The Best Italian Beef in Chicago | Top 5 spots for Italian Beef in Chicago

Italian beef is a popular sandwich in Chicago, Illinois, known for its delicious and unique flavors. It consists of thinly sliced roast beef that has been slow-cooked to perfection, often in seasoned au jus (beef gravy), and then placed on a crusty Italian-style roll. It's typically served with optional toppings like sweet or hot peppers, giardiniera (a spicy pickled vegetable mix), and sometimes melted cheese.
00:00 Chicago Italian Beef Tour
00:14 Portillo's, Chicago
01:41 Johnnie's Beef, Chicago
04:53 Al's Beef, Chicago
06:56 The Duck Inn, Chicago
09:45 Mr. Beef, Chicago
Our Subscribers help us shape our future adventures! Please be sure to subscribe to our channel as it helps us out!
We are better able to share our adventure in real-time on our social media channels, we'd love for you to join us over there as well!
*All Drone footage is our footage obtained legally by a Remote Pilot under the FAA 's Small UAS Rule (Part 107). All footage is obtained outside of National Parks, State Parks, and other areas where flying drones is not permitted.*
Instagram
/ adamandmadalyn
TikTok
/ adamandmadalyn
Contact Us
[e-mail]

[@NipItInTheBud100]

Any “best beef of Chicago” list that starts with Portillos is out of their fricken minds!!

[@boogitybear2283]

I love that Johnnie’s Beef place! Always get an Italian Ice on the side!

[@gchomuk]

As a lifelong Chicagoan, I approve of this list. I've tried them all but Duck Inn. Portillo's ain't what it used to be, however. Wouldn't recommend it a top spit anymore.

[@dominickberarducci1183]

Johnnie’s will always be the king. Juicy combo (beef and sausage) sweet. Greatest sammich on the planet

[@comeon6811]

Is my family's "go to" for the past 65 yrs, and still rules!

[@stevevenn1]

Close, the hot Giardiniera is a must. They do beefs and sausage right!

[@jjh31]

Total agreement!!!!

[@LVVMCMLV]

Does Johnnie's still have the same char-grilled Italian sausage they had 50 years ago?...the best I've ever had

[@__foam]

Hands down. I recently visited chicago for the second time and had Johnnie's. The only other Italian beef I've had was Portillo's. Johnnie's was way better, even though I did like Portillo's. I'm going to try more when I go back, but I can't see anything topping Johnnie's.

[@dfb8854]

Johnnies in Elmwood Park 💚🤍❤️

[@AdamandMadalyn]

The best!

[@mikehup2383]

I love the combo the best!! That sausage just adds some amazing flavor!

[@dfb8854]

@@mikehup2383 YEP and their Italian Ice is to die for!!

[@nicholasc.5804]

Luke's Italian Beef. 215 W Jackson. Excellent beef and a bag of fries as big as your head.😋😋😋

[@gregoryhunt2409]

Yes! I was looking for someone to say something about Luke’s freakin awesome sandwich and pile of fries! 😊

[@MonteBlue-di2eo]

Thanks

[@feedtherich11]

MR beef is great

[@cockybalboa2]

Just went to Johnnie's last weekend. They make a great beef!

[@bigdchi]

johnnies has always skimped on the size of their beefs. fries undercooked.

[@brianrenteria9181]

@@bigdchibro they got the best fries and the beef is just right

[@fightlikehell781]

Took my daughter to Portillo’s a few weeks ago and the lack of meat in her Italian beef sandwich was alarming. Go to the independent Italian beef stands to get true value.

[@ursusjyn]

Portillo's sold out when they franchised. Can you believe that they actually use a scale to portion the beef? Ridiculous! Any real good Italian beef joint just stuffs the sammich.

[@bigsarge8795]

Ughh... that looks absolutely delicious. Im hungry now

[@wcjames1189]

A Johnnies dipped, with, and travellin'! Order up! Yeahhh....

[@Seemely-3520]

Portillo is not what it use to be. I find the Pizza Nova in Canaryville serves a great juicy Italian Beef

[@boogitybear2283]

Duke’s Drive In was my favorite but they closed a few years ago. They used to be located in Bridgeview.

[@juelzkellz]

I agree. Portillo’s isn’t what it used to be. It’s still ok but not what it used to be.

