, the cafeteria-style serving made me give into a few impulse buys on the way to the cash register, but sandwiches, in particular, should not be that expensive in the first place.
(3)Emma C.
Sadness. I am giving a generous extra star for the fond memories I have of Manny's growing up in Chi-town, and for keeping that genuine old skool feel alive...I love the steam tables, the Jewish comfort food, the little cylindrical paper cups in holders, wonderful men cutting corned beef old-style, so generous I could kiss them. And, unlike some reviewers here, I do love the beef knishes enough to forgive the feeling that I ate a rock for a couple hours afterward...ahhh, gravygravygravy! Buuut, after a couple recent visits, I am so disappointed in the food. Today: a half sandwich of lukewarm BBQ beef that was like a small portion of Lloyd's from a plastic tub in my grocer's refrigerated section, chicken noodle soup a la Mrs. Grass, and this sorry little combo I could have made myself with a head cold and one hand tied behind my back was about twelve bucks. My husband's green beans looked straight out of a can, his fish had no flavor. My son liked his food, but his pastrami sandwich was on a dry bun, and the small matzo ball was crusty. Honestly, give us the same plates of food at Old Country Buffet, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference, but I sure could tell at the cash register as I dropped nearly fifty bucks for not even three full meals. They even tried to charge for the take-out containers for leftovers. Whatwhat?!? NOT CLASSY, GUYS!!! It's priced for tourists making a one-stop instead of locals who would be regulars, but a classic Chicago cafeteria whose reputation was built by locals shouldn't belong to tourists, it should belong to us...and I think we in Chicago know the difference when it comes to both food and a good deal. I left feeling almost cheated. Manny's, I want you back, and I tell you this out of love: don't live off of your reputation, live up to it.
(3)Jimmy C.
call me crazy, since everyone just loves this place, but i just went there with my girlfriend and i was excited over all the hype of this place, but i ordered a turkey pastrami and it was so dry! My girlfriend ordered the chop liver and it was the worst i've ever tried. Not to mention that it was way over priced, me and my girlfriend each ordered a sandwich and a soup, 2 sides and it was $45 i couldn't believe it. i've had tons better Jewish food for much cheaper, and they were in nice sit down restaurants. I have to say, i was very disappointed
(2)Darlene L.
If you are seeking a solid old fashioned deli experience, this is it. Corned beef is piled high on your choice of bread. Matzo balls are among the best I have ever had, and my mom made good ones. The soup was lukewarm and a bit watery, but the tender delicate matzo ball saved the day. The brisket was lean and thick. Potato pancakes were a bit heavy but aren't they all? Nice dinner entrees include brisket, chicken, liver and onions, and are piled high with sides. Service consists of stand up insulting comics with kind hearts as they seek to please the diner passing through their lines. Table utensils are a struggle as the knives won't cut warm butter on a hot day, but everyone should try Manny's. As a deli, this place is hard to beat in Chicago,
(4)Hey U.
The most overrated restaurant in Chicago. Sandwiches were tiny compared to the rage we heard about. And the prices? $14 for corned beef and a potato pancake?!? You can keep it. Total tourist trap... if only they had a clue.
(1)Sean J.
This place is fantastic. The absolute best. Finally, a real deli experience here in Chicago. OK...not really "finally", since it's been around forever. But finally in that I've just discovered it. It's a beautiful throw-back to the 60's/70's. Even the menu graphics haven't changed from back then. It's an odd system the first time you go there...kinda the high-school cafeteria method where you grab a tray and fill it up as you go, get a ticket at the end of the line, then pay AFTER you eat. Of course, I believe it's the way they did in the old days, but that was before my time. The atmosphere and decor are straight outta "Blues Brothers" ...awesome. And the food is out of this world. Towering, delicious Corned Beef Sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, Matzo ball soup, home-cooked specialties, flavorful baked fish, etc. I'd seriously go here everyday if I could. Oh...and the guys behind the counter are great. They picked on me the first time I was there, probably because I looked clueless and slowed the line. The second time I picked on them.
(5)Chris B.
If you want a fun lunch, one that takes you back to old school Chicago, come to Manny's one day -- tell the cabbie Jefferson and Roosevelt, and you'll be right there. I first went here almost 10 years ago, when I was producing a political talk show on WLS radio. Host Bruce DuMont took me, and we were shaking hands all lunch. Turns out: virtually every Chicago (and national, for that matter) politician has stood in line with a cafeteria tray waiting for a heaping pile of corned beef, matzoh ball soup, and a potato pancake that's more hashbrown than pancake. Gino has the fastest mouth on the near South Side (if you consider Roosevelt (12th) the tipping point to South), and I've never seen him stumped when someone tries to out-smart-ass him. Now here, 10 years later, you'll still see Chicago news anchors, cops, traders, politicians, lawyers and construction workers sitting in the vast sea of corned beef and pastrami you'll find in the large communal cafeteria. Bar none -- the best lunch place in downtown Chicago. Take your business colleagues, and especially prospective clients here, and they'll be bragging about it for months.
(5)Lady L.
Wow, a real experience. You have to go here. Basically anything you could want out of a Jewish deli and more. It's cafeteria style and you slide though the food line and point and pick up whatever your little heart desires. The potato pancakes are out of this world (and non traditional), plus they have all of the usual suspects done right. They have free valet which is a plus considering everything is so enticing that I always end up with a bill upwards of $20. Considering everything is super reasonable, that is a LOT of food.
(4)Jennifer S.
My step-dad and I have been talking about getting a big ol' corn beef sandwich at Manny's for ages, but when we finally made it down there, we were both instantly drawn to the delicious beef stew (just like Gramma makes). The cafeteria-style set up, loads of seating, and quirky staff lend this place a laid back, family style feeling. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Davis G.
There's not much I can say that hasn't been said, but I'd encourage you to go beyond the sandwiches and potato pancakes and sample some of the entrees -- the short ribs are delicious!
(5)Samantha R.
I finally got here after hearing all the "Huge Corned Beef" stories and they were right about that - and, it was leanest corned beef I have ever seen in my life - and, good...but there is more to the story: The rest of the food was considerably less impressive. I was thrilled to see their fare included some of the favorites my grandmother used to make but they disappointed. The noodle kugel was not even close to authentic - dry and boring; the matzo ball soup was cold although a very large dumpling and well seasoned. The ruben my friend ordered was filled with partially hardened grilled meat (from being prepared earlier) then refurbished with a mound of fresh corned beef on top. The hardened melted swiss on the sandwich was also a casualty from being made in advance. So unless freshly made in its entirety, which I suppose you can request, I'd pass on the ruben. I enjoyed the overall atmosphere - the old time cafeteria setup was fun, as were the kitchen staff who look as though they are straight out of the 50s. One of the cooks commented to my friend "hey big fellow can you handle all that meat?" It's a pleasant change from the polite phoniness you often find in restaurants today. I didn't try the cooked foods like spaghetti and meatloaf which seemed to be a hit with many of the other diners I saw chowing down. With their large selection there are probably dishes you can find that are more pleasing then my choices. The customer in line in front of me ordered an individually tossed salad where she chose each and every ingredient, which looked fantastic. I plan on returning specifically to try the salads.
(3)David C.
Manny's does not have the best corned beef sandwich in the world. That honor belongs to The Bread Basket in Oak Park, MI. Seriously. Second would be the now defunct Second Ave. Deli. Third would be Katz's. And Manny's is fourth. Fourth is not fucking bad, as in if I were the fourth best of anything in the world, I would be pretty proud of myself. Manny's does have the best sandwich maker in the world, however. Geno is the man, and keeps the line entertained. Anyone that thinks the pastrami is the best in the world does not know what the hell s/he is talking about. While heavy on the seasoning, the pastrami sits in a steam tray and dries out. Compared with pastrami that comes straight from the steam BOX at some other places, there's no way it can win. That said, I usually get a half pastrami, half corned beef sandwich when I'm here (side by side). It's still pretty good. The brisket here is absolutely no good. Suffers from the same problem as the pastrami (dries out in the steam tray), but has very little flavor. I would like the latkes here better if they weren't lukewarm. I don't think I ever got a hot latke. I'll still eat it, though. All in all, I really like this place (I came here probably once a week), but it's not the be all and end all of deli.
(4)Ray S.
I love Manny's. I was there today for some good pastrami and as usual, they do not disappoint. I love getting a pastrami sandwich on rye bread with a little mustard and a potato pancake. I don't know what it is about their root beer, but Dr. Brown's root beer is my favorite when eating at Manny's. I know it's strange, it's something I've always done. The place can get pretty crowded but I try to make it there on a late Saturday afternoon and that always seems to be a great time to go there. The staff is nice and knowledgeable and everything looks clean. There are pictures on the wall such as the Mayor and the president having lunch, certain celebrities and so on, letting the public know that Manny's has been around for a long time and that if it's good enough for our fair Mayor, it's good enough for you.
(3)Zach T.
This is a good place, but THERE IS BETTER CORNED BEEF IN THE CITY. It's at Perry's deli, and anybody that tells you different MIGHT have a dead tongue. There are also much larger and Cheaper sandwiches at Perry's. In fact, my entire review is tainted by the fact that I have eaten at Perry's. This place is indeed all the things that people say it is, but I'd say it's enjoyable in the way that going to the Billy Goat Tavern is enjoyable. Not anything mindblowing from a food standpoint, but one of those Chicago things you need to do at least once. It's very cool inside and very old-school. Lots of businessmen and Safety workers, and I even say the State comptroller Dan Hynes there the day I was there. The place is a cafeteria-style Jewish Deli with several sassy servers slinging plates of the specials and the standbys. I was there for one thing: The corned beef. I ordered 2 sandwiches. One for me with Thousand Island and cheese, one plain to go for a coworker. I also ordered a bag of Harry Carray's chips (AVOID THESE) and a Coke zero (Indeed nice touch having fountain coke zero). The total? $29. The sandwich I got did not have the dressing on it. I don't think they do that and the sanwich cutter didn't want to spend time explaining that to me, so he just looked down the line for another guest (I was the end of the line). The sandwich was very lean. Very lean and very dry, and the mustard on the table wasn't cutting it as a lubricant. My verdict is three stars in light of Perrys on the following factors: 1) Perry's deli has the best corned beef in the city. It's jucier and more flavorful. While a deli, Perry's has several more and more interesting Sandwich choices than Manny's. 2) Perry's deli, for a Sandwich and a drink is under $10. At Manny's a corned beef with cheese is $10.50. 3) For that price, the sandwiches at Perry's are much larger. I could not have chips at Perry's. There's already too much food. 4) Manny's is a considerable distance from the loop. Perry's is in the loop. There it is. A very Perry-centric review, but that's my gold standard at lunch and of corned beef, and I was lured to Manny's by the promise of the "Best Corned Beef in the City". One final note, there's a Manny's at Midway that I had eaten at before and thought that it couldn't be as good as the real restaurant. However, I'm here to tell you it's the same.
(3)Liz K.
I loved it. Great sandwiches and I would definitely come back. Especially for the matzo ball soup!
(4)Gefilte P.
I had the long-awaited pleasure of eating here a few weeks ago. It happily reminded me of Katz's in New York. The pastrami was possibly the best Ive ever eaten, with a dark, rich, surface carmelization that was new to my life-long appreciation of pastrami. The countermen and check-out lady were appropriately effective, funny and laconic.
(5)Jim M.
As a nice Jewish boy from Chicago, I grew up going to fantastic delis where you found delicious food that would kill you if you ate it more than once a month or so. Mountains of fresh corned beef on corn rye, matzoh ball soup, potato latkes... Not exactly haute cuisine, but when done right, fantastic! Manny's, just off Roosevelt Road, is one of the last ones left. It's the real deal and is up there with the Stage and Carnegie Deli in Manhattan. It's better though because it has some nice Chicago grit and authenticity. Gino, the nutty guy who runs the corned beef slicer with the big mustache, is not an aspiring actor - he's all about the the corned beef! On every trip home to Chicago from San Francisco, I've got two two key culinary stops: Wiener Circle and Manny's!
(5)Kathy C.
Went here for the first time today with the b/f and the last day before it expired to use my public radio 2-for-1 deal. We each had a reuben, which was way more food than we could handle. The sandwich came with a potato pancake which was perfectly fried and crispy. The corned beef was sliced extra thin and falling off the bread. Sandwiches were pricey at $12.50/each, but did each had a 1/2 sandwich to take along with us, so it wasn't bad. There is also a free parking lot in the back, or use their valet for free with a $10 min purchase. Street parking is plentiful and easy, but seems like a ripoff after the raised the per hour rates. Also, a great place for people watching, especially if you are into seeing Chicago politicos. Look forward to going back soon and trying something different.
(4)Janet E.
Okay, I give this place a 3.5. Unfortunately I didnt get the full experience to sit and eat here. Instead I had to order ahead of time and do a drive by with a cab to pick up my order and take it home. It was -12 degrees that day and I wanted me some Manny's!!!!! First, this place is pricey!! I should have prepared myself but didnt think a large mac & cheese, 2 corn beef sandwiches, two potato pancakes, and a large matzo ball soup would come out to be $40!! The matzo ball soup was goooood. I dont know what matzo ball is made out of but I really liked it! The mac and cheese was also good. Good but not great. The potato pancakes were good too. Good but not great. And the corn beef sandwiches were...um....dry. I was highly disappointed. What is everyone raving about?? Is there some secret sauce in this sandwich I should know about? The sandwich came with great tasting pickles which I really enjoyed! But I was hoping to enjoy the sandwich more!! I'd be willing to go back to this place but I dont think I'll be having anymore corn beef for a while. Oh, by the way, the soup, pickle, and corn beef were pretty salty. So if you dont have a love for sodium, I'd suggest staying away from these choices.
(3)blake d.
Manny's is a Chicago institution. The food is served cafeteria style, so if you're looking for a corned beef or pastrami sandwich, you have to squeeze by the ole fogies who are waiting for the daily specials up front. i usually get the pastrami on kaiser w/ pickle and latke. The fruit salad if quite delicious- ripe and sweet, which is unusual for a cafeteria-type spot. Sandwiches are pricey, but unless you're a heifer it'll last two meals. Gino is very friendly, has a few tricks, and always pokes fun of my friend who grew up with Manny's once a week. The only beef I have with Manny's (ha) is that it lacks any sort of atmosphere in the dining areas. I understand that it caters to the wham-bam in-n-out lunch crowd, but the space reminds me of a generic low-budge banquet hall.
(4)Amanda L.
Almost tempted to make up with my Jewish boytoy I dumped in high school, the best sandwiches in Chicago.
(5)Joseph B.
Just a note to those comparing Manny's to Katz's, Stage and Carnegie in new york - those places are primarily for tourists (second avenue deli, mercifully re-opened, is where you'd go if you want really good pastrami). hey, the thing is with the extended hours, Manny's is a pretty good place for the kids! the cafeteria style means you get the food right away, you sit wherever you like, and there is plenty of stuff for the kids, too.
(4)Jake B.
Manny's is not just a place to go eat, it's a place to experience. First of all, it's set up cafeteria style (you get the feeling you're in 7th grade all over again, but in a good way). When you walk in, you get a tray and silver ware and then you can choose from a plethora of food. From cafeteria basics like spaghetti and meatballs and salisbury steak to deli staples like pastrami and chopped liver, they've got comfort food covered. But the item to get there is the corned beef on rye. It's sliced in front of you and then piled high on rye bread. I would recommend a potato pancake for the side (they give you a complimentary pickle with the sandwich) and I would recommend a Cel-Ray (a celery-flavored soda) to wash it all down with. They do serve beer there also. Expect to pay about $15 for a sandwich, potato pancake, and soda, but the the sandwich is large enough to eat half of it the next day. They have slices of pie and cake for dessert. At peak dining hours the lines are usually out the door but within about 10 minutes you're ordering your food. Also, there is free valet parking with at least a $10 purchase. At Manny's you'll get to experience old Chicago with a mixing bowl of comfort food-craving patrons and leave satisfied and ready for more sooner than later.
(5)Stephanie A.
I once traveled 6 hours round trip, while living in PA, to get the best corned beef sandwich ever. Last week I traveled 10 minutes round trip, in my own neighborhood, for a corned beef sandwich that now eclipses my love of the old "Sammy's" sandwich. Manny's is the real deal Jewish deli/cafeteria. Its authenticity and old school style is all part of it's charm. The guys behind the counter are quirky and fun. Oh, and they have parking in the back, which may be helpful for anyone who attempts to eat an entire sandwich and needs a quick way home before the food coma sets in.
(5)savannah i.
I didn't get the hype. It's basically an expensive jewish cafeteria. The food was actually good. But there is a dinner rush and we came after. Once they run out, they don't prepare more. I don't think I'll be going back.
(2)Terri N.
I had a craving for a delicious sandiwch and Tony had taken us here for lunch one day. Seriously huge portion. Mounds of it. I mean get a sandwich and share it with another person. However, there are people who can scarf down the ginormous sandwich in on sitting by themselves (anticipating heartburn). It's cafeteria style. They have a chalk board filled with specials and it changes daily. If you're going for something beside a sandwich then you start your order at the front of the counter. If you're ordering a sandwich, you have to slide your tray and walk towards the middle of the counter. The server there was friendly and funny. Tony and I both ordered the pastrami sandwich (Hey, I didn't know how huge it would be until AFTER we had placed our order!). The sandwich comes with pickles and a side of potato pancakes. Beware a small bowl of strawberries can run you 3.50. Tamia loves strawberries so we couldn't pass it up. Adding a bottle of green river and water and our tab was about $30. Don't get me wrong the pastrami was GREAT but it was just too much. Maybe we should've tried something else like a turkey or roast beef sandwich. Plus $30 bucks for two sandwiches and strawberries? ugh, that's pretty expensive. I don't know if we'll make it back here, but if we do, we'll probably end up splitting the sandwich. ahh...our sandwich quest continues...
(3)Robert C.
I've ate at Katz's, Carnigie's and Junior's in New york and it's really hard to compare with those places when it comes to the ultimate corned beef and pastrami samich. Here in Chicago, I don't think there is a better place for this type of sandwhich. Try their beef stew, knish without the gravy and a combo of corned beef and pastrami on rye. Their pastrami is nothing like Katz's. Manny's is more like a bacon texture and their corned beef is only lean cuts but you know it was cooked in a fatty stage, making it flarvorful. Anytime you need to go in that area, parking is a killer, but manny's makes it easy with their free parking. They guys at the counter like to jokingly bust chops, so don't just stand there...bust their chops right back!
(4)Eric B.
Best sandwiches. Best service. Best atmosphere. This place can do no wrong. I grew up eating corned beef on rye and this place does it perfectly.
(5)Ryan H.
Not much else can be said about this one. Great food. Hands down the best corned beef sandwich money can buy. Little pricey. Well worth every penny though.
(5)Mori J.
I love Manny's. If you like hefty sandwiches of the fresh corned beef or pastrami variety then head over to Manny's right now. It gets really crowded so go at "off" times. Their hot entrees are delicous too. Now that they are open for dinner, my life has changed. Grab a friend, then a Manny's sandwich and two potato pancakes and head east for Grant Park for the ultimate picnic. The matza ball soup is great too. I wish they delivered so I could have it all the time. I like that it's cafeteria-style and that you pay after you're done eating. The ambience is total blue-collar roadhouse meets middle school cafeteria but everyone fits in. I guess everyone who likes plentiful and good food, that is.
(5)Jordan V.
this place is old school. it's like katz's in new york. so yes, you will spend $20 for a pastrami on rye (served with a huge latke) and a cream soda but it's worth it and is, hands down, the best deli in chicago. i'm a firm believer in sticking to the basics when it comes to a deli, so i can't say that i've tried much more than the pastrami. but lucky for you, the coworkers i went with last are more adventurous than myself. two got the lox plate which i was informed was quite tasty despite its basic appearance. others opted for the corned beef in lieu of the pastrami - perhaps a better option for those of you who don't love greasy sandwich meat. the matzo ball soup was also universal hit. if you have any room left after the savory portion of your meal (say by getting a half sandwich and soup), you can top off with any number of sweets: pies, bread pudding, red jello. for those of you who don't venture south of the loop or west of wells, manny's is off of roosevelt road, home to the remnants of a once thriving shopping district. so unless you're looking for a large variety of handkerchiefs, some snazzy shoes which probably won't survive a chicago winter, or a good car repair shop, you might not want to budget for an entire afternoon. no matter though, the food at manny's is enough of a draw....and, you might get to see barack obama, who i understand is a faithful customer.
(5)ron k.
corned beef on rye w/ deli mustard, a bowl chicken matzo ball soup comes with a potato latke (soooo good but soooo greasy) and this is the joint right here it is the greatest thing on the planet OMG... no really you want the killer corned beef on rye w/ chicken soup this is the place you don't need to eat it anywhere else ever again... it's like $10 for the sandwich by itself but when you see the mountain of corned beef they give you, you will have an aha moment in your life... damn i wish they were closer to palatine...
(4)Stephen B.
loved the corned beef, as good as it gets! bravo
(5)Marcel M.
This place is massive. They manage to stuff rickety tables and even rickety-er chairs into this joint. No frills massive. I've yet to see the place super packed. I've only been here super early though. The corned beef and/or pastrami sandwich is humungo, but only above-average. I still think it's the overhype that makes me give it four stars. If you've been to jewish delis in NYC, you'll think it's ok. If you thought Jewish Deli was short for the cold cut aisle at your local Jewel-Osco, then you'll be in for a treat. One thing, I never eat Matzo ball soup except here. It's plain jane, but tastes authentic and kosher. I know Kosher isn't a flavor, but imagine a ball of Manischewitz crackers sitting in chicken broth. yumm... Last thing, it's pretty pricey, so don't think you'll get a steal because your bread is smothered by the corned beef. You're paying for the poundage.
(4)PJ K.
Amazing! Everything in this place is huge and wonderful. The corned beef, roast beef and pastrami sandwiches are HUGE -- basically a cow between two slices of bread. Condiments? How about some mustard and fresh horseradish at your table. Bagels, made the way God commanded His chosen people to make them. Hot entrees that are a throwback to a Jewish deli, c. the Roosevelt administration -- short ribs and brisket and gefilte fish and matzoh ball soup featuring matzoh balls bigger than a Clincher softball. (And, amidst all this old-schoolness, they have free wi-fi. Go fig.) Manny's is, near as I can tell, Chicago's best lunch counter: chaotic and foul-mouthed and delicious and fattening and wonderful. I've never had their breakfast, but something tells me it's more of the same on all counts. Plus, as a bonus, since it's a near-mandatory place for politicians and other celebs to see and be seen, there's a fair chance you'll be chowing down in the same room as Richie Daley or Barack Obama. Chances are, the counter guys hassle them about hurrying up, too...
(5)Tara P.
Incredible. Huuuuuuuuge sandwiches. The potato pancakes are outstanding. The cooks aren't afraid to have fun with you. I've heard really good things about the mac and cheese and can't wait to go back and see if they're true. This is an institution.
(5)Ingrid G.
The very definition of a rhetorical question: "Would you like a potato pancake with your half corned beef sandwich and bowl of split pea soup?"
(5)lori m.
2 1/2 3 stars. I've been there many times over the last 5 years. If I'm in the mood for Matzo Ball soup, or chopped chicken liver I go here because it's a hell of alot closer to me than The Bagel ( which I like more) or the Onion in Oak Park. I like the old school feeling about the place, and the different people that go there. First of the food prices aren't that great. Second, the food often looks neglected. For example, the tops of the Matzo Balls look stale, there is a film on the top of the entrees from not being stirred, etc. Today the carrot cake was simply stale, the potato pancake ( which they charge extra for sour cream or applesauce) seemed to have been cooked a long time ago. I've had their corned Beef sandwhich.( $10.95 W nothing else) It looks so big because they put most of the corned beef in the middle for a visual effect, towards the ends it's quite skimmpy. and unsatisfying. Why do I still go? I like the chopped chicken liver basically, and keep hoping something else I order will be good. Also it's kind of fun to take someone there for their first time. But I'd say if you not in a hurry, go somewhere else.
(2)Zack M.
Manny's has the best corned beef sandwich and best kishke in town. It is a super no-frills cafeteria and there is virtually no bus staff. Normally this would not bother me, but when I shell out $20 on a sandwich, a side and a drink, it should be noticeably better, especially in the water service dept. It is still worth the trip occasionally. **I had lunch one weekday in 2005 and while I'm chomping down, Daley and Obama sit at the table right next to me...
(4)Evan L.
Old school deli the only one left in chicago. Not cheap but cheaper than a trip to the Lower East Side. No ambiance just great deli. Great corned beef, new york style pastrami and potato pancakes. Chicago version of Carnagies and Katz's with chicken soup.
(4)Sheila Y.
Went today and had the best pastrami on rye that I have ever put to these two lips! The brisket wasn't too bad either. And to boot is an amazing potato latke that is a beautiful thing. If I were staying I would be at this place at least once a month. I will be having Manny's withdrawals in a few days. Boo!
(5)Booda B.
Manny's, I know you don't need yet another five-star review, but I need to give one to you. Specifically, these five stars belong to your knishes. I miss them and their supreme deliciousness. Those knishes first seduced me when I was but a working girl of 14, and they haunt my dreams to this day. I will continue to visit you as frequently as possible so that I can stuff my face with various forms of potatoes and meat, but know that even when I'm away, you're always in my heart. Until we meet again, my dearest.
(5)Rocky B.
Manny's brings back memories. My mom would load us three kids up in the car at the end of the summer and head over to Chernin's Shoes that used to be right there on Roosevelt. We'd get our school shoes and then head over to Manny's for some massive corned beef sandwiches. Manny's is definitely no frills. You get into the cafeteria line, order your food, they schlep it together, next you're at the register and then you're walking around the restaurant with trays trying to search for a table. Mmmm, those corned beefs were good tho...ooh and their potato pancakes...delish!
(3)dan b.
Wow, everything I've had from manny's is the best, but it's expensive I had lunch there and dropped a $20, but I also had leftovers and the best corned beef sandwich in the city
(5)Renato P.
Our answer to the New York deli . The place hasn't been redecorated since the 30's , the cash station in the corner is the only indication you are in the 21st century. BIG sandwiches , great corned beef, good pastrami, a large variety of sides from pickles to kraut and potato pancakes. They also have some stuff I'd never order there like egg salad and tuna sandwiches , they all looked fine but they are not made from cooked cow , so screw them. The Matzo soup was standard , the Turkey (the wife's leftovers of course) was good. If you come here , be hungry.
(4)Sabrina M.
I've been eating at Manny's for years (LONG before Obama), of course, and it is still my absolute favorite deli in the city. Yesterday I had my favorite piled-high corned beef sandwich and a bowl of matzo ball soup. I truly felt like I had joined the tribe! ;-) My companion had the roasted turkey leg and it was also super scrumptious. We both left stuffed and happy. Manny's is comfort food at its best. Quick, delicious, uncomplicated. Just like home. I don't go there as often as I'd like, because my diet would consist solely of corned beef. But it is truly a treat and a treasure. Beat the crowds and go mid-to-late afternoon. And bring cash -- they are old-school and it's cash only. Enjoy!
(4)Audrey T.
I feel like such a fartface for having put off going to this place for so long. Why? Because it is worth all the ravings. What a fun little place with skilled workers (who like to show off for you) and a weird assortment of seemingly random side dishes. The latkes are phenomenal. Valet for a cafeteria? Ok! The only downside - a little sssssssspendy for a sandwich joint. Whatever. I'll be back. I had a dream last night of their fresh roast beef on an onion roll. And you probably will too.
(5)Gena U.
This is my deli of choice. Corned beef sandwich, piled high (on rye) with a potato pancake and a pickle. Can't pass a lunch like this, with such awesome corned beef. A bowl of matzo ball soup, which admittedly was too salty, but delicious. The day I went was free Eli's cheesecake slice day, and since there's no saying no, it just make the meal complete. Cafeteria style food of high and pure deli quality.
(5)Jims L.
How wonderful is this! Even with the pictures, you'll be thrilled with the setup. Manny's is so much fun.
(5)Tim B.
Manny's deli is an institution for a reason. For many reasons I guess...corned beef...potato pancakes...pastrami...the huge portions and old school cafeteria style... I believe it is humanly impossible to enter Manny's and leave hungry. Can't be done. It is a little pricey for simple sandwiches, soups and sides, but those simple dishes are served with so much love, care and passionate perfection that it is tough to argue with the high prices. And I like the idea that it is as it has been for generations and the idea that it might still be there in the same exact throwback way another generation from now. Go there hungry and leave happy.
(4)Cece Lou C.
Its worth every penny! So SO SO good, Ive had friends that have been coming here for 20+years and they say its consistant and the best in town. I do not think It is over priced one bit for the location, quality and integrity. Go to subway if your concerned about your finances! ha!
(5)Michael S.
Best deli in Chicago...period. Literally, from the old school hot tray items (like stuffed veal breast, turkey, beef stew), to the monster sandwiches Gino puts on a plate, everything here is top quality, and fantastic. Now, they even have a half sandwich & bowl of soup special, with the half corned beef still having enough corned beef to put a twinkle in an carnivores eye (sadly, the new year dictated I had to go with the turkey...at least for a while). Manny's is a Chicago institution that draws people from all walks of life, and definitely worth 5 big ol' stars. A bit pricy, but you get a LOT of food for the money.
(5)Annie W.
Corn Beef Sandwiches!!! That's it and that's all!!!
(4)Matthew R.
There aren't many places like this, even in the Northeast. The corned beef and knishes are some of the best I've had anywhere, including Philly and New York. Four stars because their brisket is actually terrible, but the other things I've had there outweigh this deficiency.
(4)awesome H.
Best corn beef in Chicago. I only come here once or twice a year because well I don't want to get fat. They give you so much food and its all good. Parking is free in back!! That fact alone makes Manny's awesome. I do agree the prices are a bit high, but again they give you so much food here. Well worth checking out if you want a great corn beef sandwich.
(4)Tony M.
manny's is not what it is lived up to be. The corned beef is just ok. I would say "bland" and not much to rave for. i haven't had other things but they are known for the corned, so I would think it's gonna blow the rest away. Service was nice but the food was nothing special.see what you think.
(2)Vince A.
So why not be review 199 for the famous Manny's Deli. Went to the circus on Saturday with a large group and we decided to sneak over to Manny's for a quick lunch after the show. I was surprised to see it packed at 2 PM but goes to show how popular it is. Had my usual of corned beef sandwich + matzo ball soup potato pancake. The sandwiches are outstanding - loaded with meat. The soup is always hit or miss. This was a hit day, but have had misses in the past (my parents had the mushroom barley and said it was excellent). The potato pancake are always crisp and tasty. As a bonus, Eli's was set up giving away free slices of cheesecake. I normally run in to take stuff home on my way home from work and will continue to do so.
(4)Robyn T.
Manny's has extended there hours and you can now enjoy a potato latke or some extra lean corned beef from 5 am - 8 pm, Monday through Saturday. I am proud to say that I have visited Manny's not once in the past week, but twice. How can I say "no" to a delicious, hearty and relatively inexpensive Saturday breakfast (with no wait thank you very much)? I can't. This Chicago institution is no frills but what it lacks in decor it makes up for in people watching. This cafeteria/delicatessen is a must visit if you want to see a part of Chicago history.
(5)Steven M.
I have heard of Manny's for years, but I didn't know where it was? I wasn't sure what to do when I got walked in? There was a lot to choose from. So I jumped in head first. Brisket, mashed with gravy, green bean and a potato pancake. WTF! It was awsome. They gave me about 2lbs of meat. I had a roll and a piece of cake also. The cake was a little dry and was not neccesary. I think that I met Manny. He was very nice and grateful that we came out. I went with a friend and when I got the bill I thought I broke a window or something. 45 bucks!. No wonder it's empty.
(5)Poupee C.
Did Obama really frequent this place? It was ok..for cafeteria style food. We had the corned beef on rye. The bread was really good, I must admit. But, I like my corned beef sandwich hot...but since this is a 'cafeteria' setup, our food was already sitting at the counter waiting for us before we even ordered it. The split pea soup was alright. And the potato pancake was good. We only came here just so that we could say that we've been here.
(2)Becky W.
If you like classic Jewish deli food, that is where this place really shines. As a vegetarian, I was a bit intimidated by the mounds of meat. And the whole ordering process. if you don't want one of the pre-made sandwhiches up front like corned beef, you have to ask one of the surly old guys to make it. That was very scar y. SO I panicked and got a grilled cheese. LAME! And it wasn't very good at all. But... thats what I get for getting a grilled cheese at Manny's right? I ended up eating half of my friend's blintzes, which redeemed my love for Manny's. super delicious! And the potato pancakes are amazing. seriously the best I've ever had. (Sorry Grandma). Everyone else with me ordered ruebens, and they loved them. So I think we'd all go back, and love it. I'll just be sure to order something more traditional next time to avoid the disappointment.
(4)Edward M.
I'm from Brooklyn, NY, and experienced some of the best deli food in the world in NYC. While at the University of Illinois campus in Chicago for a meeting, a group went to Manny's. Wow!! It was like walking into one of those NYC places. The aromas were addictive. Behind the counter was a line of old salts (likely Jewish) who engaged the customers and each other in constant banter as they doled out delicious, artery glogging food. Sandwiches piled high with corned beef, pastrami, etc., accompanied by deep fried potato latka. Died and went to deli heaven. I remember those NYC deli sandwiches piled so high with meat that you couldn't open your mouth wide wnough to get them in. Manny's comes close. It doesn't come cheap but it comes good. Damn, now I'm craving a Reuben.
(5)Lois A.
If you have had the Pastrami sandwich from here and are also a huge fan of Chris Farley you will know what I mean when I say that I could not get Chris Farley singing "Fat guy in a little coat..." out of my head while looking at my sandwich. My two little slices of rye bread were on my Pastrami like David Spade's tiny blue blazer on Farley's massive frame. I want to give Manny's more stars but I can't because for only a few dollars more than my Pastrami sandwich I could have been eating the heaven sent Mango Mole and Pork over at Mixteco. I just don't think a sandwich + 1/2 sandwich and soup + two coffees should come to over $30 dollars. This place makes ANY other sandwich place seem cheap. I also wanted just a little more bread for my mountain of meat because the meat was amazing when tasted with the bread and without the bread it just tasted like heart attack. My matzo ball soup soup was good. I like that there are free coffee refills but after all that meat I couldn't even drink another cup of coffee. My favorite thing about this place...the pickles!!! Do not eat so much that you have no room for your pickles. That would be insanity. I ate three pickles today and if I had a death wish I would have had four. Any place that gives you more than one huge pickle is tops in my book if they taste that good. Bonus points for the free parking in back, that's a rare treat in this city!
(3)Robert J.
I don't know if I went on a bad Friday night after 5pm, but I was very disappointed. The corned beef my girlfriend had felt as if it was out for a while and the pastrami I had was way too greasy. This place is way overhyped to me because of our president (still love him though). I've had better pastrami sandwiches than this. Won't be going back to this place.
(1)A F.
I've heard about Manny's for years, but have never stopped in until today. I ordered the famous corned beef sandwich (on rye). The guy behind the counter looked at my strangely when I told him that I had never been to Manny's before. I asked him to tell me about the specials. The expression on his face was priceless. Nevertheless, my sandwich was huge. The meat was tender and not greasy. The rye bread was delish as well. Manny's is great. Try it.
(4)Nathan R.
I have a love/hate relationship with Manny's. I love the food, especially the legendary corned beef and pastrami, but even the sides like the potato pancakes. I hate that I am forever ruined for eating deli sandwiches in my home town of San Francisco. I can't stop thinking, "well that was okay, but it sure was no Manny's."
(5)RJ H.
Walking into Manny's occasionally feels like time travel. Not only do the men behind the cafeteria counter bark at their customers with a friendly sort of intentional theatricality, but there are also very few places around the city where one can expect to find virtually every walk of Chicago life sitting down to enjoy a meal in the same place, if not together. Politicians, blue collar workers, business men in expensive suits who could easily afford to dine somewhere more extravagant, Latinos, Jews, Greeks, blacks, whites, city icons, families, couples, old timers, and riffraff alike all come to Manny's for lunch -- making the people dining at the diner as atmospheric as the diner's atmosphere itself. Rarely, if ever, are they slow -- a reality well catalogued and proudly advertised on the restaurant's walls through various news clippings, praise-filled reviews, cultural accolades, and magazine features. (Perhaps most recently notable was then-President-elect Barack Obama's post-election lunchtime visit.) Upon your inaugural visit, it will become quickly evident that over time, Manny's has become much more than a "traditional" or "classic" Jewish deli with a strong reputation for good food, but rather an institution within and around Chicagoland, as suggested by its obviously loyal, multi-generational clientele. I can only imagine the myriad of conversations had, politics argued, deals sealed, and injustices griped about inside the restaurant's walls. Admittedly, I've never enjoyed anything other than the pastrami and corned beef, although the variety of entrée options is indeed overwhelming. Delicious sides, desserts, latke pancakes, and matzo ball soups have all been sampled in my past visits as well, but pale in comparison to the deli's legendary sandwiches, which quite literally overflow with meat. Prices might initially seem a little steep, that is until you realize two to three meals can easily be procured from one visit to Manny's, if you so choose. Travelers searching for an iconic, cholesterol-packed, seemingly roughneck yet welcoming, high-quality, City of Big Shoulders dining experience should definitely make Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli a stop on their tour. Parking is available for free in the back, but you might want to consider walking, if weather permits, because odds are you'll need it by the time lunch is done.
(5)Nikki C.
this is old man food. not the so old you need to gum it kind, but the old man food which is served in big hearty man style servings, served plain and simple without painted on streaks of reductions and foams, served by young hearts with older shoe soles than Abe Lincoln that have been standing for years behind the counters serving thousands of sandwiches to those wanting it big, meaty and tasty, served on a plate to be put onto your lunch tray which you carry yourself to your simple table in a huge room filled with others lost in the world of unhinging mouths. pastrami on rye, corned beef, potato latkes, matzo ball soup, porn sized pickels and now all available for evening suppers with a cold beer.
(4)Lon T.
Although Manny's is a bit out of the way it's worth the schlep. If you've been to Katz's in NYC this is as close as you're going to find in Chicago. Since I worked in a kosher deli in high school I think I know my corned beef from my brisket. For my first trip here I tried the split pea soup and half of a pastrami sandwich. The soup was standard but the pastrami was really good. This is also one of the only places I've seen in Chicago with Dr. Browns black cherry soda - my favorite. A solid experience and for about $15 you really can't beat it.
(3)Shervene D.
I love this place. The employees are all so very friendly, patient, and eager to help. The food is THE BEST! The atmosphere is one of home. I spend too much money at Manny's, but I will never complain about it. You will not regret eating here.
(5)Andrea R.
I bookmarked Manny's months ago and have been meaning to see what the big deal is. Growing up in Boca Raton, Florida I've had my share of good corned beef sandwiches and I'm not sure Chicago really knows what a good corned beef sandwich is (based on the other deli's in this city). I have to agree with y'all on this one...the corned beef from Manny's is incredible! I still haven't actually made my way into this popular deli, but I was lucky enough to attend a meeting tonight catered by Manny's. I actually went up for a second helping of corned beef...that's how good it was! The turkey was also pretty tasty and the tuna was incredible (& I'm very picky when it comes to my tuna). The food I had from Manny's tonight is definitely 5 star quality and I'm planning on visiting the deli for some more corned beef very soon...looking forward to seeing if their matzo ball soup is as good as the soup back home!
(5)Tony M.
I'm stuffed. Went to Manny's tonight and ordered the corned beef. They pile on a ton of thin sliced, tasty meat. The sandwich is enough for two to share or one person with a big appetite. Prices were reasonable for the amount of food you get. My girlfriend and I each ordered a sandwich combo with drinks and the total bill was $35. The staff was friendly and joked around with us in line. Great experience and I will be back soon.
