- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Brothers Beef
Category: Restaurants Fast Food Fast Food [Edit]
732 W ArmitageChicago, IL 60614
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
(312) 265-0484
- Nearest Transit:
-
Armitage (Brown Line, Purple Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am - 5 am
Sun 11 am - 7 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for Brothers Beef
Review Highlights
-
"It is a hot dog joint with amazing fries and a delicious..." In 6 reviews -
"And we shared the chili cheese fries." In 16 reviews -
"Italian beef is DELISH." In 8 reviews
Loading...
29 reviews in English
-
Review from Cain N.
Austin, TX
5/2/2012
Great place, and local!
Love the burgers and the italian beef. Love the prices and the quality of food. Better than Johnny Rocket's down the road. I like to get the fries with a side of melted cheese on the side to dip them in.
Quick, reliably consistant and good. -
Review from Matthew D.
Venice, CA
3/20/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This is a good spot for a quick, reasonably priced meal. I usually get a Chicago dog with fries for $3.75. Not bad. I just wish they would grill the dog instead of steaming it. But it comes with all of the usual toppings- except they don't use the bright green relish, just the regular stuff. That's fine with me, though. Still tastes like relish!
Quick, clean, friendly. I hear their cheeseburgers are pretty good. Next time. -
Review from Daniel M.
Chicago, IL
3/2/2012
This place is ok. I want to give it 4 or 5 stars, but I just don't think their beef is 4 or 5 star quality, but it is better than most beefs in the neighborhood. They get it right when it comes to the very thin slices, but it just doesn't have the flavor I have had at other beef joints around the city and suburbs. Their juice lacks flavor.
If there's one area I applaud this place, is that the fries are always nice and crispy. It is one of my biggest pet peeves when I get fries from somewhere and they are undercooked and soggy. It's amazing how many places cook their fries in this manner, actually it's kind of disturbing. It's always better to over cook fries than under cook them.
Anyway, given the state of Italian beefs in this neighborhood, stop here if you have a beef craving and can't get downtown, over by Taylor St., or beyond. While Lincoln Park has many great restaurants it sometimes lacks good Chicago street food like an Italian beef. -
Review from Bryan G.
Chicago, IL
4/1/2012
Went here during the "late-night" around 2am. Only 2 or 3 people in there, and I ordered a hot dog, beef, and fries.
I waited TWENTY MINUTES for this simple order. Their system is all kinds of screwed up..they don't multitask their order preparation and seems like they use a 1st in 1st out system.. Also, the girl who takes the orders leaves the "tickets" on her side and the guy cooking everything can't see him.. Girl is constantly having to repeat orders to the dude. Put the tickets on the cook's side of the counter, dummies!
So they take 15 minutes to take care of the guy in front of me instead of saying something like "4 dogs, 2 beefs ALL DAY!!" they just do 1 order at a time, and the guy was as slow as mollasses.
Was frustrating that as they finish the order, ol' boy JUST drops my fries.. making me stay there for another 5 minutes. Poor guy waiting behind me only ordered a hot dog and was standing there almost as long as me, because they failed to recognize that 2 out of the 3 orders they had going were very simple and could have been taken care of very quickly.
OK, so all that said, if you give me a great hot dog / italian beef option till 5am I can get over it being slow.
However, the food ended up sucking. Hot dog was cold in the middle.. gross. Bun wasn't steamed.. just cold right out of the package.. gross. Beef was a pale color and very wrinkled like it was sitting in the juice way too long.. I also had to spit out a lot of pieces that were too fatty to chew through. Fries.. meh. Change your oil guys, and fry at the right temperature. The pickle on the dog was nice and crisp though and easily the best thing going.
Counter girl was cute and nice enough, but i'm there for a decent bite served QUICKLY.. this was a horrific failure in that regard. -
Review from Theo c.
Chicago, IL
4/28/2012
I live close to Brother's. Went there when it first opened. One of the owners was working great experience. I stopped by around 1:45 pm today. I left because it took too long to get my order taken. Only one customer in front of me and one waiting for their order. At least four people working. This is the third time I have left. Seems from reading other comments below not limited to my experience. I was really hoping this could be a go to place for us. They need to rework their system - have someone who is dedicated to taking orders only. This person should be quick and not engage customers in personal conversations while other are waiting. Its great that you had a great time at that baby shower but who cares !
