Oh Italian Beefs. How do I love thee. Let me count the ways... now that I mention it, I should just make a list and keep track, as this is one of the few foods that you can only get done correctly in Chicago. That and jibaritos. If you've never had a jibarito, you need to have one. But I digress. It's Friday. I'm distracted. Forgive me. Please. Mr. Beef, a locally famous place to get an Italian beef that's been on my list to try for almost three years, and today I finally had the opportunity to go get a beef. The results? $5.75 for an average size beef. Not enough to make me full, but enough to make me somewhat content. Texture? Excellent. Juicy, not overcooked, and still quite soft. Not stringy like some of the other beef places in Chicago. Very nice. Peppers? They went a bit cheap here. While I don't appreciate an overload of peppers, they really put about a teaspoon or two on the whole beef. There was absolutely no heat during or after my meal. A bit weak. And no, I didn't ask for a small amount, so this must be the normal amount they give. Bread? Excellent choice. Perfectly soft with just enough substance to hold it's shape, even when dipped (and I typically don't like it dipped). Flavor? The au jous and beef was good... with my only complaint that it was a tad too salty. Nothing significant, nothing that would prevent me from re-ordering, but something to note. Verdict: This place was A-OK. Given the price to size ratio, I really can't give it four stars. The beef quality was good. Mr. Beef, I can say after my three year wait, you did not disappoint, but you did not excel either. read more

Be aware!!! New Owners! If I could give zero stars I would. You will not find the same quality of food as before. You will also not find the same friendly owners! This new ownership will not last. They couldn't even get a simple order correct. What a shame!! Mr. Beef was one of my favorite go to, good food places. Just like other reviews, much smaller pizza sizes, soggy crust, undercooked cheese! Beef sandwiches are smaller and meat smelled old! Owners are cocky and unfriendly! They forgot to give us our fries!! What was once a Chicago icon will quickly get ruined. Never will I step foot in there again!!! read more

I have been looking for the BEST Italian beef sandwich. I almost stopped looking because I didn't think it could get any better than Johnnie's, Portillos or Coach's Corner in Elk Grove on a good day. I might be a little biased in listing Coach's Corner since it's in my hometown, but it definitely is better than average. I actually want to go there right now to evaluate it on a non-biased scale. I was tired of driving all over the place to places people tell me are great, just to get there and eat an average beef. I think there are some people on this website that owe me money for gas. Honestly, I can't even take most of the reviews on this site seriously anymore because of places people recommend carelessly. Enough about all that. What I'm getting at is how good this Mr. Beef is. Finally, a place recommended to me that lived up to the recommendation. I think the only bad thing I can say about the place is one time I think I had a bun that wasn't stale, but wasn't fresh either. The sandwich was still GREAT! What makes this the BEST BEEF for me is that destinct Italian Beef flavor. I don't know what it is and can't really describe it. Some places have "it", some places don't have "it", this place has just the right amount of "it". Most places that have "it", have it on the weak side. When I'm in the mood for the BEST BEEF and don't mind taking a ride, this is the place I go. The service is also great in this place. I don't pay attention to price when I'm looking for flavor, so I can't comment on that part of the deal. My Top 5 Italian Beef Sandwiches: 1. Mr. Beef & Pizza (Harlem and Irving) 2. Mr. Beef (Orleans Street in downtown Chicago, not related to Mr. Beef & Pizza from my knowledge.) 3. Johnnie's (Elmwood park, Arlington Heights) 4. Portillo's (Great flavor, but I don't like the aftertaste, something about it, has slowly been making it's way down my list) 5. Al's Beef (It keeps growing on me every time I have it. I did not like it the first time because it was different.) Consolation Prizes: These places all have above average beef sandwiches in my mind. I will list as many as I can remember. Duke's Beef, Coach's Corner, Bub's Subs, Chickie's, Joe Boston's, Frannie's, Pop's Italian Beef and Sausage, Tony's Deli, Nana's, Nottoli's, Tommy's, Buona, Capt'n Nemo's, Joseph's Elegante, Augustino's, Rammy's, Teddy Fabs, Gina's, Mr. A's. There are definitely places I have missed and places I have not been to yet. My list always changes depending on if these places and my taste buds are having good days or bad days. read more

New owners. We have been going here for over 20 years. Beef was smaller and they changed the bread. Steak sandwich was dried out and tasteless. Pizza, soggy crust and under cooked. Sorry won't be coming back read more

Unfortunately since ownership change, quality and service downhill.

