I love this place so much. I can't think of a single thing from here I haven't loved. Sometimes when we go on Sunday nights, I will get a sandwich AND a pasta dish and then only eat half of my sandwich and half of the pasta and then I have my lunch for Monday. Yeah - this place is THAT good - even the leftovers are better than my other lunch options downtown. Cute decor too! read more

"Loaves of Bread" is the translation from Spanish, for the word "Panes." I have no idea if that is the orgin of the name; but if so, the owners are not doing their cafe justice. The homemade, fresh-baked bread is outstanding, but only one part of their quality menu. Panes offers appetizers, salads, pastas and homemade desserts, but the stars of the menu are their delicious sandwiches. I've been going to Panes for nearly 10 years and have never been disappointed in the consistent quality of their food. My favorite sandwich is the Oaxacan Pork - marinated pork loin, caramelized onions, spicy mayo and roasted red peppers - all on melt-in-your-mouth, warm-baked bread. Flavorful and tender, spicy and sweet - this sandwich is a winner. I also like the Todo Italiano - homemade pesto grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, provolone cheese and thin sliced prosciutto. Or try The Popular - chicken breast, caramelized onions, spinach, roasted peppers and provolone cheese on tomato bread. And guess what? All sandwiches are less than $6 or $7. The only drawbacks about Panes: the crowds can sometimes make the wait a little long, and there is not a lot of seating. For take-out orders, try calling in advance to avoid the wait. Panes is one of the best and most affordable little cafes in the city. It's much more than the "Loaves of Bread" name would lead you to believe. read more

This place is AWESOME!!! Great location, right off of the Brown line Wellington stop. I live right around the corner so it's great to grab a quick dinner if I get home late from work. The menu is very diverse and super cheap. The desserts look amazing! I have only had the monster cookie, but I am obsessed. They are best if you get them warm. I have had the vegetarian sandwich (can't remember the name) and their goat cheese pasta. Both were wonderful! The bread really is awesome. Despite previous reviews, I thought the pasta was well worth it. I really don't know what people are talking about in regards to the "unfriendly" staff. They were super nice to me! Greeting me at the counter and bringing my order to me (they call out your order number but I was lost in thought and missed mine). I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

I was sent here by a friend that loves the place. I must say - it didn't meet my expectations. I thought my sandwich was very bland and the room was freezing. Granted it was a cold day, but this little hole in the wall needs a little heat! The person behind the counter that took my order, on the other hand, was very nice. I won't run back. read more

panes is delicious. everything i've had has been well above-average. don't forget, it's cash-only :) the tortilla salad is great, as is the todo italiano. i highly recommend the chicken club. the only thing i wouldn't get again is the hummus appetizer. it's just so-so. but their bread is incredible. definitely the highlight of every meal there. read more

My favorite neighborhood place. I almost always order the chicken club sandwich and monster cookie, because they are JUST THAT GOOD! However, the rest of their food, in particular the desserts such as the lemon custard with blueberries are also really good. Very reasonably priced, under 10$ for a big sandwich, chips, cookie, and bottle of lemonade. Seems to have a lunch rush that never ends on the weekends - I recommend calling in your order ahead and picking it up to go if you are in a hurry and live in the neighborhood. read more

Best food ever !!!!!!!!!!!!! tortilla salad is always AMAZING monster cookie is to die for totally sucks that they dont take credit only cash otherwise id give them 5 stars read more

I absolutely love this place. I was introduced by my boyfriend who works at Illinois Masonic and now every time I'm in the neighborhood get a craving. Not only do they bake their own delicious bread but the sandwiches are warmed and toasted and even their salads are great. It is cash only, but worth every penny. read more

Hands down, the Pompazo is the best sandwich. Ever. I love this place. Always get a loaf of bread to go, too. Reasonably priced, the sandwiches are huge and original. Other things on the menu look really good, too, but since I live 50 miles away I don't get here nearly often enough. When I am in the neighborhood, I have to stop by for the Pompazo. $4.95 for a hot, flavorful, perfect sandwich and a bag of chips. Can't beat it. read more

