Interesting little shop in the Lincoln Square. The first time I went in I was greeted by someone who look like they just got ran over by a truck and had too much to drink the night before. After I place my order and I pulled out my debit card I was told that the machine wasn't working in cash was my only option. When I told him I didn't have any cash he looked at me and said, well maybe you should rethink where you're going to eat today.
The only saving grace was a sweet female employee who is standing next to them that heard this and comped  my sandwich for the inconvenience and the way this guy was acting. After eating my sale which I felt that it was only as good as it three stars I give this place. With potbelly right down the road you would think they give a little bit better quality of service considering potbelly is consistent and always super friendly to me.
I'll go back but only if potbelly and even subway are closed.
Stopped in for a quick lunch in the middle of Saturday errands. I had the veggie sandwich and chipotle mac and cheese. The sandwich was good, pretty basic and probably would have been a little blah if it hadn't been baked. The mac was decent, but not out of this world...just a squirt of chipotle sauce on top - not sure why, but it kind of weirded me out that it wasn't mixed in. I know, I'm perfectly capable of stirring, it just wasn't what I expected.
Overall a perfectly fine lunch and a nice change from other sandwich chains, but nothing too special.
We bopped in on the way to a movie (Silver Linings Playbook. GOOD! I'm a David O. Russell fan but think I Heart Huckabees and The Fighter are superior. Anyways.) We wanted to get some linner. Not lunch, not dinner, aka an afternoon snack to smuggle in and scarf during the film. I know, we naughty.
My partner let me decide the sandwich and I chose the Pesto Chicken on focaccia seasoned with Italian herbs and bits of roasted tomato on it with a big chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, vinaigrette, parm, provolone, and savory pesto. And the comp side pretzels which neither of us ate but there's several sides.
It is very slow. After he ordered. We chatted about stuff. I took pics of the place. Sent a text. Took a whiz. Washed my hands. Then conversated more. Like twelve minutes passed. I know the sandwich artisans had to assemble and heat it. Then wrap it for our cutenesses.
We ate it cold over 20 minutes later in the film and it was still good, cold. He was quite taken with it, so I only had 2 bites. I'm kind. I'm glad they opened a Lakeview location!
I'd like to try the Chili Mac next!
It's all good. We get sandwiches almost weekly for a weekend lunch. We either eat there or one of us picks it up. We've never ordered delivery (too high a risk of cold sandwich). We love it. The toddler loves it. It can get a little crazy, and I wouldn't come at high lunch time on a weekend if I didn't like children. But it's the best sandwich option -- by far -- in the area. As long as you aren't really expecting more than a good sandwich shop you'll be happy.
Review Source:We ordered delivery from Costello's after not ordering for several years. Â Now we remember why.
Our order took almost 2 hours to arrive and when it did the order was wrong. Â I'm allergic to mayo and there was mayo on my sandwich, chips, instead of an apple, and we ordered 3 rice krispie treats and only received one.
When I called to talk to management I waited on hold for almost 5 minutes. Â I hung up and called back a few minutes later and received nothing but attitude from the person on the phone. Â I will NEVER make the mistake and will not order from Costello's ever again.
Closest place to my apartment to get good food & free wifi that isn't a bar. It was a little expensive (almost $9 for a turkey sandwich, tiny bag of pretzels, and a drink), but they don't skimp on the veggies which is always a plus for me and the wheat bun was delicious.
Four stars because they keep their TV really loud, and either on kid's channels or espn, which gives an annoying edge to the drab atmosphere. I imagine I'd like the place more on a live music night.
Costello's has really great sandwiches and their sides are delicious too.  I especially love the Costello Club and The Mess sandwiches, but their Veggie Pizza Pie sandwich on their locally baked focaccia is really, really good too.  I always get the deluxe version which includes choice of apple, potato chips, pretzels or Sun Chips, a soft drink and a small side. I tend to get the BBQ Chips and the Chipotle Mac N' Cheese as my sides. The Chipotle Mac is great and I have noticed they offer the Chipotle on the side now  for those who do not love the spicy and smoky heat.