(4)Brad O.
Insanely good pastrami. Better than Katz's in NYC. Killer latkes. Insanely expensive. It's a treat now-and-then.
(4)Devon F.
Atmosphere was good. I had the corned beef sandwich, it was a good sandwich but it costs 12.75! A little too pricey I think. I don't know if I would ever go back due to the cost, but I think it was worth it to go there once.
(3)Slu S.
This place is really spectacular. Nothing beats grabbing pounds of corned beef and pastrami from 60 year old men who flirt with your wife like crazy. After that, she can't get enough. She loves going there. Which is good for me too. I love the pastrami. Not to mention that every time that I walk in the door with Pastrami on my brain, I walk out with a full carton of great Chicago Deli food. Don't let the curmudgeons bring you down by saying that it can't touch New York. Just like those who complain about Chinese food not being as good as San Fran, Cuban as good as Miami, etc. Manny's is pretty darned good and the best part about it (besides the food and the old guys) is that I don't have to weather 2 2 hour delays at OHare and LGA to get it.
(4)Holden C.
This is far and away the best deli anywhere! If you don't like it you don't get it. At its core, a restaurant is about food. And Manny's has great food. You can go with the standard Corned Beef sandwich, on rye, potato pancake. Or try the roast beef sandwich which is great. Kasha Varniskas is like grandma used to make. The soup is something special. There is a reason this place is so successful. They provide great food and great value (I did not say cheap) If a $20 deli lunch scares you, go someplace else. If you understand flavor and value (you get about a pound of corned beef for the $12 sandwich) PS.Ii am told there is an occasional groupon for dinner but I have not seen one.
(5)Brooke T.
The pastrami is delicious, the latkes are just the way I like them (warm and with some crunch to them), and their horseradish deli mustard is so good, it's worth the trip over to Manny's (which is surrounded by a whole lot of scary-ass nothing) just to buy some, but here's the thing: 1. It's absolutely out-of-control overpriced. It's like a cafeteria where everything that isn't nailed down costs $2+. $12+ for a sandwich and a Green River is totally not what's hot on the streets. And you're getting nickel and dimed for everything. Want sour cream or apple sauce with your latke? You're paying extra. Want a whole sandwich? You're paying extra. I'm amazed they leave the mustard and other condiments on the tables, instead of charging you like they do for everything else. 2. It seems dirty or dingy and I question the food that sits out pretty much all day. The place is huge, and I've never been in there when it was packed (though I never go at lunchtime). I can't really speak on the quality of the pre-made entrees, because spaghetti and fish sitting under a heatlamp for eight hours doesn't really make me salivate. 3. There's definitely a slant toward regulars. The first time I had Manny's, it was at a work party. I hadn't seen the prices or set foot inside the actual deli yet, but the food alone was good enough to get me to make the trip. When I got there, I didn't really know the system and I definitely got some attitude from the slack-jawed goth impressario behind the counter - which I was totally not having. Thankfully, however, the women who got my drink/completed my ticket, and the older man who bussed my table were extremely polite and nice. The pastrami was some of the best I've had, but it wasn't worth $15 plus a heaping of attitude. There are better delis out there. Sorry - but it's true!
(2)Stephanie Y.
Being that good little Jewish girl that I am, this is comfort food at it's finest! You can order A corned beef sandwich, but you will end up with something more like 2. Maybe 2 1/2 depending on how much those crazy guys behind the counter like you ;). They also have Green River. AND diet Green River. As if the corned beef & potato pancakes aren't enough! The old school cafeteria style is just part of it's charm. Manny's wouldn't be Manny's without it.
(5)Nicholas H.
Few places in my book are well deserving of 5 stars. In fact, I love this place so much, that if you ever need a friend to go with - please do call me - I will come with. *wink* I went here for the first time on my B-day (March 17th) this year and have revisted twice since then. I am a sucker for a good Jewish Deli. Yet, not exactly the kinda place to find a good "shiksa." The women here - WILL - remind you of your mother. Prob. because the place exudes that small town VFW appeal. As for the food - UNBELIEVABLE. Its not Moto - its not David Burke's Prime House - its down to earth, simple, cafeteria style deliciousness. Its the kinda place you eagerly drive out of your way for. Personal Favorite: Corn Beef sandwich on Challah Bread, Potato Pancake and a bowl of Matza Ball Soup. (If you do decide to visit, Go with a friend.....or with me......and share a meal. Otherwise you'll want to curl up into a ball in the corner next to the lottery ticket machine because of over eating.)
(5)Julie B.
YUM! Obama and I both love Manny's!!! This cafeteria style deli has everything you can imagine. I recommend the corned beef on rye thought - personal fav. Excellent corned beef sandwiches with a potatoe latke - come on! I was only able to eat half of my sandwich as they are huge. My friend Joni and I met here on Saturday afternoon. She was amazed that it was my first time. Expect a bit of attitude when you are gracious to the men carving the meat - but all in fun! Solid deserts, anything you can imagine from a good jewish deli without the frills. A bit pricey otherwise would have received 5 stars!!! ENJOY!!!!!!
(4)Michael B.
I have been going to Manny's since I was a kid and highly recommend the corned beef sandwich and their potato pancakes. Their corned beef is lean and piled high and their potato pancake is out of this world! The sandwiches are big enough to split, which makes the cost more reasonable. Manny's is a great place to go if you are looking for a great deli with big portions. Also, there is parking in the back.
(4)Will P.
Mannys is really expensive for just a sandwich, but its all about the experience as well as the awesome food. Where else can you get a pastrami and corned beef sandwich with INCHES of meat on rye bread. Its so good. Come in stay a while, feel the atmosphere, get yelled at by the employees for not knowing the line procedure, its all good.
(5)Emily E.
FINALLY went there for the first time this past week. It was a cold rainy day, but when I walked into Manny's the soothing aroma of homestyle cooking made me feel all warm and cozy. I ordered a corned beef sandwich which was HUGE and amazing. Each half of the sandwich was the size of one of my fists. In addition, I got a pickle, AND a potato pancake. I always feel a little weird when I've never been to a restaurant especially if it's during a busy time like lunch, because I'm not sure how to order or where to go. At Manny's the staff (guys behind the counter) were friendly and didn't make me feel flustered. I ordered what I wanted and made it through the line smoothly. This place is really big, and there is plenty of seating. I'd say that a huge part of the Manny's experience is sitting in their dining room and people watching. If you want something filling and very Chicago, hit up Manny's. It's absolutely worth every penny.
(5)E'stormae S.
Last time I was here was almost two years ago. Im afraid it wasnt as good of a trip as it should have been. I got there bright and early (dad taught me to go early to get best food). I had gotten the stuffed breast of veal($12) and it was cold. I'm sure that the situation was that they had made it day before, but had not warned it up enough to serve yet. Their solution was to microwave it. I drove an hour (with gas prices @$4/gallon) to basically get leftovers get microwaved. They offered some mild apologies but I still felt really ripped off. I'm not expecting a free meal out of it.. but something? They could see it was COLD. refrigerated cold. not something I was making up. Place has gone downhill compaired to what it used to be. My dad used to be friends with the original owner (he passed away some time ago). Now its I think like the grand kids running the place and basically they're just resting on their laurels. Its good still.. just not as great as it used to be. I'd still give it top stars out of loyalty. I miss the old people who were there though. Loved the red headed lady at cash register with missing fingers.. she was a gem... always so sweet to us when we were kids.(a lot of people treat kids like they are the adults 'child accessories'). Its funny how much this place has changed. Every 5 years or so they added on space to it. If you go there with somebody who knows the place... they can show you where. Funny store.. When I was like 8 years old.. somebody ask us (my family) what (ethnic group) we were.. and I piped up.. 'we're jewish!'. My dad explained to me that just because we go to Manny's all the time.. doesnt make us Jewish. They have a large menu that you cant go bored with. They have stuff you can get every day, and stuff you can only get on certain days. I always judge Matzo Ball Soup here cause it was my first love. Sometimes, we would get them to substitute the chicken broth with beef broth. These days they look at you really funny when you ask for that. Dont freak out with the prices. Yes.. they are expensive for a dinner... but the food is really worth it. Most of the time, the portions are extremely large. For instance, the corned beef. Its got to have about a pound of meat on there. You could (and should) split that sandwich and get another dish to share (be sure to get an onion poppyseed roll instead of rye bread). Every thing I've had there I have like with exception of liver and onions. It was just tough and the flavor was not great. Not a huge liver fan, but I gave it a shot. Every thing else I've eaten there has been just plain awesome. Over the past 40 years, I've had: Corned beef, pastrami, burger, reuben, pickles, potatoe pancakes, kinish, kishke, stuffed breast of veal, ox tail stew (they did this before it was popular!), short ribs, short ribs with prunes, pepper steak, salisbury steak, meatloaf, stuffed cabbage, stuffed green peppers, corn beef hash (when they slice the corned beef.. they use the stuff that falls for this), beef sew, whitefish, fried perch, kasha n noodles, mac and cheese( they change the noodles in these two dishes a lot). Im sure there are more, but I could not find them on the menu. I recomment every thing i've had except liver and onions. Bring a friend and be prepared to bring home leftovers. Check about credit cards before going. I dont think they take all of them. Dont forget to buy a little chocolate mint before you leave.
(5)Colin E.
Be afraid. Be very afraid. Somuchfood. I will only eat once today as a result of going to Manny's. When I stepped up and ordered a portion of BBQ Beef, the guy behind the counter could barely hold in his joy as he handed me a water buffalo-sized portion. "Hope you're hungry", he said. Oh, and it came with mashed potatoes, bread, and a side of vegetables. However, it was pretty darn good. My girlfriend got herself the beef stew, which came with golf ball sized chunks of potato, beef, and various vegetables mixed in...and it was delicious. On my next visit, I'm going to have to try their famous sandwiches, as they state that they have gluten-free bread (Huzzah!) and they look equally obscene. The menu is fairly deep, and I'm confident that I wouldn't have a problem finding something good there...and I'm sure I'd never leave hungry.
(4)L C B.
With over 550 reviews it is hard to write something different, the place is an icon. But coming in the place at 10 am, to get sandwiches can be a bit different since everything is still being prepped to bring out to the warming trays. But they were up and running and the slicer was humming, and I realized that machine was the heart of the program! I asked if I could take a few photos and the guy just laughed, "they don't make the machine anymore, they take parts from old broken ones to fix this one!" Keep slicing Manny's!
(5)Lord Of T.
Manny's is the real deal!!!! The potato pancakes are great, so is the corned beef, etc., etc... I've been going there for close to 30 years. Some things have changed, and it is for the better. They're open until 8pm now, they take credit card and they serve beer! (O: If you go during the week there's a good chance you'll see various Chicago "political royalty" while you're in there...... so you may need to take a shower to clean the slime off after lunch! :O)
(5)Steve M.
What can I say that hasn't already been said about this staple of cured meats and Jewish food on the near South Side? The corned beef sandwiches are massive and oozing with flavor. Matzo ball soup starring softball-sized matzos and steamy delicious penicillin-y broth. The potato pancakes are like crusty delicious hockey pucks, crunchy on the outside with a perfect starchy blast of potato goodness. Make sure you get a sour cream tube and cup of apple sauce too. The staff are almost telepathic - sensing which delicacy you're zeroing in on, and quick to dole out the delicious. Enjoy watching local folks peruse, dine, and converse with one another, and maybe even grab a Manny's t-shirt on the way out. This joint has been around since 1942! With food this good it's easy to see why. Here's to another 73 years.
(5)Bill W.
What's not to like about Manny's. It's your classic Jewish deli. Corned Beef, Pastrami and Matzo Ball Soup along with a latke. You can't go wrong.
(4)Tasha F.
Ok. I did not have a typical deli sandwich, although the pastrami looked delicious. I really wanted some bread pudding so I had that and a BLT. For the newbies, they have free valet and free parking in the rear. You walk in order your food, get a ticket, eat, then pay. The BLT was not near to average for a deli. I think they use miracle whip and called it mayo. It was too sweet. The lettuce had a taste, even though it was from the head. Maybe the head was a little aged. The bacon was good, very crisp. The bread pudding was underwhelming. It was served cold and very eggy. You can play the lotto inside.
(3)Shannon N.
Seriously, the best darned corned beef around. The pastrami is fantastic too - and the potato pancake... yum (especially with applesauce!). Kugel is really great, and a tasty knish as well. Can't go wrong with all the Jewish classics here! Gino is the perfect example of service with a smile, and Manny's is always my first stop after flying into Chicago. Apple slice is a slice of perfection too. ;)
(5)J R.
Corned beef sandwich and Potato pancake are fantastic!!! (Ralph) try oxtails on Thursdays and matzo ball soup
(5)Dyer B.
BEST REUBEN SANDWICH ANYWHERE. HANDS DOWN. The atmosphere is pure lunch line cafeteria. Very old school. It is not for the squeamish as you are greeted by a man with a large pile of red shaved meat who asks you two questions...what sandwich do you want and what bread? After that, he reaches onto the meat and begins to pile huge handfuls of meat onto your bread, which no one should ever eat in one sitting unless they want a massive coronary. When he's done he adds a grease laden taste of heaven potato cake on the side. There are other choices on the line, but why even look? Fantastic. I also had desert. The bread pudding I had is made on site, just like all of the deserts. It was just like homemade. This is a Chicago staple. You can get Manny's at Midway airport, but it is worth the trip to the downtown location.
(5)Michelangelo V.
Honest review: the only place in chicago that is like a new york deli. The best corn beef and pastrami sandwich. Its like a typical cafeteria setting not like your typical restaurants plz be mindful of that because i saw a couple that were confused. They have all sorts of other foods not just sandwiches like short ribs pasta and things of that nature. I always try to try something new but always end up getting a pastrami. The atmosphere isnt fancy or nice its a normal diner type of place. There arent any waiters its just u sit and u eat and somebody cleans up. Only problems are wish food would me warmer sometimes its cold. Wish food would be more fresh sits there all day. Sometimes food can be really salty. and plz toast the bread only takes a second Food: pastrami sandwich omg its so good theres so much meet its incredible theres so much meat what i like to do is when i eat all the bread i make a sandwich with the potato pancake. Its not salty or supper fatty. Really tender not dry. I like with an onion roll because i think it tastes better then the rye bread. Doubt anybody in chicago can make a better pastrami Corn Beef sandwich: i have had alot of corn beef sandwiches in my life and most of the time there either to salty or to much or a pickling spice flavor that can be really sour. Then theres times where its old and supper dry. This is not ur typical cheap deli corn beef that u just give to the dog. Its perfect u would think their Irish. Potato pancake: this is one of my least favorite things here. Sometimes its really crispy which is good other times its greasy. Sometimes theres no seasoning so it doesnt really taste like anything. Other times its old. I wish they did something to make it better. soup: need to get it with matzo ball and keploch this is the best soup i ever had nothing really fancy just simple plane soup that if your sick will cure u in an instant. Only problem is the soup could sometimes be supper salty arancini: i dont think thats the name of it but its like it. Its mash potatoes fried and filled with meat and comes with gravy. The mash potatoes has the perfect texture not over cooked . The gravy tastes really good its really rich and really thick. Theres so much meet that it really is filling. Bread pudding: i love bread pudding this isnt my favorite its okay nothing special no wow factor just really simple. Its not to sweet which is good. All in all i love this place been coming here for years know the owners really is the best deli in chicago
(5)Krysia Z.
It was the best pastrami and corned beef sandwich I have ever had. That being said wow it is pricey! Loved their apple pie, the kids love their salami sandwich. Overall delicious food but expensive. We paid $70 for a family of 4
(4)Dan P.
This place is sweet. Ive been to a few delis that claim to be great, but this one actually fits the bill. Their menu is pretty straight forward, with some interesting specials through out the week. I had the corned beef because who doesnt love corned beef? Their corned beef is thin sliced with little fat, its not chewy at all. I also has a potato pancake which was awesome. Great texture and flavor. A green river soda (hell yes) and a slice of cherry pie to top it off. Everything felt and tasted home made. Their cafeteria style tray system is fun. You get a tray, run down the line, and your food is crafted before your eyes in a split second. A guy I was with had the ox tail special, and says its amazing here. I'll take his word for it. Its a tad expensive, but whatever. Worth it.
(5)Jane M.
Wow, don't go here if you're on a diet, do go here if you want really delicious deli food and hot meals. The hubby, 2 friends and I trekked here after the Blackhawks Stanley Cup Victory Rally yesterday and believe me, we were happy we logged the extra mile + from Soldier Field to have the home made deliciousness that is Manny's. I had an enormous Brisket sandwich, hubby had the corned beef sandwich, we both raved. The rest of our party had turkey salad sandwich and the turkey dinner plate. All helpings were piled high, couldn't finish our meals. Friends at nearby tables took huge homemade cookies home with them. Yes, we will be back. Loved the old-school water "glasses". They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and have been fishing since 1942. Long live Manny's!!
(5)Bobblehead B.
If the walls could only talk in this place!!! Just a fabulous spot for people watching in Chicago. Anybody may drop in from the President of the United States, the Mayor, a Governor, a former Governor on trial, or the regular Chicagoan, Joe and Jane Sixpack. The place is historical. Cafeteria style. Great Deli food. We do not have many Jewish Deli's left in Chicago. Manny's always had the highest visibility. It does not disappoint. Great Corned Beef , Pastrami, Roast Beef, Turkey. Salads...a great selection. Daily specials. A Chicago classic.
(4)Don K.
Nice and clean for as old and busy as this place is. Enjoyed a stuffed cabbage with steamed spinach and boiled potato on the side. I went "old school" instead of a corned beef sandwich which looked delicious BTW. If you can find on the street parking it is definitely worth the visit. And bring a good appetite because the portions are generous!
(4)Mark H.
Ahhh Manny's... a landmark for all things Chicago. From the exterior signage saying "Chicago Since 1942" to the caricatures of "Da Bears" accents serving you from behind the cafeteria line...this place is def a must visit spot for tourists and even for young locals looking to experience a piece of true vintage. If you remember the Daley era, many politicians then paid regular homage to this place and probably brokered the City's future in the back room. Manny's proudly displays photos on the walls of some of the local elected officials. One photo you can't help but to notice is of a Chicago nobody, that rose to ultimate political stardom, with his big naive smile before he left for Washington in '08. The 1/2 corn beef sandwich and soup is very popular. The meat is fresh, not salty and perfectly tender. The matzo ball soup, other than Max's, have the best seasoned broth and matzo's amazing thick:fluffy ratio. Truly a science. Don't stop there. Add a potato pancake and a pickle. Push for the side pasta and finish off with a slice of cherry pie all within an arm's reach. And as you roll out of this historical treat, you can smile knowing that there are still places like Manny's left where you and your grandmother's generation both have shared memories.
(5)Shannon S.
Manny's is a Chicago staple and for a good reason. This is comfort food to the max! There's really no better place I can think of to nurse your hangover, cure your cold, or mend your deep dark emotional wounds (everyone has those right????). My husband and I like to go together, over-order, and then share everything because the portions of everything are gigantic. I once made 3 meals out of the corned beef sandwich. This is also a great place for family's with children. They have a magician on the weekends for dining entertainment. For some reason I never remember this but am always pleasantly surprised when he rolls up table-side with his bag of tricks. The menu is so diverse I can't imagine a situation where someone would not be able to find something to fit their tastes. Favorite foods: - Matzo ball soup - The best! I sometimes go in just to carry out some matzo ball soup so I can eat it all day on a weekend in. - Corned beef sandwich - An obvious choice and also a mountain of corned beef. - Potato pancakes - A must! - Beef stew - Noodle kugle - Kreplachs - Scalloped potatoes - Bread pudding The list really goes on and on. Every time I eat at Manny's I want a little bit of everything and of all that I've eaten I have NEVER been dissatisfied. Note to the Manny's newbs: Grab yourself a tray and silverware when you first enter and move down the line cafeteria style. Also, don't try and pay the first person to ring you up. You'll get a ticket from the first register and then pay at the register by the door on your way out.
(5)Paul M.
I'm sitting in California 2000 miles from Manny's and am salivating! Got a trip to Chicago planned later this year and Pizzaria Due and Manny's are the only two eateries on my short list. Working in outside sales many years ago in my youth, I fit these two fine eating establishments into my schedule just as often as I could. Haven't been to Manny's in several years and visiting their website gave me hunger pangs for a Reuben and pickle. Only plan on one lunch there and a dinner at Uno's then will be eating salads for the rest of the stay. Damn! Gotta keep my doc happy (satisfied) with the cholesterol count. One meal at either Manny's or Uno's is a week's worth of fat and calories but worth all subsequent sacrafice.
(5)Nick N.
Quick review: Food: Good quality, the Reuben was good, no fatty pieces in the corned beef. Price: LORD HAVE MERCY! There ain't a deli this side of the Mississippi with prices even close to Manny's. Be ready to take out a second mortgage if you're taking a date here. Staff: God-awful attitudes. I can care less how long you've been around and how "prestigious" you think your restaurant is, don't be a complete jerk to your customers. I went in there for the first time and did not know what they had to offer and needed a few minutes. You'd think I parked my car in the middle of the restaurant the way they treated me. Overall: It tastes the same as any other decent quality deli in Chicago. I ate there once just to say I ate there, and I see no need to eat there again. Side note: my dad was in the fire academy 30 years ago. Manny's was right next door to the fire academy. Him and his fireman class ate there once, and none of them ever stepped foot in there again. I guess some things never change ;)
(1)Misty S.
I came here to try what others claimed to be the best Rueben. My first thought was, no, that's Boloney (pun intended). There is a nice size parking lot in the back of the restaurant offering free parking to customers. Not to be confused with the parking on the side of the building with the giant sign that says not to park there for Manny's (I appreciate the sign). I felt like I was stepping into the 50's when I walked it. There's a board that displays all the daily specials. It's cozy and inviting on the inside. You can grab a tray and walk down the counter to see the food offerings. Besides their signature Rueben, they have other sandwiches and hot meals (e.g. stuffed peppers). After you get to the end of the line, you get the bill for your food but you don't pay for it until you exit through their mini store. So, back to this $14 Rueben - it was good, jam packed with meat and good flavoring, but I don't think anything can top the Reubenesque from Boloney's for me, especially for half the price. The soup with Matzo ball was good and the pecan pie was decent. But the Rueben with the $14 price tag is hefty for a sandwich. That's not how I roll. Roll, get it? Nevermind...
(4)Rob J.
There is such a special feeling at Manny's of jumping into the past when these types of cafeterias were everywhere. Alas they no longer are, but certainly Manny's was one of the best then and now. It's very much like a New York deli, but in the kinder, cleaner city of chicago. :) Great matso ball soup, pastrami, corned beef, and...my goodness...the potato pancakes are out of this world!!!!! Make sure to pick up a couple packets of sour cream for them. Yum yum yum!!! Don't ever hesitate to stop by, people watch, and eat great food at Manny's. I hope in 2042 it'll still be here and run in the same wonderful way it's run now. Great classic informal dining.
(5)Sean N.
Quick Review: Solid ruben and potato pancake. Have no problem spending $ on a meal but after adding a drink and desert, spending +/-$20 for lunch was a little much for an average meal in my opinion. Wouldn't rule out going back but don't see it happening anytime soon.
(3)Mike Q.
It's always a pleasure coming in Mannys and I love the beef stew and corn beef sandwiches and of course the bread pudding.
(5)Lucas A.
This is Cafeterias style food served by old guys that seem like they were time-warped from the 1940s. The portions were HUGE! My wife's beef stew was better than my Salisbury steak. Lunch was kinda pricey at 45 bucks, but we enjoyed it. We would definitely go again.
(4)G.d. C.
My 'go to' spot, for sure ! The best old school comfort food I know of. A true, classic, deli. Headed up by my man Gino Gamboretta, resident corn beef slicer extrordinare. A meat emporium of favor/taste. Enormous portions. Ironically, for a decidedly 1940's decor, a place to see and be seen, particularly for the political set (Think Presidents, Governors, Mayors & well connected/known deal makers). Not for your diet, although the salads are awesome.
(5)Kimberly B.
Wasn't a very big fan, myself. The food was overpriced and not very good, in my opinion. Some of the friends that I went with loved it! I had a turkey reuben, and it was just okay.
(3)Food S.
Quite possibly the best corned beef on the planet. I have been to deli's all over the country and nobody does corned beef like Manny's. They also have one of the best potato pancakes I've ever had my life, they don't need applesauce or anything they're great on their own. Gino the chief sandwich maker has been there for 25 years plus. When ordering, tell Gino you want a hot corned beef on rye ask for the fat it's delicious. Now watch what he does with his big fork and pickle trick.
(5)jasen w.
Been to this place three times already. Always left satisfied. Prices are a little above average but you do get plenty on the plate and the workers are friendly. I believe Geno is one of the servers.
(5)Terry S.
What can i say-- one of the perfect cafateria style delis left.. As good as it gets.. 1/2 corned beef & krepla soup
(5)Pedro L.
Been here a few times. Don't get the fuss. It is an old dirty cafeteria that serves homemade food in gigantic unhealthy portions. The food isn't bad, but it's not amazing. It's not comforting and blowing in my ear and distracting me from shooting my arrow straighter than John Boy, or whoever Robin Hood was trying to challenge in that arrow shooting contest. Oh, Kevin Costner, who can't you play? That being said, it's not bad either. Decent lunch spot. A bit overpriced, but they make up for that in portion size. The corned beef hash wasn't gross, but I wanted it as a small side, not a 3 lb serving. Dried out my mouthpiece. Maybe add gravy. Not a healthy option, but an option none-the-less. Who am I kidding? I'm a nobody to give them advice. They'll be here serving presidents long after I'm contemplating suicide while I'm connected to a dialasis machine. I've had the pastrami and corned beef before. Not too shabby. I like Perrys deli better, but whatevs. Quick tips: Parking in the rear (ha), be ready to order only 1 thing (huge portions) and you pay on your way out after eating,
(3)Jake L.
This is another place I've been coming for 20 years. One thing I would recommend that no one talks about is the roast beef sandwich. It's rare and very juicy, which is just the way I like it. The pastrami is also some of the best you'll find in Chicago. Also, Manny's beef stew is just like mom used to make, and very comforting. And if you like potatoes like I do, make sure to try the potato pancakes. The sandwiches can be expensive, but are well worth it for the quality and portion size. If you have any room left, there are plenty of dessert options available.
(5)Sany N.
A cute family owned and operated business! For a first timer, I know this won't be my last. I only eat paltry so I was a bit scared when I entered a place that is known for their pastrami. However, they have two types of turkey! Turkey pastrami and regular turkey. I got the regular turkey because the turkey pastrami had pieces of peppers in it in addition to pastrami mixed together. I also got the onion roll and its a small dinner roll seasoned with grilled chopped onions.. delish! The turkey and the onion roll together was flavorful enough that all I did was add a touch of mustard with each bite. I also got a taste of their chocolate chip cheesecake which I know is purchased from Eli's cheesecake. A famous local cheesecake bakery in Chicago. I love how they support local small businesses. A must try! Its quick, cheap and flavorful. The atmosphere reminds me of Portillos. I'll be back!
(4)Padma A.
another freebie down the drain after checking in. Pass by this place all the time and today had to pick lunch for a friend @ Rush Hospital. The order of corned beef with side of potato pancake was @15+. I am told food is good here. When i was playing with my phone later i noticed a free potato pancake for my check in. Darn!!
(4)Andrew B.
Maybe I missed it or it was just too hyped but this place was just ok. I had the pastrami sandwich and soup. There was nothing special about the pastrami and the soup tastes like miss Grass. Plus it was $14 for a half sandwich and soup. Way overpriced. With so many good offerings in Chicago, skip this place.
(2)Lisa A.
There is no one like Mannys. No. One. The corned beef is hands down the BEST , THE best! in all of Chicago. Same for the pot roast. OMG...the pot roast....I am still trying to figure out what it is they do to the pot roast to make it so good. Portion size? I measured the Reuben I got once. It was 12" tall. Take that Panera and corporate branded plasticky delis! If you have not tried Manny's yet you are missing out. This is a no frills, no corporate by product deli. Mannys is an institution in Chicago. No nonsense. No fancy schmancy. Just honest to goodness, solid delish. Quality fill you up to the top!
(5)Negro B.
Fourth time on a Friday I have been there and they don't have fried smelt again I think Mannys is riding on their reputation they had six items that I wanted to order on their menu and they were already out of either someone's not doing their job or they are riding on their reputation it's 509 they close at eight and they're out of half their menu for Friday unacceptable I wasted my time again
(1)Meredith K.
I used to frequent Manny's for lunch about 12 yrs ago. I'm happy to report that the quality and taste has remained. About the only thing that I can see that's different are the prices. That being said its still a great value. I've only had the turkey pastrami on rye w/ the occasional potato pancake and/or matzo ball soup. You get a ton of turkey!! I usually get a to-go bag for the extra meat and make a little sandwich out of it. Everything is fresh and delicious. The people are very friendly and helpful. This last time I finally tried some of their desserts. We had a slice of caramel cake. It was like a cake version of Fall. I felt like it was back-to-school time. Very yummy. I like that they have parking in the back so we can come back for lunch or dinner again. This time I won't wait 12 years.
(4)Claudia D.
Huge portions. Get a half sandwich --- you will be stuffed!!! The husband enjoys a half sandwich with soup. I like the turkey pastrami half on the with dark delicious horseradish mustard, lettuce, tomato, and onion. I'm not a fan of Manny's potato pancakes which are served cold. I find them too greasy. The iced cookies are ok. You go through the line asking the servers for your items. Do not step into the line until you have decided upon your order. Read the signage, you are expected to know what it says! At the end, your order will be rung up and you will be handed your bill----don't lose it. Get your own silver, napkins, water, condiments. Choose a table, sit down and eat. When you are finished, take your bill to the cashier by the exit and pay! I recommend Manny's when you're craving a 'real' deli sandwich---but remember this is NOT heart healthy food!!!! Street parking, or use the little lot behind the building and south of the Marathon gas station. Restrooms are clean.
(4)Lauren D.
KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID...KEY WORD: "SIMPLE!" If you are seeking fancy dishes of eggs, such as, eggs Benedict, poached, or frittata, don't bother coming here. It's simple food. It's a simple menu. It's simple service. Manny's keeps it super simple! There is nothing pretentious here. This is the kind of joint you come to when you want hearty comfort food. You can create your own omelet for $9.95 by choosing up to four ingredients. I ordered the jack cheese, onions, and ham. It was fluffy, light, quality ham, not greasy, and worthy of 4-stars. The omelets are stuffed with your choice of vegetables, cheeses or a variety of meat choices. They are well-known for their made-from-scratch corned beef hash, so I ordered a "side" of this for $3.95. It was excellent and high quality meat. This was plenty for two or three people to share, so we shared. The coffee is strong and robust without the bitter aftertaste, and coffee refills are plentiful. A classic breakfast evokes casual morning comfort. Sure, it's nice to be fancy, but sometimes, you just want to roll out of bed, run your fingers through your bed hair, and venture out for some cheesy eggs, strong coffee and a no eye-rolling attitude. If you are expecting decadent, over-the-top breakfast fare, stay home. You are not going to see the following items on their menu: Eggs Benedict topped with tenderloin steak, real lump crab meat folded into an omelet, savory crepes bathed in a white-wine or lemon-sage cream sauce. Got a major hangover? It's also good food to cure your katzenjammer (hangover). This is not a fancy foodie joint filled with hipsters wearing dark sunglasses after a night of heavy drinking (although we spotted three who were obviously nursing a katzenjammer)! Manny's has all the makings of a quintessential breakfast spot. They serve up huge portions, inexpensive prices and ridiculously quick service. The breakfast menu features traditional bacon and egg platters, pancakes, oatmeal, cream of wheat and fresh fruit. Also, this is a great spot for vegetarians. The servers are no-nonsense, keeping customers' cups full of hot, fresh coffee. They're not exactly reinventing the wheel here. Manny's is a classic choice with a no-fuss, unpretentious attitude. My breakfast came to $18 and change (excluding tip). My friend enjoyed her oatmeal with fresh fruit, a side of potato pancakes, and thought the coffee was exceptional. I went here with someone that I met through the Chicago Foodie Meet-Up group. The Chicago Foodie Meet-Up group hits up different restaurants once a month. No, we do not get "Free" food; we actually pay for our meals. Therefore, we can be more objective when writing a review. ;D The kitchen could easily grind down over time under the weight of lunch and breakfast services, an ambitious but simple menu, and the endless hamster wheel-of-room-service obligations. When people think of Chicago most people may think of Al Capone, John Dillinger, the prohibition era, beautiful architecture, the famous Chicago fire, Water Tower, Lake Michigan, the Magnificent Mile, Chicago style deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs and crooked Chicago politicians. The same can be said about Manny's restaurant. It is a Chicago institution that has been around for decades (you know, just like corrupt Chicago politicians). It defines a Midwestern stick-to-your ribs hearty breakfast without all the B.S. that other restaurants seem to offer in order to justify their insanely high prices! Hey, "Debbie Downer" Yelp reviewers, if you want a cheap-ass, low-quality breakfast go to Denny's or the I-HOP. Maybe it will impress your date ;D Manny's restaurant has accomplished a loyal following of Chicago locals, but it has definitely become a destination for tourists who have discovered that you don't have to spend $30 to eat a hearty, solid breakfast near the Loop. Manny's has managed to keep a cult-ish following over the last several decades from Chicago locals to suburbanites to tourists. Good simple food, simple menu, exceptional coffee, affordable, solid 5-star service, and simple philoxenia. Manny's definitely keeps it simple! What the fook more can you ask for?
(4)DEALS D.
BEST CORNED BEEF AND PASTRAMI SANDWICH EVER. the place is a chicago institution. Will be bringing my fiance and my kids here soon. Been going to this place since I was a kid. Nothing changed. Still the best.
(5)Monique B.
So glad I came back to the original. The corned beef is soft and moist and delicious. The portions are crazy. The potato pancakes are perfection. And the staff is the friendliest and most welcoming and helpful group of people ever. I've been going here since I was a kid and I had my very first corned beef. I'm so glad the original hasn't changed in all these years!
(4)Daniella B.
Had the pastrami on rye. It was really good! I don't know about $14 good but definitely good. Piles of pastrami overflowing a rye bun. No lettuce, tomato, or onion but they offer plenty of horseradish and mustard at the table. It can be overwhelming when you walk in. Lots of signs, menus and food right at the door. I ordered the pastrami because it was a deli and that's the first thing that popped into my head.
(3)Eric A.
I won't go anywhere else, but Manny's, for hot pastrami and a potato pancake. They are the best. The pancake is seasoned JUST RIGHT. And the staff is great, also. Mmmmmmmm.
(5)Vik K.
Eeks! Plates piled high with processed kosher meat?? No wonder the cancer and obesity rates can get so high in today's age. Avoid this place, and go to Chipotle around the corner and eat fresh, organic food & meat which has never been processed!!
(1)Michel M.
This is what happens when determination meets thunder; when spunk meets Garfunkel. This is the kind of meal people fly planes into buildings for. Too soon? Check your pacemaker at the door, they've got their own industrial pumps.
(5)Mud B.
Grab a tray and go down the line at this deli. You tell the guys behind the counter what you want and they serve it up on a plate right there and then. Entrees are first, then there is the sandwich area. Geno is slicing the meat and giving a little sass and a smile. A little further down are traditional cold sides and desserts, then drinks including beer and wine. You get your check (PAY AS YOU LEAVE) and you eat up. The sandwiches are huge so you will probably need it wrapped up (go back by the person who gave you the check and there are people to wrap it up for you.). I love to get the pastrami/corned beef sandwich. I find if you do all pastrami, it's too much. The sandwich comes with a potato pancake. I get a second one. I have a HUGE appetite and I tend to eat both pancakes and half the sandwich, taking the other half home. There is parking available and sometimes there is free valet. You never know who you might run into. I once walked out as the governor was walking in.
(5)Angela S.
Not sure how I'm able to write this review because I died and went to beef heaven! Love the cafeteria style. The place is also super clean and huge! Tables are nice and spaced out so after you're blown out from eating that delicious, honking sandwich you can spread out and not worry about bumping bellies w/ the person dining next to you. It was a bit pricey, but I don't know where else you could get something as traditional in the city. I'll forever be craving this joint.
(4)Allan C.
Came in jonesing for a corned beef sandwich and got my usual: Corned beef on rye with lettuce, tomato, and yellow mustard. Meh. It was ok. The corned beef was more salt than any other spice. It was pretty chewy as well. When you have a huge mound of the stuff, that can get pretty unwieldly. You're definitely paying the markup for the fact that it's been around for a really long time. I wouldn't object to coming here again, but Chicago's gotta have better places than this. C'mon.
(3)David M.
About the best place around when it comes to real deli food....a bit on the expensive side, but you'll probably get more than you can eat in one setting. My 'go to' lunch here is the pastrami...hot and spicy...excellent.
(4)Ben S.
People, the world is so hard and life only gets more and more complicated so when there exists something like Mannys which is a beacon of hope to every man woman and child and literally all things good we must cherish it and keep it sacred and definitely, definitely not talk shit about it on Yelp. Best corned beef sandwich in Chicago, maybe the world.
(5)Lotoyus H.
Ate here tonight for the first time as I was in search for a good corn beef sandwich. I did my yelp research as well as Google & Mannys was the place to go. Me & my 10 yr old daughter went for dine in. We ordered the corn beef sandwich to share and a potato pancake. Unfortunately I was unimpressed. The beef is sliced thin and piled high on rye. My expectations are from growing up in Milwaukee & eating at Jakes Deli. I expected a thick & moist sandwich. I couldn't get past the thin & dry. Ohhh I forgot we did order sauerkraut as well which helped with consumption. Potato pancake, it was alright. So if any of you yelpers know of place in town that serves a thick & moist sliced sandwich, please direct me. Mannys I may see you in my near future to check out your breakfast menu...
(2)Jon F.
... Rounding down from a floating 3 / 4 stars. I want to round this up to a 4 star but I just can't do it. I can't find enough there. I visited Manny's on a strange-ish night before dinner really hit. Since there was no line I had some time to look over the menu and get the dealio even though I knew the SO and I were getting a Reuben and a Pastrami. The items out looked pretty good and the menu looks decent, but absolutely nothing fancy. When the flavor is good that's what counts though. I came in as a Reuben aficionado looking for the "best Reuben in the world" - according to other reviews. I got an A-OK, pretty darn good Reuben. Plenty of meat for a healthy, full helping... but not anywhere near the gorging portions other people are claiming. As far as the texture of bread, the helping, the flavor and moistness of the corned beef, the flavor in the thousand island - there are many places that do it all better. Good, but definitely not great. The pastrami was good. Really darn good... but while having a potato pancake as a side might fill your belly your mouth might be looking for something more. A small side of coleslaw would be a great addition for a sandwich that seems like it drives a lot of business. The potato pancake with the sandwich was hearty and good. We also had the mazo ball soup and a pecan pie that were pretty good, but not too notable. Circling back to value for your money - the prices here aren't bad for Chicago, but I'd rate it average at best on value. You can get a bigger, more creative, and while not "classic" ultimately better sandwich at Lucky's in Wrigley for half the price. Cafeteria seating did not bother me one bit. They have a bus boy taking care of anything that needs tending to, so things are in top shape. Don't ask for water (unless you need ice) at the pre-cashier - there is a funky water fountain machine with paper cups where you can serve yourself water just inside the eating area. The serving line and pay system works great if you know what to order - but if you are clueless the menu won't be much help and you might be stuck holding up a hungry line behind you. Service from all parties was fast, efficient, and generally friendly though. I swear I don't joke when they get some good weight on their score from the foot-handle to open the bathroom door. No gross hands, yay! In the end, maybe a visit for some beef stew or some of the other goods would help bump them over the hurdle to 4 stars for me, but I just can't find it right now.
