Probably the best breaded steak and chicken parm sandwich you can have. The cheeseburger was delicious also. This needs to be a chain restaurant and not just a single restaurant. Thank you for always being very consistent with your food and on time deliveries. read more

Great Food! Always been my family's favorite! I get the chicken parm sandwich while everyone else gets the breaded steak! If you're coming from out of town, great place to try! read more

Always remember as a kid that the Sandwiches were delicious. Still are to this day. And I love them

3.9/5. I'm just rating what I got. The popular fried steak sandwich. Btw free parking across the street which is nice in a busy place like Chicago. Inside is huge and it gets busy and packed first hr of open. This place is like a hangout spot. Anyways the sandwich very much tasted like potbelly's very own meatball marinara sandwich also known as "mamas meatball". Only difference is at Rico's you're eating fried steak. And maybe different bread. Also it's pricier here compared to potbelly's. Yeah it's local so what, I'm rating this on the actual food itself. But cool spot tho. read more

Ricobenes is still amazing after all of these years. Get yourself a breaded steak sandwich and enjoy! read more

Ricobene's - Eating a to-go Breaded Steak Sandwich - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

People always will try to find a replacement for the original cause people are never satisfied. This place checks all the boxes for fuel for a Chicagoan. From the time you pull in under the viadock park and walk across the street you are hooded. Then you smell the food and it's 100% over. read more

Hot damn! The breaded steak sandwich at this place is absolutely mind blowing. I had the regular size one, and good thing too because even that was big enough to feed a horse. I definitely did not need the fries to go with it, and yet, despite their greasy floppiness, they too were bizarrely addictive. Wow that was really something else, I would definitely come back here. If you come here, make sure you have a major appetite - and be sure to load up on the napkins, because you're going to need them. read more

See all

I have been coming here for years but not as often as I would like so I never seemed to review them until now. They are definitely deserving, I mean.. one of Chicago's Best am I right? Everyone truly comes here for one reason & one reason only, the breaded steak sandwich with mozzarella cheese & giardineira is definitely the start of the show! Their pizza is also pretty good depending on your taste, I know every Chicagoan complains about either deep dish or tavern style but theirs reminds me of Lou Malnati's crust with the corn meal in it. The vibe has dive written all over it. They have tables & chairs but no servers, only counter service..definitely efficient for the large crowds. Last time I was here was about 6 months to a year ago so I decided to snag 2 King sized breaded steaks with the works as I explained above for my ride back home. Figured I could have one immediately after arriving from my hour trip out of the city & one for the following days if I worked up another itch for it. These things(King sized) are so huge(about 8" long & 3" wide), I could only eat half at a time so the combined two sandwiches lasted me about a week which was perfect. I don't eat the same meal twice in a row or two days in a row rather so I had enough to not crave it again for awhile. Definitely recommend it to all, whether local or tourist..ya won't be disappointed. As for the locals who haven't tried it, you're absolutely missing out! read more

Ricobene's - 6" Breaded Steak Sandwich with Mozzarella & Sweet peppers..not sure if it's worth $13 but very good - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm going to bury the lead... Ricobene's has one of the best Italian Beefs in all of Chicagoland. They call it the Sicilian Beef. I call it delicious! My wife agrees. Okay, here's the lead: Ricobene's Famous Breaded Steak Sandwich is on my Mount Rushmore of best Chicago Sandwiches. This place is an institution. It has probably been over 20 years since I've had their Breaded Steak Sandwich...and it hasn't changed a bit! I told my wife it is exactly how I remember it! If you haven't been here, you need to come taste for yourself! read more

Each year I come to Chicago for the Midwest Band Clinic. Precovid a friend showed me Ricobene's and I really dug it was a neighborhood spot with good food. Today I returned for a second time with a friend and had the cheese fries and breaded steak sandwich. They have done some renovating since the last time I was there. Or I just didn't notice the other seating area with the window view. We hung out and waited for the food while the place was packed. When we walked in it was wall to wall people waiting for orders. Which is always a good sign. The cheese fries were good and weren't overly salty. Next time I plan on trying the chili cheese fries. The breaded steak sandwich was bomb dot com. I added the sweet peppers (bell peppers) which was a nice touch with the melted mozzarella cheese. I will return. read more

See all

Great historic spot for some extremely good-but-unhealthy eats - LOL! My husband always gets the breaded steak sandwich, which I guess is their bestseller and staple menu item (pictured). In the past I've gotten the banana milkshake, chocolate milkshake, pepper and egg sandwich, and chicken noodle soup. I usually always get a salad as a side too because I never fathom eating this food without at least considering balancing my meal with something healthy! Silly me. Service is fine. Nothing to write home about. I hate that the line is always so confusing. You can never really tell where it begins! Ambiance is very big city American Italian! read more

Ricobene's - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

A place that knows how to treat customers no matter how old !! Didn't even know they made a special breaded steak sandwich til they recommended!! Appreciate it btw !! Vibe was super homey !! Def come back lol read more

Their famous breaded steak sandwich is amazing. I ordered mine with cheese and top and would absolutely come back again.

