Rating EVERY Italian Beef In Chicago! (ft. Josh Elkin)
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- Опубликовано: 30 май 2024
- Chicago is known for a number of things: Hot Dogs, Deep Dish, The Cubs, The Bear(s)... the list goes on. But in my opinion, there is one regional dish that trumps all the others. It's beefy, spicy, soppy, juicy, and delicious, and it goes by the name The Italian Beef. I invited a buddy of mine, Josh Elkin, a chef and non-Chicagoan over to help me decide which beef business beats the bunch. Let's munch!
🤘🏼 Adam
Be sure to peep Josh's channel here: @TheJoshElkin
Restaurants:
Al's Beef - www.alsitalianbeef.com/
Mr. Beef
Portillo's - www.portillos.com/index.html
Buona - buona.com/
Ciccio's - www.cicciobeef.com/
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TIMESTAMPS…
Intro (0:00)
Al's Beef (1:05)
Mr. Beef (4:33)
Portillo's (7:25)
Buona (10:55)
Ciccio's (14:20)
Final Thoughts (19:09)
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#ItalianBeef #Sandwich #TasteTest #FoodReview #Chicago #Food #Cooking #Recipe #OmnivorousAdam 
Хобби
Johnnies in Elmwood Park was left out? In Chicago , you can almost tell where a person grew up by their favorite beef sandwich choice!
I did my best to keep it in the city. Johnnies is ELITE, but it's in the burbs. Totally worth the drive though.
Grew up in walking distance to Johnnie’s many, many years ago. Legendary!
Johnnies Beef is 12 miles from downtown. Elmwood Park is practically in the city
Johnnies is good but if we are talking burb spots, then I think Frannie's takes the cake for me. Pop's & Chickie's would also be good mentions.
@@pinacolaaadas Frannies is a good alternative to Johnnies... Especially when you don't have any cash on hand because Johnnies is cash only, Another great option is Nottoli's on Belmont...
I'm not from Chicago.
I've only been there maybe 6-7 times for work etc, but it's food scene is beyond epic.
You name it. We have it. We have authentic dishes from every culture. No city can compare.
Portland Oregon can compare. But Chicago has been doing it for way longer so they have my vote as best food in the U.S
@@orlanthemanEVERY culture? Ok bub.
@@whoopzdayz44 obviously you’ve never been here, but yes EVERY culture. You name it we have it. Don’t hate because wherever you live doesn’t offer different cuisines
@@orlantheman dude, where I live is an incredibly culturally diverse city. ive been to chicago. its cool. but it isn't really the peak of diversity you claim it to be. most big cities have a similarly diverse food culture due to large amounts of people immigrating. however, the base statement that y'all have EVERYTHING is straight up false. chi is special, but not that special.
I know it's about 2 miles west of the Chicago border, but everyone in Chicagoland knows that Johnnie's is the best.
I sort of resent how people act as if Portillo's is the greatest place in the world. There is nothing wrong with it. I like it. Yet, there are a ton of little hole in the wall places that are as good or arguably better.
I wouldn’t feed Portillos to a starving dog. They’re gross.
They opened one where I live in Texas, I went and got one of these sandwiches there, dipped. It was ice cold and disgusting. Not a good first impression. Fish sandwich was nasty, too.
I always get the take and make from Portillos. AL'S meat is good, but portillo's gravy is better
"Rating EVERY Italian Beef in Chicago!" By not venturing out to nearby Elmwood Park and including Johnnie's Beef in the ratings makes it all ring hollow for me......
Agreed I'm from Chicago, Johnnie's is 100 times better than each one of these locations.
also, Johnnie's is only 5 blocks from the edge of Chicago (Harlem Av). It's Johnnie's. Period.
Johnnies also has a location in Arlington Heights. It’s the best.
Bro, they missed most places. The title should be "every place we wanted to do".
Jays had great beef . So did man jo vins back in the day.
First - also, I like how you tested the sandwiches dry first, but honestly I could never bring myself to order a non-dipped beef.
It was tough, but we do it for the people! Lol.
@OmnivorousAdam It's best to get the juice "on the side". This way, you control the viscosity of your sandwich.
It should be a crime to not want it dipped.
