Rating EVERY Italian Beef In Chicago! (ft. Josh Elkin)

[@marygunderson5302]

Johnnies in Elmwood Park was left out? In Chicago , you can almost tell where a person grew up by their favorite beef sandwich choice!

[@AdamWitt]

I did my best to keep it in the city. Johnnies is ELITE, but it's in the burbs. Totally worth the drive though.

[@steved4312]

Grew up in walking distance to Johnnie’s many, many years ago. Legendary!

[@Lebowski55]

Johnnies Beef is 12 miles from downtown. Elmwood Park is practically in the city

[@pinacolaaadas]

Johnnies is good but if we are talking burb spots, then I think Frannie's takes the cake for me. Pop's & Chickie's would also be good mentions.

[@printman7881]

@@pinacolaaadas Frannies is a good alternative to Johnnies... Especially when you don't have any cash on hand because Johnnies is cash only, Another great option is Nottoli's on Belmont...

[@vivakatrob13]

That last guy you filmed was absolutely adorable with his little giggle. 😂❤ He seemed so sweet.

[@johnohrstrom5112]

I'm not from Chicago. I've only been there maybe 6-7 times for work etc, but it's food scene is beyond epic.

[@orlantheman]

You name it. We have it. We have authentic dishes from every culture. No city can compare.

[@TarnishedtheGOAT]

Portland Oregon can compare. But Chicago has been doing it for way longer so they have my vote as best food in the U.S

[@whoopzdayz44]

​@@orlanthemanEVERY culture? Ok bub.

[@orlantheman]

@@whoopzdayz44 obviously you’ve never been here, but yes EVERY culture. You name it we have it. Don’t hate because wherever you live doesn’t offer different cuisines

[@whoopzdayz44]

@@orlantheman dude, where I live is an incredibly culturally diverse city. ive been to chicago. its cool. but it isn't really the peak of diversity you claim it to be. most big cities have a similarly diverse food culture due to large amounts of people immigrating. however, the base statement that y'all have EVERYTHING is straight up false. chi is special, but not that special.

[@yaners]

First - also, I like how you tested the sandwiches dry first, but honestly I could never bring myself to order a non-dipped beef.

[@AdamWitt]

It was tough, but we do it for the people! Lol.

[@timmarkowicz779]

​@OmnivorousAdam It's best to get the juice "on the side". This way, you control the viscosity of your sandwich.

[@jorgerebollo3066]

It should be a crime to not want it dipped.

[@bg147]

I sort of resent how people act as if Portillo's is the greatest place in the world. There is nothing wrong with it. I like it. Yet, in my opinion, there are a lot of little hole in the wall places that are as good or arguably better. It is subjective.

[@letsgogarden2284]

I wouldn’t feed Portillos to a starving dog. They’re gross.

[@notabot3375]

They opened one where I live in Texas, I went and got one of these sandwiches there, dipped. It was ice cold and disgusting. Not a good first impression. Fish sandwich was nasty, too.

[@Wintersnowfall8]

I always get the take and make from Portillos. AL'S meat is good, but portillo's gravy is better

[@BoscoStickNick]

This ^ Portillo's is absolutely fine. It's a good place if you're from the suburbs or you need a one stop shop for a tourist but it's absolutely not the best hot dog, the best polish, nor the best beef in the city. (Also not the best burger but I figured that one went without saying) I'm partial of their cake but it's also not this monolith and it's a shame that only the locals are able to get to all the truly amazing spots.

[@BoscoStickNick]

@TheRange7 Superdawg is ass, their hotdogs are worse than portillos by a country mile. (Not even sure if they use Vienna Beefs or if they do they don't know how to cook them) They've got good milkshakes but that's about it. Hot Dog depends on the mood but it's one of the three depression dog spots. Red Hot Ranch, Jimmy's Red Hots, or Gene & Judes. Best Cheeseburger is Red Hot Ranch for fast food cheeseburgers or Au Cheval if you want a fancy burger. Polish depends on which of the polish styles you're talking about. Jim's Original for Maxwell Street style Polish and for Vienna Beef Polish then see the above list for hot dogs as they're the same. Beef, sacrilegious though it is I'm not a huge on the sandwich as I think there are better native Chicago sandwiches (The Jibarito sandwich for example is a local Chicago classic and I'd argue deserves to be our city's sandwhich) but Al's is probably the favorite I've had.