[@jaxsonhugh9334]

That beef looked so skimpy

[@Seemely-3520]

@@jaxsonhugh9334 it really does I'm greedy I would be upset 😭

[@Seemely-3520]

@@boogitybear2283 I remember driving past I use to work on 85th & Harlem

[@pubtravels]

It's very rare that I order an Italian Beef. But you have me so hungry right now! Great video guys. Love your channel!!!

[@amandahollins4103]

Yes love this

[@dallrevenge9256]

Route 66 restaurant,10180 S Indianapolis Ave, Chicago, IL, is a must-try for Italian Beef. Unbelievable in size and taste. It's worth the ride.

[@jwichman9]

There is a place in Indy ran by an ex Chicagoan. Very authentic. We are very lucky to have him. I lived in Chicago for years so I know authentic. Great Chicago dogs also.

[@richvillicana8205]

What's the name of the place?

[@jwichman9]

@@richvillicana8205 Chicago beef and dog. In Irvington.

[@jayriedmuller7187]

Years ago there was an Al's on So. Cicero in Oak Lawn. It was the best. We really don't have anything as good in the area. I especially liked mine with red sauce and sweet green peppers.

[@BorchardtFamily]

Chickie's and Scatchell's are my favorites. I also agree with those suggesting Luke's.

[@Lpm920]

Chickies 25 yrs ago. Not now

[@rochechitown]

YASSSS for Scatchells 🔥🔥🔥

[@poko247]

Great mix of Heaven! Nice Job!

[@ShowMeAnAdventure]

Wow 😯 looks fabulous 🤤🤤🤤

[@nldahusla]

Rarely do I comment on anything but this video was great. Chicago native and love an honest clearcut review. Nice work Adam and Madalyn!

[@bb_lz9790]

My mouth is watering!!! Being a suburbanite, I've enjoyed Portillo's (here and in Scottsdale, AZ), Al's (when it was near O'Hare) and Buona. All delicious and each restaurant's fries are heavenly as well! If you appreciate restaurants whose interior hasn't changed in forever, can't argue with Barnaby's (and the Tavern style pizza is so good...)!

[@greatloverofmusic1]

Nice video. Lots of good places if you know where to look. Been watching The Bear, so I had to click this video. Cheers.

[@paulpence8895]

Miss all those places and more... Had good friends In Chicago our first 50 we lived on the N side of Indy, visited often... Don't find that out here in CO the last ten years...

[@TMoneyBlanton]

Best sandwich on earth

[@cathymartinez6804]

Luv them all, l do like the AL'S beef sandwich because it is chopped very fine, but great beefs all around.

[@Lpm920]

Pete’s in Oak Park. Across the street from Turano Bakery. You will thank me

[@LuckyLu19]

Micheals on Oak Park and north ave

[@DrTruth-zk7vr]

Pete's for gyros... Novi's in Berwyn Best

[@Lpm920]

@@DrTruth-zk7vr Pete’s got a better beef too. Way more flavor. Not saying Novis still ain’t good. I worked at Turano for 10 yrs. I’m certified

[@ursusjyn]

Turano's bakery is awesome, almost as good as Gonnella bakery.

[@baruchbenyaakov]

I’ve had it at least a half-dozen times at Al’s. Keep going back!

[@jondhuse1549]

My grandfather and I used to talk about the evolution of popular food... when he was a kid (near Chicago) the Italian beef sandwich was the thing. This was replaced by hamburgers, then pizza, and now it seems to be tacos. How cool is that!

[@MaryannChristopher-ro7to]

I like Al"s Beef

[@AdamandMadalyn]

👏🏼

[@bigdaddymojo2005]

BOMB!!!!

[@marklawrence76]

New Subscriber and Chicago is in the building

[@steveclark2107]

I grew up in Chicago and been to All of those places and they definitely have great Italian beef sandwiches but just right out side of the south side in Calumet city.. is Pepinos and you definitely need to give them a try great you won't be disappointed

[@drzlecuti]

Your opening drone shot is cool--I saw "Carbit Paint" and thought, "Wow, I know where that is!" I've recently appraised several buildings in the foreground, and over the years building all the way to the horizon. As an appraiser I spend a lot of time "in the field" driving to properties. An early find, some 30 years ago, was Johnnie's. Still good!