Incredible.....I have not had an item off of their menu where that by the time I finished I wasnt wondering what I was going to get next time. The bread is amazing, the flavors are wonderful, and the pasta is incredible. Seriously, you cant go wrong at this place. read more

I'm honestly surprised at all of the overwhelming positive reviews for this place. I've been here twice, the first time I was not impressed, the second time same story. I tried a couple different things on their menu and both failed to impress. From what I remember this place was cash only, which is just a pain, there are better food options in the area, I probably won't go back. read more

Fantastic sandwiches on fresh baked bread, in a nice non-crowded section of Sheffield.

Easily one of the hidden gems of Lakeview. The sandwhichs that are offered are all spectacular. You can also make one to order. I reccomend the Pollo Diablo. Also, check the board to the right of the register for their daily specials. They know what they are doing, and throw in some great Mexican twists on what they are offering. It is cash only however. I also reccomend trying something from the desert case to bring home. Everything I have ever tried has been amazing. Parking can be a bitch, and lunch can get crowded. So, if you want, you can order what you want and pick it up to go (or be a jerk and pick it up and eat it there). read more

can't say how much I love Panes! But I'll try! The Sunday brunch is such a deal. The chilaquiles are great and huge as are the panes brioches styled French toast. On a weeknight try the Oaxacan sandwhich! It's a zesty porkchop with authentic Mexican sweet and spicy flavor in between homemade bread. A great dinner and a big lunch! read more

Just finished my sandwich so I thought i'd yelp. Got the turkey turkey. Besides the bread the sandwich was a pretty standard sandwich. The meat is definitely processed which I am not a fan of. Just one sliver of avocado on each side of the sandwich. But the bread was super fresh and tasty, because of that I will give the place another shot. They do need to join the modern times and start accepting cards, cash only is a real pain in the... read more

It's all about the Turkey Turkey and the monster cookie. I usually do take out, and recommend calling ahead to place your order. I'm almost glad they are cash only, because I would stop in every time I walked by if I carried enough cash on me! read more

My wife loves this place, I'm not quite there, but it is very good. Definitely a very populare spot and is almost always busy when we've been. A great wide selection of sandwiches and very good bread. Don't forget your cash like I have before! No credit card! read more

Almost perfect. But they need to do something about the roast-beef that they use for their sandwiches. It's a rubbery italian beef type quality read more

This place deserves its excellent reviews. Some of the best bread in the city - try the sweet French. Could use a little bit more indoor seating but it will have to do! Only suggestion - breakfast sandwich! read more

Perfect solution to a rainy day, to come in here and get soup and some freshly made bread. I've also had their tortilla salad which I would recommend. Delicious cookies too. They usually have samples of something available, which is always a nice little treat. This place is on the small side, so it can get crowded during lunchtime. But when the weather is nice, there's an outside sitting area. Only downfall: they only take cash. Which is understandable since it is a local, family-owned restaurant, but in this day and age it's hard to find people who always have cash on them (including me!). read more

This is about as good as it gets for a sandwich shop. Homemade bread, incredible sandwiches, great soups, fantastic pastas. All homemade and not from some chain formula. Prices are good as well. Don't miss it if you are in the area. I've been going here since it opened back in the mid 90's and it hasn't changed and that's a good thing!! read more

Great food it's near my house and I go in at least once a week for a soup and a sandwich. Recommend going for Sunday brunch, French toast or chalaquiles taste great!!! Heads up Cash or check only read more

Fantastic sandwiches with fresh bread... Love this place to pick up to go as well as have a nice relaxing meal there. It used to be our place in the winter or when sick for the bread and soups, but it has now become a favorite at all times of the year! read more

Everything on the menu is BOMB! The only reason I gave 4 stars is because it is cash only. Attention Owners - PLEASE get credit card machines so it is more convenient! I will eat there every day, I promise! read more

There is only one Panes. From homemade breads and sandwiches, to delicious soups and creative desserts, I love this place!

