Finished watching all 5 seasons of The Bear, so we thought it was the perfect time to finally try Mr. Beef. I am so happy they were open July 4th, and it seemed they stayed open a little after they were supposed to close just so they could serve every customer in line! There was a super long line out the door that took about 30 minutes (we lined up around 3pm and ordered around 3:30pm--which is when they were supposed to close). Once you order, you get your food right away because they are just constantly making beef sandwiches right behind the counter. If you pay with cash, you'll get a slight discount. They do accept credit cards with a fee. We ordered ours the way it's recommended: juicy, sweet, and hot. They offered to cut it in half for us to share, which was super nice of them! The guy working at the counter was very friendly and quick. We also ordered one of their homemade cannolis. In the dining area, it's a very long communal table that everyone sits at. People finish very fast, so there's always an open spot. The beef sandwich was definitely one of the best I've had!!! Super juicy and flavorful. I could definitely eat an entire sandwich by myself because they are so good. We'll definitely be back for another sandwich sometime!! read more

See all

This place is a gold mine, due to being the inspiration for Netflix's show 'The Bear' ... and good for them. Was the food 20 minute and down the block line worthy? No. It's a decent beef sandwich and canoli ... a lunch which is reasonably priced and satisfying. While I probably wouldn't wait more than 5 minutes to get it, I wouldn't mind having it again if I was in Chicago. They get props for keeping everything orderly ... lots of these 'viral' food places have a chaotic ordering system with a menu not available until you get to the counter or people waiting mixed in with people ordering. Not this place! It runs with military-level efficiency ... no line cutters, no figuring out how to order, no ride counter staff. The staff all deserve a lot of praise. It's no less than 85 - 90 degrees in that store with all the grills going. I broke a sweat just standing inside for a few minutes. Yet all of the staff was extremely pleasant and didn't even lose patience with the 'duuuuuh' customers who were totally clueless and slow. The beef sandwich is what I ordered ... Hot, Sweet and Juicy ... which sounds like a 1970's Blacksploitation movie but actually means sweet peppers, hot pepper and dipped in au jus. I also added Provolone cheese for a buck, which I wouldn't do again because it was kind of bland. If I was doing it over, I'd skip the hot pepper and get a side of melted cheese for dipping. The sandwich was good ... a bit bland, even with the peppers. I think they should maybe add some salt and pepper or other seasonings. I expected more flavour. It was very juicy and though the bread got a little soggy, it was still fairly easy to eat, although messy enough to not be a good date spot. The canoli was the best part of the meal. Mike's bakery in Boston has fantastic canolis and I think this was on par. Don't skip the canoli. That's the low down on Mr. Beef. Going there feels more like an event than lunch. It's fairly inexpensive and very good. My concierge said Al's was a better choice but as a fan of The Bear, I wanted to try this. I don't regret going and would go again if the line was short and maybe try something different. It seems that they focus on quality ... despite the large quantity served. read more

See all

10/10 food 10/10 hospitality 10/10 vibes 10/10 dining room Only downside is they close at 4:00. You better get in line! read more

See all

First time having a Chicago beef dip and it was an experience for sure. Lots of sauce and messy to eat! Ordered the bear which is half sweet half hot peppers! Would recommend! read more

See all

Yup I'm a super fan of The Bear and you knew if I was coming to Chicago, I was coming to Mr. Beef. Walking in to the place, it felt just like I was inside Season 1 Episode 1. Anyways, the line had two people hanging out the door so it wasn't too bad. We were ordering food within 10-12 minutes. The service was quick and simple, just be ready with your order. Food time. Fries were excellent. Don't skip em. The sandwich, well maybe I just don't like Italian beef sandwiches. I mean, the bread was sogged out (which I know is part of whole deal) while the beef inside was dried out and bland. But I've had several Italian beef sandwiches before (Als, Portillo's, etc) and always have the same experience, so maybe I just don't like Italian beef sandwiches lol. The best part was the sweet and hot peppers because that's the only way I can get some flavor and texture on this wet ole thing. I loved the eating area. It was all family style eating. Someone across from us mentioned that next time, I should order the sandwich dry with the jus on the side. Ding ding ding. That's what I'm gonna do next time. In the meantime, I'm glad I came. read more

