Italian Beef Near South Shore Cultural Center
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Where to Chomp on Italian Beef Sandwiches in Chicago
The very best in juicy roast beef with hot peppers
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Italian beef is undoubtedly one of the most cherished of Chicago's signature foods. Topped with hot giardiniera or sweet peppers, the sandwich is wholly unique to this great city, and there's fierce debate over who does it the best. Because there are numerous delicious options all around town, it's impossible to choose just one. Instead, here are 20 messy favorites that are all worth trying, from the traditional to the cheffed-up to a few with international flair.
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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.
1102 E Irving Park Rd
Streamwood, IL 60107
Visit this hot dog stand in Streamwood for a host of delicious greasy delights. The tender housemade beef arrives thinly sliced and covered in a flavorful gravy that's full of dried herbs. There's also a cheesy beef variant and a mini beef for folks who want to pair the sandwich with an excellent Vienna Beef Depression Dog. Online ordering is available here.
- Open in Google Maps
4418 N Narragansett Ave
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
What sets Harwood Heights favorite Jay's apart from the competition is its quality accoutrements. The sweet peppers sing, the hot peppers are a pleasant mix of celery and jalapeños, and cheeseheads can add provolone or American cheese.
- Open in Google Maps
8258 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60634
Though Bob-O's originally started off as a hot dog stand, Italian beef is now arguably the main attraction. Beef connoisseurs would do well to head to Dunning for a top-notch sandwich featuring meat made in-house. It's seasoned, sliced, and cooked daily and should be coupled with an order of the impeccable hand-cut fries. Order online here.
- Open in Google Maps
3917 N Harlem Ave
Chicago, IL 60634
The Mr. Beef name carries a lot of expectations. Fortunately, this Northwest Side eatery, which is unaffiliated with the locations in River North and Homer Glen, lives up to that legacy. Cheese isn't a usual Italian beef topping but diners can get their sandwiches with mozzarella, American, or cheddar here. A nice mix of herbs and spices season the meat while the giardiniera is flecked with red pepper flakes for extra oomph. Order ahead online. A second outpost is located in Forest Park.
- Open in Google Maps
352 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
A new Lincoln Park deli and market debuted earlier this year, offering prepared foods, grab-and-go items, dips and spreads, and more. Owner Mitchell Abou Jamra, who also runs All Too Well's neighboring restaurant Evette's, pays tribute to his family and upbringing through a lineup of delectable sandwiches. The "Sheffield & Westwood" (named after streets Abou Jamra and his grandparents have lived on) is a Lebanese-influenced Italian beef that gets elevated with sumac giardiniera and crumbled pieces of ground beef kafta. It's dipped in jus to finish. Online ordering is available here.
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1547 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
The Italian beef meets Southeast Asian flavors at noodle shop and convenience store Phodega. Owners Nathan Hoops and Anthony Ngo have come up with a variety of fun bites, and among them is a Viet dip consisting of shaved rib eye, cilantro, onions, and jalapenos on French bread. It's also served with a side of pho jus for dipping so beef lovers who like their sandwiches wet need not worry. Online orders can be placed here.
- Open in Google Maps
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6454 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60707
Located about a mile and a half from beef goliath Johnnie's, this Italian grocer often gets overlooked in the discussion of best sandwiches. The meat is mildly seasoned, but the extra hot cauliflower-sport pepper giardiniera helps balance the flavors out. For those who'd rather make their sandwiches at home, Serrelli's sells its beef in large buckets that are packed to the brim.
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7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park
IL, 60707
There will never be an agreement on the best Italian beef in Chicago but Johnnie's is the closest to a consensus. Its sandwich is considered by many to be the shining standard others strive for — a perfect balance of sweet or hot peppers and well-seasoned beef that soaks up all the jus. The line often snakes out the door and it's easy to understand why. This is an iconic bite that every Chicagoan and tourist should experience. There's a second location in Arlington Heights.
- Open in Google Maps
1001 N Winchester Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
From stunning Instagram-friendly pastries to traditional Filipino dishes featuring modern twists, there's tons to love about Kasama — one of the country's best new restaurants. Chef-owner Tim Flores even manages to put his own spin on Chicago's revered Italian beef with a "Kasama Combo" sandwich that layers shaved pork adobo with longganisa sausage and giardiniera. It's an ingenious riff that's every bit as good as the original, if not better. Online ordering is available here.