(3)Economic Far Right W.
Love this place, there is nothing exactly like it anywhere. If you have some time to kill, both the employees and people hanging out there are funny as hail. This is the only deli, I ever remember not feeling the least bit rushed at. Prices are sky high, but they pile on the food. Really liked the mac n cheese and the beef stew, and potato pancakes. They sell a ton of corned beef, would have ordered but it was a bit overwhelming, that should be 3 meals.
(5)Wanda C.
I went to Manny's after work I bought 2 Corned beefs on rye and it was DELICIOUS!!! Full of DELICIOUS meat and the service was the best I've EVER experienced the 2 lovely ladies were so nice they smiled and helped me I just wanted to kiss them both on the cheek... I recommend Manny's to everybody go in and sit down or order to go it was fast and DELICIOUS and they have other tantalizing tempting food as well. My husband and I will definitely be back soon... Sorry I didn't take a picture we were to busy eating...
(5)John L.
what can I say - $ 14.00 for a corned beef sandwich - YES! Place hasn't changed in the 40 years that I have been going there. Although confined to California for close to 20 years, I still get the urge to visit when I travel back to the Windy City. My wife had never been here before - and while going down the line of the steam table - holding all the wonderful goodies that only a Jewish deli can offer - she asked if she could purchase "just a little - a taste" of the noodles and cheese that sat inviting just under the glass of the sneeze guard. The response from the paper hat wearing cook was - "we don't serve little - that's not who we are". Of course, after finishing her meal - the left overs could have provided sustenance for a family of four for a day or two. Yes - it is a little pricey when you compare Manny's brightly lit menu board with the "dollar menu and more" that McDonald's offers - but hey - where else can you dine under the newspaper clippings touting visits by none other than Barrack Obama - or sit next to the David Axelrod table. I bet 'Da Mayor himself has even dined here occasionally.
(5)Angelica G.
This place is delicious! Love the cafeteria style buffet line. They give you so much of one serving you'll have enough for dinner. Meatloaf & pot roast is unbelievable! !!! Really clean, staff is really nice & welcoming. Come here with a big appetite. It has an old original atmosphere in the dining hall, first they ring up your order, then you pay after you eat at the 2nd register on your way out. :) you will not be disappointed
(4)Paul T.
I decided to have lunch at Manny's today after reading its good Yelp reviews. Some personal factors to help others judge the usefulness of my review: I watch my nutrition carefully, particularly calories, to stay in top shape and weigh 135 lbs., so I don't need to eat a lot of food. With that in mind, I knew a lunch at Manny's wasn't the best idea, but I need to cheat occasionally. My lunch consisted of half a pastrami sandwich on onion bun ($13), potato pancake ($1) with side of applesauce ($0.50), piece of apple pie ($4), and a fountain soda ($2.50). I was warned multiple times that since I didn't want the soup, I would be charged as if I had ordered the whole sandwich. I just didn't feel like having the empty calories from the matzo ball. I was surprised at how little food I was getting for $23 ($2 for Chicago sales tax), given that everyone on here seemed to rave about portion sizes. Perhaps those reviews are outdated. I realize I didn't optimize my food/$ ratio by getting a whole sandwich, but it's still egregious to spend $23 to eat in a cafeteria. The food itself also wasn't noteworthy and my pastrami was cold by the time I sat down to eat, another pitfall of the cafeteria style. In summary, I do not recommend Manny's.
(1)Jordan C.
Visited Chicago for the first time last week and was lucky enough to have been taken to Manny's for lunch by my co-worker. What an awesome experience. You feel like you're taking a step back in time once you pass through the door. Ordered a classic pastrami on rye which came with a hefty pickle spear and a tasty potato pancake. They don't mess around here, be prepared to eat a good pound of pastrami. Finished my plate with ease. I'll miss Manny's the most.
(5)Alex B.
Manny's was o.k., but it does fall short of Deli greatness. Love the interior and the overall vibe. 5 stars. Kind of like the old Valois in Hyde Park before their trendy makeover. Nothing fancy here, but it does feel like a small piece of history. Also, they do have Dr. Brown's, which is definitely a requirement for an establishment of this ilk. Now, while I understand that this is a cafeteria, with plenty of food options (chicken chop suey was a daily special when I recently visited!?!?) I will keep my comments focused on the two primary reasons why you come to a classic place like this - Corned Beef and Pastrami. Both were ok, neither were great. Pastrami lacked the real punch of garlic which is a requirement and it was also just too tough. Pastrami is normally fatty, but it shouldn't be this tough. Corned Beef lacked the flavor it normally has and was just kind of bland. Also too tough, just like the Pastrami. Good news though, pots of horse radish on the table. Bad news, dull and watery mustard as well. So, as a native Chicagoan I shudder to say it, but you want a good Corned Beef sandwich, go to New York. Not sure you can get a good Pastrami any more since Pastrami King closed in Queens, but I hear Fumare in the French Market is doing some good things.
(3)Andrew T.
I will agree with the litany of friends and family that appear to have rated this place before me, but I don't think I am quite as excited about it as they are. Manny's is good - that's not in doubt. Jon T is right - their pastrami is better than the corned beef. My beef stew was good, with big chunks of veggies and very tender beef. But it wasn't amazing. And to boot, this was all a little expensive for what it was. Granted, the portions of items like the sandwiches are truly massive. But my beef stew wasn't large on that order, and it ended up being something like $13, $14. Maybe it's the place that threw me off - it looks like nothing fancy (and that's fine with me) but it might have subconsciously set my expectations as to price. So would I go back? I think I would. There's plenty of stuff to try. But I would have my expectations set correctly - and I would plan to take half home.
(3)Dana C.
One of my favorite restaurants in the city! I take everyone here - family, significant others, guests from out of town. The food is delicious and the cafeteria-style service is fun. I recommend the "mile-high" pastrami sandwich - you literally can't see the bottom slice of bread because of the massive pile of meat on top. Also delicious: the matzo ball soup, the latkes, and corned beef. Go hungry, leave happy.
(5)Albert M.
NYC has hundreds of deli restaurants that are world renowned. Everyone has their favorite. Carnegie, Katz, 2nd Ave. Deli, Stage, Wolfies, etc. LA has a few renowed delis. Everyone has their favorite. Langers, Factors, Nate and Al's, and Canters. Chicago has one. Just one. One deli that is everyone's favorite. One deli that keeps the people coming back. If the third largest metropolitan city in America only boasts one famous deli, it must be great, and it is. This is a cafeteria style place where you order your sandwich to the guy behind the slicer and watch it be made. Where you fill a tray with all the amazing goodies they have to offer from the soups to sides to sandwiches to desserts. Manny's is great!!! I get the corned beef on rye, mac and cheese, and pie with a giant soda. It is truly a midwestern institution that stands in the pantheon of great delis from the midwest with Shapiros from Indy! PS- When the food festival Taste of Chicago takes over the city in August, Manny's is the most popular booth, not because of deli food...but because of the turkey leg...the only thing they make...turkey leg. Other places at the taste make stuff you can get everyday at their respective permanent locations, Manny's makes something they only make once a year special for the food festival
(4)Allen F.
This place is such an old school staple in Chicago, love it. I always get the meatloaf and leave happy. But everything I have ever tried has been hearty and delicious.
(5)Jon T.
Ms T and I visited Aunt Sue and Uncle Mike in Chicago for an exhibition at the Art Institute. We had had a good lunch at The Gage and decided to stuff ourselves with a few pounds of corned beef and pastrami at Manny's. Manny's is a classic place. You go down the line and order. They have an assortment of hot food to serve up from baked chicken to brisket to hot turkey to stews. It all looks good, but I came for corned beef. Ms T ordered a Reuben, so I switched to pastrami. The sandwiches are huge. It may just have been the night but my pastrami was much better than the corned beef on the Reuben. The corned beef on this night was undercooked. It was just not tender. I also felt that the cure was pretty mild. It would be very good cooked to the proper point, but it will not overwhelm you with spices. My pastrami on the other hand was excellent, more flavorful and very tender. We wrapped up half of each sandwich and they actually made it back to Missouri with us the next day. They did not go to waste. Uncle Mike sampled the hot turkey which was fine. I guess the same could be said for Andrew's beef stew. Look this is not fancy food, it is gut warming stuff and turns out to be exactly what it looks like. I think I will stick with the corned beef or pastrami. I can make better beef stew and turkey at home. This is a great fun place, very genuine.
(4)Chris O.
Manny's is flat out living off of it past laurels. The massive sandwiches we got were lukewarm and unexceptional. They just didn't have much taste. On a positive note, the sweet potato pie was very good. Overall, there is no way two bland deli sandwiches and a slice of pie should have cost $38 unless you like paying for nostalgia. Of all the places I've eaten in Chicago, this is the only one that truly made me feel ripped off. This place is ripe for a food reality show makeover and lower prices. I don't care how long you have been around and how many long-term customers you have if your expensive food tastes below average. Save your money and get better, and cheaper, food somewhere else.
(2)Beth K.
Oh Manny's....only my Mom would want to go to Manny's for her birthday. Came here on a Friday for lunch, was pretty busy per norm. Doesn't take long to get through the line. For those who have never been, it's cafeteria setup. Like being back in school, you grab a tray and pick tell the nice men behind the counter what you want. We went with the usual...corned beef sandwiches, on rye. Potato pancakes and a side of kishke or maybe it was a knish? I don't know, I didn't eat it. The sandwiches are bigger then me, which isn't saying much. I could barely get through half of a half. I swear there was a pound of corned beef on that thing. The corned beef there is really good though, tender, not too fatty. My Mom swears by the potato pancakes, they were good. I am just not a fan of them in general. Oh and if you check in on your Yelp app, you get a FREE potato pancake! As an added bonus, they sell lottery tickets there! I was feeling lucky, since it was my Mom's Bday and I bought 3 tickets. One for my Mom, brother and myself....my bro and I didn't win, but my Mom won $20!! Bday luck for sure. Wish I could say that the $20 covered the bill, but no chance. I wouldn't say Manny's is cheap, I think a corned beef sandwich is $12.00. I will say that is absolutely worth every penny though. Plus the people watching is great there!
(5)Erica S.
People might be tempted to complain that the sandwiches are too expensive... But have they seen how enormous they are? Consistently amazing corned beef sandwiches consistently delicious potato pancakes. The staff is always friendly and will treat you like a regular even if they've never seen you before. My recommendation: buy the 'oops' cookies they're delicious, just a little weird shaped, and like half price.
(5)Lisa C.
Don't fall for the potato pancake scam. They give you a potato pancake with your sandwich without asking, but you have to pay for it. I wouldn't mind if it tasted good, but it's very oily and has no flavor. Other than that, they have the best pastrami in Chicago.
(4)Christina F.
I am so glad I found this place, it was near my work and I finally had time to check it out. The corned beef/pastrami had layers and layers of meat on a simple rye. The layout is a little confusing, lunch counter looks like a buffet but everything is ala carte. You pay while they bag you up-- they remembered to give some mustard which was nice, the kosher pickle was awesome, and the cream soda I got to go with it brought me back to simplier times. It was almost $15 for a sandwich, so I wish there was better value but in terms of taste, it was great.
(4)Andrew N.
Absolutely love tbhis place, best and only Jewish restaurant in Chicago . don't leave until you have the apple pie.corn beef sandwich and a knishe
(4)Chuck T.
Read some "interesting" reviews of Manny's lately, so I thought I'd add my two cents: Admittedly, Manny's is no Vegan Health food restaurant. Instead, it is a local institution that is preserving a traditional Chicago way of life, while simultaneously remaining a solid place to get great, huge, old-fashioned pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. A bit pricy and cholesterol-laden? You bet! (My wallet and heart can't take a steady dose.) So, want a cheaper sandwich? Go to Arby's. Worried about your heart? Try their fruit and salad specials. Found a better product in NYC? Well, bet you don't like Chicago deep-dish either. But for an authentic Chicago meal that tastes great and fills you up, head to Manny's!
(5)Sean K.
Excellent Jewish deli. The corned beef is great. Only drawback is that it's expensive.
(5)Kelly S.
I was so disappointed!!!! I ordered two Pastrami sandwiches to go. $31.00!!!! Ok, so I know it will be great. When I got home and opened them they were half the size of what I saw people eating at the restaurant and our pastrami was full of fat! I went to The french marketplace in the train station recently and Fumare's Smoke Pastrami was to die for!!! $8.95 for a whole sandwich piled with juicy pastrami! I will never go to Manny's again!!!
(1)Mark C.
1/2 Sandwich Soup 11.95 went to cashier 12.95 they charged me a dollar for potato cake. Keep Classy.
(2)Chelsie P.
I was searching for a place to have corned beef and I decided to try Manny's... It is quaint, but my sandwich left something to be desired. The meat was a little on the dry side and the noodle soup tasted like Campbell's. I was hoping for a more homemade taste... The portions were extremely generous and the food wasn't bad... It just wasn't stellar either. Middle of the road for me.
(3)Laura G.
Love this place.... I had the corn beef sandwich and it was big enough for 2 people to share. The corn beef was amazing. Service was excellent. I will definitely visit again.
(5)Majid M.
always a good place for a classic cornbeef sandwich. almost comparable to newyork deli's.
(4)John F.
It just doesn't get better than Manny's! This unique old style steam-table cafeteria lets you see the actual food you that can be put on your plate, just by asking. No menu needed. That's called immediate gratification. The portions are huge. The food is like the great memorable home cooked meals your mother or grandmother used to make. To me, the humongous corned beef and pastrami combo is the best sandwich in Chicago, but either meat in a sandwich by itself is awesome. The old style kosher style pickles are great complements, but the best companion is the thick potato pancake. Even their deli mustard is the best. Yikes! Try the short ribs, oxtail stew, or beef stew with real mashed potatoes and thick gravy. Of course there is chicken, fish, liver, sliced turkey, great roast beef sandwiches (sliced right before your eyes) and daily specials. Oh, and if you're craving a salad, their salads are made to order right in front of you, just the way you like them. Try the yellow cake with caramel frosting for dessert or the hand made decorated sugar cookies. The staff is friendly. The atmosphere is casual. The owners are hands on and always present. One trip there and you can understand why they have so many regular customers. Oh yeah, breakfasts are just as good as lunch and dinner (try the lox egg white omelet.) Once you take a customer or friend there that person will visit you more often and make the not-so-subtle request that you return to Manny's. I reread this and realize I sound like I work there. No, I don't. It's just when you find a capable and honest mechanic, a plumber who fixes things right the first time, or a restaurant that suits your tastes perfectly, you cherish it. John F
(5)S C M.
All I can say is - this is "home-cooking heaven" - love the short rib and even the desserts are just like my mom makes it. And the pastrami and corn beef is great. Everyone of the people who served us are unique characters and focused on getting us the food we want...and we've been back once a week for a month...in the early afternoon. Not sure if the service would be so great when they are very, very busy...but it's great when it's quiet. Try it!
(5)Rick E.
Corned Beef Rueben is the BIZNESS!!! Best corned beef sandwich I have ever had! They put a little corned beef on rye bread with cheese and kraut and toast it. Next they pile handfulls of freshly sliced corned beef sky high. I recommend sharing this beast of a sandwich. They will cut it in half for you and give you a pickle and thousand island dressing. Get your food, Grab a seat, pay on your way out.
(5)Doug R.
I've been going here since I was a kid and the food is still amazing. I think a lot of the cooks have been there for a very long time, which helps, so you know the food is just as good as it's ever been. Corned beef, roast beef, steak, mac and cheese, spaghetti, it doesn't matter what you get. It's always great.
(5)Adam L.
I first ate at Manny's when I was probably 6 or 7 years old. I've been hooked since then and it is always my go to spot when in the area. There aren't many restaurants these days that make deli and comfort food classics with old time family recipes, which is why Manny's is so great. Another plus at Manny's are the employees. It is hard to find restaurants that have the same employees for so many years and who get to know the customers like they do at Manny's. Two thumbs up and five stars! I love Manny's!
(5)Jennifer Q.
Holy cow. This place was awesome. I love that I felt like I was on an episode of Seinfeld. It's a totally old school looking cafeteria style place...but the food is superb! I ordered a pastrami sandwich on rye and a matzo ball soup. I don't even remember what my coworkers ordered. It didn't matter, as we all loved our food and the overall experience. The pie looked really good but the portions are so ridiculous, we did not have room for dessert!! It was a little "pricy" for a soup and sandwich, around $18, but consider it a splurge for some of the best "deli" food you are going to eat. To me, it was worth it for the whole experience! Great place!
(5)M K.
This is a Chicago landmark. I grew up as a kid eating here and I hope to take my kids here one day. I always get the cornbeef sandwich which is enough for about three people. The beef stew is also excellent. If you don't know what to get just ask one of the over friendly employees that make this place so special. I forgot to mention how good the carrot cake is. You should just get it.
(5)Rick F.
A must stop joint in Chicago, the history, the presidents and local politicians, the mobsters, the guidos and thugs. This is where all of them and every class of folk comes together. I have a thing for corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, i seek out the best place in every city and make a beeline when visiting. The rude factor here is much less than other cities the people are just too friendly that are waiting on you. I was hoping for less. The matzo ball soup excellent, the potato pancakes horrible. The corned beef good. I'm sorry yelpers but the pastrami was just not good. I'll stick with the corned beef sandwich moving forward and try other things on the steam table which looked appealing.
(4)Peter D.
I want to give it four stars but it was just a little too much for the experience. $2 for a Dr. Brown's? $13 for Pastrami on Rye? Compared to Katz's in NYC, I guess this is slightly cheaper. The difference is Manny's pastrami ain't as good as Katz's. This place further proves how great Attman's Deli in Baltimore is...offering their pastrami at $6.89 a sandwich. That being said, I love the ambience here. It's totally classic Chicago and closely resembles Katz's in the cafeteria experience. The sandwich was pretty massive, I will post a picture when I get the chance. I was able to save a good portion of it for dinner the next day (this still does not justify the $13 pricetag). If you come here with another person, definitely split one sandwich. I guarantee half of it is a regular at most other places...hell they give you extra bread!!! It's also in kind of an awkward location on the cusp of industrial wasteland, UIC, and to its south Pilsen. I think I'll stick to the east coast delis for pastrami but I'd come back for breakfast.
(3)Michael G.
Best corned beef & pastrami in Chicago. One of a kind in Chicago. And Geno & Kenny make you feel welcome. Pricey but worth it. Bring your appetite! Please keep everything the same.
(5)Andrew P.
Can't go wrong. Your great deli with good food. a bit pricey, but flavor and experience make it all worth it. Corned beef on rye a must with the potato pancake, pair with matzo ball soup, and wrap with slice of pie. Heaven.
(5)Ron S.
Manny's is a Chicago institution. It's true that we are not as fortunate as NYC when it comes to deli's. So we have to seek out the good purveyors of corned beef and pastrami. (When it comes to sub shops we can go head-to-head with any town. ) Everything that's been said before is true; expensive, crowded and no atmosphere. But...Ohhhh the sandwiches. If you go for lunch you probably will only need a light snack for dinner so maybe they aren't that expensive after all. The standard order for my wife and I are a couple of pastrami & swiss on rye with potato pancakes, one kreplach and one matzo soups. Add a couple of sodas and the bill comes to $43. You get a huge amount of food. It actually may be wiser to just get one sandwich and ask for two potato pancakes and you'll still leave satisfied. For those that whine that there are dozens of delis in N.Y. that serve a better corned beef, well good for you! Chicago isn't as fortunate. But then again we have REAL pizza...
(4)Christina F.
Is it possible to eat one of their reubens in one sitting? I really don't think it is. They are huge! But I mean, they better be for the price. I think I paid around $12 for my sandwich (I have had ones just as big and good in NYC for half that). But Chicago is not NYC and I get that. The sandwich lasted me about 3 days for lunch and I was staving when I first got it. It is opened faced and loaded with meat. They give you the thousand island on the side which I really appreciated because I usually don't say anything. It kept the bread crispy toasted for the time it took me to eat it. The man behind the counter also talked me into getting a potato cake. I forgot the real name of it, but it was super good. I was hesitant about getting it, but he made me a little plate with a little piece of it and some of the corned beef and roast beef for me to try. It was a pleasant surprise the service was so good. Will definitely be back when I get another reuben craving!
(4)Hauwei L.
Manny's is a Chicago institution known for their huge corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. Rightfully so, the meat is delicious and there is enough to, as my friend Jeff puts it, "make an auxiliary sandwich if you have any extra bread." Their matzo ball soup is delicious too. Old school charm and friendly staff make this a must visit. Their menu is expansive and I'm looking forward to trying some more of it.
(5)Deena D.
I want more Mannys's, please and thank you. I had a coworker tell me the East Coaster in me would love this place so we stopped by for lunch. Definitely different from what I was expecting - walk in grab a tray and order up! We decided to go big and do pastrami & roast beef on rye, I definitely could have split this but "I'm a big girl, I need my own plate" syndrome kicked in momentarily. Oh and if you check in you get a free potato pancake (there goes my summer diet - checkyalater) The meat was perfectly seasoned, this ain't no Subway. I would definitely check out the half soup & sammy deal next time and check out their matzo since it's gotten good reviews as well. Do me a favor as well and get yourself a Dr. Brown soda as well (my personal fav is Black Cherry), you''re not fully embracing the experience without it! Large cafeteria seating and casual which was easy in and easy out. Pay as you leave and yes the total bill for 2 comes to $35 but well worth it, get that 'ish to go and you've got dinner for the rest of the week. Oh and don't forget the spicy mustard.....
(4)Erika G.
Where do I begin? To tell the story of how great a love can be . . . The sweet love story that is older than the sea . . . The simple truth about the love Manny's brings to me . . . Where do I start? With apologies to Andy Williams, but for someone who loves Reuben sandwiches as much as I do, Manny's is Mecca (with apologies to Allah too). It rivals Brett's Kitchen for Best Reuben in Chicago - but don't tell Bretts, I don't want them to fight. Headed here for a li'l pre-Valentine's day nosh - and nothing says romance like a fist-sized Reuben, baby! In MY world, anyway. This sandwich was literally like jamming a fist into my mouth - and then chewing and swallowing. Mmmmm . . . sexy, sexy meat. And I love the little bonus potato pancake that is standard issue with every Reuben. Perfectly made. Could have used a bit more kraut, but there is never enough kraut for this Kraut. Fun to scan the crowd for lunching Chicago politicos. Was very thankful that we got there before the rush - the line was already to the door when the tour bus pulled up! Seven star companion had a chopped liver and pastrami - I'd never had chopped liver (What am I?!), so this was my maiden voyage into that yid-dish (apologies to M. "7*" S.). I think it needed brown mustard. The pastrami though, yum - and even a little amuse bouche of pastrami, on the side, with the pastrami sandwich. Yum. There is so much good stuff you could eat here every day and not get bored. You might need a new wardrobe of comfortable pants with no waistbands, but dammit - you'd never be bored. So much I wanted to try - but after all, I am just one woman with one stomach. I want to come back for the goulash, the mac n' cheese, the SALAMI SANDWICH! And now to retreat to the couch with my leftover Manny's Reuben for dinner . . . ahhhhhh, I Feel Love (with apologies to Donna Summer)! And plus . . . Obama loves this place. That alone makes it wonderful.
(5)OG W.
I had the opportunity to eat here for lunch the other day, and I was blown away. This reminded me of the food I would eat back in Detroit. All of my Jewish friends parents would be impressed with the authenticity of Manny's. It's a little expensive for what it is, but the portions are insanely huge. I'm not giving it a full five stars because of the price range, but if you can get past the cost for a cafeteria you will be blown away.
(4)Vincent Y.
Great, great, great. Finally stopped by here. I ran 14$ for a latke and a corned beef sandwich which is certainly over my ordinary budget and the meat was particularly dry BUT SO MUCH FOOD. It's diner-style, it's fast, it's plentiful--if you're in the area, pay a visit. I won't say they make spectcularly delicious food but if I'm in the area, I'd like to take a trip to this classic.
(4)Gary W.
I have been coming to Manny's for years. The corned beef sandwich is the best in the city. I also like the cherry coke.
(5)Jeremy D.
WOW... Everyone is that much of a Sheep? Manny's... "World Famous"... "Rivals NYC..." Look, I'm from Chicago. Hands down... One of the WORST Reuben Sandwiches I've ever had. B I G doesn't mean good. When I'm paying $15 for a SANDWICH, I expect that it is FRESHLY made. I don't expect a "pre grilled sandwic"h (with the swiss, kraut and SOME corned beef already in it) to be grabbed off the steam table... Put into a paninni press so it is RE-GRILLED, pulled apart and have pre-sliced and room temperature corned beef to be loaded into my sandwich. Served also with an incredibly STALE and been "sitting for too long" potato pancake. Industrial grade, from a 2.5 gallon jar, Russian Dressing... OH... And a very decent pickle (didn't screw that one up)... For $15! Am I lying? Go watch them make the sandwiches! Maybe at 11:45am, the Reuben is different, but at 3:15p on a Saturday, this is when you DO NOT want a Reuben sammich at Manny's. Oh, and if you are going to charge another $3.00 for a bottled soda? Yea, I want it ICE cold and not "sir, this is how cold they are" bs... "care for a glass of ice?" No, no ice, thanks... I want a 34F soda straight out of the bottle. I want two FRESH pieces of bread piled up with Kraut and Swiss that wasn't pre-made at 10a and still waiting for me. I want my meat piled up at the same time and sliced FRESH, like I can get at Katz Deli in NYC. I want the WHOLE THING grilled together and not some half-assed "pre-make this and grill it" BS that you do. For $10, I can get a VASTLY better Reuben at three other joints in town. I don't care that you have been here since 194when-the-hell-ever. The food here is terrible and the experience isn't all that either.
(1)Ron N.
Good but we had a Pre- made Rueben that was cold. Matzo ball soup was excellent. Potato pancake was also premade sitting in a bin and cold. Ranked behind Corky and Lenny's in Cleve. Ashkenazi and 14 th street Deli in Chicago and Chompers in Phoenix. Good stacked sandwhich but no trouble finishing my own. Might have had trouble finishing a second sandwhich. It was good but have had better.
(4)Nektaria R.
Not sure if I really like this place. I've never been a fan of cafeterias, cringe, Amundsen flashback. Maybe I'm just not a fan of deli meats. Not really sure. The sandwiches are huge and God forbid if you ask what kind of bread do they have. They do not have wheat or anything healthy. The guy behind the counter really snapped at me when I asked what kind of bread they've got (kind of funny if you ask me). I really don't know how anyone can eat a whole sandwich. I really don't think it's possible. I got a corned beef on whatever bread he wanted to put it on. It was so huge, I think I ate a quarter of it. I didn't care for the potato pancakes. Not sure what they should taste like but if cold, greasy potato creation is it, then they nailed it. Tons of desserts. Those were pretty sweet. Couldn't decide on one so we shared a couple (cherry pie and chocolate cake) - very good, sweet and fresh. Not sure if I'd go back. Maybe, if only to share a properly prepared sandwich with a friend - definitely without my husband since knowing how picky he is, we'd get thrown out for sure!
(3)Patty S.
I love the old school cafeteria style and the honor system where you pay on your way out the door. This is definitely a no-frill, old school place that's all about the food. The best part is that you get to see exactly what you are ordering - from the beef stew to fish fry, and, of course, their most loved corned beef sandwiches. I wanted to order a plate of everything, but we ended up with the matzo ball soup, the corned beef & pastrami combo sandwich on onion roll (bc I don't like rye), and a slice of apple pie. The meat was piled on a mile high and there was no way I could have fit my mouth around that so I knife and fork'd it. (I know I'm probably offending someone as I'm typing this.) The corned beef and pastrami were so thinly sliced that they just melted in your mouth! I was trying to see if I had a favorite between the 2 different meats, but they were both equally good. I've never really been a fan of matzo ball soup, but this is one that I will definitely order over and over again. The soup was very flavorful and the matzo ball just melted into the soup. The best part is the side of corn bread it comes with! You can just taste the butter and slight sweetness of the corn. The apple pie was a nice ending to a great lunch! My only complaint is that I wish it was baked a bit longer as the dough on the inside was still raw. Besides that the apples weren't baked to a mush and the filing was not overly sweet and you could only take a couple of bites. I would highly recommend this landmark to anyone with a craving for a great pastrami or corned beef sandwich!
(4)Jared P.
If you like some old school bigger than your head sandwiches, look no further! This place starts out as a cafeteria type setup and, as you approach where they custom slice each sandwich, you'll get more and more attitude from the servers, in a joking way of course. The corned beef sandwich was enormous. I mean, it is literally as big as your head. I ate mine plus my potato pancake (along with my girlfriend's potato pancake). Delicious!
(4)David C.
Everything is great. Pastrami - great. Corned beef - great. Potato pancakes - fantastic. And the noodle kugel is perfect. I will be back.
(5)Sarah Beth B.
basically jewish food perfection. I don't know how better to describe it. *perfect corned beef on rye (i'm taking off 1/10th of a star bc I don't like seeded rye, but really, that's my only complaint) * I will never not love cafeteria style dining. Give in to the old-school charm! *AMAZING kreplach (what? you've never had a kreplach? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!) in light, delicate chicken broth * potato pancakes-- YUM. make sure to pick up a little dish of apple sauce for dipping. * And my favorite, source of 4.5 of my 5 stars, was the knish. WHERE HAS THIS bEEN MY WHOLE LIFE! make sure to get gravy. you will be so so happy. *phenomenal crowd-- old jews, cops, businessmen in suits, regulars, tourists-- the best. Yes, it's a little pricey-- my dr. brown's was $2.50!-- but it's not like i'm eating there every day. Plus, I could be very happy with a coke and a knish, and that is totally in an everyday budget (if you plan to gain 1000 pounds). Just eat there and be so happy the rest of the day.
(5)Long N.
This place was great. First time order was the beef stew and it was good. Next time it's going to be the famous sandwich!
(5)Stephanie L.
AHHHH, its more like a 3.5 So we got take out at this deli and I was ready to have the best sandwich of my life...unfortunately it only half delivered. So we had the matzo ball soup, reuben, brisket, potato pancake and I think that was it. The matzo ball soup was FANTASTIC! I have to admit to another one of my guilty pleasures....great soup. This did not disappoint. The matzo balls were really firm and the broth was perfect. The potato pancake was great, however, I needed like a dipping sauce or something. Something was missing. It was good, not fantastic. The reuben was really good with the side of thousand island....yummy. I could have used a little more sauerkraut, but it was still good. The brisket was dry and not flavorful at all. I dont know if they forgot the sauce or what. It was literally meat and bread...nothing exciting. Maybe we ordered wrong, I am not sure. Manny's deli will break your bank...most sandwiches are pretty pricey for just a sandwich. Did I love it, no....was it good, yes. Was it worth the drive and price...judge judy is still deciding.
(3)Kristen L.
"Holy pastrami, batman!" is what I imagine Robin would say if he saw the beautiful beast that is the pastrami sandwich from Manny's Deli. A favorite spot of the boyfriend's and mine, we come here every so often when we're really hankering for a good meal. As soon as you walk in, you get a school cafeteria like feel--you grab a tray, your own silverware and walk along the food line, picking what you want to eat. The people behind the counter are the same people I see every single time and they are friendly to boot. When you reach the end of the line, they ring up your order and allow you to sit wherever you please. I have a "usual" every time I'm at Manny's: the beef stew and matzo ball soup. The beef stew is the best I've had. The meat is tender--cut with a fork tender, as are the vegetables. The dish itself is quite filling and I always ask for a to-go container before I start eating. The matzo ball soup is also quite delectable. The matzo ball is soft, but has a great texture to it and the broth is delicious. The bf usually gets the pastrami sandwich (which comes with a potato pancake), a knish and some other dish. This time around, he ordered the short ribs. The pastrami sandwich is absolutely, mouthwatering-ly delicious. They pile the meat high on your choice of bread (usually rye or french) and add nothing more. Now, some may be thinking that it might be too dry or plain, but I say to you, don't add anything else! The flavor of the pastrami is enough alone and has so much flavor to it...almost like a mix between bacon, proscuitto and a really good ham. The knish is awesome and is best eaten when covered in gravy. The inside has a nice smooth potato texture along with a generous amount of meat. The short ribs are fall off the bone tender...literally. Barely touching it, the meat falls right off and almost melts in your mouth. The prices are a bit steep, but if you're in the mood for a great, filling meal, then you're definitely in the right place.
(5)C P.
When you go to Manny's, you're paying for the experience rather than the food. As I carefully walked toward my table, attempting to balance my tray of food and hold my strange water cup, I was reminded of being an awkward teenager stumbling through a public school cafeteria. The food was also reminiscent of a school lunch: bland but plentiful and of an undefined age (there is no way that soup was fresh). My cupcake was dry, soup bland, and salad mushy. I definitely wouldn't go back, but I suppose now I've had the "Manny's experience".
(2)Ann Marie Z.
Positives: Kitchy, unique, pretty nifty little diner Some to most of the food is good Attracts lots of different kind of people they have a magician that walks around and does sleight of hand Turkey pastrami was delicious! They have mustard and horseradish on each table Latkes were good Bus staff keeps it clean and are attentive Negatives: Surprisingly EXPENSIVE Can be overwhelming when it is busy People serving and people in line get really impatient really fast some of the food is gross and cheap, like canned '50s and '60s stuff. I got the half sandwich/soup combo and an iced tea. The total was $17. With a small cookie, my total went to almost $25! For lunch. At a place that has self-serve jello for $4 a piece. Although the Turkey Pastrami sandwich was delicious, it was not worth the price. The regular lipton's iced tea was $2.50. They sell small bowls frozen steamed mixed vegetables (think rubbery grade school green beans) for like $4-5 each. My soup was the Barley Mushroom. Honestly, it was gross. I tried but couldn't eat it. It smelled and tasted like pure molasses. I felt bad leaving it, but it was just nasty. I like the throwback feel and might be back for a sandwich, but I don't think the cost is very fair for what they serve.
(3)Nicholas C.
Manny's is exactly what you want from a deli. Its quick, it's easy, and the food is sensational. I love the old guys behind the counter serving out the assorted goodies, they have a dry sense of humor that I really appreciate. HUGE portions of food, whatever you order do not expect to leave hungry.
(5)Steve L.
If I could marry a sandwich...wait a minute, wrong website... I love this place. I make sure to stop in at least once every time I pass through Chicago. You can't go wrong with Corned beef and Pastrami combo on rye with mustard, a few potato pancakes, a bowl of soup, a half dozen pickles and a diet coke (I have to watch my figure). The service is fast, the guys at the counter are fun and will joke around with you, and the food is phenomenal (coming from a NY Jew, this means a lot) Enjoy!
(5)Mike T.
This is one of the last cafeteria style restaurants in Chicago, staffed by the same friendly group of guys for years. They serve up a great selection of food and the best corned beef sandwich on the planet! This sandwich is so big; it can easily be shared by two and that's what my wife and I usually do. We also order the beef stew to go, it is some of the best we've ever had, and it also is such a large portion that it can satisfy two. The Food: = Great! The Service: = Great self service & the guys behind the counter are great. The Price: = Considering the huge portions, moderate.
(5)Katherine M.
Not really a cheap Deli but it has the best comfort food in Chicago, especially the Kreplach which always is delicious, The stews are always excellent. Portions very large. Coming here many years and it still hits a spot. I am sad so many Delis have closed. Cafeteria style, go hungry so you can fit it all in--half sandwich really is enough. Beef brisket and roasted spuds or in gravy, yum.
(5)Michelle U.
There is no better corn beef in the Midwest! The potato pancakes with a little applesauce and sour cream are absolutely yummy! Anything you get here will be an excellent choice and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
(5)Marissa M.
Hands down the best, and very greasy, potato pancakes (Latkes) I have ever had. I used to love the corn beef sandwiches, when I ate corn beef and the pastrami isn't bad. Bring cash, last time I checked they still only take cash and the ATM is not your bank, trust me. It's very masculine and dingy, so don't take a date or look for amazing decor. This is just a place to get a GREAT sandwich with a pickle if you like them or the BEST latkes...and you can get everything to go if you want to eat at home. Small parking lot in the back. And I was eating there before President Obama!
(4)Patrick D.
This place is incredible. I have had their food a few times over the years catered at work, but today I went to the restaurant for the first time. Life changing pastrami! What a fun experience and great food. I would put this place up against Katz's in NYC any day. Tied for the best pastrami on the planet. The atmosphere is a lot of fun. At a table in front of me sat four gentlemen that could have been mobsters, and just to my left sat 3 persons in expensive suits. Love the atmosphere. I had a pastrami on a roll as recommended by the nazi staff member that had us all laughing. The matzo ball soup was decent, but a return trip for more pastrami is in order.
(5)joe k.
This place is a local neighborhood gem and as my cab driver said this is Obama's favorite place to eat deli food. It has been around since 1942 and the food is truly good and filling. Huge sandwiches or if you want a hot meal with the trimings they offer it. It is cafeteria style so you grab your tray and start pointing at what you want in line. A standard for cops and locals. It is not in downtown Chicago but a short cab ride from the center of town and closer to the McCormick Convention Center. The cab ride cost me about $8 but it was worth it.
(4)Christine S.
I only come here like twice a year... but it's a treat when I do! I mean, ya can't eat a corned beef sandwich the size of your head and keep your girlish figure, can you? Manny's is a true Chicago staple... If you're ever looking for just about any politician, you can come here and probably find them chowing down a corned beef. President Obama's favorite thing here is the cherry pie. I personally love the corned beef sandwich, potato pancake (seriously to die for), and pickle slice... if you add on a drink you'll be out the door with all of these goodies for around $20. Perfect lunch (and probably left overs for dinner).
(5)Hoang L.
Overpriced corn beef sandwiches. It's a good thing my girlfriend eats like a girl so we can actually split it because it's pretty huge. The people serving the food made me feel a little uncomfortable, almost like a peer pressure feeling that you should try their food. It felt like a contest to win me over (there were multiple servers). Not cool. Don't think I'll come back anytime soon though. I would really have to be craving corn beef and just happen to be in the area shopping. We'll see. Good luck.
(3)Grant S.
Being from Hawaii, I am not an expert of delis. Obama endorses this place, good enough for me. Gotta support my homie. So its a cafeteria, straight up. Old school, OG cafeteria. RESPECT. Grab a tray and go to town. The older gentlemen that work the line are awesome, wise beyond their years, and helpful, oftentimes offering a taste to the unfamiliar. The Reuben. Spectacufreakintacular. Huge. Filling, dressing such a compliment. 100% recommended. Fresh sides, pies, GREEN RIVER to drink. All the greatest sides to a filling meal. This place is quite pricey, but I don't rate on price, but even if I did, well worth it. Get a little of everything, spend maybe $20. Be in heaven for the rest of the day.
(5)Aaron Jae M.
I have been coming here since I was a kid. The food is delicious and you always get a ton of it. I go pastrami on rye bread with a potato pancake and extra pickle spears. You get so much meat you should get an extra plate of bread and consider trading some meat for someone else's so you can try more things. They also have ready to go "to-go" bags which is very handy since only professional eaters could finish this much food in one sitting. Obama has been there and you can order what he ordered (it's called the presidential special or something like that) but I don't really care about that since he didn't order what I ordered a.k.a. the best order. I love that their water is self service but I HATE that it is those tiny little cone cups that barely hold water and it's such a waste considering how many people go through their every day. They really need to buy some regular old plastic reusable cups, or at the very least larger disposable cups.