This is not a chain sandwich joint. There are only two. One in Lincoln Square and another in Roscoe Village. I very much prefer Costello's to the other sandwich chains in the area and I really think you will too. So give this local little guy a chance and see what quality and sweet caress Costello Sandwich & Sides gives to their sandwiches. If you see me there pull up a seat and let's talk, if you want. Delicious!
Have always wanted to try this place but never have had the chance. Â Recently I did (as I was in the area) and was very impressed with this restaurant.
It was a late Saturday afternoon and it wasn't crowded at all. Â Â I Â decided on trying something a little different, which was their Chicken Caesar Wrap. Â It was a good choice as it wasn't very heavy and there was a good balance of dressing/chicken/lettuce in there. Â An added bonus is that they toasted the wrap which gave it an even better flavor.
All in all a good experience and I will be back if the opportunity permits. Â I'd like to try and go here when they have the live music as that sounds like a neat experience..
From the outside I would not have expected to like this place, but I really do. Â
The sandwiches are toasted nicely and always a good value. Â The meatball sub is meaty and cheesy and saucy and delicious, it's pretty much my "usual". Â I've also had the California club (piled high with turkey and topped with sizzling bacon and avocado on a pretzel bun) and the pepper turkey, which is as peppery as advetised. Â Acutally the chipotle mac n cheese was spicy too; believe it when they call something "hot". Â This time I tried the pineapple tuna shell pasta side and it was delicious! Â I highly recommend it.
It's a definite family favorite, so beware of kiddy hour, but they have random live music, so how can you go wrong? Â It's like Potbelly but so much less generic!
Six years ago, I visited Chicago and ate at Costello's. Â I ordered "The Mess" and it became my favorite sandwich EVER! Â I tried to recreate it on my own, but could never do it as well as the folks at Costello's. Â So when I finally moved to the Windy City I just had to have this sandwich again! Â
The Mess is just that: Genoa salami, capicola, ham, provolone cheese, coleslaw, french fries, and a tomato all on a sub roll. Â The ingredients just come together in a perfect bite. Â I've never tried any other Costello's sandwich and don't really have a desire to do so. Â You just can't go wrong with "The Mess."
This place gets a 3 1/2 stars. So many options in the Lincoln Square area, but why go to a chain like Potbelly's when you can come to a sandwich place with more options. You can get cold, toasted, and a variety of different meats. We walked in on a Saturday and there was a guitarist performing. It was cute because he was catering to the families by singing kids songs with a twist. Â The sandwiches are pretty tasty and I can't wait to try a toasted one.
Review Source:One day, many years ago, shortly after moving to Chicago, I found myself standing outside a sandwich shop bearing a brightly colored banner. Â Feeling a rumbling in my stomach, I walked in and ordered a sandwich. Â I grabbed a seat and took a bite. Â At the time, I thought it was one of the best sandwiches I had ever eaten. Â Continued trips to Costello's over the ensuing years have left me with the impression that that first sandwich was made from rainbows and assembled by angels who sprinkled it with magic. Â Every other sandwich has been...well...just a sandwich. Â Okay, but not great. Â Just okay. Â
The Chipotle Mac and Cheese is outstanding, and their Mustard Potato Salad is also very tasty. Â As for the sandwiches, I have been known to order Village Veggie or the Spicy Roscoe. Â Both are good, though I find myself wishing they were better. Â I like that all sandwiches come with a choice of apple, chips, or pretzels, and you can add a small side of that delicious mac and cheese for only a couple of bucks. Â
A word of advice, if you want to eat in peace, then get delivery or carry out or go during their off peak hours. Â During peak hours, especially lunch, the place feels more like a day care, what with all the unattended, ill behaved children running around, screaming, and taking food off of strangers tables (I guess I didn't need that Rice Krispy Treat, but I kind of feel that the kid's mom should have paid me back for it). Â
Is Costello's amazing? Â No. Â But it does hit the spot when you need to grab a quick bite.
