Maxwell Street Polish

A Maxwell Street Polish is a cherished Chicago sandwich featuring a grilled or fried Polish sausage, topped with sautéed onions, yellow mustard, and optional pickled sport peppers, all nestled in a bun. This delectable creation originates from Chicago's historic Maxwell Street Market and is a culinary staple closely associated with the city.

The history of the Maxwell Street Polish can be traced back to Jimmy Stefanovic, a Macedonian immigrant. In 1939, Jimmy took over his family's hot dog stand, now famously known as Jim's Original, located in the Maxwell Street Market district. Adjacent to Jim's, another stand called Express Grill also serves this savory sandwich. Over the years, the Maxwell Street Polish has become an iconic Chicago delicacy, standing proudly alongside the Chicago-style hot dog and Italian beef sandwich.

In 2005, the development of the University of Illinois Chicago's South Campus led to the demolition of the Maxwell Street Market district. Consequently, Jim's Original and Express Grill relocated to Union Avenue. Despite this relocation, the Maxwell Street Polish remains widely available across Chicago, found at hot dog stands, restaurants, and sports venues throughout the city and its suburbs.

The sausage used in this sandwich is a unique Chicago variety known as "Maxwell Street" sausage, typically made from a seasoned blend of beef and pork. The primary producers of this specialty sausage in Chicago are Vienna Beef and the Bobak's Sausage Company.