If there’s one Chicago food that’s guaranteed to start an argument, it’s Italian beef. If you ask ten Chicagoans where to find the best Italian beef in Chicago, you might get ten different answers due to the fact that the city is packed with so many incredible options. Some swear by the original icons while others insist the best Italian beef is hiding in an old neighborhood stand with no website and a line out the door.
Whether you’re visiting Chicago for the first time or trying to settle the debate yourself, this guide covers the city’s best Italian beef sandwiches, where to find them, and how to order one like a local.
Pro Tip: You can experience some of the best Italian beef in Chicago on our food tours such as the Yes, Chef! Chicago: A Bear-Inspired Food Tour and our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour.
Chicago Italian beef isn’t just roast beef on bread, it’s thinly sliced, seasoned beef that’s slow-roasted and piled high on a sturdy Turano-style roll. You’ll also find the sandwich traditionally served with:
Then comes the most important question:
Dry, wet or dipped?
We recommend that if you're trying Italian beef for the first time, order it dipped with hot peppers since that’s the classic Chicago experience.
Get Directions: Multiple Locations
If you’re only trying one Italian beef spot while visiting Chicago, we recommend Al’s Beef because it is the original. Al’s Beef was founded in 1938 and is credited with popularizing the Italian beef sandwich and remains one of the city’s most iconic spots. Its beef has a distinctive spice blend that sets it apart and makes it one of the most recognizable flavors in Chicago.
Want to visit Al’s Beef and other iconic Chicago restaurants? Join us on our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour for a taste of Italian Beef, a Chicago hotdog, Garret’s popcorn and more iconic Chicago spots.
Get Directions: 666 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654
If you’ve watched The Bear, then you already know Mr. Beef. While the restaurant inspired the hit television series and attracts fans from around the world, the sandwich is worth tasting, regardless if you’re a fan of the TV show or not. It was opened in 1979 by Joe Zucchero and remains one of the only original restaurants in the River North neighborhood. They are also known for their dipped style sandwich with celery and hot sweet pepper toppings.
If you’re a fan of The Bear you should join us on our Yes, Chef! Chicago: A Bear-Inspired Food Tour to taste Mr. Beef and other favorites on the show like Margie’s Candies.
Get Directions: 7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707
Johnnie’s Beef is located outside of downtown in Elmwood Park and it’s worth the stop if you want to see more than downtown Chicago. You can expect tender beef, fresh Italian rolls, delicious gravy and long lines. They are also known for their Italian ice dessert with flavors like lemon, banana and watermelon that balance the sandwich perfectly.
Get Directions: Multiple Locations
Even though Portillo’s is a chain restaurant, it remains a favorite among Chicago locals. They are known among locals for their slow-roasted beef, secret spice blend and delicious gravy. Their sandwiches remain their most popular menu item along with their Chicago-Style hot dog and cake shakes.
Want to taste more than Italian beef? Join us on our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour for a stop at Portillo’s and taste just how good their Chicago-Style hot dog is.
Get Directions: 215 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606
Luke’s Italian Beef has been a Chicago classic in the Loop since 1994. Their beef sandwiches are known for their savory meat, homemade giardiniera and family-run charm. We also recommend their cheese fries, polish sausage, eggplant parmesan and pizza slices for a real taste of Chicago.
Get Directions: 4418 N Narragansett Ave, Harwood Heights, IL 60706
While Jay’s Italian Beef & Sausage isn’t known to many tourists, this is a true local favorite. Their sandwiches are known for their slow-roasted, heavily garlic-spiced meat, house-made giardiniera and generous portion size.
Visiting Jay’s Beef on a Friday? We recommend you order their Friday pepper and egg special, a loaded sandwich that can only be ordered to end the work week.
Get Directions: 1120 W Grand Ave #1, Chicago, IL 60642
Bari Subs & Italian Food is a neighborhood staple on Grand Avenue near other classic bakeries like D’Amato’s. This sandwich is unique since it’s served on either a 9-inch or 12-inch French roll that perfectly holds the dip.
Chicago's Italian beef isn't just another sandwich, it's one of the city's defining culinary traditions. Whether you prefer the historic flavors of Al's #1 Italian Beef, want to visit Mr. Beef after binge-watching The Bear, or you're determined to discover your own neighborhood favorite, every bite tells a story about Chicago's Italian immigrant roots and food culture.
The best part? You don't have to choose just one. On our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour, you'll enjoy a legendary stop at Al's Beef, while our Yes, Chef! Chicago: A Bear-Inspired Food Tour takes you to Mr. Beef and dives into the restaurants and neighborhoods that inspired one of television's most celebrated culinary dramas.
If you’ve had enough Italian Beef sandwiches and want more Chicago, we have many other tours that explore different Chicago neighborhoods such as Pilsen, West Loop and Chinatown.
See our tour calendar for more availability.
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