Rex Italian Foods opened in the 1960s on Chicago's west side, building its name on homemade Italian Beef and a case of Italian deli meats. The shop later moved to the north side, settling on Harlem Avenue in Norridge, where it has kept serving the neighborhood for six decades.
The Italian Beef and hand-stuffed sausages, made with the shop's own blend of meats and spices, remain the anchor of the menu. Beyond the counter, Rex runs a deli-by-the-pound setup with pre-made pastas, salads, eggplant parm, arancini, calzones, and soups, plus paninis and subs for eating in or grabbing on the go.
Regulars point to the friendly counter staff and old-school Italian deli atmosphere as part of the draw, and the shop has also drawn outside attention, including a visit from Guy Fieri.
The Italian Beef and hand-stuffed sausages, made with the shop's own blend of meats and spices, remain the anchor of the menu. Beyond the counter, Rex runs a deli-by-the-pound setup with pre-made pastas, salads, eggplant parm, arancini, calzones, and soups, plus paninis and subs for eating in or grabbing on the go.
Regulars point to the friendly counter staff and old-school Italian deli atmosphere as part of the draw, and the shop has also drawn outside attention, including a visit from Guy Fieri.