10 Best Italian Beef Sandwiches in Chicago
Chicago is known for many things, so if you’re vacationing in the city, you can catch a concert, visit a museum, go shopping and sightseeing along the Magnificent Mile, and enjoy some great food. The city is home to some of the best Italian beef sandwiches in the country. If you’re a sandwich connoisseur, you’ll want to visit some of these spots to try the best Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago to make your trip even more enjoyable.
1. Al’s Beef
548 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 943-3222
This casual restaurant has some of the most delicious Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago, but you can also order tamales or a famous Chicago-style hot dog. Try the Little Al, Regular Al, or Big Al beef sandwiches topped with sautéed peppers and a variety of spices. The Italian meatball sandwich is a hearty lunch option as well. Some hot dog options here include the chili cheese dog topped with onions, the classic Chicago dog on a poppy seed bun, and the Polish sausage sandwich with mustard and sweet grilled onions. Another favorite here is the Tamale Boat which includes two delicious tamales topped with chili sauce.
2. Branko’s Sandwich Shop
1118 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-4873
This local spot is known for its Italian beef sandwiches and roast beef gyros served with hearty steak fries. In addition to Italian beef sandwiches, you’ll find some of the most delicious grilled chicken sandwiches and pitas in the city. They’re also serving up breakfast options. Try the egg sandwich, the bacon, egg, and cheese entree, or the veggie omelet for a tasty way to start your day. Additional vegetarian options include the veggie burger and the veggie pita. Check out Branko’s for delicious sub sandwiches as well, whether you prefer a ham and cheese, a tuna sub, or a sandwich filled with Italian cold cuts or corned beef and Swiss cheese, they’ve got you covered.
3. Boborino’s
3435 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
(773)545-7827
The cheesy beef sandwich is one of the most popular items on the Boborino’s menu because of its savory tomato sauce and melty mozzarella cheese. You can also enjoy the meatball sandwich for a filling lunch or dinner. They’ve got plenty of deli sandwiches so you can grab a quick lunch like a corned beef sandwich, a tuna salad sandwich, a turkey breast sandwich, or a classic roast beef sandwich. Choose from tasty paninis as well like the tuna melt or turkey bacon and cheddar. Complete your order with fries covered in decadent cheese sauce or the soup of the day, and enjoy a refreshing bottled artisan soda.
4. Corned Beef Factory
1016 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 666-2536
Even though this restaurant is known for its famous corned beef sandwiches topped with hot peppers, you can also find an impressive Italian-style beef sandwich at the eatery. The Italian beef sandwiches are served on soft French bread and come with a side of chips. If you prefer the corned beef sandwich, you can enjoy it on rye bread with chips. The restaurant is also known for its tasty pastrami sandwiches and the classic Reuben sandwich. Corned Beef Factory offers housemade chips, which is another tasty element that makes the restaurant stand out.
5. Capt’n Nemo’s
7367 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 973-0570
If you’re visiting Chicago and want to know where to go for the best Italian beef sandwiches, you should see what people have to say about Capt’n Nemo’s. The Italian sausage sub is another favorite at the restaurant and is served with tomato sauce and green peppers and onion. You may also want to try the ham Reuben with melted Swiss, sauerkraut, and a tangy dressing to bring all the flavors of the sandwich together. Choose split pea soup to go with your entree any time you visit the restaurant, or you can try the soup of the day.
6. Kasama
1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-3790
Kasama is a bakery and modern Filipino restaurant from Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores. Filipino? What about Italian beef, you may be asking? They bring their own culinary twist to the Chicago staple with the Kasama combo sandwich topped with shaved pork adobo, longanisa sausage, and giardiniera. You won’t be sorry for venturing outside your comfort zone. Pair it up with their pastries, some garlic fried rice, or an order of lumpia pork spring rolls.
7. Marco’s Beef & Pizza
6008 W. Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL, 60639
(773) 745-1015
Marco’s (polo!) Beef & Pizza offers amazing food for great prices. Their sandwiches are all between $4.50 and $9.00, but they’re anything but cheap in quality. You can get the classic Italian Beef on French bread with sweet or hot peppers and you’ll be completely satisfied. But you can also go outside the box with a gyro on pita with onion, tomato, and gyro sauce. Or if you’re not feeling a sandwich, they make a killer broasted chicken with a side of fries, broasted potatoes, or rice.
8. Mr. Beef and Pizza
3917 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
(773) 283-7444
Mr. Beef and Pizza has been dominating North Harlem Street since 1979. They offer the usual Chicago favorites, like pizza and hot dogs, but they excel in Italian Beefs. The beef is delicious on its own, but no sandwich is complete without the requisite hot peppers (though we’ll also accept sweet peppers). The toughest decision you’ll make, though, is whether you want it pre-dipped in jus or if you want to do it yourself.
9. Portillo’s
520 West Taylor, Chicago IL 60607
312-667-4560
You don’t get to over 60 locations without making a mean sandwich. This Chicago icon has grown substantially, but the quality hasn’t taken a hit in the slightest. The beef and sausage sandwiches are the classics, available in a variety of sizes and with several different toppings. But did you know they also have hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, ribs, burgers, and even pasta? No two meals at Portillo’s are the same, but they’re all going to be delicious!
10. Monks Pub
205 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 357-6665
Not much beats a local pub on a cold night in Chicago. The walls in here are decked out with English and German paraphernalia giving this spot a super warm and cozy vibe. They’ve got loads of beer and cocktail options to choose from to start you off. For apps, try their pretzel sticks or the nachos. For dinner, you can never go wrong with their delicious Italian beef sandwich. They’ve got plenty of other options as well from burgers and sandwiches to wraps, salads and more. Come here after work one day to hang with your pals and sip on a brew or come by for lunch on a Saturday, it’s always a good time here.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Chicago page, here!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on June 24, 2021 and last updated on November 18, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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