The federal bailout money is not trickling down to smaller businesses. I know this because I saw the owner of Mr. Beef on the news last night testifying to it before congress. How this bustling Chicago tradition could be facing foreclosure is beyond me. Every time I have been in the establishment, I have had to jostle for counter space with a million other customers. Fearing that it might already be too late I ran over to Mr. Beef for lunch today to get my hands on another delectable Italian beef sandwich. Happily I can report that not only was the restaurant open but yet again it was packed. If your want health food; Mr. Beef is not for you. If you are looking for a hearty, tasty meal; get over there ASAP. Be sure to take cash. The counter guys look at you funny when you try to pay with a credit card. Sound like a native and order the Italian beef "hot and juicy." Be prepared for a messy but oh-so-worth-it dining experience. Anybody know how to get beef juice off a silk tie? read more

Fantastic Italian beef sandwich! Don't forget to add Mozzarella for $0.90 and some Hot or Sweet Peppers for $0.50. Make sure to grab extra napkins, this can get really messyl. read more

Mr. Beef & Pizza - Juicy plain Italian beef sandwich - Pizza Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Elbows out, lean forward, consume! In all honesty when I was still in Chicago I try and avoid this place and go to the more snooty place down the street. You don't really appreciate it until your gone for a few years. I miss the italian beef and all it's artery clogging goodness. "home of the elegant dining room"... that always made me laugh. read more

Was in Chicago for business and needed a break from the conference banquet food. Consulted with several colleagues who were long time locals, and after an $11 cab ride from our Miracle Mile hotel, we we arrived. Structure had tons of character, photos, signs and clippings of accolades from local media. Admittedly, prior to this experience had never tried an Italian Beef Sandwich, though it's hard to go wrong when essentially it's meat and bread... Apparently, between Mr Beefs and Portillos, these were the 2 best places for Italian beef, from what locals tell me... As far as the sandwich, it was great! It was kind of like a philly cheesesteak, minus the cheese, dipped in au ju. The peppers are what really makes it, as the beef is pretty similar to that of a cheesesteak from Pats in Philly. They give you the option of just straight heat or sweet heat. I chose the latter, and was pleasantly surprised. The fries were crispy on the outside and soft/fluffy on the inside..typical but good nonetheless. Maybe next time I should start from the bottom and graduate the next level..For someone who started with one of the best in Chicago, every Italian Beef Sandwich I've had since has been pretty shitty... guess that's when you know, right? This has been one of my go-to's when in Chicago since.. read more

It's been so long since I've had an Eye-talian beef, I hardly know what baseline to use for comparison. Stopped here post-comedy show late on a Saturday night and did the big nasty: Italian Beef, big old order of fries and a drink right before bedtime. Me mate ordered a cheese slice and some onion rings. The beef sanguich was just the right serving size, wet without dipping, and the meat was very, very tender. Just the kind of soggy mess you love to make disappear with big bites. The fries crispy and fresh. The rings I stole were good, too. Washed that baby down with root beer. Prices are right. Staff very friendly and lots of them (there were more of them than there were customers during our visit). A gang banger and girl friend. A biker at the counter and two of us old geezers was about the sum of it. I'm sure it would have made a nice Edward Hopper scene. Thanks, Mr. Beef. Gonna do some active dreamin' with you in my tummy tonight! read more

THE 4 STARS IS FOR SERVICE!!!! Food was a 3.5 star rating. I got a beef, extra juicy hot. It was cooked as requested, but the peppers aren't hot at all. The beef isn't as flavorful as my faves (Johnnies). I wouldn't drive past my faves to come here tho. They give a good amount of meat & fries for the price. It was good to try, but I'd only return if in the area which I never am, I made a 30 min drive to check them out! read more

Everyone has their favorite local hangout place that they grew up with, and crave as adults every now and then. For my buddy Marc, it's this place. For me, it's a place in Orland Park. These places have food that makes memories, that entwines itself into your mind and heart and when you have to have it, you HAVE to have it. I got to experience Mr. Beef with Marc last Friday, and to me, it was good. But to him, it's the end-all-be-all. And I get that. If I took him to my place, I'm sure he wouldn't drool over the food. The beef sandwich I ordered was good. A little dry, but good. I should've ordered it dipped, but that's my bad, not theirs. The beef was tender and fall-aparty. The bread was fresh, and it came out really fast. Marc had a slice of pizza that looked good too. I might have to try that next time. Next time? Sure, I'd totally go back. It was good. Would I go back myself? Mm. Maybe, if I was in the neighborhood. But you can bet that if Marc wants to go again, I'll go too. read more

