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

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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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Wanted to stop at the spot after watching The Bear. I had low expectations because usually movie/tv food places are overpriced and the food isn't really good. Mr. Beef exceeded my expectations by a mile. Walking in, you see all of the neat photos and decor. Service was quick and every cook was extremely nice. I also though it was cool that the dining room just has one long table where everyone sat. The Beef Sandwich was really good and prices were fair given the popularity. Would 100% recommend. read more

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

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Here's a pro tip for first-timers: try to listen to the manner in which everyone order as you stand in line (and you WILL stand in line). It makes it less intimidating when you get up to whomever is taking the order. Understand, this joint is busy, they pump out a lot of sandwiches in a short time, and they are efficient as all heck. On my last business trip, I went twice. It was the best food I had the entire week. If it is your first time, you really should try the beef. Locals mkay go off-roading with the menu, and they have some very nice options (they had a meatball sandwich, for example - though I got the feeling it might be a special). No matter the length of the line, it will move, so if you're having trouble deciding, you're not going to miss out if you let someone behind you "play through." Now, about the beef. It is the best I've ever had. The first day, I got it "sweet and juicy" (sweet peppers and dipped). If you do this, it will be messy, but you will not need any more gravy, typically. The second day, I ordered "the Bear" (the same as before with giardiniera added). The second was a dramatic improvement on an already tasty sandwich. The cannoli is made in-house. They are the best I've tasted outside Boston. They have a small dining area to your left when you enter, and they also have a small parking lot that fills up quickly. Also, note their hours, so that you are not disappointed, as they close early. read more

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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

Came in on a Friday morning around their opening time and there was a bit of line. I got the Bear (the Italian beef sandwich with sweet and hot peppers) (4/5) and it was good! I think the bun was too wet for my liking, so I would try to order this dry next time. The hotdog (3.5/5) was just fine but I think just stick to the beef sandwich. The cannoli (4/5) was great too! Fairly big and just sweet enough for my liking. read more

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As with many recent customers, our main drive to come to Mr. Beef was due to the show, The Bear. Obviously we wanted to try an Italian Beef, but seeing the set design in real life was a bonus! - PARKING - We actually walked from our hotel as it wasn't too far, but it looks like they had a small lot around the corner if you drove. - SERVICE/ENVIRONMENT - Due to the rising popularity from The Bear, Mr. Beef had a line that took around 30-40 minutes just to get to the counter. However once you get to the counter, they put together your order right there and you're ready to eat/leave immediately. Bring cash if you can - they also have an ATM available if you need, but last resort I do believe they take card - not sure if they have any fees. There's a small window seating, or you can go into the dining room in the back. - FOOD - Italian Beef: We got this wet and with hot and sweet peppers. If we were dining in, I would've tried the dipped! The meat is juicy and I enjoyed the peppers. I do feel like my expectations were very high, so after I ate my sandwich, I just felt like it was a good meal. Nothing crazy or mind blowing, but good. - OVERALL - Fun to see the set design in person! If you're able to wait, would definitely recommend coming here at least once while you're in Chicago. read more

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This is the restaurant from the show the Bear. It was a must stop while in Chicago. Let me just say the food was amazing. We had the "bear" it's a hot need sandwich dipped with everything on it. It was a 10/10 Make sure to bring cash, however they do also accept credit card. The service is fast! Long line doesn't mean you are waiting an hour. I would definitely come back. Great food! read more

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I'm an LA girl and loved Phillip's dipped sandwich but Mr. Beef are by bar far better. I like the bread and the flavor in the beef broth. The ambience is so cool, loud but fun! I would recommend it if you're ever going to to Chicago. read more

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

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Stopped in for the food tour with work and just loved the experience! Manager was hilarious and very welcoming, and that sammie though.... Perfection lol The dip on the bread was perfect allowing the roll to still have texture and I'm glad I had it with both hot and sweet peppers as it added a lot of flavor to the already tasty beef. Absolutely will be back next time I'm in town for work or pleasure. read more

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

I was probably the only one that hasn't watched the Bear there. Vloggers and tourists (well I was one too) were taking photos outside. I just heard of this place from friends and wanted to try it. Tasty sandwich. Bring cash and if you just want the iconic option, just say you want a "Bear". It makes it simple. If I could come here again, I would bring some food gloves so I didn't have to use 20 napkins to eat a sandwich. It's a run down shop that's nutty and gritty, but they are efficient and move things along. There's a long table room to eat. But because of the popularity of this place, it can get packed and you may have to eat outside, but the sandwich falls easily and it's a wet sandwich. So my recommendation is eat in the car, with a plate and gloves with towels or hope you have a seat at the table. read more

