I have been to this Buona Beef for a long time. I really enjoy my experiences here. My Italian Beef sandwich was great! The beef is tender and tasty! My fries were pretty good as well. They tasted fresh. The service is good. The staff are nice and friendly, and my order is always right! That's one reason why I enjoy this place. All in all, good food and good service. I will come back here! read more

Buona - Italian beef with cheese fries - Pizza Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

If you want italian beef, hot dogs, or burgers go to Portillos instead. Pros: -spacious -Delicious Canoli -big menu Cons: -Dry burgers - fries with a weird texture - Salty italian beef - Drive-thru wait times are long. read more

Buona - Single burger! - Pizza Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

My go to here is the 7" beef with mozzarella baptized. Such deliciousness. Their cheese fries are banging. Prices are reasonable and the food is consistent. Service is quick. I've never waited more that 10 minutes for my order. read more

Tried to order take out from here, called twice. Placed on hold for a while then hung up on. Felt like it was done on purpose, both times the lady was laughing when she answered the phone. read more

Not your average fast good restaurant! The hamburger was huge and cheaper than a whopper. It tastes fresh! And it's not greasy! French fries are good, hotdogs are good and are appropriately priced. It feels like a healthier choice when you need food on the go. They also have chicken sandwiches made from chickens with no added hormones, etc. I love it. read more

Excellent food and service. Placed catering order last Saturday for my sons birthday party. Requested pick up at 5pm. Order was ready when I arrived. Everyone loved the food. read more

Highly disappointed with my food and the new menu change . So I have been going to buona beef for over 20 years and it's totally not the same . Cold ,soft fries , warm smashed burger ! I think that will be my last time eating there ! Bring good Chicago food back ! read more

The food itself is good, however the incompetent staff and service is another. Not only do you have to order ahead you may as well add an additional 30 minutes to an hour before you even get your food! On top of that wait, you'll also be asked to wait in line as they bring your food to you, or bet yet they will forget that you're even waiting for food! Unreal! Customer service is not a requirement I suppose. read more

My reviews are based on 4 categories: food, service, environment, and overall experience. Let's get into it. Food - the food itself is quite tasty. In particular the iconic Italian beef sandwich. This is probably the only thing that inspires me to give a 3 star review, however some of the other categories I will discuss later will help you understand my rating. As far as the preparation I am very annoyed with this place. The beef to bread ratio is not satisfactory. The beef sandwich looks sad and skimpy for the price you pay (which isn't cheap). I got a 10' beef and someone else I went with had the 7' and it seemed that we both had the same amount of meat. The cook I believe is required to weigh the amount of beef used on a scale. He obviously didn't do this. Instead they 'eyeball' it. This is greatly affecting my perception of the Buona brand that I once loved so much. The ratings are being affected by this irresponsible practice. Another example would be their cheese fries. They give you a tiny little cup of cheese. If you order a large cheese fry, the fry to cheese ratio is not satisfactory (especially for what you pay).. Service - I would describe my experience with Buona as dealing with a bi-polar or split personality type of person. They are very inconsistent in my eyes. On my last visit I had an order of multiple items including two beef sandwiches. The order was messed up. It happens. No big deal. I called the store and was put on hold to wait to speak with a manager. The manager who responded spoke broken English (not that it matters, I would like for some internal higher-up to recognize who I am referring to rather than using names). The manager listened to my complaint as we both calmly exchanged communication however he seemed annoyed and distracted by my call. Please keep in mind that this order being messed up was a HUGE inconvenience for me. I was unable to return to the store that day and dinner was ruined. Do you think the manager cared? The answer is no. Do you think he at least attempted to apologize? No he didn't. I told him that I would be back later in the week to obtain the correct items from my order. 3 days later I get to the store and explain to the cashier my reason for the visit. I also ordered more food. The manager came to the register and I handed him the receipt. This was seemingly a different manager than the one that I spoke to. He then asked me what was wrong with the order and promised to get the correct items to me. I emphasized the details and he reassured me that he was taking care of it. He was a very nice man. However, when I got home and opened my order up the same mistake was made. I was beyond upset. I didn't even call back. Environment - I love the atmosphere and the store itself is pretty nice. I also like the self serve drink fountain. Overall experience - They were rude the first time my order was messed up, why would I put myself through that again. So hopefully someone at the company can read this and understand why I will not be making my weekly visits to the store for my family anymore. I'm not saying I will never go again, however I will probably make a visit once a year or something. The Buona brand has went down hill. Hopefully I am not looked at as a nuisance but rather as a faithful customer of 15 years who is taking out time to give the brand I once so loved valuable feedback. Hopefully this feedback can bring back the Buona I once knew and loved. Oh one more thing, if your going to give a lower quality product than what was once delivered at least lower the prices. It seems like double what I can get at a competitor. It's getting ridiculous. read more