As a previous Italian Beef stand owner, I absolutely loved this man! If you're ever out in Berwyn, you NEED to go to Novi's. Their recipe is god tier. Also shout out to Ricobene's in Bridgeport! Their breaded steak sando is insane as well 🔥
I grew up in Palatine and the go-to place for us was simply called "Luke's." After I moved away in the early 90's they changed it to "Tore and Luke's" but their beef is still my favorite and whenever I get back to the old stomping grounds I make sure to drop in for a beef there. We had a Portillo's nearby as well and while I always thought they were good, they still didn't hold a candle to Luke's, IMO.
In the early 2000's I also stumbled across a little hole-in-the-wall bar out in the itty-bitty town of Marseilles about an hour outside the city. I don't recall the name of the place, but they also had a very good beef there also.
I grew up in Barrington and Luke's was a regular.
I love Italian beef sandwiches, but I always get them dipped. I feel like it's a must to have them bathed in broth.
A good Italian Beef doesnt need to be dipped. If that bun is dry, they dont know how to make them and some of the best dont even use broth, they come with red sauce.
@@thomasjones4570 Not once in my years in Chicago have I ever heard of an Italian beef with red sauce where the hell have you seen that?
@@thomasjones4570 It always need to be dipped. It adds to the flavor of the bread.
@@scott3805Poorly prepared Italian beef then. No shop worth its salt is going to sell a dry beef.
Can’t do it
NOBODY IN CHICAGO GETS THE CUP OF JUICE WE JUST ORDER THE SANDWICH DIPPED
Double dipped
Novi's Beef In Berwyn On Ogden Ave Was Our Go To ! 🤤🤤🤤
Loved the depth of spice that a Novi’s beef sandwich brought to the table. Outstanding.
@@steved4312 Yes Was Ashame They Left Novi's Out , But Atleast We Know They Rock ! 🎉🎉🎉😁😁😁💯💯💯
Tony's Italian beef on the south side on Pulaski has always been my favorite! Good video.
Pulaski and 71st? Haven’t been there in years. Great beef but also they had the best pepper & egg.
@@tonyrome655yea before 71st
Tonys is better than portillos
You should always get your Italian beef dipped imo, baptized if you're feeling real saucy. Keep making these great vids about Chicago/Chicagoland food staples!
You never had a great beef with red sauce.
Submerge that s*** 😂
A dry beef😮 I can't imagine eating it like that, it seems uncivilized.
Juice on the side in a little cup? Whattaya from New York or sumtin?
Should have went to Johnnys in Elmwood Park Carms in Little Italy and you should have went to the original Bouna in Berwin
As a French-Norwegian living in The Netherlands, Chicago has never been on my radar. But your videos really makes me wanna go there! Cool local vibe you share. Keep up the good work 🤘🏼 much love ♥️ Paris
From a Chicagoan...JUST GET IT DIPPED! lol
I’m from Columbus Ohio and even I know that
That last guy you filmed was absolutely adorable with his little giggle. 😂❤ He seemed so sweet.
Luke's beef on Harlem for the win. Jay's in the collar burb for runner up. Johnnies and Portillo's used to be good. Whatever your beef, always dip it. Easier to focus on the flavor that way, and not the chewing.
Bread is KEY!
Portillos very good and there are several of them, which makes them convenient. Their recipe is right. But, the employee has to be on the customer's side when making it. Get it dipped.
Local here.... This was spot on... BUT you didn't eat Johnies????????!!!!!! Nanas?!!!!
Have to throw this out there... Some people in my area will say cheese doesn't belong on a beef but we're the only ones who makes beefs. Add the cheese! A cheezy beef is still Chicago AF!
LUKE'S!!! They're in Chicago and Arizona. Outstanding 👍👍👍 I've been going there since the 80's and never had anything less than a perfect sandwich every time!!!
Pop's and Johnnies....Hands down....all others are just ok to me!
I've always liked Jay's Beef. Of these places, I personally like Al's the best. Ive never had Ciccio's though.
Jay's Beef is where it's at! Get the combo... good char. The giardiniera is perfect, celery, sliced jalapeño and red pepper flakes... good crunch, not so hot... perfect balance. Don't forget the large cheese fries, and cherry coke with the crushed ice. Out of 4 locations, there's only one Jay's left though, the original on Narragansett in Harwood Heights. Covid hit these places hard.
