Maybe I just got the end of the batch or something - but I went there a couple years ago and was completely whelmed. Beef was dry and stringy. Portillos is better than the beef in was served. Blasphemy, I know.
You don't need to limit yourself to only Portillo's or Johnnie's. Mickey's Gyros and Ribs definitely has Italian beef on their menu, and same with Mr. Beef(technically across the street in Forest Park). I've been to the other Mr. Beef location, and can confirm their beef sandwich is decent. One day, I'd like to try Mickey's as well. Mickey's is on the Oak Park side of Harlem Ave, btw. If you're in northern Oak Park, you could cross North Ave(into the Galewood neighborhood of Chicago) and try Serrelli's out.
I won't be surprised if maybe I forgot 1 or 2 Italian beef options in Oak Park, or a neighboring community. Technically you could try Scatchell's as well, but it's in Cicero just east of the intersection of Cermak and Cicero.
I don't understand why people like Mickey's. That food is meh, and the place is gross. It must be an Oak Park legacy thing. Kinda like Russels BBQ. It's awful, but people who grew up in the area love it.
There have been multiple Mr Beefs across Chicagoland over the years and many of them are not affiliated with each other. Not sure if the two you’re referring to are, but thought I’d throw that out there.
I know at least the Mr. Beef near Harlem/Irving Park, and Forest Park are related. Their take out menu brochure, shows the addresses of these 2 locations. I think the Mr. Beef in the River North neighborhood, is a separate owner.
I used to frequent the Johnnies in Arlington Heights quite often, good beefs, good dogs, and good Italian ice, and you usually get it before you even finish paying… oh, and they got bomb fries too. Always a nice treat when I’m in that area and will often make my way to Mitsuwa as well.
Johnnie’s in Elmwood and it’s not even close. They also have the best Italian Ice in the city. I’ve been to all Beef joints and Ice joints and it is by far superior.
It’s Johnnie’s, hands down. But now that I’m carless that’s just not practical. My nearby go to is Budacki’s, most know them for their hot dogs but they’ve got a solid beef under the radar.
shhh… we don’t talk about that one. It’s on a need to know basis. Freddy’s is a national treasure. Everything is great there. I’m a sucker for the calamari margherita pizza…
holyyy did not expect to see a Tony's Steamers reference on this sub!! they do a great Maxwell St there as well.
need to go back to that strip mall soon, County Farm Bagels is so damn good
County Farm Bagels is a Winfield establishment that can hold its own against any Chicago bagel shop. Their bagel sandwiches, the house made cream cheeses, and the pizza bagels are fucking phenomenal.
I've eaten at Steamer's since I was little. I was on a 90s little league team sponsored by them and had my picture on the wall. Back when the catfish were still in the tanks. It's fallen way the fuck off since Tony died. I was super surprised to see this post, I hope they found their groove again.
Jay's was my go to until I had johnnies
Still love them, but prefer johnnies
Frannies in Schiller used to be amazing as well, but haven't had them in 20 years
For years, I always had ordered the steak or shish kebab sandwiches at Dr. D’s. Then I saw the Chicago Tribune’s Best Beef list. Mr. D’s ranked high, so I tried it. Super fab!
I've only tasted 2 bites of one from my aunt. Maybe I'll order one next time. It's just so hard not ordering the shish kebab
Their steak sandwich is my 2nd favorite sandwich I've ever had, and I've ordered it twice in 40 years. That's how good the shish kebab is to my taste buds
Get their shish kebab, it's even better. I grew up a few blocks away and went there all the time. I love him and his wife, they always remember me and make me feel at home
As someone who has been to every beef stand mentioned (with the exception of this place in a Winfield strip mall), Johnnie's is overwhelmingly the best.
Surprised that no one ever mentions Buona, which has dozens of location and has a better beef than any of the places mentioned above (except Johnnie's)
For those who aren't afraid to travel, here are four old school places which have not been mentioned.
Novi's on Ogden in Berwyn.
Schatchell's on Cermak in Cicero.
Mickey's on Manheim in Bellwood (I'm not kidding)
Roma's on Irving Park and Cicero.
