Any Buona location is great with attentive service and clean tables. My sister, who was visiting for the holidays, Really wanted to go to Portillo's. I convinced her that Buona Beef is better and now she is sold on Buona Beef. I'll be shipping her a Buona Beef care package soon. read more

Our last night in Chicago and we needed to try a Chicago dog. Buona's offered 2 for price-of-one dogs via delivery. We ordered and the food arrived quickly. The dogs were fabulous - large, juicy with fresh poppy seed bun and all the wonderful toppings...pickle, peppers, bright green relish, onions, mustard. The dogs were fantastic 5 star! The cheesy fries were, well, cheesy. The potato's were soft and the cheese was a nacho style cheese. They were ok. We also tried the Saucy Beef and had it "baptized" which means covered in juice so it falls apart. It was very good. I would like to try the Italian Beef next time. Our order came with plenty of napkins and extra dipping sauce. We could have used a couple forks for the beef. The food is very reasonably priced with good portions. This was a great Chicago experience and I will dream about those dogs. read more

Buona - "Baptized" Saucy Beef - delicious. - Fast Food Near Me - Itasca, Illinois

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Surprisingly good Italian beef sandwiches from a well known chain that serves many of the Chicago classics. Chicago Italian beef sandwiches have become popular outside of Chicago, partly due to the popularity of the series 'The Bear'. This means of course, that there are many lists of the best beef sandwiches in Chicago on the internet, but I've never seen Buona on any of them. It's a shame, since my wife grew up going to the original location and could testify that it was just as good as the other beef places like Portillos and Johnnie's. So around the time we were dating, Buona was rapidly expanding their original Berwyn location to other suburbs, so we stopped by multiple times to the nearest franchise location and we were disappointed every time. The beef wasn't as plentiful or flavorful and didn't justify the price. These locations closed soon after, and I kinda forgot about them. But this location was right across the street from the hotel we were staying at in Itasca, and I ended up stopping in twice for carryout. The first time was to grab a quick dinner for the two of us (the kids had dinner plans with friends in Chicago), and just kept it simple with two regular original buona beef sandwiches ($7.99 each, hot giardiniera +0.75) and an order of cheese fries ($4.19). Their version of giardiniera is very hot, and includes black olives. The sandwiches were good, with very thinly sliced beef, not overly heated up. The bread seems to be their own version of Italian bread, and it was fine. We got it the original way (a little gravy on top). The experience was good, so two days later, I came back to order lunch for the 4 of us. This time I noticed they have two digital order screens in the very front of the restaurant, allowing one to customize and pay for it exactly the way we wanted. We then found a place to sit down in the dining room. After about 10 minutes, instead of yelling out my name to get the order, somebody actually came out to the dining room to hand me my package, and we were on our way. We tried some other dishes. - chicago style hot dog ($4.69) - it's a jumbo, all-beef hot dog (doesn't say what brand it is, so probably not Vienna beef), dragged through the garden. Everything about this was just right, including the size of the wiener. Can't help but compare it to the version from Portillo's, and this is better. - Big Joey's beef ($12.49) - large Italian beef with added hot and sweet peppers and melted mozzarella. It's a good sandwich, though the toppings were too much. Next time, would just get a large beef with hot pepper oil, dipped. - Beef Regular ($7.99) and side of giardiniera (+0.75) dipped - this is the combination that works for my wife, since she just likes the hot oil for the sandwich. Getting it dipped was the right move (meaning only the ends of the sandwich are put in the gravy)...though if you can eat the sandwich right away, try it baptized. The bread will start to disintegrate, but its a great way to maximize the flavor. - Large fries ($3.99) with cheese cup ($1) - it's crinkle cut. they don't give you that much (it just reaches the top of the package) and it's just OK. The cheese is a thick nacho cheese, similar to what Portillo's has. Reg Strawberry Shake ($3.99) - good price. A bit watery (not thick at all), but the flavor was good. They have a self serve soda machine in the back, and for those doing carry-out, they have small and large carryout cups near the ordering kiosks. So after you order, you can pick up a cup or two and fill it with ice water while you wait. It's a nice touch that I've never seen at any other place, and strangely is one of the things I remember most about this restaurant as I sit here writing my review. read more

