The Chicago sandwich joint that inspired "The Bear"

[@tonyramirez6700]

I’ve been eating at Mr. Beef since the Summer of 1988. At 7 years old, my dad parked his ‘77 Maverick in front of the restaurant, got our beefs, and I took my first bite sitting on the hood. It’s a food romance still going strong.

[@jamesloughlin2620]

Dude you just almost made me cry. That’s awesome. Also been up All night…so full of emotion

[@duanecowgill3651]

Food memories are simply the best!

[@CubsWin2012]

That's when I first had it too. Mr. Beef is legit, can't believe it's still there.

[@CitizenoftheWorld1]

I honestly thought he was a seasoned actor in The Bear. Dude is a natural, but it helps when you're naturally charming

[@nicholasgonzalez4482]

He did a great job in his cameo

[@johnbroadway4196]

I'm From Pittsburgh, and every workin blue collar city has these wonderful SAMITCH shops. Where People can chow down on tasty food. Now I got another place I GOTZ to try.

[@saber26ful]

Primanti Bros > Chicago Italian Beef

[@rgunzalezz]

Words cannot describe how good Chicago's Italian beef sandwich are.

[@jordanleach1747]

I was lost for words when I’ve tried Italian beef! It’s second to none!

[@kaiserdooder]

It’s a magical sandwich. It’s not even complicated….it’s just perfect.

[@Erich-sx3ye]

Heaven on a bun

[@charlesfinnegan7930]

@@jordanleach1747 I would argue the beef combo is even better.

[@juancervantes313]

It's literally a French dip 😂

[@angelo8424]

Watching from Atlanta, and drooling.

[@nolie9695]

He can actually be a funny quirky actor In big films. Can feel the energy 😂

[@carlosarboleda6778]

A lovely story, the fact that the man appreciates his father that much makes the story a beautiful tale.

[@dennismorris7573]

Very true.

[@Ockap1812]

Something rare and special to see nowadays. Now, the sons or daughters of their passing business parents would rather decline the quality and increase profits to unreasonable and unsustainable amounts.

[@toddsalkowski448]

Fantastic guy with incredible perspective. I was blessed to have my father until he was 89.

[@lisawest2864]

Lovely words about a beloved father. I feel the same about mine.

[@passtheawksshow]

His character was one of my favorite in season 3. Knowing this story now makes it even better. What a guy, good for him.

[@technum1]

It’s the type of dish you remember the 1st time you tried it and thank the person that bought it. For me it was my aunt from the north of Chicago to taylor street , Al’s beef. Icing on the cake was an Italian lemonade. Late 80s or early 90s memory .

[@mililaniman]

I want to eat a beef sandwich now. I enjoy watching The Bear very much.

[@trekuhl3966]

My mouth is now watering for an Italian Beef from Al’s #1 Beef in Chicago with Giardiniera of course.

[@hinthegroove9740]

I consider myself lucky to have enjoyed a few Italian Beef Sandwiches in the Windy City 😊

[@edmund6392]

I live next to Mr Beef. Good stuff.

[@luigiperrone8169]

There are beef stands all over the Chicagoland area…try Johnnies in Elmwood Park…and it’s been there a lot longer.

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

So many great beef sandwiches in Chicago. This one looks great!

[@basmatine]

First time I had an Italian Beef sandwich in Chicago I nearly lost my mind. It had all that juice soaking into the bun, all those peppers, man oh man! It was at a place called Ducks.

[@GTapelive]

Just watched the Bear 🐻 show. Really good show. My man Lip from Shameless did his thing. Great acting and cast all around

[@NicerChile]

And now hes back as a regular on the show!!! so deserved, make it more special knowing the actual owner works in his on tv shop too

[@EpicBeard815]

1:20 what a hero

[@shortyp1000]

Great story. I'm so happy for Mr. Beef. 😊

[@EdwardCarrillo-g6q]

Wishing you a lot of success brother and may your father be with the angels in heaven

[@johnhernandez3130]

Mr Beef is across the street from my office and it’s been amazing to see the lines of people stretching out the door lately. It was always popular but now, it’s almost impossible to get a reservation in their elegant dining room! 😅 Chicago is blessed to have the Italian Beef sandwich part of our gastronomic heritage. 😋

[@chucklos391]

That’s so awesome to hear it’s doing really well! Keep that SAMITCH alive!

[@dougtheviking6503]

Native Illinoian, Chicago beefs , hot dogs , polish sausage , iconic pizza . Hands down. The best

[@orlantheman]

No other city compares

[@TheAnswerWillleaveyou]

The saddest part is it's not that good anymore

[@mariocisneros911]

I've lived in Chicago 64 years and I never heard of this place ?? OH MY GOD ! I've been searching for a better Italian beef sandwich for years after " Johnny's Beef " got smaller and more $. Thank You for posting this .

