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    Johnnie's Beef

    4.4 (2k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

    Johnnie's Beef Photos

    JOHNNIE'S BEEF ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Reviews With Photos

    Ariana G.

    Idk why it took me so long to visit this Chicago classic. I've never been a huge fan of Italian beefs or maybe I just wasn't trying the right places. This place changed my husband and I's opinion. Lines can get long. We waited maybe like 15-20 min but the food is ready pretty quickly once you place your order. This place is cash only! The Italian beef had the right amount of juice for me. I was scared to get it dipped cause I don't like my food soggy but honestly this was perfect. The hot peppers give it a great kick! Fries were crispy and delish. The Italian ice was so dang good I wish I ordered a large. Simple yet so good. It's got bits of lemon slices mixed in.

    Italian beef Combo With Sausage
    Rachel Macie H.

    Something's are just delicious in their own spicy way and that's exactly what I'm gonna say about that beef and sausage sandwich I had here the other day! So it was all about the beef and sausage sandwich for me and I will say I found the sausage to be spicier than the peppers themselves which was totally awesome as anything that's hot I'm game for, while it wasn't overly bearing hot it just had a good flavor to it with every component especially the beef itself which honestly I kinda wish I would have only gotten the beef as I just enjoyed it's flavor on that yummy bread with the sweet and the hot peppers! They had a tamale here too and it was ok it was 4 small pieces that were easy to share or had a good corn flavor to it while it was yummy It really reminded me of the ones that you can find on the corner of Rampart & Beverly in LA as the flavor was very similar to me. One of the biggest goodies here was that lemon ice like that was sooo yummy such a good lemon flavor all iced out it really hit the spot for being one of the best lemon ice I've ever had! Overall super yummy little spot doing it right so do yourself a favor and just go to Johnnie's you'll be happy you did!

    Steve H.

    Johnnie's Beef has hands down the best Italian beef in Chicago! I wasn't sure what to expect. I came here on a Saturday around 1pm and the line wasn't too long. The menu is straight to the point and the restaurant itself is pretty small. You'll be standing eating inside or you can go outside where they have tables. The employees are incredibly efficient! The line moves quick and I recommend reviewing the menu ahead of time. For the food, I ordered the Italian beef, French fries and Italian ice. The first bite of the Italian beef was incredible. There was so much flavor and the peppers gave it a great kick. I ended up ordering another one. The fries were fresh and I would get again. The Italian ice was the star as well. It was so good! I can't even put it to words. The whole meal was perfect. I cannot wait to try it again. Thank you so much Johnnie's Beef!

    Italian Beef
    Michelle B.

    Fast, friendly & delicious. Hands down the best Italian beef sandwich I've had (and I've been coming to Chicago since I was a kid.) My sister and I loved the sandwiches so much that we even bought merch. Fan girls for life! Keep in mind: it's cash only

    Phil S.

    05/12/26 - Dam good Italian beef dipped w.Gardinera peppers. Dipped nice & juicy w/excellent beef. Johnnie one of the 3 best beef's in Chicagoland

    Steve V.

    Italian beef so much better than Portillos! Best lemon Italian ice that I can ever remember having. Classic Italian beef, spicy or sweet peppers, just juicy or dunked in au jus. I got the combo beef and sausage with spicy peppers. Hot dogs and fries available too. Better know what you are ordering as these guys are super efficient and fast. Your items ready before you can pay. Cash only so don't get caught without! Nothing fussy with the ambiance. Just some picnic tables outside. Line may look long but moves extremely fast. Harder to find a table than to order. Get someone in your party to hold the table. Absolutely a classic place that is a must for any visit to Chicago.

    Bob B.

