The Best Italian Beef in Chicago | Top 5 spots for Italian Beef in Chicago
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- čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
- Italian beef is a popular sandwich in Chicago, Illinois, known for its delicious and unique flavors. It consists of thinly sliced roast beef that has been slow-cooked to perfection, often in seasoned au jus (beef gravy), and then placed on a crusty Italian-style roll. It's typically served with optional toppings like sweet or hot peppers, giardiniera (a spicy pickled vegetable mix), and sometimes melted cheese.
00:00 Chicago Italian Beef Tour
00:14 Portillo's, Chicago
01:41 Johnnie's Beef, Chicago
04:53 Al's Beef, Chicago
06:56 The Duck Inn, Chicago
09:45 Mr. Beef, Chicago
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I love that Johnnie’s Beef place! Always get an Italian Ice on the side!
As a lifelong Chicagoan, I approve of this list. I've tried them all but Duck Inn. Portillo's ain't what it used to be, however. Wouldn't recommend it a top spit anymore.
Johnnies in Elmwood Park 💚🤍❤️
The best!
I love the combo the best!! That sausage just adds some amazing flavor!
@@mikehup2383 YEP and their Italian Ice is to die for!!
Johnnie’s will always be the king. Juicy combo (beef and sausage) sweet. Greatest sammich on the planet
Is my family's "go to" for the past 65 yrs, and still rules!
Close, the hot Giardiniera is a must. They do beefs and sausage right!
Total agreement!!!!
Does Johnnie's still have the same char-grilled Italian sausage they had 50 years ago?...the best I've ever had
Hands down. I recently visited chicago for the second time and had Johnnie's. The only other Italian beef I've had was Portillo's. Johnnie's was way better, even though I did like Portillo's. I'm going to try more when I go back, but I can't see anything topping Johnnie's.
Don't Forget The Legendary AL'S BEEF!!!!💥💥💥💥💥
Just went to Johnnie's last weekend. They make a great beef!
johnnies has always skimped on the size of their beefs. fries undercooked.
Chickie's and Scatchell's are my favorites. I also agree with those suggesting Luke's.
Chickies 25 yrs ago. Not now
My grandfather and I used to talk about the evolution of popular food... when he was a kid (near Chicago) the Italian beef sandwich was the thing. This was replaced by hamburgers, then pizza, and now it seems to be tacos. How cool is that!
A Johnnies dipped, with, and travellin'! Order up! Yeahhh....
Luke's Italian Beef.
215 W Jackson.
Excellent beef and a bag of fries as big as your head.😋😋😋
Yes! I was looking for someone to say something about Luke’s freakin awesome sandwich and pile of fries! 😊
Thanks
MR beef is great
Route 66 restaurant,10180 S Indianapolis Ave, Chicago, IL, is a must-try for Italian Beef. Unbelievable in size and taste. It's worth the ride.
Ughh... that looks absolutely delicious. Im hungry now
Al's is the best, used to go there all the time.
Great mix of Heaven! Nice Job!
Yes love this
Wow 😯 looks fabulous 🤤🤤🤤
Rarely do I comment on anything but this video was great. Chicago native and love an honest clearcut review. Nice work Adam and Madalyn!
Johnnie's is the best. Hands down.
It's very rare that I order an Italian Beef. But you have me so hungry right now! Great video guys. Love your channel!!!
Took my daughter to Portillo’s a few weeks ago and the lack of meat in her Italian beef sandwich was alarming. Go to the independent Italian beef stands to get true value.
Miss all those places and more... Had good friends In Chicago our first 50 we lived on the N side of Indy, visited often... Don't find that out here in CO the last ten years...
Portillo is not what it use to be. I find the Pizza Nova in Canaryville serves a great juicy Italian Beef
Duke’s Drive In was my favorite but they closed a few years ago. They used to be located in Bridgeview.
I agree. Portillo’s isn’t what it used to be. It’s still ok but not what it used to be.
That beef looked so skimpy
@@jaxsonhugh9334 it really does I'm greedy I would be upset 😭
@@boogitybear2283 I remember driving past I use to work on 85th & Harlem
Al's is # 1 in my book.....Awesome beef, and Awesome giardinar!!!!!!!!!!!