We ordered and were greeted with a very kind gentleman who appeared to be the owner/owner's son he treated us very respectfully and was pleasantly enthusiastic. Once we ordered we sat down near the counter and waited and talked and waited and talked and waited and waited and then we waited some more and then realized our food had already been done and sitting on the counter for several minutes. Mind you there was about 5 or 6 guys behind the counter and in the kitchen and no one bothered to let us know that our food was done and ready to be eaten (we were pretty much the only people there besides 2 other tables that night, and we hardly spoke loudly as to be mindful of when our order would be called). Benefit of the doubt- It was about 10:30 at night maybe they were tired. The fries were good but the chicken sandwich was mediocre. We did receive something free though, The cooks gave my wife free stares as we walked out after our meal. --___-- read more

Use to be great. Fresh pizza, fresh beef, fresh hot dogs, and fresh fries. Nope. Not for a year or more have I gotten a dog that was not sitting in water for way to long. It loses all is flavor. The fries, forget about it! Horrible! If they are not from the all day left overs then they have to be from the half hour order before yours. Side note:the pickle they put on your dog's are sick. They look and taste like sick little pickles. The pizza can be ok at times if you catch it fresh. They love to pile on their sausage on it. Some times less is more. This place use to be better. It's just died down and got comfortable. Who knows maybe the owners will try to come back one day with it or do us all of favor and sell so it can go back to its full potential. read more

I have been coming here since I was kid, and whether it's sitting inside by the fake palm trees and watching traffic go by, or in a both talking about all the greats on their retro walls, or having it delivered- I love this place. Best beef, best pizza, best onion rings, best service (the same people have been working here FOREVER!) best of Chicago style fast food. Yes, true fast, greasy, oh so good Chicago food. This is not the Mr. Beef that was on Food Wars, it is not affiliated with any other Mr. Beef. The Mr. Beef featured on Food Wars was on the South Side. Everybody should know this. That Mr. Beef is great too, only difference in my opinion is in the peppers on the beef sammich. Their giardenara (sp?) has more of a kick to it, as it's a special blend. The peppers used at this Mr. Beef (sweet or spicy) are also fab. read more

I'm born and raised in Chicago and have eaten alot of beef sandwiches in my life. This one is the BEST! The meat is somewhat shredded and has absolutely NO fat on it. I prefer when it's shredded... I don't like when beef is sliced and you get those gross fat strings that get stuck around your tongue. That is not the case here. They always put just enough juice on it so it's moist but the bread isn't falling apart. You can actually pick it up and eat it like a sandwich and don't need a fork and knife. Their homemade hot giardineira is outstanding. And the fries... wow. You get a massive bag of fries that I can usually never finish. I ordered pizza from here once and it was decent but nothing to write home about. A beef with peppers, large fries, and a drink will run about $10-11. It is so worth every penny. The people that work here are super friendly and always recognize me when I come in. They are really efficient and you get your food FAST. read more

Picked up dinner from here last night and was very happy. This is our usual go to place when we are too tired to cook, and they never disappoint . Beef sandwich was tender and juicy. Hot dogs were tasty and the order of onion rings was properly cooked and generous in size. Everyone is friendly and service is always good! Will definitely return many more times. read more

Definitely a big player in the beef game. It's quintessential Chicago italian beef not much more to say. I think it tastes good, not the best but hey it's a beef! I eat at all the big players and I go to which ever one I'm in the mood for. The pizza is good too! If you're looking for a slice don't count this place out. read more

The pizza was so good. The slice combo is the best! The beef is also so good and wonderful! The fries were great. All around great place! Wonderful staff! 5 stars. read more

Have to say this is top notch. i tried to freeze dry about 23 of them for my trip back. No go. Super authentic. Great meal. read more

I've been eating at this place for over 30 years. But it's another place that was part of my childhood and I only hit it now if I'm in the neighborhood. Except for last night. My blow my diet while on vacation continued last night. Mr Beef has my favorite pizza in the world. I do order from a great place near me but I'm always good for a slice when I'm there. I had a slice of cheese and sausage. Loved it. I also got a beef with mozzarella cheese. The beef has such a great taste to it. Not spicy, but it does have something in it. Another thing I like about the place is the decor and music. Photos on the walls from the '30's to the '60's with music from the '50's in the background. Very nice. I wish they delivered all the way out by me, but I guess by only eating there once in a while it makes the food taste that much better. read more

