Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Install the Yelp app
    Continue your search on the app. It’s easier!

    Buona

    3.6 (153 reviews)
    Open 10:30 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order Buona Takeout or Delivery

    Buona Photos

    BUONA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Buona

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Various sauces... Their cheese sauce, au jus, and their marinara - All were great!
    J E.

    I absolutely love Chicago style Italian Beef sandwiches and anytime I visit the Chicagoland area I try to visit a Portillo's. But on this trip I wanted to try other brands, so I came here based on the reviews. I went on a weeknight and simply ordered a kid's size Italian Beef. I simply wanted to try how they do their sandwich. Service at the register was helpful (as I had a couple questions) and friendly. The restaurant was really busy, both inside and the drive-thru and the staff was friendly. The place was clean and I have to say it was quite accommodating, like a full-service restaurant. My kid's size Italina beef came to my table about 10 mins after I sat down, which is reasonable, especially with their level of business. This kid's meal came with their crinkle cut fries and I have to say, they were amazing! Crispy and tasty and piping hot too! The Italian Beef sandwich itself was perfect! The beef was tender and moist and nicely sliced. The bread was perfect. The seasoning on the meat was excellent and the au jus was equaly as great! The combo of all these items together were what I dream of from the East Coast (where we don't have anything similar). Overall... Everything was great! And their kid's meal is a nice deal for those not seeking tons of food!! Their restroom was nice and clean too. Highly recommend this place!

    Ruth L.

    Great beef sandwiches! Love Chicago Italian beef. Today we ordered kids beef, kids chicken tenders, chopped salad, and large beef. Loved everything, love it with spicy giardinara. Nice clean restaurant, I also like the juices and tea, there was lemonade, strawberry watermelon and black tea. Large menu if you prefer other items like pizza, pasta, salads, or burger. Counter service and they'll deliver to your table. Check out this location or the ones with a Rainbow Cone attached.

    10"'beef with hot giardiniera and French fries
    Michelle F.

    Still the best beef sandwich around! Consistent prep, quality ingredients and quantity of beef in the sandwiches is considerable. Establishment is always clean and kept up. They always have quick and friendly service. The

    Dining room
    Kathleen L.

    When I have a taste for a salad this is the first place that pops up in my mind. They have a nice selection of salads and the price is right! My husband ordered the grilled chicken sandwich and loved it! It looked so yummy too! The best part was I redeemed points and got it for FREE My daughter loves their brownies and that says a lot because she is very picky. We try to dine here at least one day a week and highly recommend you give this restaurant a try!

    Wrong Fries?!
    T. B.

    What is going on with Buona's fries?! I used to love their fries...got them today and they sucked. I'm hoping this was a temporary change but worried. Buona, explain yourself!

    Buona Beef
    Quin B.

    Buona is a really decent fast food restaurant. The prices I paid averaged about $10. I always ordered on the inside and had about a 3-5 minute wait. The italian beef sandwich was pretty good. The beef was flavorful and the italian bread held up as well. I also tried the beef & giardinera pizza. It felt a little light for a $10 pizza and was not better than the italian beef sandwich. There are plenty of other options on the menu to try including some vegetarian options.

    Italian Beef Process!
    Maria F.

    This was my first time eating at a Buona Beef. I'm a big Italian beef fan- a big fan of Al's Beef and Portillos- so, I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to try a new place for Italian beef. But Buona did not disappoint! I would say that their bread held up the best against the juice, whereas their competitors bread seems to get soggy as the meal goes on. The Italian beef was juicy and flavorful. And their fries came out hot and fresh! I will definitely be returning to Buona!

    Meatballs Marinara

    See all

    Photo of Mark B.
    7
    134
    0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of B C.
    24
    32
    11

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Best beef sandwiches anywhere! We love coming in and drooling over the menu! The service is always fast and friendly!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of TJ D.
    1
    25
    0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jen E.
    33
    1
    0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dale J.
    149
    6
    0

    10 years ago

    Love this place. Nice atmosphere. Convenient location to our church, I-90. Great food. Very pleasant staff

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    I generally like their food, but their restaurants seem to be few and far between. Don't know of any near Crystal Lake.

    Business owner information

    Photo of The Buona Companies L.

    The Buona Companies L.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A A.
    20
    28
    9

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of The Buona Companies L.

