11 Places In Illinois Where Italian Beef Still Comes First
Illinois has a secret weapon in the sandwich world, and it comes dripping with flavor.
Italian beef is more than just a meal here, it’s a tradition that brings people together over thinly sliced meat, tangy peppers, and bread soaked in savory juices.
From family-owned stands to beloved chains, these spots have mastered the art of crafting the perfect Italian beef sandwich.
Get ready to explore the best places where this iconic dish still reigns supreme.
1. Al’s #1 Italian Beef
History lives inside every bite at this legendary spot.
Al’s #1 Italian Beef opened its doors back in 1938 and never looked back.
You’ll find it nestled in Chicago’s Little Italy at 548 N Wells St, Chicago, where the aroma of seasoned beef fills the air.
The beef gets sliced paper-thin, seasoned just right, and piled onto crusty Italian bread that soaks up every drop of juice.
People line up daily for a taste of this original recipe that started it all.
Sweet peppers add a touch of brightness, while hot peppers bring the heat.
The sandwich arrives messy, delicious, and absolutely worth the napkins you’ll need.
Generations have grown up eating here, passing down their love for this simple yet perfect creation.
Every visit feels like stepping back in time to when quality and tradition mattered most.
Al’s proves that sometimes the oldest recipes remain the best.
2. Portillo’s
What started as a humble hot dog stand in 1963 grew into something much bigger.
Portillo’s now serves hungry customers across Illinois with consistent quality and generous portions.
One favorite location sits at 100 W Ontario St, Chicago, right in the heart of downtown.
Their Italian beef comes loaded with flavor and customizable toppings that let you build your perfect sandwich.
Choose sweet peppers for a mild sweetness or hot peppers if you crave a spicy kick.
The beef itself is tender, juicy, and seasoned with a blend that keeps people coming back.
You can order it dry, wet, or dipped, depending on how much au jus you want.
Families gather here for meals that satisfy everyone at the table.
The atmosphere feels lively and welcoming, with staff who know their sandwiches inside and out.
Portillo’s has mastered the balance between tradition and accessibility, making Italian beef available to all.
3. Johnnie’s Beef
Few places understand the power of a proper dip as this one does.
Johnnie’s Beef has been serving Elmwood Park residents at 7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, for decades.
Their sandwiches come generously dipped in rich, flavorful au jus that seeps into every fiber of the bread.
The beef is sliced thin and piled high, creating a tower of savory goodness.
Hot peppers add a fiery punch, while sweet peppers offer a gentler contrast.
They also serve charcoal-grilled sausage that pairs perfectly with the beef for a combo sandwich.
The outdoor seating area buzzes with conversation as people enjoy their meals under the sky.
Locals know to arrive hungry because these sandwiches don’t mess around with portion sizes.
Every bite delivers that perfect combination of tender meat, tangy juice, and soft bread.
Johnnie’s keeps it simple, focusing on what they do best without unnecessary frills.
4. Buona Beef
Family recipes passed down through generations make all the difference here.
Buona Beef has been serving slow-roasted Italian beef since 1981, with one popular spot at 10633 S Western Ave, Chicago.
Their beef roasts for hours until it reaches that perfect tender texture that melts in your mouth.
The au jus is rich and deeply flavored, adding moisture and taste to every bite.
You can order your sandwich dry if you prefer less juice, wet for a moderate soak, or fully dipped for maximum flavor.
Each style offers a different experience, letting you customize based on your mood.
The bread holds up remarkably well even when soaked, maintaining just enough structure.
Families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the menu options that please both kids and adults.
The staff takes pride in preparing each sandwich with care and attention.
Buona Beef proves that tradition and quality never go out of style.
5. Mr. Beef
Television fame came calling, but the sandwiches were already legendary before that.
Mr. Beef gained national attention after appearing in the hit series The Bear, and you’ll find it at 666 N Orleans St, Chicago.
Their Italian beef arrives juicy and well-seasoned, with flavors that hit all the right notes.
The bread comes from D’Amato’s Bakery, known for producing some of the finest Italian rolls in the city.
That crusty exterior and soft interior create the perfect vessel for all that savory beef.
Peppers add layers of flavor, whether you go sweet, hot, or a combination of both.
The atmosphere feels authentic and unpretentious, just like a true Chicago sandwich shop should.
Regulars and tourists alike crowd the counter, eager to taste what all the buzz is about.
Each sandwich gets assembled with practiced efficiency, yet never feels rushed or careless.
Mr. Beef earned its reputation one delicious sandwich at a time.
6. Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage
Generous portions define the experience at this beloved Chicagoland chain.
Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage serves up hearty sandwiches at multiple locations, including 10337 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago.
Their beef comes loaded onto the bread, with enough meat to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
The combo sandwich pairs Italian beef with Italian sausage, creating a flavor explosion that’s hard to beat.