(5)Melanie S.
I guess with the end of the year and the beginning of a new one, I tend to wax a bit nostalgic. My first trip to Manny's was with my grampa when I was about 6. He took me to the Chernin's shoe store to buy me my first pair of black patent leather Mary Janes. Manny's was right around the corner, so he took me there for my first corned beef sandwich and a bowl of matzo ball soup. I swear that sandwich was about as big as I was and the matzo ball was bigger than my head, so Gramps and I shared it. We didn't speak, but just savored every bite. I also recall that I tried my first cream soda, and every time I think of cream soda, I think of my grampa. He was a real mensch. So times have changed. It's 2010. The world is a different place. Manny's however, remains frozen in time. The staff is the same, the menu is the same, the setup is the same. The only thing that I can think of that's different is that the same corned beef sandwich will now set you back $10.95. Is it worth it? Absolutely. If only just for the fond memories.
(5)Jane K.
This was my first experience at a New York/Jewish deli style place because I'm honestly not a big fan of pastrami/corned beef/etc. I've never had Matzo ball soup. I've never had a potato pancake. Basically I'm a total newbie when it comes to these sorts of things. But my friend was in town, she wanted to go here, and I thought "Eh, why not." Um, the real question is... why have I not been here before?!?! I had the half sandwich/soup combo deal for like, $11 or something. I chose the corned beef sandwich, matzo ball soup, and got a potato pancake because everyone kept raving about it. The water "cups" are paper snocone cups that you put in these cute red cone holders. Pretty nifty. Wow. Pretty stinkin' good. And the people at the table next to me ordered the meatloaf and spaghetti, which looked delicious even though I was already stuffed from my own meal. Shows that I'm either a true glutton or that this food just is THAT good. Also, they were dipping their potato pancakes in apple sauce... which I thought was weird... but maybe that's a normal thing because they looked like they knew what they were doing. I secretly wished I had ordered applesauce just so I could try it... next time? Anyways, definitely worth making a trip down to Manny's. Plus I got to stare at Obama's and Clinton's faces while I ate, which was cool I guess.
(4)Julie P.
We stumbled upon this place. It looked like nothing special since it reminded me kf a school lunch. I was much mistaken. I ordered the beef strew and wow the portion was huge! Big chunks of beef,carrot and potato. I couldnt make it through the whole plate full. I did also get a slice of sweet potato pie which waa delectable--very sweet. The prices arent cheap but the food is filling and very flavorful. If i was in town longer i would have come back for the lunch special. The sandwiches looked to have hearty portions.
(4)Sarah C.
Corned beef Sammies! Roast beef sammies galore! I love heading down here on a weekday, you never know who you'll run into! I'm glad that this gem of a deli hasn't expanded and the drive into the city is well worth it! I will say though that I am not a fan of the potato pancake. (don't kill me!) I ask for a plate without it, it'll save you a few bucks.
(5)Richie D.
Two words: CORNED BEEF! Put the thoughts of Uptown Sinclair's book "The Jungle" out of your head and dig in to their classic corned beef. Be sure to take advantage of their Corned Beef & Cabbage St. Patty Days special served with boiled potatoes, rye bread, Manny's mustard and horseradish. After all, Chicago has more bars and taverns per capita than any other city in the United States most likely due to its Irish influences.
(5)Kyle E.
I felt like I was on a food network show while I was in here. It was great. The guy cutting the meat was very sarcastic and funny. He hooked me up good because I told him I had walked two miles to get there, which I did and would do again! GO HERE WHILE IN CHICAGO
(5)Tom T.
Returned to Manny last nite for some deli food. This time I got Matza ball soup and half pastrami with potato pancake. My GF got brisket sandwich. Yowzah! I've concluded that the "half sandwich" refers to the fact that you get only 1 piece of bread instead of 2. The amount of pastrami given is still massive!! Yuummmyy!! The brisket is juicy, tender, and flavorful too! You just can't go wrong with Manny's!
(4)B C.
12:30pm Tuesday at Manny's is a scene out of Law and Order, or a textbook picture subtitled "cronyism." Take a look around. Listen in the cafeteria, and you'll notice you're surrounded by the lawyers, politicians, and police that turn Chicago's gears. They're big-waisted, grinning, glad-handed and confident. If you eat at Manny's with any regularity, you too will be big waisted and grinning. I accidentally ordered way too much food: a corned beef sandwich with potato pancake and a beef-stuffed knish topped with gravy. If you like mashed potatoes, you'll like the knish. My eye-popping large order constituted two separate meals. I got excited when I saw the knish and I have no regrets because it was delicious. Along with coffee, which I needed as a mid-day emergency measure against all that heavy food, it came out to $21. That's a little pricey for a cafeteria-style lunch, but like I said, it was two-meals worth. Manny's is a Chicago tradition and an interesting scene too. Without the crowd, it's probably not as interesting outside of rush hours. The food is a little more expensive than average, but it's satisfying classic deli fare.
(4)Carol K.
The line snaked through the entire diner, through the double vestibule and out to the street. Yes. I was at Manny's. Yes, it was lunchtime. Yes, I was hungry. And so it began. After striking up a conversation with the valet (yes, a diner with valet- anything to keep the people moving through), and the gentlemen on both sides of me, I waited a couple of minutes outside and then I was in! Now I have eaten in at Manny's before- but on this day- the mission was take out- a whole new experience for me as I promised a friend I'd bring over lunch some lunch. But the guy behind me in line was a pro at it and offered up helpful suggestions along the way. You still grab a tray and drag it along the silver cafeteria line. The trick is to know what they pack up behind the counter to go (soup ) and what they pack up at the end (sandwiches) I ordered the matzo ball soup (got mushroom barley, but no matter- it was hot and good) and a sandwich and a half of their corned beef. A half a sandwich, you say? You bet. These things are huge with enough corned beef for two more sandwiches (I always want more of that rye bread that they have) so depending on how big an eater you are- you probably will be fine with just a half. (my friend got the whole one and he was a happy camper!) The sandwiches come with a great pickle and a potato pancake. But as you slide along the sliver snake- you are tempted by an array of desserts, chips, pies and other treats. When you get to the end- you tell the cashier that it is to go and you hand your tray over to one of the packers. They pack up your food (it ended up looking like a lunch my mom used to make with everything wrapped in foil and put into a bag) You then cross over to the next line where you hand over your receipt and pay on the way out. Quite the perfectly run machine, if I do say so. For those who are eating in- there are plenty of tables and the same routine applies (pay on your way out) A full sandwich runs about $13.50 and you can get a half with soup for about the same price. My total on this day ran about $30 for lunch. Know before you go that there will be a line. But it moves along quickly, and within minutes you'll be eyeballing the sandwich that sits in front of you and wondering just how you are going to eat all of it. But the funny thing is? You do.
(4)Andy P.
I first came here with an old roommate of mine about four years ago. He told me about the place and I thought right away, "wtf? I don't want to eat at a deli!" I decided to go with him anyways and boy am I glad that I did. I come here often with my gf now and let me tell you this. The food here is amazing. It is a little pricey but for most items you do get a pretty big portion. Every time I come here I leave with a massive food coma. I usually get the pastrami sandwich with a potato pancake. That by itself it already pretty filling. But being the fat ass that I am I usually get a knish too and their short ribs. Let me tell you this.. their short ribs are cooked to perfection. They fall right off the bone. And the pastrami sandwich.. well just look at the pictures. Those things are monstrosities. As for the decor of the place, it looks like a cafeteria. It's pretty much an assembly line. You grab your tray and utensils and just go down the line telling them what you want. It's like those movies where you see people going down the lunch lines at school or prison waiting for slop to be handed to them but instead of slop it's food coma inducing goodness. It might sound stupid but I like the whole cafeteria assembly line idea. It's simple and yet effective. You also get to look through the counter window pane as your walking through the line and look at your choices. So instead of pictures you get to see what your food will actually look like. To me that is a huge plus. All in all, go to this place if you are ready for some hearty food coma inducing deliciousness.
(5)Meredith B.
So now that I'm out of school and have way too much free time, I visited the boyfriend at his place of employment for a lunch break! A few weeks ago, he brought home this amazing beef stew from a place called Manny's, and I insisted that he take me there ASAP! Walking into Manny's makes you feel like you are in the 1950s, taking a quick stop at the lunch counter before you go back to the daily grind. The signs are old, the staff is old (and they were paper hats!) and the food is classic. It's served cafeteria-style, which was a bit confusing at first, but nobody rushes you. I was dying for matzo ball soup, and I noticed they had a soup - 1/2 sandwich combo. I chose a turkey sandwich to accompany my soup, and the sandwich came with a potato pancake and a pickle. It ended up being a pretty darn big meal! I also grabbed a cream soda and an apple pie slice to split with the boy - assuming we still had tummy room. We took a seat at a table near a bunch of men in their '50s with loud voices and big bellies. My matzo ball soup was pretty good - hot, tasty broth, and a soft fluffy ball. ha. The sandwich....let's say I was underwhelmed. I'm sorry, but the turkey was really dry. It didn't taste bad, but it's hard to swallow since there was no moisture at all. They do give you an absolute ton of meat, however, it's almost comedic the way they stuff the meat between the bread - it seriously is spilling out of the sandwich onto the plate. I maybe ate half the meat, and it was already just a half sandwich! But yeah, I couldn't manage it without mustard for some moisture. Not gonna lie - I was not overwhelmed by the potato pancake! I like them made of grated potatoes and fried in a pan.....these seemed to be deep fried, and it just was not my style. Cream soda was delicious (though obviously they did not make that) and the pie was pretty good too. Anyway, I REALLY wanted to love this place - maybe I just need to order something else in the future. The beef stew was great, and I had a bite of my boyfriend's Reuben which was also very good. I guess I'd try an entree next time, not a sandwich, and hope for better luck there. The atmosphere is awesome though - the place is such a time warp!
(3)Cristina T.
Came here on Wednesday night and ordered a corned beef, mac & cheese, matzo ball soup and garbage salad. The corned beef was incredible-shouldn't even be considered a sandwich but a pile of huge, delicious meat. So incredible. The mac and cheese and matzo ball soup were perfect as well. The potato pancake was massive and unlike any other latke I had ever had. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. I loved the garbage salad, which also shouldn't be considered healthy as it is loaded with meat, mayo-dressing and cheese. SO good! Too full for dessert, we took a slice of cherry pie to go. Incredible as well. Great, fast service and quality food will have me going to Manny's for a long time!
(5)Recie H.
First time her on 7/02/2013;The Corn Beef and Pastrami are the bomb! A Must Food Place To Try with Other Dishes as well!
(5)Jimmy N.
I honestly do not understand why this place is so highly rated... I have been to Manny's twice, and this is my story: After recently living in NYC and dining at the famous NYC delis, I developed a fond, and admittedly pampered, taste for pastrami and corn beef. I discovered goodness and deliciousness and succulent yum-yum-yummy that is in said meat products. So when I came to Chicago I searched yelp and google for the best Jewish delis and almost all signs pointed to Manny's. Yay freakin' yay... Visit #1: Pastrami on rye. This was not pastrami... It was bad quality fatty meat left out to dry and then dipped in pastrami flavored liquid and then put into bulk onto a sandwich... The rye bread was legit though. Visit #2: Maybe my first visit was a mistake I thought. Maybe pastrami just wasn't their thing I thought. After all, pastrami is one of the holy food trinity of NYC and not of Chicago. Maybe Manny's corn beef is their charm... Visit #2 was better than visit #1. I admit Manny does have corn beef, although it is dry, quite dry, though they do have several kinds of mustards there for you to squirt on and convince yourself that you're eating a moist sandwich. I will not be visiting Manny's again.
(1)Art O.
Last spring, I visited Chicago for the first time w/ my buddy from SoCal. After I dropped my luggage at the hotel, I headed to a local bar where a handful of the patrons suggested I check out Manny's. "It's a good Chicago experience", they said. After some navigation troubles, we ended up here after a long night out. Luckily, I'd seen some show about East Coast delis and understood that you paid on your way out. There's nothing like this place in SF. We were, however, a little nervous about the ordering system and such but it was actually fun to have the deli guys talk smack about our worse-for-wear appearance. I laughed it off and the guy gave me a little extra pastrami for being a good sport. Well the pastrami sandwich was as good as advertised! And the thing was monstrous. Check out the photo I posted. Overall it was a fun experience and the food hit the spot after our all-nighter. I loved it so much, I even got a T-shirt on our way out!
(4)Sandra W.
If you like meat, come here. SO MUCH FOOD. I really like this place. I would come back. If it weren't so far south, I would go more often. I saw Manny's Deli on the Food Network on "Good Eats" with Ted Allen and I told myself that I'd go try it. I went with 3 other girls. One ordered the Pastrami sandwich, one ordered the corn beef sandwich, one ordered the beef stew and matzo ball soup, and I ordered the Rueben Sandwich. The amount of food that was sitting in front of me was ridiculous. All of us could only eat half our sandwich. It's just as good eating them as leftovers as anything. We also had pickles and potato pancakes with our sandwiches. It was just so good. I really want to go back. The place itself reminds me of an old Deli (which it is) and a cafeteria. I wish there was something like this around where I live. I like the atmosphere. Everyone there was extremely nice and friendly. Great experience. A+
(5)Hungry M.
Are you kidding me!!!!!!!!!!! Planned on going here for lunch yesterday and couldn't get my mind off of it. Today I enjoyed the corned beef, piled high, on rye w/potato pancake and pickle spear, WOW. The fresh horseradish on the table pushed it over the top, amazing!!!!!
(5)Ron C.
Just absolutely the best deli in America, that's all. Whenever I visit Chicago, I head to the Jefferson Street location for corned beef, pastrami, matzo ball soup, potato pancakes, et al. I even maneuver travel so that I have enough time at Midway to partake in Manny's cuisine and often on Chicago vacation will go to Manny's Midway for a meal before heading into the city.
(5)First L.
We've been eating here since before Barry became Barack. Along with all of the cops, judges, lawyers, and other gustatory geniuses who understand that sometimes you just need a mountain of meat for lunch. Parking in back of the building or you can valet. So you go for the first time for a pastrami on rye, pickle, and potato pancake. Maybe you do that a few more times when you finally realize you can take half of your sammich home with you (they have to go stuff at the first register). So you start ordering a little extra, like a bowl of awesome kreplach, or matzoh ball soup. Then you get a little crazy one day and order some crazy deli fare that is really traditional food. Finally, you're buying one or two pounds of pastrami - half turkey half regular once or twice a week and the guys at the counter treat you like you ARE Obama because they see you so much... That last little bit was, er, something I heard, er, from a friend. Yeah, that's it. A friend. So go early to avoid the rush. In fact, you can start there for breakfast now...just think fried potatoes, eggs, and corned beef or pastrami that you used to have to suffer half of the day through just to get some... Go. Park. Enjoy. And if you haven't been to Manny's yet, welcome to Chicago!
(4)Jenna S.
Best thing outside of Katz's in NY. It's my total "Oopsy I flubbed up, here boo, have a Manny's Meal" for my fiance. But, honestly, I'm such a fan too! The potato pancakes are heavenly. The noodle keugle is to DIE for. And of course, how can you go wrong with the corned beef on rye with the Manny's mustard? I always way over indulge on food here...some reason I just can't help myself when I walk in those doors. Perhaps it's the photos of the prez that put me in a trance?
(5)Dan G.
Oh Manny's! How I lament, how melancholy I am that it's PASSOVER and I need some of that soft, warm, slightly crusty, delicous rye bread to hold me together! Mannys, I'm telling you, I need just a little bit. I know we were slaves and now were not, and parting the red sea was the bomb don't get me wrong but come on how better to celebrate freedom and life then a stop in your hospital-like-lighting dining room, if it wasn't for all that leavened bread goodness! To gaze down on my high-school-lunch-room orange/red color tray, neatlly organized with plates of love and delicous Jewishness. Watching your guys slice me fresh pastrami and corned beef and stuff it onto a seemingly impossibly small piece of warm rye bread. To gaze longingly over at the beef stew...stewing, but to look forward in great antcipation to moving down the line - the latke awaits! Oh and so does the chicken soup, kreplach bigger than your ears. And just past that the rack of OMG good blueberry pie. This has to be what it feels like to be an angel getting your wings. Oh and theres WiFi too and even a valet. I love you Moses, but man I miss you Mannys....just for a few days anyway.
(5)Pete V.
I had to stop into Manny's tonight to redeem my groupon before it expires next weekend. I wasn't expecting much after reading the yelp reviews, but damn this place is good. The pastrami on rye sandwich was outstanding. Delicious, flavorful pastrami on fresh, hearty rye...now that's the way pastrami should be served! The matzo ball soup was very good and the potato pancake was a delightful accompaniment to our meal. And did I forget to mention that you can get a Pilsner Urquell for $4? My only advice is that they definitely have a standardized method for dining here. Grab a tray, order, grab your drinks, get your receipt, eat in the big (not the small) dining area, and then pay. DO NOT deviate from this order or you may cause all hell to break loose. Abide by this order, grab a delicious sandwich and a beer, and just enjoy the goodness of Manny's deli.
(4)Kristopher K.
Best pastrami in the city! I usually get the half sandwich with a bowl of matzoh. Always get the potato pancake (latke) too. Prices are a little high but I think they take credit card now. The place is cafeteria style, so you walk up to the counter and tell them what you want. They then ring you up and give you a receipt; you pay after you eat. Usually the cooks will make a Yiddish wisecrack at you too, but they're harmless. I usually just say some smartass thing back to them and sometimes they give me extra food Enjoy the politicians, this place has plenty
(5)Maarten M.
Amazing food.., everything is delicious! This is the place to go when in the City!
(5)Brandon T.
This place is by no means as good as the stars beside it's name make it appear to be. Seriously nostalgia is the only thing keeping the doors open. Went here after seeing it on the food network best thing I ever ate program. Super disappointed. Got a corned beef sandwich, not complaining about the portion size, but the meat was cut in the morning and slapped on bread in the afternoon. The decor is disgusting, and the coleslaw was sub par. Seriously read some of the reviews and question why people give five stars and say the food wasn't that good? Just because your dad ate here 20 years ago doesn't make it amazing, or even good for that matter.
(2)Rustin F.
"Whoa! A real life cafeteria! And a deli! No wonder this place is so famous. This is gonna be awesome. I'm just gonna try a little of everything, and there are supposed to be huge portions, right? This place is so old and outdated, I could probably get all of this for $10, maybe $15 max. I'm sure as hell not paying for the location or the atmosphere. Oh, the side of mac & cheese is $6 alone? That's weird, but whatever, I just won't get that. So matzo ball soup, pastrami sandwich that comes with a potato pancake, little bowl of cole slaw, and Coke. "The food looks good. And everything tastes alright, except the potato pancake is stale. Okay, the cole slaw sucks, too. Wait... what does it say on the receipt? $25?? And you charged me for the potato pancake you didn't ask me if I wanted? Whatever. I'll put it on my card. Oh, what's this? A line for a tip? They must have forgotten that they don't offer any table service." TL;DR: The food is fine, but there is absolutely no reason to charge so much given the lack of service, atmosphere, and location. And know that everything's á la carte.
(2)Keith D.
This is an update just to recognize Chicago Magazine's #17 Sandwich on their top 50 - Manny's Corned Beef. Huge Fan! The corned beef is everything Chicago is. The potato pancake is just a bonus. Once you add in all the ambiance, it's no surprise that this sandwich makes the top 20. There's something about the mustard. It's the first place I recommend when people tell me they're coming to Chicago.
(4)Tina B.
I love you Manny, but fucking ass - I bought a (one, single) sandwich, a drink, some fruit and an extra latke the other day and it cost $25 motherloving dollars. Got-daaaaaaaaaaamn. That is really unappetizing. It was hella delicious and all, but seriously? Daaaaaaaaaaammmmn!
(4)Dennis S.
Great food, marginal atmosphere, a Chicago institution. It's cafeteria style with some serving pans behind the counter displaying food that is less than appetizing. And you have to watch the extras they offer - many of them have a charge attached when you pay. But many items are exceptional. They have great matzo ball soup. Awesome corned beef, served in huge portions. Potato pancakes that look marginal, but taste great. The cherry pie is good for a mass produced pie. The great deal is a half sandwich and a bowl of soup. That half sandwich would be a large full-size sandwich elsewhere. Coffee refills are free. The place has a casual diner atmosphere, but it's huge. You pay as you leave, from the check they gave you at the end of the food line. Manny's has free parking in back, and free valet parking most of the time. Can't beat that.
(4)Chris K.
Solid reuben sandwich. Watch them slice the corned beef fresh as they make your sandwich. Expensive for a no frills type of place, but you are getting a big meal that could feed two people... if you don't mind fighting over the potato pancake that comes with it. The service was good and the guys making the sandwiches had a sharp sense of humor. Make sure to couple of bucks on you to leave the bus boys who clean up after you. I wanted to love this place... and while I enjoyed it, I can't say it was great. The potato pancake was a nice surprise though. I'd also like to try the matzo ball soup the next time I'm there.
(3)Tony B.
Nothing else like it in Chicago, but Manny's is pricy. A plate of beef stew is $13.95. It's a lot of food, but damn near 14 bucks for stew at a cafeteria? That's just plain expensive. Recently they awkwardly leased some floor space inside the dining room to a ticket broker. A ticket broker! I've uploaded a photo. Very weird.
(4)Betsy H.
It's as fantastic as people say, but here is my suggestion, DON'T OVER ORDER. I was so hungry going in and everything looked great and we truly only ate half of what we ordered as the sandwiches are huge. But if you have a fridge to store leftovers in, go wild!
(5)Alex F.
This place was not what I expected, but I had a decent experience. This is not a deli in the traditional sense (or maybe it is), but a cafeteria. You tell the guys behind the counter what you want and they scoop it out or cut it up for you. I heard their pastrami on rye was amazing here, so I got that. It came with a latki. The price? $15! This is a ridiculous price for a super casual, old school deli. Summary: The food is pretty good (what I ordered at least), but the cost is very prohibitive. I'm glad I went once, because it was like visiting a museum of Chicago history, but once is enough.
(3)Andres D.
Today I visited Manny's for the first time and had their thursday daily special "Chicken Breast w/ Rice". Would I have ordered something different had I been there before....of course. I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed with the large food selection so I panic! It is a fairly large establishment with plenty of tables more then ready to accomodate large groups. The logo says it on the sign "cafeteria & delicatessen" and you are getting exactly that except this food is better then your highschool lunches. From moments glance I did see other people dining on meatloaf, beef stew, short ribs, knish, roast beef sandwiches and salads. Once I finished my meal I was confused to where the garbage cans were....then it hit me, just get up and walk to the front of the restaurant and pay your bill. They have a very quick clean-up crew. I also like how they brand their image with stickers across all their pastries on they way out. If you are an early bird they open at 5AM and serve breakfast. I also like the spend $10 or more here and you get FREE valet, or else they have a FREE open lot in the back.
(4)Michael S.
Lox-O-Meter needs no Cialis at Manny's. Manny's is King of the Yid-dish. Today the sign at lunch said "Pickled Tongue. First Come, First Served." So, I came. But the tongue was gone before I got there. I suppose the veteran counter man sensed my culinary blue balls, so sensing the Gestalt of the moment he suggested a pastrami and chopped liver sandwich. yelp.com/biz_photos/5n86… Purrrrfect. And there ain't no recession at Manny's. There was a line out the door. Excellence speaks for itself. yelp.com/biz_photos/5n86…
(5)Jacob G.
The food at Manny's is very good. I've been going to this place for many years. It's a classic restaurant in Chicago that everyone should try at least once.
(4)Sarahmond W.
If you're looking for a corned beef or pastrami sandwich this IS the place to go. Best corned beef and pastrami in the city, hands down. The knishes are off the chart too.
(5)Sourma K.
Listen I'd be silly if I didn't say that the reason I went to Manny's isn't because of Barack Obama but maybe that's just as silly, either way who cares. Manny's is the definition of a true deli and the neighborhood its in is the perfect location, it sort of goes to the ambiance. Be prepared you will need to know what you want to order and if not don't get in line. The old boys seem to be one roast beef sandwich away from anger management classes but hey its Chicago having an attitude comes with the territory I guess. And besides since Barack Obama really helped put this place on the map you can imagine how many more customers they've gotten. But at the end of the day, I highly recommend checking this place out at least once, it is sort of pricey and shockingly for a deli - but again I think they've more than capitalized on their fame. The roast beef or pastrami are amazing.
(5)M F.
Best pastrami sandwich you'll ever have. Come hungry and expect to leave with a to-go bag.
(5)Colleen C.
Never have I ever...eaten at Manny's. Or a "real" deli, for that matter! I know, I know...seriously, get with it Colleen. No one ever took me, and I never know what to get! So, finally. Went to Manny's with a gal pal that knows her stuff before heading to a show downtown....Colleen and corned beef, finally united! Ok, not really...I had the fantastic turkey burger slathered in luscious onions, a side of well-cooked green beans, 2 pickles (mmm, love non-neon pickles and Manny's has 'em), and a cup of turkey chili, small diet coke. A LOT of food for about $16...I could have probably forgone the chili, but could not resist... I kind of dig the counter service/cafeteria vibe with overhead sterile lighting. Screw traditional ambience, Manny's rocks the old school charm. All walks of life eating, chatting. Retired cops. Children. Group of girls. Pair of guys. Old man with newspaper. Old lady with glasses. Everyone likes good food, c'mon now! I like that you pay on your way out (as opposed to when you make it through the counter line)...as it really encourages you to eat more. I mean really, we all need to eat more these days! Go get another matzo ball soup or pastrami sammich. Manny wants you to eat! Parking is a breeze. Free valet, and there are a million meters up and down the street (though they are 25 cents for 15 minutes now, thanks Daley! Do you NOT want me to have that second helping of dessert? I don't have time now because my meter ran out, so I'll blame you if I starve to death!) ::::end fake rant:::: Ending: I need to go back for lunch or breakfast, but the food is pretty phenom, and it's fast food that's not awful. In fact, it's quite the opposite...
(4)Justin W.
Look if you live anywhere with in the Chicago area and haven't eaten here yet, you are out of your mind. My girlfriend brought me here after experiencing it with some co-workers a while back. This is a type of deli that should have died during the 80's or 90's. But, they are doing everything right that's it's probably hard to fail. Some of the guys that work here look like they have been their whole life, and are still happy. I couldn't believe the size of my sandwich(the pastrami) and the potato pancake was amazing. The sandwich was so juicy and delicious it is going to make it hard to eat that crappy grocery store deli pastrami ever again!
(5)Michael B.
I have been coming here since I was a kid. I guess it is just that kind of a place. One where your grandpa took your dad and he takes you. Everything about this place makes you feel like you are in a New York (jewish) deli. The seating is exactly as you would expect; hundreds of tables packed with hungry, over-sized people who talk too loud for their own good. The only difference is that the food is better. Trust me. I have taken many of my fellow jewish friends to Manny's and each time they have been blown away with the food! In most cases we end up coming back 2 times in the same week, which, if you know Manny's sandwiches, is CRAZY! each one is large enough to feed an army. Now on to the food...I must admit I have been a creature of habit when it comes to Manny's. I consistently get the same corned beef sandwich on rye with a potato pancake and side of apple sauce and two pickle slices. When I am famished I also go for the matzoh ball soup as well (as if I didn't have enough sodium in the sandwich). Oh and speaking of habit, each time I have gone to Manny's for the last 15 years or so, the same gentleman has prepared and stacked my corned beef sandwich! Yes, the same person every time. He goes by "The General" or something as ridiculous as that and I swear that each time I come he adds 5 slices of corned beef from my previous visit...prepare for leftovers! Summary: If you are looking to have a great meal with a home-cooked feeling then Manny's is for you! Believe me, you will not go away hungry and you will not be disappointed in the food.
(5)Jeremy S.
Manny's is my kind of place... and yes the fact that it is an old school Jewish deli wins major points with me... This is the type of place to go to if you are starving. You get a monsterous sized handful of corned beef sandwiched between two thin slices of rye. Throw in some old school Matzo ball soup and nice fried up potato pancake, and you are ready to rock and roll! Manny's wins for a bunch of reasons. 1) I got to shake Rahm Emmanuel's hand (not a coincidence, but a fundraiser at Manny's). I cordially invited him to sit and eat with my friend and I, to which I was turned down so that he could go shmooze the crowd. I guess he has the right idea, I'm not chock full of cash and don't have that much influence (yet), but a few more Yelp! reviews and he'll no better to take me up on that offer the next time around. 2) The food is solid and you get a ton of it. Please see the previous notes above regarding Mannys a "place to go if you are starving". 3) The family who owns the restaurant is awesome. It's been family owned for four generations, and it is a very important historical spot. Jews unite, we do have food options outside of slice of life. THANK GOD. Manny's until next time my good friend, I'll be coming hungry.
(5)Billy M.
A Chicago staple that serves delicious corned beef on rye's with a potato pancake among many other things. Everything is delicious and the atmosphere is great. If corned beef is not your thing then order the pastrami, it's my favorite. All around great old school atmosphere. A woking man's kind of place. Enjoy!
(5)Geoffrey D.
Now THIS is a deli. Ever been to Katz's in NY? Manny's is just like that. But with a different name. And in the midwest. Mammoth portions, excellent meat and a no-frills cafeteria-style experience. Bring your appetite, and your wallet.
(4)Kymberly J.
The groupon brought me here but the food will keep me going back! I love a good corned beef and I think I found the best. This even tops the $17.00 corned beef sandwich I had in NYC a few years back. Juicy, tender, melt in your mouth and full of flavor. MMM MMMM MMMM! I got the best ever potato pancake with my sandwich too! Walking in was like stepping back in time. I love places that dont change and this is surely one of them. No frills, old fashioned font on the menu board which has probably served the same menu since my parents were born - nothing fancy and new (except for the foccacia) just good and simple home-style cooking.
(4)J J.
I've eaten here a couple of times and it seems like the meat quality on sandwiches vary from visit to visit. Pros: Definitely good corned beef, if you can get sliced very thin, else its rather fatty and grisly if its too thick. Love many of their sides: potato pancake, kugel, knish, mushroom barley soup and chicken soup. Cons: pricey! my meal was $26! that is a soup and half sandwich, soda, two side dishes and a piece of pie! In fact, I don't even go there anymore because they charge too da#$ much for a side and don't include them with the meals or sandwiches. the pastrami I had was a bomb: fatty and grisly, and I really don't think any meat was there at all!
(3)Cindy D.
Great food here at this cafeteria style restaurant. Pastrami sandwich is awesome. Also got the Monday special of shortribs. Delish! Would go again, and it's about $15/pp.
(4)Mike C.
MANNYS. Get the half pastrami, half corned beef sandwich, it's so good I could literally scarf it down in 10 seconds even though its huge. They have a half sandwich plus soup combo. Grab your receipt and pay after eating, that combo is like $14 which is worth it cause you're gonna leave happy and you will be for the rest of the day.
(5)Kyle H.
Here is your mission should you choose to accept it: Codename: Thanksgiving Expansion Location: Manny's You know what I'm talking about, if you eat more the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, you'll increase your intake abilities and thus increase your overall joy of Thanksgiving! Ever notice how hungry you are on the Friday after? Yep, you feel me. It's a Thanksgiving sure thing, like a Lions' Loss! So let's beat Thanksgiving at it's own "game", and institute a Wednesday "Thanksgiving Expansion"! And I suggest we institute it at Manny's, a Chicago Institution. Manny's is a cafeteria-style deli, serving it up old school. I mean, it's literally like going back to the Third Grade! You take a tray and shuffle down the line past succulent white fish, tongue, corned beef sandwiches, matzo ball soups, beet and cucumber salads, jello squares...The selection can be daunting and in my case, I just asked the Beef Tongue guy where I could get a Chicken Salad sandwich, since I knew I had seen it once before. It's down in "Salads", not in the "Sandwich" area...check. My sandwich was piled so high it nearly came up to my chin. Same with my co-workers' corned beef sandwiches! This is where the Expansion comes into play. I ordered a cucumber salad simply to try to eat more healthy, it was delightful. It made the 50% Polish part of me sing with Old World delight! The chicken salad was a nice grind of chicken that you could tell wasn't ordered frozen. It was fabulous! But one downside to Manny's is that the prices are pretty high for cafeteria-deli items; so my co-workers and I go pretty infrequently. And then in my forgetfulness I tried to eat the whole sandwich. Talk about expansion...and then all I wanted to do was sleep through my afternoon meetings! I imagine many shady City deals have been transacted over lunch at Manny's. It's home to old school politicians and "Chicahgah" types, that like a good toothpick after their meal...or a cigar, or M&Ms or that Violet gum that your grandmother bought. Yeah, Manny's has a candy counter with all of these items as you walk out to pay your bill! "Thanksgiving Expansion" people! Let's do this thing.
(5)Byron L.
The meat in the pastrami and cb hash melted in my mouth. The turkey in the sandwich was soft. The ball in the metzo bowl was moist. The kugel was like a sweet lasagna cake. Absolutely delicious and price is fantastic.
(4)Julie A.
I'm wowed and amazed that I have never been here before. What have I been missing? A LOT! I came here with my parents during a bustling lunch hour on a Wednesday, and even though I feared parking and seating would be an issue, it wasn't. I didn't see the free parking lot, or the complementary valet, but I'm happy after I parked two blocks away that I'm aware of it now. Walking in I felt like I went back in time. I loved the cafeteria style space, and the selection was outstanding. I had the Obama special, sans the cherry pie (corned beef sandwich + potato pancake) and my dad has the pastrami on rye. It was delicious. Places like this are a treasure, and everyone needs to check this place out. I found myself staring at the guys behind the counter, because I felt like it was a real-life version of an old photograph. Totally cool. I'm definitely going back this weekend - I can't stop thinking about it!
(5)Phil T.
Its not possible to go into a meat coma from a Sammy, right?!? Don't think so then come to Manny's on the south side!!! As I was torn from the ever popular corned beef then I saw they do pastrami as well. Undecided and as the line moves so does your order, guys asking what ya want in like new yorker accents. Makes the ordering even that more nerve racking bc no one likes to be the rookie orderer! I had a face like a light bulb just went off in my head. I asked for a combo of both meats on rye. Sure thing and slaps both meats into the grinders and reminded me of the mad scientist he was soooo happy to just see juicy slices of meat come onto his hand. I think he even was drooling as I was! lol Comes w/ a killer potatoe pancake and the housemade mustard and horseradish can be found at the tables, both are killer! I know, I know so what meat was better? Answer: Neither, do the combo you get the best of both flavors then combined together is even better. I loved my order and will go back for the same thing. You do get a full cow in between some bread so be prepared to eat! FYI you pay at the end and not at the beginning...
(5)Dolly K.
You will never find a better corned beef in Chicago, they sell out of my favorite the roast beef by 1pm, I normally hate pastrami but theirs I truly enjoy. Great Matzo ball soup. Their breakfast is terrible sorry and their latke's are an insult to the potato pancake. The old timer who cuts the meat in front of you when you order is the Deli Nazi of Manny's. He is so personable and fun. I know it looks like a dinghy diner, who cares, the quality is there.
(4)Jess H.
I bet this place was AMAZING back in the day. And I bet they didn't charge you $10-$15 for a sandwich full of dry/greasy meat on limp bread. Yes, it's a kitschy deli. Which is cool in its own right. (1 point) And yes, the sandwiches are as big as your face. Which is always tempting. (1 point) But, I've had much, much better for the same cost. And only a little bit worse for a much less cost. Also, I have to factor in that it exists in a part of town that is not easily accessible to me, living in Lakeview. In fact, it's an hour bus ride - one way. Sorry Manny's - I don't think I will be returning anytime soon.
(2)William L.
Manny's holds a very special place in my heart. My family and I have been going way out of our way to visit Manny's during the holidays for many years now. With good reason. If you want a great hot meal and don't give a hoot about "ambiance" or any of that garbage, go to Manny's. The corned beef is outstanding, only trumped by the pastrami sandwich (in my oh so humble opinion). The potato pancakes are always fresh and crispy. Also try the beef stew on a cold day, it's sublime. The crowning glory is the spaghetti. I believe it's only served on Saturday (I may be wrong), but it is incredible. The sauce is better than my mom's homemade sauce, but don't tell her that. It's sweet, rich, and has just enough meat to do the job right.
(5)Maija D.
OH come on it doesn't get any better than this! Old style Kosher Deli. This is better than the Carnegie in NYC or the Roxie, and just as good as then old Wolfies. Simply the best! We go there and get take out and we eat there too. Their corned beef is the best ever! And their Latke's rock! I just salivate by writing this! They cater. Gotta try it. I have only lived here for 10 years and love this place.
(5)Tracey M.
The first thing I noticed about Manny's when I walk through the door is its bare bones, sterile environment. I'm talking; this makes your high school cafeteria look like an upscale steakhouse. The second thing is that it is in fact cafeteria style dining. If these two things make you cringe, I suggest you do not read any further. However, if you are like me, and you appreciate such an old-school environment/experience, please stay with me a bit longer. The selection of items on the menu is vast. There is so much to choose from and too little space in the stomach to have it all. Though pricey, you do get a lot of food. A lot of TASTY food. Personally, I only got through one quarter of my sandwich, but that may have had something to do with the fact that I also indulged in a side of mash potatoes and gravy and the potato latke that came with my sandwich. The folks who work behind the counter are real characters (which I just loved) and great service all around. Some other tidbits about Manny's include: * They offer Dr. Brown's sodas here - good to know before you grab one of the assorted run-of-the-mill pop products. * They have free parking. It's a small lot, but free nonetheless. * On Saturdays there is a magician that goes around entertaining patrons. * To-go bags are available. I recommend if you anticipate before you sit down that you won't be able to finish, ask for one as you get your check. (It will save you a trip at the end of your meal.) All said and done, I can see why people have been flocking to Manny's for almost seven decades. If II lived closer, I would surely be back often.
(4)Stephanie J.
Paid almost 8 bucks for a Sausage, Egg and Cheese sandwich (yes, SAMMICH!) and coffee. I could have made it at home myself and brought it to work to eat cold. No one there was personable (I had to ask someone to take my order. And it was dead!) and just stared at me waiting for me to leave. I prefer the family restaurant around the corner (Eppel's) or the bakery across the street (Bake For Me). No, thank you.
(1)Kimberly L.
Wow, I cannot believe what a mediocre experience I had here. How very disappointing. We brought an out-of-towner here in search of the perfect potato pancake. I tried the half sandwich and salad combo and had one latke on the side. I was really looking forward to the turkey pastrami on rye but frankly Jewel deli meat is probably more flavorful. The potato pancake was also really bland. Even sour cream and apple sauce couldn't help it. And this place isn't a bargain either. Add to that a loud busboy who kept throwing dishes as loudly as possible into a nearby bus pan every two minutes and we had us a real bust on our hands. I won't be back.
(2)Tiffany S.
I really wish I was Jewish. Stepping into Manny's, I almost felt like an immediate "member of the tribe". How about some kugel? Want some latkes? Don't forget the apple sauce... The food is good for starters. They're not stingy with the portions (in fact, probably overly generous), and everything is delicious in the homey, coffee shop kind of way. For me, the real draw was the atmosphere. I love the cafeteria style service, the counters, the process. They make eating at Manny's an experience, that seems to be grounded in tradition, efficiency, and service. Which to me, makes the experience far more authentic, and I will definitely be back!
(4)Kristin S.
There isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said. Basically, every Chicagoan should get down to Manny's at some point for a corned beef sandwich and matzo ball soup (though the corned beef and potato pancake is really where it's at, yum!). The cafeteria style can seem a little intimidating at first, but everyone there was friendly and helpful and the food was delicious! There's a parking lot out back, but I could see it filling up at busy times, so go during an off time if you're driving. Just make sure you go!