    The Buona Companies L.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    I like the place because it's consistently very good. The beefs are great tasting and the service is very good.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Roger W.
    2
    148
    17

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    The worst made most disgusting chicken sandwich I've ever had. I should have just went to nasty McDonald's.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A S.
    0
    26
    0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    By far my favorite place to come and eat a beef! I can always expect the beef to be flavorful the bread fresh and the fries hot.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    I love all the sandwichs and the new salads.. i got there for lunch almost 3 times a week for lunch its got a very good italian beef

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A J.
    0
    3
    0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan R.
    2
    30
    0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan K.
    0
    10
    0

    10 years ago

    Great place! The beef is so good! I got the Beef w/ Motz cheese and it was the best Italian beef I've had around this area

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 4 of 4

    Ask the Community - Buona

    You might also consider

    Lucky Monk

    Lucky Monk

    4.0
    (1.7k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    I love Lucky Monk. My friend and I have come here a few times for Happy Hour because they have…read moregreat Happy Hour food deals, which I appreciate a lot as someone who doesn't drink much. The deal is half off apps, but if you enjoy an adult beverage, the house-brewed drafts are also half off. M-Th 3-6pm, dine-in only. At least that's what it is right now. I feel like it changes, so maybe call beforehand to confirm. I only got pics of the nachos this time, which really doesn't do it full justice because they're bigger than they look in the photo. Food is always good and consistent, there's nothing really to complain about regarding service or prices, and parking has always been really easy, though that could be because we typically go on Tuesdays. I imagine weekends could be a little bit busier, but the place is pretty big, so even if you have to wait, I don't think that you'd be waiting that long. The vibe is also casual and low-key.

    I get together with old friends once a month at various restaurants. On this visit, there was just…read morethree of us. I chose this place for this month's lunch. I had been here with my daughter about 12 years ago and remembered enjoying it then. We all had burgers and craft beer. My friends went with the Mad Max (burger of the month) and I went with a peppercorn and blue cheese burger. It was thumbs up for all of us on the burgers as well as the beer, which was unique and delicious. I took no pictures that day and just enjoyed the outing with friends, but I was especially impressed with the taste of my burger. I abstained from adding any of my usual condiments, and decided to try it as is, with just their sauce. Best decision ever! The sauce was amazing and the burger was cooked a perfect medium. Like many restaurants, Luck Monk offers their regular menu, plus flyers on their specials, including beers and cocktails. Four days later, I went right back there again on my own, to formally review it with photos. I had to go with that same peppercorn burger, because it was just so good, and to make sure the first time was a fluke. It wasn't. I tried out their chili as well, which was also good. This chef knows what he is doing. This stand alone restaurant is easy to get to, and has ample parking. The interior of the restaurant is beautiful and looks high end, though I found the pricing to be reasonable. It would be a great spot to take clients for a business lunch. It's elegant looking , but unpretentious. The hostess and servers are wonderful. I highly recommend the Lucky Monk!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Bang Bang Shrimp
    Bang Bang Shrimp
    Entrance

    See all

    Entrance
    Steak ’n Shake

    Steak ’n Shake

    3.5
    (98 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $

    It's quite unfortunate how much this franchise has slid down the totem pole these days, since they…read moreclearly have life left and a message to send. Steak'n Shake has become of my buddy and I's go to meal spots, even though the location that was nearest to us (Randhurst) has closed it doors for good (RIP). The ability to get a great milkshake and some great food is tough to beat, though I'd certainly rank some local establishments and places like Portillo's much higher. Every time we've been to a SNS recently, its been sorta dead. A few people roll in occasionally, but it doesn't seem to get jumping like it used to. It would be nice to have a more lively feel inside. The self-order kiosks are new but useful, so no complaints there. For starters , some onion rings. A classic fried snack, and here, they do em' right, a Solid 8/10 . I went for a grilled cheese combo as my mains. The sandwich was great, and I enjoyed every last morsel. The fries are okay, they tasted good but nothing to write home about. My buddy had the garlic double steak burger , and seemed to like it, though not amazed by it. Of course no SNS meal is complete without a milkshake! I tried the cotton candy one, and my what a delight it was. Perfectly sweet and just right touch of that classic CC flavor. My friend had the Butterfinger one, and he gave praise for it also. They got some banger shakes here, lemme tell you! A great meal all around, one can never go wrong with Steak 'n Shake.

    Been awhile since I visited here. I dined inside for a change. The restaurant is clean but I wasn't…read moreexpecting to order from a kiosk. All the employees are in the back. No more taking your order at the table. Ok, so the ordering part was easy. I didn't quite understand the part where you get a scan code on the receipt on order to fill your drink. An employee helped me with that. I wish they would just fill the drink as part of the order. The food was very good. Hot and fresh. And those fries cooked in beef tallow! What a great change. I'll be choosing Steak and Shake more often. Tasted better and was less expensive than the place with golden arches.

    Photos
    Steak ’n Shake
    Cotton Candy Milkshake
    Cotton Candy Milkshake
    Steak ’n Shake

    See all

    Berliner Kebap

    Berliner Kebap

    4.5
    (66 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    One of my favorite places to eat in the country. The portions are big and the food is very filling…read more The staff are extremely friendly just all round a 10/10 spot.

