JT’s Genuine Sandwich Shop — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

My new go to and I won't gate keep

I have to post another review here due to my deep love and appreciation for this locally owned business that has lit up the intersection of Monticello and Irving Park.

Tucked between what was a liquor store and a Chinese restaurant and the dream of the local Chicago resident, who you will likely see if you choose to visit, this sandwich shop opened right amidst a global pandemic, and surpassed all obstacles to now blossom into a new pillar of Old Irving Park.

The main entrance lays on North Elston Avenue, across from the global monstrosity of McDonald's, and engulfs you upon entry.

Stop and admire how intimate this establishment is. You can almost feel the food being cooked in the kitchen, but not overwhelmingly so as it is tucked away behind their order counter. KEEP THIS IN MIND IF YOU HAVE TO WAIT - they are a small shop. The menu is on the wall and I would recommend looking at it ahead of time as the sandwiches are complex - AND THEY ARE ALL AMAZING.

They might have a special - so you will have to make some chit chat at the counter. But this casual sandwich shop and their staff is happy to work with you to make sure you get the right sandwich for you - as each has a unique blend of flavors and textures. Crispy, juicy, cheesy, meaty, veggie, earthy, you name it.

Today, they finished up a collaboration with a Chicago icon, @therealbillyz, who collaborates with local Chicago restaurants on recipes and specials, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This time around they made the D Rose - a chopped cheese sandwich with the classic giardiniera seasoning from JP Grazianos (another great go to sandwich shop of mine in Chicago's West Loop), and giardiniera peppers mixed in and OH MY GOD, sorry if you missed it (this is the photographed sandwich).

Check them out!

They have an epic sesame roll, but change their buns based on the sandwich. Talk about knowing your textures, they've done their homework. The fried chicken sandwich is one of the best in Chicago, and you can't find many Roast Porks like this one unless you're in Philadelphia at John's Roast Pork. I can't wait to eat my way through this menu.

I was lucky enough to meet the family behind the shop - J and T representing the kids of the owner.

The neighborhood has been lacking a quick go to type sandwich shop such as this - and I just hope we can all support them so they can keep up with the demand!

Order ahead for the convenience of the kitchen when you can or want, but come with patience, and trust me, it's going to be worth it.

P.S. I think the fries are laced with something addicting, because I can't not eat them even when I'm full. It comes with a chipotle maple mayo which is great in moderation. Owner, if you see this, I love it - it just get's a little sweet.

I still finish...

Was in the mood for a really good sandwich and headed over to J.T.'s to see what they have to offer. The restaurant is small (five tables) but is a clean and bright space. You order and pay for your sandwiches at the counter in the back of the restaurant. We tried the Corn Dog, upgraded to a footlong, the Grinder sandwich (pictured) and a fries to split. The fries and corn dog were both good. The Grinder sandwich left a lot to be desired. It was good but can be significantly improved with some minor changes. Either: add giandiniera peppers to the sandwich, adding some needed heat and spice to the flavors, or toast the already flavorful bun. Or both. The sandwich arrived with cold meat inside and unmelted cheese in the sandwich. The salt on top of the roll and coupled with the flavor of the meat inside was good, but this sandwich was crying out to be epic, and is being held back here. Please set this sandwich free and melt the cheese, toast the bun, and/or add peppers. This sandwich can be so much more that, in retrospect, it pains me to think about what it is. Also, the beverage situation can use an upgrade. There are no fountain drinks available and a small fridge is next to the counter with bottled and canned drinks for purchase. There were no diet drink options available for sale that I could see, so we just asked for water with our sandwiches, which was served warm, no ice. Pretty far from great.

I traveled a few miles to try J.T.'s sandwich shop, and I don't think I'd be up for going back. I think if you're in the area, that it's a probably a decent place to stop for a sandwich. The cold sandwich and warm water I had for lunch isn't inspiring much more enthusiasm for a...

I ordered a sandwich and showed up when I was told it would be ready. They had not even started the order. They were rude and said I could cancel the order if I want. Avoid this place. Edit: in response to what you wrote - Yes, I was there to pick up a delivery but I don’t understand how that invalidates my experience. I did not make any claims about the quality of the food. I provided a review concerning the service - which was poor. After I had already waited 5-10 minutes (Bc I was told the order was being prepared) the the gentleman behind the counter told me it hadn’t been started and I should cancel the order. He was dismissive which I found disrespectful and rude. All of this is true and I feel it is fair to post along with your other reviews. Untrue, however, is your claim that I was so rude to your employee that it “will not be forgotten.” I’m sure my displeasure with the situation was visible but I did not utter a single unkind word to said employee and I definitely had no interaction with your customers. When you publicly posted a dishonest response to my review in an attempt to discredit it/me, were you taking your own advice and “considering kindness”? (Please to any readers - take a look at my account. In the 10+ years I have had this same google account I have never felt compelled to leave a single negative review before...