(4)Benjamin S.
One of the greatest sandwiches in the city. WOW.... Just about a pound of corned beef on some rye a potato pancake, what a day. You need to make sure that you ask for thousand island dressing and all the sides are over priced. But the sandwich really is on point! Valet available everyday and sometimes needed... Keep it up Manny!
(4)Mikey J.
Went here with my two friends from Hahvahd. For east-coast academic elite, they sure were excited for some good ol' working class pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. They also liked the fact that a fellow alum (Obama) had visited the place earlier. While the sandwiches was dandy (flavorful and moist) and the place is brimming with nostalgia, I was overall not too impressed with Manny's. The food is overpriced, ($12 for a deli sandwich?) and the desserts made me frown. If I'm ever in the area, I'll probably come back but don't think I'd go out of my way for this deli.
(3)Jonathan C.
just went with my fiance there for V-day. Nothing says I love you like hot corned beef and a big greasy pastrami sandwich. Ahhhh good times.
(5)Corinna K.
Heard this was a pretty good sandwich place so we decided to come by and try takeout from here. When I walked in for pickup, I was pleasantly surprised at the cafetaria style eating area. Wouldn't mind coming in to try it out one day. The sandwiches were pretty costly...almost $12 a sandwich. So imagine my surprise when we opened up everything at home and noticed that it was just that...a sandwich consisting of just the bread and meat..lots of it to be fair...but nothing else. It came with little packages of fast-food style condiments, no lettuce, cheese, tomoatoes, or anything for that matter. It did come with a sliver per order of crunchy pickles. But for the price, it must be that good that it doesn't need anything to compliment it right? Hmm, not really. The corned beef on rye was good. This one lived up to it's popularity. Corned beef was tender. The pastrami on onion roll was also very good. But what would make both sandwiches even better is if it came with a more gourmet type mustard or horseradish or some sort of brown mustard versus the yellow mustard packets that came with the order. On the other hand, the roasted turkey sandwich on white bread and the roast beef sandwich on wheat was dry dry dry. The roast beef sandwich was tasteless and the texture was rough. Felt like I was chewing on cardboard. The whole thing was just extremely hard to swallow. We ended up throwing half of it away. The turkey was a little better, but still dry and tough. The wheat and white breads were nothing special. I think the Butternut and Wholesum breads i get from the grocery store tastes better and is softer. For the price we truly expected these two sandwiches to be something at least decent. The potato pancakes were thick and huge. Not crunchy, but I'll blame that on the order being a takeout. It was very oily though tasty enough. My kids loved it and ate only that, but both ended up with diarhea afterwards. Overall decent if you order the right sandwiches. Lots of meat in their sandwiches which could be a good or bad thing. I wouldn't mind a trade-off where there is slightly less meat and maybe the order comes with fries or at least some decent condiments. I might still try the cafetaria style food, but i will need to be really hungry and desperate if I am going to pay $12 for a sandwich from here.
(3)Jessica Y.
One of my suppliers at work took my co-worker and I out to lunch at Manny's, which is closeby their office and apparently one of Obama's favorite food destinations in Chicago! The inside is just like a traditional American deli. Nothing too impressive, but long lines and lots of meat! Manny's is known for their corned beef sandwiches, so that's what I tried of course! Sorry, but like the deli itself, it was none too impressive. I couldn't figure out what makes it so popular! I really tried to give it a chance, even trying out their salad and soup, but it just didn't do anything for me. The meat was salty and too heavy. The meat portion they give you is probably 1.5x the size of the bun and I was sure it was clogging my arteries as I ate it! So 3 stars to Manny's, but I probably won't go back again.
(3)Jonathan K.
I know this place has the power of lore behind it. And the decor nor staff seems to have changed since the 1950s. (Reminded me of Katz's.). But just in terms of food, not all that. The pastrami was... Meh. The bread wasn't hme made or fresh. The matzo ball soup broth wasn't rich from bones and time. The matzoh ball was too large and fluffy. Hard to believe Bergstein's in the south suburbs has better food!
(3)Jake M.
If nostalgia and good food is what you're looking for, Manny's is where you need to be. Grab a tray, wait in line, and take a step back in time 60 years. It starts with nourishing chicken broth (the cure for everything) with either a huge matzah ball, ground beef filled kreplach dumplings, noodles, or rice in it and a plate of bakery bread (rye, bagel, etc). Next, there's the sandwich. If it's you're first time here, you will get a corned beef and pastrami combo sandwich on rye. The corned beef is excellent, but the pastrami, oh my god the pastrami, is the juiciest, most flavorful you will ever eat in your life. The way the rye absorbs the meat juices is like taking a trip to heaven. All you need is a few squirts of yellow mustard. Also, one cannot forget the garlicky deli pickle and earth shakingly crispy potato pancake (the recipe of which is framed somewhere in the restaurant). On the way out you could grab some dessert but chances are you're too full. Manny's is the best deli in the area, I'll be back and so will you!
(5)Bob A.
Wow! The corned beef sandwich was huge! So was the bill. But I'm not complaining, probably got served 2 lbs of corned beef on my sandwich. Added bonus! FREE parking at the rear of the building,,that's worth $10 bucks, so overall not bad. Again, the food was awesome.
(4)F M.
I've been here many times and it is always great. Be Warned - this is a cafeteria style DELI. Don't go here looking for a regular restaurant. Grab a tray slide it down the counter and go nuts. I think some of the people preparing the food behind the counter have been there forever and the consistency shows. Huge portions, prices are not cheap but they are reasonable. Best pastrami I've ever had. Great corned beef. I'm getting hungry typing this - can't wait to go back.
(5)Maggie R.
Best deli food ever!! I love the pasta salad. It's delicious!
(5)Jason L.
A Chicago staple for 4 generations! Great corned beef, great spaghetti, no frills and cafeteria style. I've been going here for 24 years and will keep going for another 24!
(5)Marko V.
I've been to Manny's probably about 120 times, give or take 20 corned beef sandwiches. And wouldn't you know it, I've ordered a corned beef every single one of those visits. I guess that says something. Something happened this particular visit though; I was given several pieces of Pastrami for free. Holy vagina it was good. I will be going the half and half route my next visit, which is hopefully soon.
(5)Colleen B.
If you like dirty cafeterias with yellowing furniture, grabby lunch ladies, and ridiculously expensive yet mediocre food, you'll LOVE Manny's. It's disgusting, but somehow it's a Chicago legend. If you're in from out of town, try it. Otherwise, just know that it exists.
(1)Stephanie B.
I am currently in a state of food coma as I just came back from Manny's for lunch. This place rivals the likes of Carnegie's and Bloom's in New York. I simply cannot wait to go back! Sandwiches the size of your head. Savory matzo ball soup. Homemade kugel and Knish. For the portions that come stacked on your plate, the prices are really appropriate. Today was my first experience with this deli, and it did not disappoint! I was overwhelmed with the varieties of foods prepared. The specials that day included oxtail stew, chicken and dumplings, and other specialties. I grabbed a tray and tried to make my decision as quickly as possible (given the evergrowing line). Thank god for my prior research on yelp and the website I was able to narrow my choices down quickly. I opted for a schmorgesborg of foods: 1/2 a corned beef sandwich on rye which comes served with a pickle and a latke, and a bowl of mazto ball soup. To wash it all down I opted for a Dr. Brown's cream soda. Next time, I might just go out on a limb and try that Celery pop! Everything was delicious. My meat could have been a little leaner, but apparently I hadn't specified a lean cut. I wasn't aware I could do that. At least, for next time, now I know! The stone ground mustard was amazing to swipe my corned beef in. I can proudly say I am a member of the clean plate club for Manny's, and I cannot wait to go back.
(4)Liz P.
I went to Manny's a few weeks ago, and my only regret is that I ordered my own sandwich - the portions are crazy huge! I should have split a plate with my friend. The food was good and the staff was really nice.
(4)Mollie H.
Nothing beats a Manny's corned beef sandwich. You can't go wrong though with anything here. Make sure to grab the bread pudding for dessert too! Delicious.
(4)Douglas J.
I am definitely in the minority here, but I absolutely hated Manny's. I'm used to the authentic Jewish deli's from New Jersey/New York so I must admit that my expectations were very high for Manny's. From the cafeteria setup to the food, everything here was a disappointment. I was excited to see kashe on the menu but when I went to order it, I was told it's only available on Thursdays. The menu should be more clear then. The potato pancake was dry and tasteless. If this is the "best" deli in Chicago, then I'll never be eating deli food here again.
(1)Cecilia T.
Because I'm not a huge meateater, I couldn't give this place 4 stars. But based on all of my friends who love meat and deli type places, this is really a 4 star place if you have a craving for corned beef or just love meaty sandwiches. The group that I went with really really liked this place. The corned beef sandwich basically comes with a huge amount of meat between 2 pieces of bread, and then a potato pancake and pickles on the side. The potato pancake was rather a disappointment - it seemed a bit old, but perhaps it was because it was mid-day as opposed to being around lunchtime when it might be fresher. I had the rice pudding dessert too - not bad, really filling! I was surprised at how expensive his place was! This is a cafetaria like place, but my meal cost $20. So in summary, this place is good if this type of deli style food is your thang.
(3)Ry O.
So, their décor hasn't been updated since the late 70's / early 80's. The menu is reminiscent of the Jewish Delis of the 1950's. Some of the staff appears to have been around since the late 60's, the rest since last week. Yet somehow, the prices are based on 2036 inflationary costs... Corned beef sandwich ... no frills, bread and corned beef and one potato pancake costs $12. The potato pancake was excellent, and there's horseradish and mustard at the tables to "dress up" your sandwich, but $12 ... really? The problem does not seem to be their apparent inability to tell what decade it is, but their whole business model. For start, even with a full dining room there is about a 2:1 customer to staff ratio. There are three people who sit around and wait to clear your table. One person to tally your order and give you a bill. Five to make a sandwich. Three to ring you up. And so on, until your overhead is enormous. It seems to work, because it draws a crowd. I have a feeling it's out-of-towners coming in for the sox/bulls/hawks/bears/cubs/fire game who don't realize that it doesn't actually cost $12 for a corned beef sandwich, $5 for a hot dog, or $7 for 12oz of Old Style in Chicago. So, I guess good for you Manny's, for finding your niche, but I'm sorry, I won't be back.
(2)Linda H.
It was my first visit to Manny's after wanting to go there forever. We went there for dinner and were pleased to find a large (free) parking lot in back, and it was not busy at all (had allotted WAY more time before going to the show than I needed to!). Anyway, I love the look of the place...cafeteria-style with all the guys lined up to serve up the food. I was a bit overwhelmed by all the choices, and we ended up getting a corned beef & pastrami sandwich, potato pancake, mac & cheese and a piece of red velvet cake. The sandwich was excellent, but I only ate some of the corned beef, because the pastrami looked kind of old and funky (BF ate it all though, and said it was good). The potato pancake had seen better days...it was dry and rubbery and tough. The mac & cheese was YUMMY, and the cake was decent. I really want to go back here when it is buzzing with people and the food is not sitting on the steam table for hours. There are many things on the menu that looked/sounded good, and I look forward to visiting again.
(3)Arian A.
Corned beef was off the chain!! It came with two pickles and a potato pancake. Man ... so worth the extra miles I had to run to work this off. Quick tip: walk or take a cab here. All parking is valet.
(4)Gabe L.
I decided to connect with my Jewish roots and come here. A picture of the president greeted me. "What's this?" i said to myself. Not out loud though. That'd be weird. Apparently it's the Obama special consisting of: - Corned Beef Sandwich - Potato Pancake (or latke as we call them ... the more you know ...) - Cherry Pie (did not get this; it's not easy looking this good) Man that was a lot of meat (that's what she said). Really tender too. I can't say the potato pancake beat my mom's cooking (after all she might read this review), but between you and me, itway idday. Afterwards, I started giving out tax credits to anybody who purchased a low calorie item and offering free health care to everybody who didn't - but that might have been taking it too far. sidenote (not a germaphobe, but funny nontheless): Instead of waiting 5 seconds for the next senior to come open the bathroom door for me (it was like clockwork, i swear), they had a step-pull thingy where you can open the door with your foot. MIND=BLOWN.
(4)Claudia M.
I discovered Manny's on Roosevelt and Jefferson about two years ago with my BF. He loves going to this place. It's a large Cafeteria style deli. You get yourself a tray and silverware at the door. You tell the guys what you'd like and they give you a receipt at the end of line. You pay for your bill when you leave the Deli. I usually split the Corned Beef sandwich and a Knish with my BF. A knish is a round potato dumpling filled with beef. It's pretty good. I absolutely love anything with mashed potatoes , so I just eat the outer shell of the knish. We each get our own potato pancake with a beef stew gravy on the side. All of the food is very salty. Probably not very good for you but man does it taste good. I haven't paid the bill yet but my BF always says it's expensive for the amount of food you get but he also says you can't get this type of food anywhere else in Chicago. I'm a fan!
(4)Handyman Rich E.
Manny's is a great place for lunch (haven't tried dinner there yet). Paying $11.00 for a sandwich is something I haven't done since the sandwich shop @ the top of Water tower Place packed it's pickle, but this $11.00 sandwich fed my wife & I, and we had some left for lunch the next day. Yes the food is cafeteria style, & the 'atmosphere' is like a step back to the 50s, so if new, modern, & cutting edge is your thing, Manny's is not the place. However, it is a unique atmosphere, the food is tasty and bountiful, and a $20 lunch for two that includes matzo bowl soup, a potatoE pancake, pecan pie, and left overs fits this household's budget..
(5)Karen A.
My grandfather used to eat here with his old cronies, surrounded by all the other Chicago cronies and politcos, chowing down on massive corned beef sandwiches or meat loaf or slippery eggs and greasy meat breakfasts, slurping coffee after mediocre coffee. Yea, my grandpa's ticker took a beating from years of eating at this place, but I am sure, where ever he is now, he'd say it was worth it. Burp.
(4)Amelie D.
I'll take plate of corned beef for $500, Alex. Get your eatin' pants on and head to Manny's. If ala carte service gives you panic attacks, take the easy route and order the following: corned beef sandwich on rye with a mushroom barley soup and a potato pancake. Try the grapefruit slices if you need something to cut the heavy meal afterward. If you're just getting soup, or you're not waiting to get your sandwich carved, then don't be afraid to skip the slowpokes at the beginning of the line. Not only will you aid deli efficiency, but you'll look like a true pro.
(5)Jay D.
Don't bother going out of your way to eat here. Manny's is clearly cashing in on the name and past reputation. So-so pastrami, chewy rye bread and chewy, soggy latkes aren't worth going out of your way and dropping 13 bucks for. I'll bet there are delis in the loop with better sandwiches for less money. I think Eleven Diner had better food than Manny's. The name and reputation has clearly eclipsed the quality of the food here. You'll notice the people that give this place 4 stars are the ones that have been eating there "forever", proving it's a nostalgia thing. I suppose they're capable of serving better food, but they're clearly not above serving warmed-over mediocre food and knowing they can get away with it just because they're Manny's. I had a far better experience at Schmaltz deli in Naperville. A superior sandwich for half the price.
(2)Joe S.
I will just say that this place has the best sandwiches in the city...hands down, none better. The only con, it can get a little crowded, but well worth the wait.. YUMMY!
(5)Simone G.
I don't see how you could go to this place and not give it five stars. If you feel a bit out of place, take your time to look around a bit and figure out what they have. Nobody is forcing you to take a tray. The staff is cool enough that if you need help, an answer is only a question away. Get the corned beef, get your fixins, and don't forget the sour cream for your latke (potato pancake). Don't forget you are paying for a huge pile of corned beef. Im a 6'2'' guy that can put his food away and I come away from here with a half a sandwich every time. The only thing close to a negative that I have to say is that sometimes the corned beef is not as lean as I would prefer, but even when thats the case, you could get plenty worse. Get over to manny's yesterday, but don't worry it'll be there tomorrow
(5)Erin C.
I went here with my jewish friend, eric a while back. The man at the counter made me a fresh corned beef sandwich and called me a shiksa (sp?) goddess while giving my friend a sandwich that had been sitting under a light for a while. He told Eric that he was lucky to be with me and couldn't expect such a cute date and a fresh sandwich all on the same day. I guess this is the usual schtick performed at this place. The sandwich was good, but maybe i'm just not that into the whole jewish deli type of thing. I could only eat half of my $10 sandwich and when i tried to eat the leftovers, the bread was dry and crumbly. The Chicago experience was nice to have, but i'll get my sandwiches elsewhere from now on!
(3)Alan R.
The truest Jewish deli in Chicago. Corned Beef or Brisket sandwiches nearly a mile high served cafeteria style. Be prepared to order as you go though the line or you get the business from the men behind the counter. Old style deserts like chocolate pudding, noodle kugel or carrot cake. Old school drinks like Green River and Dr. Browns are on the beverage menu. A Chicago institution and must for out of towners looking for a Taste of Chicago"
(5)steve h.
i hate when my new york friends come in and say 'yeah, its ALMOST as good as blah blah back home...' manny's wins. ok? if someone took manny's and plopped it in a new york burrough then right there people will start saying 'yeah manny's...the BEST deli in new york". so come here to cram like a pound of corned beef into your hard working chicago belly. your body will reward you by putting you into a blissful meat coma for the next few hours. don't worry, you'll come out of it just in time for happy hour.
(5)Zayna D.
ummm all I have to say is the portion portion portion is AMAZING...not that I can ever finish, but it's nice to see all the piles of goodness in front of you:) Pastrami all the way!
(5)Karen L.
This place has the BIGGEST sandwiches. They are known for their corned beef sandwiches and they are definitely good. However, you pay the price. A sandwich is around $11! For me, it was just ok, though, because I am not a huge sandwich fan, plus they were way too big. You go through a cafeteria line and you really feel like you are in a school cafeteria. The clientele is mostly older and male. It would be a good place to go for lunch during the work day and if you can eat a lot. (A couple things I did really like: their matzo ball soup and that they have such an extensive menu.)
(2)Thomas L.
This sandwich is big enough to satisfy a Chicago-sized hunger. Visiting Manny's gave me the feeling that I was traveling back in time to the 50s when nobody cared about calories and carbs. The Corned Beef Hash rocked my world and the potato pancake was incredible. I will be back
(5)John G.
Manny's is a Chicago institution, packed with local flavor. It's the kind of place that Jake the neighborhood Old Style guy would love. You're not a Chicagoan until you eat here, so stop pretending and get yourself a heaping corned beef sandwich.
(4)Heidi S.
A Jewish deli? You've gotta be kidding me! This place is about the farthest thing from a Jewish deli as McDonald's is! The food is appauling! My friend & I went there on a Saturday. The line was out the door. It was cold out, so I was up for a hearty meal, such as beef stew, some freshly made Pumpernickel bread, and a bowl of Matzoh Ball Soup. I could've broke a window with the meat in the beef stew. The veggies--ie--carrots, potatoes, and celery (if you call 'em vegetables)--were frozen-tasting...Jolly Green Giant frozen veggies would've tasted better...The veggies they used for the "beef stew" tasted like they purchased them at Aldi's...Actually even veggies from Aldi's wpould be too good. And besides the beef being tough, it also had an inferior taste too it, like they purchased it in bulk from a cheap meat store. Then let's talk about the Pumpernickel bread. Two measley slices of bread (Not that I would've wanted more than that!) were thrown on a plate wiothout any sarran wrap, etc. on top of where the warm food was located. We all know what happens to bread when we leave it out wiothout covering it...It gets stale very quick. Needless to say, the bread was hard as a rock, and more importantly, even if it wasn't as hard as a rock, it had absolutely no taste! Then the Matzoh Ball soup...Again, if that's what you call it...The Matzoh Ball itself tasted like a wet, dirty sponge...No taste! My friend got "Barbecue Beef" with fake mashed potatoes. They probably got the "Barbecue Beef" in bulk from Sam's, as that's what it tasted like...Generic barbecue sauce, again, inferior meat, etc. None of the food had ANY taste...We literally used a pound of salt in an attempt to give it some flavor. The worst part...$50.00 for this slop!!! They have a lot of nerve charging $50.00. Compare this place to REAL JEWISH DELIS/RESTAURANTS--ie---Katz Deli in lower east end of Manhattan, the old "Rascal's" on Collins Avenue in North Miami Beach, Chompie's in Scottsdale, Arizona...These places are real Jewish delis...Manny's is a TOTAL JOKE when you compare it to DECENT Jewish delis! Obviously Chicago Jews are sheltered to think that Manny's is all that!!! If you like paying $50.00 for frozen, inferior food go to Manny's...Otherwise, save your money & go to Wendy's or McDonald's...Wendy's & McDonald's would be better than Manny's which has the audacity to call itself a Jewish deli!!!!
(1)TheLeg G.
The pastrami sandwich was a religious experience. Just a huge pastrami and rye orgy. The matzo ball soup? Ehhh. Was good, but not enough noodles in the broth for my taste.
(4)Amanda P.
Everyone's crowing about the corned beef here, but I have to say that the rare roast beef is my favorite. The warm, homemade gefilte fish isn't bad either, if you like that stuff (which I do!)
(5)John Dale K.
fantastic place for lunch. the wait is worth it. i was introduced to this place years ago, and when i get back to chicago, it is on my list of places to stop at. the pastrami beats new york, or anywhere else. and the potato pancakes---you can grease a car with one of those things--and maybe that's why i always order two. geez--i miss this place
(5)Ray A.
it was good, they try to be a take off of nyc deli's, but you cant... other wise its good.
(3)Kevin H.
Not much more can be said about this place.
(5)Lezah G.
Even though I grew up in Chicago, I went to Manny's for the first time only a couple of weeks ago. I had been hearing the "hype" about them for a few years now and after eating there, I came to the conclusion that all this hype is based on nostalgia for the old fashioned Jewish delis and cafeterias which you don't see too many of around the Chicago area any more. They serve a lot of old time dishes and soups. This review, however, is for their corned beef sandwiches only. Their other food might be wonderful but their corned beef was a disappointment. It's true that the sandwiches are huge. I split one and that half sandwich was more than enough. The corned beef was just o.k. It wasn't that tasty and it was crumbly--like it was minced instead of sliced. I should have known better. Manny's has been around for decades. If their corned beef were really spectacular, my dad, who knew Chicago well and loved his corned beef, would have taken the family there for lunch years ago! I still recommend going there just to go back in time for a few hours. It's a little bit like a Jewish food museum.
(2)Linda K.
To get to the point- Manny's is awesome!
(5)S to the izzo F.
Even though Manny's is a buffet style, cafeteria like restaurant, the food is simply AWESOME. The Corn beef is one of the best, if not the best, in the entire Chicago land area. The Sandwiches are HUGE!! The best potato pancake I have ever had the pleasure to eat!!!!!!! I can't decide what else to get when I go there. The Matzo Ball soup and Kishke are so, so, so good! Manny's is truly one of my favorites! Parking can be tuff, especially during lunch, But Manny's always has a place to sit in it's huge dinning area. the prices are reasonable for amount of food served. Once you get the craving for Manny's nothing else will do!
(5)Poker B.
Delicious! The pastrami sandwich is the best I've tasted outside of NYC. The sandwiches here are HUGE and can be shared with a friend. The Midway airport also has a small outpost. I ate there once and was totally disappointed. The original Manny's has old school surroundings and is a great spot for a HEAVY lunch.
(5)Jay D.
Not exactly in the Loop, but you'll find plenty of authentic Chicago history and culture inside of this bare-bones quasi cafeteria/deli. Best corned beef in the city.
(5)Laura O.
Was not impressed with the food or place.
(2)Edward H.
Manny's is by far one of the best deli's in Chicago and definitely a local favorite. Finding parking in the area proves to be quite difficult since so many patrons pack in for their monster corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. But if you do manage to get into this old school deli, you'll find yourself in a cafeteria style eatery full of friendly servers (who will occasionally do a bit of deli acrobatics for you - you'll know it when you see it) and a whole lotta mouth watering foods. All foods come in only one size - a heaping helping. Their corned beef and pastrami sandwiches can be about a good 3-4" thick! If you're health concious, they now offer turkey pastrami (delish!). Don't forget to grab yourself a potato pancake. They've also great matzah ball soup and stuffed cabbage. Order what you like, eat up, and then pay at the door on your way out. Everyone should try this Chicago classic at least once - I bet you'll be back for more.
(5)Joanna B.
Fanstastic. You have to go if you've never been here. Of course the corned beef is good, but I also love their gefilte fish, mac and cheese and matzo ball soup. Sandwiches are big enough to split, unless you are a big guy or have a huge appetite. Never disappoints. Oh yeah, they are closed on Sundays.
(5)John M.
The only real deli in Chicago, which makes no sense to me. Outstanding roast beef sandwich and potato pancake. Service is excellent too.
(5)John H.
This place is clean and smells of home. This is not an inexpensive lunch spot. 7-10 dollars for breakfast and 10-15 dollars for lunch is usual. The corned beef hash is real (not from a can) and the corned beef sandwich is $11. The Matzo balls are firm and the chicken soup will cure anything, even a broken heart. The food is clean, large portions and worth every penny. The food is comfort food. I could say how amazing this place is, but you have to like the ambiance of a cafeteria to see the truth of it. I have eaten every where in the world and at Chicago's finest. This is where I go to be with friends, family and where I feel welcomed; this place is Chicago to me. Four generations of my family have eaten here. It is a place where everyone is welcome, cops and judges, bosses and employees, sit at the same table, and everyone leaves with a sense of peace. Take your time as no one is in a hurry to see you leave. Get to know the owner, Kenny, his mother, and his sons. They like to talk to their customers and make you feel like family. Gino will always give you a lean corned beef sandwich and ask after your family. I think they are open evenings now. Enjoy!
(5)Rachel W.
I was born and raised in Chicago, and live in San Francisco now. My dad used to take me here for the corned beef sandwiches. Seriously people, don't ever take Manny's for granted. Most other places in the country have nothing remotely like the Chicago Jewish deli/corned beef sandwich, and Manny's does it the best. I miss it dearly and come here whenever I am at home.
(5)Joel K.
Oh if you haven't had a real Deli-Diner experience then you gotta go to Manny's for lunch. You walk into a cafeteria style deli and are overwhelmed with the lovely smells of fresh cooking foods. I come to this place for sandwiches, my favorite being the roast beef or pastrami on an onion roll. You can't help but notice the meat slicers constantly shaving off fresh roasted hunks of meat. If you like roast beef, pastrami, or corned beef this is the place to get hooked up. The sandwiches are piled so high with meat that you need a fork to eat it down so you can grab it with both hands. To go with you should also get the fried potato cake with sour cream and a fresh fountain soda to wash it all down. Take your time in the veterans lodge style seating to enjoy your meal cause you'll need it. I usually end up taking some of it to go since the portions are so large. This place is definitely worth the drive down to the south side.
(5)John N.
The first time I tasted Manny's was when my mom brought home their fish, spaghetti, green beans, and bread after work - my palate was very happy afterwards. Fast forward to two weeks, I'm standing in Manny's with my parents around 3 on a Thursday. The place was practically empty so it was nice to take our time, but I was still confused on how to order - it's cafeteria style, but then what!? It's one of those places that you have to go to daily to know what to get and how to order, so it's a good idea to have someone who's familiar with the system to hold your hand the first time. I'll be more prepared next time I visit. The menu is more than enough to satisfy any homemade cooking or deli craving you have. Word of caution, it's a bit pricey -- I got one whole plate (don't know why) of their beef stew not realizing it's freakin' $13. So to be smart, divide your plate into two or three sections, you'll be glad you did. Depending on how you see it, it's not a bang-for-your-buck place, but the generous portions and quality is worth the expense and humiliation. The staff is friendly and helpful to newcomers, so just asked and they shall tell. This is a no frills diner, so decor it kept to a minimum, which I like. I had a hard time getting water (needed my mom to help me turn the darn thing on. . .) Only four stars since it's a bit pricey and the menu wasn't user friendly to newcomers. Visit Manny's at least once when you're in Chicago. What you see and smell is definitely what you get. Oh, Manny's is a place that observes the day of obligation, so no Sunday action, unfortunately.
(4)Ari G.
hands down, the best corned beef sandwiches in Chicago, perhaps in the whole world. They're simple on rye with mustard, a pickle, and a home-made potato pancake, and pure heaven from beginning to end. all other menu items are also very good, including roast beef sandwiches, pastrami, very unique freshly-ground burgers, kishke, fish entres, deli-julianne salad, cakes, matza ball or kreplach or noodle soup, it's ALL SO GOOD! Living in San Francisco now and i absolutely DREAM about Manny's! It's always my first and last stop on trips to or through Chicago. Plenty of room to sit and eat, in an old-school, deli-style atmosphere including the long serving line at the beginning to get your food.
(5)Aaron R.
There isn't a single deli in Chicago that beats this Jewish deli. The corned beef is delicious and their matzah ball soup may just beat my grandmother's. My only complaint is that they are closed on Sundays.
(5)Michael F.
As far as deli's go in the city of Chicago, nothing else holds a candle to this place. A Chicago institution for years. THE place to see politicians, cops, firemen (the dept. headquarters is around the corner), and anybody who's anybody in da Chicago patronage circles. Fantastic corn beef, pastrami's not too bad either. Go for lunch and see who's who.
(5)Chas S.
Reminds me of the cafeteria at a hospital. Nuff said. But we buy pounds of their corned beef for our St. Paddys day party every year cause there simply is no substitute for that wonderful menu gem. However, I must share with you the experience I had there last fall while enjoying a quiet morning brunch with the boy. I was forking at my cafeteria cole slaw in my beige-colored bowl, when a well-to-do family of mom, dad, daughter, and son-in-law sat down at a table five feet away from us. Didn't pay much attention to them, but was aware that the dad had a MASSIVE corned beef sammich on his tray, filled to the brim with meat. No biggie. But all that is wrong in this world and with people's idea of table manners and just plain "ickiness" came to be in a single moment...when the dad dropped half his corned beef on the floor, scraped it off the table leg below him, ignored his wife's comment of "you're not going to eat that, are you?", and continued his blissful munching without a single thought as to what he had just put in his mouth. Are you kidding me? I put my fork down, tried not to think about the last time that table leg had been thoroughly cleaned, and have been unable to return since. Call it a mind block, but I simply cannot go near that place without thinking of that rancid pig eating meat off the floor. People suck.
(3)Chloe M.
By far the best deli in Chicago. It's really far away from my apartment, but it's worth the drive out here for their amazing sandwiches.
(4)Lee-Han H.
They do have the tasty corned beef sandwiches. Now I don't eat just anybody's corned beef so I give these guys alot of credit. Nothing is overpriced in here.
(5)Josh ..
As far as Chicago delis, this is the standard. Not much more to say. Gotta check it out if you've never been.
(4)Dennis H.
A Chicago CLASSIC. Go for the corned beef (served with attitude), and you won't be disappointed.
(5)kb j.
I've been going to Manny's for as long as I can remember and went there recently after being out of the country for a week. It's not very fancy (if you like cafeteria-style service and formica-top tables, this place is for you). You go through a cafeteria line and ask the countermen to hand you your food. The menu is large, but I'm a huge fan of (and almost always get) the corned beef and pastrami sandwich with a potato pancake. Your order is rung up as you exit the cafeteria line, but remember to hold onto your ticket because you pay a cashier at the front as you leave the restaurant following your meal. Portions are huge. The potato pancake is the size of a small plate and the sandwich is so large that Jabba the Hutt would probably not be able to finish it. The corned beef and pastrami are both excellent as is the potato pancake. This place should be on the list of real foodies.
(5)Mark P.
Disappointing that the pastrami wasn't sliced to order but instead pre-sliced and soaking in juices in the steam table. Perhaps I'll try the corned beef next time.
(2)Tony S.
Best Corned Beef sandwich is Chicago period.... There is not even close to a comparison in Chicago. When I worked downtonw I would go there all the time. Miss this place. The beef is pricey but also double the size of any where else out there. So its acutally 2 sandwich for the price of 1.5. Good Deal when you think about it!
(5)david k.
along w Ashkenaz, this is a real Deli, with good cured meats sandwiches and platters. Nothing better in Chicago.
(4)Michael P.
Still the place for corned beef and pastrami (and matzah ball soup). Full of character (characters), personality and originality. A slice of the city. Not cheap - but worth every penny - for the history and personal memories alone. Where else can you get a potato pancake with your memories? Hold me personally responsible for introducing dozens of people and a second generation to Mannys (as a Saturday morning field trip - and via the corned beef sandwiches - with pickles - served at the "Ethnic Table" at our wedding several years ago). It's all good.
(5)Brad C.
Business lunch, want to stuff your self, want to experience the day-to-day working life of Chicago... this is your place. I just love hitting this spot for a little punishment from the huge portions and getting some real food for the money in Chicago. This is not suit & tie business lunch, this is working jeans and getting life done type business lunch.
(5)Marco D.
I've been here a few times now and every time I sit down and take a bite of my sandwich all I can think is, "Why don't I come here more often?" And then I remember....because I don't want to be extricated from my apartment via the fire department and a forklift. Manny's is a really wonderful Chicago landmark and is really a must for any hard core foodie. The food is the real deal and is made with a lot of care and craft by their staff who are true believers in the quality of food they put on your plate. It started out as a small jewish deli/coffee shop whose dining areas have expanded into three neighboring storefronts. I mean this place has a valet service because it gets so busy during the lunch rush! So the food is the best of the best jewish cuisine. Home cooked comfort food. The portions are enormous. On my last venture I tried the turkey pastrami (reuben) which came with a giant potato latke that was absolute perfection. The sandwiches are as big as your head and are easily two meals for me. One if I'm feeling a lack of self control. The Matzo ball soup is legendary and the Matzos are the size of baseballs. I've recommended this place to all of my friends and I certainly recommend it to you. It's not a place I would go to every day because it is a bit pricy. Be ready to spend $10-15 per sandwich. It's expensive but in this case you really do get your money's worth.
(5)Brian V.
Best pastrami I've ever had? Nah, but its still pretty damn good and satisfies the craving. Manny's is a real old school joint, looks more like a big over-lit cafeteria than anything. As far as what they serve, Jewish deli... you get it. The rye bread is awesome, and really pulls the sandwich together. A pickles a pickle and the potato pancake was good. Warm pastrami on rye with a potato pancake and a pickle cost something like $13.50, so get ready to pay.
(4)Eazmg C.
amazing deli/cafeteria! lives up to its hype. I pretty much haven't like any of my orders here, but i do agree the corned beef, matzo, and potato pancakes are amazing. pretty good spot for a hangover, just remember it's closed sunday.
(5)peter l.
This place is good but I expect a $12 ($13 if they slip in the potatoe pancake) corned beef sandwich to not have lot's of fat and gristle. Annoyed at the lack of prices on side dishes and soda's. I grabbed a can of soda and it was $2.50, no wonder the price isn't listed. The guys who work the cafeteria line are cool and friendly but the cashiers are not too friendly or welcoming. I will go back someday but this is not the best corned beef I ever had. The portions are large but I'd rather have a $9 sandwich that's smaller. You will not go home hungry.
(3)Zak O.
Fun, casual restaurant with an almost overwhelming number of options to choose from. I had the pastrami on rye, which was phenomenal. Someone else had the corned beef which was a little dry and lacking in flavor, but overall pretty good. The staff is a ton of fun and crack jokes with you. Overall a good experience.
(4)Marcos G.
Superb, superb, superb ! AAA. The best corned beef on rye in Chicago. And by the way, anything or everything else you want to order and enjoy is excellent. Do I really have to say anything else. I have known the owner for years. And he knows me as well. He probably never knew me by name, because often I would show up with many of his older customers that have either permanently retired to South Florida, or .....passed. (The Senator Neistein and Co crowd) Whether is be the beef stew, the chicken, the roast beef, the pastrami, and don't forget the dairy dishes like his savory tuna fish salad, ...all salads in fact, or the hallmark potato pancakes with a corned beef, you cannot go wrong in terms of taste, and portion. Keep in mind, you get what you pay for. If you think you are only paying 5 dollars for corned beef, go to one of those joints where the bread is thick and the corned beef is barely seen....if seen at all. You will pay quite a bit more, but if you want to see what you get, see the pic next to my name. It's so huge, only a seasoned and overweight eater like myself can eat the entire sandwich in one sitting. if you are an average eater, it is both a bargain and delicious. Don't forget the pickle. (you get it with the sandwich) . If you want anything that is even close you have to go to New York..... a bit far for a CBR. Just go. You will be back. Again and again....just like me.....for over 30 years !! By the way, Manny's is now open til 8 or 9. Have fun and enjoy.
(5)chris g.
Each time I return here I say I'm going to order something different. But then I get in the food line & something happens. I panic with too many choices. The menu boards span the whole mile long cafeteria line. So I go with what they are famous for, Corned Beef sandwich, potato pancakes & Matzo soup. Well actually I mixed it up a bit this time with a 1/2 Pastrami & 1/2 Corned Beef for $12. The potato pancakes are $2.50, the Matzo soup is $3.75 along with a can of pop & suddenly you realize your lunch adds up pretty fast. It's become the political hot spot for lunch so don't be surprised to see a politician or two.
(4)Nicole S.
I really Miss eating Manny's as often as I used to when my office was located in the south loop... First off the sandwiches are huge and seriously piled with meat so make sure you have an appetite or you'll definately have a couple meals worth of food left over! Corned Beef, Turkey Pastrami, The Latkes are what I always go back for and thier soup is warm and comforting in the cooler months. The interior is pretty dingy looking and it has a very old school cafeteria feel to it. Always pretty busy when I've gone in to pick up food, but it's always been hot and ready on time after phoning it in even with the crowds.
(4)Adele n.
I saw the corned beef sandwich and almost gave up vegetarianism on the spot. Dear god, that thing looked good. I fought off the blood thirsty urge and ordered a veggie sandwich (mozzarella cheese, roasted red pepper and tomato on dense bread). The counter guys looked at me a little crooked when I ordered it, but when I got a potato pancake on the side everything was cool. Food was good. Atmosphere was better. What a fun, old school place.
(4)Dae K.
I was drawn into this shop because I've read reviews of the place saying President Obama loved this place when he lived in Chicago. The logic was that if I visited places where he used to visit, maybe I could become more like him - yes it's flawed. The "popular" menu here is the corned beef sandwich with potato "hash browns" and a sliver of blueberry/raspberry/cherry pie. It's a delicious combination! There is always a long ordering line here during the peak hours. The preparers on the other side of the counter are always busy, and the way they prepare food is so crude to the point that it's hilarious. When I ordered a corned beef sandwich, he put a huge chunk of corned beef on the slicer and started moving the meat back and forth really quickly. When bunch of slices fell through the who-knows-how-long-it-hasn't-been-cleaned wooden preparation table, he grabbed a fistful of meat and smashed it in between slices of bread, and cut it into two halves. The resulting corned beef sandwich looked fit for consumption by... cows. Moo.
(4)Tim Y.
Finest deli west of New York. The hot pastrami is excellent, especially when paired with good deli mustard and horseradish. Though I generally love potato pancakes, these were a bit tough. I think I got the last one in the steam tray, so maybe next time I'll get one a bit less chewy.
(4)Dan Y.
Pricey but worth EVERY PENNY. By far the best corned beef and pastrami sandwich...AMAZING Matza Ball soup. The kugel is great too.
(5)Michael S.
Killer old school Jewish Deli that my family has been going to for years. There is no glitz or glamor when it comes to Manny's. Simply put Manny's is deli food dreams are made from. Highlights Include: Reuben Potato Pancakes (Some of the best of have ever had) Old school smiley face cookie
(4)Edward W.
Expensive but just great food. Been going there since I was a kid. Matzo ball soup, beef on onion roll, or I also love the beef stew.
