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Johnnie's Beef
Category: Restaurants Sandwiches Sandwiches [Edit]
7500 W North Ave(between 75th Ave & Monroe Ave)
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
(708) 452-6000
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 12 am
Sun 12 pm - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
292 reviews for Johnnie's Beef
Review Highlights
"With hot peppers or sweet peppers you just can't go wrong."
(in 31 reviews)
"the beef/sausage combo is off the hook."
(in 17 reviews)
"Well worth the wait in line."
(in 5 reviews)
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292 reviews in English
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Review from Shiven S.
Manhattan, NY
12/20/2011
I have eaten here for over 20+ years and it just keeps getting better. The juicy beef with hot peppers is to die for - best beef in the country by far and I have tried thousands of places.
The hot dogs are great also - I usually get the double dog and fries as my appetizer. -
Review from Jie S.
2/3/2012
My go-to place for beef sandwiches and Italian ice.
I'm not a beef sandwich gal but always crave for Johnnie's beef sandwich with the hot peppers whenever I want a sandwich. The Italian lemon ice is very soothing with just right sweetness and fresh lemon flavor. Always felted very luck to find a piece of Lemon in my cup.
Always, always a line out of this place on warm days. And remember to ask the Italian ice without lid so you get a bit more in your cup.
The cashier always remind me the soup Nazi somehow. You will need to order exactly what you want in a very precise way. My Italian coworker taught me how to order the first time.
A quick note: they are closed now till 2/23/2012 as I saw the note on their window. Didn't know why I was craving the Italian ice yesterday. :) -
Review from LaLaLaLa L.
Chicago, IL
12/30/2011
4.5 stars.
WARNING- especially during the summer months... be prepared to wait in line.
Beefs are very good... probably the best.. but small. the peppers are the best I've ever had. Italian Ice is also very good.
Worth the wait. -
Review from john m.
Chicago, IL
2/4/2012
I was there on the last day before their vacation. Perhaps this is why there was so little beef in the sandwich. The beef was indeed tasty but I was uncharacteristically hungry afterward. The fries could be a whole lot better too. I didn't even finish mine.
I will give them another try and see if portions improve. -
Review from Sazsha M.
Oak Forest, IL
1/12/2012
I don't understand what people love about this place. There is always a line out the door and halfway down the block but in my opinion the food sucks. Well the beefs do atleast. Nothing special at all. The fries aren't good and I don't like their Italian Ice either. Haven't tried anything else from there though.
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Review from katrina b.
Chicago, IL
12/5/2011
I love a restaurant that does a few things, perfectly. I'm not a beef fanatic, and usually I get peppers and mozarella dipped when I hit up a beef stand. Here, I'll split a sandwich with my toddler because they don't have cheese and the peppers are a tad heavily spiced for me to eat by the bunfull. I like beef rare, and here it's boiled into grey/brown submission in some delicious broth that makes it palatable. It's obvious they've got the beef right for most people, since the fast-moving line is often out the door and around the corner.
What puts me over the moon is their Italian ice. I've inspected it from every angle, click click clicking over how it can be made at home. It seems to be a cloying, thick simple syrup perfectly balanced with strained fresh lemon juice, heavily heavily laced with chopped and crushed lemon rinds, and then put through some darkly arcane process that turns it into a cross between freshly fallen snow and packed curb slush. I suspect a top secret machine is involved. The result is an insanely zesty, finely grained snowball of lemon bomb packed in a styra-foam cup for under a dollar fifty. GodDAMMit I just drooled on my laptop. Sweet mother. Someone take me to Johnnie's, stat. -
Review from Andrew N.
Villa Park, IL
12/8/2011
The good:
The Italian beef alone gets this place five stars. I could take a punch from Mike Tyson "The Hangover" style afterwards and I would still come back as often as I do now. That being said there are some downsides to this place. Go there and say "Hot juicy beef, large ice" to the cashier and be in heaven 2 minutes later for like $6. The Italian ice is homemade and is equally as great as the beef.
The bad:
This place is for getting in and out with a delicious beef, that's it. Don't expect to be able to eat there comfortably. The tables outside are usually dirty, and there is no room to eat inside (though I've done it). The other food is pretty standard. Nothing to rave about, but not terrible (there are only a few things on the menu.) Know what to expect, and you'll be getting the best Italian beef sandwich in the world. -
Review from April P.
Brookfield, IL
12/12/2011
My friends and I came here a couple times during college. It's delicious. If you're looking for casual, fast, solid-Chicago food, this is where you need to go.
