Submarine City

Ted Gatses opened Submarine City in 1977 to dish out his "Chicago style" take on deli sandwiches and American favorites from the grill. The meaty sandwiches and crisp-fried finger food grew popular enough that the eatery expanded to two Chicagoland locations, one of which also grew a pantry for its ego. An after-hours beacon on weeknights and weekends, the cooks at both locations stack buns to the specs of every diner until at least 2 a.m.