[@maureencora1]

2024 Glad Portillo's is in TEXAS 5 Locations in Dallas / Fort Worth & 2 Locations in Houston. I was Made in Chicago, IL. (southside)

[@beneg417]

I recently tried Scatchell's Beef & Pizza at 4700 s cemerk. Soooooo good!

[@dsanchez9703]

I pass through there everyday, I'll be stopping by

[@godsreclamation2539]

Hot dogs there are good

[@godsreclamation2539]

@@agarbis6571 I never tried the beef. Hot dogs are good. The pizza I never tried either. For beef I go to als in little Italy. I tried jhonnies and tasted bland to me. Wasn't all that. Als to me on taylor is king but that's just my view.

[@billbrochocki296]

Don't Forget The Legendary AL'S BEEF!!!!💥💥💥💥💥

[@annearly3200]

AL'S too expensive compared to others

[@bigdaddymojo2005]

Al's is # 1 in my book.....Awesome beef, and Awesome giardinar!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Burkerules]

Al's is str8 trash!

[@bigjer2899]

If they tried Scooby’s (also hot dogs) in WestChicago Goodfellas in Huntley….they'd never go back to PORTILLOS….and I AM AN EXPERT….LOL

[@markd4741]

I think over the years, the qualities and taste of Beef itself has changed quite a bit. As well as other meats-poultry-seafoods. It used to be that the fat on a good Ribeye or Porterhouse Steak would just melt in your mouth. And that was the best part! Today you need a knife as sharp as a samurai sword to cut through it. .

[@naturalfinish]

Portillo's, then Johnnie's Beef, glad i could help

[@stevevenn1]

Uh no. portillos in same sentence. No.

[@jjh31]

Johnnie’s #1…hands down

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

Being from Philly originally I am familiar with the "Philly cheesesteak"! I've tried many versions of this sandwich all over the USA! In Philly there also is a "Italian roast beef" sandwich that is not so popular! The BEST version of this is at Nick's Roast Beef at 20th & Jack s on in south Philly!This is similar to this "Chicago-style roast beef" sandwich! I've been to Chicago many times over the last 50 years & I never ate this sandwich! I would like to try it because I love a juicy, savory sandwich with a hard roll! The jardiniere is a nice bonus!

[@ursusjyn]

Chicago Italian beef tastes better than a Philadelphia cheesesteak. You definitely need to try one. Or two.

[@pfury67]

Al's is the best, used to go there all the time.

[@michaelgiangiulio7090]

Portillo’s will hurt your eyes . Hurt your eyes looking for the beef !

[@larrysproul9424]

Check out Carm's down in Little Italy . They also have great ice .

[@melsmysticrealm3768]

We have an awesome Italian Beef/Chicago Dog stand with other options for meals here in Colorado and it's really good! If I'm in Chicago again I'll have to try one or two, three while I'm there, lol

[@adriangarcia6042]

Was going to say I have to try that AL’s until you said shredded beef and saw the sandwich. I like my Italian beef to have the beef sliced.

[@user-xc1wg5ln1n]

Al's beef on Taylor Street is the best. Ain't been there since 79 through 85 Blackhawks season when I went

[@NachoMamaNow]

Al's beef is not shredded but sliced paper thin. It's tender and incredibly flavorful. Their giardinere is hands down the best.

[@ThatPatriot]

Dukes, it used to be around 82nd and Harlem, now is Mokena is my fav, if I don’t feel like driving that far, Pops will do the job for sure

[@owendrought5573]

I remember seeing Johnny Italian beef by another KZbinr. His name is Mark Weins. At Johnny's the dip the whole sandwich in the juice a submersion.

[@markd4741]

Yeah, you can go anyway you like. Might depend on the bread, too much juice you can't even pick it up. I like some on there, but not drowned. LOL

[@LuckyLu19]

Those peppers tore Mark Weins up 😂😂😂

[@acemulligan7010]

All are good, Johnnies in Elmwood Park is the best, especially with Italian Ice.

[@mshelton5036]

Johnnie's Beef in Elmwood Park is the Best of the best. Have been to all of these places they are all great but Johnnie's is spiced better it's #1! I get it Juicy extra HOT but sweet is great also.

[@rogeroran2911]

Al’s or Mr Beef are the best.

[@CITYPREPPER016]

Jay's Beef on Narragansett and montrose excellent.

[@ursusjyn]

I haven't been to Jay's in a long time, but I remember that they had a great Italian beef, and they used to overstuff the sammich with the beef. I'm glad they're still around and will stop by next time I'm in town.