[@soxbearshwks8988]

growing up in Elmwood Park 50s-60s, we always went to Johnnies for beef sandwiches, and to Gene&Judes for Vienna Beef hotdogs....i'm retired in Az. now, so we go to Portillos in Tempe for beef sandwiches/MaxwellStreet Polish/and Vienna Beef hot dogs...

[@stevekightlinger6753]

Arlington Heights in the 70s and 80s. Luke's on Rand Road was the spot. They wrapped the beefs in candy wrapper paper overstock for candy bars like Bun that weren't selling.

[@tonys2473]

Tony's Italian beef on the south side on Pulaski has always been my favorite! Good video.

[@tonyrome655]

Pulaski and 71st? Haven’t been there in years. Great beef but also they had the best pepper & egg.

[@alejandrojacobo4229]

@@tonyrome655yea before 71st

[@6300As]

Tonys is better than portillos

[@krystalguzman7354]

Yass! I grew up in West Lawn, and Tony's is so good!

[@ItsTheRealMrMaD]

Came here to say this, verbatim. I refuse to eat any other beef.

[@jimmyshu3416]

I am in my 60's and worked at Scatchells when I was 16. It is on 47th court and cermak Rd. Still there and still making their own beef in house same recipe. zAlthough the Scatchells family sold it the new owners did not change a thing and 20 years later are still doing great business. Good food and generous servings. The best!

[@jefryeblen4822]

Local here.... This was spot on... BUT you didn't eat Johnies????????!!!!!! Nanas?!!!!

[@jefryeblen4822]

Have to throw this out there... Some people in my area will say cheese doesn't belong on a beef but we're the only ones who makes beefs. Add the cheese! A cheezy beef is still Chicago AF!

[@ErikCuchna]

Nana’s is fire, mini beefs with the fires on top!

[@TheJoshElkin]

This was such a great time. Video shows our love affair with the sandwiches too ❤

[@AdamWitt]

It wouldn't have been the same without you, bb. Great day.

[@jms3261]

"Rating EVERY Italian Beef in Chicago!" By not venturing out to nearby Elmwood Park and including Johnnie's Beef in the ratings makes it all ring hollow for me......

[@chrism5455]

Agreed I'm from Chicago, Johnnie's is 100 times better than each one of these locations.

[@gmacker1]

also, Johnnie's is only 5 blocks from the edge of Chicago (Harlem Av). It's Johnnie's. Period.

[@MegaSkiman]

Johnnies also has a location in Arlington Heights. It’s the best.

[@thomasjones4570]

Bro, they missed most places. The title should be "every place we wanted to do".

[@jerrywoods4066]

Jays had great beef . So did man jo vins back in the day.

[@debbielittle6063]

Pop's and Johnnies....Hands down....all others are just ok to me!

[@MikeyD166]

Should have went to Johnnys in Elmwood Park Carms in Little Italy and you should have went to the original Bouna in Berwin

[@ParisTNT]

As a French-Norwegian living in The Netherlands, Chicago has never been on my radar. But your videos really makes me wanna go there! Cool local vibe you share. Keep up the good work 🤘🏼 much love ♥️ Paris

[@garyloftus5296]

Johnny’s Elmwood Park, #1 in Chicago! But there are a lot of good Beef’s around the city depends what neighborhood you’re from.

[@IEdjumacate]

I’ve only lived here for 3 years & haven’t experienced some of the legendary spots that are further out from the city like Johnnies, so my experience isn’t complete, but I love Als. Love the flavor. Love the hot peppers w the celery. Great texture. It’s definitely my favorite beef of all these.