[@michaelford5216]

I had the pleasure of working at River North car wash when I was a teenager. Right around the corner from Mr. Beef I used to go there all the time.

[@daveg9000]

Often imitated, never duplicated...

[@jonjt7411]

The media actually talking about something other than deep dish ? it a Christmas miracle !!!!

[@cardinal8268]

Mr Beef I s great. Try Johnnie's in Elmwood Park, Boana Beef is great too,

[@terrylucas630]

His dad was awesome errrrr and is still taking care of him even though he’s passed.

[@simmonslucas]

great video! love the show!

[@i_dont_live_here]

Mr. Beef!!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@PerogiXW]

"Hardcore Italian Beefeater" was my nickname in college

[@alanc7772]

I don't usually eat meat but I had a dream about this type of sandwich last night and then this video came up on my feed!

[@haroldremus]

.. what's the lottery numbers for tomorrow?

[@mermaidofaloha]

Such a heartwarming nostalgic story and sandwich. ❤️ How can I get a Mr. Beef sandwich sent to Kauai, Hawaii?

[@dennismorris7573]

Ditto for Guadalajara, Mexico!

[@hopetondelli]

I can arrange to personally deliver this to your locations in mexico and hawaii - only in february & direct from chicago as long as we can stay for awhile? need to get sun & warmth!

[@Bad.Pappy.Official]

Great story. God bless.

[@NN-bv9lq]

Buona was the first Italian beef I’ve ever tried, I know it’s not the best but that day I liked it so much I could’ve ate another. I’ll try this spot one day

[@tdomtib]

Tony's Italian Beef 70th and Pulaski Chicago's Southside Beef Spot! 👐 down the best since 1975

[@thesean3194]

Eaten at mr beef many times. It was always great.

[@Novilicious]

Find your closest Portillos and try that. It will get you in the Italian beef game till you find your favorite spot. But don’t forget the hot peppers 🫑 🌶️ it’s the best part

[@j.w.9407]

Mr. Beef is amazing.

[@shakeemwinn3647]

Had my first Italian beef a year ago. Pretty kool

[@jaklg7905]

THE best Italian beef in the Chicago area is Novi's in Berwyn. I was fortunate enough to spend 12 years living a few blocks away from it. Italian beef sandwiches are amazing. I don't understand why they are not everywhere in this Country.

[@dalethelander3781]

BER-wyn??????

[@jaklg7905]

@@dalethelander3781 Um, that is the name of the town.

[@dalethelander3781]

@@jaklg7905 That was a Svengoolie reference.

[@jaklg7905]

@@dalethelander3781 Ah, yes. I forgot about that. LOL

[@marryellenmonahan5585]

Ahhhh.❤😊

[@Wintersnowfall8]

This TV show has jacked up the prices

[@jodyharris9731]

The show is awesome

[@margieerwin5798]

I want one of those sandwiches, MR. BEEF.

[@jamesdaple9951]

I love those Italian beef ! Can’t get them in Miami 😢

[@WindyCityIllState]

Best Italian beef sandwich spots in Chicago, Mr beef, portillos, Al's,. But I also like my beef slightly dipped over regular dipped cause I don't like soggy bread. So that's a tip of anybody coming from ot

[@JamesGaoist]

That guy is such a character lolol.

[@edtierney6076]

I always have an Italian beef at least once a week 😋😋

[@KombatCityKingdom]

Wow just wow

[@ellenchavez2043]

Al's #1 Italian Beef on Roosevelt Road in what used to be Little Italy is really the best. Next in line at #1.5 is Jimmy's Italian Beef in Elmwood Park. Anthony Bourdain ate there on his "Layover" series. He said Jimmy's ruined him for beef sandwiches forever. And it's true.

[@gordon4385]

Johnnie's. Jimmys is hot dogs.

[@edzeppelin]

@ 1:37- FYI: The sandwich doesn't "get peppers". What is shown is the essential GIARDINIERE, which makes a true and correct Chicago Italian Beef (or combo) sandwich. No giardiniere? Not a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich, period. WHy does no one else notice this?...

[@mmmbbq]

No. Some people just like sweet peppers. Nothing wrong with that. I always put both on.

[@Jude74]

Yes

[@hopetondelli]

juicy/wet/soaked and it must be a COMBO -beef & sausage -sweet peppers AND raw onion - YES! save the giardinere for a pizza

[@charlesfinnegan7930]

In the same manner, cheese makes it NOT an italian beef as well.

