12 Italian Beef Sandwich Spots Illinois Locals Insist Are The Best
Chicago’s Italian beef sandwich isn’t just food, it’s a cultural icon that represents decades of tradition, family recipes, and passionate debates about who does it best.
Locals have their favorites, and they’ll defend their choice with the kind of loyalty usually reserved for sports teams.
Whether you prefer your beef dipped, dry, or somewhere in between, Illinois offers some truly legendary spots that have perfected this messy, delicious masterpiece.
Get ready to discover the places where thin-sliced, seasoned beef meets crusty bread in the most glorious way possible.
1. Al’s #1 Italian Beef – Chicago
Founded in 1938 on Taylor Street, this legendary establishment is widely credited with popularizing the Italian beef sandwich as it’s known today, though its exact origins are shared among several early Italian-American families.
Chris Pacelli Sr. created the original recipe during the Great Depression, looking for a way to stretch meat further for wedding receptions. What started as a clever solution became a Chicago institution that’s been serving hungry crowds for over eight decades.
The beef here gets sliced paper-thin and piled high on fresh Italian bread that somehow manages to hold together despite the generous soaking of gravy. You can order it wet, dipped, or dry, though most regulars insist on getting it properly soaked.
Sweet peppers and hot giardiniera add the perfect crunch and kick to every bite. The atmosphere remains refreshingly no-frills, with counter service and limited seating that encourages you to focus on what really matters—the sandwich.
Location: 1079 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
2. The Original Mr. Beef on Orleans – Chicago
River North workers and tourists alike flock to this compact spot that gained even more fame after appearing in a certain award-winning television series.
But Mr. Beef earned its reputation long before Hollywood came calling, serving exceptional Italian beef since 1979. The cramped quarters and simple setup might surprise first-timers, but one bite explains why people keep coming back.
Their beef gets seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices that creates layers of flavor in every mouthful. The gravy here has a richness that coats your taste buds without overwhelming the meat itself.
Lines often stretch out the door during lunch hours, with construction workers standing next to business executives, all waiting patiently for their turn. The staff works with impressive speed, taking orders and assembling sandwiches in a choreographed dance they’ve perfected over decades.
Location: 666 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654
3. Johnnie’s Beef – Elmwood Park
Cruising down North Avenue, you’ll spot this beloved suburban institution that’s been a family tradition since 1961.
Johnnie’s built its reputation on consistency, quality, and portions that could satisfy even the heartiest appetite. The outdoor picnic tables fill up quickly on warm days, creating a festive atmosphere where families gather and friendships strengthen over shared meals.
Their Italian beef arrives juicy and flavorful, with meat so tender it practically melts on your tongue. The bread gets baked fresh daily, providing the perfect vessel that’s sturdy enough to handle the juice yet soft enough to bite through easily.
Many locals consider this the gold standard by which all other Italian beef sandwiches get measured. The combo sandwich, featuring both beef and sausage, has converted countless skeptics into devoted regulars.
Location: 7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707
4. Portillo’s – Chicago
While Portillo’s early success centered largely on hot dogs, its Italian beef grew in popularity over time and became one of the chain’s most recognized offerings.
While some purists might dismiss chains, Portillo’s has managed to maintain quality while expanding, no small feat in the competitive world of Italian beef. The Ontario Street location serves downtown workers and tourists who’ve heard the hype and want to experience it firsthand.
Their beef gets slow-roasted for hours, then sliced thin and served swimming in rich, peppery gravy that’s become their signature. The chocolate cake shake might tempt you, but save room because these sandwiches demand your full attention and appetite.
The system moves efficiently despite constant crowds, with multiple registers and an assembly line that keeps wait times surprisingly short. You’ll find the same great taste whether you visit this location or any other across the state.
Location: 100 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654
5. Buona – Chicago
Family recipes passed down through generations form the foundation of this growing chain that started in Berwyn back in 1981.
The Buonavolanto family brought their Italian heritage and passion for quality ingredients to create a menu that honors tradition while appealing to modern tastes. Their Clark Street location serves River North residents and visitors who appreciate authentic flavors without pretension.
Slow-roasted beef gets seasoned with a proprietary spice blend that creates a distinctive taste you won’t find anywhere else. The au jus has a depth of flavor that suggests hours of careful preparation and attention to detail.
Fresh-baked bread arrives daily from local bakeries, ensuring every sandwich starts with a perfect foundation. The dining room offers more space than typical beef joints, making it ideal for groups or families who want to sit down and enjoy their meal comfortably.
Location: 700 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
6. Scatchell’s Beef & Pizza – Cicero
Tucked into a Cicero neighborhood, this dual-threat establishment proves you can excel at both Italian beef and pizza without compromising either.
Over the years, Scatchell’s has become a go-to spot for locals who want quality food without the downtown prices or crowds. The staff treats regulars like family, remembering orders and asking about kids by name.
Their Italian beef showcases perfectly seasoned meat that’s been roasted until it reaches peak tenderness and flavor. The gravy strikes an ideal balance—flavorful enough to enhance the beef without turning your sandwich into soup.