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This may just be a chain in Chicago, but we found it is worth it. They compare well to Portillos. They even have a vegan italian beef sandwich that is pretty good. The burger was not bad, just a little dry. The kids liked the hot dogs and cheese ravioli. The meatballs were good. The french fries were amazing though. They were super clean, very fast amd friendly. A large menu, with kind of a typical fast-casual decor. Can't complain. We will be back. read more

This place does a great job of getting your order wrong almost every single time. 4 of 5 for me so sadly I won't be returning. Food is good if you get adults with an attention span. Check it before you leave the drive through. The kids excuse was sometimes it's hard for us to hear but that's not an excuse when they had repeated back what I asked for. read more

The online ordering system is very easy and my order was ready almost exactly when I arrived to pick it up. The restaurant was pretty clean and the staff were friendly. We all enjoyed our meals- I especially liked dipping my beef sandwich into the gravy rather than having it baptized...my husband was mostly relieved that I didn't put mustard on it! read more

Buona - the front of buona - Fast Food Near Me - Itasca, Illinois

Buona Italian Beef Restaurant is Great tasty, quality real ingredients, large portions,fair, fast casual fast food restaurant. Almost the same food industry field as a Chipotle, BUT Chipotle 20% more expensive, almost always dirty and unfair unequal portions smaller sizes... you always pay for extra... same as Buona have as a regular sizes. Plus excellent exceptional service to your numbered table... not like in Chipotle they are pushing you as an animal faster and faster... and in Chip u pick up your food by urself... w no options do not leave : NO TIP... but in Buona Italian beef restaurant they are treating you as human being... w a choice : NO Tip... that's honest, because you have a choiceAEnki read more

Buona - Buona Italian Beef Isis a Best Restaurant EvereAenki - Fast Food Near Me - Itasca, Illinois

They stole money from me. I ordered via their app. They charged me for onion rings and did not give them to me. When I called, they said they will credit me and I would get an email. They emailed me for a $5 coupon good only in person at that store that expires 30 days from issue. It said it was a feedback reward. They refused to give me my money back and that "reward" expired before my work schedule aligned with their hours to claim even that. read more

Stopped in for lunch on a Monday afternoon. The restaurant was clean and set up well for Covid distancing. Service was friendly and quick. The food was very good, but I think it was a little overpriced. But.... if you use their app it offers reward points and bonus deals, so, that's helpful. They also do a 1/2 price milkshake happy hour in the afternoon from 2-5pm. If you're in the area, would recommend stopping in to check it out. Enjoy! read more

Buona - Regular Buona Beef with fries, and Beef & Sausage combo. - Fast Food Near Me - Itasca, Illinois

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Good stuff as usual. Great service at the counter and the food came out fast. Will be back

JUST A SWEET/HOT MESS For a quick beef sammy, you could do a whole lot worse than this restaurant chain. Not knowing what food to expect at the Yelp event on 9/5/19, I made a last-second decision to stop at this Buona in Itasca. You know you're getting fat when you eat a fully loaded italian beef sandwich as a snack before dinner. I see commercials for Buona Beef on White Sox broadcasts damn near a dozen times each game, so the brainwashing has done its job. They're the official beef provider of the Chicago White Sox and to a lesser extent, the Cubs. Not really digging the whole 'fair weather fan' business deal, but whatever. I placed a dine-in order, assuring myself I'd make a big fucking mess in the car, had I opted for drive-thru. Though the service is speedy, it's not "fast food" so they'll give you an order number to shove on top of the stainless steel holder. Bottles of domestic craft are $4.50 and the selection is okay. Their standard beef ($6.25) is 7" and I got mine 'baptized' w/sweet peppers and hot giardiniera, an extra 70¢ each. My sandwich looked lonely on the plate, so I quickly put it out of its misery in less than 3 minutes. Soaked in gravy with sweet & hot peppers made it pretty good, I have to admit. A very passable 6/10 on the Johnnie's Beef-O-Meter. You can get a smaller 5" version if the regular i-beef is too much to handle. They also offer a big 10 incher for all you size queens out there--you know who you are! Prices are okay, though Portillo's is a tiny bit less expensive (their beef is $5.99, peppers only 60¢ extra). At some point, I heard an older lady complain "you're out of iced tea" and the only response a manager could offer was "yeah um, sorry about that" and walked away. lolz ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ * TL;DR * Buona's okay in the grand scheme of things, though this visit could've been better. Staff weren't exactly friendly and placing an order took way too long at the register. They were good about baptizing my sandwich and piling on plenty of peppers, I'll give them that much. Some day, the doctor's gonna say to me "no more eating 5x beefs a week, or you'll die a gravy-soaked death". Saddened and hungry, I'll reply "I want a second opinion" and he'll say "well okay, your hair's stupid too". Nevertheless, I shall continue devouring Italian beef sandwiches at a breakneck pace. That's how we do in the 3-1-2, baby!! read more

