This burger spot may be a throwback in terms of decor, but it has some fancy touches. Here, you can down hand-cut seasoned fries, Chicago dogs and two types of freshly ground burgers. Hand-dipped milkshakes are amazing, too, especially in the summer, when fresh fruits are incorporated.

When Jeff Mauro wanted to make the perfect schnitzel sandwich, he headed to Edelweiss for advice. The family-owned restaurant serves authentic German fare, like schnitzel, Bavarian pretzels, wienerschnitzel and spatzle, in addition to offering an assortment of 16 imported beers on tap.

Owned by Jeff Mauro's aunt and uncle, Bernard's Cafe and Deli has been making homemade breads and pastas daily since 1987. Try a grilled vegetable sandwich on focaccia, one of Jeff's favorites, or sample a slice of pizza.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Jeff Mauro's alma mater in Peoria, Ill., without visiting Schooners sports bar. Schooner's carries hot wings and fried corn fritters, and they go all-out in making the King Tenderloin sandwich by using a flattened 18-ounce pork patty served on a regular-size burger bun.

Located on the northwest side of Chicago, Central Gyros specializes in traditional Greek cuisine, like Souvlaki, Moussaka and of course, gyros. Their gyros are so tasty, in fact, that they inspired Sandwich King Jeff Mauro's homespun take on the dish. Happy staying in tonight? They deliver.

As a Chicago (and Jeff Mauro) favorite, Calabria Imports has become synonymous with authentic Italian food. The original owner, Freddy, keeps customers coming back with The Original Freddy, a sandwich packed with grilled sausage, roasted peppers, melted mozzarella and Calabria's special red sauce.

For a sports grub experience with an upscale twist, Jeff heads to Bull & Bear. His menu pick is the griddle salami sandwich with pickled tomatoes and cheese-covered salami. With personal beer taps at the tables and delicious Buffalo wings to boot, this spot is a go-to destination for game day.

This Puerto Rican restaurant is the birthplace of the "jibarito," a combination of savory steak or pork, melted cheese, crisp romaine lettuce, tomatoes, mayo and garlic all sandwiched between two flattened, deep-fried plantains (or as Jeff Mauro called it, "the world’s most interesting bun").

In the mood for a romantic meal composed of irresistible eats? Head to Bistrot Margot, which has captivated customers for 25-plus years. Follow Sandwich King Jeff Mauro’s lead and order the Croque Monsieur with gruyere Gruyère cheese. It makes for “romance in one single, sandwich-y French bite,” Jeff says.

Bar Toma’s location on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile makes it a go-to destination with for Chi-town locals like Jeff Mauro. Jeff dropped by for the one- and- only Bomba. Translated as “bomb” in Italian, this puffed puffed-up pizza dough is full of flavor, thanks to toppings like prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

This Chicago steakhouse has uncovered the secrets to making an incredible steak sandwich. When Sandwich King Jeff Mauro samples the shaved prime beef sandwich served here, he calls it “the most buttery bite” of any steak sandwich he’s ever eaten. For dessert, the chocolate pie is a must.

Retro fanatics have their fill at Angel Food Bakery. Owner Stephanie Samuels has been bringing back old-school bakery favorites with treats like whoopie pies, homemade Twinkies and Thin Mints. Sandwich King Jeff Mauro thinks Angel's ultimate sweet sandwich is the chocolate-dipped s'more.

Jeff Mauro went to Peoria Packing Butcher for the freshest possible pork tenderloin for his schnitzel sandwich. Peoria Packing Limited launched in 1990 to provide Chicago grocery stores with local meat, and in 1993 the retail shop opened to sell high-quality meat to the public at wholesale prices.

When Sandwich King Jeff Mauro craves a thick slice of pork, he heads to Publican Quality Meats. Known for their choice cuts, Publican Quality Meats also dishes out an ever-changing sandwich menu that features mouthwatering options like braised pork belly, smoked trout and adobo pork shoulder.

Jam quickly became Jeff Mauro's go-to brunch spot, not only because the chef is named Jeffrey Mauro, but also because he’s a fan of the breakfast sandwiches and other morning staples. The menu is loaded with creative twists on brunch classics, like Malted Custard French Toast. This popular dish is topped with a macerated cherry puree laced with pink peppercorns for a floral note.