    --Location/Parking-- Located in in the middle of Chicago, there was parking for at least 20 cars spread out through the parking lot, but I came during pre-lunch hours and there were plenty of spots. I might have caught it before the dinner crowd so I didn't have to fight for parking. --Ambience-- A simple hot dog stand vibe where there were only one way entrance that leads up to a single cashier and next to the line was a standing only bar table to eat. I recommend taking the food outside to eat on the benches or taking it to go because of the limited space. --Service/Staff-- Because of the limited menu there was not much of a wait. I think it took me longer to put my money away, because my food was ready before I could collect the change. The staff were super efficient. --Products/Service-- I ordered several things on the menu to try out from Italian beef to the combo of beef and sausage with hot peppers. I also order the hot dogs and fries. I recommend the Italian beef which they were are know for, I want to order it next time sans sausage, but with the hot peppers. --Capacity-- Indoors can hold 10 people waiting in line. There is no indoor seating. There are 5 or 6 out door tables, but in the cold you might want to eat in the car or take it to-go. --Overall-- Recommended Italian beef spot. I will be back to try out there other menu items, I recommend bringing cash. This is a cash only spot.

    Kesha B.

    Know your order, cash only, and eat. They mean business and their food speaks for itself! We came by on a Sunday right before opening and there was already a line at least 20 people deep. We knew we were in for a treat. By 10 minutes after opening the line was around the corner and at least 50-60 people deep. But they had 6 guys on the line and they were cruising through it! I swore I was in and out in a matter of 5 minutes. They have a small but mighty menu and a super efficient crew. We got an Italian ice (small one and that was still tons!), a dipped Italian beef with sweet and hot peppers, a beef combo, and fries. Italian beef is such a Chicagoan staple, and it sure didn't disappoint here. It was juicy and full of flavor, they really do pack that sandwich. I swore I was full before I even got halfway. The Italian ice was the perfect treat to finish off the meal! A must visit when you're in the mood for Italian beef!

    Johnny N.

    After terrorizing the rotisserie chicken at Fresh Thyme Market, I jay walked directly across the street to hit the legendary Chicago institution that is Johnnie's Beef. I was only in Chicago for 4 days so I had to maximize my time. I hopped in a line that was down the block and took in my surroundings: Customers sitting on these benches outside that have likely been untouched since 2004, eating their sandwiches and drinking their Italian lemonades like they were in a 1980s fast food ad. Beautiful. As the line moved pretty quick, I noticed they had yellow jacket traps with 50+ yellow jackets in each bag. This is a slight tangent, but I've eaten 100+ rotisserie chickens outdoors this year, and when the summer came, wasps began to SWARM my birds. We've been in a 12 round war for the chickens all summer and I should have just invested in one of these traps. What a genius idea. After about 25+ minutes, I got to the front of the line and a wave of anxiety flooded my prefrontal cortex when I read a sign that said "Cash Only." I was cashless. I asked the employee where the nearest ATM was. He pointed across the street and said "when you get back, just come back to the front of the line I'll take care of you." Wow. NY has never seen this level of kindness. As I took a step towards the doors, I heard a ladies voice say "Oh I can just give you cash and you can venmo me if that's easier!" This had me BLUSHING. Even typing this back I'm getting all happy again. Her name was Annie, and I was shocked that someone could be so nice to a random stranger. Annie spotted me a $20 and I venmo'd her $25, because that's how my momma raised me. I told the employee it was my first time and asked him what the move was. "You should try the sausage and beef with hot peppers if you think you can handle it." I did that and a side of fries, and their legendary Italian lemonade which is essentially shaved ice. When in Rome. There were no seats, so I jay walked back across the street and ate it on a table right outside of Fresh Thyme Market. This legendary Chicago sandwich was good. Really good. I'm not going to sit here and say it was the best sandwich I've ever had, but I think what missed for me was the scoop gravy on top wasn't my favorite thing. It just sort of made it a bit too soggy. I want to note this is purely personal preference, and it was still 100% worth the wait, but just didn't "WOW" me. The Italian lemonade however was PHENOMENAL. It really gave me life back. I'm sitting here in Hawaii typing this up, reminiscing on this experience, and really wish I had another one right now. Fries were smacking too, and I love their branding. It's maximalist. It's soulfull. I'm so tired of these restaurants having this minimalist branding trying to be all chic and cool. Put some heart in your branding. Put some soul in there. Shoutout to Johnnie's Beef. A true must try when in Chicago... and shoutout to Annie for helping a random stranger. We need more Annies in this world. IG @johnny.novo Tiktok @jnov__ Substack @johnnynovo

    Italian Beef with sweet peppers
    Kat S.