[@shep1634]

That’s long enough man. Smh

[@Exercise4CheatMeals]

Bro loved the video, but I was so hype for you to go to Johnnies and you never made it. Would've loved to see Josh's opinion too as a "tourist". I definitely get trying to technically stay in the city limits, but the lists of the best pizza joints in Chicago, for example, always have suburb spots. Most def gotta hit it if you do a number 2.

[@bluejustxce]

As someone who’s never been to Chicago nor had an Italian beef I enjoyed the hell out of this video. Great vibes, honest reviews and amazing camera quality! Here to say I subbed b4 you hit a mill subs! Keep up the great work!

[@AdamWitt]

Thank you my mans! Appreciate you tuning in. Come thru and grab a beef!

[@SBdnb]

As a previous Italian Beef stand owner, I absolutely loved this man! If you're ever out in Berwyn, you NEED to go to Novi's. Their recipe is god tier. Also shout out to Ricobene's in Bridgeport! Their breaded steak sando is insane as well 🔥

[@greggouwens9366]

I love Novi's. It's a couple blocks from my house and I think they have one of the best around.

[@rileyxbell]

They just opened a Buona beef in Southeastern Wisconsin and I'm so happy about it. You can't go wrong with any of these spots.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

TIMESTAMPS… Intro (0:00) Al's Beef (1:05) Mr. Beef (4:33) Portillo's (7:25) Buona (10:55) Ciccio's (14:20) Final Thoughts (19:09)

[@scottmason6282]

Novi's Beef In Berwyn On Ogden Ave Was Our Go To ! 🤤🤤🤤

[@steved4312]

Loved the depth of spice that a Novi’s beef sandwich brought to the table. Outstanding.

[@scottmason6282]

@@steved4312 Yes Was Ashame They Left Novi's Out , But Atleast We Know They Rock ! 🎉🎉🎉😁😁😁💯💯💯

[@zattack87]

You should always get your Italian beef dipped imo, baptized if you're feeling real saucy. Keep making these great vids about Chicago/Chicagoland food staples!

[@thomasjones4570]

You never had a great beef with red sauce.

[@moravamanagement]

Submerge that s*** 😂 A dry beef😮 I can't imagine eating it like that, it seems uncivilized. Juice on the side in a little cup? Whattaya from New York or sumtin?

[@denisestinnett4414]

Imperellis Palatine, IL 65 years ago. If I had a Time Machine it would be my first stop….💕

[@jperin001]

Luke's beef on Harlem for the win. Jay's in the collar burb for runner up. Johnnies and Portillo's used to be good. Whatever your beef, always dip it. Easier to focus on the flavor that way, and not the chewing.

[@coreyarfa2772]

lukes?! stop it. And jays is straight trash

[@blainemitchell]

I love Italian beef sandwiches, but I always get them dipped. I feel like it's a must to have them bathed in broth.

[@thomasjones4570]

A good Italian Beef doesnt need to be dipped. If that bun is dry, they dont know how to make them and some of the best dont even use broth, they come with red sauce.

[@AnonymousCapybara2050]

@@thomasjones4570 Not once in my years in Chicago have I ever heard of an Italian beef with red sauce where the hell have you seen that?

[@scott3805]

@@thomasjones4570 It always need to be dipped. It adds to the flavor of the bread.

[@thomasjones4570]

@@scott3805Poorly prepared Italian beef then. No shop worth its salt is going to sell a dry beef.

[@starrfishes]

Can’t do it

[@GONZOFAM7]

We like Luke's on Jackson near the Willis Tower. The combo is fantastic.

[@sharongary6009]

LUKES IS THE BEST... I HAVE HAD beef from ALL THESE PLACES they talked about. BUT LUKES IS THE BOMB... I lived in Hawaii came back two years later the first place I went is LUke's on 215 W. Jackson. I have been going there since they opened. The staff on both sides of the restaurant are GREAT. (Pizza is the best). Very family orientated. Sharon 68 year old Black Woman Your biggest FAN

[@JerryTheVeganRockstar]

Mr. Beef has always been my favorite. Two sandwiches hot, sweet, double dipped, and plenty of napkins in their congenial dining communal picnic tables. The non friendly service is part of the charm. Food Network had a shootout at least once. And Buona has a vegan version now that’s satisfactory.

