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

[@soxbearshwks8988]

growing up in Elmwood Park 50s-60s we always went to Johnnies for beef, and being Catholic, back then we couldn't eat meat on Fridays, that's why Johnnies offered a pepper and egg sandwich on Fridays....this video brings back great memories for me....

[@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.

[@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 spot anymore.

[@Jkopala1954]

You are unknowledgeable period nobody uses chuck roast for italian beef, nobody.

[@mariocisneros911]

I use to praise there, but experienced theyve gotten smaller and more $.

[@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

[@TopoGigio555]

I really miss Chicago and especially the authentic Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago style hot dogs!

[@maureencora1]

2024 Portillo's Will Have 88 Locations in the Midwest, California, Arizona, Florida & TEXAS. How About a Road Trip?

[@soxbearshwks8988]

@@maureencora1 retired in Az. now, got to Portillos in Tempe quite often...

[@maureencora1]

@@soxbearshwks8988 Touche' (smile)

[@fredmoore447]

Mr. Beef and Portillo`s are my Favorites for Italian Beef !

[@soxbearshwks8988]

i'm retired in Az. and i go to Portillo's in Tempe quite often...

[@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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@gregwixted]

@@mikehup2383100%

[@LarryBurns96]

I’m from outside Philadelphia, so cheese steak and hoagie guy through and through. Work had me driving a box truck to Wisconsin. I made it a priority to stop at Johnnie’s as I drove into Chicago. Didn’t even think about parking, but was lucky enough to grab a spot that fit my truck. I remember getting a Beef, wet, with hot peppers and giardiniera. A hot dog, fries, a sausage, and lemon ice. Everything was spectacular. So,being used to cheese steak, I was curious as to how the beef would hold up to expectation. It was very good, but to me (not saying this is wrong) but Chicago Beef reminds me of a wet, pot roast sandwich. Again, not wrong, just how my tastebuds understood it. 3:09

[@L7cky11]

Yes sir

[@bigsarge8795]

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

[@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

[@DranksandGrub]

Going to try them out and do a review on my channel. I've heard Pepinos was good but never tried.

[@Estenberg]

When I lived in Los Angeles, I few my family to my hometown of Chicago just so that my 5 year old daughter could try Chicago Italian Beef and Deep Dish Pizza.

[@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

[@NipItInTheBud100]

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

[@dionisioramirez6706]

You are right. Even though I go there once in a while, I consider it more of a McDonald’s kind of restaurant for beefs, dogs and burgers.

[@Chicagohitman000]

jays beef is da best. they roast in house just like johnnys. forgetaboutit !!!

[@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.

[@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 😂😂😂

[@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.

[@Seemely-3520]

@@CITYPREPPER016 I'll go try that location soon

[@ThePhildarealdeal]

Johnnie’s combo with Italian ice gardinera on the side to my liking,that’s my go to meal,I’m lucky I live 5 minutes away

[@markengel4254]

Moved away from Chicago 7 years ago, I would kill for any of them! I’m going back and visiting all of them 👍😁

[@meatrocket1]

Mr Beef on Orleans St. is Chicago's best beef! I've been eating beef's from there since they opened up. Boston's was also great for beef's but they since closed down.

[@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.

[@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...

[@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 🔥🔥🔥

[@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...)!

[@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.

[@JeffBurmeister]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@davidyoungsr753]

Fly on over and get 1. If you like Italian sausage get the combo. Stay away from commercial joint. Hit local neighborhood spots.

[@pfury67]

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

[@wcjames1189]

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

[@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!!!

[@feedtherich11]

MR beef is great

[@jacmaxt2]

Mr Beef in Homer Glen

[@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)

[@peternorton7665]

4:30 “ its weird when there’s 2 hot dogs on the bun” 😂😂😂😂😂

[@michaelgiangiulio7090]

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

[@ursusjyn]

@@michaelgiangiulio7090 You nailed it, LOL!

[@QuinadaKay]

Yeah when I first went to Protillos about 8 yrs ago they was the bomb But now they make they Italian beef to fast and always missing out on my topping every Damm time 😢😢

[@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.

[@MrJimbo-ew9vk]

I'm from Los Angeles. The types of restaurants we have in L.A. I would think that I would also see in Chicago - being that both Los Angeles and Chicago are two major metropolitan areas. However, what Los Angeles doesn't seem to have that Chicago has are Italian beef sandwiches. I would like to try a Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich one of these days, because they seem delicious.

[@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!

[@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. .

[@Tneedmoney]

Best sandwich on earth

[@ShowMeAnAdventure]

Wow 😯 looks fabulous 🤤🤤🤤

[@baruchbenyaakov]

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

[@PH28538]

MR. BEEF ! ❤ is the Best

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@cathymartinez6804]

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

[@JesusPerez-ue5we]

Novi's beef in berwyn on Ogden. 🔥🔥🔥

[@billbrochocki296]

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

[@annearly3200]

AL'S too expensive compared to others

[@josemercado4702]

Al's beef is way too grease compared to Johnnie's. Johnnie's has the perfect blend and also cheaper in price.