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This particular Buona, Itasca, utilizes an app in which you can place an order. Via this app, I have found that they rarely check "things" on their end and have no idea when an order is placed. Furthermore, if they check for orders and the order is close to the time of delivery, they just cancel. Buona, you really need to do better. Next time, I'll just order from the Bloomingdale store...better customer service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Disappointed. My favorite sandwich at Buona has been changed. The Buffalo Chicken Sandwich has turned bland and lacks flavor - it might as well just be a plain fried chicken sandwich with a sprinkle of flavorless blue cheese morsels. I ordered one on Sunday from Buona in Glendale Heights and thought it's the restaurant... They didn't put enough sauce on it. But today I ordered another one from the Buona in Itasca and it, too, was flavorless. So it seems as though Buona has changed their secret sauce and chicken ... leaves me very disappointed and really, probably not going to be returning in a hurry. read more

Delicious Southwest chicken salad but I ask for the honey mustard dressing on the side. They serve ranch with the salad. The salad has a little kick to it. The hamburgers are delicious and juicy. read more

My wife and I went to the Itasca location on 10/16 around 1:00. I live in Itasca and ordered 2 beef with hot and sweet 2 large cheese fries with extra cups of cheese and 2 water she went to give me small cups I asked for large cups like I have for many many years at every Buona I have been to. She wanted to chrge me 2.79 each I said I neve paid for a large cup for water. I went talk to the manager and he just ignored me and walked away. I have been going to Buona since they 1st opened in Berwyn I grew up there. I will probably never go back because of 1 bad manager. read more

"First time there, and I was Impressed!! This was my first time at Buona, as I was reffered here by the front desk at the Hyatt. It is a family and chain style restaurant with very nice vibe, cool decor and an open feel. The cuisine here centers around 'Italian Beef" which according to them is an Italian/Chicago tradition. I was lucky to be there on a Thursday when Pizzas are half priced. Be wary that this is a self serve restaurant. I stood by the entrance for about 5 minutes with servers going by me, and no one told me you order at the counter. Aside form that everything was great. I ordered a classic Italian "Buona Beef" 7 inch. The sandwiches meat was flavourful, tender and mixed with peppers was very good. My pizza was served hot and fresh, and it was vary good pizza. Cheesy, gooey, and just the right amount of pepperoni. They also have burgers, Ribs and other sandwiches and sides as well. The people at the counter were very helpful and helped me order my meal. The staff is attentive and helpful. Buona Beef has great food, its family friendly, and affordable. I've eaten at other locations since then. read more

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Visiting from Europe . This place has very good food, speedy service, very reasonable prices. Really enjoyed it a lot.

At a hotel since my daughter is at a dance convention. Ordered as this place is close and had something for everyone. They even had plant-based options! Ordered through the website which had it delivered from DoorDash. Order shows up and the shakes we ordered were not there. DoorDash guy says he doesn't check orders and just picks them up (which is a load of crap based on those I've talked to). Called the restaurant and ended up talking to the manager, William. He offered to credit us so we can get something next time, but since we might never be back here, that didn't work. We talked and he didn't have anyone that could bring them, so I asked if I came and got them if there was something he could do for me. He said since it was the restaurant's fault as well since they didn't put them with the order, he would have them made and then he would refund me the money for my trouble. I drove over and grabbed them and got the refund. William even gave me a cookie to help with the issue. What started out as a bad experience, with DoorDash mainly, ended up turning out as a good one. And I will say that everyone enjoyed their food. If I ever end up back here again, I will definitely visit this location again. read more

They give you moldy & veggies on the salads. why would you use products that are not eatable. $12 salads & I got 3 , we were not able to eat anything. They get my order wrong & the manager acts like it was my fault. read more