Mr. Beef has always been my favorite. Two sandwiches hot, sweet, double dipped, and plenty of napkins in their congenial dining communal picnic tables. The non friendly service is part of the charm. Food Network had a shootout at least once. And Buona has a vegan version now that’s satisfactory.
The problem with Mr. Beef has always been their crappy giardinera.
@@WindyCity1014lol I just posted that .
This was such a great time. Video shows our love affair with the sandwiches too ❤
It wouldn't have been the same without you, bb. Great day.
Jay's Beef is where it's at! Get the combo... good char. The giardiniera is perfect, celery, sliced jalapeño and red pepper flakes... good crunch, not so hot... perfect balance. Don't forget the large cheese fries, and cherry coke with the crushed ice. Out of 4 locations, there's only one Jay's left though, the original on Narragansett in Harwood Heights. Covid hit these places hard.
RIP Suzie’s, that was my favorite Italian beef shop. It was a tiny little mom and pop shop that had Italian beefs, cheese fries in a bag and like 100 flavors of milkshakes.
What happened to Susie’s!?!?!? 😮
Was it on Montrose Ave?
Johnny’s Elmwood Park, #1 in Chicago! But there are a lot of good Beef’s around the city depends what neighborhood you’re from.
I left Chicago about 10 years ago but Roma's on Cicero Ave. was my go to beef stand.
Great content, as per usual. Thanks, chef
Thanks mate!
Chickies!!!!! They opened one in hillside and it’s the OG recipe. Hands down best giardiniera. Great throwback to the original off of 28th and Pulaski. If you don’t know now you know
The Italian beef should be fully dunked for maximum flavor, I was skeptical at first, but it’s really good.
Yes, Als was my first beef over 50 years ago, still my first choice👊🏼👍🏼🇺🇸
Living in the south now, the only giardiniera we can get is just pickled vegetables with no oil or spices. My Momma and Daddy used to make it homemade the right way and can it. My Dad would eat it on everything , including bologna sandwiches, lol!
They have passed, so when I am lucky enough to go back to Chicago I stock up on the good stuff!
We like Luke's on Jackson near the Willis Tower. The combo is fantastic.
The best way to enjoy an Italian beef:
1. Get a side salad instead of French fries.
2. The sandwich better be wet and have either hot or sweet peppers.
3. Eat the sandwich directly over your salad.
Whatever falls out of your sandwich will make the salad tastier.
I’ve only lived here for 3 years & haven’t experienced some of the legendary spots that are further out from the city like Johnnies, so my experience isn’t complete, but I love Als. Love the flavor. Love the hot peppers w the celery. Great texture. It’s definitely my favorite beef of all these.
That’s long enough man. Smh
They just opened a Buona beef in Southeastern Wisconsin and I'm so happy about it. You can't go wrong with any of these spots.
We’re getting a Portillos here in Vegas.
Soon they'll be everywhere.
thats because Warren buffets firm bought them.
I was so happy to find a Chicago beef place down in SW Florida while visiting family. I'm sure it can't match these places, but it was manna from heaven for me. I grew up near Philly (where the real sandwich is Italian pork, even better than cheesesteaks) but my heart belongs to the Italian beef.
I am 2 hours from Chicago and now all I want is an Italian beef sandwich….thanks guys.😁
There’s no decent beefs just two hours away?? That’s disappointing.
When I bring home my drive-thru Portillo’s order, my cat demands her serving of Italian Beef! I spread out a napkin and give her kibble-sized bits of beef to scarf down. She has been known to tear into the paper wrapping if I don’t eat right away. It’s the only people-food she is obsessed with.
Portillos = cat food ?
I've had all of these except the one at Navy Pier. I think you guys nailed it for #1. Portillo's has gone downhill since Dick sold it. I'm old enough to remember the dog house in Villa Park. Ths original Portillo's. I used to think all of Portillo's sandwiches set the bar for all other places. You can get a pretty good burger there pretty cheap. If you go to another joint and they charge twice as much, they better be twice as good. If not, forget it. Portillo's hot dogs used to be great. Nice snap when you bite into them. That snap is gone now. Okay, but not great. IMO. ( New sub. From a Chicago native).