Your opening drone shot is cool--I saw "Carbit Paint" and thought, "Wow, I know where that is!" I've recently appraised several buildings in the foreground, and over the years building all the way to the horizon.
As an appraiser I spend a lot of time "in the field" driving to properties. An early find, some 30 years ago, was Johnnie's. Still good!
Being from Philly originally I am familiar with the "Philly cheesesteak"! I've tried many versions of this sandwich all over the USA! In Philly there also is a "Italian roast beef" sandwich that is not so popular! The BEST version of this is at Nick's Roast Beef at 20th & Jack s on in south Philly!This is similar to this "Chicago-style roast beef" sandwich! I've been to Chicago many times over the last 50 years & I never ate this sandwich! I would like to try it because I love a juicy, savory sandwich with a hard roll! The jardiniere is a nice bonus!
Best sandwich on earth
Luv them all, l do like the AL'S beef sandwich because it is chopped very fine, but great beefs all around.
I think over the years, the qualities and taste of Beef itself has changed quite a bit. As well as other meats-poultry-seafoods. It used to be that the fat on a good Ribeye or Porterhouse Steak would just melt in your mouth. And that was the best part! Today you need a knife as sharp as a samurai sword to cut through it. .
New Subscriber and Chicago is in the building
I recently tried Scatchell's Beef & Pizza at 4700 s cemerk. Soooooo good!
I pass through there everyday, I'll be stopping by
Hot dogs there are good
@@agarbis6571 I never tried the beef. Hot dogs are good. The pizza I never tried either. For beef I go to als in little Italy. I tried jhonnies and tasted bland to me. Wasn't all that. Als to me on taylor is king but that's just my view.
I still loveportillos but when they went corporate was the start of the skimping! Don't go nearly as much as I used to.
I’ve had it at least a half-dozen times at Al’s. Keep going back!
I like Al"s Beef
👏🏼
BOMB!!!!
Check out Carm's down in Little Italy . They also have great ice .
We have an awesome Italian Beef/Chicago Dog stand with other options for meals here in Colorado and it's really good! If I'm in Chicago again I'll have to try one or two, three while I'm there, lol
Portillo's is the best!!
Was going to say I have to try that AL’s until you said shredded beef and saw the sandwich. I like my Italian beef to have the beef sliced.
Al's beef on Taylor Street is the best. Ain't been there since 79 through 85 Blackhawks season when I went
Al's beef is not shredded but sliced paper thin. It's tender and incredibly flavorful. Their giardinere is hands down the best.
Johnny’s is my favorite
Marco’s on Fullerton and Austin has 🔥 Italian beef!
Never had an italian beef sandwich, but the best Chicago dog is definitely from a food truck, over by the Shedd Aquarium!
We’ve actually had this one and it’s pretty good
Portillo's, then Johnnie's Beef, glad i could help
Uh no. portillos in same sentence. No.
Johnnie’s #1…hands down
I remember seeing Johnny Italian beef by another CZcamsr. His name is Mark Weins. At Johnny's the dip the whole sandwich in the juice a submersion.
Yeah, you can go anyway you like. Might depend on the bread, too much juice you can't even pick it up. I like some on there, but not drowned. LOL
Those peppers tore Mark Weins up 😂😂😂
Mr beefs great duck in as well as is portillos
Pop’s!
All are good, Johnnies in Elmwood Park is the best, especially with Italian Ice.
Teddy s hot dogs and beef,just the right amount of spices on the beef,Plainfield road and also Lamont road,hidden treasure
Johnnies is great .
2024 Glad Portillo's is in TEXAS 5 Locations in Dallas / Fort Worth & 2 Locations in Houston. I was Made in Chicago, IL. (southside)
Johnnie's Beef in Elmwood Park is the Best of the best. Have been to all of these places they are all great but Johnnie's is spiced better it's #1! I get it Juicy extra HOT but sweet is great also.
Pete’s in Oak Park. Across the street from Turano Bakery. You will thank me
Micheals on Oak Park and north ave
Pete's for gyros... Novi's in Berwyn Best
@@DrTruth-zk7vr Pete’s got a better beef too. Way more flavor. Not saying Novis still ain’t good. I worked at Turano for 10 yrs. I’m certified
Mr Beef on Orleans st. #1 Chicago Beef.