Buona - Buona Chopped Salad - Fast Food Near Me - Itasca, Illinois

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This is my Buona Beef location for lunch cause it's close to my office. You can dine in, take out, or drive through. I usually dine in. The set up is kind of different form what I'm use to in a typical sandwich/pizza place. If you haven't been here before (I'm not sure if it's the same layout like the other locations), in the front of the entrance you pick up a menu and walk through the left side of the room where the open kitchen is located. There, you can see the staff making food like a pizza station, salad, and sandwiches. During lunchtime, sometimes they display what the popular meals looks like. My friend and I use our Entertainment booklet coupons of buy 1 salad/pizza with a drink and a side and get 1 salad/pizza for free. So our meal split comes to $6 bucks each not bad cause it does get pricey like a $10 lunch. I figured it's because of the quality of the food, they make it fresh for you, and your dinning experience sitting it their nice marbled tables and dark wood chairs and real utensil. I would compare it like Panera Breads. Finally you place your order (where the heck to you place this huge menu that you've been carrying now?). They give you a number for your order and you find a table and sit and wait (kind of like Pompeii restaurant). The station where you get your fountain drinks and utensils is oddly positioned. It doesn't really flow well in the room, especially with the huge lunch crowd, it sucks! I wish it was more open not bunched up in a corner of the room. And the seating arrangements, they have too many tables too close to each other in the main dinning area. If you're lucky, sit in the semi private area on the far left side of the room or if it's nice outside, eat out in the patio during lunchtime. Unless you don't mind joining another tables conversation and it doesn't get pretty loud so you'll be shouting at your companion whose sitting right next to you. Maybe they're better off setting up these 4 chaired tables together into community tables or get smaller tables or get rid of a few of them. Give me some breathing room please! As for the food, it's ok. I've tried their buffalo chicken salad, chopped salad, BBQ chicken pizza, Margarita pizza, fries, soups, chili. They are all pretty good, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come back for any special item on their menu. They do have folks clean off your table pretty quick for you so that's a plus. I would come here once in awhile when I have a coupon for lunch or I got out voted from my coworkers on where to eat. As for dinner, there's other places I'd rather go but I bet there's plenty of room and it would be a much quieter experience when you dine in. read more

I always love a good cheeseburger, and even though Buona is known more for their beef sandwiches, their cheeseburgers are outstanding! I'm somewhat of a purist regarding cheeseburgers, so I order them "plain" (just bun, meat and cheese with a touch of salt). Buona's burgers are extremely high quality and taste delicious; every time! You have to try Buona Beef the next time you have a craving for a simple but satisfying cheeseburger!!! I think you will love it! read more

Fist off, the food was amazing and I loved it. Also, people over 55 get free soft drinks so it was good for my grandparents. I got a bacon cheeseburger with a pretzel bun. The meat was tender and the bun was crispy. My sis got a salad because she is a "salad person" and she loved it. My grandpa got a sausage and beef sandwich and he loved it. Lastly, the only bad thing was that my grandmas chicken sandwich was late. Would definitely come back again for more amazing food. read more

Its good , I occasionally eat here and or pick up at times I wouldnt say its the best place but while eating there is comfortible and clean, The food is prety good ,the burger was good on a wednesday special, the pizza is ok for a lunch, and the beefs seem alway good , I would recommend Buonas if asked . read more

Enjoyed an Italian beef sandwich from here yesterday. It was delicious. Good service. Price is extremely reasonable.

We had a canceled flight and got stuck in Chicago for the night. The airline put us up in a hotel next to this restaurant. We figured we would give it a try based on online reviews and hotel staff recommendations. It was pretty good food. We wanted to try something local(ish) cause when in Rome right. Never the less, it's was good, not great, not something I'll probably ever think about after writing this review. read more

The service here is terrible!!! Never get anything right, stopped ordering here a year ago and just decided to give them another chance, what a mistake. Never received the food a $75 order and was called by the restaurant 45min later to let me know a mistake was made and they were remaking the order just to get a notification 10 min later that they instead cancelled the order. What a waste of my time. read more

Went there on a business trip after a meeting. I wished I went inside instead of drive through. Get the spicy gardenia with sweet peppers baptized. The gravy is good enough to have as a drink. . read more

The Service here is always good, whether it's in the drive thru or dine in. The food is exceptional as well. I really enjoy coming to this Buona. read more

Eric and Beto always have a great attitude when I come in and have my order ready as requested every time truly know how to handle good service and great food ! Thanks everyone for the dedication and hard work! Will continue to come in ! read more