- Open in Google Maps
666 N Orleans St
Chicago, IL 60654
There are dining options aplenty in River North but few are as satisfying as this old-school spot. The nostalgia-laden space — complete with celebrity photos lining the walls — stands in stark contrast to the rest of the neighborhood, while the beef sits in a jus bath to enhance the flavor before being loaded onto a crusty roll that's able to hold up to the juices.
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- Open in Google Maps
100 W Ontario St, Chicago
IL, 60654
It's true: Homegrown restaurant empire Portillo's offers a dependable sandwich that manages to hold its own against the city's dedicated Italian beef purveyors. The menu also features non-traditional choices like a "Beef-N-Cheddar Croissant" and a breadless "Beef Bowl," as well as a "Big Beef" for the largest appetites. And because there are dozens of locations across Chicagoland, residents are never too far away from a quality Italian beef. Place online orders here.
- Open in Google Maps
1120 W Grand Ave, Chicago
IL, 60642
The beloved Italian deli and grocer in West Town is renowned for its selection of subs, but don't miss the Italian beef. The meat is tender, juicy, thick-cut, and served on a roll that stands up to its beefiness. Get it with the extremely hot house giardiniera for a kick that'll humble even the most seasoned spice fanatics. Place online orders here.
- Open in Google Maps
1079 W Taylor St, Chicago
IL, 60607
The purported origins of the Italian beef sandwich can be traced back to this Taylor Street stand in Little Italy. That's where Al Ferrari and his sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Chris Pacelli Sr., set up shop in 1938 and started popularizing what would become one of the city's iconic foods. Today, the original location is still in business and the beef remains unchanged — marinated in secret spices and dipped in gravy. So stop in, assume the proper upright eating stance, and savor a bit of Chicago history. Online ordering is available here.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62543297/als_beef.15.png)
- Open in Google Maps
1600 S 61st Ave
Cicero, IL 60804
Freddy's showcases the power of giardiniera. The mix of carrots, celery, olives, and sport peppers perfectly complements the beef served at this mom-and-pop grocer and deli, which has been operating in Cicero since 1968.
- Open in Google Maps
4700 W Cermak Rd
Cicero, IL 60804
The eye-catching signs and bright lights outside this longstanding shack beckon passersby in for a messy-yet-glorious Italian beef sandwich. It boasts finely-shaved meat, fantastic gravy, and crunchy giardiniera that's made with celery and red pepper flakes.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63338850/scatchell_s.0.png)
- Open in Google Maps
2701 S Eleanor St
Chicago, IL 60608
As its name suggests, duck headlines the menu at this cozy retro-themed gastro-tavern. But chef-owner Kevin Hickey also delivers mouthwatering Midwestern comfort fare, including a "Decent Beef" sandwich. His take on the Chicago classic features thinly sliced prime rib and beefy jus flavored with Calabrian chilies, garlic, oregano, basil, and rosemary. The beef is tucked inside a crusty Italian sub roll and topped with optional accompaniments like giardiniera, sweet peppers, and melted cheese. Diners can also dial up the decadence by adding black truffle shavings. Online ordering is available here.
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6746 Ogden Ave
Berwyn, IL 60402
Established in the '60s, Novi's is an institution out in southwest suburban Berwyn. The thick-cut beef marinates in gravy laced with 15 different spices and the hot giardiniera, a reddish blend of celery and chili oil, bursts with heat and is a must for spicy food lovers. The restaurant offers catering packages and ships its sandwiches too. Online ordering is available here.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70594458/novi_s_beef.0.jpg)
- Open in Google Maps
7007 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago
IL, 60629
South Siders swear by Tony's, where the thick-sliced beef pleases and the unique giardiniera contains garbanzo beans. Traditionalists will be happy with the standard beef sandwich but for an unbeatable combo, order it alongside Italian sausage. The restaurant also sells beef by the pound in party trays.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62543317/tony_s.12.jpg)
- Open in Google Maps
10337 S Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60655
The jus is the star of the show at suburban chain Pop's. The meat isn't melt-in-your-mouth tender, but it provides a pleasurable jaw workout. Order online here.
- Open in Google Maps
11925 S 80th Ave
Palos Park, IL 60464
Over in Palos Park, this Italian market sells more than just groceries. The deli offers an exceptional sandwich; instead of soaking in juices, the roast beef is sliced to order and quickly dunked in gravy ahead of meeting the bread. It's taken to even greater heights with the addition of zippy giardiniera and sweet green peppers.