(5)Jaye J.
Never lets me down. I can't add much more to the reviews below about the food, except to say that yes, the sandwiches are delicious and HUGE. Easily enough corned beef or pastrami for 2 more big sandwiches. Their potato pancakes don't get enough love. they are delicious and come with the sandwiches. Steam table items are a bit of a gamble. had some delicious chicken there, and the liver and onions yum - but I got some fish that was both dried out and soggy at the same time. The steam table veggies are....well, usually steam table veggies. The soup - so good. I like matzo ball, but I LOVE kreplach (like a filled dumpling. a little deli potsticker!) and theirs are delicious and tender and more fun for me in the hot chickeny broth. try some different stuff - give the chopped liver a try. Try the lox. the cucumber salad is good, the pies are good, the bread is good. The mustard on the tables is good. It's a great people watching spot - this include the antics behind the counter making your sandwiches...those guys have skills. Everybody eats at manny's. Cops, little old Jewish folk getting a bite, families, bikers, students, ven the president got some corned beef and pie there. Now I wish we'd gotten some extra soup to have at home.
(5)Kevin W.
Still the best, though I feel the portions got a little chincy! I always get the pastrami on rye, It is awesome!! You got to check this place out, It's a Chicago institution!
(4)P S.
Manny's. After all this time. Finally. I mean, it's not like I'm the queen of deli meats. It's only been about four years since my first pastrami on rye and this visit was the first corned beef sandwich I've ever eaten. But I gotta say, I'm glad I don't get a hankerin' for Manny's daily because I'd eventually be found dead on the floor of a serious myocardial infarction of the nth degree, or, drowned in a tub of that glorious horseradish mustard. I can't decide... Split between two of us with two drinks, one corned beef on rye, a potato pancake and a slice of cherry pie came to a hootin' $21. I was a bit floored at that cost, but for something you do pretty rarely I guess it's worth it given that it's a classic establishment and all.
(4)Mike K.
This review will serve as your road map for your trip to Manny's. First of all, park in the free lot if you can to avoid paying Da Mare's de facto tax, i.e. the pay box. Then, make sure you have a bit of money in your pocket before you enter Manny's. When you enter, grab a tray, silverware and a napkin. Lay said tray on the metal bars and proceed straight past the dinner selections to the Matzo ball soup. Place your order for the Matzo ball soup at this time, and then proceed to the corned beef guy with the 'stache at the slicer. The guy with the 'stache at the slicer is an icon. He will give you a hard time. He will pull your leg. He's a treasure and I think a veteran, so smile and order your corned beef on onion roll with a couple of potato pancakes. Banter with him a bit if you dare. Then move on with your tray down the line and grab a Green River. You are now ready to move to your table. No, you won't pay right now. You'll get a receipt. On to the formica and the huge meal. You'll find there's enough corned beef for two sandwiches. You'll probably remove some of it to make it easier to eat the sandwich. If you can finish it all, as well as the potato pancakes and soup, you are a hero. Afterwards, you'll saunter towards the door, fuller than you've ever been, and pay the damages. Yes, it's going to cost you a bit of money. But it's worth it. This is the best corned beef sandwich in the city. But you can only eat here twice a year at the most. Otherwise, you'll find yourself going out to buy new pants with a larger waist size. It's that good. I highly recommend Manny's, especially for a hungry Saturday morning/afternoon. Definitely something every Chicagoan should experience at least once. You will know why this city is referred to as the City of Broad Shoulders after eating here.
(5)Sarah H.
Potato Pancakes!!! The best I have had and can't wait for more. You have to have it with the sour cream and apple sauce or you are missing out on the full experience. Next you need to have a cornbeef sandwich and the best part is you will have leftover for tomorrow, make sure to ask for extra bread. The staff is very friendly and helpful and wish more restaurants had staff like those at Manny's. The line might look long at lunch but moves very fast! Enjoy!!
(5)KChicagoan S.
So they earn the stars mostly for the potato pancake - that thing is goooood! I tried a hot chicken dish with a side of mac n' cheese and my husband got a pastrami and corned beef sandwich. Everything I tried was just fine. Actually, take it back, the mac n' cheese was gross (and I looooove mac n' cheese). The flavor of the pastrami was pretty good but the corned beef was dry. Also, it was rather pricey for what we got. A sandwich, one potato pancake, and my chicken dish with one soda for $29. It wasn't a bad experience or meal, but I don't think I'll be going back to Manny's anytime soon.
(3)Jill W.
One word to describe Manny's- overrated. Are the corned beef sandwiches good? Sure. Are they worth $11? Probably not. Growing up Jewish, I've had my fair share of latkes and matzoh ball soup and Manny's just didn't impress me. Wish I could give 2 1/2 stars.
(2)Mark S.
This place is perfect. Been going for years. Awesome experience every time. They are famous for their corned beef and other sandwhiches (which are amazing) But I think their breakfast is amazing. My mouth is watering thinking of their eggs and potatoes right now.
(5)Stephen F.
Seriously? This is supposed to represent the best Chicago delis can offer? Either Chicago delis are truly bad, or the one Jewish alderman who keeps raving about Manny's hasn't been here since 1974. Note that I don't eat corned beef or pastrami, so if those Manny's specialties are good as advertised my review may not apply to you. But I do object to flavorless pickles, oozy and gelatinous gefilte fish, half raw potato pancakes, and what I think of simply as the anti-knish. The pie was a log of lard. I felt sick later after trying to eat this food. The groupon defrayed the cost of this debacle, but without it the prices would have been absurd. You can eat at a restaurant for the same amount. This relic of 50s school cafeterias gets an F.
(1)Lawrence C.
What a treat. Been going here for years and if haven't been here go here. Cafeteria style but quite the show especially when they are in rare form. they make 1,000 sandwiches a day and don't miss a beat! Enjoy!!!
(5)Vicky K.
Excellent corned beef. Every other item that I have tried has been wonderful as well. Pricey but you get a lot for the money. Friendly, accomodating staff. Clean. ^5! Now if only we can get them to vote Republican.........
(5)Laurie R.
I took my coworker here last week, I hadn't been in years. It's still as awesome as ever. The best corned beef I ever had - old school piled high on rye. Bring your appetite or share with a friend. I love the potato pancakes. The staff is super friendly and will kid around with you like an old friend. You have to experience it yourself to truly appreciate how great it is.
(5)Angelo P.
Holy hell the sandwiches are ginormous! All of the meat on the thing spills out over the bread and halfway over the plate! :P This is a no fuss get ur sandwich and get in and out kinda place. It's all about the food and not some yuppie posh atmosphere where you pay the same price for a sandwich with 1 slice of meat and lettuce. The latkes on the side was a good change of scenery and both the corned beef n pastrami were pretty good. I've had better outside of Chicago but Jewish delis are a rare breed in this city. When I'm having a craving for the good stuff, I come here.
(4)Mark M.
The potato pancakes and the corned beef are really good. A solid 4 star place with some good Chicago history.
(4)fab f.
Nothing I can add to the good reviews. I enjoyed the good Jewish deli in NY, and i think this one is at the same level, with a Chicago taste. I really felt I was in the heart of the busy, large shoulders, hard working people Chicago. Loved it.
(5)Jonathan A.
I finally made it to Manny's after having only previously ordered delivery. This place is awesome. I can't wait to come back. And it's so much better than getting it delivered. It almost defeats the whole purpose. The reuben and potato pancakes were awesome. The only comparison I could make would be Katz' Deli in New York.
(5)Luke S.
Thank you Groupon and thank you Manny's! That was some of the best/cheapest corned beef around. It was a heaping stack of meat on fresh baked rye. While the potato pancake is not Luke beach approved, I did eat half. I've had a lot of potato pancakes in my day, but that was best I've had. Don't be discouraged by the lines, as they will move quick. I think this might be the best deli food that I've ever had.
(5)Alf O.
Chicago's best and real deal Jewish Deli. Grab a tray and head down the line cafeteria style. Small chance of running into Chicago politicians like Daley or Emanuel (or even Obama once). The sandwiches and potato pancakes are the best (along with everything else), and the staff is friendly and playful.
(5)Joseph H.
The best!!! the place has not changes a bit since I first went over 20 years ago! Had the best corned beef sandwich (huge, shared it with my son), potatoe knish (like shredded beef goodness inside mashed potatoes smothered in gravy!), and a potato pancake. Awesome!!!!
(5)Moon D.
The debate goes on about Jewish deli's and Chicago and the North Side but fact is, they have been here forever and it is still consistent quality. I think it's a tad overpriced but it has never stopped me from going. Pastrami and corned beef combo, potato pancake, matzso ball soup....whew!!! Good stuff. Old school cafeteria style. The even have the paper water cups that are coned shape and fit into the plastic holder! You look around and think it's 1966 and your in a time warp. You know a ton of cool negotiations took place in these rooms. Love it here. I end up with about a $16.00 tab for the above mentioned food. Check it out...way cool!
(4)Eddie S.
Sometimes you need to just roll up your sleeves (wayyy up) and dig into a generously sized pastrami sandwich. Get the potato pancake too. The cafeteria-like decor, complete with trays, is befitting the feel they're going for. Can be considered pricey for what you get (~$15 for pastrami sandwich and potato pancake), but you'll leave stuffed and satisfied.
(4)Dusty K.
Manny's is a Chicago landmark since 1942. It's a hopping place that seems to be buzzing even during off hours. I almost left with a t-shirt but after my $40 bill decided to skip that part of my trip. I parked in the rear and headed in to discover a short line before the dinner crowd. Not knowing what to expect, I smiled when I saw how cafeteria-like this place is. I unfortunately ordered a side of mac and cheese before moving onto the sandwich portion of the line. More on this later. The guy near the corned beef slicer has a way with words. But seeing him trim the fat off each cut of corned beef was like watching a painter at work. It was simply beautiful. He also told me to 'take my sandwich and get the hell outta here' to which I replied 'you're damn right I will'. Sarcasm is a wonderful thing. My half corned beef half pastrami sandwich hit the spot. I have a hard time calling this a sandwich as it was more a mountain of meat between two rye croutons. The mac and cheese looked delicious but failed on flavor. It was creamy, which was nice, but didn't have that slap you in the face cheese flavor that I look for. If you head to Manny's stick with what made them famous. Pastrami, corned beef and the potato pancake the sandwich comes with. It's more than enough food and is probably the best way to experience this place without your bill getting too high. But don't be surprised if you find yourself and another person dishing out $40 for lunch. It's not the cheapest place in town but definitely worth a trip.
(4)Megan B.
3 stars perfectly sums up my Manny's experience. I think it is a good place - not fantastic, but not bad. Ordering: I hadn't been to a cafeteria in ages, and while I enjoyed the cafeteria line at Manny's, I also found it a bit overwhelming. Because the wall menu is so extensive, it is impossible to even read or even see more than 1/4 of before it is time to order. Not wanting to hold up regulars, I quickly ordered the first thing I laid eyes upon - a corned beef sandwich with a potato pancake, having no idea of the cost. I added to that red jello (my cafeteria staple) and a coke 0 (nice touch, Manny's). While the amount of food on my tray was fit for a 300lb man, I was still slightly surprised at the nearly $18 price tag. Eating: I was a corned beef virgin coming to Manny's. Keeping in mind that I have nothing to compare it to, I will say that my corned beef sandwich was solidly "good." The meat was savory and not fatty. I loved the flavor of the rye bread, although I was slightly put off by the sogginess of the bottom slice. Since I'm not a huge meat eater, I would have preferred a higher bread-to-meat ratio, but I suppose I'm in the minority on that preference. The sandwich was so huge that I could only eat half. Too bad I forgot my doggy bag on the table. As for the potato pancake, it was fine, but not memorable. If I go again, I will order the chicken salad sandwich; I had a bite of Kyle H's, and it was amazing and only half the price of my corned beef sandwich. Contemplating: I am glad that I got to experience the famed Manny's. It is a nice alternative to the usual Loop lunch spots. I loved the cafeteria atmosphere, but the high price and inconvenient location will keep me from being a frequent visitor.
(3)Nicole C.
5+ stars for Manny's Deli. This is where I want to be on St. Patty's Day! :) By far the best corned beef and cabbage I've had. The MOUND of corned beef was enough to build a sandwich to take home while still having way more than enough for dinner alongside cabbage and potatoes. Although the restaurant itself is cafeteria-style with fluorescent lights and all, it was great to see tables of ladies meeting to play scrabble and card games. This place is definitely a Chicago institution. I can't believe that they only recently opened for dinner, but I certainly hope it stays this way. I can only dream that they start delivering....
(5)Ronald H. R.
Wanting to visit Manny's after all I have heard about it, I finally got there, hungry, so bought several things. Well, I do not have a good thing to say about it's food. What a disappointment. Wanted a hot pastrami on rye and what I got was some cold, dark, overcooked scraps of dry tasteless meat. I also had the tasteless cucumbers, and a not very good cole slaw or potato pancake. I was really hungry so my experience was a disaster and it cost me 22 bucks. I took the excess home and threw it away, it was that bad. What an overrated place. I won't be back. I suggest they re-invent themselves and take a close look at what they are offering their clients. No stars from me. I know what a good deli is and this ain't it. I miss Berghoffs where I always got a really good sandwich.
(1)Alan N.
Some of the best Corned Beef ever! Sandwiches made the way they're supposed to be! Why can't I get this out in the burbs? Don't they know from a good Deli? Honestly, the chicken (I had Mish Mosh) soup is passable but the potato pancake is tasty and as others have said - the Corned Beef is excellent and plentiful. It is flavorful and not too fatty. If you like less meaty sandwiches then grab one of the plates with the slices of Rye bread and make a second sandwich to take home or for a friend. If I had a "bubbie" I would bring her here for sure!
(5)Steve M.
Oh Mannys you have become such a tourist hang out with your valet parking and already prepared corned beef sandwiches. The food is still good but the prices seem to have skied since I was there last. $20 for a sandwich, drink, and a cucumber side seems a tad over the top. I still can't believe there is valet parking but oh well business must be good.
(3)Jenna T.
I believe when you go out to eat that the service should be friendly, the restaurant should be visually appealing, and the portions should be reasonable. All of that is thrown out of the water at Manny's! And rightfully so. Manny's is an old Chicago stand by, serving up authentic Deli food including the most massive, jam packed corned beef and pastrami sandwiches you have ever seen. The food is without question done exceptionally well maintaining true delicatessen recipes over several decades. They are consistently delicious. Food is served up cafeteria style and the men behind the counter have a lot of personality and are not afraid to give it to you straight. They expect you to know what you want as soon as they are ready for you and you better be ready. Don't ask for any other bread other than Rye, pay attention, and you should be an ace in the hole! Slow the line up, and the stack of mean mugs behind you will let you know. Most of those folks are regulars who have been coming here for generations. Why 4 stars and not 5? The environment itself is pretty stale. A lot of people appreciate that because it stays true to their roots, which I get. But its a bit sterile in there and its not very comfortable to eat inside. But its exactly what you would expect of a place like Manny's and it should probably stay that way. Want to indulge on some seriously delicious delicatessen food in Chicago? This is the only place you should be visiting.
(4)bryan c.
My memories of cafeterias mostly stem from my childhood; everyday it was russian roulette with the potentially spoiled chocolate milk, the suspicious chili and the swamp-like cole slaw. But like many of the things that haunted me as a child that have since reappeared in my adulthood, it's really not that bad. See, Manny's is a cafeteria. You have the tray, the despondent and harried cooks putting food on a plate for you, but, it's for grown-ups. And while you can make a kid eat your crappy cooking, you certainly can't make an adult eat your crappy cooking and Manny's has that covered. We're talking top-notch food here. Even Obama comes here and one of the first things you see is a picture of the President chowing down on some stuff and they even went so far as to name a special after him. Keep in mind, though, the prices here are kind of steep. The reuben is around $12 but piled high enough to double as a tribute to Mount Olympus. If you spoil yourself with fancy yuppie food that has complex sauces and hard to pronounce names then you might strike out here. This is Food, that is, food with a capital "F", not food with a lower case "f" and written in italics. Manny's is for people who like large portions of savory and like topping it off with traditional sweet. If public school cafeterias were all like Manny's, we'd have an entire generation of Ditkas on our hands.
(5)Cat L.
Cat: 1. Brisket sammich: 0. I always feel victorious when I see that my plate is clean after lunch at Manny's. I loooove the brisket on rye topped with spicy mustard, and always seem to stick with that when I go. And a potato pancake. ALWAYS a potato pancake. I'm sure the vibe at Manny's hasn't changed much over the years, and that's a good thing. And sure, the price may be steep (almost $16 for a brisket sammich, potato pancake, and a Doc Brown's soda), but it's oh-so-worth it. Just don't tell Mom I ate meat on a Friday during Lent (gasp!!).
(4)Julian W.
The corned beef was good, but I was really impressed with the potato pancakes. And Gino, the chef who fixed my sandwich, was very funny and a nice guy. Definitely recommended---
(4)Michael W.
Corn beef & pastrami. Onion roll. Umm! Didn't know what to order so we asked the gentleman behind the counter to create something delicious. Did we eat latkes? Yes, we did. And a black and white cookie too. Manny's, of course, has been around forever. And for good reason. It's the best Jewish deli I've ever experienced. No wonder President-elect Obama likes this spot. There is something familial about the cafeteria style. It gives the place character missing in other joints. Beautiful.
(5)Ashley T.
Really? I must have missed something, because from looking at these reviews, this place is to die for. Uhhh....well....I'll tell you about my experience, but it's nothing like the others.... The food here is PRICEY. Not a little, A LOT. The portions are big, but you end up paying around $15 bucks by the time you get your sandwich and your side. Not including the drink. You want a piece of pie? 6 bucks. Which brings the grand total to approximately $22/person. For a deli?? No way dude, no way. It's served cafeteria style, for the love of God! I don't care HOW good it is, that's too much. I could get glazed salmon and a effing margarita at that price. And table service! That being said, the sandwich was REALLY good. If I did go back, I would eat chips in the car and have my soda ready to go for when I got back in. I'm not cheap, but I'm not dumb, either. What a rip.
(2)Rachel O.
I got a groupon and my boyfriend had been interested in checking this place out so I figured what to we have to lose. I'm happy I checked out it but its not a place I can imagine having a craving to go back to. Its a spot for people who just love meat. The sandwiches must have had a pound each. That said I can't give it more than 2 stars because its just not my forte. If you want a pile of greasy food, then check it out. I mean its unique in its own right, but I don't think I'll go back. I felt sick when I left from all the greasy pastrami. Not a big fan
(2)Samantha K.
I went to this restaurant recently with my dad. The restaurant looked so old so I wasn't excited to actually eat there. The food portions were huge (for me..). I wanted to try the corned beef or the beef stew. The corned beef was really big so I didn't order it knowing that I wouldn't be able to finish even half of it. (I wasn't THAT hungry) and they ran out of beef stew!! I was so sadddd. So I had the fish, potato pancakes (?), mixed veggies, and mashed potatoes. Those potato pancakes were THE BEST. Seriously, I don't think I've had potato pancakes that were that good. I ordered some to take home too! The rest of the food was very good and very flavorful. It is way expensive. For just me and my dad it was about 40 dollars. I would absolutely go back there though. The atmosphere was vintage. I felt like I was standing in line in the cafeteria in high school again. :) A.
(5)Keely B.
Manny's is not in a neighborhood I venture to often, but when I had an audition scheduled nearby, a friend suggested that we meet here for dinner. I was told that Obama loves his place, and that people rave about the Matzo ball soup. I'm game for pretty much anything (as long as it doesn't involve red meat, fish, pork, mushrooms, or onions--that's a short list, right?), so off we went. The matzo ball soup was, indeed, tasty. The toppings on the turkey sandwich I ordered were piled very high. I believe I also got a piece of pie or pudding or something like that. Overall, I'd say the experience was akin to eating really good, rather expensive, hospital cafeteria food.
(3)Brandon G.
Manny's is the best place to get corned beef in the city. The potato pancakes are the best I have ever had. It can get pricey if you order too much, but definitely worth it for the huge portions.
(4)Jean C.
We came here using our groupon last night and all day I was debating on what to order. Corned beef sandwich, the Reuben, and Matzo ball soup. I didn't want to be too gluttonous but how does one decide? Well, when we arrived, viola! Soup and 1/2 a sandwich deal for $10.95! How perfect! I couldn't get the half Reuben but beggars can't be choosers. I got my matzo ball soup and a half corned beef and pastrami sandwich. Everything was delicious. The hubs got the Reuben with a potato pancake which I ate since he was full. I ate some of the meat that fell out of the sandwich and it was tasty. The soup, the potato pancake, the two pickle slices and I was full! I brought my sandwich for lunch today and am already wanting to taste it. Can't it be lunch now?! Using the coupon we had, we ended up paying almost $10 out of pocket but we did get a $5 coupon to use on another visit! Can't wait to go back and get that Reuben. Or the lox plate.
(4)Kim A.
How have I not written a review about Manny's? Seriously? I love this place. Sometimes I find myself so seriously jonesing for this place it is absolutely ridiculous. I don't even know where to begin... To me, Manny's is a Chicago institution. To me, the usual is corned beef and a potato pancake, but don't let that deter you from ordering their other deliciously cooked and lovingly sliced meats. Yep, I said it. I used those words when referring to meat. And what? This food will guarantee to fill you up, and probably a hearty lunch the next day too. Don't expect fancy combination or exotic ingredients... that's not what Manny's it about. There is REAL beef in the beef stew... cooked with BEEF stock, with carrots, celery, and potato. That's it... nothing that you can't pronounce or need a special pig to dig out of a tree. Manny's... serious food for serious eaters.
(5)Negin J.
Friendly staff, free parking garage, but the unhealthiest food ever. I wish I had stopped by McDonald. That was even a better idea.
(2)Jason K.
one of the best pastromi sandwichs I have had in Chicago!! Can't wait to go back...
(4)Carmen C.
$11.95 for a dry-as-a-bone corned beef sandwich?! That does not include cheese, any sort of condiment, or cole slaw!? Cheese and cole slaw are $1+ extra, by the way. I could see not needing all the extras if the corned beef was juicy and succulent. but this certainly was not. Flavorful, yes. But that's it. Go to Perry's in the loop for an excellent juicy corned beef sandwich. That'll get you plenty of condiments, thousand island-my fav, and toppings. and a sandwich truly large enough for two meals. And for less money. You can even get a better corned beef sandwich at the White Sox stadium or United Center. This was a disgrace. I was so baffled and disappointed because I have heard this place was so great. Maybe it was a dry corned beef day. Either way, the price was not justifiable.
(1)Rahul S.
Wow, this place flat out rocks!! Despite the fact that Obama didn't show up this time, my experience was great! There's a buzz of activity even at 11am Sat, I almost didn't know where to start in terms of what to get. Some of my friends got one of the specials for the day, meatloaf w/ a side of spaghetti, all of which looked mouth watering. I went w/ the corn beef hash w/ two scrambled eggs, sliced potatoes and a bagel on the side. The food was delicious and flavorful, and I could barely move by the end w/ such a huge quanity, which at $6.95 was a steal. There are some big guys there, and you have to be big to finish one of their deli sandwiches, which are stacked ridiculously high. I can't wait to come back and try the pastrami/corn beef sandwich, as well as the meatloaf/spaghetti!!
(4)Perla T.
Though, I can't go to Katz's or Stage Deli in New York, I am grateful we have Manny's in Chicago. Everything in this place is good. I recently had the roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and peas and carrots. Oh yeah, topped off with an onion roll. DEEE - licious! I was stuffed. Every time I go there, I want to order everything. I LOVE the matzo ball soup, the potato latke, the desserts, the brisket, etc. When I come to Manny's, it is one of the few restaurants where I don't care how much I've ordered or the calories. It's experiences like this where I simply appreciate the food. Waist-line be damned! You can come here alone or with a friend. Either way, you won't do much talking because you'll be in food nirvana!
(5)Christine P.
We visited Manny's this weekend while running a bunch of errands. I knew the place would be hopping, but I had no idea when I walked in how efficient it would be. We went up to the pickup counter to order one corned beef and one reuben. The wait was extremely short, but I was extremely surprised to get to the front and realize that 2 sandwiches, one potato pancake, and two drinks was $31. Next time, I'll double check the website first!
(3)Elaine C.
It's pretty awesome to find a Jewish cafeteria deli here in Chicago. It's a little bit of New York charm right here in the south Loop. Matzo ball soup: amazing. I think I might come back just for that. Corned beef: lean and delicious. I'm always a little scared of corned beef cause it gets really fatty and grosses me out, but I finished an entire gigantic sandwich (over the course of the day.) Potato pancakes were decent. (Whoever said they are better than grandma's: shame on you.) And pickles were plentiful and delicious. I even tried a Dr. Brown's Celery Soda... that was, um, interesting. The only reason this isn't a 5-star is 'cause it does seem a little pricey for a cafeteria-style deli. A corned beef sandwich that comes with a latke and two pickles is like $12. $4 for soup, $2 for soda... that adds up! It's a lot of food but it doesn't seem like the right ambiance for a $12 sandwich. I'd still def. come back--I need to check out the cole slaw next. I saw they had stuffed cabbage and other things too! Aw man, I wish I had more Jewish friends.
(4)Val B.
Hands down, the best Jewish food in Chicago. Cafeteria-style, something for everyone, I'm sure! Prices are a bit high, but it's fast, friendly, and it's been around forever. Talk to the guys behind the counter -- they are super interesting! Also, take time to read some of the newspaper articles hanging on the walls.
(5)Jason C.
They get 4 stars for the atmosphere alone. This is a Chicago icon. The corned beef was good - not the best I have had in the city. More choices than you can imagine - all comfort food. The potato pancake was not that crispy but it still tasted good. Also, very pricey!! 2 sandwiches, 2 drinks and a side were almost $35!! Go if you have not been. Its an experience.
(4)Rico T.
I tried something different here today. Went with the turkey leg with rice & veggies and washed it all down with a Green River. Not as good as the pastrami on rye & potato pancakes, but damn tasty! I'm over the renovation from years back. I'm OK with the windows now. Question-what's with the valet up front? It's a cafeteria!
(5)Christine B.
Im from NY so I know good pastrami. Let me tell you that the pastrami on rye is comprable to Katz's deli in NYC. Delish. Dont forget the jewish potato fry. I have gone 2 times and intent to go again.
(4)Vivian Y.
I'm updating this review to 5- stars for the pastrami sandwich! WOW was it good! My friend and I order one Pastrami and one corned beef sandwich. We shared and we both agreed the the pastrami won hands down!!! it was HOT and thinly shaved. the meat was well marbled and flavorful. Corned beef was ok but not sliced thin enough. but that's just my taste. Manny's has great pickles! YUM and crispy!
(5)Jeanie P.
Oh Manny's why are you so expensive??? (-1 star) This place looks like a friendly neighborhood chummy diner, and it is! But... it is deceivingly costly....(each of us spent like nearly 20 dollars on lunch alone... with one knish, one half sandwich, and small bowl of soup, granted this is a lot of food). I went here last week with friends in search of knish, basically a really large potato ball filled with beef. We were all complete noobs to this place and were standingly foolishly in line without trays, until we saw some old grandfatherly regulars come in behind us. So the moral of the story is, grab a tray before getting in line. It's cafeteria style boys and girls! We all ended up getting the half sandwich and soup combo (around 11 dollars) Anyway, I suggest getting this because those sandwiches are HUGE... I'm talking about like 4x the needed meat). This comes with two pickles. And here is where I discovered TRUE pastrami. It was AMAZING. But the bread-meat ratio was way off for me, and ended up taking the rest home. I must say, I think I took in at least triple of my daily sodium with this one meal. Also, watch out because they could thrust a potato pancake onto your plate if you don't tell them you don't want it. The matzo ball soup was just average. It was my first time trying it, and it came in a small bowl with a huge matzo ball in yellow soup. It didn't impress. The knish was also alright and was better with ketchup. The pastrami on rye was definitely the star of the meal and tasted really great with the horseradish relish that they give you at the table. I also liked the honey dijon mustard on my sandwich. When we were here, the ox tail stew was a special, and I will definitely need to try that next time. I definitely love the feel of this place which you can tell is just full of loyal regulars. Hmm so overall good food, great sandwiches, questionable prices.
(3)Lori M.
Bulk jewish items by the pound, and college day memories all rolled into one cheese & tomato sandwich on dark rye, with a pickle. I can always go for the potato pancake when I'm feeling the need to absorb my Ketel One overflow. And even though Manny has little to offer a vegetarian like myself, I've been known to order 10 lbs. of 'old world' phosphate-free Pastrami for my butcher-father, Doc. He swears by it, on it, for it, and after eating it. Dis is an Institution foh shua. I think I may have a (yes, stolen) souvenir from Manny's - a pink plastic tray from 1983, which I believe to be an expression of my love for this world within a deli.
(5)Kate P.
What a delicious mistake--lost walking from Union Station, we happened upon this place. Yum. Pass on the soup, and stick with the corned beef sandwich. Unreal! It's a big serving though it's a $13 sandwich, so, really, you're getting what you pay for, which is a good thing. Friendly staff. This place is a new tradition for us each time we visit Chicago! It's a fav for President Obama too.
(4)Erik B.
Best pastrami sandwich Ive had in Chicago. The rest of the food is good too. Its just a tad on the pricey side. The employees always seem to be happy and friendly. Also note that you shouldnt be too alarmed by long lunch or dinner time lines. They move fast. Line movement is fast and efficient because of the cafeteria style ordering combined with a lot of local (i.e., not first timers... try waiting in line at Hot Doug's... its not worth it!) customers.
(4)Lyn B.
Manny's corned beef is good. It's no New York corned beef, but still worthwhile to try!
(4)Jane T.
So I've never had corned beef before and this was my first. From a friend's recommendation, I ordered the Reuben. It was definitely different ... and the portion was HUGE! I wound up pulling all the excess meat out of my sandwich, I could've made 2 more sandwiches with it! The servers were friendly. The man making the sandwiches asked my bf if we were sharing and when we told him no he exclaimed "I was gonna give you extra meat but forget it now!" He was quite the joker, flirting with all the ladies in line. The potato pancakes were the highlight of my meal. I enjoyed that way more than my sandwich. I guess to really savor the quality of the sandwiches at Manny's, I'd have to try a mediocre corned beef sandwich before heading there. I'll definitely give it a try again, after I've had a taste of others. Also, it's pretty pricey there for a sandwich. Our bill was almost $40 for 2 sandwiches and 2 drinks! Ooh, I loved the fact that they have a parking lot in the back and FREE valet.
(3)Alexander R.
The Reuben, the potato pancakes, and the matzah ball soup - Amazing!! speaks for itself. A little pricey, but well worth it. I can eat there every day.
(5)Tina D.
This was by far the worst corn beef sandwich i have ever had!!! I think i expected a lil more considering i paid $32 for 2 sandwhiches and 2 sides. I got the Kugel which tasted pretty good but was portioned for an infant. The corn beef sandwich, yeah, had tons o meat, but the meat had no taste. Its corn beef!! Cmon!! that should b packed w flavor. I would never in my life go there ever again!! $32!! gimmie a break! I have no idea how they stay in business! Go to Dillinger's on 127th and Ashland for an amazing corn beef sandwich! Also, Morry's Deli 5500 s Cornell has a great corn beef.
(1)Mike K.
this place claims to have the best cornbeef in chicago. Its good cornbeef. One of those places where you look at the half of the sandwich and you are in awe of how much stacked with cornbeef it is. Its just, claiming to be the best...it was a little dry. Not saying it wasnt good...just a little dry. Thats all. The potato pancake I got in the side was great though, no complaints there!
(3)Annie R.
The corned beef sand which here is amazing. As it should be for 13bucks. But its not quite as great as a NY corned beef for sure. The ambiance is terrible, it really is a cafeteria bright lights and all and the tables are old etc. The potato pancakes were just fine. Nothing special. There are not many delis like this in Chicago so if you are craving a good corned beef its worth the trek (as it is not really near anything).
(3)Jin K.
okay, after trying small variations of how the sandwich needs to be, i have deemed that the corned beef with a touch of pastrami is the way to go. Still get yourself the potato pancake but the soup should be the kreplach soup, the matza ball soup is good too. some decide to get pie but quite frankly that would be gluttony beyond what I am comfortable with. but if you can mustard up the courage, go for the cherry pie seems to be the favorite. (obama's got a pic in there with a slice of cherry pie sitting next to his mile high corned beef sandwich).
(5)David W.
Typically I make my way to Manny's when I am craving a corned beef for lunch. However, on this day I was craving corned beef for breakfast. Not to worry, Manny's got your back in the AM too! I ordered a full plate of Corned Beef Hash and a Dr. Brown's Cream Soda. The Corned Beef Hash was perfectly cooked and seasoned. You gotta love it when your hash has a bit of a crunchy crust on it from being on the griddle just the right amount of time. Add a little bit of ketchup and you have yourself the perfect meaty breakfast. Washing it down with a Dr. Brown's just made the experience all the better. Is this heaven? No it's South Jefferson Street. The interior, well..... It's a dive, but I'm sure they'd take that as a compliment. Manny's isn't trying to be anything else other than a good cafeteria with giant portions that serves up what might be the city's best Corned Beef Sandwich and Hash. The service is always.....serviceable. If you go to Manny's and it's your first time be sure to hang onto your receipt because you pay on your way out. Yum Yum! 1 Ginormous Plate of Hash 1 Soda ----------------------------------------- $10.75
(4)Elias W.
Best corned beef sandwich ever. Get a second serving of bread as you order your sandwich. Two can share. I love the taste and the leanness of the corned beef. WOW !!!
(5)Cee. D.
We treated ourselves at the office on Tuesday, 8/4/09 (ordered it the day before and had it delivered). All I can say is, "My corned beef sandwich was received as ordered (corned beef on dark rye bread, mustard on the side and extra pickles). I also ordered a side of chicken noodle soup which was tasty but not impressive. My bill was $16 & some change. For me, due to the size of the sandwich, it did last 2 days, which is a plus due to $. I don't eat corned beef that often, but I would say that if it wasn't for my love of mustard, I probably wouldn't be a corned beef eater. I don't know, my mom did cook it when I was a kid."
(3)Lisa L.
Seriously starve yourself before going to Manny's because their portions are huge and the food is rich. My father asks for two extra slices of bread with his corned beef sandwich because they give him enough meat to make two decent-sized sandwiches. Personally, I always get meatloaf and pickled beets, or some other equally old-man-style meal.
(4)Jon C.
Heard a lot of good things about this place and was pleased. The portions are definitley large enough to split (but you pay for the portion size) or you can have another dinner when you bring home your leftovers.
(4)MJ B.
The Reuben is so good, I almost started to cry. The omelet and pastrami are also fabulous. I've only gotten take-out, so I'm not sure if it'd be different eating-in, but I think the potato pancakes are only OK.
(5)Joe S.
Big trays of bland oily old fogey food served by crab asses averaging around $12 per item plus whatever you end up paying for side dishes and a drink. Always packed at peak hours. Lots of sausage fingered business men mostly who love to make a show out of buying their post lunch cigar at the checkout and making sure everyone knows that they know the owners by name. The menu is all over the the map. The Super Jumbo Hot dog w/ Potato Pancake go together just like bacon and eggs. Not interested? How about Fried Fish w/ Macaroni? Knish? Kishke? Hmmm...Herring with Bread? If you're short on cash there's always the Baked Hamburger for $5.95 served with a generous side of one pickle chip. I'm pretty sure everyone loves a good baked burger. To call something a sandwich I believe that it should at least handle somewhat as such. Their renowned corned beef or pastrami is really just a showy pile of meat with a a couple pieces of dry rye bread thrown in somewhere for good measure. So instead I'd steer towards the chopped liver, sardine, or sockeye salmon sandwich instead off the cold menu as they're much easier to manage and wash it down with a Celery Soda. Eech. Manny's has time on it's side and people love the familiar and will rave about a place just because they know it's there. Worth one visit at least so you can agree with everyone else about how amazing it is when it comes up in conversation.
(2)William D.
Here's another Chicago culinary landmark that I try to get to every few months, usually with my colleague Jeff. It's a nostalgic lunchtime: the matzo ball soup reminds Jeff of his grandfather (a German cook) and the whole atmosphere reminds me of the cafeterias I frequented as a child in 1950s Indianapolis. The sandwiches are phenomenal--mile high corned beef. I recommend splitting one sandwich (unless you're built like Dan Blocker) but be sure to use the table-top horseradish sparingly--hoo hah! The hot entrees are almost always well done (I found their corned beef hash to be dry but the lamb shanks are incredible). Too, you gotta love a place that still serves canned vanilla and chocolate pudding yin-yanged in little dessert bowls. This is also a great melting pot--you find yourself surrounded by men in pinstripe suits and construction workers from nearby road crews, families with screaming kids and retirees that you know have been coming here since 1948. For such an unpretentious, at times brusque dining experience, the free valet parking here is charmingly quirky. On our last visit, J. and I noted that the place was not as busy as it usually is. Nonetheless, I pulled up to the curb, tossed my keys to the valet, took my claim check, and went in for an hour or so of good food and talk. When J and I left, we discovered that the valet had parked my car literally one car length from where I left it on Jefferson. I thought it was a hoot.
(4)Wayne H.
A few weeks ago I had spent some time in NY and Katz's deli was recommended to me. I was skeptical but man, the pastrami sandwich was the best thing ever. I never knew two slices of bread, meat, and mustard could taste so good. So coming back to Chicago I was craving a good deli sandwich. Heard about Manny's from yelp and friends so I went for Saturday brunch. It wasn't too crowded and the servers were friendly and polite even though I wasnt sure how the whole cafeteria worked. I saw a picture of a happy Obama eating the "presidential meal" so since I was feeling presidential I got that. Corned beef, potato pancake, and cherry pie. It was pretty good (tho expensive, $17 total) and I would go back again when I'm craving a good sandwich. Sorry to say though, definitely no Katz's...
(3)Emily S.
I don't know why I have not been going here for years. Apparently I missed the memo. This is absolutely my new favorite deli!!! The food is top notch, you actually get a tray and silverware and go down the line. The staff is hilarious and make you feel welcome even if it is your first time. Portions are huge too!! I'm making it my Friday lunch ritual! I was there today and just missed president elect-Obama! It doesn't look like much from outside or the inside but you nave to try this place! Old school Jewish food....gotta love it!
(5)Food M.
The Corned Beef sandwich is probably the best in the Midwest. The other deli's dont come close in taste and especially the portion size. As a matter of fact, split the sandwich (which is close to 12 oz of meat) to have a bowl of daily made fresh soups and potatoe pancakes..... AND Valet Parking is free ( but be sure to tip the valet. These guys are great and work hard)
(5)Boniface J.
The pastrami and corn beef sandwiches here are amazing. It's a bit pricey but the amount of food they give you is overwhelming. The stack of meat they put on the bread..... incredible. The food is delicious and the matzo ball soup is taste homemade.
(4)Stacy Y.
Old school at it's finest! I have memories of my dad bringing me here at a kid - this is the ultimate comfort food for me. Cafeteria style with the best character's behind the counter (I love that these dudes still wear the paper hats). I've had tons of pieces of food extended towards me "try this!", my dad & one of the guys sharing philosophies about marriage, another one described kishke as a Jewish chitlin - how can you not love that!?!? The food never disappoints - whether it's one of the rotating nightly entrees like lamb shank or short ribs - the meat is always so tender and falls off the bone. Served with traditional sides like mixed veggies, mashed potatoes, etc. Don't forget to try the essentials when you go: the kishke, latke and the matzah ball soup! The sandwiches - oooooh! A 1/2 sandwich is the size of 2 entire sandwiches you'd purchase at 7-11 or the like. There is meat for days - warm corned beef or my personal favorite, pastrami. Or sometimes a combo of both (they can make ANY kind of sandwich you'd like) on rye (or an onion roll) with a kosher pickle on the side. Sandwich heaven. *sigh* Pure awesomeness.
