Chicago’s Best Italian Beef Sandwiches

5 3 minutes read

For years, Chicago’s iconic food scene was known for two main attractions: deep-dish pizza and hot dogs. Italian beef sandwiches have long been among the city’s iconic specialties, and the massive success of FX’s “The Bear” has exposed the local favorite to visitors. But who serves the best in town is a long contested topic.

Italian beef sandwiches are traced back to the early 1930s when Italian immigrants used less expensive cuts of meat to create affordable and filling meals. To flavor the beef, Italian Americans seasoned and slow-roasted the tougher cuts in broth, softening the texture. Different from the French Dip, Italian Beefs are served with a mix of hot and sweet peppers, and giardiniera, another Chicago staple.

In the 1960s and 1970s the sandwich began to grow in popularity in the Chicagoland area and some of the first, now iconic, restaurants opened, including Mr. Beef, the inspiration for “The Bear” in the show.

While Mr. Beef is now the most popular Italian beef restaurant in town, thanks to “The Bear,” several other contenders vie for the title of best Italian beef sandwich. Each follows the basic principles of the sandwich: slow-cooked beef, gravy and seasonings, housemade giardineria, and locally baked rolls, but each sandwich shop boasts its own unique spin on the specialty. Before you order, decide if you want the sandwich dry (only au jus is from the beef), wet (gravy poured on), or dipped (sandwich is submerged in gravy).

Johnnie’s (Elmwood Park)

Courtesy of Tori Allen

Just outside the city in Elmwood Park, Johnnie’s is universally known as one of the best Italian beef destinations in town. The restaurant opened in 1961 and still operates out of its original location. Johnnie’s is truly a no-frills establishment – cash only, one place to order, no seats inside (only a small counter and patio tables outside), and an impressively long line out the door. Whether it's the dead of winter or the heat of summer, hundreds of folks line up outside each day to grab the signature sandwich and head out.

Luke’s

Luke's Italian Beef sandwich.

Courtesy of Tori Allen

Another must-try Italian beef outside the city is Luke’s, which opened its first location in the early 1980s. What sets this sandwich apart is the extra seasoned gravy, thicker than other places and more flavorful, and the place forgoes the traditional Turano roll for locally made bread from Il Mulino di Valenzano Bakery. The softer roll absorbs more of the gravy for a perfectly flavorful bite. Save room for the Italian ice, namely the cantaloupe flavor.

Al’s (Little Italy and throughout Chicago)

Al's Italian Beef sandwich.

Courtesy of Al's Beef

Perhaps Chicago’s oldest Italian beef sandwich shop, Al’s opened in 1938. Founder Anthony Ferreri humbly began with an early day food truck, delivering sandwiches and other baked items to residents and businesses alike in the area. The truck’s popularity and success allowed him to open his first sandwich stand, which has now grown to five Chicagoland locations with additional franchise opportunities and nationwide shipping.

Tony’s (Southside)

Tony's Italian Beef sandwich.

Courtesy of Tori Allen

Ask anyone in the Southside of Chicago where to get the best Italian beef, and many will point you straight to Tony’s. What sets the restaurant apart from competitors is the thicker slices of beef and a special spin on giardineira made with garbanzo beans. Tony’s beef was so popular after the place opened that locals would order it by the pound for parties, and that is where the brand’s catering popularity began.

Mr. Beef (River North)

Courtesy of Tori Allen

Visitors come to the city and hit up the regular Chicago institutions: the Bean, the river, Navy Pier, and now Mr. Beef. Any given day you’ll find a long line wrapped around the block composed of locals – but mostly tourists – vying for a peek at the restaurant that inspired “The Bear.” The visibility from the show catapulted the restaurant’s popularity – the owners say they went from serving a few hundred sandwiches a day to topping out at almost 800 Italian beefs a day. Be prepared to order when you get to the counter, as the staff will share their displeasure at any indecision.

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