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Category: Restaurants [Edit]
7500 W North Ave
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Rumor has it this place started as a mafia cover, which explains why the actual restaurant seems to take up only a quarter of the building. But the food was just too good, drawing enormous crowds, which made it impossible for the mob to meet in secret there. They ended up having to move their operation and run Johnny's as a legitimate Italian beef stand.
Whether the story is true or not the fact remains, Johnny's has the best Italian beef and Italian ice in all of Chicago. Possibly all of the country.
Yes, there is almost always a line, and yes it's got a bit of a soup nazi vibe, so make sure to have your order ready and your money out when you finally reach the counter. Yes, you either have to eat standing or at one of the picnic tables outside. But believe me it's all worth it the minute you take a bite.
Juicy combo, no ends, hot and sweet peppers.
The best. Nothing more to say.
Combo, sweet and hot, dunk it, two fries, small ice. To go.
There's a reason this place has been here since I was a kid back in [cough]. Six Flags.
Growing up, I lived less than a block from Michael's Beef at the corner of North and Harlem. What?! I mean, cheese fries whenever I wanted? Wait, you wanna get a shake and watch The Simpsons? Fine. And so we trucked down our alley. It was something of a right of independence at 10 years old. No bike required. Just me, Cathleen, Cassie, Nicole and the asphalt.
So I have a fondness for beef. How it smells spitting out of the vent fans and the drips near the back door. I know, gross right? But we had to walk past the Michael's dumpster to get to the inside and, well, you start to feel bad for the guy. He's important in this whole process to, you know.
Up the street, there was a formidable and far away threat to Michael's. (Both are still open. . . 20 years later. That's a feat.) Johnnie's was the varsity to Michael's JV. We acknowledged this and still do. Being a loyal beefer, I had never been to Johnnie's. Until last weekend.
My mom and Marc went on a date here once. I was out of town and Marc, being from Kalamazoo, had never had an Italian beef sandwich. Oh, for shame. My mom taxied him over to enjoy the drips and to have someone to send on napkin runs. You need a lot of napkins.
I think their experience was more poetic than mine. Frozen Ore Ida fries? Don't EVEN. Hand cut those bitches and stop being so damn lazy. Crushed ice in the soda? I'm on to you ok? Don't take up my syrupy real estate with your low rent shavings. Gross.
And the beef? OK, so it was good. I actually had a combo and the sausage was so burnt (normally alright by me) and dry it was like eating a Firestart log.
Yet the line was out the door and will be all through a Chicago winter and that's fine. But oh hell no, I'm not going back. I shouldn't be eating that shit anyway right? :-)
Life may not get any better then a Johnnie's Beef sandwich, with sweet peppers and an italian ice. Most of these shack-type places have the reputation of only being good while drunk, with Johnnie's that is not the case. The beef is perfectly spiced, tender, and juicy. The sweet peppers are the perfect compliment to a beef sandwich and the italian ice is the freshest you will have in this area. Yeah so they don't do cheese here, in fact if you used to ask for cheese you would get yelled at, but these sandwiches don't need cheese. (This coming from a cheese lover.) The fries are also pretty on point. For how good the food it, I must say I love the operation inside, it's like clock work. This place is a must for all of you meat-eaters out there.
I've been craving a Italian beef/sausage combo since watching some show on Food Network about best things i ever ate, i believe the guy commented about Joe Boston's Beef.
Anyways, decided to try Johnnies since its highly regarded as possibly the best beef in all of Chicago.
I ordered a combo hot with fries and diet pepsi. I was surprised to enjoy the sausage more than the actual beef, i like the beef at Roma's better, thinner and more tender and just as flavorful, but oh man, that sausage at Johnnie's is absolutely killer, next time i go back, i'd get a double sausage hot!!! As soon as you walk in, the first thing i see is this fire pit with tons of sausage grilling, the smell is absolutely wonderful.
