Chicago - July 03, 2007

Grateful Bread

Jerry’s Opens

When your pals found the cream cheese and olive sandwich hidden deep in your seventh grade lunch box, you were promptly exiled from the cafeteria (thanks, Dad).

Anyone can slap together two slices of bread. But making a tasty sandwich — one acceptable to catty adolescents — is a different story entirely.

Not at Jerry’s (in homage to Garcia), opening Thursday in Wicker Park. The loungey, modern-meets-rustic decor is trendier than the West Loop original for a reason: This one’s a sit-down joint with serving spoon chandeliers, a granite bar, smoky walls, and cushy booths.

The grub is where the real action is: 100 sandwiches (plus salads and apps). Nine types of bread (pretzel rolls!). Tons of fillings (roast chicken, prosciutto, hummus, peanut butter). Condiments galore (three mustards, four mayos, and a mystifying homemade chipotle mango chutney).

After the first bite, you’ll want to kiss the servers and send them bouquets of sugar magnolias.

But a simple “thank you Jerry much” will do.

Jerry’s, 1938 West Division Street, between Damen and Wolcott Avenues (773-235-1006 or jerryssandwiches.com).

  Alfresco, Bespoke, Delivery, Lunch Spot