Unearth The Voyage
Walking into Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen feels like stepping back in time to when delis were the heartbeat of neighborhoods. Since 1942, this Chicago landmark has been stacking corned beef sandwiches so high they practically defy gravity, earning devotion from everyone who walks through its doors. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned regular, knowing a few insider tips can transform your Manny’s experience from good to unforgettable.
1. A Chicago Institution Since 1942
Jack Raskin opened Manny’s when the world was a very different place, and somehow this deli has managed to keep its soul intact through eight decades. What started as a small neighborhood spot transformed into a legendary gathering place where power brokers and everyday folks rub elbows over pastrami.
Former Governor George Ryan once answered a call from Nelson Mandela while eating here, which tells you everything about the kind of place this is. Politicians, celebrities, and working-class Chicagoans all come for the same reason: honest food served without pretense.
The walls practically whisper stories of deals made, friendships formed, and countless sandwiches devoured over the years.
2. Mountains of Tender Corned Beef
Forget everything you think you know about sandwich portions because Manny’s operates on a completely different scale. Their corned beef sandwiches arrive at your table looking more like edible skyscrapers than lunch, with meat stacked so generously you’ll wonder how anyone finishes one.
Each slice is shaved paper-thin, creating layers that practically dissolve on your tongue with incredible tenderness. The juiciness and flavor come from careful preparation and quality beef that’s been cured to perfection.
Carnivores find themselves in absolute heaven here, savoring every bite of this meaty masterpiece that defines what deli sandwiches should be.
3. Hand-Carved to Perfection
Behind the counter at Manny’s, slicing corned beef isn’t just a job—it’s an art form practiced with serious dedication. Workers cut each piece against the grain with precision that comes from years of experience and genuine care for the craft.
You get to choose how you want your meat: lean for the health-conscious, fatty for maximum flavor, or regular for a balanced middle ground. This customization means every sandwich can be tailored exactly to your preferences.
Watching the carvers work is almost as satisfying as eating the sandwich itself, their practiced hands moving with rhythm and confidence.
4. A No-Frills, All Flavor Experience
Manny’s doesn’t bother with fancy plating, trendy ingredients, or Instagram-worthy presentations because they understand something fundamental: great food speaks for itself. Your corned beef arrives on honest rye bread, maybe with some spicy mustard if you ask, and that’s exactly how it should be.
Many regulars pair their sandwich with crispy potato pancakes that add a perfect crunchy, starchy complement to the tender meat. The focus stays squarely on delivering satisfying, delicious meals that fill your belly and make you smile.
Sometimes simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, especially when executed this well.
5. A Taste of Chicago, Delivered Nationwide
Missing Manny’s after moving away from Chicago used to mean endless longing and disappointment until they started shipping nationwide through Tastes of Chicago. Now fans from coast to coast can order their famous corned beef sandwiches, potato pancakes, and other deli classics delivered right to their homes.
The shipping service carefully packages everything to maintain quality during transit, so you get that authentic Manny’s experience wherever you live. Former Chicagoans and curious food lovers across America can finally taste what all the fuss is about.
It’s like receiving a delicious care package straight from the Windy City.
6. A Local Favorite
Walk into Manny’s during lunch rush and you’ll immediately understand why locals consider this place sacred ground. Customers return week after week, year after year, building relationships with staff and developing their own personal ordering rituals.
One enthusiastic regular declared the corned beef “top notch,” which might sound simple but carries weight coming from someone who’s probably tried every deli in Chicago. While tastes differ and some prefer other spots, most agree that Manny’s delivers an authentic, hearty deli experience that’s increasingly rare.
For anyone craving real Chicago deli culture, this place remains essential eating.