The beef was alittle grainy, texture was unusual in my opinion, taste was decent. Gardineira had a nice kick to it. Fries are standard, probably wouldn't order the fries next time, save some more room in my tummy for the sausage. They need to work on their fountain machine as the diet pepsi tasted funky.
Ate inside at the counter, can't imagine trying to eat this in your car as it'd probably end up everywhere.
Anyways, this place is worth the occasional drive, there was a short line, but it moves really fast, so don't be discouraged if you see a line out the door.
There are not alot a places in Chicago that have to die for beefs. This place is one of my favorites. They have the juiciest beefs. If you want a great beef sandwich look no further. This place is the best.
You know what, this is Chicago (ok - Elmwood Park, but close enough) and you can get a decent beef anywhere. And thats what this is - decent beef. It's ok.
Just ok.
And the line, you'd think it was ambrosia on a bun. The beef is ok, and the sausage - forget it, unless you like burned.
Save your money and find someplace else - or head to Bouna.
So I've tried the famous Al's, and I've had Carm's in Hillside a few times. Portillo's and Buena are exceptional examples of chain restaurant food, but for my taste buds, you can't beat Johnnie's for Italian beef.
If I'm within several miles of Elmwood Park at mealtime, this is a must-stop-spot. I dearly love the flavor of the Italian beef here, but I have to admit that I more frequently go for the beef/sausage combo sandwich here. It's really something special.
So if you're looking for nits to pick about Johnnie's, then you might take issue with the not-exactly-obsequious counter service. It's better to know exactly what you want before you're at the counter, lest you slow the line. So long as you can tell the order taker how wet (dipped in gravy or not) and hot (giardinera) you like it, you'll be just fine.
Elmwood Park is not exactly in my backyard, so I typically get an Italian Ice to go (the whole freakin' meal is to go, as picnic tables are your only option approaching dine-in). The lemonade flavored ice really hits the spot in summer.
If you haven't been here, you're doing yourself a great disservice. It's really worth a stop.
I must go here twice a week. These sandwiches are just amazing. I have found that the beefs are the best juicy, with hot. I prefer the combos juicy with sweet as the italian sausage has a spiciness that pairs nicely with the sweet peppers. Anyone who visits, lives, or happens to be in Chicago, owes it to themselves to go to Johnnie's. The best Italian beef, bar none.
Living in Chicago for 2 years now, I see just how much locals value absolutely great food, no matter… Read more »
Few things can satisfy in the wee hours as much as a beef or a combo with sweet peppers and hot giardiniera from this joint. 4.5 stars even when the b.a.l. is less than .08. Stand in line, just do it.
The line looks long, but it goes by fairly quickly. They have awesome hot dogs and fries, MUCH better than Gene and Jude's! The Italian ice is a very refreshing, perfectly tart must-have summer treat. Italian beef is as good as everyone says it is, but I still don't totally get the hype because well, you can get good junk food at plenty of other places in the city, too... Can't beat the price and convenience, though, guess that's what has everyone (including myself) coming back!
Hell, I even saw a guy skip out on the wedding he seemed to be in at the church down the street to grab a bite here. Beef over bride? That kind of made my day.
The best Italian beef and Italian sausage I have ever eaten. If you can't decide on one or the other, you can order the combination and get both on one bun.
The sweet peppers are a great addition to the sausage or the beef.
Their homemade lemon Italian ice is fantastic.
They might have the best fries of any dog or beef stand I've ever been to.
I don't recommend the hot dogs, but I know many people who would.
Can't comment on all the things they serve on their menu, but the italian beef sandwich was decent, and I recommend getting it with sweet peppers. Both the fries and italian sausage sandwich were just average, but I suspect the italian combo(which has both sausage and italian beef) would probably have been more interesting to get.