They just can't get it right! Where do I start? Having entered the restaurant, I had to wait several minutes even to be greeted. I expect some sort of standard when I go out to eat...to be greeted and welcomed from the moment you walk in! One afternoon I stopped in and ordered 2 beef sandwiches which were too soggy and I explicitly said dry. I cannot remember the last time my order was accurate. It was well after the lunch hour rush and I was the only person in line. How did my order go wrong? This is a reoccurring theme at this location. Unfortunately, the standard at this restaurant was very poor. Frustrating enough that I will discontinue visits here. KFC next door would have been a better choice! read more

I stopped eating at Mr. Beef & Pizza a couple years ago because I don't enjoy their Italian Beef unless it is covered with real cheddar cheese and their hot peppers. They taste watered-down without all the fixings, and I wanted to spend money on a sandwich I could just go home and eat and not have to worry about having cheese in the house or paying extra for some. The beefs are generally not so good in the Portage Park/Jefferson Park/Norridge-type areas, so a delicious one is hard to find. Today, I decided to give them another try only to find out that they have downsized the sandwich considerably from what I last had. The bread was choke-me dry. I thought I would try the Munchers and that was a mistake. I can get glorified cheese tots in a freezer at the grocery store. I'm really upset about paying $4.50 for 5 measly oversized tots. I could have had a sandwich for that price! It's a rip-off. My soda was watered-down. I won't be back. read more

Rarely eat meat but was at a bar watching football during short stay in Chicago and locals insisted I have an Italian beef, Mr. Beef style. Hell they even bought it for me. Pretty amazing, especially after quite a few beers. Got it dipped, with hot peppers. Wet, greasy, sloppy and the peppers were nice and spicy. Absolutely delicious. The fries were nice and cripsy and my new pal got the sausage which he seemed to enjoy. The counter folks were really friendly too, we had our food before we even finished paying for our order. Amazing. Had no trouble finishing it right on the sidewalk outside the bar. No ill effects for this non-meat eater either. read more

I like their beef sandwiches. What I really like is buying by the pound. I have found it is better if you get it by the pound and warm at home. If the family is over and we are going to have beef, this is where we get the 3 or so pounds of beef. read more

Mr. Beef use to be one of Da best spots in Chicago, ever since they change owners the food just isn't the same! Their Beef an Pizza is totally Different! I won't be eating here anymore read more

I don't have to say much b\c its all be said. I just wanted to reaffirm any doubters that Mr. Beef has the best quality, portion, taste, VALUE, etc. in all of Chicagoland for beef and pizza. Others may argue Johnnie's on North Ave (where's the freak'in beef @ for my $) or Jay's (hyper-green peppers?). Mr. Beef--if you don't know, now ya' know. It melts like butter and is piled thick. I love this place on Harlem Ave. The other location off of Orleans and Superior is decent, too. You have to sit on benches at this location, but you'll find yourself sitting next to top-level executives all scarfn beef down their throats while desperately giving it their best Please Don't Spill Grease on my Tie lean. read more

I used to come here for the cheese slices in my fatter, processed food eating days - had to eat something in a hurry Saturday because I was running low on energy and needed some protein fast - opted for a dry beef with hot peppers. Decided only on one bite of the bread since I didn't want the crappy white flour carbs. Trust me, I could have eaten it all!!! The beef was AMAZING!! Haven't had one in years and MUCH BETTER THAN JOHNNIES ON NORTH AVENUE AND A BIGGER BEEF! Very Lean, great quality and flavor, and LOTS OF IT! This is what a Chicago Beef is all about!!! read more

A seriously decent Italian Beef. The sandwich is large, but it is also fairly pricey. I like mine sweet, hot and dipped, but be prepared for a seriously soggy, totally loaded beefy delight. I have grease stains on my shirt that may never come out, but the sandwich sure was yummy. Mom gives a thumbs up to their cream of potato soup. Not something I would order at Mr. Beef, but Mom is a soup junkie. My only gripe is that the fountain soda was flat. The decor is kitchy old movies and tv. We sat under a photo of Elsa Lancaster as the Bride of Frankenstein. They even had a photo of my personal favorite, Guy Williams as Zorro. Let me also add for us zoftig types that the booths are quite roomy. They are covered in gold and leopard print vinyl. Can it get any better than that? I think not!!! read more