- Open in Google Maps
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1. The Original Nana's Hot Dogs
Visit this hot dog stand in Streamwood for a host of delicious greasy delights. The tender housemade beef arrives thinly sliced and covered in a flavorful gravy that's full of dried herbs. There's also a cheesy beef variant and a mini beef for folks who want to pair the sandwich with an excellent Vienna Beef Depression Dog. Online ordering is available here.
1102 E Irving Park Rd
Streamwood, IL 60107
- Open in Google Maps
2. Jay's Beef
What sets Harwood Heights favorite Jay's apart from the competition is its quality accoutrements. The sweet peppers sing, the hot peppers are a pleasant mix of celery and jalapeños, and cheeseheads can add provolone or American cheese.
4418 N Narragansett Ave
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
- Open in Google Maps
3. Bob-O's Hot Dogs
Though Bob-O's originally started off as a hot dog stand, Italian beef is now arguably the main attraction. Beef connoisseurs would do well to head to Dunning for a top-notch sandwich featuring meat made in-house. It's seasoned, sliced, and cooked daily and should be coupled with an order of the impeccable hand-cut fries. Order online here.
8258 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60634
- Open in Google Maps
4. Mr. Beef and Pizza
The Mr. Beef name carries a lot of expectations. Fortunately, this Northwest Side eatery, which is unaffiliated with the locations in River North and Homer Glen, lives up to that legacy. Cheese isn't a usual Italian beef topping but diners can get their sandwiches with mozzarella, American, or cheddar here. A nice mix of herbs and spices season the meat while the giardiniera is flecked with red pepper flakes for extra oomph. Order ahead online. A second outpost is located in Forest Park.
3917 N Harlem Ave
Chicago, IL 60634
- Open in Google Maps
5. All Too Well
A new Lincoln Park deli and market debuted earlier this year, offering prepared foods, grab-and-go items, dips and spreads, and more. Owner Mitchell Abou Jamra, who also runs All Too Well's neighboring restaurant Evette's, pays tribute to his family and upbringing through a lineup of delectable sandwiches. The "Sheffield & Westwood" (named after streets Abou Jamra and his grandparents have lived on) is a Lebanese-influenced Italian beef that gets elevated with sumac giardiniera and crumbled pieces of ground beef kafta. It's dipped in jus to finish. Online ordering is available here.
352 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
- Open in Google Maps
6. Phodega
The Italian beef meets Southeast Asian flavors at noodle shop and convenience store Phodega. Owners Nathan Hoops and Anthony Ngo have come up with a variety of fun bites, and among them is a Viet dip consisting of shaved rib eye, cilantro, onions, and jalapenos on French bread. It's also served with a side of pho jus for dipping so beef lovers who like their sandwiches wet need not worry. Online orders can be placed here.
1547 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
- Open in Google Maps
7. Serrelli's Finer Foods
Located about a mile and a half from beef goliath Johnnie's, this Italian grocer often gets overlooked in the discussion of best sandwiches. The meat is mildly seasoned, but the extra hot cauliflower-sport pepper giardiniera helps balance the flavors out. For those who'd rather make their sandwiches at home, Serrelli's sells its beef in large buckets that are packed to the brim.
6454 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60707
- Open in Google Maps
8. Johnnie's Beef
There will never be an agreement on the best Italian beef in Chicago but Johnnie's is the closest to a consensus. Its sandwich is considered by many to be the shining standard others strive for — a perfect balance of sweet or hot peppers and well-seasoned beef that soaks up all the jus. The line often snakes out the door and it's easy to understand why. This is an iconic bite that every Chicagoan and tourist should experience. There's a second location in Arlington Heights.
7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park
IL, 60707
- Open in Google Maps
9. Kasama
From stunning Instagram-friendly pastries to traditional Filipino dishes featuring modern twists, there's tons to love about Kasama — one of the country's best new restaurants. Chef-owner Tim Flores even manages to put his own spin on Chicago's revered Italian beef with a "Kasama Combo" sandwich that layers shaved pork adobo with longganisa sausage and giardiniera. It's an ingenious riff that's every bit as good as the original, if not better. Online ordering is available here.
1001 N Winchester Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
- Open in Google Maps
10. Mr. Beef on Orleans
There are dining options aplenty in River North but few are as satisfying as this old-school spot. The nostalgia-laden space — complete with celebrity photos lining the walls — stands in stark contrast to the rest of the neighborhood, while the beef sits in a jus bath to enhance the flavor before being loaded onto a crusty roll that's able to hold up to the juices.