The highlight of this place by far is their lemon italian ice. So good and thick, that I'd certainly as hell go for that (almost) every day if it was closer to the city, and easily one of the best italian ices I've ever had. Not to mention, the blocklong Elmwood Park restaurant row just to the east looked really interesting too, with just about all restaurants other than New Star having some excellent-looking outdoor patios all next to each other(definitely a fun sight you don't see everyday, and 'tis sad cool weather is just around the corner). And last but not least, its building definitely had an old-school ambiance and photogenic quality that I loved.
Definitely worth a detour, if you're anywhere near Oak Park or the near west suburbs north of I-290. I suspect I'll be making some excuses to get back to that nearby EP restaurant row before anyone knows it....
The recent thread on Italian Beef made me start craving one feverishly.
I have tried most places lauded for their beef and while good, most were lacking that certain "je ne sais quoi". Al's Beef is okay, Mr. Beef is way overrrated, Portillo's is very good, if a little inconsistent.
Enter Johnnie's Beef. The afore-mentioned thread must have mentioned this place a hundred times. By Saturday of last weekend, I became obsessed with trying one. I grabbed my friend, who asked no questions, and traveled to Elmwood Park in search of Italian Beef nirvana.
We arrived at about 4:00, fully prepared for a long line. To our surprise and delight, there were only about 6 people ahead of us. We ordered 2 beefs and an Italian ice, and made our way back to the car for a picnic.
As others mentioned, their beef sandwiches are not huge, but with Italian ice, I figured it was more than enough food. The beefs were inhaled. Italian ice was slurped in record time. We looked at each other and both of us had the same thought-"Let's go get another one!" was said in unison.
Almost embarrassed for being so gluttonous, we made our way back to the counter and ordered another beef and ice to split. Like sex, the second time was even better than the first.
Went back home and thoroughly enjoyed my food coma, only to crave another delicious beef when I woke up from my beef-induced sleep 3 hours later.
Four days later and I'm still dreaming of that beef and Italian ice.
Like great sex, the more you have it, the more you want it.
And I want it.
Easily the best beef sandwich in Chicago, with Al's a close second. Johnnie's beef just tastes better and is not as salty as Al's. The inside of this joint is quite small and the cast of characters behind the counter all look like recent parolees. All kidding aside, this place knows Italian Beef - try it, you'll be hooked. Sorry to all you Al's diehards, there's a new Sheriff in town.
The Best!
My girlfriend showed me this place as she is from that area. I make the trip out there (20 miles) 4 or 5 times a year. It's always great. Fresh Homemade Beef, Home made sausage. It's so good.
The sandwiches are a bit small but their cheap. I usually eat two. I don't really like Italian Ice so im the wrong person to ask on that. But it was good, im just not a big fan.
The Hot Dogs are Vienna but not that great, but you don't go there for the dogs anyways!!!
Worth the trip! Theres a reason why its ALWAYS packed.
OMG I remember when it opened.
The slurping sounds coming from cars on a hot summer's night are heard around the block! That's the sign of good Italian Ice ~ the distance one can hear the slurping.
Frequently there is a line, but it moves quickly and the food is worth the wait. It is a treat and has been written up in the Chicago Tribune.
Mmmmm....Johnnie's.
Johnnie's is located on a strectch of North Ave. just a few blocks away from the city's border with Elmwood Park that's filled with gastronomic delights (Spizzico, Peppino, Massa, Sushi, Alpine Deli, Cuban, Mexican, etc.).
Johnnie's is worth the wait in line. The Italian ice, although not as gourmet as neighboring Massa, is still delicious like the type you'd find at an Italian fest.
The beef is great.
Where else in Chicago can you find a hot dog with fries for $1.88?
'Nuff said.
Parking is chaotic on a summer night, though. It's accessible via CTA and Pace buses as well.
