12 Illinois Italian Beef Shops I Drove Chicago’s Suburbs And Backroads To Taste (8 Were Worth Every Mile)
Nothing beats the smell of slow-roasted beef swimming in gravy-soaked bread on a Saturday afternoon. I spent three weekends crisscrossing Chicago’s suburbs and hidden backroads, hunting down the best Italian beef sandwiches the region has to offer.
Some spots delivered pure magic, while others left me wondering if I took a wrong turn. Here’s my honest take on all twelve shops I visited.
1. Al’s Number 1 Italian Beef On Taylor Street (Worth Every Mile)
Walking into Al’s feels like stepping back to 1938 when this legendary joint first opened its doors. The original location on Taylor Street still packs crowds who line up for sandwiches that set the gold standard for Chicago-style beef.
Order it wet or dipped, and don’t skip the hot giardiniera that adds the perfect spicy kick. The beef practically melts on your tongue, and the bread holds up remarkably well despite being dunked in jus.
This place earned its reputation honestly through decades of consistency. Al’s remains a pilgrimage site for beef lovers, and after tasting their masterpiece, I understood why people drive hours for one sandwich.
2. Johnnie’s Beef In Elmwood Park
Johnnie’s operates out of a small building that looks more like a shack than a restaurant, but appearances deceive. Lines snake around the building during lunch hours because locals know this place serves some of the juiciest beef in the entire metro area.
The outdoor seating adds a casual charm that matches the no-frills approach. Each bite delivers that satisfying combination of tender beef and robust seasoning that makes your taste buds sing.
The portions are generous without being wasteful.
3. Mr. Beef On Orleans In River North (Worth Every Mile)
Celebrity endorsements plaster the walls at Mr. Beef, and for good reason. This River North institution gained fame when various food personalities raved about their perfectly seasoned beef and authentic Chicago preparation.
The cramped quarters force you to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers who quickly become friends over shared sandwich love. Their combo sandwich pairs Italian beef with a grilled sausage link that adds smoky depth to every bite.
The beef itself carries bold flavors without overwhelming your palate with excessive spices. Getting it cheesy adds a creamy element that rounds out the experience.
4. Buona Beef With Multiple Suburban Locations (Worth Every Mile)
Starting in Berwyn back in 1981, Buona Beef expanded across Chicagoland while maintaining quality that rivals single-location competitors. My first stop was their Berwyn original, where I watched them slice beef fresh throughout my entire visit.
The consistency across locations impressed me more than I expected from a mini-chain. Signature move involves slow-roasting beef for hours until it reaches that perfect tender texture.
The gravy tastes lighter than some competitors but still packs enough flavor to satisfy serious beef enthusiasts. Side options like Italian ice provide a refreshing contrast after a heavy sandwich.
5. Roma’s Italian Beef And Sausage In Portage Park
Roma’s sits quietly in Portage Park, serving neighborhood regulars who treat this spot like their personal cafeteria. The family-run operation maintains old-school traditions that bigger chains abandoned years ago for efficiency.
Walking through the door feels like visiting a relative’s kitchen rather than a commercial establishment. Sausage deserves special mention because it tastes homemade with fennel notes that complement rather than compete with the beef.
The bread comes from a local bakery and arrives fresh daily, providing the sturdy foundation every great sandwich requires. Prices remain reasonable despite inflation hitting everywhere else.
6. Novi’s Beef In Berwyn (Worth Every Mile)
Berwyn seems to be ground zero for exceptional Italian beef, and Novi’s adds another strong contender to the mix. This unassuming shop focuses purely on beef without trying to expand their menu into pizza or pasta territory.
Specialization pays off when you taste their perfectly spiced meat that carries subtle garlic undertones. The gravy here runs thinner than some competitors, which works beautifully if you prefer tasting the beef itself over heavy seasoning.
Hot peppers pack serious heat, so approach with caution unless you enjoy sweating through your meal. Service moves quickly even during busy periods.
7. Pop’s Italian Beef And Sausage In Palos Heights (Worth Every Mile)
Driving out to Palos Heights required commitment, but Pop’s rewarded the journey with beef that ranks among the best I tasted. Multiple suburban locations make them accessible to south and southwest communities often overlooked by downtown food tourists.
The family atmosphere welcomes everyone from construction workers to business professionals grabbing lunch. Bbeef carries a peppery kick that sets it apart from milder versions served elsewhere around town.
Portion sizes lean generous, often requiring two hands and several napkins to manage properly. The combination platter lets you sample both beef and sausage without committing to one or the other.
8. D’Amato’s Italian Beef In Chicago (Worth Every Mile)
D’Amato’s operates under the radar compared to flashier competitors, which means shorter lines for those in the know. The beef here tastes straightforward without fancy twists or modern interpretations that sometimes miss the mark.
Sometimes simple execution beats creative experiments, especially with dishes perfected over generations. Gravy contains hints of oregano that add Mediterranean flair without straying too far from traditional Chicago expectations.
The meat itself slices thicker than average, providing more substantial texture in each bite. D’Amato’s won’t blow your mind with innovation, but solid execution makes it a reliable choice when cravings strike and you want guaranteed satisfaction.
9. Jay’s Beef In Harwood Heights
Finding Jay’s required GPS assistance and patience navigating suburban streets that all looked identical. The location between Harwood Heights and Schiller Park serves a loyal customer base who appreciate consistent quality without downtown prices or pretension.
Parking lot conversations revealed regulars who visit multiple times weekly. The beef tasted well-seasoned but not overpowering, striking that delicate balance many shops struggle to achieve consistently.
The bread held up impressively even when ordered extra wet, which speaks to both bread quality and proper sandwich construction. Side salads provide a lighter option for those watching their intake.
10. Portillo’s Across Chicago And Suburbs (Worth Every Mile)
Portillo’s sparked the most debate among my friends when I mentioned including them on this list. Some argue their widespread success diluted authenticity, while others defend their consistent quality across dozens of locations.
My taste test aimed to judge the sandwich itself rather than corporate structure or expansion philosophy. The beef arrives properly seasoned and sufficiently juicy, though it lacks the personality found at smaller family operations.
Everything tastes good without reaching great, which makes sense for a chain balancing consistency across many kitchens. Chocolate cake shake earns bonus points for dessert lovers.
11. Carm’s Beef And Italian Ice In Little Italy (Worth Every Mile)
Little Italy provides the perfect backdrop for Carm’s, where Italian ice competes with beef sandwiches for customer attention. Summer visits turn into double missions: lunch and dessert from the same convenient location.
The neighborhood vibe adds authenticity that newer developments struggle to replicate through design alone. The real draw comes from pairing your sandwich with lemon or cherry ice that cleanses your palate afterward.
Outdoor seating lets you people-watch while enjoying your meal. Carm’s works better as a complete experience rather than a pure beef destination, offering neighborhood charm alongside decent sandwiches.
12. Luke’s Italian Beef in Carpentersville
Tucked away in Carpentersville, Luke’s Italian Beef offers a delightful escape into classic flavors. The first bite reveals a sandwich brimming with richly seasoned beef.
Every visit feels like a comforting return home, with the aroma of spices filling the air. Their giardiniera adds a zesty kick, perfectly complementing the succulent beef.
This hidden gem stands out not just for its food, but for its inviting atmosphere. The friendly staff ensures a memorable experience, leaving you planning your next visit before you even leave.