666 N Orleans St
Chicago, IL 60654
- Open in Google Maps
11. Portillo's
It's true: Homegrown restaurant empire Portillo's offers a dependable sandwich that manages to hold its own against the city's dedicated Italian beef purveyors. The menu also features non-traditional choices like a "Beef-N-Cheddar Croissant" and a breadless "Beef Bowl," as well as a "Big Beef" for the largest appetites. And because there are dozens of locations across Chicagoland, residents are never too far away from a quality Italian beef. Place online orders here.
100 W Ontario St, Chicago
IL, 60654
- Open in Google Maps
12. Bari
The beloved Italian deli and grocer in West Town is renowned for its selection of subs, but don't miss the Italian beef. The meat is tender, juicy, thick-cut, and served on a roll that stands up to its beefiness. Get it with the extremely hot house giardiniera for a kick that'll humble even the most seasoned spice fanatics. Place online orders here.
1120 W Grand Ave, Chicago
IL, 60642
- Open in Google Maps
13. Al's Italian Beef
The purported origins of the Italian beef sandwich can be traced back to this Taylor Street stand in Little Italy. That's where Al Ferrari and his sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Chris Pacelli Sr., set up shop in 1938 and started popularizing what would become one of the city's iconic foods. Today, the original location is still in business and the beef remains unchanged — marinated in secret spices and dipped in gravy. So stop in, assume the proper upright eating stance, and savor a bit of Chicago history. Online ordering is available here.
1079 W Taylor St, Chicago
IL, 60607
- Open in Google Maps
14. Freddy's Pizza
Freddy's showcases the power of giardiniera. The mix of carrots, celery, olives, and sport peppers perfectly complements the beef served at this mom-and-pop grocer and deli, which has been operating in Cicero since 1968.
1600 S 61st Ave
Cicero, IL 60804
- Open in Google Maps
15. Scatchell's Beef & Pizza
The eye-catching signs and bright lights outside this longstanding shack beckon passersby in for a messy-yet-glorious Italian beef sandwich. It boasts finely-shaved meat, fantastic gravy, and crunchy giardiniera that's made with celery and red pepper flakes.
4700 W Cermak Rd
Cicero, IL 60804
- Open in Google Maps
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16. The Duck Inn
As its name suggests, duck headlines the menu at this cozy retro-themed gastro-tavern. But chef-owner Kevin Hickey also delivers mouthwatering Midwestern comfort fare, including a "Decent Beef" sandwich. His take on the Chicago classic features thinly sliced prime rib and beefy jus flavored with Calabrian chilies, garlic, oregano, basil, and rosemary. The beef is tucked inside a crusty Italian sub roll and topped with optional accompaniments like giardiniera, sweet peppers, and melted cheese. Diners can also dial up the decadence by adding black truffle shavings. Online ordering is available here.
2701 S Eleanor St
Chicago, IL 60608
- Open in Google Maps
- OpenTable
- Foursquare
17. Novi's Beef
Established in the '60s, Novi's is an institution out in southwest suburban Berwyn. The thick-cut beef marinates in gravy laced with 15 different spices and the hot giardiniera, a reddish blend of celery and chili oil, bursts with heat and is a must for spicy food lovers. The restaurant offers catering packages and ships its sandwiches too. Online ordering is available here.
6746 Ogden Ave
Berwyn, IL 60402
- Open in Google Maps
18. Tony's Italian Beef
South Siders swear by Tony's, where the thick-sliced beef pleases and the unique giardiniera contains garbanzo beans. Traditionalists will be happy with the standard beef sandwich but for an unbeatable combo, order it alongside Italian sausage. The restaurant also sells beef by the pound in party trays.
7007 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago
IL, 60629
- Open in Google Maps
19. Pop's Italian Beef & Sausage
The jus is the star of the show at suburban chain Pop's. The meat isn't melt-in-your-mouth tender, but it provides a pleasurable jaw workout. Order online here.
10337 S Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60655
- Open in Google Maps
20. Frangella Italian Market
Over in Palos Park, this Italian market sells more than just groceries. The deli offers an exceptional sandwich; instead of soaking in juices, the roast beef is sliced to order and quickly dunked in gravy ahead of meeting the bread. It's taken to even greater heights with the addition of zippy giardiniera and sweet green peppers.
11925 S 80th Ave
Palos Park, IL 60464
- Open in Google Maps
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Source: https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-italian-beef-sandwiches-chicago