What an interesting place! Drove a long way to get to Johnnie's. You walk in and see at least six or more guys behind the counter. One guy at the register that wants to take your order fast and furious shouting it out with each item ordered! I smiled and tried to greet more than one employee. They will not crack a smile or say anything. They are so fast it's crazy...and it was not a crowded time. One person was leaving with their order as we arrived and one other person arrived while we were waiting for our order. Got the italian beef w hot peppers, one combo with hot peppers, fries and a chocolate shake. I wasn't 100% sure about the fries but if it means anything - I will be driving a long way to go back, several times, and try them again! They could be slightly better but the real test were the sandwiches. We decided not to eat the sandwiches in the car. Well, after waiting appx 30 minutes to eat the sandwiches, they were still fabulous! They were wrapped in a way and so fresh that they were still HOT by the time we ate them! Yikes that is awesome! They were so good. They top any similar beef sandwich that we have had any-where. Interesting experience ordering and the shake was great also. I want more! I want some right now!
Let's face it, there's a lot of hype around this place. When we showed up, it was early afternoon, and the line was long but manageable. They obviously do a lot of things very well. The bread has the perfect amount of chewiness and also doesn't disintegrate when dipped. The sausage is cooked over a wood-burning grill so it is positively smokey, charred, and delicious. The beef is quite lean for an Italian Beef, and well seasoned. But I think the beef was the weakness of the sandwich (I ordered the combo). I think the leanness is a good thing, but there just wasn't enough flavor in the meat to give me that wow feeling I've had from other IBs. Also the sweet peppers were soggy and sad, and the giardiniera was good but not great. For the perfect IB the condiments are crucial, and Johnnie's just didn't knock it out of the park. Next time I'll order a dipped beef with no sausage and hot peppers to get the full effect, but my first impression was that it was good but not great. Also no one seemed to be ordering the fries, and we weren't impressed by what we saw either. This is sort of unacceptable for a place that is in the argument for best IB in the city.
The lemonade on the other hand, is simply awesome. Refreshing, not too sweet, sooo lemony. The lemonade was totally memorable.
I'm still in the Al's camp for best IB in the city. Seeing as Johnnie's is such a haul, and you can get a great lemonade across the street from Al's, I don't think I'll make the trip again. Glad I tried it though.
I'd give this place a solid four stars, but my fiance would probably give them 5. And that's because it's damn good! If you're lookin' for some serious Italian beef, all you have to do is get on North Ave and follow your nose. The smell is amazing and travels for miles.
Every single thing I've tried on the menu is freaking awesome and cheap. Hot dogs, sausages, and of course the BEEF. And if you like hot and sweet peppers, they've got 'em (I'm majorly into spice and it's just not a sandwich without it).
The lemon ice will surprise you... one spoonful and you won't be able to stop shoveling it into your mouth. So if you're curious, don't hesitate. Just get it.
I'm a fan of healthy food, and this place is NOT healthy. But it's the perfect spot for those times when you're craving something to give you curves.
The only thing that would stop someone from going to Johnnie's would be if they've chosen the vegetarian lifestyle. And if that's the case, I am terribly sorry for you because you are certainly missing out!
FOOD THAT TASTES JUST LIKE MOM's........ and MY MOM IS COOKING IMPAIRED!!!!
Best italian beef?!!!! Are you freakin' crazy?? I won't hold it against many of you who have no idea what real CHICAGO Italian beef should taste like. Don't even get me started on Johnnie's Italian ice. The best Italian ice is out in Norristown, PA at Via Veneto's. You don't travel much? You would never dare to venture outside of the Windy City for really good food? Then it sucks to be you!
I've found that Chicago Italian ice just does not have that smooth consistency akin to a refined sorbet, but rather is chock full of mega ice crystals and artificial flavoring. Sadly enough, the closest place to Chicago to get really good Italian ice is in Cheese Head country up in the Dells, right across from that Fudge Shop. It's name slips my mind.
Anywho, the beef at Johnnie's isn't as tender as Al's Italian beef, or Max's on Western Ave., or Susie's on Montrose, or even a Chicago institution by the name of Mr. Beef. The gravy or juice that the beef simmers in doesn't even come close to a Wyler's beef boullion cube. Sorry folks, but if you don't believe me, just try the other beef sandwiches at the places I just mentioned and you'll see I'm right. Although, I live in Savannah, GA now, I'm a Chicagoan born and raised on the South Side, so I know my beef.