Portillo’s beef has gone downhill since the corporate takeover.
So right.
I travel through Illinois for business a few times a year. I stopped by Al’s once when in Chicago and had a beef. Lord, from time to time I still think about that sandwich.
My next time through the state I stopped at a Portillo’s. The beef was okay, but was not nearly as flavorful, moist, or rich as Al’s. Al’s has the perfect flavor and heat. Even the fries were really good.
I’ve gotta get back there someday.
I still love portillos
Used to work at navy pier and that place is the go to. Real deal guy and service makes me feel ok about that pier tax
I grew up with Al's Beef LITERALLY across the street from my apartment that I lived while I went to UIC... Loved it.
As someone who’s never been to Chicago nor had an Italian beef I enjoyed the hell out of this video. Great vibes, honest reviews and amazing camera quality! Here to say I subbed b4 you hit a mill subs! Keep up the great work!
Thank you my mans! Appreciate you tuning in. Come thru and grab a beef!
Bro loved the video, but I was so hype for you to go to Johnnies and you never made it. Would've loved to see Josh's opinion too as a "tourist". I definitely get trying to technically stay in the city limits, but the lists of the best pizza joints in Chicago, for example, always have suburb spots. Most def gotta hit it if you do a number 2.
TIMESTAMPS…
Intro (0:00)
Al's Beef (1:05)
Mr. Beef (4:33)
Portillo's (7:25)
Buona (10:55)
Ciccio's (14:20)
Final Thoughts (19:09)
In my opinion, Gonnella bread is the best bread in Chicago
Gonnella was king when I worked at a mom and pop beef place out in the suburbs in the 80s and 90s.
Pretty good video fellas 👌🏿 this actually made me hungry. First time watcher here... I'm going to have to search for Italian beef spots in Atlanta Georgia which are rare if any... You may have a new subscriber, keep em coming 👍🏿
Been waiting for a video like dis, love it
I think the reason Ceccio has the giardiniera on the side is because of the tourists who don't know what it is; so they ask for it on the side. Ultimately it just became easier to have it prepped. Maybe. What do I know? Damn tourists ruining everything. . . .
Ive never seen a Portillo's stack that much beef in a sandwich before. They must have saw the camera and figured it was for TV.
"go to Als but prepare to be insulted" is spot on.
I have been born and raised in Chicago for 40+ years now so when videos like this come about they make me very happy! You guys did an amazing job hitting some major spots which I absolutely love to see! Now for those talking about Johnnies on North I can see the argument for it not being in the city so that is why it was left out but I must say it is not nearly what it used to be and it has become highly overrated unfortunately. The beef is still decent but not like it was when I was a kid. For me Frannies is far superior for a suburb joint and if we are talking about missed icons I feel that one that does not get enough love because it is way on the outskirts of the city is Bob-O’s which is an absolute classic. If you have not tried it I highly recommend they are cash only and do a wonderful job. While it is not my favorite they are still amazing. And lastly I am about to let you all in on the best kept beef secret if you have read this far it is a joint called Al & Joes deli they only serve the beef on Wednesday as a special but I will be damned it is great! They are located in Franklin Park nice and tucked away but they have been amazing for years! Hopefully this comment is seen by at least one person to help them out! Also on a MAJOR side note Portillos is nasty they used to be great before they became a franchise and not it is nothing but a tourist spot.
Go to Johnnie's and get the combo ...char broiled sausage !!
Great video man, I absolutely love when you do stuff like this, ya gotta check out some of the beef sandwiches out here in the suburbs.
Johnnies is dank. Thanks duder.
I started going to Buona because they were the first to do the beef bowls, and I was doing keto, but I keep going because they give me more food for my money. You must have just caught a location on a bad day. I also love how spicy their beef is. They also make fantastic sausage, and I can normally get their sausage at Aldi. I don't know why you chose to try them dry first. I don't know anyone who eats beef sandwiches dry.
I remember when a great Italian beef was at portillos in Chicago, I moved to Florida andvwas thrilled one opened in TAMPA. It was nothing like I rememberand the ju was greasy. It was better than no beef fix for 20 years.
I hate Buona Beef. Too thick, too much gristle, not beefy enough.