Since moving to Ravenswood, I have rediscovered my love of Costello's. Â Sometimes you just want a really good sandwich and a really good side dish, relatively quickly and relatively cheaply. Â You can't beat that. Â I recently realized that, for all the wonderful sit-down restaurants in Lincoln Square, the neighborhood has a dearth of quick counter-service options. Â Costello's is by far the best of the few that exist.
They have recently cleaned up their menu board with a new painted (instead of hand-chalked) version. Â Spicy Roscoe and Turkey Pepper are favorites, and they usually have a really good special. Â The mustard potato salad is superior.
Costello's, we'll be seeing a lot of each other in 2012.
I can't believe I've known about this place for years but never been. I finally stopped in and tried an Italian Grinder for the first time. Seriously one of the best sandwiches I've had in a while. The bread is light and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The ingredients all seem quality, and the sides I've tried are all solid. I've been to a lot of places in Chicago, including all the well-known delis, Bari, Grahmwich, etc.It's not the biggest sandwich you can get for the money and not the fanciest. it's just all around good. And live music, the neighborhood, and atmosphere make it a good place for families, kids and anyone to go to regularly.
I almost got another sandwich to take home for later.
OK so if you are a sandwich shop you would think you could hit a home run on your specialty. Turkey club was a disaster. I ordered it with no tomato and the result was turkey, bacon, and mayo on a stale bun. Disappointment.
Sides are chips, pretzels or an apple? Eh, how about some french fries, onion rings, or anything besides a bag of Lays chips that come with the sandwich. I felt cheated almost - especially when 'sides' is in the name.
I had high hopes for this sandwich shop but I think I would rather duck into Potbelly or Quiznos.
Yeah, I'm going to have to give this 3 stars. Â My boyfriend might disagree as he is typically a fan of sandwich shops. Â I just happen to think this is mediocre. Â
I've eaten here a few times + 1 delivery.
Delivery was SLOW.
Chipotle Macaroni and cheese is a huge plus.
Turkey Reuben was OK.
I'd eat here again but it wouldn't be my first choice.
To heck with Potbelly--support Chicago sandwich slingers!
Costello's is a frequent haunt of mine, seeing as it's so close to Ricochet's (one of my favorite bars) and the Davis Theater (best danged place to catch movies). However, it's not just convenience that keeps drawing me in--it's the tasty, straight-forward sandwiches. You're not going to get (as Jonathan C mentions in talking about another deli) Serrano ham and Manchengo cheese--just plain ol' ham and cheese, but that basic ham/cheese sammich will be a gutbuster. I'm a big fan of the tuna and roast-beef sandwiches. As for sides, the chipotle mac 'n cheese is highly memorable. They also get props for having Sprecher root beer in the cooler--if you've never tried it, do yourself a favor and grab a bottle.
This would be five stars, if it weren't for the fact that there's almost always some dude with a guitar playing there on weekends. This creates the awkward dilemma: Do I socialize with my friends while we eat, or do we listen to the dude do James Taylor covers? I'd rather have the chatting, but I don't want to be rude. I'd rather just eat my sandwich and skip the live entertainment.
So on the million walks I've ventured down Lincoln Avenue, I've always seen this all too recognizable yellow green and red awning on Lincoln Avenue for Costello's Sandwiches, but never ventured inside until last weekend. The sandwich selection was wide and varied from wraps, roast beef, vegetarian fare to turkey foccacia.
On recommendation, I ordered myself an Italian Grinder, then doubled down with potato salad and potato chips and grabbed myself some iced tea. There was some guy playing guitar, reminding me of Potbelly's and Costello's was filled with yuppy families taking their yuppy children out for an early afternoon lunch. I got my food, hightailed to the park and broke open the sandwich and it lived up to my expectations. All in all, I spent a little over $9 for a sandwich, drink, chips, and potato salad. There are many more sides which I should try next time I roll through.
Yup, I'm a fan.
I consider myself a sandwich artist...not the Subway kind, but one who can take any random ingredients and create something quite fancy. A sandwich is usually just a sandwich, even with the tangy zip of miracle whip but somehow this place makes ordering a sandwich like an adventure.