This is an awesome beef place!!! The hot peppers (giardinara?) have those crunchy celery that are yummy! The pizza slices are good too! You can buy the beef in bulk for parties and such for a really good price, we have had it a few times and it's so much easier than cooking! I think to feed 12 people it was like $35 or something. Stop in for a beef, you will love it! It's verrrrrry messy though.....;) Oh ya, and forgot to mention the cuuute decor. It's all retro with pix from the 50's and 60's and you can buy pitchers of beer as well! read more

One of my favorite places for beef and pizza! You can never go wrong here. Perfect food and service

Would give a 4 or 5 star but a very rude order taker made me rush my order. I know stopid toursits do not know a thing but WTF everything is nothing on the beef sandwitch what the hell does that mean. So rushed my order. Got a nothing with ahh nothing???? It was good but wanted something on it maybe I should have said I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO SAY!!! My wife really liked it I did too I guess. read more

I love the beef . Combos, and slice pizza . Not anyone else can match this rich flavor with spices and herbs. The combo by far with the grilled Italian Sausage and juicy beef can not be matched. The onion rings are a thick batter cut . And the chilli is a flavorful delight as well. Good atmosphere. Friendly hosts . Stop in and prove me wrong :) read more

The beef itself here is very good but the giardenara, which is a staple for any italian beef sandwich, really lacks kick. Perhaps I am spoiled by Al's fantastic mix but I won't be eating at Mr. Beef again. I need a good giardenara with my sandwich. read more

So I saw "Food Wars" on TV a few days ago...was watching it with my pops on Easter. He's a Chicago guy through and through, but he never heard of Mr. Beef. Since he taught me what he knows, neither did I. Anyway, on "Food Wars", Mr. Beef BEAT Al's! I love love LOVE Al's (even though they're mad expensive now) so I figured I'd give Mr. Beef a try. It was ok. I'm not sure how they beat Al's; I think it had to do with the giordannare (that CAN'T be spelled right). For just a plain beef sandwich, no peppers, no gimmicks; Al's is better (IMO). The gravy is better; the beef is better. I do appreciate how I asked for my sandwich to be "double dipped" (I like it sloppy-juicy) and they definitely obliged me. EDIT: After googling it, I have discovered it's spelled "giardiniera." However, Yelp's very own spell-checker is telling me that the proper spelling is incorrect. read more

The italian beef is very good. The steak sandwich is not. Maybe it was the one time I went, but the meat was way too chewy. This place has a neat vibe. It feels like nothing has changed since the very early 1970's. The lack of decor, the dining room, the classic/soft rock on the radio. The food. It's very unpretentious. It is what it is, and what that is.... well is delicious. read more

This was my first time trying an Italian beef, so I had nothing to compare it to. Since then, I've tried the one at Portillos, and I have to say that the one at Mr. Beef was juicier and came with more meat. I ordered mine plain (or you can get it w/ peppers and celery - spicy!) and wet. It came with a pile of beef and the bun was almost dripping wet, which made my friend and I wonder whether it was grease or dip -- it was probably a bit of both. That was one unhealthy sandwich but more importantly, I was full after I was finished. I think I paid about $5.50 for my sandwich - a nice way to spend a last meal in Chicago. read more

See all

This place is awesome. Great food. And the service is great. I always get the pound of beef with bread and peppers and a few Italian sausages on the side. It's enough food to feed an army. Highly recommend mr.beef over als beef any day. And they have great customer service. I always feel welcome when I go there. read more

This is a great place if your are craving an authentic Chicago Italian Beef or just want awesome pizza. The giardiniera they use on their Italian Beef is amazing and they don't skimp out on the meat they put on their burgers and sandwiches. The pizza is delicious with great quality in the toppings and they'll even put giardiniera on your pizza if you want. I wish they also served Deep Dish Pizza, but you can't have everything I guess. If you eat in you'll find an upbeat place thanks to it's 50's style pictures on the wall, friendly, and clean. So enjoy a full Chicago Italian Beef! read more

Always yummy food. Fast and fresh, never can go wrong grabbing a bite to eat here. Cute space to eat if you decide to dine in. It has a retro feel to it. Huge portions I always end up with left over fries. That taste great the next day. The pizza is pretty good too and you can get it by the slice. read more

Mr. Beef & Pizza - My go to meal :) - Pizza Near Me - Chicago, Illinois