Portillos was awesome in pre 90's
Left Chicago in '99 after 24 years there as an adult. First had IB at a hot dog stand that is nameless in my memory. But did find Portillo's in Villa Park at some early point. Then when moving to Vernon Hills Portillos followed me. I was happy. Been in Wine Country CA since and Petaluma has Roy's at the Yards that does a credible IB, bringing in Chicgo ingredients, a good Chicago Dog as well. 2+ years ago, on a Tampa visit I was ecstatic to find Portillo's had come to FL.
So I guess Portillo's will always be a go to for mr, but I am open to any joints efforts!
And now I’ve got to go to Chicago for Italian Beef…. It’s a long way from Bristol U.K.!
Oi! Swing thru!
Johnnie's Beef in Arligton Heights is by far THE BEST Italian beef I've ever had. You misssed out on the greatest .
Ahhh the beef sandwich culture of the US
Chicago...Italian beef
Buffalo....beef on weck
Philly Cheese Steaks
I'm sure I'm missing many.
Jay's beef is the best in Chicago, I have had them all from top beef places. Give it a try and let your viewers know your opinion.
Fkn A! Just went thru a combo!
Lol
Facts
I live like 5 blocks from Jay's....not that good to my family..., but some people Love it.
My favorite thing to eat is a beef sandwich. Loved the video. I like Al's too. It is #1 and they say so on the wrapper!
At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Timpone's is a popular spot for Italian beef across the street from campus, and within easy walking distance of the FLB (Foreign Languages Building; name recently changed, but I can't recall what the new name is). I used to eat there once a week in grad school with a group of grad students & professors from the Department of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.
Any Arby's will serve you a "French Dip & Swiss" sandwich, but it lacks the hot pepper an Italian beef sandwich has. Portillo's, on the other hand, has been rapidly expanding downstate, and they even opened a location in Bloomington a few years ago.
Places which serve Italian beef also often serve Italian sausage and Chicago-style hot dogs, but I have yet to find one which offers the bratwurst I grew up with in Wisconsin ("behind the cheddar curtain").
Imperellis Palatine, IL 65 years ago. If I had a Time Machine it would be my first stop….💕
Leaving out Johnnies is insane. Especially, considering it’s walking distance from Chicago. It basically counts if we being real.
Great vid! When I lived in Chicago my favorite was Al's. Tillo's a close second. That said I LOVED going to Philly's Best on Belmont for a Philly Cheesesteak. In know it is not Chicago Italian Beef and some step cousin, but that was good. Now when I visit the Midwest I am always in Milwaukee now; I am ecstatic that Tillo's went all corporate because I can get Portillo's in Milwaukee and between that and Lou's...I am set on those visits!
Dude, you can't put "Every Italian Beef in Chicago" when you only hit up 5 places. I can understand not wanting to drive all over because the best places are all spread out and far, but Mr. Beef on Harlem is the best IMO, and you should've gone to Johnnies, too.
Not only Chicago best food city but also josh from emt, thats awesome i havent seen him since the early 2000s
“I think I just have really sharp teeth” - overtly noticeable difference in ability to bite through the bread 😂
Portillos still has the best IMO. I get it with extra hot peppers, dipped. MMM!!!
Portillo's italian beef is made from beef outsides (part of hind leg) company I worked for sold portillo's
4,000 lbs of outsides a week
Josh naturally got the Italian Stance correct when eating Al's🤌🇮🇹
Cant believe you left Johnnys out. Then theres Carms and Chickies.
You should have included Tony's Beef on 70th & Pulaski.
That's totally 100% true! The people at Al's Beef were rude to me too! It turned me off, however, and I haven't been back since. 💯
Johnnie's on North Ave in Elmwood Park has ranked #1 in Chicago for decades. If you like a little spicier Teddy's Red Hots in Downers Grove is very good.
Great review and video guys, thanks. In Glen Ellyn we have Buona and a local place called Flips. Buona is good but yeah it can get intense. I usually get Flips so I can taste the beef and not the oregano. Buona did a makeover maybe 5-10 years ago to the corporate look, used to look a little more mom and pop, a little.
Al's is 100% the winner. The spice flavor on the beef is the best.
