Stony Subs is a southside staple that is famous of the Jim Shoe (Gym Shoe). I probably would not have stumbled upon this on my own, but the notion of a perfect fusion of Greek, Jewish and Italian (The Holy Trinity) immigrant flavors in probably the most American sandwich you could have thought of. Thankfully this came about pretty naturally where these communities converge. I mean it's "we have the meats" and cold weather food combined. Corned Beef & Mustard from the Jewish cuisine, Roast Beef & Gaird from the Italians, Tzaziki & gyro from the Greeks and LTOC from American sandwiches. Some people and places put mayo and ketchup on there, but it muddies the cultures and makes it feel like not just a meat bomb, but a sauce bomb too leaving things indistriguishable. It's got this combination of hot and cold, crunch and chew, spice and cooling sauces. The only thing I'd like to see changed is have horseradish sauce in the sandwich and have the tzaziki as a dipping sauce. The cheese is swiss, but I'd like some cooper sharp, but I don't want to confuse NY'ers who chop their sandwiches (pre chew as I call it) as it might be a little too melty. The fries are well done, but putting them IN the sandwich is too much. The hoagie roll can barely handle all this meat on it's own. People say to use the BBQ sauce for the fries, but it muddles the flavor experience. I like to bring my own celery salt bc I love it on a Chicago dog so much that I think it helps. The bread is softer, but doesn't fall apart (don't take it out of the aluminum foil, like the In N Out burger, don't remove it from the diaper) It's not a classy sandwich shop, but a blue collar, greasy, cash only, curt coustomer service place that the is for the working man and the hungry man alike. Locals love this place becuase of how authentic it is and it's easy to see why everything is so popular. It's all good and it all sells. The only thing more popular is their wings, large, meaty, well seasoned. There is no eating inside or outside, so it's to go only. Grab one on your lunch break, best place to eat nearby is the telephone pole you could lean against or the hood of your car. Like most top tier places there is a way to order. It's not drunk food like Maxwells, becuase it's not singular in flavor. It's everything. A kitchen sink if you well, hence the name Gym Shoe. You might think it's some funky shoe, but it's a $300 pair of Jordans. It's open 24 hours, so depending on the hour it could get sketchy, but it's popular amongs LEO's that people wont mess with you too much. Service is decent, far less full of themselves as hotdog places around here, borderline friendly. My favorite way to wash this down is with a Mexican coke. Becuase there is so much meat, cheese, sauces it actually warms up pretty well if you can't finish it. Unlike other Chicago foods like the rigobene's breaded steak sandwich or a Jibarito. While it's something you can only find not just here (Chicago), but only in the Southside. It's hyper local. Unlike many foods which can't actually be replicatable elsewhere, this one can. You can find all the ingredients yourself. I don't reccomend doing that becuase eventhough I'm writing this, your not finding this unless your a foodie or interested in Chicago, i'm still sort of gatekeeping things. No sandwich shop owner has really come up with this anywhere else. read more

Hey what can I say? It's your typical hole in the wall food spot where you go after a night of drinking and questionable decisions, or when you're taking a break from your diet and want something greasy I've only had the fried chicken and pizza puff and both were really good. It's still cash only. read more

I got the Jim shoe and I've never had it before and it was different. The hot peppers were too hot FOR ME but it was still really good!! A nice hood spot, lol. I've been back so many times. read more

Stony Sub - Menu - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Is hands-down better than Chick-fil-A and definitely better than Raising Cane's. Period. This place has been around for years--a real neighborhood staple. If you grew up over here, you already know. A lot of us from the neighborhood still go there because the food is consistently good and the prices make sense. Let's talk value: a 3-piece chicken tender combo with fries and a pop for around $10. You honestly can't beat that anywhere right now--and it's actually good, not just cheap. You can get your tenders with mild sauce, hot sauce, salt & pepper, or on the side. Me? I'm a dipping girl, so I like everything on the side. My brother gets his drowned, and my daughter likes hers on the side too--so they let you do it however you want. Just know this before you go: * Cash only * You're probably going to wait * And yes... it's worth it When food is good, cash is okay. That's just how it goes. This place is one of those spots that stays winning because they never stopped doing what works. If you know, you know. And if you don't--go find out. read more

I dont like their service, it's trash!!!! I made a specific order do to my allergies and health issues and they disregarded my entire order. I don't recommend them to anyone and hope everyone gives them a bad review! I almost died because they disregarded my request to my order!!!!! read more

I go there often and the mild sauce was so good like everything was very classy . go there everyday the drinks be bussing.