You just stand in a line and get your food. There isn't much sitting room, so either you go in the summertime when you will feel comfortable sitting at their outdoor seating, or you are ready to take your delicious beef home with you. Regardless, I think just about everybody should try this place at least once, if they're in the area of course. If you don't like beef, they also have delicious italian ice. -
Review from Tristan C.
Elmwood Park, IL
12/7/2011
I don't live all that far from here, and every time I drive by, it smells amazing. Also, every time I drive by, whoever I am in the car with comments on how great it is. It had a lot to live up to. So when the siblings were in town for a visit in the summertime we finally stopped in. I am the only one who didn't get the dipped version because soggy bread is my enemy, but the juicy beef juice has all the awesome flavors in it, so I can sort of see why they'd go for that. Sweet peppers, delicious. Bread, awesome.
But please, let's talk about the important thing: the Italian ice. It tastes like you made it yourself, except you didn't and it's probably cheaper, and also better. It's all sugar and lemons and more lemons and frozen and refreshing. It's perfect and amazing. And honestly i don't care about anything else. Five stars for Italian ice.
They also have beef. -
Review from Sandra N.
Oak Park, IL
11/4/2011
I am an East Coast girl, who favors a Philly Cheesesteak. You give me Geno's in South Philly, and I am happy! Or Reading Terminal Market: Let's not go there, because I miss it that much. Cheese and beef and a nice crusty bun...perfect combo. Some hot peppers? Oh, my. And a pickle! For those who have followed my YELP reviews, I am a fan of all things Chicago short of your pizza (p-lease) and this dipped beef thing. To me it is just mostly soggy and hard to eat and gross and why ruin a good Italian bun by making it wet? These are things that boggle my mind!
However: recently my good friend turned me on to Johnnie's, in Elmwood Park. She just moved from downtown and swears this is THE best dipped beef ever! In how many years of living in Chicago?! Who am I to doubt a foodie friend? So we went there once for lunch, about three weeks ago. Since then I've had about five dipped beefs from this place, because I'm just craving them! They are SO good. I've only tried about two other dipped beef places, early on...it was enough to turn me off. This one place has made me a huge fan! I love the meatiness, the hot pepper toppings, the tasty broth. Even the soggy bun! It's such a decadent combo for me...hugely bad for you, but wonderful and warm and great taste. The flavor is really complex, actually.
I 'hear' what the person said about the fries and might suggest she came at the wrong time of day. I can't imagine there are really 'awful' times of day because this place generally has a line all the time, but once we managed to hit it slightly 'off' and the fries were a little moister. But the other times they've been fantastic.
So: I am a fan Johnnie's! If you come, be prepared for a line but unlike Hot Doug's, it moves quickly. Also LIKE Hot Doug's: Cash only! Have fun, enjoy! You might need TUMS afterward, but it's totally worth it. :) Also, unlike Hot Doug's where you spend 50.00 for hot dogs, you can get a great meal at Johnnie's, for under 15.00. Great for a quick night out. But also worth the trip from Chicago, to taste it! -
Review from Grace N.
10/19/2011
After being told by my intern AND hair stylist that as a new Oak Parker I HAD to check this place out....I dragged my hubby here on a chilly October night hoping for a fast food dinner of champions.
Here are my mixed reviews:
-Great Italian ice: smooth and creamy, in one flavor only - lemon, but if it ain't broken, don't fix it.
-Sausage & Italian beef combo - great, chewy French bread, but the meat was a bit skimpy and dry.
-Fries - limp, but plentiful.
If it weren't for the awful Harlem traffic, I'd be willing to try again to see whether it was just an off night. -
Review from Marc B.
Chicago, IL
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I grew up close enough to ride my bike for lunch. But I never went. I don't know why, perhaps I didn't want to just be another guy on the bandwagon. But last weekend we went there. And I must say, I get it. I've actually had only one better beef in my life (and that was from a little butcher shop in Aurora). These are quite amazing. But their Italian sausages. Oh my god. They're homemade and cooked over open pit charcoal. Did you hear me? Over smokey delicious open pit charcoal. Fat dripping into the flames and wafting up and making the whole world smell delicious.
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Review from Ben V.
Downers Grove, IL
1/3/2012
Best combo in Chicago bar none.
I showed up at 1030, thinking they were open because there was a line.
They weren't open, this place actually had a line forming a half hour before they opened.
I wasn't going to wait around but the smell from their grill was ridiculous and there were like 10 cops in line on the radio's taking orders from their buddy's so I figured this place must be worth a half hour wait and it was. -
Review from Peter D.
