16 Illinois Italian Beef Restaurants As Famous As The City’s Deep-Dish Pizza
I’ll never forget the first time I bit into a proper Italian beef sandwich, juice dripping down my arms, giardiniera setting my mouth on fire in the best way possible.
Chicago, Illinois, might be famous for deep-dish pizza, but locals know the real MVP is the Italian beef sandwich.
These 16 spots have perfected the art of tender, seasoned beef piled high on crusty bread, and they deserve just as much fame as any pizza joint in town.
1. Al’s Beef — Chicago, IL
Founded in 1938, Al’s Beef claims to have invented the Italian beef sandwich as we know it today.
The Little Italy location still draws massive crowds who line up for sandwiches dipped in savory jus and topped with sweet or hot peppers.
Their secret seasoning recipe has been passed down through generations, creating that perfect balance of garlic, oregano, and spices.
Order yours “wet” for maximum flavor, and don’t be shy about asking for extra napkins because you’ll definitely need them for this messy masterpiece.
2. Mr. Beef — Chicago, IL
This River North institution became even more famous after appearing on “The Bear,” but locals have been worshiping at this altar of beef for decades.
The no-frills atmosphere and cramped quarters only add to the authentic Chicago experience.
What sets Mr. Beef apart is their perfectly seasoned gravy that soaks into every fiber of the thinly sliced meat.
The combination sausage and beef sandwich here is legendary, offering the best of both worlds in one gloriously greasy package that’ll have you coming back weekly.
3. Johnnie’s Beef — Elmwood Park, IL
Since 1961, Johnnie’s has been slinging some of the juiciest Italian beef sandwiches in the Chicago suburbs.
The drive-up window setup means you can grab your sandwich without even leaving your car, though most people park and eat in the lot.
Their beef is sliced impossibly thin and seasoned to perfection, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
The hot giardiniera here packs serious heat, so proceed with caution unless you’re ready for your taste buds to do the tango.
4. Portillo’s — River North, Chicago, IL
While Portillo’s has expanded across multiple states, their Italian beef remains a Chicago staple that tourists and locals alike can’t resist.
The massive menu offers everything from hot dogs to burgers, but the beef sandwich is what built this empire.
Their signature gravy has a slightly different flavor profile than traditional spots, with a hint of sweetness that balances the savory meat beautifully.
The chocolate cake shake is the perfect dessert follow-up, though you might need a nap after tackling both.
5. Buona — Chicago area, IL
With multiple locations scattered across Chicagoland, Buona brings quality Italian beef to the suburbs without sacrificing authenticity.
Their family recipes date back to 1981, when they first started serving sandwiches in Berwyn.
What makes Buona special is their commitment to slow-roasting beef for hours until it reaches that perfect tender texture.
The bread stays surprisingly sturdy even when fully dipped, a testament to their careful sourcing and preparation methods that keep sandwiches from falling apart mid-bite.
6. Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage — Mount Greenwood, Chicago, IL
Tucked away in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood, Pop’s has been a South Side secret since 1990.
The family-run operation keeps things simple, focusing on quality ingredients and generous portions that’ll leave you satisfied.
Their sausage is made fresh daily and grilled to perfection, with a satisfying snap when you bite through the casing.
Regulars swear by the combo sandwich here, claiming it’s the perfect marriage of spicy sausage and tender beef that represents Chicago sandwich culture at its finest.
7. Scatchell’s Beef & Pizza — Cicero, IL
Scatchell’s proves you don’t have to choose between pizza and Italian beef by offering both under one roof.
Located in Cicero since 1960, this joint has mastered the art of multitasking without compromising quality on either front.
The beef here is sliced fresh throughout the day, ensuring every sandwich gets the most tender cuts possible.
Their homemade giardiniera strikes the perfect balance between heat and flavor, adding a zesty kick without overwhelming the beautifully seasoned meat underneath all those peppers.
8. Frannie’s Beef & Catering — Schiller Park, IL
Near O’Hare Airport, Frannie’s serves up Italian beef that’s worth a detour whether you’re catching a flight or just craving a proper sandwich.
The catering side of their business proves their beef is good enough for weddings and parties across the area.
Their gravy has a rich, beefy flavor that coats every strand of meat without being too salty or overpowering.