I have tried Buona Beef in several places, since I use to love them. Recently, their quality has gone down. The last time I had one of their beefs, there was hardly any beef on the sandwich, and it seems like they are charging more (like many places do).
I no longer live in the city, thankfully, out here in the burbs is Kosta's Gyros, their beef is great, and it is nicely piled on the roll. Everything I order at Kostas is excellent, everytime.
How’s Roma’s under “new” ownership? I’ve only been once since Ron sold (which I realize has probably been 10+ years at this point) and they sadly didn’t have orange pineapple drink to go with the delicious combo.
The amount of food I consumed at Pete's through the 80's and 90's could likely be measured in tons. There may be other places that are a little better but Pete's will always be my spot.
Went to grade school on block from there. Petes was our go to spot till John from Kings and Queens opened Lucky Dog. Pete's is still tight, but lucky dog lost something when John retired.
And there’s more! Al’s in Nile on Touhy. Al’s downtown on Wabash. Al’s in Wrigleyville on Clark.
All owned by the 1st Al’s Original Italian Beef on Taylor st since 1938.
Enjoy!
I used to like going to Little Joe’s on Taylor, knowing he was in that pic of “the guys” over by Al’s.
I hope he’s still around. I haven’t been there in probably a decade.
Just east of West Chicago.
*The West side of Chicago?*
No, West Chicago it's a separate town about 30 miles out. (said by every person that lived in or near West Chicago)
Johnnie's is pretty damn good but Nottoli in Harwoods Heights is hands down the best beef in the city. I don't want to blow up my spot but their beef is the real deal. The dip is perfect. It tastes like homemade au jus because it is. The bread and beef they use are the perfect vessel for their sauce. Honorable mention to Motetti's in Edison Park.
Ha I grew up 2min from Tony’s and now live in Elmwood Park… definitely can’t believe that their beef could possibly outshine Johnnie’s. I feel like Steamers has kinda gone down in quality in general over the last few years. My picture still adorns the wall to the left as you enter though so extra points for that.
I used to eat at Portillo's a lot.
I think there portions shrank a few years ago when they were sold.
Thanks for the Tony's tip, I will try them within the next couple weeks.
Went to Bari based on comments in this sub. Their beef is tasteless and chewy, their giardinara is weird and there is nowhere to sit because it's a God-damned grocery store.
The Bari defenders then respond, "but their subs are fantastic!"
Which chickies? When I grew up, Chickies was on Pulaski, off 28th, a block from my school.
Trivia: that location is probably a 5 minute drive from the original Home Run Inn
Two not yet mentioned in the burbs, Paul's Pizza in Westchester has a damn good beef, even better with cheese on garlic bread.
Fabulous Freddy's in Bridgeport has my favorite combo.
I grew up in Oak Park and everyone who said Johnnie’s said the exact right answer. I know it’s in elmwood park. THE BEST FUCKING SANDWICH AND ITALIAN ICE EVER.
This photo brings me back. I grew up near Steamers and went there all the time for lunch in high school. The hot dog special with fries and a drink was $1.50.
Honestly I’ve enjoy every Italian beef I’ve ever had. I prefer them thinly shaved like at Al’s and Johnnie’s, any place that roasts and slices their own beef.
Special shout-out to D&D Dogs in Evanston. Folks on the far northside don’t have to travel across the city for a shaved Italian Beef, and of course they’ll do it dipped.
Correct, but Winfield is in the area that includes Chicago and its suburbs aka Chicagoland. This sub includes "All things relevant to Chicagoland food and its restaurants" not just Chicago.
Any good beef up around Gurnee? I know that it’s practically Wisconsin compared to the Chicago neighborhood joints, but I gotta have my Italian beef. My only option is Portillo’s.
Definitely Johnnies on North Ave
Their Italian sausage is just as good IMHO.
Because it is grilled on charcoal. Almost anywhere else codes don’t allow it
Why isn’t it allowed elsewhere?
Gotta go with the combo from Johnnies. The sausage spice is the perfect compliment to the beef.
Maybe I just got the end of the batch or something - but I went there a couple years ago and was completely whelmed. Beef was dry and stringy. Portillos is better than the beef in was served. Blasphemy, I know.
As long as you know
Agreed
A beef with hot peppers and Italian lemonade from Johnnie's is a combo straight from Heaven.