Been to this location several times and it's always great. Staff is wonderful, place is kept clean, and the food is consistently delicious. I absolutely recommend it! read more

The drive-thru service was much better than I expected. The line moved quickly, which is more than I can say for other restaurants. The food itself was okay! I ordered a double hot dog and it was pretty flavorful, and their fries are good too, but not something to write home about. read more

Italian Beer is on par with Partillos (sp). They an app to use to get extra benefits for going there.

They constantly screw up the order and the manager is an a hole. Food is good but not worth dealing with it.

Buona is always solid but will be second to portillos. The buffalo ranch chicken salad is phenomenal. The beef is always good with hot gardinar. I wish they had some better desserts and onion rings. Tvs at this location were a nice touch.....:updated review: recently the buffalo ranch chicken salad has been downsized. For a 9 dollar salad, you better put more chicken than 6 tiny pieces of breaded chicken! At least give more lettuce. Jesus. read more

Buona - Kid complaining about the amount of chicken on salad - Pizza Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

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Ordered a beef dipped with mozzarella sweet peppers and a plant based dry with both peppers. They dipped my plant based one and now I can't eat it thanks!! read more

Portillo's vs. everyone else. ...that's basically how I've seen Italian beef for a long time. Then it became Buona/Portillo's vs. everyone else. My go to sandwich for this place is the combo. I slightly like them better over Portillos simple because there are more options that I prefer outside of the Italian beef that I think they do well in. It wasn't even the beef that really started to make me like this place but the CHICKEN ARTICHOKE PANINI..sadly they changed as it use to be called something else like chicken pesto panni (yes the new version has pesto mayo but it's not the exact same way they use to make it Pizza's are good. Love the juicy Angus burger. Fries and parmesan chips are okay not a big fan of either Large space to eat. free refills and food is brought out to you after you order. Restaurant is always clean as I always see someone in the area whipping down tables, sweeping. doing something. Visually I like them better as well vs. Portillo's as the colors are simple and nice clean layout throughout all the locations. Portillo's on the hand feels like a sports bar at time with all the celebrity signature and signs on the wall. For a while I was very mad at them for not honoring their stupid cell phone app and stayed away from Buona almost two years. (forgot what it was exactly, but the incident happen about three years ago when they first bought the mobile app out. but it was something like 10 check ins and next one is free.) they updated/changed the app/special when I only needed one more. I never updated the app on my phone so I was still able to clearly show that I only needed one more check in after trying to get my last check in it wouldn't go through. Manger came over after several attempts to get my final check in and it wouldn't go through. Manger tells me if I updated to the new version while standing there he'll honor it on my next visit....came in about three weeks later. Manger: Oh I wouldn't say anything like that, besides that was the old app and not the new one so I can't see how many check ins you had... so after two years. my hunger slightly won out and I started back going but don't go there as much as I use to. read more