Philadelphia, PA
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Definitely, definitely, DEFINITELY the best Italian beef in the Chicago area. I have tried Al's and Carm's and neither tasted quite as delicious as Johnnie's. Don't be discouraged by the long line out the door, their service is some of the best I've ever encountered in the country, and guaranteed you will not be disappointed with your product. I wish I had tried the italian ice, but it was November, and cold. Get it with sweet and hot peppers, dipped, accompanied with the perfect fries and that, my friend, is a true Chicago meal. Also, compared to the Philly cheesesteak, the Baltimore pit-beef sandwich, the Beef is priced LESS than both by a significant margin. This makes Chicago truly the best. Can't wait to come back here when it's hot out.
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Review from DC Yelper L.
Washington, DC
10/2/2011
Food: We were driving back from Melrose Go-Kart Track, and we saw this spot on the side of the road. It smelled like BBQ and we saw a line, so we said "Lets go." We found out what they sold and I decided to get the Italian Sausage. Cooked on an open fire which means a lot of good char. Served on a french roll that is toasted yet chewy. Can't beat that combination. Topped with hot or sweet peppers. It was good man, so damn good man..
It is cheap too. Two sausages + small fry (that is all you need) came up to $8.
The Italian Ice hit the spot too. Get a small, it is only like $1.15. But they fill the cup up AND more. No need to get a large. Lemon is the only flavor.
Workers: No complaints.
Atmosphere: Default.
You are a damn fool if you don't go to this place while in the area. No bs. -
Review from PJ H.
12/8/2011
I had the pleasure of eating at Johnnie's Beef a few weeks ago. It was great, I had the Italian Beef dipped and it was wonderful and only $4. The place usually has a line outside it but the line moves fast and you can meet interesting folks in the line. Overall I recommend the place and for the price point it can't be beat....
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Review from Mike P.
9/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
After 15 yrs, still my go-to for Italian Beef. As a city-dweller, it's hard to get to as often as I like. However, the wife loves the Italian Ice so whenever I am anywhere near the west side, I am usually required to stop there.
A recent discovery that brought much joy and pride to my heart. My 20-month old son, Jack, loves Italian Beef and has polished off a sandwich on his own. Definitely a sign that he's a genius, or perhaps will become the youngest person to require quadruple bypass surgery. -
Review from Janet J.
Lake Village, IN
12/30/2011 2 photos
I dream of their beef sandwiches...the best beef I have had ever. Add the hot peppers and you will have a flavor explosion that makes you go back and order one or two more.....it's like a drug! Tried the italian sausage and the same effect ....the italian lemon ice is perfect for soothing the firey explosion and eases you back to reality when you have to drive away....very satisfying indeed. If you are within 50 miles of this place make a side trip for their fare....they also sell it in quantity but you have to order ahead of time.....
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Review from mark m.
San Francisco, CA
12/27/2011
Best beef sandwich in the world. I crave these when I am away from home. And on top of the great beef, it has the best Italian ice ever. The hot dogs are your typical Chicago dog, but if you want french fries with your beef why not pay 50 cents more to get a hot dog which comes with fries? Can't beat the prices either. This and alpine subs are usually the first 2 places I go when I get back to the Burbs
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Review from Mark G.
Chicago, IL
9/15/2011
For some reason, this place always reminds me of "The Soup Nazi" episode of Seinfeld. Don't get me wrong, the workers are nice, but sometimes I feel a lot of pressure when I have to place an order due to the frequent long "line" (emphasis on line because there is only one). I try not to stumble and mumble just so I wouldn't irritate the hungry people behind me.
So my order usually goes like this, "Double dog, relish, onions, small Italian ice." I then pay with cash money (because they only take cash money) and I then take 3-4 farcical side steps to the left as I await for my grub. They're quite quick here as everything's like clockwork. You're in (in if you want to stay in, stand and eat) or out (out if you want to take it to go or sit and eat at the limited amount of tables).
I come here for the hot dog's but Johnnie's moneymaker is their Combo (Italian Sausage and Beef) Sandwich. Throw in the Italian Ice for a perfect compliment as well as sweet or hot peppers for an additional cost. Fries are so-so, but what I also really like is their Pepper and Egg Steak sandwich that they only offer on Fridays. I wasn't much of a fan of their tamales, but who gets tamales at a beef stand anyways?
Try to avoid coming here during lunchtime as most times, the lines stretches to their parking lot, especially during the warm weather. The service is pretty fast though so I guess it doesn't really matter. On a side note, I guess a small place to eat is pretty good if they need a security guard. Either that or Johnnie is just a paranoid man? With good food though!