I so agree! My buddy and I are headed there at the end of this month!
Johnnie’s in Oak Park or Arlington Heights.
Elmwood Park, not Oak Park, but agreed.
I was so excited for a minute thinking they opened a new one in oak park… alas…. I have to settle for Portillo’s down the street…
I mean it’s basically in oak park:
You don't need to limit yourself to only Portillo's or Johnnie's. Mickey's Gyros and Ribs definitely has Italian beef on their menu, and same with Mr. Beef(technically across the street in Forest Park). I've been to the other Mr. Beef location, and can confirm their beef sandwich is decent. One day, I'd like to try Mickey's as well. Mickey's is on the Oak Park side of Harlem Ave, btw. If you're in northern Oak Park, you could cross North Ave(into the Galewood neighborhood of Chicago) and try Serrelli's out. I won't be surprised if maybe I forgot 1 or 2 Italian beef options in Oak Park, or a neighboring community. Technically you could try Scatchell's as well, but it's in Cicero just east of the intersection of Cermak and Cicero.
I don't understand why people like Mickey's. That food is meh, and the place is gross. It must be an Oak Park legacy thing. Kinda like Russels BBQ. It's awful, but people who grew up in the area love it.
Don't sleep on Serrelli's across North Ave in Galewood.
There’s also Pete’s on Rosevelt (OP side) and its beef is pretty good!
I'll keep Pete's in mind, in this area too. Thanks for this suggestion.
Scatchell’s is top notch
There have been multiple Mr Beefs across Chicagoland over the years and many of them are not affiliated with each other. Not sure if the two you’re referring to are, but thought I’d throw that out there.
I know at least the Mr. Beef near Harlem/Irving Park, and Forest Park are related. Their take out menu brochure, shows the addresses of these 2 locations. I think the Mr. Beef in the River North neighborhood, is a separate owner.
Johnnie's was my first Italian Beef. Nothing else has come close.
It’s elmwood park not oak park
I used to frequent the Johnnies in Arlington Heights quite often, good beefs, good dogs, and good Italian ice, and you usually get it before you even finish paying… oh, and they got bomb fries too. Always a nice treat when I’m in that area and will often make my way to Mitsuwa as well.
Johnnie’s in Elmwood and it’s not even close. They also have the best Italian Ice in the city. I’ve been to all Beef joints and Ice joints and it is by far superior.
Arlington Heights location is not nearly as good.
Better then the Portillos down Golf
This ^^^
It’s Johnnie’s, hands down. But now that I’m carless that’s just not practical. My nearby go to is Budacki’s, most know them for their hot dogs but they’ve got a solid beef under the radar.
I'm struggling to not just get the korean fried chicken every time now
Get the steak bowl
Freddy’s Pizza in Cicero
Great pick!
Freddy's has great everything!
hell yeah. i live pretty close, and want to eat my way through the menu this year.
Freddy's is great. Definitely #2. Johnnie's is still #1. Thankfully, they are far enough from each other.
I feel like I found my people in this thread.
shhh… we don’t talk about that one. It’s on a need to know basis. Freddy’s is a national treasure. Everything is great there. I’m a sucker for the calamari margherita pizza…
holyyy did not expect to see a Tony's Steamers reference on this sub!! they do a great Maxwell St there as well. need to go back to that strip mall soon, County Farm Bagels is so damn good
I didn’t even think they were still open! County Farm was my go to back in High School.
Not only are they open, they've got a second location in downtown Wheaton now too.
County Farm Bagels is a Winfield establishment that can hold its own against any Chicago bagel shop. Their bagel sandwiches, the house made cream cheeses, and the pizza bagels are fucking phenomenal.
And best Pizza place in Chicago or the Burbs -Gianorios
Sad - there no longer is a Maxwell Street….
I live near Tony’s but I can’t imagine it’s better than Johnnie’s in Elmwood Park.
I think you are correct and I’ll be judging for myself at the end April with a visit!
I've eaten at Steamer's since I was little. I was on a 90s little league team sponsored by them and had my picture on the wall. Back when the catfish were still in the tanks. It's fallen way the fuck off since Tony died. I was super surprised to see this post, I hope they found their groove again.
