Lotus Café & Banh Mi Sandwiches

Quality ingredients and a dash of creativity distinguish the roster of banh mi at this quick and cute University Village spot, owned by two UIC alums. While there isn’t a dud in the lineup, we’re especially partial to the Honey Grilled Pork, whose sweet earthiness is tempered by fresh pops of lemongrass, and the Sunny-Side Beef, featuring thin-sliced sautéed ribeye and crisp little threads of fried sweet potato topped off with a perfectly lacy fried egg.