Johnnie's "Chicago Style" hot dogs are just plain awful too! Where the hell was the Vienna frank with relish, onions, mustard, pickle spear, tomato slices, cucumbers, celery salt and sport peppers. Could you believe I got something that tasted like a freakin' Oscar Mayer hot dog? To make it worse, they substituted giardiniera for my sport peppers!!!! Give me a break. Chicago style my a$$!!!! The hot dogs are much better at the Buona Beef on North Ave. Here's another recommendation when you go to Buona: order their hot dog with everything and THEN have them top it off with their delicious chili AND cheese!!!! Yummers!!!
Johnnie's should just stick to serving beverages as their sandwiches are an abomination of Chicago style fast food. Also, the employees might want to invest in a stick of deodorant.
Winner, winner chicken dinner!
Italian Beef Crawl Stop #5:
For many years I have been told of the virtues of Johnnie's Beef. Having loved beef ever since my first sandwich in 2004 (and yes, I have been a Chicagoan all of my life), it is not all too often I find myself that far out on the west side venturing into the dreaded Elmwood Park. Haven gotten that far, it was clearly a no brainer to hit up the legendary Jonnie's Beef.
Johnnie's is like Kuma's, all of the hype, pomp and circumstance lives up to the legend, the myth and the reputation of one of the finest Italian beef sandwiches that I've ever had the honor and opportunity to sink my teeth into. The juice made the sandwich wet, but it was neither drenched not was it chewy and dry. The peppers packed the right amount of punch, but I am not sure if they made their peppers in house. The juice tasted like beef juice should taste like and the meat was soft and not to any degree chewy. As I wrote on my scorecard:
Perfection is a state of art, Johnnie's is a state of beef.
Seriously. Mouth-watering. Dripping goodness. Mouth Panting. Salivating. Breathless anticipation. Can't get enough. Just want more.
Am I talking about sexual escapades...Or Johnnie's Beef? This time, I'm passing up the encased meat subject to remark about the loose beef curtains. Italian Beef that is.
And to get a sandwich for $3.50? WHAAAA....T. Add the perfect mix of wetness and sweet peppers and that baby is only $4. Wet and Sweet is how I like it. And it doesn't talk back to me.
This beef has got to be top 5 best in Chicago. I'm saying #1, but I know there will be a snark out there who'll disagree. Hmph. It's just crazy good. Like sex, erm.... I mean Italian beef should be.
This place is like an orgasm of beef for your mouth. It's that good.
Get the italian beef sandwich…
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Went back for my Eight Hundred Ninety-First time, I think. Nothing's changed and it better not for another 45 years. ABSOLUTELY THE BEST ANYWHERE TO DATE.
I know,,,I Know!! What about Al's?? What about Mr. Beef?? or better yet that joint over by dare!?!? Hot dog's and Beef are like politics in Chicago..you eat what you were brought up on eating, and if you know somebody else is on the "other" side of the fence, it's best to not bring it up and start some static. I made it my duty, to eat at as many beef joints in and around the city for many years. From some of the more infamous joints, to complete dumps tucked away in the furthest parts of the south and west sides of the city..and Johnny's still remains the King amongst all Beef's.
Vegans mouths water as they pass this place! Cows purposely try and commit suicide on North ave, in hopes of being used in Johnny's recipes! I'm NOT loyal to Johnny's I am LOYAL to good Italian beef, and this is why this joint gets 5 stars.
The Italian ice is worth the drive alone!
I marvel at the speed that these mofos sometimes can churn out a customer's order. However, during the rush it may not be so amazing, these boys can only work so fast.
If a place has lasted so long, something must be good or thought to be good. An extra special treat, if they still care enough to keep the place clean, really clean. Both locations deliver!
