Chicago's Most Iconic Food (besides the pizza)

[@BenDeen1]

twitter.com/joeyspathis

[@HFC786]

Start using instagram again

[@pi55aRoll]

@@HFC786i second this

[@Chris-wh1jj]

Jollibean is a good chicken place there are chips here called Takis i know a lot Resturants the another resturant called Fostor Freeze and chips long Johns shavers heart attack grill in Las Vegas i watch other youtube videos

[@tonyxaj1537]

Man!! Glad you’re back in Chi. Would love to take your portrait on day on Film! Hope you enjoy your stay man, come back again soon if you haven’t already to planned 🙏

[@watpronouncedwot]

No one here actually eats deep dish, search up tavern style

[@FA7ALtheGOD]

I'm surprised Ben didn't walk away with a cake shake.. that might've been overkill though and he'd be in a food coma for the rest of his stay. Great video as always, bro.

[@40glo46]

Those things are way too rich and filling, honestly not even enjoyable

[@shmeckIes]

@@40glo46 I feel like the cake shake is a good thing to try at least once

[@JustSendMeLocation]

@@shmeckIesyeah the cake shake is a one hitter quitter

[@_tonytones_]

Cake shake is so damn good. Only on an absolute cheat meal would I get it. A small at that bc a large will have you needing a defibrillator

[@Klick17]

Bit random, but bro are you muslim

[@HeySeanEly]

Watching Ben Deen devour Portillo’s in my city makes me truly feel good about the world again. This feeling in my chest? It’s mighty fine.

[@blvdnights1908]

You two should do a collab while he's here in Chicago. 👀

[@HeySeanEly]

@@blvdnights1908 There's nothing that would bring me more purpose on this planet than smashing a meal with Ben in Chicago.

[@blvdnights1908]

@HeySeanEly I think the internet would break. My two favorite food reviewers.

[@blvdnights1908]

I would pay for yall to eat a Jim Shoe together js

[@bigjt37]

My guess would be, Sean might want to take him to Mr. Beef, Buona Beef, and Johnnie's, to give those a try next for Italian beef. 💬 'Just thinking of loud.'

[@AGenericPerson]

Portillo’s is my favorite! It always amazes me seeing Ben tackle a whole meal without a drink though 💀 built different

[@ogtvlife]

Fr

[@ChatSlick]

Frfr

[@nevdoesstuff3756]

No bev gang

[@themysticfocus]

To be fair Italian beef sandwiches are a drink

[@TobyKBTY]

No matter what I’m going through can always depend on Ben scarfing down food to turn my day mighty fine

[@cheef825]

You know the homie Ben tryna soak up that hangover rn 😂

[@frankofudrucker2201]

Ben seems far more relaxed in the States. I like it!

[@aninjaguardian]

Ben is American through and through. Don't matter where in the world he is, he be reppin America 24/7

[@katt3428]

That flavor is nostalgia. You taste or smell something that brings you right back to a time in your past dude.

[@8kw7mx9]

Ben's a G, showing the best joints as I'm going to visit Chicago soon 🔥

[@whateverrittakes]

Elite timing 😅👏🏾

[@mohammadalbakshy1912]

Enjoy man! Used to live there, the best food city in the US after potentially NYC and LA.

[@PLAYAWORLDRecords]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoqnmJmXatt7nMk

[@healingv1sion]

The cake shake is perfection. I pour milk over my cake slice sometimes and it reminds me of that but thicker. Love it

[@kennybaskin]

I moved to Seattle (Chicago-born and raised). I have the beef kit shipped here quarterly. They send you all the key ingredients. The kit is an acceptable facsimile of the original.

[@Jma311]

It's called a food memory B 😂 Ben is on point with his fry analysis and meats.

[@etjdubs5492]

Never seen him react like that Lmao. That Italian beef REALLY did knock him back😂. Need to try that

[@Fabulos1]

They have recipes on YT, You should try it out.

[@Rickatang]

So awesome seeing you try this. My family is from chicago and that is my exact order every time I have this. (get a side of cheese sauce next time :D ) Beef dipped with hot peppers Chicago dog Frys and a DC Never misses.

[@Moi_81]

Ditto!!! Its been a moment. When I get back in the US I gotta go get some

[@Fabulos1]

Remember he said they forgot to give it to him, but tbh some of these hood spots have good food as well.