[@WindyCity1014]

The problem with Mr. Beef has always been their crappy giardinera.

[@dkastil]

@@WindyCity1014lol I just posted that .

[@gasboy122]

RIP Suzie’s, that was my favorite Italian beef shop. It was a tiny little mom and pop shop that had Italian beefs, cheese fries in a bag and like 100 flavors of milkshakes.

[@Jude74]

What happened to Susie’s!?!?!? 😮

[@nknasi]

@@St63420 Yep, sadly Susie's is no more. Closed up shop in 2022. It's now a taco spot.

[@markqualls2007]

Susie’s in Albany Park was the go to spot on the Northside in years past. Make sure you had your order right or it was a problem. ❤

[@JeremiahPM]

Been waiting for a video like dis, love it

[@AdamWitt]

The "Pepsi or Coke" question of the Italian Beef world... Turano or Gonnella bread?

[@marklawrence76]

Turano

[@anthonypopa2947]

Gonella It holds the gravy better.

[@johnmitchell4769]

Johnnie's Beef in Arligton Heights is by far THE BEST Italian beef I've ever had. You misssed out on the greatest .

[@TeamofLouie]

Didn’t even go to Johnnies? I’m not even from Chicago and I’m disappointed.

[@Mister_Belvidere]

I've always liked Jay's Beef. Of these places, I personally like Al's the best. Ive never had Ciccio's though.

[@MaxHeadroom007]

Jay's Beef is where it's at! Get the combo... good char. The giardiniera is perfect, celery, sliced jalapeño and red pepper flakes... good crunch, not so hot... perfect balance. Don't forget the large cheese fries, and cherry coke with the crushed ice. Out of 4 locations, there's only one Jay's left though, the original on Narragansett in Harwood Heights. Covid hit these places hard.

[@visforvino]

Al's is 100% the winner. The spice flavor on the beef is the best.

[@h3av3nlyfoo111]

4:47 Yooo thats my uncle right there. im definitely showing him this video. HEY UNCLE FRED THE MVP OF CHICAGO ITALIAN 🎉🎉BEEFS

[@Alex-ye1br]

Great content, as per usual. Thanks, chef

[@AdamWitt]

Thanks mate!

[@noturaveragedad]

We have Portillos in Minnesota now!!!

[@ediblehorse]

I know it's about 2 miles west of the Chicago border, but everyone in Chicagoland knows that Johnnie's is the best.

[@sroberts6940]

johnnie's sucks dog balls!!

[@davidyoungsr753]

Nope about 5 blocks. Harlem and North where the Sears was is the city.

[@edamundson743]

The last one at Ciccio's Mario's looks the most interesting to me, I like the bread and that you can put your own Jardinere on it. Head to Chicago this Summer will try it out!

[@drewbeta01]

I started going to Buona because they were the first to do the beef bowls, and I was doing keto, but I keep going because they give me more food for my money. You must have just caught a location on a bad day. I also love how spicy their beef is. They also make fantastic sausage, and I can normally get their sausage at Aldi. I don't know why you chose to try them dry first. I don't know anyone who eats beef sandwiches dry.

[@hankfanelli719]

I remember when a great Italian beef was at portillos in Chicago, I moved to Florida andvwas thrilled one opened in TAMPA. It was nothing like I rememberand the ju was greasy. It was better than no beef fix for 20 years.

[@tomb.8485]

I hate Buona Beef. Too thick, too much gristle, not beefy enough.

[@soxbearshwks8988]

just got back from Portillos here in Tempe Az. this time i had the Maxwell Street Polish, fries with their cheese sauce on the side...soooooooooooooooooooo good😁

[@triton6127]

I think the reason Ceccio has the giardiniera on the side is because of the tourists who don't know what it is; so they ask for it on the side. Ultimately it just became easier to have it prepped. Maybe. What do I know? Damn tourists ruining everything. . . .

