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Mystery Diner: Algonquin Sub Shop makes a mean sandwich

The subs are good, and they make it worth your while to sit down to a full-sized sandwich ($9.25) or a half sandwich ($6.25). We headed down to Algonquin for a Tuesday working lunch, picked out a table and then looked in awe at the board of 25 sub options.

The subs are good, and they make it worth your while to sit down to a full-sized sandwich ($9.25) or a half sandwich ($6.25). We headed down to Algonquin for a Tuesday working lunch, picked out a table and then looked in awe at the board of 25 sub options.

You can get something that isn't a sub – like a salad, soup, burger or hot dog – but that wasn't really why we chose Algonquin Sub Shop. We wanted a sandwich and to get some work done. I reviewed the entire menu, which was full of funny sub names, including the Al Capone, Jimmy the Greek, Here's the Beef, Chicken Diggs, Where's Waldorf and the Danish Blue. Then I picked out No. 28, the buffalo chicken.

First of all, the fresh baked Italian sub rolls are awesome. Unlike some subs, the bread doesn't end up soggy, and there isn't way too much bread, either. The rolls are the perfect size for sliced grilled chicken with a ton of hot wing sauce, ranch dressing, crumbled blue cheese and melted cheddar. I enjoyed it with a Cherry Coke and a bag of barbecue kettle chips.

My fellow diner picked out No. 24, the Texas Chili Rub, and loaded it up with lettuce, tomatoes and red onions. The thing is, if you start with good ingredients, then you're just going to make a better sandwich. The chili-rubbed, char-grilled pork tenderloin in this sub was tender and tasty on its own, but with the chipotle mayo, pepperjack and the added fixings, that sandwich was a delight. It made for a really full meal, perfect for enjoying over a lunch meeting and keeping you filled up until dinner comes along. We left the Algonquin Sub Shop pleased, and returned to our office, where a few jealous co-workers talked about how they used to make Algonquin Sub Shop runs a regular occurrence.

Maybe it's time to restart that tradition. • The Mystery Diner is an employee at the Northwest Herald. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff before or during the meal. The Mystery Diner visits a restaurant and then reports on the experience. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a story. IF YOU GO WHAT: Algonquin Sub Shop WHERE: 105 Filip St., Algonquin WHEN: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday INFORMATION: Call 847-658-0601 or go to algonquinsubshop.com