Ooh, maybe I'll get the pepper turkey, ooh maybe the focaccia, hmm chicken, pesto?! decisions, decisions.
Now I will say this...I don't live close by so maybe I build this place up in my head because I only go here  a few times a year. Whatever the case...I haven't been let down yet. Sure they don't have a reformed fat guy or an old school stove to help brand them into your brain but the sandwiches are pretty good sandwiches.
Time out. You guys actually LIKE this place?
Oh. hell. no.
I love sandwiches more than anything else in this world. Nothing can compete besides maybe some Kung Pao chicken and a Greek Frappe (but not all at once).
But Costellos disappointed me...so boo.
So what if I came here by myself and ate alone? That doesn't mean I deserved to get boring sandwich bread and non-existent turkey with just a sliver of a pepper.
There is nothing, I repeat nothing, worse than a boring sandwich.
Sigh.
Hello, Potbellys.
Dammit, I wish I still lived in Roscoe Village. And that I wasn't a nanny.
Let me explain: my life currently consists of running after crazy, screaming, snot-nosed kiddos (gotta love 'em!) and the LAST thing I want to do after I get off my morning shift is to throw myself into another environment conducive to the congregation of these types of critters just for a sandwich. Costello in Lincoln Square must be like a cesspool of preschool disease for all the rugrats they've got running around in there during lunchtime.
And dammit (and harumph) I love their sandwiches! I would eat one everyday if it weren't such a pain in my eardrums to go in there (did I mention the "stage" they've got with "performers"? No no no no).
This location, while five bazillion times larger than the tiny storefront on Roscoe Ave., is SO not as cozy, welcoming, or delightful as its smaller counterpart. While the sandwiches are just as tasty and fulfilling, and the service people behind the counter are mighty friendly, the atmosphere is totally different...as in, totally annoying.
Costello, you're lucky I'm not giving you a full bitchout (AKA 1 star)--you're just lucky your Spicy Roscoe sandwich makes me drool.
I still love it for a big, crusty, delicious sandwich. Â
I have a serious crush on the pepper rings they put on the sammies. Â Such a delightful little kick to my turkey and cheese. Â A cup of soup? Â Well, let's go ahead and make it a combo with a half sandwich and a cup of soup. Â The tomato vegetable was frickin' awesome and warmed me up perfectly on a cold, snowy day. Â Chips, pretzels OR an apple? Â Yay, I love the variety.
I didn't get the pasta salad this time (which I LOVE), but had a bite of the potato salad (alright, like six bites, quit judging me) and it was damn tasty.
Still expensive, but SO worth a yummy, homemade lunch.
As I used to live near Costello's, I would frequent it. Â Now, I go if I am in the neighborhood. Â Overall, it is a decent place to get a sandwich and I would go here over Pot Belly's any day. Â If you like salads, theirs are huge! Â I really love their Chicken Chipolte Salad--it is delicious. Â It also leaves my lips tingling from the spices--seriously! Â
The price is okay--maybe a bit on the high side for sandwiches. Â The decor is nothing to write home about and for some reason it is always dimly lit in there. Â If you want to shy away from families with lots of kids, then take your order to go.
I've never actually eaten in the restaurant, but we get their delivery quite often.
I've always really loved the sandwiches that we've ordered from Costello's. Â I will say they have an excellent selection of original and unique sandwiches as well as the classics. Â You can also make your own sandwich, which is a plus if you're picky about your ingredients. Â
We've always had a really good experience with their delivery service. Â The delivery driver is always nice, cordial and early (they usually estimate about 45 minutes for delivery and he's here in 20-30). Â Everything is always warm and delicious when he gets here.
I really should know better. Â I don't tend to like many sandwich places, I'm really picky, but I felt that it was only right to give them a shot. Â I have to say that their sandwiches aren't anything special. Â Actually, I kinda feel like they lacked a lot of flavor. Â
Also, the people working here seem to be half asleep. Â First the guy in front of me was given the wrong sandwich. Â Then I was given my order, but it wasn't packed to-go. Â Lastly, when I got home I noticed they had left my side dish out. Â Really, if I pay for it then it should be there. Â Shame on you guys!