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I've grown up eating Buona Beef for my whole life, and have been to many parties catered by Buona Catering. Although I may sound a bit biased, Buona lives up to its Italian translation and is far better than many other local Italian beef purveyors. This location is one of Buona's newest, other than the recent renovation done to its flagship location in Berwyn. I decided to be different for once and order pizza here, with a large stein of Birra Moretti. I came here late on a Sunday with my cousins and ordered a four-cheese pizza, and while the cheese itself wasn't perfect, the crust is authentic Italian and distinctively done in the crispy, thin Neapolitan-style. For $6.95 on a 9' pizza, I was impressed. My cousin ordered the Italian beef and cheese with peppers. I rarely eat peppers, and upon trying her sandwich, remembered why I usually avoid them. The savory taste of beef was completely obscured by heat, leaving my mouth burning. It's rare to find a non-fast food restaurant open that late on a Sunday in that area, and even harder to find one that serves liquor. That alone merits four stars. read more

I love how they have like an array of things that might be classier or healthier. Somehow, SOMEHOW, I always order the classic Italian Beef with hot peppers and some cheese fries every time anyway. I wonder why that might be? I do like having the option, though. Incidentally, I really like that there's an Arby's across the way. Like that's a legitimate choice. Look, if you find yourself going to Arby's instead of Buona, somewhere, sometime, somehow, you messed up your life big, and you should probably do some kind of fake-your-own-death and steal-an-identity-off-a-gravemarker reset on the whole thing. read more

Tried this place out for lunch the other day and it was pretty crowded. I ordered by phone so I could run in and out during my lunch break. I found myself standing in a four-person line for about 10-12 minutes of my 30 minute break. Someone was ordering and I was really annoyed (after 7min.) that I couldn't just pay and leave with my food that had been sitting right behind the guy at the register for the online pick-up counter. I could tell the guy behind me was slightly annoyed as well and had come in at about my 5 minute mark. When I finally received my food I was forced to eat it in a rush (in my car and in their parking lot) while counting how many minutes had to get back to work on time ( thank goodness the traffic was light). That being said...that was one of the BEST DARN BEEFS I've had in about a year!! I've been sleepin on Buona. They give my Portillo's a run for their money (depending on location). I ordered my beef with hot peppers and cheese, dipped, with a Caesar side salad. Buona, I forgive you...**licks fingers, drops wrapper (in trash can)** read more

Of all the Chicago foods, there is a chance that beef is the most unknown and underrated. Pizza and hot dogs get all the glory...but beef...oh man, beef is where it's at. Buona Beef is the best chain beef restaurant in Chicago. There may be a better place to get a sandwich, but there is no better place to get a consistent, tasty beef in various locales around the Chicagoland area. It's always quick. It's always hot. Get it juicy with sweet and hot peppers - their hot peppers are my favorite in the whole metro area. Service is always quite efficient, with the level of friendliness you'd expect from fast food (meaning not rude but not overly friendly). read more

Mmmm mmmmmmmmmm, how I do love Buona Beef! It's right across from my job, which makes it quite the trap if I'm hungry after work. I love everything I've had from here, and I've been happy to work my way around their menu. Things I've liked are the buffalo chicken salad, Asian chicken salad (all salads come with a hot fresh piece of bread), chicken panini, and of course their beef. Their beef is so flavorful, tender... perfect. They catered a meal with Buona beef for us at work, and I made sure to get extras to take home! I would love to have them cater a party for me in the future! read more

This place sounds like it would be good right? Well that is one misconception I had before I came here. I thought they would have great shakes and great pizza, but I was wrong! This place had pizza that tasted like cardboard and their shakes were too thick and tasted like whipped cream. Like what are you doing? I could make a restaurant with my eyes closed that had way better food then this. read more

Buona - when I see a buona beef sign - Pizza Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

I admit to eating here more than I should but it is in walking distance from my house. Come on, you know you would too! I love the food. I am almost addicted to their cheese fries. They use a nice thicker cut fry so you can still taste the potatoey goodness. The pizza is average and just big enough for one person. The cheeseburgers and chicken sandwich, however, are so delicious and filling that I can never get to my fries when I have them. So, why only 3 stars? The service stinks! I cannot attest to the drive-thru experience so take your chances there. One day, I ordered online so I could just go grab it at the set time. I get there and they tell me "We never received your order." Really? Here is my iphone with the confirmation e-mail, now where is my food? I ended up having to wait an extra 10 minutes because of this alleged snafu. Most other times, I end up waiting far longer than I should. They seem to prioritize those ordering from their cars, then those dining in, and last those wanting carry-out. Too many times, I go in and order a hot dog and cheese fries and have to wait 15 minutes. I could cook both in less time at home! I have yet to figure out why it takes so long. Pro-Tip: They offer a milkshake happy hour M-F from 2-4. How can you go wrong with a 1/2 priced milk shake? It always brings all the boys to my yard when I get one. read more

