THIS PLACE IS AWESOME! I plan on going here again for sure. It's a little small as far as seating goes, but that's the only thing close to negative. You get a LOT for your money. $10 get you a delicious sandwich big enough to make into two meals, chips, drink, and a cookie! They are laid back and casual. Did I mention delicious? Some of the menu options are pretty similar, but the creativity of their menu overall sets them apart from sandwich chains. There is no reason not to go... So do it.
Review Source:A couple of years ago I would have given Costello's 4 stars. The service is great and the sandwiches aren't bad (they are a step up from Potbelly's) but they changed their chipotle mac and cheese. Before, it was a spicy cheese blend that had a kick to it. I guess it was a bit much for some because now this side is just regular mac and cheese with a squirt of chipotle sauce on top.
Parking can be difficult and for some reason, my chicken sandwich is always cold by the time I get back to my office (about 1 mile away). I'll go back but I won't be getting the mac and cheese.
The kid at the counter last week was super. However, he was there with only one other person and wait time was rediculous for the lunch time rush. Management has to make sure there are enough people there. Why wasnt a manager there? Given the above average pricing for a sandwhich these days, I didnt appreciate having to wolf it all down to be on time for an appointment I had. I have lived in the neighborhood for over five years, I ate here twice. That should say something. This will be the last time I eat here.
Review Source:Nothing great, nothing terrible, nothing that knocked my socks off.
I ordered the Spicy Roscoe. It was loaded with mayo (I did not heed the warning of others that the sandwich would be doused with it), lacked a fair amount of turkey, and wasn't really spicy. The size of the sandwich was decent, but I didn't think it was anywhere near the best I've had. I did get the mashed potatoes as a side and they were warm and tasted fresh.
We ordered online, walked over to pick it up, and had no problems with the order. No waiting at the restaurant and the order was correct.
I'll probably order from here again, as it's close by and convenient, but I won't be expecting too much.
I've been to this place a couple of times, and the food has been average - the substance of the sandwiches is usually laughably light, while there is lots of lettuce - but for something quick, it works well. Â Sad to say though, I don't think I'll be going back, based on my last experience.
The employees have never been what I would call friendly - they seem to think they are doing you a favor by serving them. This past Thursday my experience with the girl taking my order was the same - I made a lame joke which she rolled her eyes at. Whatever. The extreme rudeness started though with customers who came after me.
As I sat down to eat my sandwich, two middle-aged Asian women came in and had the audacity to ask for coffee. I guess that's a big no-no?! The guy behind the counter - not sure of his name but I've seen him there several times - directed them to Starbucks, and before they were even out the door, begin loudly mocking them - "who orders coffee in a sandwich shop?!" After the women left, the disdain grew even louder, accompanied by several four letter words. He then began telling more stories of stupid customers, making no attempt to lower his voice, curb potentially offensive language, or even maintain any semblance of professionalism.
I'm far from a saint, and have plenty of "stupid people" stories. But as a paying customer, I really don't think it's appropriate for you to make fun of others, who, like me, are paying for your food and service. This experience, and this guy in particular, left a really bad taste in my mouth, so I won't be going back.
Not a super fan of Costello. As Jelena, sandwiches usually aren't my thing, but there have been occasions where I've been in the area and needed to come. Â I'm nothing but always willing to retry a place.
1. Price. Expect to drop over $10 on a cold meat sandwich and a side. Sure, you'll get a fair amount of food, but the quality is not there, and a bag of chips? Doesn't really count, to me.
2. The bread, all times I've visited, has been slightly stale. Â I wonder if it was bread from the day before.
3. My last experience involved a turkey sandwich that was buried in lettuce and mayo. Â I couldn't taste the turkey, and wasn't sure that enough was included. Â To me, the condiments are supposed to supplement the taste of the meat, not drown it.
Sigh. Perhaps next time. Â You can count on me to update you if anything changes!
DELIVERY REVIEW
Problem 1: They're on <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2FGrubhub.com&s=b68af316d5ad911efafe6df1a7700193fecd9928d904496b34ba6a876ef91c08" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://Grubhub.com</a>, but for some reason were not accepting orders last night. Â Super annoying, especially since two of my girlfriends and I passed around an iPhone, carefully placing our orders only to be brutally rebuffed from the online ordering gods.
Problem 2: MAYO OVERLOAD. Â Like whoa. Â I'm just as big of a fan of the chipotle mayo as any girl, but too much of a good thing is never satisfying. Â I'd recommend easing up just a bit on the mayo application.
Problem 3: The rice krispie treats seemed like a steal at $.89 a pop, but mine tragically tasted like soap. Â I'm not really sure how/why something like this happens, but needless to say it was not the best way to cap off my meal.