Now that I've been to both of the Costello's locations, I would have to say the one on Roscoe is better.
Why? Because they have air conditioning & better chipotle mac n cheese. I really was craving that delicious side. But it barely had cheese in it. How sad.
The service here deserves 3.5 stars. But again it is all about the mac n cheese man. No really. It is.
This place is awesome.
If you go there, try the meatball sub.
You can't go wrong.
It's a cool laid back sandwich joint in lincoln square just steps away from the brown line. (by steps i mean about a block)
A quaint little family joint where you can get a salad, sandwich, soup or just get a coke and listen to the live music they have there.
Some dude (or dudette) crammed into the corner usually with a guitar just playin and a singin'.
for the most part, they're pretty good too.
i heard one guy in there doing dave matthews covers and he wasn't half bad.
not half bad at all. in fact he was whole-ly good.
thats right.
new phrase. just made it up. you can use that. Â go ahead. its cool. no charge.
if you're ever up north in the lincoln square area or even if you're not.
trust me, its worth drive.
tell them Cesar J sent you.
And they'll say "who?"
and you'll just stand there looking foolish because im a nobody.
  : (
but buy a sandwich anyway.
ta-ta!
Just thinking about their chipotle mac & cheese gets my mouth watering. Â
I've always taken my food to go, in part because I prefer to eat at home and in part because the seating here is very, very tight on weekends when I tend to stop by. Â
If you don't like to wait, try phoning your order in ahead of time. Â Service is friendly and quick, but if you don't phone in before coming, expect to wait 5-10 minutes or longer if it is busy.
I have only tried their vegetarian options (minus the PBJ) and each has been quite tasty. Â I find that the combo (half sandwich, small side, drink & bag of chips/pretzels/apple) is more than enough food for me. Â I almost always get the chipotle mac & cheese, which others have pointed out is really a cheesy, semi-spicy pasta salad; if I wanted straight-up mac & cheese, I don't think this would satisfy the craving.
I wandered in yesterday with one kid while waiting for another kid to finish up something nearby.
The second star is for the kids' (cheaper) sandwiches. Otherwise, pathetic.
I was all enthused but ultimately disappointed about a roastbeef with horseradish sandwich. Small. Bland. Overcooked roast beef. Too much lettuce. No bite to the horseradish, which I'm sure was some commercial creamy crap with sugar and preservatives.
Blech. Don't go here.
I really like this place because they have many vegetarian options for my newly-vegetarian boyfriend.
I like being supportive of his healthier new lifestyle and ordering for him... he likes the roasted red pepper caprice sandwich with extra cheese. I can't get enough of the baked grilled cheese, and I like the options of side dishes too (because I really don't care for chips).
You can also buy bottled juices and water- if you are keeping  away from carbonated colas (I am) and I appreciate the selection, not just uber-sugared lemonade!
Great, smiley service, very fast... a nice stop by the Western Brown line train station on Lincoln Square. Plus, out door tables are unbeatable for people-watching and mandatory sharing of sandwich crusts with your dog...
Love the food here. Tasty and fresh, lots of options, both meat and veg, simple and eccentric. Good, tasty sides. Reasonable prices. And located in a great neighborhood.
Also - They DELIVER.
Delicious sandwiches delivered to my house. I can eat Costellos in my PJs. It's things like this that make city life so awesome.
Do you remember the first time you ever had a toasted sandwich from Potbelly? Â It was amazing. Â And then it got old and boring after 12 years of it. Â Well, I LOVE Costello's and it hasn't gotten boring once! Â
My boyfriend grew up by the Costello's in Roscoe Village and took me a few years ago. Â I had the California Turk (Turkey and muenster cheese baked on a sub roll. Dressed with lettuce, tomato, sprouts, cucumber and fresh guacamole) and haven't tried anything else for fear it wouldn't be as good.
And I do have to say that their sides are unique and worth a shot. Â Although I have only liked a few of them, it is interesting to taste pineapple tuna salad.
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