[@millsykooksy4863]

I so want to go to Chicago

[@Mike_Greentea]

I hope you like crazy drivers 😅

[@zenbear4149]

Lived in Chicago for 10 years, ate plenty of beef sandwiches, never heard of this place. Or the TV show.

[@OmarAlohaDude]

Really 👍 well done

[@Danny-fs1hk]

I should’ve become a cardiologist and put an office next door to this restaurant 😂

[@Susan-op9pg]

Thank God we have two portillos here in the Tampa Bay area 😮

[@jetset4me1]

I never have a beef with Mr. Beef. LOL.❤

[@senorpimps4678]

After watching the owner speak about his fathers restaurant I want to go next few months.

[@Hope-w5l]

Time change, people change, people smarter than past generations. Same thing with foods.

[@thatonechicagogirl92]

I live a block away from the Mr. Beef they film at. I ordered a burger and fries from them. The fries were decent but the burger was cold on the bottom. I wish I had had a better experience.

[@KK-pm7ud]

Why wouldn't you order the Italian Beef?

[@maureencora1]

2024 If I Would Called the Series "The Hawk" For Why Chicago Calls the Winter.

[@empmagiccamera2591]

That is so easily recreated. Its basically a Roast Philly.

[@joejonas3684]

Philly doesn’t have giardinera. That what makes a Chicago Italian Beef

[@Musso8771]

Its incredible that in only 30 years, he was able to formulate the method of flinging the beef into the roll and then dunking it. Wow.

[@edwinrodeo]

Rocket science …

[@TheAnswerWillleaveyou]

The saddest part being isn't good anymore. Miss old school vienna beef

[@dalethelander3781]

Isn't Scala's also acceptable?

[@arslanmalik151]

The show is good. But I do have one problem with the show. Why did hulu drop all the episodes at once. I rather have it drop every week to get some huge excitement

[@slumone6458]

O my gawd I wants

[@brianschwartz7351]

Al’s beef much better, the original on Taylor street.

[@Hollergirlohio]

I miss Chicago's beef. When I ask for baptized here in Pittsburgh they think I'm crazy.

[@chanchomma]

He’s hilarious. Steals the spotlight in every scene is in. He needs to get more roles

[@jimwong2823]

I live 1 block away. Blower 😊😊 average Italian beef

[@H-Vox]

Delicious

[@MRFISHPIG27]

Chi chi’s running the shop cousin

[@RubinBarber]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEE YUMMY

[@hopetondelli5146]

ima tell use guys - gotsa gets a COMBO - italian sausage on topa da beef samich (juicy/wet/soaked/drippin) wit SWEET peppers and raw sweet onion - put dat giardinera ona side as an amuse bouche it kills da taste a da sammi

[@davisrodricks]

🍿🤯🥤

[@FO1692]

It’s called giardiniera not “peppers”

[@joejonas3684]

Technically if we’re talking sweet peppers she’s correct which is a completely separate topping from giardinera that also goes on a beef with the giardinera

[@TheRasta4ri]

Chicago newyork New Jersey Philadelphia food like to literally lie die cry for

[@hostilesamurai]

The beef > the bear

[@tomthalon8956]

I'd read that The Bear was created and inspired by Duracell D batteries.

[@Pahakyy]

You didn't get it and got the premise oppositely wrong. Embarrassing.

[@mikeywestside8509]

I dare you to find a better sandwich

[@AMPProf]

WHERES YOUR DOC...

[@ewalsh12]

dude loves his coke

[@dennismcguirl1546]

The best sandwich anywhere

[@bolexmadnessbygilbertsolor6953]

Da Beef

[@Goldenarmnumber1]

Italian Beef > Philly Cheese Steak

[@Jray181818]

YO COUSIN!

[@jw9396]

lol what a disrespectful way to say he died like the Sunday morning, people were saying, how can we make more suspenseful lol

[@justpassingthrough9973]

How many cliches can a reporter cram into a story?

[@kwh1183]

That’s the formula for the news when they do a happy story haha

[@raphaelbennett2169]

So they replaced the black man that's been working there for 30 years and replaced him on the show with a young black woman. Instead of showing a strong alpha black man making the sandwiches. Got it.

[@notgonnahappen7899]

Al's Beef > Mr Beef

[@juancervantes313]

I still have no idea how this inspired the show because the show is not about a damn beef sandwich 🤬

[@amandahollins4103]

I do not like the wax paper you can taste it in your food

[@ericcarson4513]

2:53 Yea, thanks a lot "Operation Warp Speed."

[@kwh1183]

Another one “suddenly”

[@matthewscopelite5303]

3 beef's and 1 defibrillator please

[@rockhero2274]

What?! No cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger?