Around the World Gourmet Sandwiches

I just got a "sandwich" at this place and would never go back. I ordered a sausage sandwich to go. I got a squarish piece of bread with a slight cut in it. The sausage was balanced on top with a spoonful of cole slaw slathered on top. That was it. The whole thing was put in a plastic container and the sausage and slaw predictably rolled off while I walked back to my office (I teach at Loyola). The piece of sausage was OK but the cursory way in which the whole thing was slapped together was ridiculous. Really disappointing.

I've worked at four different sandwich shops, some gourmet, some straight up traditional sandwiches. Despite my experience, I'd like to think that I'm still a down-to-Earth gal who enjoys a simple sandwich--not a sandwich snob.

Leaving Around the World made me feel otherwise. I paid $15 for a Caribbean sandwich and a cup of chicken pot pie soup. I know they like to boast that they carry organic produce, but all I got were tomatoes in my sandwich, and they are definitely not in season right now. Along with the limp tomatoes, I had 2 thin slices of meat, and a couple of slices of cheese, and lots of pepper mayo and bread. For a sandwich that was almost $10, I certainly expected more. The soup was okay, but nothing great.

I will not be returning. The only reason I gave this place two stars instead of one is because of the nice guy behind the counter.

Let's get this out of the way: I hate cole slaw. I never eat it. I don't understand it. I grew up in the South, but I still don't like it. All that being said, I love the cole slaw from Around the World. It's crazy good. I want to buy a tub of it. It tastes like remoulade sauce. Go here for that if nothing else.

Okay, moving along. I don't understand the bad reviews. It seems like some yelpers don't realize there's a Subway across the street if you want a cheaper inferior sandwich. However, this place is a GOURMET sandwich shop. It says so right on the sign. The sandwiches are going to be more expensive and more delicious, and they are! I went here with my husband the other day and we both ordered the Mount Olympus. I had mine cold and he had his hot. We both ate every bite. It was really a great combo of ingredients. My only complaint would be that the sundried tomatoes were not chopped and it made them difficult to bite. You take a bite and pull a whole tomato off. They should chop them.

The interior is small but very clean and nice. It has the feel of a cheesy 50s-style soda shop. Not saying that's a bad thing. The guy working there was nice and helpful with the menu. I'll definitely come back here for lunch whenever I want a delicious gourmet sandwich.