J.P. Graziano Grocery Co.

Hello, FOOD SNOB here.
This place does not stand out as a sandwich joint. But WOW the sandwiches are really really good. Had half of the prosuitto di parma. And half of the Mr. G. Good old fashion quality. Nothing fancy iside but good enough. The grocery part is basicly Italian Deli and a few Italian items. Freesh bread too.
Very friendly service too. I liked being called SWEETIE.

Respect.
Gotta respect a family run establishment that can hold their own on West Randolph street with the Chevals, Goats and whatever up and comer that has real estate here. So if you love the newer guys on the block, you should still pay homage to a classic.
I love the friendly feel of the place.
«What can I get you sweetheart?» Anyplace else a line like that would be super corny, but not here. I studied the menu beforehand and opted to get a Mr. G and Porchetta to split with my husband.
«Everything on it?» Why mess with what works.
Both sandwiches were delicious. I would say the Porchetta was my favorite of the two. I loved the Arugula and the Lemon Caper Aioli – it really enhanced the flavors of the porchetta. The Ciabatta was a litte too much crusty bread for me, so I made it into an open face sandwich instead. I wonder if they’ll make the same sandwich on the D’Amato Italian Bread… because that bread on the Mr. G was fabulous. The bread was a little crunchy on the outside, but then bit down to a soft chew. Super fresh and smelled so good.
Also, do yourself a favor and try the Italian Cherry Soda drink from their cooler. It was so tasty and refreshing. I would love to have bottles of that at home on hand for a pick me up.
Like others have said, order at the deli counter, grab drinks from the cooler and pay at the «office window». Parking is a bear, but I didn’t mind the walk from where I parked a few blocks away. Tuna. I think the tuna is the next one I will try. Thanks JP!

How have I missed this place? In my many escapades to the west loop, I have managed to over pass this original Chicago classic. As Randolph street has expired over the years, JP definitely carries its own. Friendly service & quality subs, hoagies, what ever you call it, it’s a must try & return kind of place! We ordered the Spicy & the GT (I think that was it),& by the first bite as that zing of provolone hits your taste buds you know you’re trying something wonderful! Bravo!

Grocery is more apt of a description than sandwich stop. Its not a great environment for a meal. Limited seating, no ambiance, and it was very cold. Lastly, its not kid friendly so eating with a 14 month in your lap isn’t great either. Grab something to go.
The meats were incredible. I would totally come back to make use of the deli, for my own charcuterie or something like that. The porchetta was amazing.
The bread was good but it was pretty hard, you had to really bite in and then literally tear away each bite. Sides were lacking except for chips. The Mr. G was pretty great, the artichokes were a nice combo.
I’d be back but not for a meal.

I liked the flavor but was disappointed at the amount of deli meat on the sandwich for the cost.

I’ve been coming here for about 8 – 10 years, which I think is around the time they were just getting started with the subs. My family has been coming her for decades. I came for cheese and discovered their wonderful subs. I am so happy to see how popular they have become. I’m even happier knowing that throughout the expansion of their sub business, the quality of the subs, products, and service has been maintained. They treat you like you’re family when you come in. So many places start skimping on ingredients or leave out the TLC once they become popular and busier. That is not the case here! I am so happy that they are getting so much well-​deserved recognition.

It was ok nothing out of this world sandwhixh was have had in Pittsburgh were much better and the bread was hard and didn’t seem fresh. Maybe I should come in and eat instead of delivery if I ever go there to eat.

We were in the area and stopped in for some sandwiches. Last time we had them for our family picnic and everyone thought they were tasty and unique.
I wanted to try a different sandwich, so I got the antipasto while my Pops got the classic Mr. G.
I really liked this sub. Definitely a little lighter than a Mr. G but filled with all the fresh ingredients that combined quite nicely. The peppers, cucumbers, olives and meat combined into a really flavorful sandwich. The D’Amato bread is also quite good. You feel it and think «Ugh this is going to be way too crunchy!» But the inside is softer and gives a crusty outside that adds texture to the sandwich.
The staff has been helpful and very nice to us both times we have been in. Customer service here is stellar.
Still a little expensive, but definitely a quality sandwich and a unique store.

The sandwiches are good but the setup of the space /​how you pay is a bit odd and really bottlenecks the whole experience.
The people who work there are very nice and helpful.
I would go for lunch again but it’s not the best sandwich I’ve ever had!

Best Italian Deli in the city, lot of cops hang out here. Fast, fresh, tons of oil and vinegar. Perfecto to the tee. Skip Bari, Jim and his family have been running this corner and the sandwich scene in Chicago for over forty years. They are also a grocery that wholesales the best meats and cheeses. If you don’t know what to get try the 9 inch classic or get the artichoke for vegetarians.

Happy time! Sometimes you just want a good Italian or Proscuitto on crusty bread. This place delivers.
Small time feel, walk in, order and the counter, pay at the back. VERY good sandwiches.
I have each of them on the menu. I keep going back, I have had the desk at work order here.
Their spicy isnt that spicy… and sometimes I would like a touch more meat. But otherwise, I love it. Will keep going back happily.

