When people talk about the must-eat foods in Chicago, the conversation almost always starts with the city’s famed deep-dish pizza or the iconic Chicago-style hot dog, but what about Italian beef sandwich.
But if you’re only focusing on those two heavyweights, you’re missing out on what might be the most authentic, soulful bite in town:
the Italian beef sandwich.
This underdog dish isn’t just another sandwich—it’s the heart of Chicago in hoagie form. With deep immigrant roots, a meaty legacy born from ingenuity, and flavor that punches way above its weight, the Italian beef is the true unsung hero of Chicago’s food scene.
More Than Just a Sandwich: The Story Behind the Beef
Long before food trends hit TikTok or fusion menus started redefining fast-casual, the Italian beef sandwich was a humble solution for working-class families in Chicago.
That legacy lives on in every bite: thinly shaved beef, slowly simmered in its own rich juices, then stacked into crusty rolls and topped with spicy giardiniera or sweet peppers.
It’s an experience that balances decadence and pragmatism—like the city itself.
Where to Taste the Real Thing
You can find Italian beef all over the city—from neighborhood corner joints to cult-status sandwich spots. Here are a few places where the beef is undeniably boss:
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Al’s #1 Italian Beef – Often cited as the originator, this place has been serving up beefs since 1938. Order it “wet” if you want your sandwich soaked in gravy.
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Johnnie’s Beef – A suburban legend, especially beloved in Elmwood Park. Expect a line and a seriously flavorful payoff.
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Mr. Beef on Orleans – A River North institution that’s even gained national attention thanks to FX’s hit show The Bear.
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Stefani’s Bottega Italiana – Where Jeff Mauro’s own “Mauro Beef Sandwich” is being served, combining traditional flavor with gourmet craftsmanship.
Why Italian Beef is the Quintessential Chicago Bite
Unlike Chicago-style pizza, which sparks fierce debates and nationwide side-eyes, or hot dogs that follow their own strict topping rules (never ketchup!), Italian beef sandwiches are rooted in tradition, not trend.
This dish isn’t about flash. It’s about flavor. It doesn’t need a marketing campaign or influencer endorsement—it just needs a hungry Chicagoan and a crusty roll.
Italian Beef is Having a Moment—But It’s Always Been Here
Thanks to pop culture, Italian beef is suddenly getting national attention. When The Bear hit screens in 2022, it gave a gritty, heartfelt look into the life of a Chicago sandwich shop—and by extension, the deep emotional resonance this food holds in the city.
But for locals, the fame is almost beside the point. Italian beef has always been the quiet MVP of the Chicago food world. Whether you’re grabbing one on your lunch break in Naperville, lining up outside a tiny stand in Joliet, or introducing a first-timer from Rockford, it’s a meal that delivers the city in every bite.
The Next Time You Crave Chicago Flavor—Think Beyond Deep-Dish
If you’re a local who’s somehow missed out, or a visitor ticking off your Windy City food list, don’t sleep on the Italian beef. It’s the sandwich that built a city, fed its people, and continues to bring together generations over a shared love for juicy, spicy, saucy perfection.
And when you take that first bite—maybe even soaking your hands in au jus and biting into that giardiniera crunch—you’ll understand why it’s more than a sandwich. It’s a Chicago rite of passage.