The food is good and it is a shame that you have to go thru poor customer service to get it.
My advice to the owners is get a good general up front. There is a different crew everytime I go in there and other than the first time none of them have been impressive.
You need to treat your customers with respect. Acknowledge them when they come in and try to take their order as soon as you can. It is that simple! You have a good product priced reasonably
Beware of the Pizza place opening the down the street if they have their act together they will take your customers. I am going to give them a shot. -
Review from Diego M.
Chicago, IL
10/24/2011
I am a regular here! Right down the street from my house.
It is a hot dog joint with amazing fries and a delicious chicken sandwich!
Prices are very reasonable and they're open 'till 5AM on Fridays and Saturdays, you can't beat that after a night of heavy drinking!
They now serve breakfast starting at 6AM, so you can stuff your face at 5AM, crash for a few hours, then have breakfast 'again'! Sounds perfect for a Sunday 'recovery' day! -
Review from Vanessa D.
Chicago, IL
8/9/2011
Their food is okay, its not the best but its okay.
-I like their fries, cheese dog, milkshakes
But like I said its not the best, its mediocre, for a fast food place they take a while. Everyone stands at the counter and you don't know who's ordering, who's waiting, etc. Then when your order is ready they yell out your name but if your sitting down on the room next door you may not hear your name being called out.
I haven't had a problem with the staff in fact I think they've all been quite friendly. -
Review from Edward E.
Chicago, IL
9/28/2011
I really want to like this place. I just can't. I have been here 3 times, The week they opened, a month later, and a month ago.
Hint #1 when a paying customer asks a question on which brand of dog or sausage your selling, know the answer.
Hint #2 A Vienna Chicago style hot dog is made the same way everywhere on the planet.
Fresh steamed Poppy seed bun. (not water logged, nor stale)
Vienna beef hot dog
Tomato Wedges
Diced Onions
Yellow Mustard
Green Relish
Sport Peppers
Pickle spear
Celery Salt
Make it that way and you will do it right, do it different and you loose customers. -
Review from Roman M.
Chicago, IL
1/10/2012
Hell yeah - great Chicago style dogs and the fries are legit. The folks at the counter are nice and quick with the food and there's no frills here. I'm a fan and have been here a bunch of times. Better than the Dog Joint, that's for sure.
-
Review from Krys m.
Chicago, IL
6/23/2011
Heard some negative reviews when they first opened, but I decided try it out. my parents and I went in here, and although they were a bit slow (I ordered meatball sandwhich, they ordered italian beef subs), it was not so bad.
There was a bit of a long wait for the food, but the fries were a huge portion (enough for the 3 of us to share), and the meatball sub was pretty decent and more than enough in portion for me. (I have found places like subway never give enough meatballs to cover the bread, but BB does!) The italian beef sandwhichs also looked pretty good!
Overall, it was a pretty decent experience. I do have to say the staff was pretty friendly. -
Review from Zach F.
Chicago, IL
5/22/2011
Zero star-worthy.
Let's go over what happened here today:
1) Walked in with the gf, stood behind one other patron at the counter for 15 minutes
2) After 15 min, the completely incompetent girl behind the counter walked over to take the gentleman in front of us' order. After taking his order, she walked away
3) Another customer came from the back area and informed the aforementioned "hostess" that she'd been given a wrong order. Hostess proceeds to then blame it on the cook (of which there was only ONE, on an 80 degree Sunday afternoon) when the gf and I had heard her tell the cook the wrong order just minutes earlier.
Let's keep in mind here that there were less than 15 people in the place the whole time I was there, and at least two more couples got in line then left behind me in the time I waited.
The gf and I left without eating here; if you're going to mess up service that badly the food can't be much better.
But hey, there's open-air seating! -
Review from Jeff B.
Chicago, IL
12/6/2011
Well, the food was pretty good but the service is pathetic. I walked in and there were two people in line and another 5-6 waiting around with "numbers" in their hands. It took about 15 minutes just to order, and another 15+ to get the meal. They have absolutely no system in place, no common sense and no urgency. The offset was that the food was pretty good and I will go back and give them another try. The Italian Beef was tasty, thinly sliced, and tender so they have their act together on that item. There is no other place in the area that I've found that has a decent beef, and Portillo's to too far. The fries were just OK - very thin almost shoe-string type.