Sandwiches are always really good. Spicy ITALIAN is my go to, and always grab a unique soda from the selections too.
Reasonably priced for the neighborhood and quality is unquestionable.
Good meats and cheeses on a perfect bread for the sandwich.

Amazing subs
Prosciutto is fresh
Fresh cannoli with a cherry
Nice family owned business, friendly staff
If wanting lunch or a sandwich good quality and quick service I would go here if in west loop

This place is everything that I hoped it would be and more!
Think amazing assortment of Italian meats, super fresh breads and homemade giardiniera. Combine those all together and multiply the awesomeness by 100.
Really, really, really fresh ingredients!
I tried the Spicy which is hot capicola, pepperoni, hot sopresatta, provolone, tomato & lettuce w/​red wine vinegar & oregano. Don’t forget to add the hot giardiniera to top it off!
Really Loved this sandwich and already planning on going back to try the Mr. G (since I’ve read so many positive reviews about that sandwich on Unilocal

Ordered an Italian sub on über eats and was exited to try it based on Unilocal reviews. I need to agree with the other reviews that are a bit critical of the quantity of meat being delivered and the general tommy satisfaction delivered.
The reminded me more of a Nola po-​boy than a hearty Italian. The bread was crusty but really airy and didn’t have much substance. Some like this kind of bread but I like a denser dough. Meat was good but you do only get a single layer of each type of meat and honestly it’s not much– see the pic.
The price is good but definitely not my favorite and I would say this place probably isn’t worthy of the 4.5 star rating. Maybe because there just aren’t many of these types of joints here in chicago?

I was not blown away by the 5 star rating.
We ordered a four-​platter, with a Mr. G, Proscuitto, Artichoke, and Italian.
3.5: the artichoke was a well-​balanced sandwich, with too little meat and the bread was hardly filling. Despite eating a sandwich and half, was starving most of the afternoon.
3: It tasted too similarly to the artichoke, which quite dampened my enjoyment. Mr G: «House Specialty! Sharp imported provolone, hot sopresatta, Prosciutto di Parma, Volpi genoa salami, truffle mustard balsamic vinaigrette, hot oil, marinated roman-​style artichokes, fresh basil, lettuce w/​red wine vinegar & oregano …»
4: Proscuitto, now this one I would get again. It is definitely the most flavorful of the combination, with the fresh mozzarella and basil really delighting the tongue. Mmmmmm…
3: Italian, forgettable.

This is one of those places that is as good as everyone says it is!
I noticed it had been in my bookmarks for quite awhile and its only a 3 stop green line train ride from the office. I’ve always heard about the awesome 9 inch Italian sub so thats what I chose to get. It was very good… actually one of the best Italian subs I’ve ever had. Didn’t take them a long time to prepare even though they had a nice line inside as over 50% of the people waiting had ordered the Italian.
They sell cheese and other things here as well hence the term grocery store. They have outside seating on the side of the building so you don’t have to order and dash.

Pretty good! Full disclosure… they’re not trying to flatter you with ambiance in here, so don’t have your expectations too high in that regard.
However, if you’re looking for a solid sandwich and maybe a cup of soup, you’re in the right place. They have a couple unique sandwich options and everything is really fresh. I had the Italian and it was very tasty. Not the best I’ve ever had, but very solid.
There are only 2 – 3 small tables if you want to eat there, but this place is really setup for you to get your sandwich and scram!
You pay for your purchase in a corner at a bookie type booth thing.
This seems to be a family owned establishment and everyone was very nice and friendly. I would definitely return when I’m in the area.

I love artichokes! So pickled baby artichokes on my Mr. G sandwich definitely made me happy.
And cannolis.
My mushroom and sausage soup was better than I expected and hit the spot at the time.
I don’t think you’d go to J.P. Graziano for the ambiance. It’s kinda rough. Like, it reminds me of an Italian version of Shameless (Showtime).
It seems like a family business and everyone works hard.
You don’t really sit down there, but I did. They have two (maybe three) small tables.
Just to be clear: there’s no waiter service.
1) You order from the manly guys at the sandwich counter.
2) You pay at the window in the corner.
3) You return to the many guys for your sammy.
4) You either sit or go.
They can take Level Up payments (an app) which definitely caught me off guard. You pay at a window. Like the ticket counter at a movie theater. Or a bookie. There’s glass between you and the mother of the place.
I’m not sure how the grocery store part works. The sandwich part dominates.
And rightly so because the sandwiches are good. Mine was huge and lasted for two meals.
It was history. And culture. And yumminess.

I’ve been to J.P. Graziano a couple of times and always liked it, but it wasn’t until my last visit that I fell flat out in love. Why? Four syllables… giar-​din-​er-​a.
They make their own and It’s pretty undeniable that this pepper mix makes everything better. After I had it on their tuna I was stunned. It adds the perfect spicy kick to any of their sandos and even if it doesn’t normally come that way you can custom add. It does come on their house made tuna though, and it’s incredible. It ups the status making it about the best I’ve ever had.
Also, definitely try Diana’s salad. It’s a fantastic mix of artichokes, chickpeas, sun dried tomato, and some other seasonings. Prepared in the atmosphere of a super friendly mom and pop shop this place is everything you’d ever want in a quick little lunch.