Service not that great but they have the best fries to be on the southside. They're always hot and fresh their french fries with mouse salt, salt and pepper. One of my favorite things. Everyone loves the wings. The wings are good they're seasoned. They are a little on the large side, so if you like large wings, this is the place to go. Stand up only open late not great service but good price is good food. read more

So, this place is cash only and you will absolutely have to wait at least 15 minutes if you order in the restaurant, but this is literally the only "greasy spoon" that I trust. The chicken wings are better than J&J's. They also have the best jim shoe in the city. This is solid food, especially if you've been out and had some drinks. It will hit the spot every time. read more

ABSOLUTE BEST CHICKEN WINGS !!! They are the full wing, not just the flat or the drum, perfectly fried and with a little Lemon Pepper !!! OMG !! They ruined me for Everyone else's. read more

Best gym shoe sandwiches I ever had in my life straight bomb! I would definitely recommend

Was doing some research on Chicago's best sandwiches on my visit and the Jim Shoe at Stony Sub came up so I decided to give it a try. I was expecting it to be unique and decent, but it was actually super flavor. The sub roll was on point, soft, crusty, amazing. And the toppings, which sound like the kitchen sink, actually all worked together perfectly. I was kinda blown away by how much it exceeded my expectations. Definitely an underrated piece of Chicago food culture! read more

Stony Sub - Outside - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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You get exactly what you pay for. The food is your typical Chicago food, from wings, subs, and everything in between. Please make sure you bring cash cuz I wouldn't trust the ATM. Also there's no seating to eat inside. It's solely takeout... read more

Stony Sub - Jim Shoe - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is strictly takeout cash only. But if you're looking for a quick breakfast or delicious sandwiches, this is the place for you. Open 24 hours seven days a week. read more

Catfish nuggets was good but the gymshoe was missing flavor ! It was packed with a lot of meat but definitely missing that kick Fries are skimpy too cheap pops It's good if your out partying on a Friday after a party in 3am in the morning but naw I won't come back . read more

Food is fire any time of the day especially at night. I recommend 10/10. They are asking me to post to many characters but it's good read more

I love the seasoning hands one the best late night spot while menu delicious. Food fresh and they accept calling in orders

the food good don't get me wrong as far as customer service they don't communicate properly and take the order wrong ....if u order make sure you express everything in detail with them for no inaccurate information or results.. read more

I finally tried their Gym Shoe sandwich. A sandwich I've been curious about for a very long time. Stony Sub is cash only place that is open 24 hours a day. They don't have tables inside so you gots to take it ta go. It's also very clean inside and the guys taking your order was full of energy. Their Gym Shoe sandwich was a little over $10 and came with fries and a drink. It little on the pricey side, but once you're done eating it, you would say it's absolutely worth every penny. The sandwich was gigantic and packed with gyro meat, with chopped roast beef and corned beef. It's then topped with lettuce, tomatoes, tzatziki sauce, mayo and mustard, cheese, onions and sweet & hot peppers. Yes, they put a lot in there, and the reasoning for their high price. The sandwich itself was very tasty. I feel like the gyro meat overpowers the entire sandwich with its saltiness, but overall a very filling sandwich. Wouldn't mind ordering this again, next time I'm in the area. The only thing that makes it difficult, is Taurus Flavors is literally down the street. I might just visit both each time! read more

Stony Sub - Gym Shoe Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Delicious. Full of food. No skimping! Made fresh to order. The Gym Shoe is outstanding

I have heard about this place and drove past it thousands of times. This restaurant was also recommended by someone in a (Chi Town foodies) a Chicago based food group on Facebook! It was delicious! Hood Alert: This place isn't in a horrible area but it does get rough a tad. It has been a few shootings in the area around this establishment. Personally I would only go before dark! Cause the freaks come out at night! Also be street wise and don't use the ATM! This place only accepts cash! So bring cash so you don't have to pull out your card to use the ATM I went in today about 10:30am. I thought I would beat the crowd...Nope!!! Loll! It was like five people in line. The place was clean. No seats or counter. It's a to go spot hood spot. They have the typical to go foods. Gyros, polishes, hot dogs, fish, pizza puffs etc! They are behind plexiglass! I told you it can get rough on Stony Island! I ordered a King Size Gym Shoe sandwich. It's about a 10-12 inch sandwich that comes on a sub roll stuffed with Gyro Meat, Corned Beef, Roast Beef, cheese, hot and sweet peppers, mayonnaise, onions, lettuce, tomato and gyro sauce aka tzatziki sauce. The sandwich also came with fries and a pop. My total was about $16.50. I busted it down with my car with my mom and my son! The fries were hot and fresh. This was my first Gym Sandwich I have ever had and it lived up to the hype. The meats were chopped up and melted in well together. The cheese just melted into the bread and meats, then you had the heat of the hot peppers and the nice tang of the gyro sauce! It was a messy sandwich that will send your blood pressure and cholesterol through the roof! It was delicious though lolll!! I recommend them highly! Take a walk on the wild side on Stony Island!! read more

Fried catfish fillets were fresh lightly breaded so crispy. Add lemon pepper and tartar sauce.

