Are you ready to sink your teeth into a mouthwatering, juicy Italian Beef sandwich? Well, you're in luck! While this Chicago classic is best known in the Windy City, did you know many of the most iconic Italian beef restaurants are here in the western suburbs? So if you're looking to celebrate this fantastic dish by indulging in the best Italian beef sandwich, Oak Park and the surrounding areas have you covered.
From the tender, thinly sliced beef to the perfectly seasoned au jus, these local gems will transport your taste buds straight to flavor paradise. Whether you prefer it dipped or juicy, with hot or sweet peppers, we've rounded up the top spots that know how to serve up an authentic Italian beef masterpiece. So, grab your napkins and get ready to embark on a flavorful journey as we explore the delicious world of Italian beef in and around Oak Park. Let's celebrate National Italian Beef Day in true Chicago style!
Michael's Beef House in Oak Park, Illinois, is a beloved local establishment that has been serving up mouthwatering Italian beef & sausage since 1977. Located on North Avenue, this family-owned restaurant has become a go-to destination for anyone craving a delicious and authentic Italian beef sandwich. At Michael's Beef House, the focus is on quality and flavor. Their Italian beef is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy slices of beef that are seasoned with a secret blend of herbs and spices. Served on a fresh Italian roll and topped with sweet or hot peppers, their sandwiches are a true delight for the taste buds. With friendly service and a cozy atmosphere, Michael's Beef House is the perfect place to satisfy your Italian beef cravings in Oak Park.
Pete's Red Hots in Oak Park, IL, has been a local institution offering delicious Vienna beef hot dogs and Italian beef since 1980. Located on Roosevelt Road, this iconic eatery has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Pete's Red Hots is known for its classic Chicago-style hot dogs, piled high with all the traditional toppings like mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, pickles, and a sprinkle of celery salt, all nestled in a soft poppy seed bun. But it's their Italian beef that steals the show. Made from thinly sliced, slow-roasted beef, Pete's Italian beef is cooked to perfection and served on a fresh Italian roll with the option to add sweet or hot peppers. The result is a mouthwatering sandwich that is rich in flavor and perfectly satisfying. Make it a combo with crispy fries? Now you're talking. With its nostalgic charm, friendly staff, and delicious food, Pete's Red Hots is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the true taste of Chicago in Oak Park.
.jpg)
This isn’t your average fast-food joint. Mickey’s Drive-in is a tradition in good food and Americana. Ann Sangiacomo opened the restaurant in 1959 when eating a hot dog or a pile of chili-cheese fries on the hood of your car was a Saturday night out. Located on Mannheim Road, the drive-in remains a family-owned mom-and-pop business to this very day. A Bellwood landmark, Mickeys serves good food at a good price without being bothered with fussy things like tables and chairs. Make sure to try the authentic Chicago-style hot dog or Italian Beef when you drive in. You’ll find the real deal recipe at Mickey’s Drive-In.
Buona Beef in Berwyn is a popular destination for Italian beef enthusiasts seeking an authentic and flavorful experience. Located on Roosevelt Road, Buona Beef has been serving up their renowned Italian beef sandwiches since 1981. Their Italian beef is made from slow-roasted, thinly sliced beef that is simmered in flavorful au jus, ensuring a tender and juicy bite with each mouthful. The sandwich is then served on a fresh Italian roll. It can be customized with the addition of giardiniera, make it hot giardiniera if you're feeling adventurous, a spicy pickled vegetable medley that adds an extra layer of tangy and zesty flavor. And although it's not as traditional, you can also top your sandwich with marinara or mozzarella for some extra flair. What sets Buona Beef apart is their commitment to quality ingredients and traditional recipes, making their Italian beef a true standout. And if you can't get enough of their giardiniera, Buona Beef also offers it for sale separately, so you can take home a jar of this spicy condiment to elevate your own dishes. Plus, they have convenient options to order online, so you can skip the wait. Buona also has locations in Hillside and Oak Park!