We can sit hear forever debating who has the best beef, shut up and just appreciate the fact that we Chicagoans have a multitude of terrific Italian Beef locations to choose from. They use the term juicy and I prefer wet, not a problem.
As for the Italiano ice, it ranks up there. With hot peppers, how are you really going to tell the difference? Seriously, as long as you don't get any clumps of ice and the cup has the little piecy of lemon, I'm happy.
Why would you ever get a hot dog here, cheap and with fries. You won't believe your eyes when you see the price. I guess the kids can handle this puppy along with watermelon ice.
I'm not exactly close, it's a little bit of a trek to either locations. I typically get my pepper and egg at someplace closer, like Jay's. If only I went to church more often during Lent than having this sinful special on Fridays.
I thought Johnnies was ok. Got the combo, the sausage was cooked over charcoal, which made it taste even better. However I was not pleased with the amount of beef they put on a sandwich (lack thereof).
We're moving into Galewood and everyone raved about Johnnie's Beef so we tried it yesterday. They did not disappoint. We tried the beef and the combo and both were very good. The beef was tasty with small pieces of green peppers and nicely seasoned. The roll it was served on was fresh and just the right size not too big but not too small. Fries were skinny and crunchy, yummy! And to complete this terrific meal, especially on a hot day, lemon Italian Ice! Delicious!
As others have said, you do need to wait in line, but it is totally worth it and the line moves quickly. They don't have an extensive menu so they get the customers in and out. Also note that there's very limited seating so you could be eating in your car. Fortunately, we took it home a few blocks away and everything was still piping hot.
I highly recommend Johnnie's, one of the best Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago.
If I were ever to get a tattoo, it might as well say Johnnie's. This place has stolen a chunk of my soul and puts it into their italian beef and lemon ice, where eating it temporarily makes me whole again.
Listen, I live in Dallas. My wife has a big family in Chicago, so we visit. I love deep dish pizza, there's a ton of places I wish we could eat at. But Johnnie's is guaranteed to be at least two meals. At least.
Always the same order. Juicy hot please. Fries? They're fine, but I'd prefer a second sandwich. I have to have the lemon ice. It's so good I've actually gotten the giggles as I'm eating it.
I've had other italian beef, it's not the same. Johnnie's has a piece of my soul, and they earned it.
Don't get me wrong. I like beef and as all people who like beef, the like even better to argue about which is the best beef. I will certainly say that Johnnie's is in the top few beefs that I have had, but I prefer to juice at Al's to Johnnie's. The beef is more tender at Johnnie's, but to me, it is all about the juice (and the hot giardienera).
If you are a beef fan and haven't been to Johnnie's, I would not wait to head out there. It is a great little place and it puts you in a camp. Either you are Al's (Taylor Street Only) or Johnnie's. I am an Al's guy.
So it all started with me always passing by this place...and constantly seeing a line out the door no matter what the weather! I finally decided to stop by and try the place. After conversing with a lady who was in the line behind me, she told me how this place has the BEST beef sandwiches. I think I was literally standing in line for about 5 minutes. And I started on the side of the building! It makes sense though that they only take cash, and have like 5 things on their menu.
So I proceeded to order a combo juicy sweet...that's the lingo there: Juicy=dipped Sweet=sweet peppers Hot=hot peppers and the combo was beef and sausage.
You can see behind them the beef in a vat of juicy goodness, and the sausages on skewers on top of an open fire pit thing. The beef and sausage are so well seasoned! I really loved it. I also ordered an italian ice. It's not the best I've ever had for an italian ice, but it's still worth getting. I also loved the fact that the beef's were only $3-$4!!!!! I know MOST places that sell decent beef's are about DOUBLE that price. It's really worth atleast stopping by once.
I suggest the combo which was amazing, and skip the fries and order another sandwich!