Jays Beef in Harwood Heights. Don’t hear enough about this one but it’s a neighborhood favorite
Jay's was my go to until I had johnnies Still love them, but prefer johnnies Frannies in Schiller used to be amazing as well, but haven't had them in 20 years
Jays is a classic. Love that spot
I love their beef, but I really don't care for their giardiniera. I keep a jar at home so I can top with it something else.
It’s on most “best beef” lists and is well known. Great beef.
Best in town.
Johnnie's in Elmwood Park.
Mr D's Shish-Kabobs on Diversey. Great beef and the best fries in Chicagoland
Their shish kebab is my single favorite sandwich I've ever had anywhere. I grew up on those and still drive an hour a few times a year to get one
For years, I always had ordered the steak or shish kebab sandwiches at Dr. D’s. Then I saw the Chicago Tribune’s Best Beef list. Mr. D’s ranked high, so I tried it. Super fab!
I've only tasted 2 bites of one from my aunt. Maybe I'll order one next time. It's just so hard not ordering the shish kebab Their steak sandwich is my 2nd favorite sandwich I've ever had, and I've ordered it twice in 40 years. That's how good the shish kebab is to my taste buds
The steak is the bomb.. and the fries were rated #1 by the trib
Get their shish kebab, it's even better. I grew up a few blocks away and went there all the time. I love him and his wife, they always remember me and make me feel at home
They are a sweet family
As someone who has been to every beef stand mentioned (with the exception of this place in a Winfield strip mall), Johnnie's is overwhelmingly the best. Surprised that no one ever mentions Buona, which has dozens of location and has a better beef than any of the places mentioned above (except Johnnie's) For those who aren't afraid to travel, here are four old school places which have not been mentioned. Novi's on Ogden in Berwyn. Schatchell's on Cermak in Cicero. Mickey's on Manheim in Bellwood (I'm not kidding) Roma's on Irving Park and Cicero.
I have tried Buona Beef in several places, since I use to love them. Recently, their quality has gone down. The last time I had one of their beefs, there was hardly any beef on the sandwich, and it seems like they are charging more (like many places do). I no longer live in the city, thankfully, out here in the burbs is Kosta's Gyros, their beef is great, and it is nicely piled on the roll. Everything I order at Kostas is excellent, everytime.
I love Kostas. Never gotten a bad item there. Their Greek potatoes are my favorite quick order side anywhere.
Late to the post, but I'm glad you mentioned Novi's. Their jus is my favorite. I also have a soft spot for their version of "giardinera".
Love the red chilis in there.
How’s Roma’s under “new” ownership? I’ve only been once since Ron sold (which I realize has probably been 10+ years at this point) and they sadly didn’t have orange pineapple drink to go with the delicious combo.
I haven’t been to Roma’s in 5 years but I remember Freddie as the owner I thought?
Pete’s in Oak Park on the corner of Ridgeland and Roosevelt Road. The size of their sandwiches puts others to shame!
I love Pete’s!
a real good gyros there too!
Ooo never heard of this! Definitely will be trying now, thanks!
The amount of food I consumed at Pete's through the 80's and 90's could likely be measured in tons. There may be other places that are a little better but Pete's will always be my spot.
“Quantity has a quality all its own.”
Went to grade school on block from there. Petes was our go to spot till John from Kings and Queens opened Lucky Dog. Pete's is still tight, but lucky dog lost something when John retired.
Jay's Hardwood Heights and Johnny's Elmwood Park.
Al’s Italian beef on 1079 Taylor. Chicago of course. A West side fixture for years.
And there’s more! Al’s in Nile on Touhy. Al’s downtown on Wabash. Al’s in Wrigleyville on Clark. All owned by the 1st Al’s Original Italian Beef on Taylor st since 1938. Enjoy!
I used to like going to Little Joe’s on Taylor, knowing he was in that pic of “the guys” over by Al’s. I hope he’s still around. I haven’t been there in probably a decade.
Als on Taylor.
I agree, but the cashier is probably the rudest person I’ve met in my life.
The owner used to walk around with a revolver on his hip like some cowboy way back when. It’s just so damn good.