Novi's Beef in Berwyn, IL, has been a beloved establishment specializing in delicious Italian beef sandwiches for over 60 years. Located on Ogden Ave, Novi's Beef is a go-to spot for locals and visitors craving an authentic taste of Chicago's iconic sandwich. Their Italian beef is made with thinly sliced, tender beef that is slow-cooked to perfection in flavorful au jus. The result is a juicy and flavorful sandwich served on a fresh Italian roll. Novi's Beef offers a variety of toppings and condiments to customize your sandwich, including adding giardiniera for an extra kick of heat and tanginess. With their dedication to quality ingredients and commitment to preserving the classic Italian beef tradition, Novi's Beef has become a staple in the Berwyn community. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, Novi's Beef is the place to go to taste Chicago's famous Italian beef in Berwyn.
Danny's Beef in Brookfield, IL, is a beloved local eatery that has been satisfying cravings for delicious Italian Beef sandwiches for years. Situated on Ogden Avenue, this family-owned establishment has gained a reputation for serving up some of the best Italian beef in the area. Their sandwiches are a true delight, featuring tender, thinly sliced beef that has been slow-cooked to perfection in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. The beef is nestled in a fresh Italian roll and can be customized with your choice of sweet or hot peppers. Every bite of Danny's Beef is a burst of savory goodness that will leave you craving more. With their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and a passion for delivering authentic flavors, Danny's Beef has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch or grabbing a satisfying dinner, Danny's Beef is sure to leave you coming back for more of their delectable Italian beef.
When it comes to iconic Italian Beef in Elmwood Park, IL, Johnnie's Beef is a name that stands out. Located on North Avenue, this family-owned restaurant has been serving up their famous Italian Beef sandwiches for over 50 years. As soon as you step inside, you're greeted by the irresistible aroma of slow-roasted beef and freshly baked bread. The Italian Beef at Johnnie's is legendary, featuring thinly sliced, tender beef that is soaked in flavorful au jus and piled high on a soft, chewy roll. The sandwich is then topped with your choice of sweet or hot peppers, adding a delightful kick of spice. With each bite, you can taste the quality and care that goes into crafting this classic sandwich. Whether you're a longtime fan or trying it for the first time, Johnnie's Beef is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you with a newfound appreciation for this Chicago-style delicacy.
Located in Forest Park, IL, Jimmy's Place is a beloved local spot that has been serving mouthwatering Italian Beef sandwiches for years. Jimmy's Place takes pride in their Italian beef, using only the finest cuts of meat that are cooked to perfection and thinly sliced for optimal tenderness. The beef is then bathed in flavorful au jus, allowing it to soak up all the delicious juices. The sandwich is served on a fresh, crusty Italian roll and topped with your choice of sweet or hot peppers, adding a zesty kick to each bite. Every element of Jimmy's Place's Italian Beef is crafted with care and attention to detail, resulting in a genuinely satisfying and authentic Chicago-style experience. Whether you dine in or take it to go, one thing is for certain: a visit to Jimmy's Place is a must for any Italian Beef enthusiast.
Nestled in the heart of Forest Park, IL, Mr. Beef is a legendary destination for lovers of Italian Beef sandwiches. With a history dating back several decades, Mr. Beef has earned a reputation for serving up some of the best sandwiches in town. As soon as you step inside, you'll be captivated by the aroma of slow-cooked beef simmering in flavorful au jus. The secret to Mr. Beef's success lies in their commitment to quality. They use only the finest cuts of beef, which are seasoned to perfection and slow-roasted to achieve maximum tenderness. Each sandwich is carefully assembled on a fresh Italian roll and topped with your choice of sweet or hot peppers, adding an extra burst of flavor. With every bite, you'll experience the harmonious blend of succulent beef, savory juices, and the perfect balance of spices. Mr. Beef promises to deliver an unforgettable Italian Beef experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Located in Forest Park, IL, Portillo's is a beloved institution known for its iconic Chicago-style food, and their Italian Beef sandwich is no exception. Bursting with flavor and made with high-quality ingredients, Portillo's Italian Beef is a true delight for the taste buds. Tender, thinly sliced beef is slow-cooked to perfection and simmered in savory au jus, infusing it with rich and robust flavors. The sandwich is then served on a fresh Italian roll, topped with your choice of sweet or hot peppers to add a tangy kick. With each bite, you'll experience the harmonious combination of tender beef, flavorful juices, and the satisfying crunch of the roll. Portillo's commitment to quality and their dedication to preserving the authentic taste of Chicago-style cuisine have made them a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. There's another Portillo's located in Northlake. Whether you're craving a classic Italian Beef sandwich or exploring the rest of their mouthwatering menu, Portillo's in Forest Park will satisfy your appetite and leave you craving more.
