Need a brunch fix during the week? Lula Cafe is your place, as it offers a daily brunch menu that Jeff Mauro adores. Plus, its signature “Royale” sandwich changes every week — and has for the past 10 years. For a sweet finish, indulge in Lula’s bread pudding French toast with malted whipped cream.

Feeling lucky? At Lucky’s Sandwich Company, you’ll always strike it rich with the “tallest sandwiches in town,” says Jeff Mauro. More than 20 supersized sandwich options are available. Jeff’s choice? The Pollo Loco that’s legendary for stacking fresh-cut french fries atop Cajun-spiced chicken.

Simple yet elegant, Chicago's Luxbar is a prime spot for a romantic date night dinner. With a menu of upscale salads, entrees, burgers and specialty drinks, just about any taste can be pleased. Jeff Mauro went for the Surf and Turf Sliders, which shrink the classic combo into small sandwich form.

Jim's Original features the one-and-only Polish Sausage Sandwich that has been a Chicago favorite since 1941. But on Sandwich King, Jeff tried another favorite: the Pork Chop Sandwich. Unlike a typical pork chop sandwich, Jim's opts for leaving the bone in for a juicy, flavorful bite.

As Jeff Mauro learned on his visit to La Pasadita, their tacos stick to the basics with onions and cilantro and beef grilled over an open flame. All of La Pasadita's three locations on Ashland Avenue offer fresh-to-order plates the way the original owner, David Espinoza, made them in 1976.

It wouldn't be Ricobene's without ordering its signature breaded steak sandwich. Jeff Mauro stopped by to try this hefty sandwich that's breaded skirt steak stuffed in a French roll, then topped with peppers, cheese and a homemade red sauce.

One of the few places in the city to get "restaurant quality" meats for home cooking, this butcher shop prepares custom cuts and deli products and hosts butchering classes for curious carnivores. Adventurous eaters can find everything from prime steaks to offal to whole pigs for their next barbecue.

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.

According to Jeff Mauro, if you’ve had lamb in Chicago, chances are that it's from this historic meatpacking company on Taylor Street. An experienced in-house butcher boned a "beautiful" leg of lamb for Jeff, which he took home to create a crisp, fresh version of the classic Greek gyro.

When Jeff Mauro needed fresh cod for his fish sliders on Sandwich King, he knew the best place to visit would be the Isaacson and Stein Fish Company in Chicago. For more than 80 years, this market has supplied locals with all sorts of fish and seafood, including red snapper, sea bass and clams.

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.

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.