[@zurkio210]

i love how you guys did this like actual great friends, not a worry about germs just slamming sammichs and drink au jus out the cup. had me cracking up lmao

[@kangaroojack7252]

I have been born and raised in Chicago for 40+ years now so when videos like this come about they make me very happy! You guys did an amazing job hitting some major spots which I absolutely love to see! Now for those talking about Johnnies on North I can see the argument for it not being in the city so that is why it was left out but I must say it is not nearly what it used to be and it has become highly overrated unfortunately. The beef is still decent but not like it was when I was a kid. For me Frannies is far superior for a suburb joint and if we are talking about missed icons I feel that one that does not get enough love because it is way on the outskirts of the city is Bob-O’s which is an absolute classic. If you have not tried it I highly recommend they are cash only and do a wonderful job. While it is not my favorite they are still amazing. And lastly I am about to let you all in on the best kept beef secret if you have read this far it is a joint called Al & Joes deli they only serve the beef on Wednesday as a special but I will be damned it is great! They are located in Franklin Park nice and tucked away but they have been amazing for years! Hopefully this comment is seen by at least one person to help them out! Also on a MAJOR side note Portillos is nasty they used to be great before they became a franchise and not it is nothing but a tourist spot.

[@timmmahhhh]

Great review and video guys, thanks. In Glen Ellyn we have Buona and a local place called Flips. Buona is good but yeah it can get intense. I usually get Flips so I can taste the beef and not the oregano. Buona did a makeover maybe 5-10 years ago to the corporate look, used to look a little more mom and pop, a little.

[@keithbryan5914]

Leaving off Jay's, Luke's and Johnnies is a huge mistake, when talking beef sandwiches in the Chicago area. Jay's is and always has been, my favorite!

[@justinekingmaker493]

Augustino's in Carol Stream IL (Just west of the city) Really outstanding! KEY Pro-Tip: Ask for it "Baptized" (It's also known as "Dipped" or "Wet" but it means to dredge the sandwich in the juice!)

[@imgzrona09uc72]

Did they move Carol Stream? Isn't it closer to Kane County then Chicago?

[@TattooedGranny]

I am 2 hours from Chicago and now all I want is an Italian beef sandwich….thanks guys.😁

[@JV-mw7gv]

There’s no decent beefs just two hours away?? That’s disappointing.

[@BigCityBoyyyy]

I've been to that Al's in little Italy several times and it's always delicious. And now I'm going to need to have a beef sandwich for dinner. Thank you.

[@tofu_golem]

The best way to enjoy an Italian beef: 1. Get a side salad instead of French fries. 2. The sandwich better be wet and have either hot or sweet peppers. 3. Eat the sandwich directly over your salad. Whatever falls out of your sandwich will make the salad tastier.

[@VVMrOneTwo]

best OG spot is in Buona - Berwyn IL right next to it is there catering service building THAT'S an OG spot

[@edwardharvey8100]

Chickies!!!!! They opened one in hillside and it’s the OG recipe. Hands down best giardiniera. Great throwback to the original off of 28th and Pulaski. If you don’t know now you know

[@jimmyshu3416]

Have to say portillos Marconi giardena is the best

[@illwillz5735]

That's what's up, finally someone other than me knowing about Chickie, #1 in my family for years.#beefjuicyhotwithamericancheese baby.

[@krono5el]

Not only Chicago best food city but also josh from emt, thats awesome i havent seen him since the early 2000s

[@gchomuk]

I've had all of these except the one at Navy Pier. I think you guys nailed it for #1. Portillo's has gone downhill since Dick sold it. I'm old enough to remember the dog house in Villa Park. Ths original Portillo's. I used to think all of Portillo's sandwiches set the bar for all other places. You can get a pretty good burger there pretty cheap. If you go to another joint and they charge twice as much, they better be twice as good. If not, forget it. Portillo's hot dogs used to be great. Nice snap when you bite into them. That snap is gone now. Okay, but not great. IMO. ( New sub. From a Chicago native).

[@billmulvihill8452]

Portillo’s beef has gone downhill since the corporate takeover.

