There is truly one place that gets the Italian beef sandwich right—Chicago. If that’s not your first guess, then you’ve never had a proper Italian beef before. Thanks to The Bear, Italian beef has been thrust into the spotlight for a good reason—it’s one of Chicago’s signature specialties, along with deep-dish pizza (though I’m still team Tavern-style).
So, what makes an Italian beef sandwich? Tracing back to Italian American immigrants in Chicago, the sandwich consists of thin slices of roast beef simmered and served au jus on French bread—you’ll probably find spicy giardiniera or mild bell peppers smothered on it. We know many places serve Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago, which is why we narrowed it down to the top spots.
Mr. Beef
You’ve probably heard of Mr. Beef, the iconic sandwich shop featured on the award-winning show The Bear. True to its reputation, the spot is simple but serves mouth-watering food. Be sure to try the hot Italian beef dipped in both sweet and hot peppers, and don’t forget to add the salty, perfectly crispy fries.
While the line may stretch around the corner, it moves quickly, making it a worthwhile stop—especially if you’re a fan of Carmy from the show.
Al’s Beef
Al’s Beef is undoubtedly the place to go for an Italian beef sandwich in Chicago; while simple, it is truly one of the best I’ve ever tasted. They excel at achieving the perfect seasoning profile—flavorful without being overwhelming or overly salty.
Al’s Beef has a rich, full-bodied taste, and we even detected a hint of gaminess in the best possible way. Additionally, they use Turano bread, which is the best choice for these sandwiches because it retains the delicious juices without falling apart. The peppers also added a great flavor—not too dominant, but still noticeable.
Scatchell’s
When you order the Italian beef with sweet peppers and a side of fries at Scatchell’s, you can congratulate yourself on making the best choice of your life. The beef is sliced thinly and perfectly seasoned. The bread, soaked in beef juice, remains intact until the very last bite. The beef juice is so delicious that next time you’re feeling under the weather, you might consider ordering it as a soup to go.
Bari Beef
Of course, Bari Beef has one of the best Italian beefs in Chicago—it has beef in its name. Bari Beef slow-roasts their meat, ensuring your Italian beef is tender and sliced to perfection. We also can’t get over their viscous gravy that just takes the Italian beef over the top.
Johnie’s Beef
Any Chicagoan will tell you that Johnie’s Beef has some of the best beef sandwiches around. If they suggest otherwise, they’re not really your friend. The sandwich is full of flavor, the beef is tender, and it’s incredibly juicy—you’ll find yourself wiping the sides of your mouth!
Buona
Buona is a well-known name if you’re from Chicago. This long-standing local chain eatery is famous for its Italian beef sandwiches. Like many of the other establishments mentioned, Buona offers a sensational sandwich. However, we also want to highlight their other offering—the Chicago vegan beef.
You might not even notice the difference; the vegan Italian beef is so delicious and serves as the perfect alternative for meat-free diners. The bread is soft and doughy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. The filling-to-meat ratio is just right. No matter your dietary preference, this is the place to eat.
Portillo’s
Portillo’s is a classic fast-food stop in Chicago, and whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s a shared common experience—the food never gets old, including the Italian beef sandwich with spicy giardiniera and sauce on the side.