Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen: A Time Capsule of Authentic Chicago Flavor

When planning our Chicago culinary tour, Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen consistently appeared on must-visit lists. This South Loop institution has been serving hungry Chicagoans since 1942, and after our recent breakfast visit, it's easy to understand why it has endured for over 80 years.

Arriving on a Friday morning, I was initially concerned about crowds—Manny's reputation precedes it—but my worries quickly dissipated upon seeing the ample seating available. The restaurant operates with a unique system: lunch is served cafeteria-style (grab a tray and slide along), while breakfast orders are placed at the billing counter. This distinctive approach speaks to Manny's dual identity as both cafeteria and deli, preserving traditions that have largely vanished elsewhere.

The space itself feels wonderfully untouched by time—fluorescent lighting, wood paneling, and photographs of visiting politicians and celebrities create an atmosphere of nostalgic authenticity. While some might call it dated, I'd call it perfectly preserved, a living museum to Chicago's culinary heritage.

My culinary adventure began with a knish, a recommendation that came with emphatic advice from our server: "always with the gravy." That simple direction led to an epiphany. Having never experienced this Jewish delicacy—a dough pocket filled with seasoned potato and beef -I was unprepared for how the rich, savory gravy would transform this humble appetizer into something transcendent. The crisp exterior gave way to a pillowy interior, all beautifully complemented by that remarkable gravy.

For my main course, I ordered corned beef and eggs, a classic deli breakfast. What arrived was nothing short of time travel on a plate. The generous portion of house-cured corned beef, tender and perfectly seasoned, transported me back nearly 40 years to childhood memories I'd nearly forgotten. It was a genuine "Ratatouille moment," where a single bite reconnected me with a distant food memory. The eggs were expertly prepared, and the toast—ideal for sopping up the rich, flavorful remnants—completed this perfect plate.

My brother's omelet proved equally impressive, fluffy and generously filled. Our coffees remained consistently hot and fresh throughout the meal—a detail that reveals Manny's commitment to getting even the basics right.

The staff embodies that distinct Chicago blend of efficiency and warmth—not overly fussy, but genuinely invested in ensuring you enjoy your meal. The portions, as Chicago tradition demands, are hearty enough to fuel a day of city exploration.

Manny's isn't chasing trends or reinventing classics—it's preserving a vital piece of Chicago's culinary identity. For visitors seeking an authentic taste of the city's food heritage, this historic delicatessen offers not just a meal, but a delicious connection to Chicago's past that I'll certainly revisit on my next trip to...

A Breakfast Haven with Unbeatable Flavor! I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen on a rainy morning, and let me tell you, it was a breakfast dream come true! The moment I stepped inside, seeking refuge from the rain, I was greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance that set the perfect mood for a delightful morning. Being my first time, I was pleasantly overwhelmed by the extensive menu options. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly "The Big Breakfast Sandwich." This masterpiece is a true breakfast champion, offering a customizable combination of 2 eggs cooked to perfection, a choice of bacon, sausage, or ham, gooey cheese, and the option of toast or bagel. To top it all off, it comes served with a crispy and flavorful potato pancake, adding a comforting touch to the rainy day. The ambiance at Manny's is a delightful blend of comfort and nostalgia. The cozy seating and friendly staff create an atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. Whether you're catching up with friends, enjoying a solo breakfast, or having a family outing, Manny's provides the perfect setting for any occasion, especially on a rainy day when the comforting aroma of delicious breakfast feels like a warm embrace. The attention to detail in the presentation of the food is noteworthy. My Big Breakfast Sandwich was not only delicious but also a visual feast. Each ingredient was fresh, and the flavors harmonized perfectly, creating a breakfast experience that was perfect for the cozy, rainy morning setting. Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen has won my heart with its incredible breakfast offerings, especially the unforgettable Big Breakfast Sandwich, making it the perfect spot for a cozy and satisfying breakfast on a rainy morning. If you're a breakfast enthusiast like me, especially on gloomy days, this is a must-visit spot. I'll definitely be returning to explore more of their menu. Manny's, you've earned a...

Manny’s Deli is an old school staple of a restaurants situated in between the South Loop and Greektown. Manny’s doesn’t need an extra review from me since it already has such high praise from food experts and celebrities across the country, but my love for this restaurant has led me to writing this. When walking into manny’s you feel like you take a trip back in time as you grab your cafeteria tray and walk along all of the many options they served. As I have been here a few times my routine is to walk straight past the trays of food and go to the man serving the sandwiches. This man not only serves up sandwiches but also comedically dishes out a little bit of sass that always makes ordering from him an experience. I’ve ordered from him dozens of and we know each other by face (not name yet) but he always greets me with his usual antics. After the back and forth he’ll still give me a nice smile and tell me to enjoy my day. Now, back to the food. The sandwiches the serve here come in typical New York deli fashion, about 4 inches of meat piled in so high that it’s falling off the sides. My go-to is a chazzer on challah bread instead of on rye. The corned beef and pastrami is some of the best I’ve had. Combined with the sweetness of the challah and tango ness of the thousand island dressing, this sandwich is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy. I’ve ordered some of the other sandwiches and breakfast items but I still seem to gravitate towards this sandwich 90% of the time. Also if I’m hungry I will also get a potato pancake. These can be a little hit or miss since the cafeteria style serving lends them to being soggy every now and then, but typically they are great. Overall Manny’s is one of my favorite restaurants in the entire city. It’s a staple for when I have friends visiting from out of town and they have never been disappointed. I will continue to frequent here as...