Seven days of pizza, bagels and deli counters in Chicago

Monday gives Devon Avenue a cross-cultural slice counter: New York Halal Pizza adds Bihari kabob and Mediterranean gyro to its thin-crust lane; Italian Express pairs pizza with gyros and pani puri. For hunters, this is menu contrast, not a fake drop. Order a familiar slice first, then check both menus before setting out.

Tuesday shifts to Michael’s Original Pizzeria & Tavern, where extra-crispy tavern-style thin crust shares a menu with deep-dish options and pub classics. For a hunter weighing photo payoff against another queue, the tavern style tells a more specific Chicago story. Start with the thin crust, and compare other styles only if the table has room.

Wednesday switches the frame from pizza to a bagel counter: Varietale Bagels & Coffee pairs fresh bagels with specialty coffee in Edgewater. For an eater tracking format as closely as flavor, that morning pivot keeps the week from becoming one long pie ranking. Choose the bagel before pairing a coffee, then check the current selection.

Thursday trades pastry cases for L&M Fine Foods’ deli-grocer rhythm: handcrafted sandwiches sit beside specialty pantry goods, wine and tinned fish. For a hunter who likes provisions with the main event, the browse earns its place. Pick the sandwich before scanning the shelves, so I don’t mistake groceries for lunch.

Friday moves to Andersonville for Pizza Lobo’s tavern- and Detroit-style pies, drinks and expansive patio. For hunters choosing between a crisp slice and a longer sit, the crust-and-setting change makes this a useful late-week pivot. Choose the crust before the first photo, and note the asset-listed after-11 p.m. slices-only window for a late visit.

Saturday makes Chicago Pickle Eatery the deli-counter test, with stacked sandwiches, a spicy Italian sub, and a separate café menu. This suits a hunter who wants a classic sandwich lane after days of pies and breads. Ask which sub best represents the counter, then keep café choices separate while scanning.

Sunday closes at Sauce & Bread Kitchen, where a bakery counter shares space with a café and grocery shelves; breads, house-crafted sauces and jams create a different stop. It suits hunters who want a wider menu frame, not another slice. Start with the bread or pastry case, then browse sandwiches and provisions.