    What a hidden gem in an unassuming strip mall! We'd been wanting to visit here for a while, and…read morefinally made the trip after a long Saturday out and about. It was empty when it arrived, but filled up on our way out, telling me it's a popular place for the younger crowd. Either way, you know you're in for a good meal when you see the huge doner rotisserie spinning. The owner (at least I'm pretty sure he was the owner) helpfully walked us through their sauce selection and even offered my MIL some sauce samples. She ended up getting the hot dog with veggies, while my wife and I got sandwich combos (17 for the sandwich + 3.50 for fries and a drink). I was going to share my combo with my preschooler since they don't have a kids meal, but the owner thoughtfully offered some fries with chicken for him. We definitely had to tip well for such nice service. So this is no ordinary sandwich, and the pictures don't do it justice. In pics it looks kind of like a pita pocket, but this thing has some HEFT. Filled with veggies, meat, and sauce, it got a little messy but was really tasty. The veggies were fresh, and it's hard to top meat sliced right off the log. My MIL said her unique hot dog was good as well. To me it looked like a Chicago dog from another dimension, but I also want to give it a try next time. Protip: Ask for your sauces on the side. They're almost too generous with it on the sandwich so it's nice to have a little more control with it. This will definitely enter the rotation and will be letting our friends know as well. Great stuff!

    Photos
    Berlin poster
    Berlin poster
    Berliner Kebap
    Berliner Kebap

    See all

    Little Greek Fresh Grill

    Little Greek Fresh Grill

    4.4
    (210 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$

    I had a taste for a gyros platter today so we went to Little Greek fresh grill because it's been a…read morelong time since we've been here. When you walk in there are happy hour specials posted but you have to come between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to get the special price but it's worth it look at my photos to see them. They have dine in (you order at the counter,) pick up, as well as delivery available. They also have a catering menu. My husband ordered the chicken skewer dinner it came with rice and a Greek salad and a side of pita bread. My daughter ordered the Gyro kids meal and her and I split it because she eats only a small amount of food. If you check in on Instagram or Facebook you get 10% off your check. I checked in on Facebook but they didn't give us the discount so she gave us a free side of Greek potatoes. The food was really good, we will definitely be back again. They had television sets on the dining room but none of them were on. They have Pepsi products that you fill yourself. They have a little dessert display which I took a picture of that as well. The ambience was very casual but the restaurant was clean and the people working there were really nice. They short and tall tables (no booths)

    So we ordered from Uber Eats and have no idea what the restaurant is like itself just the food…read more Which is a sin to call Greek food. Very low quality. Missing items. Only 2 out of 3 steak skewers. The Greek dressing is weirdly sweet. Everything tastes like it came out of a box, can or bag. My 3 kids all disliked the food. And omg the soup is like congealed slop.

    Photos
    Seating
    Seating
    Chicken Gyro Pita, steak skewer
    Chicken Gyro Pita, steak skewer
    Little Greek Fresh Grill

    See all

    Portillo's & Barnelli's Schaumburg

    Portillo's & Barnelli's Schaumburg

    3.7
    (722 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    I went there yesterday and ordered a Double Cheeseburger, no ketchup, and a large order of fries,…read moreand a Diet Coke. The food came quickly but when I checked the burger, it had ketchup on it, so I took it back to the counter and they made a new burger for me. I attribute the error to the fact that they were very busy on this Saturday night, putting out a lot of orders. The burger was tasty, the fires were crisp and the Diet Coke went down easy. Bottom line is always check your food before you bite into it but it turned out all good in the end. Four stars...

    I'll first start by saying I love Portillo's food - no issues there. The problem I have is with…read morethis particular location, which used to be my 'go-to' location - not anymore. For the last few months, the service level here has been getting worse and worse - forgetting food items and basically not caring about the customer. Here's my most recent problem: As I'm sure many of you are aware, if you complete the online survey from your receipt, you get emailed a code for a free large fry. I've been using these survey codes for years with no issues. Last week, I go to the Schaumburg location, place my order - with a new trainee (no problems with him - he was great), and hand him my survey code for my free fry. He didn't know what to do with the survey code so he calls over the manager (Ganzo). Ganzo proceeds to tell me that they no longer accept the survey codes and that the survey reward will appear in my Portillo's Perks app - wrong! I asked when did this new policy start and he's says 3 or 4 months ago and then walks away. I say to him as he's walking away that that's not true as I've used survey codes at other locations several times in the last 4 months and asked why am I still being emailed survey codes if you don't accept them??? He again just says it's only in the app and walks away again. I call him back a second time and showed him there is no survey rewards in my app. He angrily types something into the register and then tells the cashier to give me the fry - the cashier asks how to enter it and Ganzo says "Enter the survey code I gave him" - this all sounded to me like the manager just didn't want to honor the free fry. When I got home, I immediately completed my survey from the receipt, which clearly states: "Upon completion, you will receive a validation code via email" for a free fry. I explained in the survey what happened and requested I be contacted - and as usual, I was emailed a code for a free large fry. Sadly, a week later, I get a totally generic email from "Portillo's" that didn't even address me by name and just thanked me for contacting them - did not address any of the issues I reported or any apologies. I'll be avoiding this location from now on. I now go to the Rolling Meadows and Arlington Heights locations, which so far, have still been providing good service.

    Photos
    Portillo's & Barnelli's Schaumburg
    Portillo's & Barnelli's Schaumburg
    Portillo's & Barnelli's Schaumburg

    See all

    Buona - sandwiches - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...