In the back of a Mexican grocery in Chicago, this taqueria is dishing out scrumptious tacos al pastor. Sandwich King Jeff Mauro visited Tierra Caliente for tacos made with meat cooked on a vertical spit. Takeout is popular here, as room is limited.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Home of the "best breakfast sandwiches" in Chicago, according to Jeff Mauro, the Deluxe Diner serves them any time of day. Taste the diner's take on the Monte Cristo, a ham and Swiss cheese sandwich served between two thick slices of grilled French toast, or order online for late-night delivery.

Sandwich King's Jeff Mauro has been visiting Conte Di Savoia his whole life, namely for the caprese sandwich made with handmade mozzarella and fresh basil. Conte Di Savoia has been serving this since 1948, along with more than a dozen other pastas, salads and Italian meats.

This mecca of gluten-free treats offers giant cookie pizzas with endless topping choices (think fruit, candy, nuts) as well as doughnuts, cookies and cakes. The fudgy Salted Caramel Nutella Brownies are a particular standout: They loop together seemingly every sweet vice, meaning you’ll never miss the wheat flour. In addition to its gluten-free selection, the bakery also offers some vegan items.

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.

Sandwich King Jeff Mauro calls the owner of SkrineChops “the pope of smoked tri-tip” because of his talent for transforming this underappreciated cut of beef into a super-flavorful sandwich filling. Topped with mashed potatoes and barbecue sauce, his tasty tri-tip sandwiches really hit the spot.

For a true taste of comfort, Jeff Mauro turns to Silver Cloud's sloppy joe on a brioche bun. The secrets to its success: a 24-hour cooking time and pineapple juice. If you're in the mood for something else, try the chicken pot pie or grilled cheese.

When visiting Saigon Sisters, the "crown jewel" is the Hen House banh mi sandwich. With strips of caramelized chicken stuffed inside a French baguette, it was named one of the best by Chicago magazine. Sandwich King Jeff Mauro agrees. Want more? The pork belly steamed buns are a must-try.

At this sandwich shop that Jeff Mauro calls a "no-frills diner," they've been serving meals such as the corned beef sandwich the same way for 80 years. If it's a Tuesday or Saturday, don't leave without ordering the signature short rib smothered in gravy and served on a bun.

This Chicago institution features recipes dating back more than 50 years. The highlight for Sandwich King Jeff Mauro is the corned beef made with a custom blend of pickling spices. Every order (about 1,000 each day) at Manny's Coffee Shop is topped with a golden potato pancake.