Mr. Beef - Italian Beef with sweet/hot peppers and provolone and fries - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I made it a mission to visit the infamous Mr. Beef on my Chicago trip and it was so worth it. The owner took care of everybody here during my visit and you can tell he genuinely cares about visitors. He mentioned there was going to be a wait and offered suggestions near the area for great Italian beef sandwiches for travelers that did not have the time to wait. I got the Italian beef and it was messy and delicious (that's how it's supposed to be!) I enjoyed every aspect of the sandwich, the beef, veggies, bread, and most importantly the au jus (juices from the meat). The dining area is one long table which allows for you to interact with others dining if you wish. They have their own parking lot on the side of the restaurant for those looking to drive there. Overall this was an excellent experience and the service alone was enough to make me want to come back. read more

See all

We tried this place because of The Bear and I realized after living in the Chicagoland area my whole life I've never tried Italian beef, but we came for lunch and got a standard dipped italian beef. I don't have a good metric for what good italian beef tastes like but this sandwich was a little bland for me, not enough flavor aside from the meat, and the giardiniera was also a little tasteless. It was also a little too wet (I get it, I got it dipped) but the bread was melting a little as I was eating it. It was a good experience, but I would probably not come again. read more

As a fan of The Bear, I was obligated to make a stop at Mr. Beef during our Chicago trip. We showed up around noon and the place was already pretty busy, but the line moved relatively fast and we were eating within about 15 minutes of our arrival. We decided to share the Italian Beef sandwich, and of course we got that dipped. It's a huge, messy sandwich that absolutely lived up to my high expectations. It's got this rich, beefy flavor that I found completely irresistible, and the meat itself was just so tender and delicious. I'm so happy that Mr. Beef is so good. It would've been a real let-down if it had been anything other than stellar. read more

Mr. Beef - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Good amount of seating and only waited 15~ minutes in line. Got the Italian beef with fries and onion rings. The Italian beef was nice and drenched and definitely flavorful. The sides of fries and onion rings were just okay and standard. Got three Italian beef and the two side for a total of 46$ cash read more

See all

Old school sandwich shop vibe. Walk up to the counter, place your order and within seconds they have a sandwich ready for you. Got the combination which is the beef and sausage along with sweet and hot peppers (grizzly style) The peppers are not spicy so don't worry about extra heat. The sandwich itself is hearty and flavorful. It is a very wet sandwich and the bread gets soggy so it is meant to be eaten then and there. They hand you a stack of napkins and you will end up using all of them. I'm sure there is some kind of local hack in placing the perfect order so it may be good to ask around. Overall it was worth trying once. Expect to pay cash around 12 bucks a sandwich. If you use card there is a 4 percent fee. There is a communal dining area with tables set up and everyone shares the space. Worth trying. read more

Mr. Beef - Combo sandwich Italian Beef Combination - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Italian beef is delicious. The giardiniera is perfect. Comes out quick. Service is extremely efficient. Communal tables in the back to eat. Great place for a quick and delicious meal. read more

The perfect quick, tasty, filling sando experience. At most a square block from the brown line, you can see the sign from the platform like a beacon. Sauce on the side would have been preferred, but the bread was so soft and the beef was so thinly sliced, it was more delightful than anticipated. Sweet peppers completed the flavor profile perfectly, and I grabbed a pineapple soda to enjoy in the dining room. The workers are kind and quick, and the space has the same charm as it does in THE BEAR. Big win. read more

See all

I stopped by Mr. Beef and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The food was amazing and the customer service matched everyone was friendly and efficient, even with how busy it gets. I ordered my Italian beef sandwich dipped, and it did not disappoint. The beef was tender, flavorful, and perfectly juicy with a generous amount on a soft bun. The peppers were spot on I loved the mix of spicy and sweet. Honestly, it was so good I could've eaten another one right after. The fries were fresh and crispy without being overdone, and they had ketchup available for dipping, which was a nice touch. A couple of things to know: if you pay with cash, you get a small discount, but there's a slight fee if you use a card. They also offer free water in a cup, or you can purchase bottled water. I've heard great things about the cannolis, but they were out when I visited. The restaurant itself was clean with plenty of seating, including a long communal table. The location is convenient, though I didn't notice parking since I took the bus. It's a very popular spot with lots of tourists, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. read more