The "Pepsi or Coke" question of the Italian Beef world... Turano or Gonnella bread?
Turano
Gonella It holds the gravy better.
We have Portillos in Minnesota now!!!
Als having brutally honest staff is part of their branding, and also afaik the owner of Als is just brutally honest to a fault and doesnt try to hide it. They have a plaque there that says "When you walk in here its 1960 so dont get offended by that treatment" which I lowkey respect. They just do things their way and I respect that approach. If you cant accept that treatment, Als isnt the right place for you and they let you honestly know that with no pretending. Because we are different people and we are fine with different things.
Also Ciccios seems like an awesome place, I will definitely visit there if I end up staying in Chicago (not as unlikely as it used to be given I am searching for a very good job/education but I still have some issues with moving to the US). As a european I absolutely adore more artisinal sandwiches like that, given that I grew up on basically variations of jambon fromage (baguette, butter, unprocessed ham and cheese) due to my mothers fondness for French food. Back when we were in France with my father, me and my sister would always ask for a sandwich like that, coz french baguettes are actually on another level and we never got enough of them. Not being able to get good ones here in Czech Republic at a reasonable price has made home baking a big hobby of mine; having now baked my own demi baguettes, bagels, sourdough loafs, macrons (though never as perfect as the ones I saw in France) and even an attempt at making my own croissants that sadly ended in me realising they are such a freaking pain to make that theyre not worth it.
Anyways, greetings from Prague, recently found your channel and I am in love with your stuff. Earned a sub from me straight away.
Grew up in the Chicago suburbs and have eaten all of these beefs but Portillos is always my go-to. Gotta have it dipped! Imagine my happiness when I moved to Phoenix and found them here too and they just opened a new location 10 min from my house in Queen Creek. :)
Not a complete list without Johnnie’s
Many grocery stores around Chicago give portions of juice with pounds of rare sliced roast beef. At home, heat up the juice and drop beef in for just a minute, like he did at Ciccio's. I'm impressed if you hit all five places in the same day! I'm hungry now...
From Chicago, the only thing I miss is the food..in Florida you get half the sandwich, twice the price and quite frankly...garbage. I miss Scatchells on Cermak and Cicero.Their combos are to die for
best OG spot is in Buona - Berwyn IL right next to it is there catering service building THAT'S an OG spot
Ricobene’s ,johnnies ,Freddy’s and “kindling “ in sears tower
Haven’t been to Ricobenes in years. They had great beef but the breaded steak was the best.
I love how I went to mark these places as "want to go" for next time I'm near Chicago, and already had half of them flagged on Google Maps lol.
I always got Jay's Beef of Harwood Heights growing up or Mr. Beef. My dad swore Johnnies in Elmwood Park was the best. I remember getting all 3 locations growing up seeing family in the Chicagoland area. Personally, I love Jay's Beef followed by Mr. Beef.
I've been to that Al's in little Italy several times and it's always delicious. And now I'm going to need to have a beef sandwich for dinner. Thank you.
How can you do this video and not go to Johnnies?!
As far as I'm concerned, Jus is concentrated soup and therefore totally acceptable to drink.
Agreed
I grew up in Chicago. There was a hole in the wall place that made mine special for me. I used to get cheese and bbq on the bottom. Delicious
Johnny's. Elmwood and Duke's on south Harlem. Should be included in the challenge/rating. Either way awesome vid Thanks.
Dukes is gone on harlem they closes in like 2019...his son in law opened up on 199th and lagrange In Mokena a year or 2 ago
Honestly, Portillos is consistent af...just gotta order the big beef now to get the 'old' size...there's a spot off of midway airport that's my goto now when I travel back.
Ya left out Johnnie's!?!? I realize it's in the near burbs but it's worth the drive (I'm lucky that I live right down the street from the Elmwood Park location). Also, throw in the combo element next time! Johnnie's char-grilled Italian sausage is on a whole other level. Johnnie's and Al's are my faves but Johnnie's takes it on price
Roma's on Cicero by Montrose is pretty dam good.
Susie's around the corner use to be an economical choice.
We used to have a food cart in town with a guy from Chicago. He named eat of his different recipe after Bears, Cubs, and White Sox? Players.
He had a party platter named after Refrigerator Perry.