Beef for you! -
Review from Philip M.
Elmwood Park, IL
8/21/2011
We were crazy excited about going to Johnnie's but the air was let out of our balloon once we took our first bite.
First of all, this place is really popular judging by the line that stretched out the door. This is usually a sign that the food is incredible.
We ordered the combo (sausage and beef) sandwich and it was just ok. I think you really have to be an Italian Beef lover to appreciate this or doctor the sandwich up with lots of peppers, onions and other things to get the flavor you're looking for.
Now what was out of this world was the Lemon Italian Ice! Dare i say, it was the best I've ever had in Chicago? I dare! So much lemon flavor and very soft.
Johnnie's wasn't horrible but there is no way this is the best Italian Beef Chicago has to offer. -
Review from John O.
Elmwood Park, IL
11/27/2011
I wish I could give it no stars.The beefs are small,the sausage is dried out & flavorless.The hot dog buns are stale.The workers are rude & don't speak English.I had been eating at Johnnie's for over 30 years,this place has gone way downhill.I will never eat here again.Anyone who likes this place is obviously not from the neighborhood.
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Review from Annie W.
Chicago, IL
8/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh my god, I love places like this - places with just a couple things on the menu that they do REALLY REALLY well.
The bun may be soggy, but you just don't care because the wiener is so dang tasty. I love the spicy wiener!! Give it to me, oh yeah, baby!
The italian ice is to die for - the perfect consistency and the pieces of lemon....oh god, so delicious. I particularly love the presentation of the italian ice - a guy working by the cash register, thoughtlessly sloshing it into a cup...and the cup comes to you overflowing with cold, icy ice.
Can't wait to return. 5 stars, no doubt! -
Review from Kelly W.
Chicago, IL
9/1/2011
well well well.
I finally went to Johnnie's Beef. It was ok, but Yelp could not have said it better. So thus, 2 stars and a 'Meh. I've experienced better.'
If greasy beefs are your thing, by all means, indulge away, but if not, try something/where else. The fries were ok. Okay.
I am impartial to the Italian Ice bc I have not tried it, so I will reserve complete bias until then.
Here's to hoping Johnnie's will live up the entirely too long line outside, next time. Cheers! -
Review from Ashley J.
9/10/2011
I was introduced to Johnnies a few years back when my boyfriend insisted me trying it. I was never a huge italian beef fan, but thanks to Johnnies - a whole new world was opened!
Their beef is seasoned perfectly- a little salty, a little spicy. the size of the beef is pretty standard, not too big but filling enough to make for a perfectly sized meal.. good fries as well. Italian ice is A+.
There's certain things about Johnnie's that you won't find at a lot of places, and actually they would be negatives at other restaurants. These quirky characteristics define that I love about the place..
For example: I love the in & out 'process'.. there's no messing around here, strictly business.
No room to eat inside, and small eating space outside .. Love parking myself on the curb to chow down on some Johnnies..
Ketchup- when you ask for ketchup for your fries, they literally squirt it in a paper bag for you - much better than dealing with a ton of little ketchup packets
The line -normally a long line turns me off, especially when I'm runnin on an empty stomach. However, the line at Johnnies is reassuring- and often, we'll find ourselves chatting with other patrons about how good the beef is to the point where I'm practically drooling by the time we get to the counter.
Cash only- another thing that would normally get to me.. but like I previously mentioned, strictly business - in and out. FYI- no ATM.
Only downfall -- I WISH they served cheese with their beef! Maybe i'll have to bring my own little bag of mozz next time.. -
Review from Zeke S.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2011
Went to Johnnies beef after watching the food network's Sandwich King. After the host hailing Johnnie's as the best italian beef joint in the Chicago area, I set my expectations a little too high. I have to say, though, minus the uncomfortable eating conditions, the sandwich was quite good.
I had an italian beef sandwich with all the works and also a lemon ice. The peppers had an appropriate amount of heat, and the sandwich doused in the jus was great.
Although the sandwich didnt quite live up to what i thought it might be, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it, and am anxious to try other italian beef joints to compare. -
Review from John Y.
Maywood, IL
1/18/2012
In a few words: Johnnie's has the best italian beef I've had in Chicagoland, and believe me, I've tried A LOT! Forget the two or three big names in beef around the city. This is the place to go. And definitely try their "Combo!"
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Review from Chemazar e.
Broadview, IL
1/27/2012
the combo i got was good, but not great and after all the hype this place has i was expecting the best thing ever. you can find a sandwich this good at any local place in chicago.
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Review from suzanne a.