[@MRJ730]

The chicken tenders dipped in the cheese sauce is my favorite ❤ 10/10 recommend y’all try asking for a side of hot pepper oil and mixing it in your cheese sauce. Making my mouth salivate just thinking about it 😂😋

[@percheronlove888]

Ben enjoys eating so much. He is so good at this and very interesting information about food in other countries. I have just started watching his videos and really enjoy them. He is doing what he loves. Thanks Ben. Your cool. Bella

[@Rob901]

Thanks Ben. Really enjoying the Chicago clips . I've had Chicago hot dogs and Pizza but never the Italian beef sandwich. I really want to try it now . With the Chicago dogs I really liked the tomato and celery salt . Really works with the hot dog

[@tinynoodlesgaming8811]

I can't wait to watch this video. Thanks Ben for giving us this amazing content plus I am extremely hungry.

[@kyledude2863]

Saving these videos for when I visit Chicago for my first time for the Chicago marathon!

[@andrewcowman852]

your reaction to the Italian beef is so legit, man. I remember the first one I had. It's one of the best sandwiches ever. so tender, so sloppy, so spicy. good god it's delicioso!!!!

[@MacaroniMIke8800]

The way the bread absorbs the au jus is UNBELIEVABLE. Portillos beef dipped is a top 2 favorite food in the world to me.

[@benlee78]

Next time try the Portillo chocolate cake shake. Literal cake mixed in a shake 🎂🍰

[@RealColeFarlow]

Man I love that you're in America and doing these. Portillos is so amazing.

[@CDCrest]

💯

[@jwendell29]

If you want to mix it up for the next few days you’re here, Johnnies Beef out in Elmwood Park really beats Portillos now that Dick Portillo sold the franchise. Their lemon ice is out of this world as well on a warm summer day (which you do not get visiting this time of year of course) great video as always Ben. Much love from Chicago

[@Mandop21]

I was born and still live in Chicago. Deep dish is mostly consumed by tourist, real locals have it but it’s once in a blue moon. Tavern thin crust is real Chicago pizza. Also, Portillos is definitely a staple, legit EVERYTHIBG there is good

[@dwilliu]

Nah, real Chicagoans eats deep dish. Plenty of people do. In moderation. Portillos is fine for a hot dog but their beefs are bogus and dry.

[@ModernProgram]

Naa guys have a shit pizza NY all the way

[@thangcacdi]

Chicagoan here. You should try ricobene’s famous breaded steak sandwich. It’s your iconic chicago sandwich. I think it would make a great video.

[@UnderstandableUsername]

You know it's a good bite when Ben is almost thrown across the room

[@lesliewhitney72]

Their cheese fries, beef, cheese croissant w/sweet peppers & strawberry shortcake is AMAZING from there as well!!!

[@Sun.ce.214]

A cheesy well dipped Italian beef will always be my #1 favorite food of all time. Could literally eat it everyday and never get tired of it

[@astralisk]

hi kiryu

[@PLAYAWORLDRecords]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoqnmJmXatt7nMk

[@captaincaned6828]

When Ben reminisced about fries from a summer shack; pure poetry...

[@captaincaned6828]

Then he stuffed his face of course!

[@TiffanyDing]

I love Portillo’s… such classic Chicago 😍🔥

[@roythousand13]

I've getting my orders at fast food spots messed up a lot lately.

[@blingblaow]

10:31 when ben leaned back and was chewing that food I KNEW it hit different🤣

[@bluemoons9]

Glad you got to try it Ben, I live about an hour away from the city but thankful we got a portillos out here in the Midwest. Italian beefs are definitely a must and you described it perfectly well!! 😅 juicy, flavorful, and fulfilling

[@Ronnie86753]

I’m Italian and a good Italian beef sandwich is hard to find. We have Portillos here now so thank you for invoking the craving . Be getting one this week for sure!

[@GhostlordGames]

I grew up on these man. My grandmother makes them homemade...although I have eaten at Portillo's many times in Chicago. Truly can make a terrible day a great one.

[@chiisaichi]

I discovered the Italian beef sandwich on a trip to Chicago. It’s all I wanted the whole time I was there. Now that I’m back home I miss it and am planning on attempting to make it. Can’t remember the other place we went to but one was Als number 1. The one we got had giardiniera on it and it was so good!

[@BeliaLastes]

I've been to Portilios before back in 91 when I lived in Waukegan, IL before we went to a show in Chicago we stopped by there to get an Italian beef sub was so good I ate the whole thing 😋☺️

[@Dixie_Normous212]

I love that joint there’s not very many in Cali but we used to hit the one in Buena Park, Orange County California they used to hook it up with the frosted frozen mug of frothy brew

[@TELLER211]

We have Portillos here in Cali near Knott’s Berry Farm. The hot dogs, sandwiches, and burgers are all amazing

[@tinamacias775]

That right there is the CHICAGO experience!! 🥰🥰

[@DJASMR-vd1kt]

🥰I love watching these videos so much.🥰

[@bmf9863]

A Maxwell St. Polish would have been the ULTIMATE compliment. Thanks Ben for showcasing Chicago. I am born/raised in Chicago so all of these food items are familiar. Regarding cheese on the Italian Beef? I never knew that was a thing! Chicago isn't trying to make a Philly CheeseSteak out of an Italian Beef! Anywho, great review!