[@prollins6443]

Never had an italian beef sandwich, but the best Chicago dog is definitely from a food truck, over by the Shedd Aquarium!

[@AdamandMadalyn]

We’ve actually had this one and it’s pretty good

[@ursusjyn]

The best Chicago style dog is at Gene and Judes on River Rd. In River Grove. Open since 1946, they serve the Chicago-style dog with fresh french fries right on top! Just don't be stupid and ask for ketchup as they'll tell you to get some at McDonald's down the road, lol!

[@unkolawdio]

I'm comin to get one

[@MrCalverino]

I want to try one

[@dfjii]

Mr beefs great duck in as well as is portillos

[@KenSchott-tg5nt]

Teddy s hot dogs and beef,just the right amount of spices on the beef,Plainfield road and also Lamont road,hidden treasure

[@jimswatos5897]

Johnny’s is my favorite

[@justinlord2078]

Those are some GREAT first bites!

[@feedtherich11]

Johnnies is great .

[@dmor331]

Marco’s on Fullerton and Austin has 🔥 Italian beef!

[@johndale8614]

I still loveportillos but when they went corporate was the start of the skimping! Don't go nearly as much as I used to.

[@bigdchi]

Portillos continues to go downhill since they were bought by a greedy corporation.

[@LuckyLu19]

Micheals, Johnnies, Petes, Marcos, last but not least Albanos open face beef 👍🏾

[@feedtherich11]

Al’s is the best

[@chromaticvisionstudio5489]

You guys were right there by Johnny’s beef but didn’t stop at Jay's Beef of Harwood Heights which in my opinion is better. Plus in Elmwood park there this spot alpine food shop and they make one mean Italian sub.

[@JesusPerez-ue5we]

Novi's beef in berwyn on Ogden. 🔥🔥🔥

[@Bidenvoter]

I love Johnnies my favorite is Pop's on 127th just east of Harlem [Palos Heights]

[@deanfunk8448]

Best wet with sweet peppers!

[@mic1240]

Johnnie’s is tops (technically not the city, but near west suburbs…also home to best hot dogs and other foods of “the city”. In general, the farther away from the lake and tourist spots, the better. You were in/near Chicagos official Little Italy (near in Elmwood Park) since 1991 vs the former Liitle Italy on Taylor St.

[@furiousmojo1]

Johnnie's is the best. Hands down.

[@tereseelkins]

Best Italian beef is Buonea Beef, Luke's on Jackson downtown Chicago, I also like the croissant and cheese beef at Potillo's.

[@AdamandMadalyn]

We went to Luke's in our recent video kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6bTmpWnpNSmh9E

[@abedanielspictures]

Patio, 1503 Taylor St. Single best Beefs, Combo's, fries and Chicago dogs. Hands down. I used to live next to Al's on Taylor, ate plenty of stringy fries from Mr. Beef, Pops is good, Riccobene's sucks, Patio straight kills it!

[@markd4741]

Yeah, Patio was always good. Many places, and the ones you mention surely aren't like they were 40 or more years ago. Babas was one place we frequented. I heard rumor that the Patio is going to close?

[@frankshaw2057]

Novi's Beef in Berwyn is a great one. Best spiced gravy than all of those shown.

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Great suggestion will look into it!

[@DetroitSpartan]

Pop’s!

[@RWildekrav66]

Best Bang for your buck !

[@larryphelps66]

I live in Northwest Indiana (Hammond). I've had Al's, Portillo's, & Mr. Beef, and Mr. Beef is the better of the 3 I've had!

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Mr. Beef is classic and you can't beat the atmosphere!

[@maureencora1]

2023 Portillo's Has 2 Locations in TEXAS in North Dallas. Can't Wait When They Come to Houston.. I was Made in Chicago, IL. (southside)

[@petebourne7619]

Don't get your hopes up..they Italian beef fell off

[@maureencora1]

@@petebourne7619 Well Something is Better than Nothing. I Love Chicago Portillo's.

[@ascales30]

Arlington too! Very good and very small for the price....

[@maureencora1]

@@ascales30 I Had a Feelin' That was Gonna Happen When They Expanded. Out Side of Chicago.