[@larrysproul9424]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@poko247]

Great mix of Heaven! Nice Job!

[@amandahollins4103]

Yes love this

[@hopetondelli5146]

best way = get a combo (sausage & beef) dipped/soaked/wet/dripping - heavily juiced - add sweet peppers (and raw onion if you're me) then get the jardiniere on the side - now thats a sammich

[@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.

[@bigdaddymojo2005]

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

[@Burkerules]

Al's is str8 trash!

[@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.

[@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

[@markanderson8677]

Portillo's rocks!

[@robertortega385]

I remember growing up on the north side of Chicago and having those 11 cents gravy sandwiches when I was in the 7th grade on the corner of Chicago avenue and western back in the early 70's They would give you the Italian beef bread dipped in the beef gravy that was a great meal for less than a quarter and you had money left over for a donut up the street on Chicago avenue those were the days in my home town Chicago

[@pinacolaaadas]

Frannie's, Al's, Bombacigno's (closed), Chickies, Lukes, the old Roma's before the owner sold it, and Pop's in Lyon's, have been my favorite beefs. The mainstays like Johnnies are good, but I am always looking to add to the repertoire.

[@RobAttridge]

Can’t beat Johnnie’s I used to get great Italian sausage just north of there on Harlem at a Italian butcher

[@YeTi2055]

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

[@deanfunk8448]

Best wet with sweet peppers!

[@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

[@marklawrence76]

New Subscriber and Chicago is in the building

[@frankjohnson150]

Okay going back to Chicago for the first time in almost 30 years, and am pissed to find out The Bear is filmed at Mr. Beef. Looks like it’s time to try Johnnie’s. I’ll take the train, but it’ll be worth it

[@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

[@furiousmojo1]

Johnnie's is the best. Hands down.

[@rogeroran2911]

Al’s or Mr Beef are the best.

[@dionisioramirez6706]

Teddys in Darien is my favorite.

[@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?

[@mabt4223]

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

[@kennygibbs9627]

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

[@RockyHerk]

Bouna is gonna win

[@RockyHerk]

I used to deliver to Mr Beef in the 1980’s

[@MaryannChristopher-ro7to]

I like Al"s Beef

[@AdamandMadalyn]

👏🏼

[@bigdaddymojo2005]

BOMB!!!!

[@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.

[@frankspranze]

Roma's Beef on Cicero and Montrose, Jays Beef on Narragansett in Howard Heights, Frannie's Beef River Rd Schiller Park, Chickie's Beef on Roosevelt in Hillside, Johnnie's and of course Al's. Take the tour then you decide, you might be surprised.

[@timothybrown14]

youz guys are good...new subscriber here, I like youz an' I don't like lots of dem other ones...

[@johntucker5994]

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

[@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.

[@acemulligan7010]

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

[@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 😢

[@davidyoungsr753]

Fellow west sider.

[@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

[@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?

[@RyanMartin-wg7gm]

Right on you guys thanks alot 😂

[@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!

[@alexlindsey1169]

Johnnie's but you gotta get a combo sweet/hot. Only way to go.

[@melitamedina2924]

That sub look so good

[@michaelcollins8316]

Let me first say that I love Al’s Beef from the original location but some of the franchises don’t keep up with quality. I had one open less than a mile from me and the guys running it were from Taylor street. So for about 3 months I was a regular at least once a week but when the franchise owners took over on their own it was bad, so bad that it was closed in six months. So location does matter.

[@barbarafriedkin5093]

Portillo's in Arizona uses a kit and it has MSG in it

[@kurwa66]

I'm sorry but everyone reviews the same places in Chicago. I think some of the best places for a beef sandwich are on the north side of Chicago. Portillos is hot or miss depending on location and who makes your sandwich. Johnis beefs are getting smaller and smaller and less beef. Just my opinion.

[@darrellb6583]

What's the best place to get one?

[@kurwa66]

@@darrellb6583 try Jay's beefs on Montrose and Narragansett in Chicago. Also there's dukes at the corner of central and Elston in Chicago.

[@whitesox452]

@@kurwa66 jays beef doesn't even put hot giardiniera on their beefs, its more just jalapenos, doesn't even compare to johnnies

[@RWildekrav66]

Pop’s

[@kurwa66]

I care more about the beef and the size of the sandwich then the peppers. Can't stomach hot peppers.

[@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!

[@ronnieprettyman4818]

I think you guys need to incorporate some. Sharp provolone. On these sandwiches. They look delicious. Jay south Philly we don’t dunk are beef sandwiches To be wet though

[@LuckyLu19]

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

[@jimswatos5897]

Johnny’s is my favorite

[@dmor331]

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