Carol Stream, IL
11/12/2011
Not only do we go here when in the area, but we will go out of our way to eat here! Best beef on the planet, combo to die for. Awesome hot dogs and they come with the fries for the same price as a dog without fries anywhere else!
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Review from Lori T.
Kenosha, WI
Updated - 11/12/2011
Sigh.
It's NOT dipped beef. It's Italian beef. Yes, they are good, best in the City and burbs. But they are NOT dipped beef. If one went to Philly and asked for a sliced steak sandwich with cheese, one would expect to be rebuked. Just sayin'...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/14/2011
Don't be an idiot when you go!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!! You are getting really good food, best in… Read more »
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Review from Deanna M.
Chicago, IL
6/30/2011
This place is GOOD.
I don't like italian beef; I never order one. My boyfriend & his brother ordered from Johnnie's, I got an order of fries.
My boyfriend convinced me to try his, and I almost ate it all. They made a believer out of me. As his brother said, "You don't know what you're missing!" -
Review from Diana W.
Chicago, IL
9/2/2011
Probably the best Italian ice I've ever had.
Italian beef/sausage is really good. Pepper and egg on Fridays are delicious and their prices are reasonable. It's far from my square but usually worth the drive as I get to pump gas for cheap at Costco.
Thanks Derik P. -
Review from Taylor B.
Glen Ellyn, IL
6/28/2011
Johnnie's Italian Beef is bar-none the best anywhere. It is quintessential Chicago beef, unlike you'd get it anywhere else in the country.
The beef you're served has sat in juice long enough to get super thin and fall apart at the slightest touch. With hot or sweet peppers and a fresh Italian roll, there's nothing you can say against it. Combined with an order (or 2) of fries and a cool lemon ice, this sandwich becomes one of the best gastrogasms you could imagine.
It's also the experience of waiting in line, filing through the tiny little stand with other eager aficionados, and making sure you don't take to long to explain your order.
Johnnie's is life. The rest is just details. -
Review from Mark S.
Elk Grove Village, IL
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love this place. Everyone knows how good it is.
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Review from Sam H.
Omaha, NE
10/29/2011
A Chicagoland landmark. Johnnie's Beef is no urban legend. This place is the REAL DEAL Holyfield. A champion in a sea of contenders. I can't say enough about Johnnie's. Try it out and enjoy!
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Review from Erika K.
7/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I used to frequent Johnnie's as a child while I visited my aunt who lived in Oak Park, but I haven't been to Johnnies in at least 10 years. It is just like I remembered and I am pretty sure the prices haven't changed during that time either. It is sooooo affordable.
There is no where to sit inside, but there are a few picnic tables outside. They fill up pretty quick, so grab one if you can. Don't panic if you see a line, it moves very quickly.
My boyfriend got a italian beef with sweet and hot peppers and I got a sausage/beef combo (I couldn't decide!) with hot peppers. We also got some fries and a lemon ice.
The sandwiches were amazing. I am so happy that I got the combo, because I don't think I had ever tried the sausage before and it was seriously delicious. Definitely get the hot peppers, they really aren't that hot, but the flavor is outstanding.
The lemon ice was just as I remembered, light, fluffy and lemony. It is hands down the best lemon ice that I have ever had. It was perfect on a hot summer day. -
Review from Anna D.
Chicago, IL
9/1/2011
Best beef in the Chicago area!
I don't know why people complain about Johnnie's being fatty. I believe that's what makes a yummy beef because, well, it is fast food, isn't it? But that's my personal opinion!
Scrumptious gravy! If you like your beef dripping wet, Johnnie's will satisfy!
Remember, cash only : (
But, it's a great late night option!
Makes me want to cheat some meat into my vegetarian diet! -
Review from LoLita C.
Chicago, IL
8/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had a double hot dog and an italian ice. The Italian Ice was sooo good and cheap. They literally over fill the cup. The hot dog was good, but not a traditional Chicago Dog.
Every time we drive past, there is a long line. But it is deceiving because the line moves pretty fast. I have never seen when there was not a line.
Overall, I loved the food. Oh yeah, Cash Only -
Review from Brian F.
7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Delicious beef and Italian sausage sandwiches with zero frills.
Mozzarella Cheese? - forget about it. Grilled Onions? - forget about it. Service? - Zip.
There are a couple of tables outside but not enough to serve the huge lines that form at this place on weekdays during lunch. -
Review from Jacob G.
Chicago, IL
11/21/2011
Johnnie's is one of the best places to get an Italian beef sandwich in the Chicagoland area. Their lemon Italian ice is really good as well.