Was in Chicago & obviously had to stop by Mr. Beef as I'm a huge fan of The Bear. We went during the week so the line wasn't too bad we waited maybe 10 minutes & service was quick and efficient. Everyone was so helpful and answered any questions we had about recommendations. This was my first Italian beef & it was SO flavorful. The fries were a bit too crispy for me, the cannoli was good though. It was everything i imagined it to be & I'm so glad i got to stop by and try it for myself. Definitely will be making a stop here the next time I'm in Chicago! read more

Awesome sandwich and crispy onion rings. Come hungry because it's very filling. Nice people working behind the counter and super friendly with the regulars that come in. Food is served fast and there is a dining room to eat at. Very simply deli feel just like you see in the show. read more

See all

Mr. Beef is an Italian Beef restaurant that serves up Chicago's finest Italian Beef sandwiches. It also happens to be the backdrop of the fictional Original Beef from The Bear. Shout out to Celina G., whose review was great and helped make my experience awesome. My Overall Rating - 5 Stars (Atmosphere, Service, Food, Return) Atmosphere - Mr. Beef's is a small, humble restaurant that was an area where you order, and a dedicated dining area which is one long communal table. Behind the counter, your food is made to order. The old school menu has items you can order, and all along the walls are photos of famous people who have visited. 1 Star. Service - The staff are super nice. The system is simple, you line up - know what you want to order so you don't hold up the line. They'll take your order, give you a stack of napkins (you'll need them), and then you pay. Bring cash if you don't want to pay extra fees. Mr. Beef is staffed by "good people", always smiling and making sure my order was right. 1 Star. Food - I came here for the Italian Beef with sweet peppers. The thinly sliced beef was super tender and packed a seasoned beef punch - in a good way. While I didn't order my sandwich dipped, the natural juices from the Italian beef were enough to soften my roll. Mr. Beef gave me a generous portion of beef, as some of them fell out as I took a bite. While they tried to escape, they ended up in my tummy. The onion rings were hot & crispy, fresh out of the fryer, and a good distraction from my sandwich. 2 Stars. Will I Return? - Yes. I went to visit Mr. Beef as a tourist, wanting to check out where several scenes from The Bear were filmed. I left after eating one of the best Italian Beef sandwiches I've ever had. The next time I come back, it will be for Mr. Beef, not The Bear. 1 Star. read more

See all

After several years and all the hype, I finally tried Mr Beef. The ordering process was super easy and fast - walked up to the counter, ordered from the friendly staff and my Italian Beef and fries was ready in minutes. I decided to eat-in and the long tables next on the other side of the counter / kitchen was unique and fun. Even being well before noon, the room was almost full and clearly a mix of tourists and locals. The Italian Beef itself was very good but I wouldn't put it ahead of Johnnie's or even Al's. The fries were okay but not stand outs. Overall, a good experience. read more

Mr. Beef - Italian Beef Sandwich - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place only takes cash, sandwiches were not made to order they had a pile of pre made sandwiches which made for a very soggy bread, the sandwich was tasty but not the best I've had, it's just okay. read more

Mr. Beef - Beef sandwich - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Mr Beef is one of the best places to get an Italian beef sandwich in Chicago. Some of the scenes of the Bear were shot here and gives off a rugged vibe to the place. Upon walking in you will see pictures of many famous people who have walked in and dined here. We went on a late Saturday morning and didn't have a line. The sandwich was delicious and had plenty of meat on it. read more

Mr. Beef - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came here because one family member is a big fan of "The Bear". Literal hole in the wall establishment, limited seating, and hot as heck inside during a Chicago summer. Portable AC unit to try to help things, but honestly, I just wondered how the guys could keep making sandwiches over a hot grill all day long. Well, the result is...amazing. Get "The Bear" an Italian beef sandwich with sweet and hot pepper combo. It was delicious and we have yet to find any remotely plausible substitute here in LA. There is just one nod to the famous tie....a poster of "The Bear" on the wall. read more

See all

Loved the sandwich! Everything was authentic and delicious and messy to eat! We arrived at 10:45 am with a small line just inside. We ate our sweet&spicy sandwiches in the communal dining room. I liked the amount of sweet & spicy, my friend wished she had done just sweet--a bit too spicy for her. read more

