I've been spoiled, living right next to La Bamba and Sliced and not far from Itzza and McGee's.
I'm moving to a new place on the east side. My dad was helping me move a few things and watched lunch. Asked him what he wanted, he said a burger or sandwich. That BBQ Joint Was closed so I was probably going to take him to McGee's (double cheeseburger and fries for $5, anyone?!) but literally within blocks of my new place we passed a sign that said "Mad City Sandwiches". We MUST try this, I said! This could be my new haunt!
I go in and the menu looks promising. Lots of options and apparently they smoke the meat on site. I go with a Cuban, Black Bean & Sausage Soup, and Bacon Ranch Pasta. My dad goes with the special (Pulled Pork Nachos) and the same soup.
Unfortunately this is where my excitement ended. It wasnt that the food wasnt GOOD, it was solidly good, but it wasnt exceptional, and I either needed lower prices, bigger portions, or better quality.
I tried the black bean and sausage soup. Other than the addition of the sausage, it didnt seem different than black bean soup available anywhere. I added a little hot sauce to mine which it needed for my preferences. I enjoyed it but it's nothing I would go back for. The small cup was $3, serve yourself.
The Bacon Ranch Pasta was really flavorful and creamy, and a decent portion size for $2, but I didnt see or taste any bacon at all.
My dad's nachos . . . put it this way. The only cheese was shredded cheese sprinkled on top and it wasnt even melted. The pulled pork was dry and lacking flavor. It seemed like something I could have thrown together at home and I'm NOT a good cook. Definitely not worth the $7-8
My Cuban was also $7-8, and it was the size of a normal small sandwich you might make at home with Wonderbread (but Panini style). It had the same pulled pork, which was again pretty dry and flavorless. I mostly tasted the bread (which was good), pickles, and mustard.
Again, I might expect this caliber of sandwich (and sides) from a place like Sliced, which charges $3-5, but for $8 sandwiches I'll go to BBQ joint and be very, very happy.