They need to get a system in place were one person takes orders and gives them to the chef, and another person handle the money side. It shouldn't take 35 to get a hot dog and a beef when there are only 3 people in front of you. Portillo's would burn through 100 people in the same timeframe.
I wish them luck. -
Review from Nathaniel G.
Chicago, IL
7/18/2011
The perfect example of an extremely average place mostly meant for the drunk Lincoln Park passerby.
I'll be honest and say that I only ordered a milkshake and french fries. This, is because they are extremely overpriced for what they offer. You would be better off going to a sit-down restaurant and paying a little more for much better quality food.
The fries were ok, although completely covered in greasy oil, even too much for french fries. I could feel immense amount of oil in my stomach.
The milkshake was mediocre at best. Even dairy queen makes a better one, and that is sad. -
Review from Matthew F.
Chicago, IL
3/7/2011
Brother's Beef is the name of the joint so ya, I ordered an Italian Beef and fries. I have been scouring the Lincoln Park area for years in search of an acceptable italian beef, and the search is finally over! If any of you readers out there are familiar with the south suburbs... I would compare this place to Pop's (my favorite beef place).
The restaurant as a whole is brand new so its very clean with an open; which is a huge plus! Nobody wants to eat in a dump like "the late" hoggie hut. (that place was the benchmark of disgusting-ness), I digress...
I will absolutley being hitting this place back up in the near future, my next endeavor will be to get the italian beef with sausage combo... friend I went with got it and it looked quite appetizing. I'll probably get a shake too, I'm not scared.
Works cited:
Brian Basic, "I'm not scared" -
Review from Ben G.
Chicago, IL
4/3/2011
Checked in for the first time tonight to give the new kid on the block a try. The service was friendly and the place is clean and comfortable. The prices are a little steep but this is Lincoln Park.
The fries were terrific. Reminded me of the old school beef tallow McDonalds fries. A+ there and the portion was big. The Italian Beef was a disappointment. Very dry and bland. I asked for it dipped and they forgot apparently because the thing was dry as a bone. They are new so I might give them another shot sometime but that's a pretty huge screw up for a place called "Brother's BEEF".
I called to let them know about the screw up and they offered to give me a cup of juice if I wanted to come back and pick it up. Pretty weak ass solution. -
Review from Lisa T.
Updated - 5/22/2011
Italian beef is DELISH... paper thin slices and amazing flavor. My mom commented she thought there was too much bread but I thought it was overall an above average Italian beef sandwhich. Fries are still amazing and the "full" order is the perfect amount to share.
Staff needs to get their act together a bit during rush periods. They are trying really hard but it's super obvious that they are inexperienced....... give them a chance, I really want this place to stick around!! :-)Listed in: #73
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/16/2011
Great addition to the neighborhood..... the staff here is amazing peeps! Super nice & friendly. The… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jill S.
Chicago, IL
5/17/2011
Popped in here the other evening after receiving a flyer (I work in the neighborhood) and I'm happy I checked it out. The staff is really friendly and accommodating. I ordered the Italian Sausage with peppers and marinara (Awesome.) and bf ordered the Italian Beef with sweet peppers. And we shared the chili cheese fries... yum. Haven't tried anything else on the menu yet, but I'm pretty sure I'll stick to the Italian Sausage.
Looks like come nice weather they have a great little patio, lots of seating, tv's to watch baseball, solid place to grab a bite. Why has there been nowhere to order Italian Beefs in the neighborhood before?! Brother's Beef has filled the void. -
Review from Tiffany L.
Waukegan, IL
3/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
1 point for thin fries, but wish they were more crispy.
1 point for my polish, which had a nice bite to it.
1 point for the chicken/roasted veggie panini, which my friend said was yummy.
Don't get the burger. -
Review from Tera D.
Updated - 10/22/2011
Adding an extra star to celebrate their new breakfast menu! The biscuits and gravy - OMG! So good! I love this place.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/7/2011
It seems Portillo's may never open up a location down the street from my apartment. This used to… Read more »
-
-
Review from pate t.
Chicago, IL
4/10/2012
up & down on service/time, burgers are on small side for price,but taste OK, italian beef is good and staff is friendly and cooperative; fries are good; out of fast food in area, they are on top of list vs others
-
Review from Remi S.