[@jacquelinejones6490]

I’ve never had one without cheese, I thought that was the norm until you just said this lol

[@heresjohnny58]

When I visited my buddy, born and raised in Chicago, he said you gotta have cheese, peppers, and wet.

[@damienlu7318]

Yeah I would never put cheese on an Italian beef.

[@damienlu7318]

@@heresjohnny58 Hell nah not the wet, then you'll just be eating soggy mushy sandwich

[@MistaZipps]

@@damienlu7318 it’s mozzarella cheese though… it’s a must. not like it’s adding cheddar or something wild to change it to a Philly.

[@alexhusko]

Ben, next time you grab a beef, get some extra giardinara on the side and save it for your breakfast eggs the next day. It’s so fire on eggs. We all compare different beef spots in Chicago but giardinara game to me is also key. Glad to see you enjoying the city Ben!

[@VirginiaBronson]

That flavor on the fries that escapes you is probably seasoning salt. It's delicious stuff in the right application, without going heavy on it.

[@jennsutherland8608]

Get the sausage and beef combo sandwich with hot peppers and cheese and the gravy on the side so you can dip the sandwich …it’s so good if you have that gravy to dip it 💜💜

[@livinglife8489]

That’s my order every time I go there!

[@PLAYAWORLDRecords]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoqnmJmXatt7nMk

[@tsgs_r3ap3r]

AYEEEEE YOU IN MY HOME CITYYYY AHHH WHAT'S GOOD GANG. Hope you still enjoy our city. Portillos the GOAT

[@user-ud6xs8ly6e]

mans getting recoiled from the food lol

[@tacooflove6175]

I love that place!!! I miss it so much!! ❤❤❤❤❤ the cake and the beef and sausage is so good 🥰😍🥰😍🥰😎😎😎

[@healingv1sion]

Thanks for the rec will be eating here in a month Edit: i had the hotdog. I love it. Its like a hotdog, but a sandwich. Best of both worlds

[@shey36]

I am def a fan of Portillo’s…. I live down the street from one and everyone who comes to visit wants to go there lol… I love it!

[@debscom2]

Yeah ....I'm getting Portillos today! Best fries only when freshly made. And I'm getting the beef and cheddar on croissant with hot and sweet peppers. For dessert, I'm getting the chocolate cake slice with a large iced tea. Yummy😊. Portillos should thank you for the advert......

[@repliesoffcuzimright1679]

I love the traveling content. Please keep traveling to unique places if you can !!

[@eddy2758]

"experiencing a hotdog" - BenDeen

[@emersonB28]

Chicago a world class city my man, glad you're in Da Region 🤘

[@dzhsck5310]

As a Chicago native, could you get some of our classics? I'm talkin the Italian Beef from Johnnie's, the Au Cheval double cheese burger (constantly rated best burger in the world), dogs from Jimmy's Red Hots or Gene & Jude's. It'd be awesome if you brought some light to the difference between deep dish and tavern style too! Not enough people know the majesty of our thin crust square cuts!

[@dwilliu]

Au Cheval has dropped off vs many other local burger joints. Agree w the dog recs though.

[@vitorocks18]

Gene & Judes is so overrated in my opinion. I feel like some of the other local hotdog joints just taste way better.

[@dzhsck5310]

@@vitorocks18 I agree, I think they're overrated, too. But, regardless, they have been a staple Chicago classic since just after WW2.

[@painexotic3757]

Underrated chicago foods (as a black chicagoan): gyro, pizza puff, jerk chicken, lemon pepper chicken, hoagy, harolds chicken.. If you've never tried these from a family owned restaurant in chicago (to get that authentic experience), you're missing out. Chicago also has a ton of mexican family owned restaurants that are worth checking out..

[@Forkemdvls]

We have Porillo's here in AZ. They even serve them in sports stadiums.

[@MistaZipps]

Homey… next time, get the Italian beef it as the sausage combo version (sausage in the sandwich) also WITH mozzarella cheese (must do this), hot pepper giardiniera peppers are traditional (which you got).. most importantly for delivery especially, get the gravy/ju on the side also to dip fresh. And PLEASE try to get those cheese fries… and wash it all down with a Root Beer.

[@WilliamKShank]

Portillo's... I'm craving everything you had now !!! 😋😋😋😋😋 Great place! Safe Journey! CHOLULA!!!

