Pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef – the Chicago Holy Trinity of food. We already know where to get incredible hot dogs and pizza, so let’s take a closer look at where to find the most delicious, savory, and authentic Italian beef in Chicago!
Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage
10337 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60655
Pop’s has every item you could want from a classic Chicago grill – burgers, hot dogs, and beef! If you’re not as hungry, opt for the baby beef, but when that craving hits, Pop’s has the Super, 9-inch beef. The first Pop’s opened in 1980 in Palos Heights and remains as much of a family business as it was on opening day. These days, Pop’s has 12 locations across Illinois and Indiana, including their Chicago location in Beverly.
Luke’s Italian Beef
215 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606
Luke’s Italian Beef, a few blocks west of the Sears Tower, brings a classic Italian feel to the heart of the Loop. With their own famous recipe, Luke’s beef sandwich has gained popularity through their delectable spices and savory cuts of meat. Promised fresh with the best ingredients, Luke’s is the perfect stop during a busy in-office day or for basically any other reason. You don’t need an excuse for beef this good!
Johnny’s Beef & Gyros
2300 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
With fresh salads, gyros, and pitas, it doesn’t seem like Johnny’s in Lincoln Park can get much better, but it does. With an original, big beef, and combo with sausage, the Italian beef sandwiches at Johnny’s will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy your sandwich with one of Johnny’s many french fry options – Greek style, parmesan truffle, chili cheese, and many more.
Freddy’s Pizza
1600 S 61st Ave, Cicero, IL 60804
Since 1968, Freddy’s Pizza has been serving up Cicero with some of the most delicious Italian food around. Not only are they dishing out their signature pies, but of course, phenomenal Italian beef sandwiches that have made a name for themselves in the Chicagoland area. With reviews from ABC7, Check, Please!, and celebrity guest visits from the likes of Bobby Flay, you simply can’t pass up a beef sandwich from Freddy’s.
Bob-O’s Hot Dogs
8258 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60634
Once voted “the Best Italian Beef in Chicago”, you can’t go wrong with Bob-O’s. What started as a random stand in the 1950’s grew to a flagship store on the northwest side of the city, and remains a great place for some classic Chicago foods. The Vienna Hot Dog Company inducted Bob-O’s into their hall of fame in 2006, and they continue to serve up our favorite dishes, including, naturally, a delicious Italian beef sandwich.
Portillo’s
Multiple locations
A tried and true, it’s no secret that we love a beef from Portillo’s. With locations across Chicago and the suburbs, the ease and taste of a Portillo’s beef really just tastes like home. It doesn’t matter if you like it dipped or dry, with any kind of peppers or cheese, Portillo’s is really old and reliable when it comes to a delicious Italian beef sandwich in Chicago.
Johnnie’s Beef
7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707
Johnnie’s is another Chicagoland classic that will forever be at the top of our lists. This cash-only spot has two locations, and their beefs are best paired with a crisp, cold lemon ice and crunchy fries. Johnnie’s has been referred to as “the Mecca of Italian beefs” by Chicago Magazine, and for good reason! With one long counter and tons of people working behind it, Johnnie’s feels like a classic food counter that ends in a delicious meal.
Carm’s
1057 W Polk St, Chicago, IL 60607
Rounding out our list to check out is Carm’s in Little Italy. Obviously, the location of this place is a dead giveaway that the food has to be outstanding, but the longevity of Carm’s is a true testament to the love that Chicagoans have for the food. With homemade Italian beef and the option for a cheesy beef, a stop at Carm’s is going to be everything your tastebuds need and more.
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