(5)Dave L.
Manny's is Amazing and now in Midway Airport and McCormick Place! The other day at the McCormick place location I had a fresh sliced Half Pastrami / Half Corned Beef with a Potato Pancake (sour cream and apple sauce). If food can make you drunk, it sure did. I just wanted to pass out right there. The Matzah Ball soup is awesome too. Note: It seemed expensive at McCormick Place but I don't think the food was cheap at the original location.
(5)Sue N.
A Chicago legend! Lives up to its reputation. The sandwiches were very large and the corned beef lean and well spiced. The potato pancake was awesome....i highly recommend it. Don't be intimidated by the cafeteria style service and the servers. It is all good.
(5)Kristi D.
Every so often we head to Manny's when we have a craving for pastrami, the sandwiches here are huge so we tend to split a sandwich and then get a few sides, this time we tried a knish, the kugel and potato latkes (pancakes). Everything is delicious, I've never had a disappointing meal here. The quality is always there, Manny's isn't resting on it's laurels or on the endorsement given by the President of the United States. I see some people complaining that it's expensive but $11.95 for a sandwich two can split? That's expensive? For Chicago? You load up at the counter, find yourself a seat and pay on the way out. The line goes quick, everything is served hot. There is a really small free lot behind the restaurant or there's pay parking on the street.
(5)Matt P.
Hands down, the best corned beef sandwich and potato pancake you will ever eat. Taking that all into account, you can dismiss the corned beef carver, that tries too hard to be a stereotypical New York deli guy, analagous to the soup nazi from Seinfeld.
(5)Linda P.
Best Cornbeef sandwich around! and yes the reuben is by far the best ive ever had!
(5)Carmen R.
I get it. It's a throwback place. The kind you'd find a Royko or a Daley at back in the day. But honestly? Meh. Parking was weird, since there were so many cars jammed in front of the place I couldn't see the 'free valet' sign nor did I catch the 'parking in rear' until I walked back from parking at a meter a block away. The long line, nearly out the door, was daunting but moved quickly enough and service was efficient if not effusive. The food was good, hot and what you'd expect from good deli. Portions were generous and the mashed potatoes were real potatoes. But $40 for lunch just to take in the simple, 50s cafeteria ambiance - including $5 for two sodas? I don't know how I feel about that. All in all, just an 'ok' experience.
(3)Stephen Z.
I have been going here for years and as I take a break from my HUGE corn beef sandwich I needed to at least give a 5 star because it's so damn good. Keep it up
(5)Arlene D.
Best. Corn. Beef. EVER! Nuff said
(5)Dug D.
Well I finally had a sammich from Manny's. I have lived in and around Chicago for 13 yrs. now so its about damn time! We got delivery at work today. i had the pastrami on rye with provalone and a potato pancake. WOW hellava sandwich. my potato pancake was cold and they forgot the sour cream so that was a bit of a disappoinntment. i'll just remember to get one when i eat there AND i will be going back. Helluva sandwich!! you may be thinking to yourself "hey dummy they don't deliver!!" Well technically they don't BUT you can get it delivered if you order thru Foodler.com OR DiningIn.com .
(5)B.G. L.
I have to agree with Jeremy D. Maybe if you go when they first open up things are fresh but I was there at around 2 and my hot dog bun was hard as a rock. Manny's is living off their old reputation if folks don't remember fresh, go to Manny's. The potato pancake is awful. Hard stale, tough. Yuck.
(1)Katrina M.
Every time I go to a deli, I have three sandWISHES: good bread, good meat, good prices. My wishes were BEYOND fulfilled at Manny's. The sandwiches are huge, because they pack in so much meat. They give you a corn fritter, and two pickles with each sandwich too! Meat is flavorful and tender. I had the roast beef. :) They also have a variety of sides, desserts, and drinks to choose from. Most of all, the affordable prices are just right for the amount and quality of the food.
(5)Christina N.
I have heard such good things about this place that I had to try it. Once I walked in I immediately wanted to march right out. The food looked grotesque! The only thing I could muster up the courage to order was a turkey and swiss sandwich on focaccia bread. Sounded simple enough- I haven't tasted worse...until I tried the chocolate cake- what do they put in their batter? Chalk? How can you screw up chocolate cake? The kicker: The tiny turkey sandwich was $10.95 and the cake, $3.50!!!! I couldn't finish either. I wish I had went to Jimmy Johns...RIDICULOUS. I will never go back. You want a REAL DELI? Try Katz's in NYC. They get it right.
(1)Yo U.
WATCH YOUR BILL VERY CAREFULLY! I hate having to do this, but do it I must. I ordered a hot pastrami sandwich at Manny's and without any prompting from me, the friendly guy slicing the meat put an unsolicited potato pancake on my plate. I didn't think anything of it. I knew what I had ordered: a hot pastrami sandwich, and that sandwich costs $10.95. I presumed that the couple of pickle spears and this pancake on my plate must come with it and must be included in the price. Never did he ask me if I wanted to add a potato pancake for an extra dollar. There were also no signs in evidence to put you on notice that a potato pancake is not included in the price and that it costs a dollar extra. Imagine my surprise when upon almost finishing my meal, I discovered that my sandwich was listed as $11.95 on the bill because they had charged me for the potato pancake! Well, when I went to the cashier and explained what happened, she cautioned me that if I ate the pancake, then they (management or the owners) would not be likely to take the dollar off. Sure enough, she calls for a gentleman to come to the front and he is informed that I ate the pancake. He then said that I should have taken it back. When I explained to him that I didn't notice the extra charge on my bill until after I had finished the pancake, he relented, albeit reluctantly. Given the fact that the cashier had a good idea of how this would play out, I suspect that this is not an uncommon occurrence at Manny's. If this happens with any regularity, then it is sketchy and shady as all get out. Like some places in Chinatown that try to charge $1 per bowl for rice when they bring it to your table even if you didn't order it (thank heavens I didn't touch the rice that one time it happened to me at Lao Sze Chuan) or places in Europe who try to charge you for bread when it is brought unsolicited to your table and you help yourself, the pancake game at Manny's -- if, indeed, that is what it is -- is dodgy to say the least. To boot, the sandwich was not great. It may be good by Chicago standards, but I have had much better elsewhere. The best part of the meal was the cinnamon roll that I bought for dessert. That's sad. I wouldn't bother with this place if I were you.
(1)Andrew A.
If you're coming here for cheap eats, look elsewhere. However, the deli selections are always very good. Newbies get a little confused, but it's simple: pick your food, get rung up and given a ticket (don't pay yet), then eat! As you leave, pay the ticket.
(3)J M.
The best pastrami on rye sandwich I have ever tasted. However, the price (15 bucks) for a sandwich is just as likely to give you a heart attack as the meat. Again, the food is amazing, the price, not so much
(4)John R.
Went for lunch today. It was OK. The kugel was nice, so was the potato pancake, but the pastrami was the greasiest I've ever had in my life. Nothing like good NYC deli (Katz's or 2nd ave) or even better options in Chicago. Really, it was embarrassing. The vegetables were overcooked and underseasoned, but hey, you don't go to a deli for green beans. Overall, I won't go back.
(2)Mill V.
This place is perfect for a good honest Deli sandwich. And worth every penny. Remember, you are paying for a great quality sandwich, not some unearthy, frozen, mush you get at some food court. So yeah, it's gonna cost more, but damn worth it. It's cafeteria style, and the selection of hot food looked equally good. It changes everyday, but I didn't come there for that. (I overheard someone say their knish tasted like boiled unsalted potatoes) I had a bowl of the beef dumpling soup. The broth was salty goodness, and the dumpling was surprisingly tasty(looked like they made it on premise). The sandwiches are what you go there for. My pastrami sandwich was juicy goodness. Good fat content, as some places will add too much to extend their product. The onion bread that it was on was really yummy, too. My mom really enjoyed her corned beef. The potato pancake was also a treat , almost as big as my hand. I love everything about this place! I wish this location was near me!
(5)Anya H.
If you want to over pay for a huge pile of meat tentatively held together by two wimpy slices of bread then this is your place. Not really my cup of tea so i would say skip it
(2)Carly O.
Some might think being introduced to a Chicago classic by their parents is a big embarrassing, but I have no problem with admitting this. They swooped me up from work one day when they were in town from the burbs and told me Manny's was THE place to go for corned beef/pastrami sandwiches. Fine.By.Me. I have no idea how much the decor has or hasn't changed, but I loved the old school feel. Guys behind in the counter with paper hats and white aprons, carving meat and piling it high on rye bread. I ended up giving half of meat to my dad to make himself another sandwich later on. The potato pancakes are awesome.
(5)Jeremy W.
Never have I been to a more over-hyped place than Manny's. Manny's interior looks like a throwback to a 1970's diner or something. Obama must need his taste buds examined because we could find nothing appealing about this place. The corned beef sandwich meal which cost more than $13.00, was piled quite high but the flavor was not there. Sides were not that good, especially the macaroni. We ate only a few bites of our sandwich, hoping each subsequent bite would offer at least a sliver of satisfaction, it didn't.
(1)ari b.
What can I say... I have a special clog in my heart for manny's. I have been coming here for years. I now live in the bay area and lament the sad lack of a proper fress station. I always get the corned beef and pastrami on rye. The potato pancake is delish and the pickles are perfectly half sour. I wish I could take the horseradish mustard intravenously. The best part is Gino... Always there, always funny... I go with my grandma and he says, "hey there's my girlfriend... I got news sweetheart, I've been cheating". This is a living piece of Chicago history and we're lucky it's open.
(5)Ralph L.
Food=good service=self price=moderate stool's(BM) the next day=scary original deli=priceless!
(5)Jacob F.
Manny's is best describes as controlled chaos. The line spills out the door unless you come during offpeak hours, the din in the restaurant verges on deafening, the counter guys do not suffer fools and people constantly bob in and out of line around the uninitiated. Don't let this put you off, though. This is the best pastrami sandwich in the city, if not the world. I found out about this place through yelp about a year ago (much respect to those that recommended it) and I hopped on the CTA with my bookbag hoping for a low key pastrami sandwich, a piece of pie and a couple hours of productive studying. Arriving in the middle of the lunch rush was a jarring experience. Upon seeing the line out the door, I almost turned tail and fled, but luckily I didn't. The memory of that sandwich, and the failed attempt at studying to follow, were what brought me back to the restaurant a couple of weeks later when my friends and I were desperate for a dinner spot before an 8 PM movie. Much to my surprise, there was no dinner rush. Without the frantic shoving and bustling of the huge line, there was an oddly uncharacteristic calm to the place. The counter guys were content to chat for a couple of minutes and I had an interesting conversation with the sandwich guy, Gino. Since that day, I try to visit the restaurant on slightly off-peak hours. Not generally for dinner, mind you, but maybe a late lunch at 2:30. The place is at its best right as the lunch rush starts petering off, as it still has some hustle and bustle, but it's not intrusive. The line's also much shorter, if not nonexistent, and so you get to talk to the counter guys. You also get a nice chance to see life go by on Jefferson Street, or even study if you feel like it. As for the food, I'm sure that the stuff in the front of the line is great. I'd imagine they have great specials, I know they have good soup and nice blintzes, and David Axelrod swears by their salads. Having said that, going to Manny's with these foods in mind is kind of a cop out. You go there for corned beef or pastrami. The corned beef has a nice texture and a good beef flavor that's not covered up by spices. It's a bit dry, though. On the other hand, the pastrami is spicy, salty, greasy and so delicious. It manages to be flavorful without suppressing the taste of the meat. Gino heaps it high on your choice of bread (onion roll, please) and serves it with a potato pancake and two kosher dill spears. One of the things I like best about this place is completely unrelated to the food. This place is completely devoid of any pretentiousness. This restaurant sees governors, senators, entertainers and Chicago power brokers rubbing shoulders with everyone from doctors, lawyers and traders to college students, families and retirees. Nobody is special here. Everyone's just sharing in the experience of eating good food in an interesting setting. In fact, in the 67 years the restaurant has been open, they never had any specials named after anyone until December. Who, you ask, could warrant such treatment? Only the leader of the free world, then President-elect Barack Obama. The fact that you have to be the most powerful person in the world to get special recognition in that restaurant is a refreshing taste of ego deflation in a place like Chicago, where so many local personages are larger than life.
(5)Kari S.
Who knew such an awesome place existed in southwest Chicago?! I didn't until a couple weeks ago...I went for the deli sandwiches and I will go back for the potato pancakes and matzo ball soup. All the food looks delicious and the sandwiches are made to order, so can pick everything yourself. I had a half turkey pastrami sandwich, which I then had for one more lunch because there was lunch meat piled high. Their bread is fresh, and I recommend rye. I also had the matzo ball soup, which was so deliciously salty. On the way out, purchase the Mannys dijon mustard. Its delicious and the packaging is really cute. I'm sad that since reading "Skinny Bitch" I find it hard to eat any meat, but maybe I will make an exception every once in awhile for Manny's.
(5)Rory F.
Consistently the best corned beef Ive ever had... I actually am in SanFran and just ate at Tommy's Joynt here, which reminded me how much more I like Manny's. The cafeteria line has a few personalities almost as worthwhile as the beef, and you have to match up the sammy with a Black Cherry Dr. Browns. So Nice try SanFran, Tommy's was good but Manny's is still the king of the ring!
(5)Greg F.
me and my wife claire come here as often as we can to split an enormous and delicious-as-can-be corned beef sandwich. that and everything else you see as you slide your tray along will taste fantastic i can testify trying different sides every visit. move slowly to take in all the mouth-watering aromas, the regular customers behind you will grumble a little while passing admiring slo-pokes (like me). the restaurant is cafeteria-style bright and clean but like another popular cafeteria layout PANDA EXPRESS i criticize i have absolutely no use for MANNY'S food pricing methods and display. while not laying a hand on the food serving they should tear everything down on the wall behind regardless of how art-deco and replace with names/explanations/prices even the nearsighted Mr. Magoo can read and instantly comprehend at a cafeteria-speed glance. any customer anywhere deserves to be able to decide & calculate cost totals just about to the penny while selecting, and that's particularly important at the pricier eateries which some other reviewers accuse MANNY'S of MANNY'S has a hidden free parking lot nearby. Jefferson St is one-way going north so one approaches from Roosevelt Rd, then you turn right at the first street which is Grenshaw and that's one-way going east. after turning immediately on your right will be the parking lot entrance you go in
(4)Alec B.
Manny's is decent deli fare, but thats about all it is. If you're in the area, drop in, but its not really worth a big trip.
(3)Wendy Y.
As a food-obsessed Jew, I can definatlly state that this place is authentic and delicious. I love it! Today I had the Matzo Ball Soup and half a corned beef and it was great. My life in Chicago has been made just a little bit better knowing that there is an authentic Jewish Deli right down the street (with parking!). The food is pretty pricey, so try to be selective, but I think it is (almost) up to par with my favorite Delis in Detroit and New York.
(5)Emma C.
Mannys is an institution. I can't say it enough. If you like a good jewish deli- this is the place. I've been going here for about 8 or 9 years, and it never lets me down. If you've got a taste for a great potato pancake- this is your spot. Plus corned beef sandwiches are to die! Hit this spot up whenever you can!
(5)Jenn K.
Sweet baby Jesus on rye. Wow. After 10 years as a vegetarian, I broke my decade long pastrami-free fast at Ashkenaz and I thought, "Yes. This is good." And I stand by that, but man oh man, if I had known about Manny's I may never have gone veggie in the first place. The sandwiches are huge, as has been described by many. And they are accompanied by a wholly unnecessary latke-- very delicious, very fried. The matzoh ball soup is not to be missed, even if you are awed by the size and weight of your sandwich. I had a hard time carrying my tray to the dining room and now feel stronger for the effort. I recommend the trip for anyone not in the area-- make a day of it if you're headed down to see a Sox game. The prices are a little higher than you generally see at delis-- soup, sandwich and a drink will run about $20, believe it or not-- but it's a splurge that you can easily rationalize. A Manny's lunch, depending on if you hit it early or late, will serve you in good stead for two meals, or at least one and a half. I have to say, though, that Manny's failed to impress on the pickle front. Ashkenaz wins there, hands down.
(5)Jason T.
Can't believe I haven't written a review of my favorite Jewish Deli in the Chi. Manny's, you are a delicious gift from the heavens, tam-ganeydn. The first thing everyone notices when walking into Manny's deli is the boisterous, low-key cafeteria atmosphere. There are always plenty of folks sitting around kibbitzing, so it can be loud, but I like it that way. Grab a tray, then glance at the menu and try not be overwhelmed. Pro-tip: You want a sammich, everything else is gravy. When you decide, your food is served to you by a deli counter-man, tell him what you want and he'll retrieve it for you, put it on a plate, which you then put on your tray and take to the register. They give you a receipt which you will pay for as you exit. Now for the menu run-down. If you are looking for healthy food at Manny's, you are a schmuck. Please leave. If you enjoy heaping piles of delicious meats with plenty of schmaltz (yiddish for grease/fat/everything that makes the food here taste good), then Mazel Tov, you are in the right place. When standing in the counter line at Manny's, I am usually frozen in a deep, pensive quandary. Should I get the corned beef, or should I get the pastrami? Perhaps a reuben is the answer? Oy veysmir, too much deliciousness. The meat for the sandwiches here is fantastic, so moist and tender, you really can't go wrong. The portion size is absolutely ridiculous, crazy, meshuge, verkokte (or however you spell that). A normal person could absolutely be full with a half sandwich, but I always eat the full thing (my cardiologist will never want for money). Check out one of my profile pictures to get an idea of how much meat there is. The sides here are also very good, they are a mix of your standard Jewish deli fare and some American cafeteria standards too. Matzo ball soup, latkes (potato pancakes to us goy), macaroni and cheese and spaghetti are just a few options. I always get a latke with my sammich (only 1$ extra), and if I'm feeling particularly hungry I get some matzo ball soup. They also have a wide variety of cookie and baked goods available, which are tasty but in my opinion a bit overpriced (2$ black and white cookie?). They have all varieties of drinks here, I usually get Doc Brown's stuff. So, if you are looking for a delicious option on the south side and don't have any health concerns, Manny's should be right up your alley. It is a bit more expensive than your normal deli (12$+ for a sandwich), but the portions are also much bigger than anywhere else I've been. The owner of Manny's is a real mentsh, it's a mitzvah to have such good jewish deli in our city (yiddish FTW!).
(5)Liz S.
I've been eating at Manny's since I was in Kindergarden, not joke. I went to school with the owners son, so we always had lunch sent to the school on special occasions and EVERYONE always looked forward to it. As an adult I look forward to going to the actual brick and mortar location. The food is delicious, the staff is friendly, and prices are extremely fair for the amount of food you are served. I don't think I've ever ordered anything and disliked it or not thought it tasted right. And considering it's done cafeteria style that says A LOT. If you know anything about the family you know it really is a family run restaurant. Often you can find the owners wife behind the counter working, the son working the register, and the owner talking to customers. Not to mention there are TONS of family pictures all over the place. Also, I was told that there is consideration of staying open for dinner. So, there's a chance that people might be able to enjoy this place even more. We shall see what they decide.
(5)Jean C.
Still not the best corned beef I've ever eaten -- that honor belongs to the late, lamented Henrici's -- but a darn good sandwich nonetheless. Lean, flavorful and piled up high enough to justify the astronomical price. Good potato pancake on the side, too, and excellent coleslaw. Matzoh soup was good, but I prefer my matzoh balls on the cannonball side of firmness, and these were too light for my taste. So overall? No ambiance at all, though one of the sandwich chefs did wink at me. Big, noisy place, and confusing if you haven't done it before. Take a native guide. Way pricey for the sort of place it is, but the sheer amount of food and its quality makes up for that.
(4)George M.
I would give it zero stars if i could,that being said i went there with my wife for lunch.2 half corn beef sandwiches average at best,2 soups not very good,2 greasy potato pancakes 1 tea and 1 bottle of coke(which i must say was the best thing i had ) Total with tax $29.00 what a RIPOFF!!!! I for one will never be back and i hope you don't go either
(1)Georgie B.
Been to Manny's twice now. Enjoyed both times. One of the last "authentic" places - loud, too many menu items, staff average age 60ish - that's reason enough to go. The food is good too, at least what I've had. Not a red meat eater so I had Chix Soup with Matzo ball. really good. Also had the famous potato pancake both this time and last time - like dropping a bomb in your stomach at lunchtime, but really tasty and only $2.50. You take your tray, pick your food or ask for something, get your order written up by a "lunch lady" from your elementary school, then eat. You pay on the way out. Advertising fashionistas share their lunch tables with blue collar guys in hard hats. Lots of cops, firemen and families with little kids. If you go to Chicago go there. Whether you like the food or don't you'll be glad you saw the place. A rare breed in the era of Olive Garden, UNOs, and Cheesecake Factory.
(4)Mary K.
When it comes to delis, I love the gritty ambiance full of various walks of life and this is the only reason Manny's gets a couple stars. Yes the sandwiches had a lot of meat but the food (bread, pastrami, dessert) was overall a "meh."
(2)Rhonda M.
This place was the WORST! I almost threw my sandwich at the owner. The corned beef was flavorless, tough, chewy, gristle-y and just TERRIBLE. The chicken soup was even worse (the rice had to be 10 day old minute rice)! Honestly, I got the half sandwich, soup combo and my Mom was stuck with this enormous, inedible 2 pound pile of garbage meat that they call corned beef! I walked out of the place $31 poorer, and looking for edible food to consume. Really, don't believe the hype. This was just plain awful. Who cares if you get a sandwich the size of your head if it's terrible?! Oh yeah, the "potato pancake" was this yucky, spongy, weirdly textured thing that resembled a torn up nerf football more than any potato pancake I've ever encountered. More yuck. And rancid ketchup to boot. The highlight of this experience was spotting David Axlerod. Really, this was just not worth it. Save your money. Go to the Athenian Room in Lincoln Park, our original destination.
(1)Bryan M.
If I could eat at mannys every day, I would. Unfortunately, I live in the boonies.
(5)Joyce L.
This place is cafeteria style. It totally reminded me of going to eat at the cafeteria at the hospital where my mom worked when we were kids...except that the food here is yummy!!!! We went for breakfast. I had the corned beef hash with two eggs and my husband had the lox omlette and some coffee. The corned beef hash was a little over cooked (hence, dry) but the flavor was still quite good. And for $17 for the two of us, worth the price. Oh, another plus...there is a free parking lot around back.
(4)Adam K.
Best deli in Chicago, hands down. Super old school and I HIGHLY recommend the potatoe pancakes.
(5)Robert P.
What can you say - this is simply the best Deli in the world period! It blows any NY Deli away. I have been coming here since 1973 when I began my college education at UIC. The corned beef is out of this world. You will not be diappointed! Gino working the sandwich counter is fantastic. Keep it up Manny's.
(5)Agnes F.
tasty corned beef or pastrami sandwiches and i am the biggest fan of the short rib too! it is truly fall off the bone tender and the boiled potato that comes with soaks up all the au jus from the meat hmm, super yum if you actually have room after eating all that food, try the potato pancake as well, definitely worth it
(4)Phyllis D.
My husband and I eat here frequently on our weekend outings. This place runs like a well oiled machine. We brought our grandchildren here on a Saturday for the magic show that happens table side. The kids loved it so much they cant wait to go back. A real gem in the heart of the city.
(5)Alex R.
Manny's, located in the south loop, is a great place to grab a sandwich if you work in the area. It reminds me of a good version of a school cafeteria. Grab a tray, and work your way down the line! You can choose from delicous pot roast (mmm), sandwiches, cakes, fruits, and other goodies. Their deli meat is fresh and savory, and the portions are big. The sandwiches here are definitely the highlight, but other foods are good as well. I took a star off, because I just can't justify the $11.00+ price tag on my sandwich though :(
(4)Kairo C.
ok so i wasn't too impressed with my first round at manny's - however i do see some potential. the line is just like back in the day at a school cafeteria - long at times with a handful of boarish preparers in hair nets and paper hats peering at you to make a decision already. its not as easy like in school where the chicken nuggets or pizza puffs were staples. it's adult food here and while i've grown out of nuggets and puffs i like that. but with a line behind me and a million choices we all felt rush to just blab the first things our eyes come across "well just have that right there" pointing and nodding hastily. two meals split between three friends (one no red meat eater). had the plates not been $12 bucks each we may have had the liberty to explore without having to consider each others diets. corned beef on one plate and some poultry (turkey or chicken - quite the same to me anyways) on the other plate. it was basically two pieces of bread and a tower of meat. nothing else for the sammich. then a potato pancake on the side to make us feel like we weren't cheated. oh ya and a pickle. so it wasn't all bad - just a bit boring. the meat was quality. for the price i expected a saladful of veggies to go on it... at least some lettuce... even iceberg lettuce for pete's sake. they had condiments on the table like horseradish and mustard which saved the sammich a bit. i saw some folks walking around the corner of the dining area and i imagined maybe, just maybe there was a designated veggie/condiment station to dress it up yourself. had there been i'd give the service 1 star for lack of direction and the sammich 3 stars for improvements. i had a lame experience but not one that would keep me repelled. 1 strike of my 3 strike policy.
(2)Char Y.
This is the best pastrami, corn beef, and brisket I had in Chicago, not comparing to NYC. The sandwiches are HUGE and the matza ball soup delicious. I cannot believe I have been in the area so long and not knowing where the restaurant is. Good deli food!
(2)Pawel M.
So I had maybe the most delicious roast beef sandwich ever to grace a slice of bread from here. First off when they say roast beef, they are not talking about the dry thin slices that you get from the deli counter at your local Dominick's. Nononono, here you watch a hunk of meat picked up from a wonderful tub of juice, sliced directly onto your sandwich. Juicy morsels of goodness that I paired with a potato pancake, and wash down with some Green River pop. You heard me they have Green River available here readily. Outside of that there is a good variety of other dishes available here, so if you can get over the shock of walking into a place that looks like a cafeteria from the 70's, you will be treated to a fine meal. It might not be your "traditional" Jewish deli in the sense that people aren't lined up to pick up a knish like some places in the burbs, but with them making a sammich like this I could care less.
(4)MaryAnne M.
For me this is the closest thing to an authentic NYC Jewish deli here in Chicago. My family & I have been coming here for as long as I can remember. The corned beef sandwich is perfect for 2 people to share and the potato pancakes are some of my favorite in the city. The matzo ball soup is my 2nd favorite( What's Cooking is first) And I love all the sides.
(5)shirley m.
Came here for dinner using a groupon coupon......I recommend ordering the sandwiches as they are made fresh. Nice concept, cafeteria style setup, grab a tray and walk down the line and order whatever they have made for the day. Usually about 6-8 different items on a rotating basis. I ordered the beef stew and my BF ordered the meat loaf with mashed potatoes and veggies. ( Boo Hoo) the stew was a but tough (I like my stew fork tender). Meat loaf was not bad, could use some extra seasoning. Several desserts and sides to pick from, staff is really friendly.
(3)Ryan K.
This is clearly the best cafeteria style joint in Chicago. I can't even think of a close competitor. Tips: - They have a parking lot. - Don't overthink things. Get a Corned Beef on Rye. - Great soda selection. - Potato pancakes are the finest in the city too. Grab an extra :)
(5)K M.
Sorry to rain on Manny's parade- but I doubt my review is going to do much to tarnish them. It's not that it was bad or anything, it just did not live up to expectations or make any impression at all- I've been hearing about this place forever. Granted, not eating red meat (so no corned beef for me!) or wanting to consume something heavy for lunch likely puts a damper on the experience (some fried fish up front was tempting-looking). I went with a veggie sandwich, which was tasty and gets it up to the 3 stars for almost tasting llike pizza (I had REALLY wanted to give 2 but thought I might get laughed off the site :)) but WAY overpriced at something like $8-9 - there was very little to it. Same with the $2 for a glass of diet coke. You can justify that in a more upscale environment perhaps, but not at this cafeteria in the south loop (or whatever this technically is). Lowering the prices would do a lot in my book. My lunch buddy seemed to like his turkey legs but it looked like a disaster to try to eat and was $12 for the plate. Seriously? All in all I would not have expected lunch here to cost $30 for the 2 of us! On the upside, the folks working the counter seemed sweet (not sure why it took several minutes to heat up my veggie sandwich that had been shrink-wrapped though- so much for freshness!) The layout is also confusing for first-timers. Basically I guess if you don't want anything up front, you skip ahead to the next part of the counter? I'm sure the regulars understand this but we wasted a lot of time standing around trying to figure out where we needed to wait. I would give it another shot but definitely would not go out of my way for it. Go ahead and judge me! If this is any evidence, I suppose my ex was right that I really don't "get" Jewish culture :)
(3)Kyung P.
Manny's is open for dinner (until 8:30PM)! It is cafeteria style, but instead of paying at the end of the line, they give you a check, and you pay on the way out. They also have a great selection of candy by the cash register - including chuckles! I went last night, and it was delicious! I saved half of my pastrami on rye for lunch today...I can't wait! Only if it was socially acceptable to eat pastrami sandwiches for breakfast... It was actually a tad salty - but still excellent. The corned beef was fantastic! I took off 1 star for the soggy and greasy potato pancake. It wasn't crowded at all for dinner, and I imagine that the pancake had been sitting there since lunch...it was really too bad though, because I had really high expectation. Meter parking was plentiful in the evening - even though they offer free valet. Unlike the New York delis, Manny's accepts credit cards! Woo hoo. I'll definitely be trying the roast beef next time.
(4)D. S.
A fan of the Jewish Deli, I had been hearing great things about Manny's for a long long time. Recently I found myself in the neighborhood for work and decided to go in for some lunch. I had corned beef on challah bread, a latke(which is included automatically), and some matzah ball soup. The corned beef was really dry and the resturant was filthy, the matzah ball soup left alot to be desired but the latke was truly top notch. All in all the food was just ok. The Matzah ball itself was good but the broth was bland. I would probably go back if I was in the area but I would not make the journey for so so Deli.
(3)David W.
So this review has been long in coming. I deem this place as one of the best deli's in Chicago. I always love there corn beef, and always get a matzo ball soup. It opens up your inner Jew in you(no offense meant). I've had many upon many places that say they have a great corn beef but this place sets the standard with its immense proportions as well as the whole grain mustard that is sitting at the table waiting for you what better to accompany this masterpiece then the two potato pancakes that are served along with your favorite helping of Dr. brown. I have to come here at least once every two weeks
(5)Jacob S.
Growing up in Chicago, my family and I ate here probably 2x a month, but it felt like it was a weekly thing. The epitome of what a sandwich should be: meat between bread. More specifically, a mountain of corned beef between two slices of rye. Fixins? You want fixins? The only thing acceptable to add to the sandwiches at Manny's is either some mustard or horseradish, beyond that, you're in the wrong place. To complete your plate a pickle spear or two accompanied by a latke, and maybe a Doctor Brown's soda. Heaven. They expanded the place a handful of years ago, and the neighborhood is changing (Whole Foods, Target, established businesses fading away), but the feel inside is just like it was 20+ years ago.
(5)Rupert V.
The food: Meat stacked on meat stacked on smoked meat smushed into two teeny weenie slices of rye bread with a giant pickle on the side. Too big to pick up with your hands, too big even to use a knife and fork. You have to bend down to the plate and open your mouth and eat it like a dog. Often accompanied by a potato pankake dripping with grease. The ambience: Two Jewish guys behind the counter making wisecracks about your impending coronary event from said food, while trying to hurry into making rash decsions about your nutritional health. Overall: Best deli this side of NYC.
(4)Katie D.
If you love a good Jewish deli and are near the downtown Chicago area, you must check out Manny's. The pastrami is to DIE for!
(5)Seth P.
Everyone has sung the praises of this wonderful place - so I will simply wax poetic about one of its offerings - the PHOSPHATE. You order it at the end of the cafeteria line. What is it? A very old-fashioned Midwestern favorite; basically pop that they carbonate in front of you (soda water + syrup). Sounds prosaic, but no -- the cherry phosphate is rich, liquid candy, not sickly-sweet but oh so RED in flavor -- they also have chocolate.
(5)John H.
This is the best deli in the world. All the food is good, corned beef is great, can't go wrong. Gotta try it!
(5)Erin S.
Been going since I was a little girl. Everything still looks the same. People complain about the sandwich prices a lot, but look at it this way. You're probably getting 1-2 pounds of meet and half is certainly enough for a meal. So you really get two meals out of it. Also, if you just want the lox platter or anything cold, you can skip the hotline and go straight to that section. You really can't beat their corned beef or pastrami!
(4)Michelle H.
Manny's brings me back to the days of when I lived in New York, but better. Not only do you have your regular choices of tongue, corned beef, pastrami, and salami sammies, you also have full on meals like beef stew and other classic favorites. The food here is nothing but perfect, fresh, american food. And the people are a little pushy too, which helps the atmosphere and adds to the experience in my opinion. Make sure to bring $15-20 for a meal, after you add everything you want on your plate the bill adds up, but it's worth it.
(4)cynthia w.
What a fun place to go! I love Manny's. Giant plates of yummy food. My favorite meal is the terrific corned beef on rye with crispy potato pancake and a black cherry soda. The guy who makes the sandwiches is a riot! He makes the wait entertaining. I've been going there for many years, and nothing has changed. Breakfast there is pretty good too. You often bump into people you know, or you see high powered politicos. Just remember that it's cash only. Sometimes you get close to the ninth degree about which container you need, but that just adds to the character.
(5)Joan K.
O M G! I have not had a meal like that in years. Best Brisket around. Two meal sandwiches for sure. Love THE unusual potato pancakes. Yum-mo! The gentlemen behind the counters make it fun! If you've never been here, YOU HAVE TO TRY IT!!
(5)Meredith H.
i dig manny's. considering my favorite foods are soup and mashed potatoes (bc i am apparently 80 years old) this place appealed to me right away. the bf and i used a groupon and it's a good thing we did bc we would have had no idea how much manny's full price would end up being. we discussed and determined that the amount of food is good for the price, but it's still suprising considering this is a cafeteria/deli. matzo ball soup was fantasic, chicken salad sandwhich on wheat very good as well. i have gotten a ton of crap from my coworkers for not eating the corned beef or pastrami, but those are really just not my thing. the bf had the corned beef and cabbage, and we both had desert and drinks. total cost (before glorious groupon) was $35. manny's has real history and i like that - check out their website for the story. and barry o. likes it, so that gives it some street cred too. hmmm wonder if blago likes it? does that give any more cred since his dad owned a laundromat in a black neighborhood??? i kid, i kid.
(4)Samuel M.
Eh. Perhaps I have an unfairly high standard for pastrami. This wasn't bad for a diaspora sandwich (sorry, fellow Chicagoans - nothing compares to New York in the deli department), but it was still slightly too fatty for its level of juiciness, and the spicing wasn't assertive enough for my personal taste. The potato pancake, on the other hand, was delicious, pillowy, and enormous. The corned beef that others in my party had was good, but that's not really my thing. Pickles were mediocre. Despite some complaints below, I found that the pricing was actually quite good (sandwiches such as these run $15-20 if they're good enough), and the place is so iconic that I don't mind paying a little more than I would at Potbelly's to eat the same average pastrami that presidents have eaten. A marginally above average experience, but this kind of food needs to knock your socks off to be worth the gout it invariably induces. I'll be back, but infrequently.
(3)A. R.
Manny's offers the perfect way to support America's cattle industry and cardiac doctors. Overflowing corned beef, pastrami and brisket sandwiches were the norm during my recent lunchtime visit. As I felt compelled to support America's cattlemen, and to a lesser extent the medical profession, I ordered the pastrami on rye. I was happy to see that my 2 pounds of succulent meat were pretty lean - the last thing that I wanted to do was be encumbered by fat. I was hungry and nothing but peppery beef, rye bread, and mustard would satiate me. Although the sandwich was good, the potato pancake that I also got was a greasy disc of mediocrity. I can only hope that my experience was an aberration, and that their other side dishes are better.
(3)Alex V.
Holy mounds of meat! The corned beef sandwich's are huge and very tasty. I have never nor will never walk out of this place hungry. Wish I could get here more often because the place is great. The service is fast and if its not too busy you can get some quick chit chat about most anything. The potato pancakes are the the best I ever had. They are so good I usually get two. I will forever be a fan of this place. The only down side is that they are very expensive.
(4)Ed B.
Not sure about some of the reviews here and not been to some of the places mentioned below. Been to many delis' around the country and many in New York the Mecca of Deli I think. The best of them have nothing on Manny''s and they are even more expensive. If price is your problem for a huge portion go ahead and try and find the same quality of corned beef in your deli and stay home. In any case I have been going there for years and the quality and comfort food is second to none. Sure there is always a place that may have a particular item that is better than here to an individuals taste. I have never had a bad meal here and I have tried nearly everything. Overall the consistency over the many years is never wavering. Was surprised to hear below that the place was dirty. In all my visits I have not sen that here. Especially considering the volume of traffic that goes through this quite large dining room. even that bathrooms are clean. It is old to be sure and a really cool throwback decor wise for the most part but not dirty. Yes parking may be an issue as high noon but they have valet service if you want. BTW- They have an outlet in Midway Airport. Not nearly as good. Especially if you have been to the Jefferson St. location. Portions much smaller and quality is inconsistent. People working at the airport location seem indifferent and snotty. Hey Manny's- You may want to take a look at that. The Midway location is doing nothing good for your brand and reputation. Tried it several time and will no more. Even for an airport there are much better options for the same price or less.
(5)Zach J.
Please excuse my horrible language in advance and for the F-bombs, but I was sooo wronged by this place and I want to put a point accross that if you treat people like crap they will get this pissed Alright let my beating up of this place begin.....well the sandwhich I had was ok which was the pastrami, but it was not worth all that money especially for how they premake a lot of the sandwhich which makes me upset. Want a good Jewish deli sandwhich....??? Go to Chicago Heights to Bergsteins which will blow you away and they treat you so much better. I was shocked and appalled when I asked for a glass of water with my meal and the snotty cashier replied with "You don't know.....?" I responded with "I don't know what?" She did not reply and instead gave me a cup of ice, so I thought ok I guess she's an idiot now I can go find the water dispenser, although I did not appreciate her being short with me. Well after I exited the line and paid I regretfully found no water dispenser anywhere. First of all what stupid place carries no damn water???!!! Second if you do not fucking say you do not carry water anywhere, don't be a bitch about it!!!!! Oh she made me so freakin mad and this place made me mad, because I had to eat my meal with no drink! WTF!! I hate soda pop unless it's spiked with hard booze, but if I knew they did not serve you water in advance, I would have bought a pop while in line. She totally screwed me out of a drink! I hate this place for that reason and will never return since I was treated like dog shit for asking for a fucking water! The lack of communication I find appalling, offensive, rude, and unprofessional! I am deeply appalled by the staff treating people like garbage and I have read other reviews from others that are treated like crap too. This place thinks they are high and mighty due to their reputation, but if you go in there you eat at a shitty cafeteria with pre made food, and they rob you of every penny for it! Then the water thing......ugh!.....I don't want to get started about that again. I am personally going to comb through all the negative reviews and check off cool, funny, and usefull for as many as time gives me! Also, this place is cafeteria style which never yields high quality food. There is too much hype for this place that will serve you cafeteria style food. Food that sits in those bins will never be as good. The hype and prices do not match the quality. Manny's...if you do not want to give someone a glass of water put a fucking sign that says NO WATER or tell your stupid ass cashier to at least inform customers that you won't serve it instead of being a smart ass! I also want to clear something up, I sound angry and pissy right now, but when I was at Manny's I was respectable and not annoying neither was my brother who got gipped on water too, manny's had no excuse to treat me and my brother like garbage.