My first Buona and go to for catering. Delicious beefs, great service! I love the fries, I like how they offer beer. Always a plus!! read more

Did you know that you can get your sandwich on a pretzel roll? It's my newest find a Buona Beef. A bad habit in the making. I had my most recent Italian beef sandwich on a really fresh pretzel roll. Wowza! Also, their wait times seem to be getting better. I know it's a chain (even though it's family owned), but it is still a top spot for a quick lunch if you're in the area. read more

Buona - Check out the Valentine's Day chocolate heart! - Fast Food Near Me - Itasca, Illinois

Italian beef Day Itasca location. What a cluster F$&k 45 minutes to order 30 minutes to get your food and then my onion rings where cold at 7:00 pm!!! Who manages this place!! One cashier on your busiest day. No one cleaning tables, people standing in front waiting for their on line orders! Why oh why would you not section it off. Orders to go please wait in this line or if your that busy cash on one register and credit card only on the other register. Not worth 1.5 hrs for a free beef sandwich. read more

Burger was overdone and dry, a ridiculous amount of mayo and ketchup on both sides of the burger. Fries were soaked in oil, well overdone as well. The so called "cheesy fries" had a small amount of "cheese" in a small sauce container. Legit one of the worst burgers I've ever had. Adding to this the worst salad I've eaten, not just wilted spinach but also a lack of ingredients. Basically got a lot of bad greens with a 1/4 cup of beats, quinoa and canned mandarins. Maybe a tsp of walnuts. Not the makings of a salad for the price. read more

Buona - Wilted spinach. Lots of it throughout. - Fast Food Near Me - Itasca, Illinois

Ok beef sandwich. Not as good as they claim and certainly much better in Chicagoland. Fries are bigger and harder, not soft and not really tasty. Paid $2.25 for a tiny Diet Pepsi, so much ice I had trouble getting the straw in the cup. Here is a picture of the empty cup. read more

Buona - Fast Food Near Me - Itasca, Illinois

I love beef sandwiches, salads and fries. If this could be my every day diet, I would have it that way. Buona Beef is expensive, bottom line. I eat out at restaurants a lot and never do I say "Let's go to Buona Beef". Its pretty good food, there is no question, but when I'm spending $10 on lunch, I expect a decent amount of food for the money and it's just not there. They are always busy at lunch (also slowing down the service), and I'm not quite sure why, other than good placement of the facility in a business park or area where there is minimal competition. I would much rather grab a sandwich at Portillo's or even my local pizza place. Worth a try, but you won't be running back. read more

This place always serves food hot and consistently good tasting. It is always busy. My favorite choices are the Supremo pizza or the italian beef with hots. I love their Italian Meatball soup and the brownies! Plan to spend $10, but is pretty good stuff. read more

Buona has several locations around Chicago. Luckily, I have one right next to my office so it is a fall-back when I don't bring my lunch. Lunchtime at Buona can be really crowded and loud. But, there are lots of tables (all close together), so I've never not been able to get a seat. If you've not been to a Buona, it is a similar style to other larger Burger joints, but has a wider selection. Their burgers are pretty good, and I like burgers a lot. But, they also have hot dogs, pizza, Italian Beef, salads, sausage and peppers - typical Chicago fare. Price-wise, they are a little at the high end for a burger joint. But, they just put an app up on the iStore that works like a restaurant punch card. You scan a graphic when you pay, and it counts your meals. After 10 (I think), you get one free. read more

This location is absolutely terrible. They ALWAYS forget food and they're IMPOSSIBLE to get a hold of. Do not go there!!! Worst service and worst restaurant ever. Now I'm out money and you cannot get ahold of anyone. If I could give negative stars I would read more

I left a negative review before and I will leave one again. As I was promised by management that they don't tolerate such nasty conduct that was displayed by their female employee with multiple names but I guess they do because she is still working there and who knows maybe she received a promotion. I don't go there as often but when I do. Buona seems to support disrespectful employees toward their customers. Your action speaks louder than words Buona. read more

Love the food, the buffalo chicken salad is my choice today. The Itasca location is wonderful great service every visit. My wife gets the Itlaliano sandwich she also loves it. The sunroom is the best seat in the house. read more

Buona - Fast Food Near Me - Itasca, Illinois