13 Illinois Italian Beef Sandwiches That Could Feed Two
Chicago’s Italian beef sandwich scene delivers some seriously oversized portions that make sharing not just smart, but necessary.
When hunger strikes and you’re looking to split something substantial, these Illinois spots pile on enough tender, juicy beef to satisfy two appetites.
I’ve discovered that the best approach is ordering one massive sandwich and diving in together rather than getting two regular-sized portions.
The following culinary spots gave me that golden opportunity.
1. Johnnie’s Beef – Elmwood Park
Benchmark quality meets generous portions at this legendary Elmwood Park institution, where the beef sandwiches practically overflow from their French bread containers.
The line moves surprisingly fast despite the constant crowd, and I always appreciate how efficiently they handle the rush.
Their famous Italian ice makes the perfect palate cleanser after splitting one of their loaded sandwiches. Order yours “wet” or “dipped” with sweet or hot peppers, and watch them pile on enough beef for two hungry people.
2. Mr. Beef on Orleans – Chicago River North
Television fame hasn’t changed this River North institution’s commitment to serving massive portions during their lunch-only hours. The beef-and-sausage combo creates an absolute monster of a sandwich that easily feeds two people.
Going “dipped” with hot giardiniera transforms this already substantial meal into something that requires strategic planning and plenty of napkins. I learned the hard way that attempting to finish one solo is a recipe for food coma.
Check their official page for current hours before making the trip.
3. Al’s #1 Italian Beef Taylor Street – Chicago Little Italy
The flagship location in Little Italy serves jumbo beef sandwiches that live up to their oversized reputation with portions that border on ridiculous. Sweet or hot peppers add extra bulk to an already hefty creation.
Their wet and dipped options ensure maximum juice saturation, creating a messy but magnificent eating experience.
The Taylor Street location maintains the authentic atmosphere that makes sharing one of these giants feel like a proper Chicago tradition rather than just a practical necessity.
4. Scatchell’s Beef & Pizza – Cicero
Operating since 1953, this old-school beef stand has perfected the art of the juice-soaked sandwich that requires two people to properly appreciate. Generous portions have remained consistent through decades of operation.
Late hours make Scatchell’s perfect for splitting a substantial meal when most other places have closed. I’ve found their beef stays tender and flavorful even during the final hours of service.
The juice-soaked bread practically melts in your mouth, creating a satisfying mess that’s best tackled as a team effort.
5. Luke’s Italian Beef – Chicago Loop Jackson Boulevard
Downtown workers rely on Luke’s for substantial midday meals, and their large beef on Turano French bread delivers enough protein to power through afternoon meetings. The Loop location serves portions sized for serious appetites.
Hot or sweet peppers add extra substance to an already filling sandwich that works perfectly for office colleagues looking to split lunch.
The quality Turano bread holds up remarkably well under the weight of all that beef and juice, maintaining structural integrity until the final bite.
6. Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage – Orland Park
South-side favorite Pop’s builds hefty beefs that have earned a loyal following across multiple Chicagoland locations. Their classic combos add Italian sausage to already generous beef portions.
Multiple Illinois locations mean you can find these oversized sandwiches throughout the region, but the quality remains consistently impressive. I particularly appreciate how they maintain the same generous portioning standards across all their spots.
The combination of beef and sausage creates a protein-packed meal that easily satisfies two people.
7. Buona – Berwyn Family Brand
Family-run since 1981, Buona’s slow-roasted beef creates tender, flavorful sandwiches available in “Regular” and “Large” sizes that both qualify as shareable portions. Their wet and dipped options ensure maximum juice absorption.
Giardiniera or sweet peppers add extra bulk and flavor complexity to an already substantial meal. The founding family’s commitment to quality shows in every bite, and their multiple Illinois locations make finding these generous portions convenient.
The slow-roasting process creates incredibly tender beef that practically falls apart.
8. Jay’s Beef – Harwood Heights
Northwest-side classic Jay’s has built a loyal following with late hours and consistently oversized portions that make sharing the smart choice. Their beef-and-sausage combo creates an absolute monster of a meal.
Late operating hours accommodate those evening cravings when you want something substantial but manageable. I’ve discovered that their combo sandwiches work perfectly for couples looking to share something filling without overindulging.
The combination of proteins creates a satisfying meal that hits all the right flavor notes while providing plenty of substance.
9. Roma’s Italian Beef Sausage & Pizza – Chicago Portage Park
Neighborhood standby Roma’s piles thin-sliced beef impressively high, creating towering sandwiches that dwarf most competitors’ offerings. Hot or sweet peppers add even more height to these already substantial creations.
Their full sausage and pizza menu means you can add sides to complement your shared sandwich experience. The thin-sliced beef technique allows for maximum meat packing while maintaining tenderness throughout.
The Cicero Avenue location provides convenient access to these generously proportioned neighborhood favorites that have satisfied local appetites for years.
10. Mr. Beef & Pizza – Mount Prospect
Suburban convenience meets oversized portions at this Mount Prospect location, where the Italian beef sandwiches require serious commitment or smart sharing strategies. Drive-thru, dine-in, and delivery options make accessing these giants convenient.
Old-school sides complement the massive beef portions perfectly, creating complete meals that work wonderfully for two people.
I appreciate having multiple service options when dealing with sandwiches this size, especially the drive-thru for messy eating in the car.
The suburban setting provides ample parking for tackling these substantial meals comfortably.
11. Odge’s – Chicago West Town
Cash-friendly lunch counter atmosphere since the 1970s creates an authentic backdrop for enjoying generously sized Italian beef sandwiches at remarkably friendly prices. The combo options provide even more substance for sharing.
Decades of operation have perfected their portioning, creating consistent value that keeps customers returning regularly. The lunch counter vibe encourages leisurely eating, perfect for splitting one of their substantial offerings.
Simple preparation focuses attention on quality ingredients and generous portions rather than fancy presentation, delivering exactly what Italian beef should be.
12. Budacki’s Drive-In – Chicago Lincoln Square Ravenswood
Classic roadside stand charm meets diverse menu options where Italian beef shares space with burgers and Korean fried chicken. The beef combos with fries create substantial meals perfect for splitting between two people.
Roadside atmosphere encourages casual dining that makes sharing feel natural and enjoyable rather than necessary. I love how this place combines Chicago beef tradition with unexpected menu variety, creating unique dining experiences.
The combination of a beef sandwich and crispy fries provides a textural contrast that enhances the overall meal satisfaction when shared.
13. Bob-O’s – Chicago Dunning Irving Park Road
Beloved dog and beef shop where the “Cheezy Beef” represents the ultimate indulgence that practically demands sharing between two people. Combos and crinkle fries add extra substance to already hefty portions.
Located at a single Chicago location at 8258 W Irving Park Rd (by the Irving Park & Milwaukee intersection), this spot makes access to these over-the-top creations convenient.
Crinkle fries provide the perfect accompaniment for soaking up any escaped juices while adding satisfying crunch to complement the tender beef.