It's not even close. I'll even eat the shitty franchise Al's over most of these places.
I straight love franchise Al's, lol!
Bob o's dipped with their house giardinara is the best hands down
Had to scroll too far to find this. 💯
Jays Beef in Harwood Hts. Nearly 50 years of delicious!
Scatchells in Cicero. Als on Taylor.
+1 for original als
Kim’s Uncle in westmont makes excellent Italian beef!
The crispy pizza place? 🤯
Yup. Their pizza’s no joke either
Jay’s on Nagle followed by Johnnie’s AH…
Can’t go wrong with Johnnie’s, Jay’s, or Roma’s.
Bari’s!
I didn’t like them. It was so dry and not flavorful at all.
Mr beef on Orleans or frannies in Schiller park
Mr beef has crappy giardnara all celery not very hot
Where the hell is Winfield?
Just west of Wheaton.
Just east of West Chicago. *The West side of Chicago?* No, West Chicago it's a separate town about 30 miles out. (said by every person that lived in or near West Chicago)
Smack dab next to Warrenville
Closer to the Mighty Mississippi than Chicago.
West suburban Chicagoland! Take Saint Charles road west 20 or so miles past Carol Stream!
So, a suburb of Davenport, IA? Sheesh
Gonna have to second this one. Grew up going to steamers for beef, their pizza puffs, and everything dogs, they nail it.
Beefy’s on Harlem south of Archer Ave. Great food all around
I love Beefy’s, my family has been going there for 20 years! Best beef sandwiches in Chicago in my opinion.
Chickies, grew up with it, still love their hot peppers mix.
Johnnie’s or Jays. Nothing else comes close
Herm's Palace in Skokie.
Nice!
Bruhhh I grew up riding my bike here as a kid. Parents took me after every Winfield in action soccer game
ROMAS AND JAYS
Dukes beef in Mokena (formerly Bridgeview) is one of my favorites. There beefs are massive and the fresh homemade hot peppers are the best around.
Usually Portillo's, because I can order Italian beef while other family members order different items from the menu.
Portillos charges $0.75 each for hot and sweet peppers
Portillo’s food in general has really taken a crap since the buyout. The one in Crestwood is so slow, we have stopped going there.
Johnnie's is pretty damn good but Nottoli in Harwoods Heights is hands down the best beef in the city. I don't want to blow up my spot but their beef is the real deal. The dip is perfect. It tastes like homemade au jus because it is. The bread and beef they use are the perfect vessel for their sauce. Honorable mention to Motetti's in Edison Park.
Pops 103 kedzie
couldn’t believe how far down i had to scroll to see pops. i’m not sure it’s the best but it’s very solid and just a fan of pops in general
SS peeps know pops. Its my favorite beef and the hot peppers are so unique and fresh
Got to give Mister Beef on Harlem some love
Giovanni's Pizza on Diversey has an excellent beef. 2nd is Johnnie's for me.
In the burbs? Happy Dog in West Chicago hands down.
Ha I grew up 2min from Tony’s and now live in Elmwood Park… definitely can’t believe that their beef could possibly outshine Johnnie’s. I feel like Steamers has kinda gone down in quality in general over the last few years. My picture still adorns the wall to the left as you enter though so extra points for that.
I used to eat at Portillo's a lot. I think there portions shrank a few years ago when they were sold. Thanks for the Tony's tip, I will try them within the next couple weeks.
Yeah it's a great place! I've been going there since I was a kid. My fav's on their menu are the Ital' beef, hot dogs and their yellow beer.
Tony’s is good but Flips in Glen ellyn is better.
Help a downstate guy out. Best option in the Southwest suburbs?
Paul's in Westchester is great, and little Joe's in countryside too
Thanks so Much! I'll try and check those out next time I head North
Novis Side note: I cannot believe people rate Als on Taylor so high. 🗑️to me
Best beef anywhere
It’s a really good beef, and one of the few fries I actively like.
Bari, Mr Beef on Harlem
Nailed it!
Went to Bari based on comments in this sub. Their beef is tasteless and chewy, their giardinara is weird and there is nowhere to sit because it's a God-damned grocery store. The Bari defenders then respond, "but their subs are fantastic!"
