An ode to the sandwiches that raised us.
There are two types of people in Chicago: those who know where to get a proper Italian beef, and those who need to read this list. From neon-signed counters to no-frills dives that serve beefs with spiritual consequences, we mapped out the messy, wet, glorious best of them.
Photo via johnnies-beef.site
Johnnie's Beef
7500 W North Ave - Elmwood Park
Johnnie’s doesn’t care about your feelings. It cares about hot peppers, snappy sausage, and the kind of au jus that could revive the dead. Order fast, cash only, and never forget: you’re on sacred beef ground. Cleanse your palate after with their famous lemonade Italian Ice, served in huge portions for just a couple bucks.
Photo via alsbeef.com
Al's Beef
548 N Wells St - River North
3420 N Clark St - Wrigleyville
2804 N Western Ave - Avondale
1079 W Taylor St, Chicago - Little Italy
Al's has been serving up some of Chicago's favorite beef since 1938. Wanna embrace their signature move? Dunk your sandwich in gravy until it practically melts. It's classic, iconic, and completely worth the hype.
Photo via Facebook/Mr. Beef on Orleans
Mr. Beef
666 N. Orleans St - River North
For fans of The Bear, look no further than the real Original Beef. It’s all flavor, no bull. Mr. Beef brings the chaotic counter energy seen on TV and sandwiches that taste like Chicago is swearing at you (with love).
Photo via Facebook/Carm's Beef and Italian Ice
Carm's Beef and Italian Ice
1057 W. Polk St - Little Italy
Carm's is family-run since the ‘20s and still serving up sandwiches like it’s Prohibition and you’re in the know. With all the love of your grandparents' kitchen, Carm's dishes out homestyle beefs that'll give you that warm homestyle feeling.
Photo via ricobenespizza.com
Ricobene's
252 W 26th St - Bridgeport
The breaded steak might get all the headlines, but don’t sleep on Ricobene's Italian beef, which comes heavy, spicy, and ready to fight. Pick one up before a Sox game, and you might enter the stands with newfound superpowers.
Photo via romasitalianbeefsausage.com
Roma's Italian Beef, Sausage & Pizza
4237 N Cicero Ave - Portage Park
This neighborhood standby is slinging thick, greasy Chicago comfort that's equal parts beef, sausage, and pizza. Bonus points for their Italian Beef empanadas, putting a creative and totally delectable spin on the classic sandwich that you'll crave for weeks after trying.
Photo via Facebook/Bob-O's Hot Dogs
Bob-O's
8258 W Irving Park Rd - Irving Park
6161 N Milwaukee Ave - Norwood Park
Bob-O's is a joint where the Italian beef goes just as hard as their hot dogs. It’s got that under-the-radar, crispy-crust bun, backyard cookout energy, just like your uncle with strong opinions made it. He was right.
Photo via southtownsub.com
Southtown Sub
112 E 71st St - Park Manor
Hidden in a strip mall and dishing out Italian beef like it’s a classified secret, Southtown Sub is a spot you'll want to gatekeep but can't help but rave about. One bite and suddenly you're yelling at your friends for not telling you about it sooner. Gravy-soaked greatness, south side certified.
Updated October 2025