    We stopped by at 1:40 on a Saturday and the place was still packed! Excellent Italian beef w sweet peppers, agreeable pricing, fast service. Cash only, parking is limited but people move out quickly

    Carl D.

    My daughter was in the area so I had her pick up two beefs to go. Outstanding! No fat, very moist and great taste. Even if you're not in the area this place is worth the trip.

    Joseph C.

    I got the combination sandwich with hot peppers and it was legendary. Service was super fast. Be warned, the hot Italian sausage is fairly spicy.

    Italian Beef
    Eatstatus G.

    I finally made it out to Johnnie's Beef and overall, it lived up to the reputation; just not quite to the level I had built up in my head. The Italian beef sandwich was solid. The bread held up well, the beef was flavorful, and everything tasted fresh and well put together. You can tell they've been doing this for a long time. It's definitely a quality sandwich. What really stood out to me, though, was the experience. There's something classic about the place: the line, the pace, the way orders are taken. It feels like a true Chicago institution, and I appreciated that more than anything. That said, while it was very good, I wouldn't say I was blown away. It didn't quite hit that "best I've ever had" level for me, but it's absolutely worth trying, especially if you're into iconic spots. I'd come back again, no question; just with slightly adjusted expectations.

    French Fries

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    Johnnie's Beef Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Johnnie's Beef

    Can you order the Italian beef dry with gravy on the side? In the most recent review the customer was able to. However, in the Mark Wiens YouTube video the employee denied Mark's request for gravy on the side.

    We started selling gravy on the side maybe a year and a half ago. $2 for an 8oz cup.

    Do they do any type of delivery?

    We do not have any type of delivery. Sorry

    Are the hot dogs beef or pork?

    Beef

    Do they take any type of card?

    Elmwood Park does not; Arlington Heights does.

    How much is Italian beef?

    Cheap! But don't know the price. But bring cash they do not accept credit cards. Don't forget the Italian ice too!!!!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Jay's Italian Beef & Sausage

    Jay's Italian Beef & Sausage

    4.1
    (332 reviews)
    3.8 mi
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    I finally made it out to Jay's after hearing so much word of mouth about it. They have a small…read moreparking lot behind the restaurant. There may be street parking but make sure you read the signs. The restaurant is not big, I would say it's on the cozy side. You order and pick up your food at the counter. I ordered an Italian beef with sweet peppers and cheddar cheese and Italian sausage with hot peppers and provolone. Service was decent, it was fast. Pricing seemed typical. It was like $12 for the Italian beef with peppers and cheese by itself. This is a solid Italian beef place if you're near Rosemont. -Italian beef 4 - I ordered it dipped. I appreciate the generous amount of meat in here. I took off a star because it gets a little dry in the middle. I guess I should have asked for a cup of sauce to dip it in. -Italian sausage 5 - the hot peppers are not really hot, they're mild. You get some jalapeños and celery. The sausage was pretty good, very savory.

    Since I was in the area, I had to get an Italian Beef…read more I was standing in line by the order here side of the counter. When a couple of ladies noticed I was waiting to order. They apologized and moved so I could order. The place was busy with orders. I placed my order for an Italian Beef with hot peppers, lightly dipped. Fries and a medium soda. Keep in mind they do not have any combo meals so everything is à la carte which adds up quickly. My meal was over $18 bucks. I received my food and sat near the door with a nice breeze. The tables had a roll of paper towels which you will need. The beef is top notch. Seasoned well and tender with the hot peppers doing its best to support the beef. The pepper has a little heat and were crunchy. The fries were crispy and super fresh. I even burned my mouth on them. Me being greedy. I know everything has went up in price but at $18, it's a little steep, but worth the price if you're in the area.

    Photos
    Ordering/ pick up counter and their kitchen in the back.
    Ordering/ pick up counter and their kitchen in the back.
    Italian Beef sandwich. Loaded and filling. Decently tasty.
    Italian Beef sandwich. Loaded and filling. Decently tasty.
    Italian Beef sandwich w/ a side of hot peppers. Hot peppers in the oil made the beef taste better.

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    Italian Beef sandwich w/ a side of hot peppers. Hot peppers in the oil made the beef taste better.

    Johnnie's Beef - sandwiches - Updated August 2026

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