The portions here are notably generous, with sandwiches piled so high you might struggle to fit them in your mouth for that perfect first bite.
9. Mr. Beef & Pizza — Mount Prospect, IL
Not to be confused with the River North Mr. Beef, this Mount Prospect location has carved out its own loyal following in the northwest suburbs.
The combination of pizza and beef makes it a one-stop shop for satisfying any Chicago food craving.
Their beef is marinated in a special blend of spices that gives it a distinctive flavor profile you won’t find elsewhere.
The crusty Italian bread holds up remarkably well even when ordered “dipped,” maintaining just enough structure to deliver all that juicy goodness to your mouth without disaster.
10. Jay’s Italian Beef & Sausage — Harwood Heights, IL
Jay’s has been a Harwood Heights fixture for years, quietly serving some of the best Italian beef in the northwest suburbs.
The unpretentious atmosphere lets the food do all the talking, and boy, does it have a lot to say.
What distinguishes Jay’s is their attention to the little details, from the perfectly seasoned gravy to the fresh bread delivered daily.
The hot peppers here are legitimately spicy, so if you’re not a heat seeker, stick with the sweet peppers or go plain to appreciate the beef’s natural flavors.
11. Luke’s Italian Beef — Chicago, IL
Luke’s keeps the Italian beef tradition alive with old-school methods and recipes that haven’t changed in decades.
The straightforward approach means they focus on doing one thing exceptionally well rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
Their beef is slow-roasted for hours until it practically melts in your mouth, requiring minimal chewing despite the generous portions.
The gravy here has a peppery kick that complements the meat beautifully, and the bread stays fresh throughout the day thanks to multiple deliveries from local bakeries.
12. Novi’s Beef — Berwyn, IL
Berwyn’s Novi’s has been dishing out Italian beef since 1968, making it one of the longest-running beef joints in the suburbs.
The family recipes and techniques have been preserved through generations, maintaining consistency that keeps customers coming back for decades.
Their signature move is the way they season the gravy, with a slightly sweeter profile that sets it apart from competitors.
The combo sandwich here is massive, easily feeding two people if you’re not absolutely starving after a long day of work or play.
13. Roma’s Italian Beef & Sausage — Chicago (Portage Park), IL
Roma’s brings authentic Italian beef to the Portage Park neighborhood, where it’s become a beloved local institution.
The casual atmosphere and friendly service make it feel like you’re eating at a family member’s house rather than a restaurant.
The beef here is sliced thick enough to have texture but thin enough to soak up all that flavorful gravy.
Their homemade hot peppers add the perfect amount of heat and acidity, cutting through the richness of the meat and creating a balanced flavor profile that keeps you reaching for more bites.
14. Tony’s Italian Beef — Chicago (West Lawn), IL
Tony’s has been serving the West Lawn neighborhood since the 1970s, earning a reputation for consistency and quality that spans generations.
The no-nonsense approach means you get a great sandwich without any pretense or unnecessary frills getting in the way.
Their gravy recipe includes a secret blend of spices that gives the beef a distinctive flavor you’ll recognize immediately on return visits.
The portions are generous without being wasteful, hitting that sweet spot where you finish satisfied but not uncomfortably stuffed beyond belief.
15. Carm’s Beef & Italian Ice — Chicago (Little Italy), IL
Located in the heart of Little Italy, Carm’s offers the perfect combination of savory Italian beef followed by refreshing Italian ice for dessert.
The location couldn’t be more fitting for a restaurant dedicated to Italian-American culinary traditions.
Their beef is seasoned with a heavy hand of garlic and oregano, creating that classic Italian flavor profile everyone craves.
After demolishing a massive beef sandwich, the Italian ice provides a cool, sweet palate cleanser that makes you feel less guilty about the calories you just consumed in the best way.
16. Freddy’s Pizza — Cicero, IL
While pizza is in the name, Freddy’s Italian beef sandwiches have quietly built a cult following among Cicero residents who know what’s up.
The pizza might get top billing, but the beef deserves equal recognition for its quality and flavor.
What makes Freddy’s beef special is the way they layer the meat, creating maximum surface area for the gravy to penetrate every slice.
The bread comes from a local bakery that makes it specifically for Italian beef, with a crust that stays crispy outside while the inside absorbs all that delicious juice perfectly.