The Ultimate List Of The 15 Best Italian Beef Sandwiches In Illinois

Illinois and Italian beef sandwiches go together like bread and gravy! This Chicago-born classic features thinly sliced roast beef soaked in savory au jus, stuffed into French bread, and typically topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.

From legendary cash-only joints to family-run delis, the Prairie State offers countless spots to grab this iconic sandwich.

1. Johnnie’s Beef

Cash rules at Johnnie’s, where beef dreams become reality. Juicy meat piles high on sturdy bread, soaking flavor into every bite.

House-made giardiniera brings fiery crunch, making taste buds groove. Finish with frosty Italian ice, tart and sweet, cooling the heat. One visit delivers flavor, tradition, and a rhythm Chicago proudly calls its own.

2. Al’s #1 Italian Beef

History lives between these bread slices! Since 1938, Al’s has been perfecting their recipe – thinly shaved beef soaked in spice-packed gravy that’ll have you licking your fingers.

The Taylor Street original location maintains that old-school charm while delivering sandwich perfection. Try it ‘dipped’ if you’re feeling adventurous!

3. Scatchell’s Beef & Pizza

Since 1953, Scatchell’s has stacked beefy brilliance with confidence. Order the combo, where Italian sausage cozies up to tender beef, and life feels instantly upgraded.

Aromas drift late into the night, luring hungry souls seeking comfort after hours. Every bite delivers juicy satisfaction, a salty-sweet symphony that makes midnight cravings feel downright legendary.

4. Portillo’s

When chain restaurants get it right! Portillo’s has expanded across Illinois without sacrificing quality. Their beef comes on perfect Turano bread that somehow manages to stay intact despite being deliciously soaked.

The consistent excellence makes it a reliable choice no matter which location you visit.

5. Buona

Since 1981, Buona has carried family tradition in every tender slice of beef. Homemade quality lingers in each bite, drawing generations back for more.

The famed beef-sausage combo balances juicy richness with savory snap, while giardiniera sprinkles gentle fire across the sandwich. Comfort, flavor, and heritage blend seamlessly, proving why Buona remains a Chicago treasure.

6. Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage

Pepper fans cheer for Pop’s, where bold spice defines every juicy bite. Suburban outposts spread Chicago flavor far beyond the city, keeping cravings close to home.

Gravy flows generously, yet bread holds firm, soaking up richness without surrender. Each sandwich delivers warmth, crunch, and a peppery kick that lingers long after the last bite.

7. Fabulous Freddie’s

Size matters at this Bridgeport gem where the portions will have you planning your next visit before finishing your first sandwich. The beef comes piled high on crusty bread that somehow manages to hold everything together.

Grab an Italian ice for dessert to complete the authentic Chicago experience!

8. Nottoli Italian Foods

Deli magic hums inside this neighborhood gem, shelves stacked with Italian imports and aromas of simmering beef.

Shoppers pause at the hot counter, where sandwiches overflow with savory tradition. Order the beef-and-sausage combo, a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Warm bread, rich meat, and old-world charm make every visit a flavorful slice of Italy.

9. The Original Nottoli & Son

Nottoli’s story comes with drama, yet flavor steals the stage. Paper-thin beef bathes in savory jus, stacked high on French bread that crackles outside and softens inside.

Each bite drips with tradition, pleasing purists and newcomers alike. Before leaving, scoop up homemade Italian sausage, carrying a piece of Chicago’s bold, meaty heritage back home.

10. Mr. Beef & Pizza

Suburban sandwich royalty! This northwest gem serves beef that’s seasoned so perfectly you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with downtown spots.

Prepare for delicious messiness – napkins are not optional. The well-seasoned jus soaks into every fiber of the bread, creating that perfect beef-bread marriage that defines great Italian beef.

11. Luke’s Italian Beef

Luke’s wins hearts with counter simplicity and beef brilliance. Juicy slices soak in rich, deeply seasoned gravy, ladled with generosity.

Soft rolls stand strong, holding flavor without collapse, each bite dripping satisfaction. Downtown workers and locals crowd in, drawn by aromas that promise comfort, tradition, and a sandwich crafted with unshakable Chicago pride.

12. Tony’s Italian Beef

Tony’s serves South Side pride between crusty rolls, where dipped beef bathes fully in savory jus, soaking flavor into every layer.

The beef-and-sausage combo doubles the joy, rich and hearty in each messy bite. Regulars grin, napkins in hand, ready for drips that prove a sandwich this good can never stay neat.

13. Serrelli’s Finer Foods

Grocery store sandwich surprise! This unassuming market serves beef that rivals dedicated sandwich shops. Their homemade giardiniera brings the heat with the perfect vegetable-to-oil ratio.

Grab some Italian groceries while waiting for your sandwich – the full-service deli makes everything fresh to order.

14. Odge’s

Odge skips frills and delivers flavor straight up. Seasoned beef shines with a peppery punch that purists crave, piled onto bread built to hold the juices.

Counter service stays quick and unpretentious, matching the no-nonsense vibe. Locals cherish it as their hidden treasure, while tourists often pass by, unaware of the savory secret inside.

15. Roma’s Italian Beef & Sausage

Neighborhood loyalty runs deep for Roma’s perfectly balanced beef. The bread-to-meat ratio hits that sweet spot where neither overwhelms the other.

While famous for their beef, don’t sleep on their Chicago dogs! This family-run spot treats customers like relatives, remembering regulars’ orders and keeping the quality consistent year after year.