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Some lunch habits stick for a few weeks, and some stick for four decades. In Oakbrook Terrace, one Italian deli has customers who say they have been coming back for over 40 years.
They keep ordering hefty sandwiches stacked with Italian beef and sausage, plus subs that people drive across the suburbs to get. The place also doubles as a little Italian market, so a quick lunch can turn into a bag full of take-home dinners.
Here is what makes it worth the trip, when to go, and how to make the most of a family visit.
A Butterfield Road Address Worth Remembering
The sandwich counter that has kept some families loyal for four decades sits at 17W626 Butterfield Rd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Its name is Frankie’s Deli, and it runs as both a deli and an Italian market under one roof.
The building itself looks sharp and modern. There is plenty of parking, a well-kept landscape out front, and a patio for eating outside when Illinois weather plays nice.
That modern look surprises some first-timers. Many old-school Italian delis in Chicago neighborhoods feel like time capsules, while this one feels newer and roomier.
The food, though, keeps the old traditions going. Portions are generous, the meats are quality cuts, and the breads lean artisanal.
For families in DuPage County, the spot is an easy hop off the main roads. It works as a weekday lunch stop or a Saturday errand that ends with something good to eat.
Think of the address as the starting line. The real story begins at the counter.
Forty Years of the Same Order
Loyalty like this does not happen by accident. Some customers say they have been eating subs from Frankie’s for over 40 years, and they still walk in with the same craving.
That kind of track record matters to Illinois families. Parents who grabbed sandwiches here years ago can now bring their own kids, and grandparents can point to the counter and say it all started right there.
The deli is family owned and operated. That detail helps explain the steady feel of the place, even as the building and menu have kept up with the times.
What keeps the regulars coming back is fairly simple. The sandwiches are big, the ingredients are fresh, and the staff knows how to keep a line moving.
Newcomers catch on fast. A family that moved from the East Coast spent ages hunting for subs like the ones back home, and this counter finally ended that search.
Forty years is a long time to keep a promise. Here, that promise comes wrapped in deli paper.
Beef, Sausage and the Big Combo Appeal
Chicago-area eaters take Italian beef and sausage seriously, and this counter gives both plenty of attention. They rank among the most talked-about items on the menu, right alongside the famous subs.
The Italian sausage has fans who first tried it at a friend’s house and then tracked down where it came from. One popular version arrives on schiacciata, a Tuscan flatbread, paired with rapini for a tart contrast to the salty meat.
Italian beef is sold sliced by the pound with gravy to go, which makes it easy to feed a crowd at home. The quality of the beef earns strong praise, though some find the gravy on the mild side.
Sandwiches can be dressed up with cheese and sweet or mild peppers. That lets picky kids keep it simple while adults pile on extras.
One tip for hot sandwich fans: the Italian beef panini comes with onions and peppers, and it is worth asking how they are prepared if grilled is a must.
Beef or sausage, the hardest part is choosing just one. Plenty of regulars solve that problem by not choosing at all.
Subs That Earned a Cult Following
Subs are the heart of the operation, and the menu backs that up. The Italian sub and the meatball sub are the two names that come up again and again.
The Italian sub checks the boxes for flavor and seasoning, and it is filling enough to carry someone through a long afternoon. Some call it the best Italian submarine around.
The signature meatball sandwich features soft, well-spiced meatballs with marinara and cheese on a hearty French roll. The roll holds up to the load, which is no small feat.
Then there is the Frankie Special. Groups that order a spread of sandwiches often crown it the winner of the day.
Other favorites include a roast pork sandwich, a hot pork sandwich, muffalettas, turkey, and an American cold cut sub. Paninis and salads round things out.
Not every sandwich lands the same for everyone, and some prefer less oil and lettuce on lighter meats. Asking for adjustments is easy.
With a menu this deep, a second visit almost feels required.
An Italian Market Hiding Behind the Counter
Lunch is only half the reason to stop by. The front of the store is packed with Italian ingredients, oils, sauces and specialty goods.
Shelves hold a wide range of jarred sauces, and freezers are stocked with pastas, lasagnas, ravioli, sausage and cheeses. Spinach ravioli is a popular take-home pick.
Busy parents will like the ready-to-go section. Whole lasagnas and other ready-to-bake meals make it simple to skip cooking for a night.
The deli case offers fresh lunch meats, cheeses like Fontinella, and homemade soppressata. Olives are sold by the pound, too.
A cold case holds desserts such as tiramisu, Italian ice and cannoli, while biscotti and Italian cookies make easy treats for the car ride home.
The frozen pasta can run a bit pricey, so it helps to set a budget before browsing. Even so, a single trip can stock a family dinner and a weekend lunch.
Some come for a sandwich and leave with a full bag.
Fast Lines, Friendly Faces
Lunch rush crowds can look intimidating at first glance. Lines do get long here, but they tend to move quickly.
Some guests have waited barely two minutes for a made-to-order sandwich. The deli counter crew is known for being friendly and impressively speedy.
Staff also know their stuff. They can help with ideas for a dinner party, appetizers or a special event, which is handy for anyone planning a family gathering.
The store stays well stocked and tidy, though tables in the lunch area are not always wiped down during busy stretches. A quick check before sitting helps.
The front doors are heavy as well. Families with strollers or grandparents with canes may want a helping hand at the entrance.
Small quirks aside, the team keeps things running smoothly. That steady service is a big part of why people keep returning year after year.
Catering for the Big Family Moments
Birthdays, anniversaries and Father’s Day sometimes land all at once. The catering side of Frankie’s has handled exactly that kind of combined family celebration.
Menus can be personalized. Past spreads have included lemon chicken, pasta salad, Caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, and fresh fruit and vegetable trays.
The value stands out for budget-minded hosts. Catered parties here have come in well below the cost of a private dinner at a high-end restaurant.
Planning ahead is important. The catering menu asks for about two to three days of advance notice.
For smaller get-togethers, the deli also sells party-friendly items straight from the case, including sliced meats, cheeses, salads and whole lasagnas. The tortellini salad has a big fan club.
Grandma’s birthday just got a lot easier to plan.
Hours, Seating and a Friendly Verdict
Timing a visit is simple once the schedule is clear. Frankie’s Deli is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 8 pm.
Saturday hours run 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday is shorter at 11 am to 4 pm. Hours can change, so checking the website before a long drive is a smart move.
Seating options include an indoor dining area and an outdoor patio. Takeout works well for families who want to picnic elsewhere.
Prices are generally considered fair, especially for the portion sizes. Sandwiches big enough to share may stretch a family lunch budget further than expected.
The lunch rush is busiest, so arriving a little early can help with kids in tow. Weekday evenings may feel calmer.
So is it worth the trip? For anyone chasing a classic Italian sub, a hearty beef or sausage sandwich, or an easy take-home dinner, the answer leans toward yes.
Forty years of repeat customers make a pretty convincing case. The next regular might be sitting in your back seat.