(1)Mitchell I.
This is the hands down, the best sandwich place in my little foodie world. This is Chicago. Grab a tray and make sure you know what you want to order at this joint. The staff becomes a little impatient and smart ass if you hold up the line. I do not even have to ask for more pastrami fat in my sandwich. It already is perfect. Stacked high and amazing flavor. I do overdo the deli mustard. Why not? I do not even think twice about driving down here to its west side location. No matter where I am in the Chicago area. Of course, I always order potato pancakes with extra sour cream and apple sauce. This place is not for the health conscious. Just enjoy the cholesterol.
(5)Alice C.
Now that I've recovered from meat stroke (sorta) after eating here, I can finally write this review. FOOD: If you order half corned beef and half pastrami on rye, I can guarantee you won't be able to put this meat in your mouth fast enough, and you can't wait to swallow it, too. (That IS what she said.) The potato pancake was decent, but I prefer mine a little more doughy and less fried. Note that this did not stop me from shoveling it in my mouth like a fat kid that just tasted candy for the first time. The kreplach soup is also a must-try. A kreplach is a dumpling filled with some ground meat inside, and it comes with the same broth that's used in matzo ball soup. See if you can get it around lunch though because of the 2 times I had it, when I tried it around lunch, it was much more flavorful and fresh. When I had it towards the end of the night, it was a bit too salty for my taste. Watch out for the daily specials, and other sides. It could take me 6 months, literally, to try everything on the menu. There's dessert, too! BEVERAGES: If you grew up in Chicago, you'll most likely know what a Green River is. And they have these drinks here! Bonus points for childhood nostalgia. ATMOSPHERE: No thrills, no frills. Casual, for sure. It's cafeteria-like in that you get a tray, get in line, and order from the 2-4 guys that are working the counter. Careful though - the lines could get long! Luckily, there is a very large dining area. PRICE: Pretty pricey for a sandwich at around $13, but neither my brother, who is a pretty hearty eater, nor I could finish the whole sandwich. So overall - a fairly good value because you'll more than likely have leftovers, and/or suffer meat stroke/a food coma in the process. You pay the cashier after your meal. MISC: Parking in the back! But like I said earlier, it's better to get there early because the lines could be long. Some say that the neighborhood is on the shadier side, but the ghetto has never gotten in the way of my hunger (or procuring cheap gas, for that matter), and that's not gonna change now!
(4)Matthew D.
Hands down the best deli place on the planet. Soup, brisket sandwich... Best jewish food ever, sorry grandma. Best ingredients, staff is very nice. No frills. My new favorite place in the south loop were I just moved from NYC!
(5)Terry L.
Rude employees, way overpriced food, just OK for flavor, filthy dirty dining area, very confusing signage (did not have many of the items on the board), felt very rushed going through the line, other than those little issues, OK then. I would not go back if they gave me the food.
(1)renee k.
Potato pancakes are not supposed to be unnaturally neon yellow and leaden like the ones at Manny's. Although my turkey pastrami sandwich was large, it was dry and overly salty -- not very tasty. My husband got the corned beef sandwich which was just okay. I was really looking forward to the kishke, but it was cold and flavorless, and the gravy it came with was viscous -- I left most of it. I admit that I'm comparing Manny's to the Chicago delis of old like Braverman's, Leonards on Broadway, and Askenaz on Morse which were really delicious, and Manny's doesn't come close. The décor is run down 1950s cafeteria which doesn't help soothe the high prices. If you want good deli, you have to go to NYC where you can still find some.
(2)Melissa A.
Delicious cafeteria-style food. I had the meatloaf with green beans and a potato pancake. Everyone is very friendly and the atmosphere is very relaxed/casual. It brings back memories of high school cafeteria days!
(4)Daniel S.
Classic Chicago food staple, that any tourist or local needs to see, there are so many food options, the pastrami is the best ive ever had, comes with a potato pancake, the mac and cheese and Salisbury steak are also excellent, the knish was very good, the white fish was good, not their best option, the desserts were just ok, it may be a bit expensive but you get a lot of food and is worth the price, just be prepared to order when you get in line because the staff is kinda impatient
(5)Marcee W.
Definitely a Manny's fan over the years, stopped in tonight for corned beef sandwiches with a friend. Although giant (and they should be for the $12 price tag!), they were overly dry and disappointing. Potato latkes were as tasty as I remembered (although I tend to prefer them thinner and crispier) and the mac and cheese was bland. I won't let this mediocre visit taint my desire for Manny's, but I might think twice next time about spending $43 for a couple of sandwiches and sides that weren't as satisfying as my memories of them were.
(3)Cat C.
Pricey- but delicious. Went for lunch with friends today. ordered a hot turkey on rye and had fresh strawberries and a glass bottle coke. yum. There was enough turkey on my sandwich for 4 sandwiches. It was thick and juicy and delightful. my strawberries were perfect. my coke was..coke. worth $20? not really. But epic delicious. I'll definitely go again, but perhaps split a sandwich with someone. There was more than enough for two.
(4)Curt M.
Top Notch Chicago Joint! Food is excellent and there is plenty of it, very clean dining room and spotless washrooms. Plenty of room to spread out and kibitz with your Friends. All the staff is courteous, if not a downright pleasure to joke around with! I have been here Tens of times and have always had a pleasant and repeatable time!
(5)Clifford S.
I've wanted to come here ever since we attended the taping of America's Best Sandwich and I got a sample of a Manny's corned beef sandwich. Combination of O'Hare early afternoon drop off and 7:30 Theatre tickets led to us having a late lunch here. Did I say late lunch? I meant great lunch, magnificent lunch, piles of meat on rye bread fabulous lunch. Why has a carnivorous guy like me waited so long to eat here? I don't know but if you haven't had the meat satisfying sandwich that they create at Manny's you need to get down here and get your corned beef on. Not only did I consume the entire giant sandwich and any shreds of meat that may have fallen on the plate but I devoured the coleslaw, slurped up the matzo ball soup and ate some mac and cheese. But don't worry, I washed it all down with a Diet Coke. Burp. Manny's may not have won the sandwich contest but it sure won a new fan in me. As soon as I digest my amazing lunch, I will be back.
(5)Justin B.
Tried the hot pastrami half-sandwich with a bowl of potato soup and the cornbread. At $12 and with enough pastrami for at least another adult-sized sandwich, it's a ton of food. And damn, is that pastrami good. You don't come for the frills, you come for the low-budget look of the place, and it's got character in spades thanks to staff that appears to have been there for at least 20 years a piece! Wish this was closer, but that's what my car is for.
(5)Danny W.
Don't be discouraged at first glance. Their Rueben is a grower, not a show-er. It starts with only a small slab of meat before going under the grill, but afterwards it becomes the corned beef equivalent of the Mr. Universe winner. Seriously...after each layer they added my brother and I looked at each other in disbelief. Once ready we were both extremely regretful that we ordered Matzo ball soup as well. (although it was delicious too) The meat is phenomenal! So succulent that you really don't need any fixens or dressings for it to be one of your favs. It's simple and that's what makes this place so special. Awesome meat. Bread. And a pickle. Now that's a Man-wich. Pun fully intended.
(5)Analyse M.
First place I stopped at on my business trip in Chicago. I was over whelmed by the choices. So much good food. Got the fried Alaskan fish.. mashed potatoes. My coworkers got the Italian beef. Let's just say we were all stuffed and needed a nap. Totally recommend.
(5)Lynda W.
I was so disappointed with food at this restaurant .the corn beef was grainy and dried out. The mashed potato were cold and the beans were soggy. My girlfriend turkey meatloaf was not cooked all the way through and her macaroni and cheese tastes like kraft. I paid 30.00 for our meals and I was still hungary when we left. I will never go there for food again.
(1)Ryan S.
Was a decent sandwhich. A bit expensive. Perrys has them beat. Pastrami was dry but piled high as it should be for a $15 sandwhich.
(3)Bob B.
The Tab: 1/2 Corn Beef 1/2 Pastrami, 1 Potato Pancake (free with Yelp checkin) = $13.15 w/ tax The Review: Service = N/A (Self Serve) Ambience = 1.0 Food = 4.0 Pricing = 2.0 Overall = 3.0 So, I had a taste for a Reuben after having a tasty one at the Omega restaurant in Niles on Golf. So, after hours of Yelp research, and after the recommendation of a Jewish acquaintance, I decided to venture out to Manny's on a weekday night. When I walked in, it was kind of confusing to understand the restaurant structure since it was cafeteria style and there were 2 cashier stops. The furniture was old and I thought I was going into a hot tub time machine back to the 70's. The sandwich was pretty delicious. The meat was pretty good portion size and not dry, but I have seen bigger portion size sandwiches on Yelp that mammoth what was given to me. *** I think the server saw that I was Asian, and thought "oh, I'll just give him a small one". *** Overall, because of the $13 I paid for a no-frills sandwich, with just cold cuts slapped between 2 thin slices of bread.... I'm not expecting a return. If the price was lower, then "YES". Best bet is to pay the $13 for decent sandwich at Wildfire with table service and ambiance.
(3)Mark B.
A throwback to a old school cafeteria and deli. The corn beef was lean and full of flavor, the only reason it wasn't 5 stars, was the corn beef was served cold on a Ruben sandwich. The potato pancake was very good but was also served cold. It was a typical size deli sandwich. It was a little on the expensive side, but worth every penny. I was so full it almost put me to sleep in my afternoon meeting. When I'm in Chicago again, I will definitely be back.
(4)Dave H.
Okay, WOW loss for words. Yes the food is that good. Hands down the best ruben I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. Everything looks great smells great, I just haven't tried anything else yet. Next time I am trying the brisket!!! I cant wait!!!
(5)Jamie H.
Such a fun, unique place! It is kind of overwhelming when you first go in there. Good selection and massive portions! I can't wait to come back.
(4)Jack H.
If there is one thing I crave. It's a good jewish meal. Some friends of my wife and I took us here since Skoki was a bit too far to travel at the time for a Jewish deli. I was hoping for stuffed cabbage but that's only served Tuesdays. So I had the beef stew and kreplach soup. Everything was extremely fresh and tasty. I can't wait to come back and try the stuffed cabbage.
(5)Kerry W.
I went here searching for a great jewish-style deli. Manny's was great, the guys making the sandwiches were older, maybe the owners, and were awesome. We weren't sure what to get so they let us try all the meats. The turkey pastrami was my favorite and had a piece of the apple pie. Dont skimp on the pie, it was the best part.
(5)Tony H.
The best Jewish deli in America. Prices are high but the food is worth it. The corned beef is always excellent. The pastrami is too fatty for my liking. Most of the entrees in the servery look so good that I wish I could order more. The matzo ball soup is perfection. Too many delis, either the matzo balls are subpar or the broth is. At Manny's, both are right on the money. The staff is quick and prompt and even when the line is to the front door, you will not wait long. As a kicker, there is even a free parking lot for customers.
(5)Bubba G.
Over priced food for self service, went there for lunch and it cost me $38.00 for two people.
(2)Patrick D.
I think Manny's has become a victim of it's own success. Yes, it's still a very nice deli, lots of great selections on a steam table line cafeteria line, but it's changed. It's no longer a funky interesting place where you might be dining with President Obama (yes, he's been there) or with someone of less substantial means coming in for a good deal on some very good food. First the prices. WOW! I went there two days ago and had a half sandwich (pastrami) and a small salad special, a quarter slice of a pickle, and an iced tea ..... $17.07. Thank goodness I ordered a half sandwich. There was tons of pastrami, enough for an overloaded FULL sandwich, but even if it had been a full sandwich $17.07 for a sandwich, part of a pickle, a small salad, and iced tea??? in a cafeteria? Second, it's lost its local neighborhood flavor. It's all bright and shiny, and very clean, and filled with nice middle class people dropping by Manny's for a bite. and it has free valet parking. Valet at Manny's?? This explains the lots of nice middle class people who probably don't live anywhere close ... and the prices. Part of the charm of Manny's used to be the horrible parking situation. If you went to eat there, you occasionally really had to REALLY want to eat there because parking could be a real challenge. Win the parking roulette and you were rewarded with a delicious meal at reasonable prices. No longer. Now, easy parking, delicious meal, pricey. Part of the charm is it was always clean, but not so much SPARKLE!!! The lighting was always OK but more like a grade school cafeteria, not enough to enhance your tan ... or make your jewelry SPARKLE!!! Heck, most of the old customers weren't wearing sparkly jewelry, if any jewelry at all. Some did, some didn't. That was Manny's. That's what kept it interesting to eat there. If you've read this far I've got to tell you about one good deal there for Manny's lovers. They are selling their old trays with the Manny's logo. $10 for one, $15 for two. It's a good deal for a memento of the old favorite place. That deal won't last long because the cashier told me they are getting snapped up fast.
(3)Dan K.
Manny's is great. My dad took me here one day years and years ago, and I was not impressed at all by the cafeteria style setup because I thought that was all they had to offer. Then I saw the pastrami. Enough said. If you want a giant pastrami or corned beef along with the excellent potato pancake, there is no better place to go in Chicago than Manny's.
(5)Carol G.
If you want plain old good food with no pretense this is the place. The sandwiches are huge and delicious. We split a corned beef pastrami combo. It was terrific and plenty for two. The staff are efficient and friendly and very helpful if you have questions or need directions like we did. It's out of the way a bit, but worth the side trip.
(5)Fei W.
Cafeteria style. It's really nice to be able to see the food you're ordering as you walk down the line. Really cheap prices for the quality and quantity served. The potato pancakes are giant. The corned beef on rye is so overstuffed with corned beef that you will have issues picking it up. I keep meaning to come back and try more offerings. They have a free valet at lunch.
(3)Am C.
If you're looking for a quick, affordable lunch then this is the place to be. It's set up cafeteria-style, so the first thing you want to do is grab a tray by the door. Go ahead and grab utensils, too. Even if you're there for a sandwich, just grab a fork, spoon, knife. Because if you don't: -The person in front of you will get soup and you can't because you didn't get a spoon -The nice man making your sandwich is going to offer you a potato (latke) and you can't have one because you didn't get a fork -Your sandwich meat is gonna be massive and hanging out of your sandwich, but since you didn't get a knife... Just kidding. There are more utensils at the end of the line that you can grab. And put your wallet away, you don't pay at the end of the line. You get your yellow slip there, go sit down to eat, and then pay on your way out the door. Except your yellow slip won't reflect your total because you'll probably grab some rugelach on your way out. And maybe a pack of gum. And maybe some lottery tickets. And you might as well get another bottle of water since you're there. Check out their menu online
(5)Stacy R.
If you're in the mood for a Reuben, Manny's is the place to go...just make sure to bring your appetite! They pile a pound of tasty corned beef onto your sandwich along with all the fixings of a Reuben. When you're there, make sure to get a potato pancake on the side...very good!
(5)Kathleen M.
Why oh why have I waited so long to come here? And I might never have made it had I not realized it was so close to some fabric stores that have become a new addiction. My daughter, the intrepid city driver, and I came here on Friday and the only bad part was that we weren't able to snag a spot in the free lot. That was literally the mere wrinkle in an otherwise idyllic time. I love all the people here from all over the city. I loved the cafeteria line and my confusion about which delicious thing to order. Manny's obviously has dealt with people like me before and there it was - the obvious choice sitting there for me to grab. I just had to reach out and the plate with a monster sized corned beef sandwich, pickle and a potato pancake was mine. A perfect potato pancake I might add that I savored first lest I be too full to enjoy it after tackling the huge sandwich. I didn't come anywhere near to finishing it but as we were going to be in the car for the day, I didn't get to bring it home. Now I would like to finish it so the obvious answer is a return trip. My husband didn't get to come with so I will be selfless and come back with him. (I know, that is just the kind of giving gal I am.) Manny's, I shall return!
(5)Samantha H.
Mannys is so much larger than I anticipated. I love the idea of the cafeteria line style and I have to say the staff is amazing. My husband got the brisket and I got the pastrami and corned beef, which is supposed to be a staple. The meat was really good, especially the brisket. The sandwiches are just so large though, almost to the point of being obscene. I'm not a huge fan of the American 'mine is bigger than yours' mentality when it comes to food. Quality, not quantity! For me the meat was good but just plain meat on bread doesn't cut it for me. I'm a sandwich connoisseur and I need some creativity for them to stand out for me. Mannys has clearly made a name for itself and people will continue to go there for that well-known namesake and perhaps because they like the gymormous sizes...but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
(3)Debbie O.
The corned beef and pastrami sandwich is all you'll need at Manny's. The size of it is literally as big as your head. I was just watching in awe as the server was filling the sandwich up with layers and layers of sliced corned beef and pastrami. It also comes with additional slices of bread, which you will need as well. The meat itself is delicious. Juicy yet lean enough to taste amazingly moist. From the moment we walked in, we knew this place was legit. There were Jewish ladies playing majong and annoyed servers if you ask too much about the food. It's good. Just trust them. We also had matzo balls and potato cakes, which were both very delicious. The special that day was the beef stew, which came with lots of potatoes and carrots. The potato was different. You could tell it was stewed for a long time, but it wasn't mushy or crumbly at all. The texture was actually a bit chewy but not at all rubbery. It was SO GOOD. I'm not a huge fan of corned beef, but this was definitely worth trying once. I can now say I've had the Manny's experience, and it was great!
(3)Danny B.
Best corned beef sandwich around! I come from the suburbs to get it and am always pleased with the food and service! 5 stars all day!
(5)Patrick S.
Meh. It;s pretty good for a sandwich and some food that will stick to your ribs. I tell you what though... forget the Knish, it blows. the Kugel noodle is okay. What you really want is the Pastrami over the corned beef and you absolutely must get the Cel-Ray Soda Pop and some of dem pickles. GET THE CELERY SODA with your sandwich! IT IS DA Bomb! Free Parking in the back... Bonus! Bring lots of money too. Their Sandwich is like $12 and the soda is $2.90 I kid you not! PS They have a Manny's at MDW too. I saw it on my exit back to Portland. Enjoy!
(4)Maria P.
Prepare yourself, this place is no bargain. But you get what you pay for! My husband loves their pastrami and corner beef sandwiches. That's definitely what they are known for. I am all about the lox & bagel platter. You definitely get a lot of lox for your bagel. If you're looking for a deli, this is your place!
(4)Tom B.
What could someone say bad about this place. The WORLD'S best corned beef sandwich. It was freezing this week and I felt like treating my employees. Ordered 55 corned beef sandwiches, potato latkes, etched. Those who hadn't had a manny' corned beef sandwich were in heaven, those who have had one went back to heaven. I've always had an amazing meal there
(5)Matt M.
A Knish with gravy is only eclipsed by the grandeur that is a reuben. Every sweet, tender bit of these delicious treats are complimented well by their incredible portion sizes and friendly staff. The guy in charge of the corned beef is a sharp as a tac and insists on chiding the customers in a friendly and inviting way that adds that extra bit of flavor to your old school deli experience. $30 buys two people lunch fit for kings. Its not cheap, but its well worth it. PS - get your winning lotto tickets here
(5)Jody G.
It's very difficult to find a New York Style or Jewish Style Deli anywhere but the Big Apple..... and yet I continue my search. And, you know what..... this place comes pretty darn close (taste-wise at least). I wasn't a huge fan of the cafeteria style ambiance and multitude of daily specials sitting in steaming trays, but that was purely due to appearance. I didn't try them. I came here for corned beef and matzoh ball soup.... and that's what I got. And, they were both mighty tasty. "Manny's" offers a special which consists of half a sandwich and a bowl of soup for just over $10. Quite a deal by any big city's standards. The soup had wonderful, flavorful broth with a GIANT light, fluffy matzoh ball. It could have used a couple of carrot and/or celery chunks (that's how I roll) and it could have been a tad hotter, but all-in-all it was darn close to grandma's. The half sandwich was GINORMOUS! I don't see how anyone can eat anything but a half. I had to eat half of the meat (morsel by tasty morsel with my fingers) before even attempting to lift that baby up. And, still it was difficult to shove it into my salivating mouth. The (requested extra lean) sliced-right-before-my-eyes corned beef was pleasantly warm, perfectly spiced, and tender as can be. The rye bread hearty and filled with lots of caraway seeds. And, "Manny's" delicious horseradish mustard that I slathered all over the top was fantastic! My only complaint was the pickle. Maybe I'm being too much of a "deli snob" here..... but I like my pickles soaking in a metal bucket where I can pick out the oldest and sourest of the bunch.... not an already sliced dill placed on my plate by the (very friendly!) guy behind the counter. Oh well.....the potato pancake served with my sandwich more than made up for it! YUM!
(4)M Z.
Had the matza ball and kreplach soup. It was AWESOME. Just as good as my grandma's.
(5)Michael D.
Manny's cafeteria and delicatessen is a Chicago dinning institution of long standing. It is a family owned business that has been operating in the area since the mid 40s and at it's present location since 1964. It is in the University Village neighborhood that's a stone's throw from the Loop and open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It serves a large variety of Jewish cooking cafeteria style, i.e., patrons pick up a tray and walk along a long counter and make selections. This is a no-frills eatery with a very large Spartan dinning area. People in all walks of life that include politicians, lawyers, cops, and blue-collar workers patronize it. You should never be surprised by who you might see chomping on a sandwich or slopping down a bowl of soup. I go to Manny's for the corned beef on rye sandwich that is served piled very high with meat and accompanied by an potato pancake and a large dill pickle spear. The bread is always crusty, fresh, and hearty. The corned beef is of the highest quality and it is served in such abundance that it is almost impossible to get it into your mouth to take a bite. The pancake is very tasty and pairs perfectly with the sandwich. The price for this selection is about $13 that at first seems rather high. However, the portion of meat is enormous and I cannot remember finishing the whole thing. Usually, I take quite a bit home. As a tip, if you go with another person, one can order the sandwich and the other a bowl of soup for a few bucks that comes with a plate of several slices of rye bread. By using the extra bread and some of the corned beef in the sandwich literally several additional sandwiches can be made. I strongly recommend Manny's because it has by far the best corned beef sandwich in town.
(5)tony c.
i'm going to give it 5 stars. I can't afford to eat there to often $21.00 for corned beef sandwich ,soup and potatoe pancake.. had to drink water or the bill would of been $24.00. .good food extremely crazy priceing. time for an overhaul on the inside. tradition only lasts so long.
(5)Milan P.
Two different experiences in two different nights this week. Same personable and competent line service and cashier, but the "chicken soup" was more than disappointing. Soup, according to my experience and Google (citing Wikipedia), is a primarily liquid food, generally served warm, that is made by combining ingredients such as meat and vegetables with stock, juice, water, or another liquid. Tonight, I ordered a large chicken noodle which turned out to be spaghetti noodles tucked into a container with warm chicken stock poured over it. Not a piece of chicken, vegetable, or even a bit of parsley. It was less than good. I called about it and got a "I'll tell the manager." No sorry about your experience, etc. She told me that it is supposed to be stock and spaghetti. Sad when I consider the good bean soup I got the other night.
(2)Amr A.
CORNED BEEF HEAVEN!!!!! couple bucks pricier than I expected, but man was it good. Also How can you beat free parking in the south loop.
(5)John G.
Traditional deli with lots of great food. I had a half brisket sandwich and it still was a meal.
(4)Roy H.
Do I want corned beef or pastrami? Such a tough question... I was standing there like a fool pondering this. Well, there is an easy solution to this...for like $1 extra you can get both on the same sandwich....and talk about a sandwich. These things are HUGE, bigger than those silly overpriced NYC delis (yes, I have been to multiple ones). They also cut the meat much thinner and they also toss in a yummy potato pancake and pickles with the order. The only other thing I needed to create the perfect meal was a cream soda, and of course they had it. The dining area is quite big, and there was even a nice flat screen TV. I went during off-ish hours so it wasnt too bust either. Very friendly service too, that old school style. I love that.
(5)Ellen H.
Love this throwback, Chicago institution- a must whenever I'm in town. Worth every penny, though maybe not worth every calorie :) My favorite knishes anywhere - heavenly smooth mashed potatoes surrounding yummy spiced meat (tastes like it might be ground brisket or the like). $4.95 and I'm stuffed for hours. My hubbie loved his massive corned beef. I wish I could try the turkey, as it looks fab, but I can't pass on the knish. I don't see how anyone could complain about the pricing. If you ate $20 worth of food there by yourself, you ate enough for a small family. And I bet it was sooooooo tasty!!! Be prepared for bare bones, linoleum, school cafeteria atmosphere with gruff elderly staff. And learn the procedure for lining up, ordering, paying etc before you get involved - the other patrons can be gruff too! :)
(5)Richard E.
Manny's is a cool restaurant to try, it's cafeteria style, I actually enjoyed the tray experience. The sandwich's are thick and tasty, go ahead, try Manny's.
(3)Cindy J.
I really hope God allows Pastrami Sandwiches in the afterlife. Even further, I hope they are Manny's Pastrami Sandwiches. These things are monsters and definitely enough for two meals or good to share. There are plenty of other great things on the menu (including the potato pancakes). They are far from skimpy with the portions at Manny's. Be careful, however, as this is one place where the eyes can get too big for the stomach (has happened to me a couple times. This place isn't the cheapest of deli's (despite appearances). I easily racked up a $19.00 bill on breakfast for just moi. The owners here are friendly. They give back to the community. This place has a lot of rich Chicago history. For those reasons, along with the great food, I hope to build a little history of my own at Manny's Deli.
(4)Phoebe W.
Eh. Manny's was a good place to try out, but I don't see myself returning anytime soon. I wanted to check it out since I saw Manny's noodle kugel featured on "Best Thing I Ever Ate" on Food Network. I had the beef brisket, which was a on the dry side but ended up improving when I reheated it several hours later. Boyfriend had the corned beef sandwich and was satisfied as well. Neither of us liked our potato pancakes since they were eerily chewy and not crispy like they're supposed to be. Thankfully, the noodle kugel and free valet parking were some redeeming qualities about the place. Manny's charges more than I'd like to pay for a beef sandwich and soggy potato pancakes, but I think they'll survive just fine without my business.
(3)Susan S.
I have been going to Manny's for almost 40 years. There is no deli like it anywhere in the world, as near as I can tell. Don't look for frills. This is straight cafeteria-style deli with the best corned beef anywhere. Gino's smiling greeting makes it even better. Sandwiches are well-endowed and the latkes are divine. Chopped liver is excellent. Matzah balls are huge and delicious. I miss the baked apples they no longer make. ;-( We always run into people we know there because it is a Chicago institution. Kenny and his kids have done a fabulous job carrying on the family tradition. May they always find success!
(5)Laila C.
well...I got a free shirt out of it? But yeah $17 for a reuben, even one that's a pound of meat, is not worth it. The short ribs were kind of over cooked. The veggies were all just boiled and old mushy looking. Skip.
(2)Betty H.
Lived in Chicago for years, just found out about this place. ABSOLUTELY love their pastrami sandwiches and mazta ball soup. My hubby always gets a plateful of food + 2 desserts. He never eats dessert.
(5)Mark M.
corned beef and pastrami are at the best here, good food cafeteria style.
(3)Irene Z.
Oh boy. I can only add to the positivity of the comments here. First time last weekend, though the hubby's been here several times previously, and always raves about it. Late Saturday lunch. Plenty of street parking on Jefferson and in the area, but I'd probably walk miles for future visits. Cafeteria style line, amazing spread of food. On our trays: Corned beef & Cabbage w/Potato; Beef Brisket Sandwich w/Potato pancake and coleslaw; Spaghetti & Meat Sauce (for the kids); fresh fruit; fresh squeezed orange juice. Hands-down that best corned beef it has become our favorite...and they pile on the portions here, so keep that in mind when ordering additional items. Likely, your one entrée will be enough to satisfy even the hungriest of stomachs. And looking at all that home-cooked food - it was hard to pick. Plenty of seating - tables and chairs, and coat racks to hang up your coats. Comfortable dining area with lots of natural light shining in. Most especially- extremely friendly staff. And a special mention especially on this day...our 3-year-old son is into 'magic', and carries a magic wand with him everywhere we go lately. The staff noticed it while we were in line and house magician Bibik came over to our table. He was on his way out the door when we arrived, but made a special stop just for us and did several tricks for the kids, then gave them balloon animals! My son was glowing...and still is days later. And so are we after the meal and the time we had here. Manny's has easily become one of our favorite places!
(5)Diana G.
I had the beef stew and coke, my sister had the half brisket sandwich with matzo soup, potato pancake, cucumber salad and coke and my cousin got the corned beef/pastrami sandwich and Dr. Brown's root beer. Everything was ok. The beef stew was like something my mom makes, so for $13.95 it's quite expensive. The matzo soup wasn't too our liking. The potato pancake was ok, nothing spectacular. The pastrami was very good though. I think if I return, I'll definitely get that! It was a different, but I would recommend everyone check it out at least once. Our tab was a little over $50 so it's quite expensive for lunch.
(3)Andrew I.
Gino.
(5)Michael W.
Great deli!! Not enough of them in Chicago.
(5)Patricia W.
We had a Groupon which is how we have found so many wonderful & diverse resturaunts. This is another to add to our growing list. Manny's is a fantastic find. The sandwiches alone could feed several people! I got a Rueben's & my partner got a Reuben with both Corned Beef & Pastrami! Good heavens they are really enormous! Really! We also ordered a Split Pea Soup & Potao Cakes. It came with two crunchy dill pickles. And we had ordered a slice of Cherry pie & a slice if German Chocolate Cake. We took home the desserts! Plus plenty left overs. The meat is lean & tender. Everything was great & do not forget to try the Horseradish! It deserves a star. All on it's own!
(4)Carmen S.
Why haven't I ever came here before? The brisket and corned beef sandwiches are amazing! This is a Chicago staple. Jokes from the staff, good food and great service for as inexpensive as it gets.
(5)Michael G.
Much as I try to be post-hype, sometimes I fall for the very marketing ploys that I profess to know and avoid following. Case in point: the Manny's Groupon. I was relatively new on that site at the time, but I figured there was something very unique about a Groupon with a 2,000 person cap. And one that started its own thread on Yelp (post-hype just became postmodern) to boot. So I bought one. The Groupon was $10 for $25 worth of food. I thought at the time that was a good deal. I thought that would probably feed two people. Little did I know that basically all the Groupon did was take an average dinner cost at Manny's and bring it down to "in this economy..." levels. Manny's is EXPENSIVE (an average deli sandwich is around $12.00)! Having not checked the prices I fell for the hype. The Groupon was also good for dinner only. I thought at the time that wasn't going to be a herbivore's dilemma. Having, again, not checked the menu I didn't realize the entire set of mains on the dinner menu is meat based (the lunch menu is much more vegetarian friendly). Having not checked the choices I fell for the hype. In short, my ignorance on Manny's knew no bounds. Thankfully, however, it extended so far that I also didn't realize it was entirely possible to make a meal out of sides. From the "side" of filling, tasty macaroni and cheese to the hearty and large vegetarian vegetable soup with kosher rye for dipping, Manny's is a cafeteria heaven (with large portion dished out by their counter workers). Even the deserts were too good to pass up. Their caramel cake was to die for! In fact, I ate so much good food (actually passing my $25 of prepaid sustenance), I thought I just might! Service is a little pushy, hovering and clearing plates as quickly as possible (this place is busy, busy, busy so it's understandable). But it's still a good place to actually enjoy a sit down meal despite being a cafeteria. Staff from the nearby hospital seem to flock here to cool down after work. And I can't blame them. A Guinness tallboy here to wash down my insane amount of food was only $3! Yes, you can buy canned alcohol with your food making it an amazing Friday after work wind down spot. That is if you work in the West Loop or University Village - this place is close to nothing. Still it lives up to most of the hype. If there's ever another Groupon for Manny's, I will fall for the hype all over again (even knowing its shortcomings).
(4)Tina G.
Yum yum yum, I actually love their breakfast the best! I ordered a couple cookies bouquets there, they were a big hit! A great place when I am stuck in the city and can't make it home on time to make dinner (or so the excuse goes ; ) and surprise the family.... oh and also FREE PARKING!!! BTW Lilly's favorite cookie from there is the purse and butterfly... go figure ; )
(5)Sue T.
Cafeteria-line service with scary-big portions of comfort food. We could have shared one order of beef stew with huge chunks of meat, potatoes and veggies in a rich, thick broth. They asked several times if we were sure we only needed one serving of fresh bread. I think they were afraid we were going to starve. By the time I finished a bowl of delicious chicken broth with a large matzo ball I was already full. I want to try a pastrami sandwich but I'll have to plan a fast before attempting it.
(4)Camille T.
I totally love this deli.. waiting in line you better speakup and get your order in or else you'll be mowed over . hold your ground and move along...I come here for the corned beef sandwich, which is heaping huge with a pickle and potato pancake to fill you up even more.. It's abit pricey $12. but you can take half of it home.. such a treat !
(5)Susan L.
The food here is delish and portions are generous. But, $20 for soup + half sandwich + drink + a cookie? This was my first and last time visiting.
(2)Alan K.
I am not really sure what the appeal of this place is. I would suggest one review the menu before coming here. They give you large portions and the food is on the pricer side. My friend suggested that I order the corned beef sandwich. Then I received my plate, it was a really large plate. I wish I had ordered something else like the beef stew because my friend's beef stew looked mighty delicious. Also, the prices for this food is on the pricer side. They also have these ice cream cups for water. I suppose this was so popular that they sell this as a souvenir if you chose to want one. Also, there are Obama pictures posted everywhere in this establishment. Also, the free potash that the dish came with was quite disappointing. Also, when I ordered the side salad, it was already made and left at room temperature which is not so fresh. Parking is located towards the back but again, that is also quite limited as well.
(3)David S.
Corned Beef, pastrami and latkes to be reckoned with. Manny's is as good as delis get. Also, the free parking is a plus.
(4)Antonio M.
Yes. Yes what? Yes, go to Manny's. I hate to give side-by-side comparisons, but the Reuben and another sandwich (can't remember name but it begins with 'ch' and has pastrami and corned beef in it) were out of this world. I have been getting Reubens consistently in Chicago and this place blows the others out of the water. Little Goat, I'm looking at you. Sure you're going to be paying $10+ for a sandwich alone, but have you seen these bad boys? Each half is literally larger than my fist. Not only that, but their latke's? My oh my, those things are so delicious and soooo dense. The ambiance is perfect and maintains that cafeteria feel. Not to mention the staff. I arrived about 30-40 minutes before closing, the place was fairly empty and the employees were hilarious. As long as you don't mind a little bit of ribbing, it's great. One of the best sandwiches I have had in Chicago. A+ and cannot wait to go again.
(5)Jennifer M.
Maybe it's the hype. I lived 16 years and never went. My husband has a group of friends who meet there every month. And he's always telling me how I should go. And it is iconic Chicago. Yeah, I guess. The food is good. Not super-duper damn good. But good. And it was important - like going up the Sears Tower. It is and will always the Sears Tower. I really think it was the hype. I don't know what I expected. Dancing girls? It's a deli. We went during Passover and they did not just have matzoh, they had a Nice, little Passover menu, including cookies. The decor went past cool and old timey to kinda old and worn out. And the prices are in line with the famous name than it is with the experience.
(4)Dan G.
The East Coaster in me loves delis. So when my friend heard that I had never been to Manny's she insisted that we make the pilgrimage for lunch. I know better than to stand between a hungry lady and her food, so off we went. Manny's impressed me from the start. It had all of those little things that I look for in a quality deli. ADD boy started mentally checking off those little boxes in my head as I took it all in. What are those things you ask? -Most likely they are run by someone Jewish and they know what they are doing. -It has to be no frills. -There should be a line, that they cruise through efficiently. -Meats must be freshly sliced to order. -They have to have knishes. -They must have different varieties of mustard. It's my favorite condiment and nothing tops some good corned beef or pastrami better than a good spicy mustard. -They absolutely must have Dr. Brown's. Get with this one people. CelRay, Cherry or Cream soda. Trust me and grab yourself one. -We need stacks of fresh rye bread. -They've got to have good pickles and serve them with the sandwich. Those last two are from my childhood days at New Jersey's Harolds's Deli. This joint was amazing folks. Your sandwich was huge and it was served with half a loaf of rye for all the extra meat. They also had a pickle bar that had full sour, half sour, cherry tomatoes and peppers. Someone in Chicago needs to start one of those, I really miss it. We worked our way through the cafeteria style line and grabbed our sandwiches, corned beef for the lady and the Reuben for me (which I like much more with mustard in lieu of dressing) plus potato pancakes. I grabbed my Dr. Brown's at the register and then we got a seat to get down to business. Hold on to your ticket and settle up on the way out. I really liked the Reuben. The rye was good, the kraut had perfect tanginess and the meat was excellent. Tables had all the extra fixings that you may need to jack up your dish. Manny's is a Chicago landmark and while I looked around the cafeteria remembering the scene from the Chicago Code that took place here, my friend astutely pointed out that what she loves about Manny's is that you can eat here and be right next to average joes, cops, streets and sans guys, aldermen, senators, or even President Obama. A Chicago local's pride came shining through at the best deli I've found outside the East Coast. I guess that's just Manny being Manny.
(5)Eric B.
Jane and Michael Stern's road food brought me here and way before Manny's developed a certain political cache. I love old school places, especially when a founding family member once said: "I know what the people around here want, and I'm the only one left who can do it." Same as it Ever Was. And dripping with Attitude and Yiddishkeit. Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli came into being shortly after World War II, when the Raskin brothers split up so that Jack could open his own restaurant on Roosevelt Road near the open-air market area known as Maxwell Street. The restaurant property Jack bought had been originally named Sunny's. So rather than tear down the old sign and get a whole new one, he named it after his teenage son, Emanuel (or Manny, to family and friends), saving money by simply buying two letters and replacing the "Su" in Sunny's with "Ma." The address changed a few times, and in 1964 Manny's moved to its current spot on Jefferson Street. I also enjoy exploring the dining room walls decorated with news clippings, reviews, snapshots, and other memorabilia. I also appreciate an authentic Jewish Deli experience and where the following words will never be heard : "I'll take a corned beef sandwich on white bread with mayo"......
(4)Chet M.
Beef stew and short ribs are spot on with flavor. And the potato pancakes are like bread at the altar. Not cheap or what you think you should be paying for the looks of this joint but a "must do" Chicago institution and the closest thing to Katz's Deli NYC. I think I saw Daley scream in ecstasy over at table 17!
(4)french i.
my boyfriend wanted to try manny's one more time. we have boycotted the place since my last review. we should have stuck to the boycott. the problem is with the quality of the corned beef now. it's is so lean that is is dry - no juice, no moisture, no sign of any fat which you need to have good corned beef. so unfortunately, when we got our sandwiches home, they were as dry as the sahara. that will be our last visit.
(1)Rachel H.
It's hard to elaborate on something that everyone knows all about, but Manny's is special because Manny's gives me enough pickles that I don't have to specify, demand, and downright beg for extra pickles. PICKLES dammit. I need them The other night's visit really hit the spot as only a heart attack on a tray can. I felt a few palpitations, I won't lie. It was worth it. Having been told I didn't want the roast beef sandwich (because they were out, so obviously it is good), I obediently ordered the corned beef sandwich on rye. Hello whole cow in my mouth. You used to be a cute animal friend. Now you are my dinner. I also slurped down some matzo ball soup with a matzo ball that I'm sure was actually a schmaltz ball. I mean that in a good way. My matzo ball soup at home is pretty much just melted schmaltz with some chicken bits in it, so I can appreciate it. This is what school lunch should have been like, but then again there's that whole childhood obesity problem in this country. Fat schmat.
(4)