Buona Beef ? Try Buona Peeps. Srsly. Peep this. I go in early lunchtime, maybe 2 ppl in the place. I order the Tuna Genovese but wanted it Panini style, so I make the request. The slightly confused intake gal finally says, I guess we can do that, and on the PA states just that to the back of the house. I move to the pick up area and my order # comes up. Only it's the regular Tuna G, not on a Panini. The guy who hands it off (Manager) says Tuna Genovese? I tell him it was supposed to be a Panini but not to worry as I'm in a massive hurry. I go and sit and start in on the sandwich and about 5 minutes later the same manager comes out to my table and apologizes for the mix-up, I said, seriously, no problem, this is fine. He then states that they are making a Panini for me to go and it's on the house. Wow. Another one for Customer Service. Fantastic job to that Hillside Buona Manager! read more

Always fast and delicious! We love the catering customer service! The option to pick up a 5 pound package and walk out the door is perfect for our busy family that loves to entertain. read more

CUSTOMER SERVICE - POOR AT THIS LOCATION This review is based on the customer service I experienced yesterday, August 12, 2019 at approximately 12:10-12:25pm. I had placed a pick-up order on the Buona app on my phone around 12pm, then drove to the location arriving at 12:10pm. I ordered ahead thinking the lunch time crowd would be busier than I had time to wait for. Surprisingly I was wrong and should have just ordered at the store, but I was now stuck. I went to the Online-Takeout counter and waited, and waited, got eye contact from several employees but no acknowledgement from them. I continued to wait and wait. it was not about 12:20pm when an employee came to the take out counter, looked at me and proceeded to take a couple of calls coming in. Two calls completed he looked at me and walked away, NEVER ACKNOWLEDGING MY PRESENCE, nor to inquire as to "why has this guy been standing here for almost 15 minutes?". Then I saw what I deduced was a manager who also made eye contact with me, but never said hello or acknowledged my presence but instead leaned over to the employee who had earlier been taking calls and I could tell she was telling him to see what I wanted, which he did. HE HAD TO BE TOLD TO ACKNOWLEDGE a customer rather than taking that initiative on his own. If I were to compare the Customer Service of this location to any Chick-Fil-a location, This Buona location gets an F. If I ever go to the Chick-Fil-a store, which isn't very often, I'm acknowledged, usually, by more than one staff member or if I'm standing at the take out counter I get greeted within a minute or two. Next time I won't sit back to experiment on their CS, I'll just assert myself and take no prisoners. read more

Yum! Had some coupons for this place, so we gave it a whirl and were not disappointed. I got a Tuna Genovese sandwich, which came on multi-grain ciabatta. It was good, but maybe just a teensy bit dry. I also got a side caesar salad, which was amazing as usual. The kidlets got cheese pizzas, which I tasted--and they were not too bad! Pretty good, actually. I would order one for myself if I wasn't too hungry. My husband got a chicken artichoke panini, which I also tasted. It wasn't too shabby--I'm not all that into red peppers, but aside from that it was good. I would totally come here--the food was decently priced, tasted really good, and the portions were good-sized. read more

Kudos for completeness, courtesy, and never forgetting my cannoli. Thanks guys! read more

One of the best Italian Beef sandwiches in Chicago, Italian meatball sandwich also good but the Italian beef is a notch better.

