andrzej

8 years later I finally had a chance to go back and taste one of the finest Italian beef sandwiches in the world at Boston-Bar-B-Q located at 2932 West Grand Ave. I also tried one at Al's #1 Italian Beef at 1079 West Taylor and yes it's just as good. So, I will recommend these 2 places, if what you're looking for is a G-R-E-A-T Italian Beef sandwich. Al's has a web site at alscatering.com, and they do ship, while Boston's(773-486-9536) does not at this moment, but I did talk to the owner, and Spiro(?) said, he's looking into shipping, and will try to get going on this in the near future. I just ordered some beef from Al's today and I can't wait for it to arrive. If you ever had one at either place you will know what I'm talking about.

Sweet Willie

my list:

The Best:

Johnnie’s Beef
7500 W. North Ave, Elmwood Park
708-452-6000

honorable mentions:

Al’s Italian Beef
1079 W. Taylor St, Chicago
312.733.8896

Avanti Café
Elmhurst Road (Rt. 83) between Oakton & Algonquin, Des Plaines

Good:

Portillio’s (multiple locations)


Overated (IMO):

Mr. Beef
666 N Orleans St, Chicago
312-337-8500

Philly’s Best (forget the Italian beef, these guys are from Philly and make a terrific Philly cheesesteak)
855 W. Belmont, Chicago (also in Evanston)
773-525-7900

andrzej

Sweet Willie,

Try Boston-Bar-B-Q and report back

Anyway, I received the 2 lbs. Italian beef sandwich package today from Als #1 Beef, had 2 of them and it was GREAT!!! There is enough for about 10 sandwiches, so I will be having few more in the near future.

Love that stuff!

gregseattle

"Frados" on the West side ...

I brought a whole quart of wet and 3 lbs of beefs home with a cooler that wouldn't close, on a UA 757 under the seat in front of me. Smelled up the whole plane wonderfully.

I'll call my aunt and get their address but they do have a pretty darn good beef by my family...

ILuvParis

Mr. Beef has no competition from my point of view

ElmhurstNick

Johnnie's is still the best overall, but since they supposedly changed ownership it's not quite the same. The original Buona in Berwyn was the best when they just had only one store, but now I am not impressed.

I think the Taylor Street incarnation of Al's has the best sausage, but not so much better that I'll deal with driving/parking down there for it.

Sweet Willie

AND there is a Johnnie's opening up on Golf Road in Arlington Hts. So close to home now.

Sweet Willie

Johnnie's is now OPEN.

It is actually located on the east side of Arlington Hts road, just south of Golf.

Have been a couple times already. Beef is so good.

ElmhurstNick

I think that Johnnie's took over the location of a failed hot dog/Italian beef establishment. It's probably not quite the same if you get to wait inside to order!

Sweet Willie

It has been awhile since I last had a Mr. Beef Italian beef sandwich.

Mr. Beef was much better than I remember. But I feel confident in stating Johnnie's is the best because after Mr. Beef I drove west on North Ave until I stopped to get a Johnnie's.

Johnnie's is a better beef, has a deeper spice taste. However, maybe as it was towards the end of the lunch rush, but my sandwich had way too many bits/pcs of beef rather than slices. Therefore it was not a firm beef texture like I like. I've been to Johnnie's enough to know my sandwich was not the norm, but if it had been my first time, I would have been disappointed.

dgordon

I live really near Johnnie's and was VERY disappointed the last time I went there. I don't think the new owners are up to par and they are living off their old reputation. I haven't been back. They still have the best Italian Lemon Ice with fresh lemon peel. I will try the one on Grand avenue when I have a chance.

------------------
Ms.DtG

PrinzII

My choices are:

Portillo's
Al's
Buona Beef (not too bad)

Sweet Willie

Al's was on Bobby Flay's show about Cooking America. I have not been to Al's for years. I forgot about his unique giadinera(sp?).

Sweet Willie

Tried Buona Beef this evening. Not bad, but that won't cut it as there is outstanding to be had.

ILuvParis

I have not had Johnnie's and look forward to the opportunity, but I cannot imagine anyone picking Buona or Al's over Mr. Beef - juicy and hot.