AP Deli Wabash and Balbo is gone

Driving home from rehearsal this evening, I passed by the corner of Wabash and Balbo and noticed that AP Deli is no more. The sign is down and newspaper is plastered over the windows. And even though I never tried this particular location, I am saddened to see progress such as this. I'm thinking Jamba Juice or Starbucks, or maybe Subway.

I'm not trying to start a rumor, but with all of the construction in the neighborhood, I plan on getting over to Harold's Chicken Shack sooner rather than later.

A few weekends ago, I noticed that the AP Deli on Harlem Avenue, where you and I first met, was gone too. Perhaps the company has met its demise.

The location at North and Ridgeland in Oak Park closed a few months ago.

I was able to visit both the Walbash and North Ave locations and enjoyed the sandwiches.

RIP

I'm thinking Jamba Juice or Starbucks, or maybe Subway.

There seems to be a positive correlation between the likelihood of a national ff chain opening and the proximity of the location to the campuses of the South Loop. Unfortunately, your prediction's probably on target.

Evil Ronnie wrote: I'm thinking Jamba Juice or Starbucks, or maybe Subway.

Meh, about half of the store fronts located in the South Loop are empty right now. Walk down Michigan Avenue south of Roosevelt, and you'll see tons of available commercial space. It sure doesn't look like the chains are in all that much of a hurry to take over the area, or they would have already. I don't necessarily think the fact that the AP Deli closed means that some sort of chain will be moving in right away to take its place.

I passed by the corner of Wabash and Balbo and noticed that AP Deli is no more.

I noticed that the AP Deli on Harlem Avenue . . . was gone too.

The location at North and Ridgeland in Oak Park closed a few months ago.

About a month ago when I passed the original AP Deli (10758 S Michigan) I noticed a "Closed for Remodeling" sign.

Perhaps the company has met its demise.

AP Deli #2 (2025 E 75th) is open for business as usual.



Thinking it might be my last chance to give AP a second chance, I stopped in last week for a corned beef sandwich.



I'd had only one other AP sandwich, years ago from the Wabash store, and didn't much care for it. This one didn't do a lot to change my opinion, though I've certainly had much worse corned beef. It was a generous serving for $7 (includes a pickle spear and sport peppers) but I'm happy to spend the extra few dollars at Manny's for a much superior sandwich.

AP Deli #3 (2415 W 79th) seems to be open too. There are/were some AP Delis in the southern suburbs but I don't know their status.

AP Deli #2
2025 E 75th St
Chicago
773-288-4931

AP Deli #3
2415 W 79th St
Chicago
773-863-8650

The AP Deli in Hazelcrest on 183rd St. appears to be alive and well. It's probably the best corned beef sandwich in our neck of the woods, but I agree, Manny's is better.

There is another AP Deli in Harvey, on Dixie Highway. I haven't driven that way lately so I don't know if they are still in business or not.

Suzy