Novi's Beef in Berwyn is a great one. Best spiced gravy than all of those shown.
Great suggestion will look into it!
Those are some GREAT first bites!
Al’s is the best
Leonard ❤️
Micheals, Johnnies, Petes, Marcos, last but not least Albanos open face beef 👍🏾
Italian beef OMG.
Patio, 1503 Taylor St.
Single best Beefs, Combo's, fries and Chicago dogs. Hands down.
I used to live next to Al's on Taylor, ate plenty of stringy fries from Mr. Beef, Pops is good, Riccobene's sucks,
Patio straight kills it!
Yeah, Patio was always good. Many places, and the ones you mention surely aren't like they were 40 or more years ago. Babas was one place we frequented. I heard rumor that the Patio is going to close?
I live in Northwest Indiana (Hammond). I've had Al's, Portillo's, & Mr. Beef, and Mr. Beef is the better of the 3 I've had!
Mr. Beef is classic and you can't beat the atmosphere!
2023 Portillo's Has 2 Locations in TEXAS in North Dallas. Can't Wait When They Come to Houston.. I was Made in Chicago, IL. (southside)
Don't get your hopes up..they Italian beef fell off
@@petebourne7619 Well Something is Better than Nothing. I Love Chicago Portillo's.
Arlington too! Very good and very small for the price....
@@ascales30 I Had a Feelin' That was Gonna Happen When They Expanded. Out Side of Chicago.
@@maureencora1 Yeah, I believe one is opening in Mansfield not far from the Arlington location
try JJ SAUSAGE on 87th in evergreen park. Those italian beefs are Chicagos best. Its close to western
Scatchells on the west side.
Freddie's on 31st union Bridgeport at one time had the best beef sandwich in chicago now not so much
So sad... I grew up off of CARM's beef's on Cicero & Lexington next to MAGIKISS which no longer exist and SCATCHELL's on Cicero & Cermak that still in existence but was not mentioned 😢
You want to try a good beef with some homemade jardiniere frannie's in Schiller Park
Damenzios big beef sandwich
Is the series 'The Bear' based on Mr. Beef? The place looks kinda similar.
Yes it is
Some of the scenes from The Bear were shot inside of Mr Beef. The Bear creator used to work at Mr Beef.
Lived River North/downtown for 7 years. If you go to Malnati's fir one of those nasty deep dish monstrosities.....try there beef. Best in town.....
So who has the best deep dish , I was planning on going to magnates, can you expound more?
@corneliushaynes9510 we're not real deep dish fans. Malnati's is good but Uno or Pizzaria Due are up there as well. Both are in River North a couple blocks off Michigan
I vote for Al's
🗳️
Babas back in the day, I can recall many great places we would go, 60's through the 80;s. But it started before that. I'd truly cross examine Chris Pacelli, owner of Al's to tell me that Al's uses the exact same seasonings as the old Babas did? The processes of "properly" making Italian Beef is not some mystery science. I'm almost 70, and they were making this stuff when I was in Diapers. I think it's safe to say, that many began adding Beef Tallow to the juice. Otherwise what you would have is "seasoned water". A Beef Sammy's Juice is not like the natural Au Jus you have with a Prime Rib, Chateaubriand, or Traditional Roast Beef. It is doped.
Tony's is the real deal. 70th n pulaski if I recall. Only the real know
Will look into it
Never been to Al's in little Italy because all the other ones I went to were trash
Taylor Street location tastes totally different.
Al's Beef is doped with Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, and probably another 8-12 seasonings, and it tastes sweet besides salty. Some seasonings belong, but many don't. "Sweetness" to the juice can be created in a number of ways. Onion. Tomato Paste, or just plain Sugar.
Not usually chuck. It’s a leaner cut like top sirloin or top round.
No green you're missing the green
L you got McDonald's you almost
Roma's Beef on Cicero
I’d rather order sweet peppers. At least you get peppers. Giardenera includes carrots, celery, and olives along with a few peppers.
Buona Beef #1
Buona Beef does serve a great sandwich!