Solid .7 spot if you want a decent sandwich. Some days are good and some days not, the waits are always long and never consistent

It was great been going there for years, went yesterday Fries and chicken were soggy the sandwich taste the same but a lot less meat on there read more

I have never had anything bad from them, I just don't like my condiments on the bottom half of my sandwiches. It makes the bread fall and I can't bite my sandwich. They have the best wings ever! read more

I had this place a couple of years ago and all I can remember is the amount of grease on the sandwich granted I did get the Jim shoe sandwich. But honestly it did taste good it just had a lot going on. Every time I pass by though they do have people in the restaurant ordering so people must like this type of food it just wasn't for me! read more

Service was quick and the gym shoe was pretty good. The order taker was very pleasant

This restaurant has truly fallen off. I ordered a breakfast sandwich with bacon, sausage, egg and cheese. The regular Mexican guy with the big eyes charged me 15 dollars. Before I left out the bag felt very light, so I turned toward the window and said, " this better be worth 15 dollars." He looked puzzled and waved his hand. The sandwich was terrible in size and taste. I guess he put the bacon in old grease because that's all I could taste. This is by far a restaurant that needs to be removed off of Stony Island. So disappointed and sick of the restaurant workers charging an arm and a leg for poor quality food. read more

Best Jim Shoe sandwich I'm the city I swear!!! I challenge anyone to show me a better one

What I ordered? The gym shoe How was it? Very good. Although it would somehow taste better around 4am after a night of bar hopping or partying on the weekends. What are the hours? Open 24 hours so that's a good thing Was it expensive? It was adequately priced Would u recommend it to others? Sure if they want a sandwich of that caliber What's in a gym shoe sandwich? This version comes with Gyros roast beef corned beef all chopped with cheese gyros sauce mayo lettuce and tomato. Keep in mind that other local submarine establishments would probably use different condiments or toppings. Also the bread holds the sandwich well. Better than it looked. So why the 4 stars? Because it's take out only. With a sandwich that messy it's either wait until you're home to eat it or eat it in the car. Then head to the self service car wash to vacuum the mess you made. Overall damn good sandwich. Sandwich on steroids read more

Stony Sub - Gym shoe. Sandwich on steroids - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place has been COVID safe since before COVID was a thing, on account of how they use those little revolving doors to give you your food. The food is delicious, and well-priced. I recommend the 'jim shoe' sandwich and the fries. Somehow, the fries taste like chicken wings. I would have posted a photo of the sandwich, had it not been too tasty to wait to eat immediately. read more

Strictly based on Yelp reviews, I finally tried the Chicago "Gym Shoe." It's a sandwich with corned beef, roast beef, gyro meat, cheese, green peppers, hot peppers, mayo, tzatziki sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes all on a toasted roll. I've heard of it and never been interested but I must say it was great! Total guilty pleasure. I felt guilty eating it but I couldn't stop. From the outside the building is unsightly and despite seeing it for years, never thought I would ever step foot inside. I was however pleasantly surprised when I did step inside. It was clean and well kept. The numerous menu items are overwhelming but there are no guilty pleasure items they don't offer. They have it all. Enter at your own risk and leave all dietary restrictions at the door. read more

Tried this spot for the first time recently and I must say...the Gymshoe- chef's kiss! I'm rarely out south, but this was recommended to me so I agreed to take the drive out there and I must say...it was well worth the drive and money for this sub! Honestly - better than Portillo's Italian beef! I'm super picky & this exceeded my expectations for sure! read more