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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

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First of all if you are a fan of The Bear and in Chicago you have to stop in at Mr. Beef! I got the Italian Beef and it's called of course The Bear. It was hot delicious and dipped in au jus OMG! Make sure you grab plenty of napkins, no restrooms to wash up, but so worth it. One long communal table but don't worry about not grabbing a seat to eat as the turn around is quick so need not fret of long lines. The guys behind the counter are awesome and so nice, very welcoming. You get to watch them prepare your sandwich and the fries are amazing. It's an authentic Chicago experience for sure! When you walk in it feels just like the show! What an amazing experience. read more

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Authentic right out of The Bear show. Nice dipped italian beef with options for hot or hot and sweet. Great atmosphere with long table for family time. read more

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Had to try this iconic Chicago eatery on a recent trip and it did not disappoint. I went early, maybe 10 mins after they opened and there was no line. Ordering is easy for the Italian beef - you can add sweet peppers or hot peppers, or both. You can get the sandwich more on the dry side - just the juices of the meat soaking the bread, or you can get the entire sandwich dipped in jus. I think there's an "in between" wet option too. In order to get the full experience, get the sandwich dipped :) They'll hand you an ungodly stack of napkins and you'll be hesitant at first because you're conscientious about reducing paper waste, but you will absolutely need them all for this bad boy. The beef is tender and flavorful and each bite is just dripping in delicious beef jus. Just a note for those averse to spicy food, the "hot" peppers are not hot at all. Also, their fries are nothing short of crack. They're hot, fresh, crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and deliciously seasoned. Beware, one bag of fries is enough for 2-3 people and they're so good you will eat them all. There's a dining room with a long communal table where you can marvel at the various techniques for enjoying this sandwich without needing a shower and having your clothes dry cleaned afterwards. Enjoy the nostalgic posters on the wall. read more

Mr. Beef - Italian Beef Sandwich dipped with hot and sweet peppers - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

Came To Chicago last week from Los Angeles for a conference ( not the Game) and had to visit the World Famous Mr. Beef on Orleans as seen in the show "The Bear". We stopped in on 1/17/2026 and Yes, it looks just like the show Season one. The staff were awesome. Had the Italian Beef the Chicago way aka "The Bear". It was all that I could have expected including the mess. The dinning are is a very large long wooden table where you sit family style. I also picked up a shirt. Definitely will be back and recommend you give it a try. read more

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Big fan of beef sandwiches and The Bear, so obviously wanted to check this place out! Showed up on a Monday (when they're apparently usually closed), but happy to see they were open and not too busy. They didn't have sausage for our order immediately ready (they didn't have their usual crew working due to the odd day), so there was a little wait. They apologized a ton, but really the wait wasn't even long. No biggie at all! They tossed in a couple of cannolis for the trouble, which was AWESOME. The place has a big table for everyone to sit, but we took ours to go - ate it by the river, instead. Both the Italian Beef (the Bear) (hot & sweet) and the sausage were GREAT. My favorite sandwich of the trip. The fries and cannoli were also awesome. Great service, great food. Cash only, so be prepared for that. Will for sure visit again on my next trip to Chicago! read more

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

Stopped by Mr. Beef because my partner is a big fan of The Bear, so of course this was on our Chicago food tour. We split an Italian Beef sandwich, dipped in au jus (my partner's favorite). I'll be honest--I'm not a fan of soggy sandwiches, and this one was a bit too greasy for me. That said, the flavor was on point and I can see why it's a local favorite! The fries were a win--hot, crispy, and clearly made fresh. Just a heads-up: cash only, and seating is pretty limited (a few tables up front and a small dining room off to the side). But service is super fast and efficient, so the line moves quickly. Make sure to take a moment to check out the decor--there's a ton of quirky, nostalgic stuff to see while you wait! read more

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

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Decent Italian beef. Cannoli was really good. However I think it's a bit overhyped due to The Bear. We waited over an hour in line. We also think we were overcharged by $10, but you're moved so quickly once you order and you don't get a receipt so we can only calculate based on prices given. Fries aren't seasoned so I'd skip those. I'd go again if someone wanted to experience it, but I don't need to go on my own. Lots of celebrity photos on the walls which is neat. read more

