Amer’s Deli in the Citgo mart at 67th and State

The Citgo at 67th and State has caught my eye while driving by with its declaration, "The Best Deli in Chicago" inscribed on its windows. Every time I drive by, I think I should pop in and see if it is really the best deli in Chicago. I've had good luck with Citgo restaurants in the past. There used to be a great Jamaican carryout, Reggae Island, with excellent jerk chicken at the Citgo at 51st and Halsted. The Best Jim Shoe I've eaten came from a Chicago fast food carryout, Famous Grill, at the Citgo at 85th and Ashland. I've learned through experience not to disregard a Citgo restaurant. Could the best deli in Chicago actually be located in a gas station?

Yesterday, I attended an event at 48th and Wabash, not too far away, so I decided I would finally see what the hype was all about. I walked into the small gas station market and the place was buzzin. There was a line of people. They were waiting for their deli order to be ready, placing orders for lunch, and some were ordering party platters for the next days' big game. The vibe was joyous. I placed my order, a 6 inch turkey sub, and paid the kind cashier behind bullet-proof plexi. He handed me a receipt which I then brought over to Amer's Deli window where a fast and friendly deli clerk asked what kind of turkey and which toppings I wanted. While waiting, I browsed their array of winter beanies and selected a Chicago Bears winter lid for $6. The clerk declared, "Green Bay is gonna get their ass handed to them tomorrow."
"Go Bears!" I replied. A man who was exiting replied "Go Packers… I'm a cheesehead!" I and a couple other shoppers booed him as he walked out the door.
"Here you go, my friend." said the deli clerk during the hoagie handoff. I thanked him and said "go Bears" one more time to the cashier.

I ate my sandwich in the car. It was delicious. Bussin. All fresh ingredients. The deli meat and cheese were sliced fresh to order. The bread was baked fresh that morning, perfectly crusty. Amer's Deli is better than good. It's great. Amazing But is this gas station deli the best deli in Chicago? Amer says it is and I believe that he believes it is.