After having a conversation with a coworker about the Jim shoe and what it is and how it's made, and it's origins I decided to try it. And why not go to the place where everyone says it's best. So even though I don't live anywhere near this particular restaurant I took the journey here to try this sandwich I hear so much about. And I made an excellent choice. Upon entering this restaurant I'm greeted by a friendly woman, who took the time to actually talk a bit with me before taking my order. And never got irritated at my many questions, which I had quite a few. She even gave suggestions on what is good as well as what not to bother with. Which I think was refreshing because most times they just ring you up for whatever you ask for, knowing once you receive it you won't be satisfied. After a short wait she let me know my order was ready. I took my order and left, eating my fries as I traveled to my destination. I consider myself a french fries conosuer, and these did not disappoint. And as one other reviewer stated their mild sauce tasted just right. Once I reached my location I opened my sandwich ready to take a bite, let me tell you this sandwich I very large, and they don't skimp on the meat either. It comes with roast beef, gyro meat, and corned beef, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, mayo, tzaziki sauce, and cheese. I skipped the mayo and sweet peppers, and got everything else. I am not sure who thought to put this combination of meats together, nor why they work so well together. But I am glad that I did try, if your wondering if you should try it, I say go for it. read more

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Since you have to take the food with you, by the time we were able to eat it all the bread was soggy and I thought the fries were going to fall out of the bottom of the container there was so much grease. Nonetheless, the food was fantastic! Hands down - the BEST Italian beef I have ever had. We come to Chicago often for Bears games and we may have to add this gem to our list of places to go from now on. Be prepared: they only take cash, there is no place to sit and eat and you should be prepared to wait as it is often busy. read more

Oh yes! I've worked cash only retail Establishments before.i must say, If the owners are not there to watch, sometimes orders are filled and no receipts are given and it was NOT rung up on the register... humm!where's the $ ?? Owners can't get ahead because of employee theft! Cameras in the wrong position maybe!! JUST SAYING,I could be wrong. JUST GIVE EVERYONE A RECEIPT!! read more

I ordered over the phone, the young lady who answered the phone talked very quick and I had ask her to several times to repeat herself. Otherwise, the Philly cheesesteak is good. read more

The fries that fell through the bag...I can forgive that.(And yes they did offer to replace them). Ordering the wrong sandwich as a first time customer and they not really giving a sh*t...I can let that go. (After all, it was my mistake, although my "steak" sandwich like looks anything but) But the lady answering the phone, who hung up on me for asking to speak to a manager/supervisor...nah. Never going there again. Can I speak to a manger? No. Can I speak to a supervisor? No -click- I call back and no apology. Very lackadaisical about the whole thing. Are...you...serious? When I tell you that the lady who answered the phone was the rudest person I've ever encountered in any industry, that's what I mean. These places treat us like crap because we let them. We give them our money, in our neighborhood and you're rude to me?! Nope. I'm good. I work too hard for my money to spend it on a sub shop that doesn't care about their customers. You don't employ hood chicks to work in a position where they have to communicate with the public if they have funky attitudes. Take your money somewhere else! I have told everyone I possibly can (mind you this took place about three hours ago) not to come here. read more

Stony Sub - Fries fell right through the bag and onto the floor. - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ordered 10 wing tonight about 7:15, was told 20 minutes for pickup by phone, my husband picked them up about 7:40. Got the wings home only had 9, paid for ten so I called to let them know, also my husband had asked 4 times for a receipt and the cashier man did not want to give it right away he did finally. I called about the shorted wing and a Hispanic man answered the phone and I told him about the missing wing and the problem with the receipt, he began yelling and said he gave the receipt and to come back for the other wing. Well I told him we were about to eat and could not come back tonight he kept yelling and hung the phone up on me. I was very angry and called back and said we are customers and we are the reason you are in business, I told him I would contact social media and he said go ahead it's only your opinion. WOW!!! We have been supporting thier business for years and now they have lost us... Stony Sub was great but one worker has killed it for me!! CUSTOMER SERVICE IS EVERYTHING!!! One star for customer service, desent food but who pays to be insulted!!? read more

I watched a video on YouTube and my mouth was watering as they showed their infamous Jim Shoe sub sandwich. Let me tell you it was just as good in person. Made freshly in front of me , the Jim shoe was the perfect meat lovers combo. Great service. Great price. Great portion. If you're looking for a gem on the south shore side of Chicago - this is the place. read more

Stony Sub - Jim Shoe (reg size) sub meal :) corned beef. Roast beef. And gyro meat all together! Meat tastes delicious too! - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Visiting from out of town, we researched food to eat in Chicago. The gym shoe was a sandwich that came recommended and the Stony Sub was the top recommendation we received. The gym shoe is absolutely amazing. The shop is a bit out of the way from the loop, but the trek to it the shop is worth the food. The shop itself is clean and only accepts cash. We took the train and then a lyft back. It was worth the trek. read more