Chicago, IL
2/19/2012
great inexpensive breakfast! Everything was fresh and they even had hot homemade donuts, that are out of this world! The staff is super friendly. It's a great neighborhood spot! I can't wait for summer when they can open the "garage" style windows and we can go get soft serve icecream cones!
-
Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
Updated - 6/3/2011
Clean, and nice to sit in here with the garage door open, with fresh air, sunshine and cable news. But the food: eh.....I was hungry after a meatball sandwich. It just did not do the trick.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/1/2011 First to Review
My companion's joie d'beouf drew us to the phoenix that has arisen from Doggie Diner's ashes:… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jerry P.
Chicago, IL
3/6/2011
Our first visit to this great little place was three days after they opened. While we had a few hiccups along the way, the end result was a great meal!
The location is great, and the ambience, though somewhat "industrial", is very inviting. Large overhead doors open to the street for an excellent covered patio experience (when better weather arrives, of course). The seating area is open and fairly spacious.
The food is excellent. The Italian beef and Italian sausage, which I weigh heavily in a place like this, are awesome! Fry portions are huge, which is nice. A larger drink size would be nice, and we ordered mozzarella sticks and were surprised to find there were only 4 to an order and they did not come with sauce. Perhaps that is a result of some "newbie" mistakes, however.
Our order wasn't 100% correct when the food was presented, but a gentleman who I assumed to be an owner/manager was immediately accommodating in every way. I could tell he was genuinely going to the extreme to make sure we were satisfied.
To sum it up, great food in a friendly atmosphere. Give these guys a few weeks to get the service standards perfect, and these brothers are holding on to a real winner! We have been back a number of times already and will be going back again...soon. -
Review from Mandy P.
3/13/2011
I am not sure I would have paid much attention to this wifi-friendly place had it not been for the wandering nose of my dog. She propped herself up on the window sill one evening as we walked by and stared longingly in at the workers. I promised to return with her to get her a hot dog. Yesterday was the day I kept my promise.
The service was fast and very friendly, which was particularly good since my canine was sitting outside drooling. I took my 'dog and my dog to go, and then headed home. I kept the bag at a distance, sure it would be grease soaked by the time I got a block away. I was completely wrong! There was no grease seaping out of the bag! At any point. How is that possible? Anyway, both myself and my pup were happy with our meal purchase of a hot dog and fries ($3.25 + tax). Now I can get a ballpark-worthy hot dog close to home and not have to shell out the money of a Cubs ticket. I hope many a-hangover will be cured by the Brothers and their many fast food options. -
Review from Jen R.
Chicago, IL
7/15/2011
This place opened up within a block of my place and I was really excited to have a go-to greasy joint that was open late night. Fortunately for my waistline, I have zero desire to go back here. The beef had NO flavor and my entire sandwich fell apart so quickly that I had to eat it with a fork. I understand that I ordered my sandwich "wet" so this was partially my fault.. but who wants to eat a sandwich with a fork?? I LOVED the fries.. could not stop eating them. Until I moved the bag ever so slightly and realized the grease had soaked through TWO LAYERS of bag and left a little puddle on my table. I am all about grease and obviously was not expecting a healthy meal, but this was too gross for me to stomach another one.
-
Review from Brian P.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2012
I came with a "whatever" attitude, not expecting anything SUPERB, but surprisingly enough, the food was pretty damn good; good prices and surprisingly good service. Definitely worth checking out. Side note: If they're smart, they'll stay open for the bar crowd. I for one would surely go
-
Review from Austin S.
Chicago, IL
3/2/2011
Didnt go for much just some fries. Good portions and prices. I would go back but they should contact our school about a catering in option or something tht could produce good revenue for them.
Pros: Good prices and portions, clean, fresh
Cons: No off campus lunch so only can go there ever so ofter, charge for tap water -
Review from Erin R.
Chicago, IL
8/8/2011
Looking for something quick to get for lunch, and was told to try this place. I thoroughly enjoyed my strawberry shake and had to finally walk away from the fries, as the portion was quite large. My pannini was okay, but will have to try something else next time.
-
Review from Nick R.
Chicago, IL
5/11/2011
The beef is great. No comments please, but seriously be food is well priced and the fries are great. Two things hat I'd wish they would do though. 1. Have a grilled hot dog option. 2. Have a shredded cheese option. Just a little constructive criticism. Keep up the great service and I'll see you saturday afternoon.