Hot giardiniera adds a fiery kick that’ll clear your sinuses and keep you reaching for more napkins. The combination of great food, reasonable prices, and genuine hospitality creates an experience that keeps customers returning week after week.
Location: 4700 W Cermak Rd, Cicero, IL 60804
7. Luke’s Italian Beef – Chicago
Downtown workers discovered this Loop location offers a quick escape from boring desk lunches and overpriced corporate cafeterias.
Luke’s understands the lunch rush demands speed without sacrificing quality, so they’ve perfected a system that moves lines quickly while maintaining their high standards. The aroma of seasoned beef and gravy hits you the moment you walk through the door, making your mouth water before you even place your order.
Thinly sliced beef gets piled generously onto fresh bread that’s been dipped just right in savory au jus. Each bite delivers that perfect combination of tender meat, tangy peppers, and crusty bread that defines a great Italian beef experience.
The convenient location makes it perfect for grabbing lunch between meetings or before catching a train. Despite the fast-paced environment, the staff remains friendly and accommodating, even during the busiest hours.
Location: 215 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606
8. Jay’s Italian Beef & Sausage – Harwood Heights
Northwest suburban residents consider themselves fortunate to have this gem right in their backyard, where Jay’s has built a loyal following over the years for its consistently excellent Italian beef.
Jay’s proves you don’t need a fancy dining room or trendy location when your food speaks for itself. The focus here remains squarely on what matters most—perfectly prepared Italian beef that showcases traditional techniques and quality ingredients.
Seasoned beef gets roasted low and slow until it achieves that ideal texture that’s tender without falling apart. The gravy here has developed a cult following, with customers praising its robust flavor and perfect consistency.
Combo sandwiches featuring both beef and sausage offer the best of both worlds for those who can’t decide. The portions are generous without being wasteful, giving you plenty to enjoy without feeling uncomfortably stuffed afterward.
Location: 4418 N Narragansett Ave, Harwood Heights, IL 60706
9. Mickey’s Drive-In – Bellwood
Nostalgia meets deliciousness at this classic drive-in that’s been serving the western suburbs since 1956.
Mickey’s represents a bygone era when drive-ins dotted every major road and families made weekend trips for burgers and beef sandwiches. The retro atmosphere adds to the experience, making every visit feel like a step back to simpler times.
Their Italian beef stays true to traditional preparation methods that have been perfected over nearly seven decades. Thin-sliced, well-seasoned meat gets served on quality bread that holds up to the generous portion of gravy.
The outdoor seating and car service options make it perfect for warm weather dining when you want to enjoy your meal under the sun. Families appreciate the casual atmosphere where kids can be kids and everyone can relax while enjoying great food.
Location: 635 Mannheim Rd, Bellwood, IL 60104
10. Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage – Chicago
South Side residents have been making pilgrimages to this Kedzie Avenue institution for years, drawn by authentic flavors and honest prices.
Pop’s embodies the neighborhood beef stand tradition where quality and value matter more than flashy marketing or trendy decor. The regulars here form a tight community, often chatting with each other while waiting for their orders.
Perfectly seasoned beef arrives sliced thin and served with a flavorful au jus that enhances rather than masks the meat’s natural taste. The bread comes from a local bakery, ensuring freshness and that ideal texture that can handle serious juice without dissolving.
Hot peppers provide the right amount of heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick with their beef. The staff works efficiently while maintaining a friendly demeanor, treating first-timers and longtime customers with equal warmth and respect.
Location: 10337 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60655
11. Odge’s – Chicago
Ukrainian Village gained another strong Italian beef option when this spot opened, adding to the broader neighborhood’s growing selection of casual comfort-food destinations.
Odge’s combines old-school preparation methods with a slightly more modern approach to service and atmosphere. The space feels welcoming without being too polished, striking that perfect balance between casual and comfortable.
Their beef gets roasted using traditional techniques that produce meat so tender and flavorful it converts skeptics into believers. The gravy has just enough seasoning to complement the beef without overwhelming your taste buds with excessive spice.
Fresh rolls arrive daily, providing a sturdy yet soft foundation for these magnificent sandwiches. The location makes it convenient for residents of several nearby neighborhoods who appreciate having a quality Italian beef option within walking distance.
Location: 730 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
12. Budacki’s Drive-In – Chicago
North Side families have been creating memories at this beloved drive-in for generations, with Budacki’s long-standing presence making it a neighborhood staple.
Budacki’s represents everything great about classic Chicago drive-ins—simple menu, quality ingredients, and preparation methods that haven’t changed because they didn’t need improving. The vintage atmosphere adds charm without feeling forced or artificial.
Italian beef here gets prepared with care and attention to detail that shows in every bite. The meat arrives properly seasoned, sliced thin, and served with gravy that’s been simmered to develop deep, complex flavors.
Sweet peppers offer a nice contrast to the savory beef, while hot giardiniera provides fire for those who want it. The outdoor seating and relaxed vibe make it perfect for casual meals where conversation flows as freely as the gravy on your sandwich.
Location: 4739 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625