Chickies Beef first opened its doors in 1962 on 28th and Pulaski, quietly serving some of the best homemade Italian beef in Chicago. In fact, everything at Chickies is homemade or made from scratch, including the hand-cut fries, the legendary hot peppers, and the Italian lemonade. You can choose an Italian beef sandwich with thinly sliced meat topped with a gravy that some say is the richest beef flavor of all the beef joints in Chicagoland. The sandwich is loaded with hot peppers, jalapeños, and celery. Or opt for Italian sausage (or make it a combo with both beef and sausage!) Today, you can find The Original Chickies Beef on Roosevelt Road in Hillside!
Tello's Beef Maxwell Street in Maywood, IL, is a hidden gem that brings the iconic flavors of Maxwell Street right to your plate. Known for their delicious Italian Beef sandwiches, Tello's Beef is a must-visit for any lover of this classic Chicago dish. The sandwich features thinly sliced, tender beef that has been slow-cooked to perfection and seasoned with a blend of spices. It's served on a freshly baked Italian roll, with the option to add sweet or hot peppers for an extra kick of flavor. Combining the juicy beef, aromatic spices, and soft bread creates a mouthwatering experience that keeps customers returning for more. Tello's Beef Maxwell Street is dedicated to preserving the traditions and flavors of Maxwell Street while delivering exceptional taste and quality to their customers. Whether you're a longtime fan of Italian Beef or new to this Chicago delicacy, Tello's Beef Maxwell Street will surely leave you satisfied and craving another bite.
Lucky Dog in Melrose is a local gem that has gained a loyal following for their mouthwatering Hot Dogs and Italian Beef sandwiches. Located on Lake Street, the Lucky Dog in Melrose Park was the original location opening back in 1984. Today there are 4 locations including a Berwyn and Broadview location! Their Italian Beef sandwich is a true delight, featuring thinly sliced, flavorful beef that has been slow-cooked to perfection in a savory blend of herbs and spices. The beef is piled high onto a fresh Italian roll and topped with sweet or hot peppers, depending on your preference. Each bite is a savory explosion of tender beef, delicious bread, and zesty peppers. Lucky Dog takes pride in using high-quality ingredients and preparing their Italian beef with care and attention to detail, resulting in a truly irresistible sandwich. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Lucky Dog is sure to impress with their delectable Italian Beef sandwich that embodies the authentic flavors of Chicago's culinary heritage.
Frannie's Beef in Schiller Park is a local favorite known for serving up mouthwatering Italian Beef sandwiches. With a commitment to quality and authentic flavors, Frannie's Beef has become a go-to destination for those craving a delicious and satisfying meal. The Italian Beef sandwich at Frannie's is made with thinly sliced, tender beef that has been slow-roasted to perfection and seasoned with a secret blend of spices. Served on a fresh Italian roll, the sandwich is topped with delicious giardiniera for an added kick. Whether you prefer it dipped or juicy, Frannie's Beef offers customizable options to suit every taste. Beyond their famous Italian Beef, Frannie's also offers other delectable menu items such as Italian sausage, meatball sandwiches, and hot dogs. With its friendly atmosphere and top-notch customer service, Frannie's Beef provides a true taste of Chicago's culinary heritage in the heart of Schiller Park.
Whatever your choice, we know it will be a great one. So meet us in the western suburbs for some of the best Italian beef sandwiches around!