Came for the beef sandwich, and left with an authentic The Bear experience. Guys at the counter having a loud conversation with each other while taking orders, cracking jokes with customers, and moving VERY efficiently. Stood in line for only 5 minutes or so despite the line beginning at the door. I ordered a sweet beef dipped, and it was delicious! Meat was thin, flavorful, and not dry. Bread was perfect, and the sandwich was a good size. Wish I tried other things on the menu. Did not check out the back room, but there is seating. Worth a stop! read more

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

Fast service decent sandwich even better fries and onions rings. Had the sweet Italian beef- very meaty. We came at 1030 am so no line. Be ready to order. read more

We came here because we are fans of The Bear. It was just as expected! Come early because the line goes out the door! You order at the counter and your food is immediately made for you. We ordered the Italian beef and fries. They have limited seating in the back. All was very good (and messy)! The staff are super friendly! read more

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

So I had to try Mr Beef while I was in Chicago for the day. I got one dry and one wet beef sandwich. The flavor was great and didn't lack anything. The portion to was shareable my friend and I shared and it got us full enough till we got back to Michigan that night. read more

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Came here to try their Italian beef, and it was a solid experience overall. This is definitely a no-frills kind of place--cash only, simple setup, and a dining room that's a bit dated. But what they lack in ambiance, they make up for in efficiency. We got our food within a minute of ordering, which was impressively fast. The service was also surprisingly good--the cashier realized he forgot to cut our sandwiches and quickly swapped them out without us even asking. It's little things like that that make a difference. As for the Italian beef? Good, but nothing mind-blowing. It hit the spot, but I wouldn't say it stood out compared to other spots in the city. If you're in the area and craving a quick, classic Italian beef, it's worth a stop. read more

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

Food - 4.5/5 I found the sandwich to be solid. Flavorful, well balanced and hit the spot. The fries were whatever but hot and sweet is perfect. Service - 4/5 I came during the Chicago marathon weekend and I feel like I didn't wait more than 20-30min. The staff was super friendly and I commend them for how smoothly everything was with such a small team and how many people were waiting in line Ambiance - 4/5 There's a few tables in the back room to sit down and eat, but don't mistake this as separate tables. It's multiple tables pushed together to make a long bench so you'll be sitting close to the people next to you. Pay it forward and be sure to clean up after yourself for the next person read more

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You just have to... Really awesome - we had high expectations and they were met. Nothing fancy, you'll have to wait in line and then seating is at big long picnic tables in the back. You will need a lot of napkins :) I recommend the combo of sweet and spicy peppers. Yummy! read more

I'd been wanting to try Mr. Beef for a while, and not just because of The Bear. Unfortunately, they're really only open during lunch hours, so I finally decided to sneak out of work early and snag a beef. I'm very happy I finally did. Inside, it's super casual. You walk up to the counter and they have it right out for you then you go to the back room which is basically just a giant picnic bench. It just feels very Chicago. As to the food itself, absolutely delicious. Prices are very reasonable and cash is preferred (required during the rush hour I think though). I hope to be back again soon. read more

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

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

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Loved the Mr. Beef Sandwich (beef sandwich with sweet and hot peppers), so delicious! Meet was juicy and the pepper gave it a perfect touch! We arrive right before lunch and there was a small line already. The staff were nice and provided us with great recommendations. The line moves pretty quick, two options for payment - card or cash. Seating is in the back, long table with benches on each side, this is actually where they filmed the first season The Bear. It was so cool to be there in person! read more

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We had to stop at Mr Beef after we watched the Bear. So cool to see the same place from the show. Food was so good! We took it home but we loved the atmosphere. read more

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Mr Beef nails it with their tasty Italian beef--full of flavor and super satisfying. The fries were rich and delicious, prices are solid, and the genuine vibes and hospitality make the experience authentic. Definitely a must-visit! read more

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Top notch! Excellent food and great service. 100% lived up to the hype. Italian Beef, Chili Hotdog, and BBQ Steak sandwiches and fries were all fresh and delicious. We ordered ahead (before 3 pm), simply walked in, skipped the long line, grabbed the food and received cheery greetings from the very busy staff! read more

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