[@Earth1218]

So right. I travel through Illinois for business a few times a year. I stopped by Al’s once when in Chicago and had a beef. Lord, from time to time I still think about that sandwich. My next time through the state I stopped at a Portillo’s. The beef was okay, but was not nearly as flavorful, moist, or rich as Al’s. Al’s has the perfect flavor and heat. Even the fries were really good. I’ve gotta get back there someday.

[@jerrywoods4066]

I still love portillos

[@Buckarew]

Used to work at navy pier and that place is the go to. Real deal guy and service makes me feel ok about that pier tax

[@CarbonaraKing]

I grew up with Al's Beef LITERALLY across the street from my apartment that I lived while I went to UIC... Loved it.

[@andyfairchild2383]

And now I’ve got to go to Chicago for Italian Beef…. It’s a long way from Bristol U.K.!

[@AdamWitt]

Oi! Swing thru!

[@sphexes]

Ahhh the beef sandwich culture of the US Chicago...Italian beef Buffalo....beef on weck Philly Cheese Steaks I'm sure I'm missing many.

[@donrobertson6940]

Jay's beef is the best in Chicago, I have had them all from top beef places. Give it a try and let your viewers know your opinion.

[@kmatax9237]

Fkn A! Just went thru a combo! Lol

[@zucchiniweenie5402]

Facts

[@bigdaddymojo2005]

I live like 5 blocks from Jay's....not that good to my family..., but some people Love it.

[@dd101dd4]

I always got Jay's Beef of Harwood Heights growing up or Mr. Beef. My dad swore Johnnies in Elmwood Park was the best. I remember getting all 3 locations growing up seeing family in the Chicagoland area. Personally, I love Jay's Beef followed by Mr. Beef.

[@LVVMCMLV]

In my opinion, Gonnella bread is the best bread in Chicago

[@Kidfry]

Gonnella was king when I worked at a mom and pop beef place out in the suburbs in the 80s and 90s.

[@gregsavchuk3239]

Adam, Thx! Italian Beef Sandwich, doing the Back Stroke Plz, the only way to go. Raincoats & a whole roll of paper towels come in handy...

[@jeromejake]

Go to Johnnie's and get the combo ...char broiled sausage !!

[@fxdgshovelhead]

Johnny's. Elmwood and Duke's on south Harlem. Should be included in the challenge/rating. Either way awesome vid Thanks.

[@patf03]

Dukes is gone on harlem they closes in like 2019...his son in law opened up on 199th and lagrange In Mokena a year or 2 ago

[@GregKulevich]

That's totally 100% true! The people at Al's Beef were rude to me too! It turned me off, however, and I haven't been back since. 💯

[@markgrygiel1273]

You guys did an excellent job!

[@MRCOCAINECITY1]

NOBODY IN CHICAGO GETS THE CUP OF JUICE WE JUST ORDER THE SANDWICH DIPPED

[@jordantaylor-m6c]

Double dipped

[@mikeforner7797]

this is true

[@rickyspanish9625]

I get the au jus cup, you don’t get to speak for all of us.

[@mikeforner7797]

@@rickyspanish9625 I guess somebody has to cover right field

[@ErikCuchna]

10000%

[@arnolds6423]

My favorite thing to eat is a beef sandwich. Loved the video. I like Al's too. It is #1 and they say so on the wrapper!

[@frankolsen5317]

Portillos was awesome in pre 90's

[@robo60616]

Ricobene’s ,johnnies ,Freddy’s and “kindling “ in sears tower

[@tonyrome655]

Haven’t been to Ricobenes in years. They had great beef but the breaded steak was the best.

[@stevevuoso8411]

We’re getting a Portillos here in Vegas.

[@AdamWitt]

Soon they'll be everywhere.

[@sychavez7269]

thats because Warren buffets firm bought them.

[@rubencampos3568]

My favorite beef growing up was Chickies, when they were located in my neighborhood of Little Village. They are now in Hillside, IL. I went to their new location and Chickies did not stray from their recipe. It was nostalgic! I even ordered to go tub to share with folks in Wisconsin and they were all blown away!

