Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Thin-sliced roast beef on Gonnella French bread, ladled with peppery jus, finished with sweet peppers or giardiniera. Dipped wet is the canonical order.
The Italian beef sandwich was invented in Chicago in the 1930s among Italian-American workers in the Taylor Street neighbourhood, who stretched cheap roast beef by slicing it paper-thin and serving it on jus-soaked bread. The Ferrari, Pacelli and Cingari families each claim a piece of the origin story. Al's Beef opened in 1938 on Taylor Street; Mr. Beef on Orleans, in River North, became the cabbie favourite a generation later. The 2022 FX series The Bear made the sandwich an international object, but inside the city it has always been a 4pm-after-work staple. Hot (with spicy giardiniera) or sweet (with bell peppers) is the first decision; dry, wet or dipped is the second.
4 editor picks for Italian beef sandwich in Chicago, ranked by editorial score. All Chicago signature dishes · Italian beef sandwich across every city.
Johnnie's Beef in Elmwood Park is the suburban-edge Italian-beef counter on North Avenue since 1961, known for the combo (beef and sausage) and the Italian.
OrderCombo, dipped, hot peppers. Italian lemonade in the lemon-and-ice flavour, large.
TipCash only. Two lines: one for sandwiches, one for Italian lemonade. They are not the same staff.
Mr. Beef on Orleans in Chicago is the no-frills Italian-beef counter that inspired The Bear, opened by Joe Zucchero in 1979, with a sandwich line out past.
OrderItalian beef, dipped, hot peppers. The combo if you want sausage on top.
TipCash only and counter only. Closes by 16:30 on weekdays, earlier on weekends.
Al's Beef on Taylor Street in Chicago is the original 1938 storefront opened by Al Ferreri, the Italian-beef sandwich on Gonnella bread that defined.
OrderItalian beef, double-dipped, sweet peppers. A side of fries to mop the jus.
TipEat standing at the counter with the lean-rail. The sandwich does not survive a sit-down booth structurally.
Portillo's in Chicago is the Ontario Street flagship of the chain founded 1963 by Dick Portillo, with Chicago hot dogs, Italian beef and the chocolate cake.
OrderA Chicago dog, an Italian beef dipped, a small chocolate cake shake.
TipDrive-thru is faster than the counter. The chocolate cake shake is a chocolate shake with a slice of chocolate cake blended into the cup.
Italian beef sandwich makes more sense with someone from Chicago explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
2 hours
Cook a 3-course modern Italian feast in Chicago with guidance from a local chef. Prepare whipped ricotta with rosemary and chile flakes, craft savory beef braciole and...
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Taste the finest examples of Artisan, Neapolitan, Detroit Style, and Chicago deep-dish pizza on this professionally guided walking tour that takes you to highly-rated ...
Water activity · 2h 30m
An unforgettable celebration of holiday cheer and fine dining awaits on our Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. Enjoy a 3-course plated dinner, an on board D...