Despite some issues, I'm OK with Costello's. Â I appreciate that their "delux" special is under $9 and provides you with a huge sandwich, a bag of pretzels, chips or an apple, a side dish (got the chili and was very satisfied) and a drink. Â In theory, this should get you through two meals if you eat half the sandwich and one of your sides each time.
I was also happy that our order was 100% accurate. Â Three women = lots of custom ordering and Costello's nailed it.
I think next time I'd ask for mayo on the side and I'd 86 that rice krispie treat for an all-together excellent delivery experience.
They've been great, even a favorite restaurant of mine.....but now that I work close by, they suck. My past 2/3 experiences have been sub par.
First time they got my order wrong. Second time they were REALLY rude. Third time I only did take out because of the rudeness last time. This last time the order was right, but the sandwiches (and side) were lackluster. The mac & cheese was thin, watery (like from a box) with a squirt of chipotle sauce. The sandwiches seemed meat lite and lettuce heavy. Not worth the money anymore.
I won't be back. Sadly.
You should know this: I'm not a huge fan of oven-baked/toasted/hot sandwiches. I really prefer the cold variety... there's just something creepy about mayonnaise and lettuce sitting atop warmed meats and cheese.
BUT.
Costello's is great. They've paired up the perfect crusty (but not too crusty) bread with an adequate amount of fillings to satisfy human hunger without overwhelming the bread. The sandwich is lightly toasted, and neither mayo or lettuce is warm. A squeamish me: diverted!
It was a difficult decision with so many choices, but in the end, I decided to keep it simple. The Turkey Grinder, with its roast turkey, provolone, lettuce tomato, pepper rings, garlic mayo and classic vinaigrette wasn't exotic but interesting enough to warrant a thorough investigation (read: I ate the entire sandwich). Pair it with a drink, snack and side for $8.69 and you have quite the deal! It's definitely indulgent but it would be a crime if the chipotle mac 'n' cheese didn't join your sammie. It's just that good.
The service is warm and authentic. I'll be back soon to try one of the wraps!
What more can I say about my fave sammich place on my fave street in my fave Chicago neighborhood? It's just damn good.
Costello's is everything that's great about another Chicago toasted sammy staple (fresh ingredients, tasty bread, delicious meats) without all the hooplah. A quaint shop on a tree lined streets, a little patio out front and classic Roscoe courtyard in the back. Good prices, great eats and friendly staff.
Try the Italian Grinder or the Turkey Foccacia - mmmm.
If only you knew how many buy-10-get-one-free cards I've burned through. It's a problem.
Unfortunately, my first visit coincided with lunchtime for the KinderCare set. The entire indoor section was swarming with wee ones, their wails echoing off the walls. I suppose Costello appeals to palates of all ages. No worries, I planned on picking up food and eating chez moi.
I squinted furtively at the menu written on a chalkboard on the far wall. Perhaps my eyes are getting old, but it was quite difficult to read. That or I can't focus on sandwich innards whilst going deaf from kiddie-screams. Where are your parents, small demons!? The menu features sandwiches in three categories (Icons, Lighten Up!, and New Favorites), salads, and sides. As a lady on a diet, I appreciated the varied selection under "Lighten Up!".
Sandwiches selected, we proceeded to the till. Sadly, the cashier on duty was more interested in arranging the cookie display than taking our order. Look alive, woman, I want to get out of here! Food is prepared when ordered - generally a plus (freshness), but not so much in this case (kids these days!). I took the opportunity to peek at the back patio. It's kinda... nothing special. Were I to eat here, I'd eat out front on the Roscoe Street side where there are shady trees and much better people-watching.
The sandwiches themselves were... perfectly adequate. I'd selected the Turkey Focaccia, and while I enjoyed the tomato focaccia bread, the sandwich contained just turkey (a touch underwhelming).
Will I be back? Probably. They are close by & I have a coupon for a free cookie. I love cookies.
I hate to hate, but dang.
The sandwiches are "A-OK," as was the service (though my encounter with the owner wasn't too pleasant), but the prices are just plain ridiculous. I spent just over seven dollars on the basic sandwich plus chips (the cheapest option). There wasn't much to it--the Spicy Roscoe--and the chips--we, a 3/$1 bag of lays--is not enough of a reason to charge so much. I would go here again if the same sandwich was $4. Heck, you can keep the chips.
Sadly I must say that I'd prefer Potbelly's or Quiznos over Costello. Â Next stop: Hero's, in search of a decent and affordable sub.
the sandwiches are good .
I had a veggie wrap it was pretty tasty. they have a variety of choices on sammies and sides but...
weekend at lunch times here make me want to tie my tubes....
there are so many kids and strollers and moms with high pitched voices ahhhh **flash back*** order to go and enjoy your food with out the stroller brigade... and breastfeeding moms ...