Mr. Beef - A short line this morning for a great sandwich! - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Now I see what all the hype is about! The roast beef sandwiches were delicious, and the Chicago-style hot dogs were just as good. There was a line out the door, but it moved super quickly -- they've really got their system down. Inside, the only seating was one big long table where everyone sat together and chatted with strangers, and honestly... it was such a cool Chicago vice to the place. read more

See all

I know most reviews here start off by mentioning The Bear, but how could you not? This iconic restaurant is where The Bear was based off. Quite honestly, when you step inside, you feel like you're in an episode! Everything feels familiar. You start off by seeing the Mr. Beef sign hanging over the door with the line starting there and going up the block. We were here on an early Saturday afternoon in September and the line was not bad at all. When you walk inside, the guys working here have that strong Chicago accent, they sound like cast members but could not have been nicer. As for the sandwich...it was great! I ordered the Italian Beef and chose sweet peppers. If you go here, you have to get the sandwich dipped! It was a little messy, but so good! The dining area is long tables one after another. Very fun atmosphere! This was a cool experience coming here and I recommend if you watch the show, but even if you don't. Good time!! read more

See all

I was so excited to step foot into Mr. Beef after watching four seasons of The Bear and it was even better than I imagined. It was literally the BEST beef I have eaten in my life--flavorful, the hot peppers were perfect, and the fries were the best home cut version. The character of the shop was everything I could have hoped for--no frills, just good food, and chill vibes. Great selections on their fountain drinks (Diet Dr. Pepper anyone?) and nice staff. My 15 y/o daughter is already asking me when can we go back and we were just there yesterday! read more

See all

Hospitality is absolutely unmatched! They were so kind to me! They made ordering quick and they now take card payment! The parking lot next to the restaurant is also super convenient for this area! For food I ordered an Italian beef dipped, a cheese fry and a pizza puff. The Italian beef has such good flavor! I wish it was dipped a bit more cuz parts of the bread were cold, but still delicious! The fries were that perfect, nostalgic crispy yet soft fries, perfectly greasy and comforting (IYKYK). The cheese dip was okay, a little watery for me, I'd skip it next time. And the pizza puff hit some for me! If youre from chicago, you know about the whole in the wall food spots with pizza puff that were dirt cheap. It healed my inner child lol great flavor inside with fresh ingredients inside. There is plenty of seating area but I was also there right after they opened so might be different during the afternoon/evening. Overall worth the drive! There were some tourist in there that were absolutely amazed by the Italian beef! I'm so grateful to have grown up here and be blessed with this food! read more

See all

I visit Chicago a few times a year and our first stop is always Mr Beef. Every single item is fantastic and freshly made. It's a must-stop if you're in the area read more

See all

It's always fun to hit up the iconic spots in places you visit. There wasn't a chance I was gonna miss Mr. Beef. It's a pretty dense sandwich with soggy bread which starts off great but ended up falling apart. The flavor is definitely there, could use a hint of salt though. Got a pizza puff as well since I've heard about them my entire life and thought it was fine. Long lines move quick with community style seating inside. read more

Mr. Beef - Italian Beef Sandwich and Pizza Puff - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The inside was filled with pictures of famous celebrities who visited this location and there is definitely a long line considering I arrived on a Saturday afternoon, the line does move kind of fast and it's best to use cash in order to avoid the extra fees for using card. The Italian beef sandwich was good and definitely worth the trip to downtown for some good eats. Keep in mind that this place gets crowded and full of people so be prepared for that and know what you want to order before you get to the register. read more

See all

The Italian Beef alone should be the draw, but people love the Bear, so.... You (tourist) walk up to the counter and order. As you're talking, a huge stack of napkins lands in front of you. You grab the napkins because you know you can never have too many. For a few cents off, you pay in cash for your beef with hot and sweet peppers. Then another stack of napkins comes, as if someone forgot the first set of napkins was given to you. You now have a double stack of napkins. The hot sandwich and you make your way to the dining room area, which is just one long communal table where you sit with other tourists. Off in the distance, you hear someone explaining the basic plot line to the Bear to a friend as you chew through the thin pieces of Italian beef stuffed together in fluffy bread. It's a late lunch and you devour the full sandwich. Those hot peppers aren't so hot, but your mouth feels a kick. Your napkins play an important supporting role, absorbing the grease dripping from the sandwich. You wrapped the beef in napkins, but it's no use. Your hands are still greasy. You didn't drink that entire free cup of water so you pour some on other napkins. It's now a Wet One. You still have several napkins left over to take home. After cleaning up your area because you don't leave messes in front of other people, you walk past a group of guys wearing lanyards for some convention. Before leaving the dining room, you see two large boxes of "dessert" - Dum-Dums and fortune cookies. You leave with a fortune cookie. read more

Mr. Beef - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing food and service! Really enjoyed our visit of authentic Illinois hot beef and chi hot dog.