Consistently bad service and attitude from this place. Find another beef stand. Also check your other because most likely it'll be wrong

I acutally want to give this place 3 1/2 stars but we cant do that here. I work in Westchester, and probably once a week I have Buona Beef. Ive never been hit on by any of the employees (which Im not dissapoitned with :) )....and ive never had a problem with ANY of the cashiers NOT knowing English or not understanding something. The food at this location is pretty good. In fact Ive never had anything tha I actually couldnt stand. I will be honest, I was not a huge fan of thier burgers (nothing wrong with the per se...just not great) and wasnt a fan of thier chilli, but other then those 2 things everything else Ive tried Id eat again. Be forwarned this location gets VERY busy at lunch, if your used to hustle and bustle then its not big deal. My favorites at Buona are: Original Beef Sandwhich (I usually get the 5inch size rather then the regular size) which I order "Juicy" (i.e. dipped) with hot peppers. It comes out very juicy with soft bread and good flavoring. Tortillini and Spinich soup, which I usually get in combination with with the beef sandwhich. Personal Pizza Margharita style. Yum. Chicken Artichoke panini, that comes with a pesto mayo. read more

I wanted to give this place a try. We are Portillo's people and sometimes you have to try the competitor to see what you're missing. Well I feel bad but I'm not missing much. The person I was with got a cheeseburger and fries and I got the salmon sandwich. Let me say that the service was great. It was pretty dead for a Saturday afternoon but all the employees were attentive and when one of the women's toilets was overflowing, they immediately attended to it. Can't say enough good things. But this is where it ends for me in terms of "good things." The burger tasted more like Burger King than I wanted, especially for the price. The salmon was dry and very fishy (which is not a good thing). The fries were just OK. Both me and my friend were pretty annoyed we'd dropped a good $17 for what we got. I will try them again because they have an expansive menu and I clearly should try the beef. But for a first try, no dice. read more

First time in Chicago and first time for a hot Italian beef and it was delicious. Meat was moist with great flavor and the bun was perfect. Loved the hot giardiniera too. Had to try an authentic Chicago dog too but wasn't impressed. Nothing to do with the restaurant, just not a fan. read more

I ordered a 5in beef and when I opened it it was probably 4in and had 3 pieces of meat on it. I knew it was the smaller option but compared to the 7in it was almost meatless. I drove back and spoke to the manager and he was really great about agreeing that I didn't get the best sandwich in the first place. He replaced my initial 5in and gave me a free 7in. I really appreciate the service and friendliness of the staff in correcting my order and I'll definitely be back. This has given me a great view on the value Buona puts on its customers. read more

Great food, and service is adequate. I've had to return to pick up missing items a couple of times, but staff is apologetic and willing to make things right. I recommend it. read more

Just got done with the Italian sausage family pack. It was so delicious and would feed a family of four with no problem. You can't beat the weekend deal. Bread was fresh, juicy sausage and great pasta salad. Also included good sized portions of sweet AND hot peppers. I love all their food. read more

I came across this place when I stopped by Walgreens and, I've been carving a really good Italian beef for some time. I decided to check it out and for the first time coming I am pleased. I'm very picky when it comes to certain foods and they didn't stir me wrong. The meat was cooked and seasoned well, and made just the way I like it. The prices aren't bad and the service is quick as well. Would I go again? Yes! Would I recommend yes! If you're from over east - east side of Chicago we have BABA'S - portillos etc. But, if you're out this way I would say stop by and try them out! read more

I was told that this was great restaurant. However, halfway through my sandwich I found a long strawberry blond hair in my food. I called the manager and advised the manager of this problem. The manager became very argumentative and stated that the employee's wear hats. So the employee's don't have to wear hairnets. I will not return to this restaurant or any other Buona unless they change this policy and enforce the employees' to wear hairnets. Since every restaurant enforces the hairnet rule when preparing a customers food. This makes me wonder what else they are not doing to enforce the sanitation laws. Very bad first experience, and we all know first impression means everything. read more

Had ordered their food on Uber eats & they had started the order, took forever to make and ended up Canceling my order even though Uber had said it was being delivered in 12 minutes. Very unprofessional of them to accept the order and to just cancel at the last minute. read more

Well I guess today was the final straw with Buona Hillside. ANOTHER screwed up order. This isn't the first time. Don't know what their problem is and why every 3rd order we get is wrong. I'm sick of calling complaining and driving back. read more