I love Costello's as much for its tasty sandwiches as its scrumptious sides. The sides make the place.
The sandwiches are good. They are filling, creative and make my taste buds dance. There is also a wide variety of meat, vegetarian and choose your own sandwich options.
The sides are satisfying, innovative and make my taste buds shout for joy just like the men of Delta Tau Chi did during their famous party with Otis Day and the Nights in Animal House.
If you are looking for a great meal and are tired of the chain sandwich shops (i.e. Subway and Quizno's) make a trip to Costello's. Your taste buds will thank you.
This is a great place for lunch or a quick dinner. Â I also like that you can choose from the following options:
1. Â The sandwich - this option is simple, it's just a whole sandwich of your choice and it comes with chips, pretzels, or an apple. Â Drink not included.
2. Â The combo - my favorite because it's a half a sandwich that comes with a small side, either hot or cold. Â You can choose from chips, pretzels, or an apple. Â The best part is that this meal comes with a medium sized fountain drink. Â You just can't go wrong with this option.
3, Â The deluxe - a whole sandwich of your choice, a regular sized portion of one of their sides - hot or cold, choice of chips, pretzels or an apple and served up with a fountain drink. Â
Costello's has great sandwich options to choose from for vegetarians, carnivores and omnivores alike. Â I'm a fan of their red pepper rotini and tuna pineapple salads as well as their village vegetarian sandwich.
They also cater, so if you need some sandwich platters that will tantalize everyone's tastebuds then Costello's is the place for you.
The DIY decor suits the place well, the staff is all friendly and the sandwiches are first rate. It may be the great curse of the small sandwich shop that it will never find the appreciation of the aristocracy and recognized as high art. Which is a shame because if the likes of Kant, Copernicus or da Vinci forewent their chosen paths and decided to open a sandwich shop instead, I imagine it would be a joint similar to Costello's.
Unfortunately the only thing that keeps this from being a 5-Star joint is the price. For what they charge you'd think the sandwiches actually were made by Copernicus.
This is a good place to go if... you like sandwiches. (This may sound simple, but its simplicity speaks volumes).
In the land of Roscoe Village where there are not many lunch spots that are walkable. Â Costellos does meet the quick in and out requirement. Â As others have stated the sandwiched are expensive but to be honest no more expensive than the Jimmy Johns two blocks away.
I have had several of their sandwiches and yes I have had better elsewhere.
One thing I do have to say is that the lady that takes the orders is very pleasant and always seems cheery.
The place is very small and does fill up quickly.
I don't have many choices so I will be back.
Tiny but mighty.
This place gets a one-star leap on it's larger brother up north simply because of it's bad-ass fruit selection and amazing staff. Â These character's can make a sammie just as fast as any jerk at a Jimmy John's.
My Mellow was slightly harshed when the Baked Caprese went missing from the menu but the Pizza Pie is a pretty good substitute. Â I love this place. Â Oh yeah, Once when this place was really crowded I saw some guy open the bathroom door on a lady who forgot to lock it. Â Hilarious.
I used to come here somewhat regularly until one day I was seated, eating my meal and had that existential shift I was in need of. Â I put my sandwich down, stopped eating the macaroni and cheese and exclaimed to myself, "wait a minute, I hate costello's!"
Seriously, I must be missing something because everything is really bland in my opinion.  Not sure what you want?  It doesn't matter.  Everything  tastes the same. Â
Alas, don't take my opinion. Â This place seems to be getting some pretty good reviews.
Chicago may not have the best seafood in the world, and sure you could get a better bagel somewhere else. Â But one thing I can always count on finding in my hometown is a delicious, mouthwatering, filling sandwich. Â In fact, I pretty much live off of sandwiches, and I'm okay with that. Â Which brings me to the sandwiches we had at Costello's last weekend... Â
Costello's, you have brought shame upon Chicago. Â Your cute, kitschy appearance belies your pathetic excuse for a sandwich. Â The Heartland sandwich is like a dorm cafeteria sandwich, only with less meat, and you can't just throw it away and get a waffle instead like I used to do when my dorm food tasted nasty. Â The beefsteak grinder was tastier but once again had hardly anything on it. Â Oh and the "fruit option" instead of chips was a small mealy apple.
Please don't waste your time... even Subway is better than this, and that's saying a lot.
I am all for supporting local, smaller owned sandwich restaurants. I am a total carb-aholic... but, how much Potbelly's and Subway can one person eat in a lifetime? I was not super impressed with Costello's. I had the Turkey Foccacia sandwich. The bread was damn good, but that's about all! The pepper rotini salad was not so exciting and jay's potato chips are ok....but i would like an option or two when it comes to chips.....And for $9 could I please get a full sandwich and not just a half? Maybe I would like leftovers? Did you ever think of that, Costello's?
