One Great Sandwich: Bombon’s Clásica

By Amy Mikel in Food on Mar 20, 2008 3:45PM

The Clásica has been one of our favorite sandwiches ever since we wandered into a Bombon café last year and randomly picked a sandwich from their menu. Standard sandwich ingredients are accentuated with an ethnic flair: mixed greens, tomatoes, avocado, and grilled onions coupled with chicken milanesa, Chihuahua cheese and poblano chile-pepper spread. The sandwich usually comes with a side of homemade chips, but we always substitute the chips for a small house salad: mixed greens, sliced radishes, sunflower seeds, cherry tomatoes, a sprinkling of parmesan and a tangy dressing.

Actually, you can’t get the sandwich anywhere outside of Chicago, as Bombon originated in 2000 as a Mexican bakery in Pilsen, eventually branching out to locations in the West Loop, downtown, and the Gold Coast. We love the vibrant feel and eager-to-serve atmosphere that a blossoming family-owned business will tend to have, as well as the cultural pride pervading their entire existence. It also doesn’t hurt our feminine sensibilities to be able to ogle the beautifully decorated cakes always on display, or the racks of Mexican pastries.

The sandwich with a salad substitution ends up costing around $9.00, which is very reasonable for a filling meal, and worth it for a giant dose of caloric sustenance, but we say “phooey” to all that.

Original bakery located at 1508 W. 18th St. in Pilsen. Additional cafés at 38 S. Ashland in the West Loop, and 1000 N. Clark, although the Clásica is not available at the Clark location. Former location downtown on Washington Street has been closed, although Bombon’s is actively looking for a new Loop location.