Where to Find Pepper-and-Egg Sandwiches in Chicago

Where You Can Still Find Pepper-and-Egg Sandwiches

Posted on February 20 | Updated on February 26

Emily Mack

I waited 40 minutes (!) for this pepper-and-egg sandwich from D’Amatos but enjoyed snacking on focaccia in their new seating section. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago)

Lent may mean 40 days of restraint but in Chicago, we get to pig out on pepper-and-egg sandwiches. The yearly tradition isn’t as strong as it once was, but there are still plenty of spots citywide to find this no-meat, no-frills fix.

Pepper-and-egg sandwiches from Portillo's

On Fridays during Lent, Portillo’s offers the classic style on French bread and, intriguingly, croissants. (Courtesy of Portillo’s)

A Chicago Tradition

As Catholics eschew meat on Fridays during Lent, what’s a Chicagoan to do with all their greasy Italian beef peppers? Enter the pepper-and-egg sandwich. The simple combo of scrambled eggs and bell peppers on French bread was popularized by Italian immigrants in Chicago during the late 19th Century.

Now, I’m no Catholic, but I know my sins … and I’m a glutton for pepper-and-egg sandwiches. They’re sweet, fleeting, and a (somewhat) light alternative in my hot-dog-heavy diet. Sadly, famed pepper-and-egg deli Fiore’s closed in 2021. Al’s Italian Beef no longer partakes. And Portillo's is back to only offering the sandwich seasonally after ending its breakfast menu.

Perhaps it’s because Chicago’s Catholic population is down … but this Lent, we’ve got Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican! Bring on the peppers and eggs!

Kitty-corner, Carm’s and Fontano’s are both serving pepper-and-egg sandwiches on Lenten Fridays. Unfortunately for me, I visited before Ash Wednesday. They were NOT willing to make an exception. (Emmi Mack / Hey Chicago)

Where to Get Your Fix

Year-round: D’Amatos in West Town, but don’t expect the traditional roasted peppers here. These are finely chopped in with the eggs.
Year-round: Clark Street Dogs in Lakeview. Their pepper-and-eggs are better than their hot dogs IMO.
Year-round: Gio’s Cafe and Deli in Bridgeport
Year-round: Fabulous Freddie’s in Bridgeport
Year-round: Lucia’s in Wicker Park.
Year-round: Punky’s in Bridgeport
Year-round: Tony’s Italian Beef in West Lawn
Year-round: La Villa in Old Irving Park. (A true time capsule.)
Year-round: Dino’s Pizza in Norwood Park
Year-round: Martino’s in North Park — off menu but they will make you one!
Year-round: Ricobene's in Armour Square
Year-round: Beverly Bakery & Cafe. (There's also a croissant option.)
On Fridays year-round: Jay's Beef of Harwood Heights
On Fridays year-round: Johnnie’s Beef in Elmwood Park
All Lent: Ferro’s in Armour Square
All Lent: Parky's Hot Dogs in Forest Park
On Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent: Tony's Italian Deli & Subs in Edison Park
On Fridays during Lent: Buona Beef, across locations.
On Fridays during Lent: Portillo’s, across locations.
On Fridays during Lent: Fontano’s Subs in Little Italy
On Fridays during Lent: Carm’s in Little Italy
On Fridays during Lent: Bari in West Town
On Fridays during Lent: Vinnie’s Sub Shop in West Town
On Fridays during Lent: Luke’s in the Loop
On Fridays during Lent: Nottoli Italian Foods in Norwood Park
On Fridays during Lent: The Original Nottoli & Son in Belmont Heights