The menu is pretty overwhelming to jump into when you are waiting in a hectic line which happened to include screaming kiddos.
I would go back, for that awesome bread- but not during the lunch rush, and would try all new sides!
"Gourmet" (aka quality) sandwich shops, specifically "sub-type sandwiches" Â always seem to carve out their own special, unique tasting niche, and when you think of that place, you know what you're gonna experience and you're pretty excited about it. Â
I bring you Costello's.  The hot and crispy on the outside, melty on the inside sub sandwich.  Actually, that's not so unique anymore given any number of places that serve up sams like this, however they still manage to keep true to their form and their resulting product is  something to behold.
I'd say you can't go wrong with most of the sandwiches here but for the adventurous, you may wanna step up to the plate and get "The Mess"....no, not "'A Wreck" ala Potbelly, but "The Mess"....believe me, it is one.  It comes w  Genoa salami, Capicola, ham, provolone cheese, French fries (yes, ON the sandwich), cole slaw (yes, on again), and tomato, all sandwiched on a sub roll.  A nice little meal all rolled into one. Â
The Smokin Turk or Pepper Turkey are also good choices (and much less messy) but w either of the above, you'll have to get them w. Â banana peppers to truly experience it the proper way. Â Lastly a quick shout to the Spicy Roscoe, another Costello original.
Finally the sides: They're good and i'd say both the fries or mac n cheese are fail safe options, though the Pasta Aglio Olio is quite good too.
Overrated. It would be fine if everything on the menu cost $2 less, but as that's not the case, the place is a waste of time in a world where Potbelly's exists -- and that's bearing in mind that Potbelly's is slightly overrated as well.
It's not that the food is terrible; it's simply not good enough, nor served in large enough quantities, to justify what it costs. If I want competent mediocrity, I'll go to Subway and pay a price more in line with the product.
It takes awhile to get your food, but  that makes me feel like they make it fresh.
Have always had a very tasty sandwich (or wrap - I almost always get the Monterey Chicken Wrap... mmmm...) and I love their tuna salad with pineapple chunks.
Edit: Just had a turkey sandwich on tomato focaccia bread with garlic mayo and vinaigrette. Â I love sandwiches that balance the creaminess of mayo with the sharp bite of vinegar. Â Add that to the tomato bread, and it was an elite sandwich in my book.
Edit 2.0: The Southern Turkey Pastrami is reeeeeeeally good.
We often order from Costello's for our office to go, or sometimes stop in.
It's a good sandwich shop, plain and simple. Â The Baked Caprese, the Turkey Wrap, the Pepper Turkey, the Turkey Reuben, and the Spicy Roscoe are all delish. Â The sides like the Red Skin Mash and the Chipotle Mac & Cheese are incredible.
Dining in is a pretty nice atmosphere, similar to it's neighbor, Kitch'n. Â Relaxed, campy, very quintessentially Roscoe Village. Â They accept credit cards which is helpful.
In all, way better than Jimmy Johns, the staff is polite and helpful, and hot Roscoe Village moms abound. Â What's not to love?
Went there on Sunday. Real hard to find a spot to sit, especially looking for just two chairs. There are a lot of big tables fun of families. TONS of kids, parents, mom's to be, and young hipster types. So the people there were great.
I got the Turkey Wrap. It was served on a red wrap with turkey, pepporcinis, tomato, onion, vingeratte, & black olives. Normally served with chipotle mayo. I'm not a may fan, so I stuck with yellow mustard. For $2.00 more, got a diet coke, chips & a side. ALL the choices of sides looked great. I went with the spicy mac & cheese. DELISH! Could have used a bit more cheese sauce though.
The service was really friendly. For as busy as they were, it was nice to see people ask how I was with a smile. The line moved fast.
I will be back for another wrap. P.S. I just love the movement in the place. Such a great vibe.
I heart Costello sandwiches. Â I am always "that girl" that makes special sandwich requests (mostly leaving things off of one of their signatures), and they have always indulged me. Â Furthermore, they always get it right! Â
The gentle toasting and the common addition of yellow pepper rings and Italian vinaigrette really make their sandwiches special and delicious!
From the outside, Costello looks like such a simple sandwich shop. It's a no frills, get-it-yourself-type place. I went last night for a quick dinner on my way home from work, so it wasn't crowded like I've seen it on the weekends.
The menu is full of unique sandwiches, it's hard to decide which one to try. I went with the Spicy Roscoe (spicy turkey, capicola and pepper jack) and a side of potato salad, which was a very good choice. The salad was a bit bland, but the sandwich was very tasty!
There is also plenty of seating - a sidewalk dining area in the front and the cutest (dog-friendly) garden area in the back. Â I will definitely be frequenting this place.
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