[@markcatanzaro9699]

LUKE'S!!! They're in Chicago and Arizona. Outstanding 👍👍👍 I've been going there since the 80's and never had anything less than a perfect sandwich every time!!!

[@hotfoodonaplate3306]

Luke's in Tucson, AZ was sold to a local guy and it is not the same! Not even close.

[@markcatanzaro9699]

@hotfoodonaplate3306 oh wow that's a bummer! That place was always so good! As far back as I remember going there in the 80s... that's such sad news

[@patriciap9307]

Living in the south now, the only giardiniera we can get is just pickled vegetables with no oil or spices. My Momma and Daddy used to make it homemade the right way and can it. My Dad would eat it on everything , including bologna sandwiches, lol! They have passed, so when I am lucky enough to go back to Chicago I stock up on the good stuff!

[@accobra4272]

Its simple. Als its best. Johnnie's is almost with Al's. Portillos and Mr Beef standard...it means good solid beef ill have them any day. From there there's so many more it depends the neighborhood youre in. They are all good.

[@whynot5045]

2:33 You're definitely doin' the "Al's Stance" there.

[@maureencora1]

Good Show, I Like Portillo's, More.

[@derrickcooper4856]

Pretty good video fellas 👌🏿 this actually made me hungry. First time watcher here... I'm going to have to search for Italian beef spots in Atlanta Georgia which are rare if any... You may have a new subscriber, keep em coming 👍🏿

[@ringoramjet]

From Chicago, the only thing I miss is the food..in Florida you get half the sandwich, twice the price and quite frankly...garbage. I miss Scatchells on Cermak and Cicero.Their combos are to die for

[@SterlingFogg]

My favorite is Al's. Awesome! Best time to visit Chicago is during the food festival!

[@MrFrankwizzal]

Roma's on Cicero by Montrose is pretty dam good.

[@dmulchrone]

Susie's around the corner use to be an economical choice.

[@Jon-x4t]

I was at Al’s last week after IMD still one of the best!!

[@mikehatter979]

Let's be honest here, it's hard to make a "bad" beef. I'd eat one from any of these places or any of the ones he missed. I rotate between Johnnies, Buona, and Portillos based on where I live/work, but I also love to try different mom and pop place's takes on beefs when in other neighborhoods.

[@Baja2424]

Your right

[@johnchuba912]

Go to Gary Indiana if you want a bad Italian beef

[@scott3805]

Then you obviously never tried it in NW Indiana. Nobody out here knows how to make it. It's got no flavor out here.

[@charlessmith3710]

I was in the Rockford suburbs in a small town no customers worse beef in my life no juice tasted old terrible like it was sitting for days in the counter maybe it was...

[@KonicKicks]

Jay’s Beef is always slept on too imo iykyk

[@VegasLoungeAct]

Dude, you can't put "Every Italian Beef in Chicago" when you only hit up 5 places. I can understand not wanting to drive all over because the best places are all spread out and far, but Mr. Beef on Harlem is the best IMO, and you should've gone to Johnnies, too.

[@principals16842]

I was so happy to find a Chicago beef place down in SW Florida while visiting family. I'm sure it can't match these places, but it was manna from heaven for me. I grew up near Philly (where the real sandwich is Italian pork, even better than cheesesteaks) but my heart belongs to the Italian beef.

[@patrickreagan6443]

Johnnie's on North Ave in Elmwood Park has ranked #1 in Chicago for decades. If you like a little spicier Teddy's Red Hots in Downers Grove is very good.

[@2AChef-n-BBQ]

Yes, Als was my first beef over 50 years ago, still my first choice👊🏼👍🏼🇺🇸

[@NY12jets]

Next time you should include Johnnie’s and Tony’s Beef. Both have great Beef sandwiches.

[@MaxHeadroom007]

Jay's Beef is where it's at! Get the combo... good char. The giardiniera is perfect, celery, sliced jalapeño and red pepper flakes... good crunch, not so hot... perfect balance. Don't forget the large cheese fries, and cherry coke with the crushed ice. Out of 4 locations, there's only one Jay's left though, the original on Narragansett in Harwood Heights. Covid hit these places hard.