[@Lil_brew06]

Or go to River Grove, IL.. to go to this place called Gene and Jude’s.. it’s a place where everybody goes to hangout with new people and enjoy a hotdog or even sip on some rootbeer.. their rootbeer is always sold out but they have some good rootbeer.

[@fuhckerschite]

Was just watching a 4 year old vid with tongue and tripe tacos. Then this popped up instantly at the end!

[@tylerlindberg79]

Damn crazy to watch all your videos from you in Korea to seeing you make a video a street down from me. Portillos on Clark/Ontario is the GOAT

[@Speculite]

I always look forward to these videos. 🙌

[@jaberus2]

When I get stoned and watch this guy eat, I swear my munchies exceed normal levels.

[@vanessawagner9607]

Just had Portillo’s the other day. Right down the street from my house, along with Lou Malnati’s!!

[@bhvyyggy]

I saw they just opened here in Tucson. I'll have to check it out. I love my sandwiches.

[@gabrielabohocky]

Much love from Washington

[@ajuarez1866]

I looked this place up and there’s 3 by me. I’ll have to try it out! Thanks!

[@kwhardin]

Been dying to go there to try their food. Never been. Shocked you didn’t get the chocolate cake milkshake while you went.

[@JYLee-rr1sy]

There's a Portillo's in So Cal (Buena Park). Awesome! I always get the large w/ both hot and sweet peppers. Absolutely delicious

[@bridgetteteapp]

The sped up eating at the end is me on my 30 min break at work

[@adhirf]

That Italian Beef looks gorgeous!

[@KingKpop]

I always get the double cheeseburger w/ added bacon, a Strawberry Milkshake and some cheese fries. DELICIOUS!

[@KatieJoMikell]

When I get Portillo’s hotdog I put a couple slices with a knife on it and I threw it in the air fryer for like 10 minutes and it grills it up. It’s delicious!

[@grandpagrk]

The day Ben eats the big fries first is the day the sun and earth will kiss

[@williamwood1776]

That Chicago Dog looks great...but another must addition is Jalapeño's on it...that is heaven on earth, for sure! Mighty fine!! :)

[@CUBSfan7364]

Grew up un Chicago for 24 years before I moved. Portillos

[@denzelnalenz6252]

So mighty fine bro actually ditched us to finish 😂😂🙏

[@thedoobiewizard]

We just got these in Southern California and man is it goooood. Gotta get a jumbo cheese sauce for those fries bro. Next level.

[@strangehominid]

seeing that portillos made me feel at home

[@scottminter]

Portillo's is Bussin' Bussin' Even on KETO - those Italian Beef Bowls they have are Super GOOD! and the Salads - Very Nice!

[@tatumtactical5671]

Got one in Springfield Illinois and it's always lines around the p-lot

[@shrewdcritic83]

That meal looked litty ngl

[@idioteque]

8:57 ben back with the bars fr fr 🙏🙏

[@ryanbriones5435]

I live in Chicago, i just had a portillos beef a few days ago and I’ll probably have another this week 😂

[@ItStartsWithAStep]

Ben this is no good man. You're making me crazy hungry with all that food sounds like a fun night out 🌙

[@GuitarNoobJ]

What's funny is I had just watched his deep fried burrito video and he was speechless in that one as well LMAO

[@PLAYAWORLDRecords]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoqnmJmXatt7nMk

[@ShinobiSyns]

Mozzarella cheese on a beef always, great video welcome back to Illinois man

[@bbosslady6035]

Last year they opened one up next to my work…. Wow!

[@mikodude818]

Yo Ben you GOTTA try Als Beef. Thats the real OG Italian Beef from Chicago, same style. Portillos is good, but Als goes wild.

[@aragonruiz9876]

I don’t know how you ate the big beef and the hotdog.. the beef is huge.. also the whole cheese thing all I can say is “Welcome to Chicago..” it happens sometimes.. I don’t know why they do a cup of cheese it always boggled my mind why it’s not on the fries.. but glad you like the food.. cheers..

[@heresjohnny58]

We've got a couple Portillos here in So Cal, that said I swear the Italian beef is better in Shy town. People like the hot dogs out here, and don't know about the OG spot

[@bl7828]

Just got this in Dallas recently for their opening. Was absolutely insane.

[@jo-sivvfroggyherbert4251]

My god I was eating that with u then 😋😋😋 much love from England ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Icywaterfall]

Welcome Home Ben. Might wanna try Buona Beef while you’re here!

[@w1ndw4ker95]

I knew Ben would love that sandwich as soon as he took it outta the bag. Wish they had a Portillos in Ohio...

[@ogshawn28]

Those Italian beef sandwiches gotta be a top 3 sandwich in America they’re too damn good lol

[@GrannyGrice]

I love Italian beef sandwiches LORD I WANT ONE Thanks Ben