I gotta be honest. I’ve had all these multiple times and will continue to do so often. However a beef sandwich which most people do is not a go out for a meal thing. Hence the pick up an go or take out or delivery best beef imo was left off. It’s better then Portillo and Al’s to go and it don’t make sense but it’s buena beef. It’s just the best tasting on the go or take home you can do in Illinois I’d say more but never ate there it’s always at home or in route somewhere. Just sayin.
If you had to compare only two being Al's or Johnnie's which one will it be? Just the flavor and taste of the beef not the peppers.
All the Italian Beefs look delicious but where are the poppy seeds on those Chicago hot dog buns?
No Poppy Seeads? F&ck, they have the Rosens Truck there every week delivering, and Rosens make such. Is Chris the owner that F-ing cheap?
We now have Portillo’s in Texas
Where exactly? Texas is huge!!!!
@@mattpeacock5208 Allen and The Colony
Yeah but they fell off bad
Now Arlington....
Johnny’s is the best beef in the area.
Other than the spelling, you're not wrong.
Portillos does not belong in the top 5 anymore. Hell, chain Buona is doing better beefs than Portillos.
Agreed, portillos has been sold and all of the "corporate streamlining improvements" has sent me packing. No longer even decent food. Shame
Beefs be to greasy from portillos
True. Once upon a time, they were our benchmark for any of their sandwiches. That changed when Dick Portillo sold it. Now we don't bother. Buena's is better now.
Guys, for Mr. Beef go the family owned recipe location and get the best Italian beef in the Chicagoland area, Original Mr Beef in Homer Glen IL. Just sayin' keeping it real.
Closed. He was by far the best Italian beef though. Followed by Joe Bostons, also closed. Jays is about the only good beef left in my opinion.
@@MrCoffeekelly I've got to check Jay's out in Orland Park
@@Seemely-3520 jays is not in Orland
@@MrCoffeekelly You right I meant to say Joey's
Johnnie’s ad
Great review 👏 beautiful girl 👧❤😍
Where are the tomatoes on the hot dogs?
Hit Chickies next time.
I'm sorry but everyone reviews the same places in Chicago. I think some of the best places for a beef sandwich are on the north side of Chicago. Portillos is hot or miss depending on location and who makes your sandwich. Johnis beefs are getting smaller and smaller and less beef. Just my opinion.
What's the best place to get one?
@@darrellb6583 try Jay's beefs on Montrose and Narragansett in Chicago. Also there's dukes at the corner of central and Elston in Chicago.
@@kurwa66 jays beef doesn't even put hot giardiniera on their beefs, its more just jalapenos, doesn't even compare to johnnies
Al’s buy far is the best beef
With Johnnie's the term is Juicy not Wet.
Like They Say Go to Philly For a Real Cheese Steak & Go to Chicago For a Real Italian Beef.
Johnnies fries are great , gotta it them there .
Al's on Taylor tastes very different and a lot better than the other locations. Go to that one. Portillos kinda overrated and pricey. However, their chocolate cake is fire. Try
Michael's Beef House on North Avenue in Oak Park. Excellent classic beef.
Al"s Beef Run it
We hear you
Yes daily best creation ever made AL"S BEEF@@AdamandMadalyn
I wish your guys ranked each restaurant. 1-5.
What are you looking for and we’ll tell you where to go. If you’re visiting Chicago and want to try an awesome sit down Italian beef and Chicago style hot dog, go to the Duck Inn.
@@AdamandMadalyn Wow alrighty then okay got it will do. I wonder who replied? Come back with force.
Apologies if that came off somehow as a forceful reply…both Chicagoans and visitors watch this video. For visitors, we highly recommend Duck Inn as it’s a great local dining experience. Thanks for watching!
@@AdamandMadalynDiner experience. Wow scratching my forehead. If I want a hot dog. I boiled some franks. Guys which spot have the best Italian beef?
Philly Cheese Steak is better than Italian Beef any day, Chicago has the Pizza Deep Dish, Chicago Hot Dogs, are the best but Philly Cheese Steak is the best in my humble opinion.
Novis in berwyn
what was your favorite spot?
Who is the winner?
We love Johnnies!
Gravy?
It's more of an Au'jus
NOT PORTILLO’S, THE BEST BEEF IS PETES RED HOTS, THE ONE IN OAK PARK, IL