[@benjaminhawthorne1969]

As the crust of a pizza is critical to my enjoyment of it, so is the roll of a sandwich. I remember the 1st time that I tasted a SUBWAY sandwich, and I LOVED IT! Well, it certainly was NOT the meat on the sub. SUBWAY puts about two (2) little pieces of BUDDIG-thin meat on each 6"! It HAD to be the tasty, soft, fresh-baked roll. I compare this to the HORRID sandwiches that my mother used to make me as a child. They also had VERY little meat, but the worst part is that mother continually bought "Kaiser rolls." Fresh, these are quite dry, but I usually ate them a week after baking, when they were so dry, they might make a good pad for cleaning your white wall tires but were certainly NOTHING that a human should be putting in his mouth.\ They were DRY! I took a visitor to Chicagoland out for his first Italian Beef. He was not impressed. He insisted on his being made DRY and I think that this was the problem. The shops that I go to do not even serve the au jus in a separate cup. You get it bone dry or "Dipped." That is, they take the finished sandwich, grab it with tongs and submerge the entire thing under the juice of the beef container. It comes up SOAKED & PERFECT!

[@ctlt-pg4tm]

Dipped is absolutely correct. You don't sit with a beef and " dunk " it in a cup of juice. Ridiculously stupid

[@orlantheman]

I agree. You’ll never see a Chicagoan do that

[@AdamWitt]

Come say supski in Disc, bb! - discord.gg/btkuwe8jFc

[@christianpetersen5230]

Jonnies is the best in Chicago period ! These boys are rookies

[@DOSBoxMom]

At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Timpone's is a popular spot for Italian beef across the street from campus, and within easy walking distance of the FLB (Foreign Languages Building; name recently changed, but I can't recall what the new name is). I used to eat there once a week in grad school with a group of grad students & professors from the Department of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. Any Arby's will serve you a "French Dip & Swiss" sandwich, but it lacks the hot pepper an Italian beef sandwich has. Portillo's, on the other hand, has been rapidly expanding downstate, and they even opened a location in Bloomington a few years ago. Places which serve Italian beef also often serve Italian sausage and Chicago-style hot dogs, but I have yet to find one which offers the bratwurst I grew up with in Wisconsin ("behind the cheddar curtain").

[@ladybug7967]

Portillo’s… hands down.

[@-ram-m2664]

All of Portillo's food is totally overrated.

[@tsartz]

Ya left out Johnnie's!?!? I realize it's in the near burbs but it's worth the drive (I'm lucky that I live right down the street from the Elmwood Park location). Also, throw in the combo element next time! Johnnie's char-grilled Italian sausage is on a whole other level. Johnnie's and Al's are my faves but Johnnie's takes it on price

[@bjohnson515]

Bread is KEY! Portillos very good and there are several of them, which makes them convenient. Their recipe is right. But, the employee has to be on the customer's side when making it. Get it dipped.

[@jimn.9990]

Ricobene's on Chicago's South Side (between Chinatown and Sox Park) wasn't tested? They were in existence for decades. I recall going there over 50 years ago!

[@michaelbarranco8207]

How can you do this video and not go to Johnnies?!

[@thediner8929]

Have tried Portillo’s and Al’s while they were out here in California. I preferred Al’s. Can’t go wrong with Italian beef overall. Would love to try Mr. Beef should I find myself in Chicago.

[@MagsonDare]

I grew up in Palatine and the go-to place for us was simply called "Luke's." After I moved away in the early 90's they changed it to "Tore and Luke's" but their beef is still my favorite and whenever I get back to the old stomping grounds I make sure to drop in for a beef there. We had a Portillo's nearby as well and while I always thought they were good, they still didn't hold a candle to Luke's, IMO. In the early 2000's I also stumbled across a little hole-in-the-wall bar out in the itty-bitty town of Marseilles about an hour outside the city. I don't recall the name of the place, but they also had a very good beef there also.

[@bg147]

I grew up in Barrington and Luke's was a regular.

[@dmclaude]

They moved over to the old white castle location on dundee 😂