Ba Le Bakery, Chicago

This bakery and sandwich shop is located just around the corner from the Vietnamese groceries and restaurants of Argyle Street. Specializing in Banh Mi, delicious Vietnamese subs topped with cilantro, jalapenos, pickled carrots and daikon ("white radish"), one of the secrets of their success are their homemade, crusty sub rolls, and their generous sales. If you buy five subs, you get one free, which is a bargain, considering that they are priced at just a few dollars each. Also be sure to browse the cold case, which is filled with prepared meals, colorful jelly drinks and assorted tapioca desserts. In the morning, they serve coffee and pastries. - Gina Rosemellia

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