Similar to many, we came to check out Mr. Beef after finishing The Bear! Great spot for a quick bite. We ordered the Italian beef, Italian sausage, and cannoli. Our food was out in no time! We headed to the back to eat and hands down, I think this was probably the best Italian beef I've had during my time in Chicago. The sweet and hot peppers are a must add on. Service is quick and it's a fun little shop to visit especially if you've seen The Bear. read more

See all

My sister wanted me to check out Mr. Beef on our girls trip to Chicago. She's been there before and loved the Beef Sandwich and we are both fans of The Bear(on Hulu) I wanted to check it out as well! When we stopped it it was not busy at all, we ordered up at the counter, the guys there were friendly and quick on our order. By the time we ordered and found a spot to sit in the back it got real busy. The food was hot, fresh and delicious, it was cool to see the inside with The Bear posters, the real family pictures and the history of Mr. Beef. read more

See all

The wait was fairly long and there was no air condition. The food was okay definitely nothing crazy could use a bit more seasoning. The wait staff was talkative so that was a plus. read more

Mr. Beef - Italian Beef Sandwich - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was in Chicago visiting a friend over President's Day weekend and was trying to make a point of doing/seeing/going to all the Chicago places. As an avid watcher of The Bear, this was on my list and honestly, it was a religious experience. As an east coaster, I've never had Chicago-style Italian beef, but the one I had at Mr. Beef has set the bar for me. I got it with sweet and hot peppers, and when I unwrapped the paper, I could tell they had given it a generous dip in the gravy. So so juicy, so tender, so flavorful, genuinely one of the best sandwiches in my life. As everyone else here says, it's very spartan, just the ordering counter and the long table in the other room for people to eat at. They do take cards, though I suspect it's cheaper if you pay with cash. Overall, if I actually lived in the city, I'd be here all the time, no doubt. read more

Excellent food, line went faster than I expected. Get both peppers! I only wish I would have went with cheese but it was still delicious. Seating is communal but you get to meet other visitors. read more

Mr. Beef - Outside - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I really wanted to go. The line didn't look too long and Google said it wasn't that busy....turns out it was. The line took a long time and was slow moving. Additionally there wasn't air conditioning inside so it was pretty hot inside. I love that the line means that business is booming which is great for the place. I'll have to leave more time and bring a personal fan next time! read more

Mr. Beef - Mr. Beef!! - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Must do place to stop and eat Chicago's Italian beef! The owner was one who greeted us and served us and was very pleasant and thankfully we came in. It's where the Hulu's The Bear was filmed and many actors have come to enjoy this place out. The Italian beef sandwich tasted great. They have limited seating but have a Family style long table and everyone was very much enjoying their sandwiches as well! read more

See all

Ordered a Beef Hot and Dipped, but somehow the meat was kinda dry and chewy while the entire sandwich was dripping wet. The fries were good. Service was nice and to the point. read more

Mr. Beef - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The place "The Bear" storyline is taking after...tried the Mr Beef. Well, here's my read: - Italian Beef - it's good...has some flavor...but others such as Portillo's is a better (more flavorful) Italian beef. - Hot Dog - just what you'd expect from a Chicago dog. - Fries - excellent fries with a real good cook on them. - Cannoli - Pretty darn good it was and the best item out of the items we tried. Be prepared to stand in line...this place is always busy. read more

Mr. Beef - Dog, Italian beef, fries and cannoli - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

This is a must-stop if you love The Bear or just a classic Italian beef. The line can look intimidating, but it moves quickly and the food comes out fast once you order. It's no longer cash-only, though you'll save a little if you do pay in cash. The Italian beef here is my favorite in the city. Portions are generous and the no-frills atmosphere adds to the authentic Chicago experience. Definitely worth the hype read more

See all