Both meats complement each other beautifully, offering different textures and tastes in every bite.
The au jus adds moisture and depth, turning good ingredients into something truly special.
Sweet peppers provide a subtle sweetness, while hot peppers deliver the heat seekers crave.
Families often share sandwiches because the portions are genuinely big enough for two.
The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for quick lunches or relaxed dinners alike.
Pop’s understands that sometimes more really is more, especially when it comes to Italian beef.
7. Carm’s Beef and Italian Ice
Summer days taste even better when you can follow your sandwich with something cold and sweet.
Carm’s Beef and Italian Ice sits in Chicago’s Little Italy at 1057 W Polk St, offering the perfect combination.
Their hot sandwiches arrive steaming and flavorful, packed with seasoned beef that satisfies every craving.
They also serve subs and tacos for those who want to explore beyond the traditional Italian beef.
The real treat comes after your meal when you order Italian ice in flavors ranging from lemon to cherry.
That refreshing coolness provides the perfect contrast to the rich, savory sandwich you just enjoyed.
The neighborhood vibe feels friendly and welcoming, with locals stopping by throughout the day.
Kids especially love the Italian ice, making this a family favorite during warm weather months.
The combination of quality food and refreshing dessert keeps people coming back season after season.
Carm’s proves that innovation can enhance tradition without overshadowing it.
8. Luke’s Italian Beef
Neighborhood jewels like this one keep communities connected through great food.
Luke’s Italian Beef serves the Chicagoland area with dedication and quality at 215 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago.
Their beef gets prepared fresh daily, ensuring every sandwich tastes as good as the last.
The seasoning blend brings out the natural flavors of the meat without overpowering it.
Giardiniera adds that signature Chicago kick, with pickled vegetables providing crunch and heat.
You can adjust the spice level to match your preference, from mild to mouth-burning hot.
The bread comes fresh from local bakeries, maintaining that perfect texture throughout your meal.
Regular customers greet the staff by name, creating a warm atmosphere that feels like home.
The portions are generous without being wasteful, striking that ideal balance.
Luke’s understands that consistency builds loyalty, and they deliver that consistency every single day.
This is where tradition meets neighborhood pride in the best possible way.
9. Giordano’s
Pizza might be their claim to fame, but the Italian beef holds its own here.
Giordano’s has locations throughout Illinois, with one iconic spot at 730 N Rush St, Chicago.
Most people know them for deep-dish pizza, yet their Italian beef deserves equal recognition.
The sandwich features tender, well-seasoned beef piled onto quality bread that soaks up the juices beautifully.
Peppers add the traditional flavor notes that make Italian beef so distinctive and delicious.
The au jus is flavorful without being too salty, complementing rather than overwhelming the meat.
Visitors often come for the pizza and discover the Italian beef as a pleasant surprise.
The dining rooms feel spacious and comfortable, perfect for families or groups of friends.
Staff members know both menu items well and can guide you toward your perfect meal.
Giordano’s proves that a restaurant can excel in multiple areas without sacrificing quality.
Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones you didn’t expect to find.
10. Buddy’s Burgers
Rockford residents know that burgers aren’t the only star on this menu.
Buddy’s Burgers brings quality to the table at 6551 E Riverside Blvd, Rockford, serving both locals and travelers.
Their Italian beef sandwich rivals anything you’d find in Chicago, with tender meat and perfect seasoning.
The beef gets sliced thin and piled high, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
Au jus adds moisture and depth, turning simple ingredients into something memorable.
Peppers provide that essential contrast, whether you prefer sweet, hot, or both together.
The casual atmosphere makes it ideal for lunch breaks, family dinners, or quick stops during road trips.
Burgers might be in the name, but the Italian beef has earned its own loyal following.
Portions are satisfying without being overwhelming, striking that perfect middle ground.
Buddy’s shows that great Italian beef exists beyond Chicago’s city limits.
Sometimes the best food comes from unexpected places.
11. Jay’s Beef
True craftsmanship shows in the details, and this place gets every detail right.
Jay’s Beef has been serving the community at 4418 N Narragansett Ave, Harwood Heights, with passion and precision.
Their Italian beef features meat that’s been seasoned and cooked to absolute perfection.
The slicing technique ensures each piece is thin enough to be tender yet substantial enough to satisfy.
Fresh bread arrives daily from trusted bakeries, providing the foundation for these magnificent sandwiches.
Au jus gets prepared in-house, with a recipe that balances savory and subtle spice notes beautifully.
Sweet peppers offer a gentle contrast, while hot peppers bring the fire for those who want it.
The staff takes pride in their work, treating each order with care and attention.
Regular customers return week after week, drawn by consistency and quality that never wavers.
Jay’s proves that dedication to craft creates food worth traveling for.
This is Italian beef done right, plain and simple.