Having lived in the area almost my entire life, I was berated by friends when they found out I'd never tried the food at Johnnie's. I've been there a few times for the italian ice on hot summer days, and it sure does hit the spot. The smooth, thick ice mixed with the sweet and sour lemons... it really doesn't get better than that for a neighborhood joint.
But it's not called Johnnie's Italian Ice... I knew I had to try the beef to give it a fair rating. By constant line length at the place and the rants and raves by people I know, I figured I was in for a treat.
A friend and I took part of the never ending line one gloomy afternoon; people just kept on coming and adding onto the line. Honestly, I was quite astonished at how many people were there on a Wednesday afternoon! When we got to ordering, my friend got the italian sausage and i got a beef hot and wet, like I was told to order to get the "ideal beef". We also got some fries and ice, and then waited to enjoy the food.
After grabbing a table outside, we took our first bites... the beef was flavorless, and unbelievably dry. The only saving grace on that sandwich was the peppers! It's all I could taste as I tried to eat dry bread and beef. Half way through we swapped sandwiches so we could try more than one thing from the menu. The sausage fared better than the beef, but not by much. Flavorless, yet again, with far too much bread. The fries were soggy and seemed barely cooked... the ice was the only good part of that meal.
Suffice to say, I won't be going back for anything more than the ice. There are many other better places for beef in Chicagoland.
What can one say about Johnnie's that's never been said? Absolutely nothing. The place is legendary and it's everything you've ever heard about it. Don't be turned off by the lines that stretch down the block- everyone's ordering the same thing and it breezes by. And, maybe it's just me, but I love the scent of beef and fries, and I obviously know what I'm getting at the end, so I don't mind the wait.
Do it right: Beef, hot peppers. Fries. Italian ice. If you're feeling like a big timer, go with the Combo. I love it here. It is my mecca.
The best beef in Chicago, period! My only complaint is the sandwich size, which is fine, i just get two! They have the absolute best french fries too, which perfectly compliments the beef! i always get my beef extra juicy, with hot peppers. no cheese! large pepsi and fries. nirvana achieved!
You can spot the folks who have been here before by the way they order. "I'll take one beef, almost dry," requests one plump man, whose well-fed belly stretches out the front of his White Sox World Series Champs t-shirt. Another customer steps up behind him, this time a younger boy--"Two spicy beefs, two fries." This kid knows his stuff so well, he doesn't bother with any extraneous words. Others follow, hopefully knowing what they are doing or with someone who does. An aged woman, clearly a seasoned Johnnie's veteran, orders an extra-juicy beef and I look down at the tiny counter where my sandwich is propped, wishing I had ordered it a little more sauced. The no-nonsense workers behind the counter seem like the intimidating type, but they will actually accomodate just about any requests regarding juice and spice.
If you're feeling especially carnivorous (as I so often am) order a combo--this has an Italian sausage embedded in the beef sandwich, soaking up whatever amount of juice you've stipulated, providing a spicy kick to the surrounding meat and appropriately soaked bun. Their menu also offers tamales and hot dogs, but those in the know come here for one reason and one reason only--to get a taste of the best Italian beef in Chicago, the Midwest, and possibly even the United States.
Long line. Fast service. Great atmosphere. Parking closeby. Food was amazing!! A definite Chicago "food experience."
Pretty good but no where near as flavorful as Al's#1. This is a very typical Chicago Italian beef and worth a try. Nothing special that makes me want to come back though.
Made me wonder why people said I had to drive that far for an Italian beef??? High marks for the chow line experience and the "cheezburger cheezburger guys" running the joint.
Oh man, I thought Portillo's had the best Italian Beef. WRONG
This place is amazing, the beef is really high quality stuff. I get mine with sweet peppers. Blasphemous to some, but whatever. Their sausage sandwich is very good too. Try the ice too.
Keep the door closed, or you might get killed by the security guy!
Valentine's Day Special
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Category: Restaurants
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Category: Fast Food
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Category: Restaurants
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Category: Italian
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