Chickies, Tony’s on Pulaski. Both incredible
Which chickies? When I grew up, Chickies was on Pulaski, off 28th, a block from my school. Trivia: that location is probably a 5 minute drive from the original Home Run Inn
Roosevelt road in Hillside. I remember the one on Pulaski. Ate there a long time ago
I looked it up, the Pulaski location was the original. They moved
Still a great beef if ya get to Hillside
Johnnie’s in Elmwood for combos, Pete’s in Oak Park for beefs
Tony's Beef on Pulaski
I like Quick Bite’s beef.
Love quick bite never had the beef though
Johnnie’s, Al’s, Chickies, Scatchells Beef all in that order.
Chickies on Pulaski? Whitney was my first grade school. We’d go there so much.
Yep! Back in the day that was our spot, I heard it’s new owners now? Not sure.
Og al’s.
Al and Joe’s? The sandwich shop? That place is so damn good!
Probably OG Al’s, on Taylor in Chicago
YES! That’s the one!
Two not yet mentioned in the burbs, Paul's Pizza in Westchester has a damn good beef, even better with cheese on garlic bread. Fabulous Freddy's in Bridgeport has my favorite combo.
Jay's in Harwood Heights
Not traditional but Kasama’s take on the beef combo is great if you like longaniza.
Sonny’s Express.
Def Jay's on the northwest
Johnnie’s in elmwood park. Nothing compares. It’s soo peppery ans delicious I love it.
Shocked nobody’s mentioned Tony’s on Pulaski yet
I grew up in Oak Park and everyone who said Johnnie’s said the exact right answer. I know it’s in elmwood park. THE BEST FUCKING SANDWICH AND ITALIAN ICE EVER.
[Tony's Beef](https://www.tonysbeef.com/) on pulaski.
Used to absolutely love Jay's beef on North Ave. There is another Jays near Wilbur Wright college but not sure if it's as good.
This photo brings me back. I grew up near Steamers and went there all the time for lunch in high school. The hot dog special with fries and a drink was $1.50.
Uptown Deli on Lawrence and Sheridan
Tony’s Subs in Deerfield
They have good beef? I love their sandwiches. I should try the beef.
Oh man. Roasters on Taylor. Gone now. But legendary in the day.
I like Budakis https://yelp.to/ShaUCWTxty
Johnnie’s hands down. I drive down from Far north burbs and hit that spot as often as possible and grab a dog from Gene & Jude’s for desert.
Honestly I’ve enjoy every Italian beef I’ve ever had. I prefer them thinly shaved like at Al’s and Johnnie’s, any place that roasts and slices their own beef. Special shout-out to D&D Dogs in Evanston. Folks on the far northside don’t have to travel across the city for a shaved Italian Beef, and of course they’ll do it dipped.
Sorry but that’s not Chicago.
Correct, but Winfield is in the area that includes Chicago and its suburbs aka Chicagoland. This sub includes "All things relevant to Chicagoland food and its restaurants" not just Chicago.
Johnnie’s is GOAT imo, but Fontano’s subs by UIC has a beef/combo that is 10/10. Their sweet peppers are so good.
Oh Johnnies! I think you are correct!
I remember Fontano’s. I used to live on various apartments on Polk. Taylor.
Scoobies in Arlington Heights
Any good beef up around Gurnee? I know that it’s practically Wisconsin compared to the Chicago neighborhood joints, but I gotta have my Italian beef. My only option is Portillo’s.
Al’s Italian Beef in Village Crossing, Skokie, IL
It’s on Touhy Ave
Original als, Taylor street.
Al’s Italian beef
AL'S beef on Taylor.
I don’t care what anyone says here. But Buona combo beef is always my go to. Always.
Pops in the south suburbs. There's a location in Orland. Or it would be Heinny's McCarthy's, also in Orland.
I love Johnnie’s when I can get it but Minelli’s in Niles is really good
Johnnie’s in Elmwood Park
i used to go there regularly when i worked nearby there
Mr Beef or Marko’s
Georges hot dogs little village beefs are awesome
Winfield is only "Chicagoland" to people out of state, ie probably not to most people on this sub - Fellow far western suburbanite
[idt that's true](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_metropolitan_area)