I'm laughing out loud about how much I enjoy Panes. Their sandwiches are amazing, lots of that has to do with the fresh baked bread they use. I rock the Super Panes to quench my taste for ham turkey and bacon in one bite. My roommate swears by the Oaxaccan Pork. Guess what? They also serve breakfast sandwiches which are bomb dot com ... and maybe the best french toast i've ever heard. Hello! It's a bread cafe. read more

This place is a real gem. I only stayed away so long because it's cash only, but duh! Of course they have an ATM, dummy! It's family owned, adorably decorated, the staff is so nice, and the whole place smells amazing! I want to come and hang out, read, study, draw, and write. Why why WHY have I wasted so much life not eating at Panes?! The bread is beautiful. So soft and warm and with a perfect crunchy crust! The flavors are so pure and delicious! I had a sandwich with a gorgeous, fresh, (I'm guessing house-made) pesto that was even better than my grandma's! (Yeah. That is impressive.) For a VERY reasonable price, you get a huge sandwich big enough to share and chips. I was too full for desserts, but they looked sooooooo amazing! I will definitely be back and am kicking myself for not trying it sooner! read more

I LOVE Panes. I have never had a bad meal here and love how everything is cooked fresh. The restaurant itself is cozy and the staff are very friendly/inviting. Anytime I can't figure out what I want to eat I come here. Luckily, there is an ATM in the restaurant because I always forget it's cash only. The food is an amazing value for what they give you and I always leave with leftovers. read more

Fuck this place, they don't tell u it's cash only till u get there east of ducking time

Haven't been in years, but I obviously still remember how good it was. Great sandwiches.

Excellent! Absolutely one of the best sandwich shops around! Delicious fresh baked bread, homemade soups and reasonably priced! You have to check it out!!! read more

I have dreams about the Turkey Turkey, everything I've tried here is awesome. Their sweets are great as well! Only thing to note is it's cash only, but they have an ATM inside. read more

The best bread makes the best sandwiches. I get the pollo diablo and don't forget dessert...

You can't go wrong with any sandwich here. One of my favorite sandwich places in Chicago! Everything is so fresh.

I've been here at least 50 times and it's the best sandwich shop I've ever been to. Unbelievable sandwiches, salads, pasta, and pizza at unbelievable prices. I love the Super Panes sandwich. Note: Cash only read more

My only hesitation at giving Panes five stars is that it will become even more crowded than it already is. But this place is quite simply the best, so I have to take that risk. I have had most of the sandwiches on the menu, and you really can't go wrong with any of them. All of the bread options are great, but the tomato bread is a favorite. The monster cookies are also excellent. read more

Delicious whole foods! And the employees are very sweet and welcoming. Unlike alot of northside chicago places. I would eat here everyday if I could. read more

Panes is by far the BEST SANDWICH & BREAD restaurant on the Northside of Chicago. Period. I generally order the Pollo Diablo, a spicy chicken sandwich, and golly it is amazing. The sandwich has a thick piece of spicy chicken breast, spicy mayo, pepper jack cheese, and lettuce and tomato. The bread is made by a real professional, and the service is exceptional. I try to order at least one sandwich from Panes per week because I am that obsessed with and addicted to their food. Oh, and the price is just right! And if you're feeling bold, try the Monster Cookie. You will not be disappointed. *Cash only, so be prepared. read more

There are a few things on the menu that are outstanding (Super Panes). I would say most sandwiches are mediocre though (Pollo Diablo, The Popular). Also, be careful when doing carry-out, I've received the wrong sandwich on several different occasions. read more

I have been eating there for years, and it only gets better! The business is a blending of an American female chef, and her Mexican husband who is a baker. The combination that they produce is Amazing! Remember, the bread is half of any sandwich, and they bake their own breads on site from scratch. Unlike so many other restaurants where the bread is frozen and heated up at the restaurant, Panes makes everything there and it is an Amazing experience. Sometimes it is packed, but deal with the reality; a great place attracts crowds. And every time I visit, I also purchase a loaf of their bread. Remember, for a small restaurant to survive for as long as Panes has survived, in a highly competitive area; it has to be exceptional. read more