[@ascales30]

@@maureencora1 Yeah, I believe one is opening in Mansfield not far from the Arlington location

[@bossmanjones5680]

Damenzios big beef sandwich

[@rochechitown]

Damenzos is the BEST 🔥🔥

[@RWildekrav66]

Pop’s #1 for Me . But they’re all good. Get out to the neighborhoods and the small deli’s and food stands instead of all the big name places . That’s where you find the great foods , beef , dogs , sausages take your pick .

[@kennygibbs9627]

Buona is coming to Rockford ,to compete against against Tom and Jerry's should be a good battle.

[@user-py7zw8vn3x]

Leonard ❤️

[@chrisvelez2749]

Scatchells on the west side.

[@rochechitown]

YASSSS Scatchells 🔥🔥🔥

[@preciousowusu7743]

Italian beef OMG.

[@myklallen7184]

So sad... I grew up off of CARM's beef's on Cicero & Lexington next to MAGIKISS which no longer exist and SCATCHELL's on Cicero & Cermak that still in existence but was not mentioned 😢

[@naturallynature1559]

If you had to compare only two being Al's or Johnnie's which one will it be? Just the flavor and taste of the beef not the peppers.

[@johntucker5994]

To each his own, but I think you are missing the boat not getting the Italian beef dipped.

[@cle-chi]

try JJ SAUSAGE on 87th in evergreen park. Those italian beefs are Chicagos best. Its close to western

[@dspiffy]

Roma's Beef on Cicero

[@meatrocket1]

Mr Beef on Orleans st. #1 Chicago Beef.

[@dentlein1904]

Where are the tomatoes on the hot dogs?

[@frankdixon4112]

It’s DIPPED, not wet!!!! Surprised you didn’t get a beef with water on it. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@paschadee918]

All the Italian Beefs look delicious but where are the poppy seeds on those Chicago hot dog buns?

[@markd4741]

No Poppy Seeads? F&ck, they have the Rosens Truck there every week delivering, and Rosens make such. Is Chris the owner that F-ing cheap?

[@mabt4223]

shredded italian roast beef is much better than sliced, uummm yum😮😊

[@williamwhitworth6110]

Freddie's on 31st union Bridgeport at one time had the best beef sandwich in chicago now not so much

[@Lazer3321]

Born and raised in Bridgeport!! Yes, Freddie's would get my vote for best beef sandwich in Chicago!! 13:06

[@spood87839]

Is the series 'The Bear' based on Mr. Beef? The place looks kinda similar.

[@31dktran]

Yes it is

[@stevewall1882]

Some of the scenes from The Bear were shot inside of Mr Beef. The Bear creator used to work at Mr Beef.

[@josephspinasanto6435]

Try Freddy’s in Cicero on 16 street Best food ever!

[@dalecarlson7294]

Johnny’s is the best beef in the area.

[@stevevenn1]

Other than the spelling, you're not wrong.

[@josephpanozzo4815]

I’d rather order sweet peppers. At least you get peppers. Giardenera includes carrots, celery, and olives along with a few peppers.

[@alexhusko]

Not usually chuck. It’s a leaner cut like top sirloin or top round.

[@TerrianahBrooks]

No green you're missing the green

[@TerrianahBrooks]

L you got McDonald's you almost

[@colddeadhands5167]

Lived River North/downtown for 7 years. If you go to Malnati's fir one of those nasty deep dish monstrosities.....try there beef. Best in town.....

[@corneliushaynes9510]

So who has the best deep dish , I was planning on going to magnates, can you expound more?

[@colddeadhands5167]

@corneliushaynes9510 we're not real deep dish fans. Malnati's is good but Uno or Pizzaria Due are up there as well. Both are in River North a couple blocks off Michigan

[@TheRange7]

Never heard of the Duck Inn

[@rochechitown]

You gotta come into the city & get the real! The BEST Italian beef I've had are: Damenzos 2324 W. Taylor Street Scatchells 4700 W. Cermak Al's all over Portillos all over croissant & cheddar Gioacchino's 5201 St. Charles Road Bellwood, IL Mr. Greek Gyros 234 S. Halsted Also don't sleep on The gym shoe sandwiches in Chicago too 🔥🔥🔥

[@bellamama331]

We now have Portillo’s in Texas

[@mattpeacock5208]

Where exactly? Texas is huge!!!!

[@bellamama331]

@@mattpeacock5208 Allen and The Colony

[@petebourne7619]

Yeah but they fell off bad

[@ascales30]

Now Arlington....