Got this delivered to me once I arrived to my hotel and WOW it was worth it. It was 12am and I needed something hearty. This was it. I cannot emphasize enough how bomb this sandwich was read more

Amazing food here. The breaded steak is totally unique and really special I like mine with red sauce peppers. And motz mmmmmmm great service in this busy restaurant read more

Food is great and price is good as well. The sub might be a bit messy to eat but other than that it's great. read more

Ricobene's - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

IYKYN There's a reason it's voted the best sandwich in the city. Always worth the drive and they have easy parking. #iraeats #itaeats1 read more

Ricobene's - Breaded Steak Sandwich - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The sandwiches are incredible. The chicken vesuvio is 11/10 and their meatballs are so tender and juicy. Must try

08/02/24 - I'm back for another of those delicious breaded steak sandwich w/mozzarella cheese & Jardinero peppers. So effin good. These sammiches are amazing but a bloody mess to eat. Not the first & not the last time I'll be there read more

See all

The place was hopping. A few LARGE orders ahead of me caused my wait for my order to be very long. I enjoyed the breaded steak sandwich very much. read more

My son's apartment is down the street from Ricobene's. He and his friends come here several times each week for dinner and late-night cravings. They have made it a tradition to bring their parents to try it at least once. He highly recommended that we try the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich and Mozzarella Sticks. Generous portions and delicious! The prices are very reasonable for what you get. I could see why it's a neighborhood favorite. The place is busy but staffed well with enough tables to accommodate the constant flow of customers. Convenient large parking lot across the street. read more

Ricobene's - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I just think the breaded steaks have way too much bread and not enough meat and the meat is kind of chewy. Go get a real beef sandwich at any other place in Chicago. It's way more enjoyable than a lot less carbs. read more

I came to this spot after a Bears game and let me just say this was the place to be. The locals were nothing but helpful with menu recommendations and the service was quick although they were very busy. I got the chicken parm and it was nothing short of amazing id recommend to anyone visiting Chicago. read more

Terrible customer service. Walked in and had to wait an hour for food. Order was placed way before other customers and wasn't served atleast 40 people served before I got my sandwich. Doesn't take 50 minutes for 6 mozzarella sticks! The waiters also have bad service and attitudes. Come here with your own judgment. read more

As a Southside staple, I was super excited to try Ricobenes! I truly had no clue what to expect -- I knew the name, but nothing about the style of food/restaurant. It sort of reminds me of a more local Portillo's with its fast casual restaurant layout and menu. The restaurant is no frills, but I think that's part of the charm. I ordered the breaded steak sandwich, a staple at Ricobenes. This thing is huuuuge! And a little....sloppy? I don't know a better word for it, but don't wear a nice shirt here, because you're bound to spill. It is very tasty though! My first time trying a breaded steak sandwich and I will say, I'm a fan. Definitely come hungry, because the food is heavy and will leave you in need of a nap afterwards. The pizza was pretty average, the sandwich was the star of the show for me! read more

The food used to be good. Now the steak sandwiches aren't even toasted and the cheese isn't even melted. Please go back to your old recipes/ways. A long time customer. read more

Everything is good there and the portions are enormous. Cool place to see and visit. I have had the steak sandwich, which is what they are known for, beef sandwich, and pizza slice. All of it good. The steak sandwich was very filling. read more

Fast service and friendly staff. I recommend the breaded steak sandwich. Also try their dessert. You will not be disappointed. Can be loud here at times (depending on the time you go) but overall good dining experience. See you on the next visit! read more

Ricobene's - Breaded Steak Sandwich with drinks (iced tea and Coke Zero) yum! - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

First came here in college in 1984ish and have been coming here, sometimes at great driving lengths from all over the Chicagoland area, to get a steak sandwich. It was a tiny hole in the wall back then. Now we have a huge restaurant. The steaks are still great to this day. Unfortunately, you used to get a huge sandwich which was usually two meals worth for like $8. Now, for $12 you get a much smaller sandwich. The acceleration in pricing here is far beyond inflation and puts even McDonalds and Portillos pricing to shame. I used to get fries with it religiously but $20 for fast food for one just isn't something I can support. Love these folks but this place has lost its way. read more

The food is the draw here. Just about everything is good here I've been eating here since 1972 and the only thing that I would change if I could is the prices. I can only afford to go there on check day, but I still enjoy it and the food is as great as it ever was Try their fried chicken dinner you can thank me later. Service is as well as can be expected there is always a bunch of hungry folks there but the reason is the food. read more

Honestly, there's not much I can add to Ricobene's reviews. It's been a neighborhood mainstay for a very long time! The local cops often eat there, so IYKYK, right? The breaded steak sandwiches are unique and fantastic. They prepare even over-sized orders correctly and quickly. They have pizza by the slice, Chicago dogs, chili cheese fries (for those who are curious about these sort of things, the fries appear to be fresh cut, but greasy and limp if you're into that sort of thing), and all the typical trappings of a casual Italian restaurant. My biggest mistake is that I keep ordering the chicken wings. It's soaking on top a bed of fries. I can't seem to stop myself. Also... my pics are terrible today. It's supposed to be chili fries and a breaded steak sandwich. read more

See all

Okay so I finally caved in and tried this quaint Italian restaurant a while back -- GREAT DECISION, and I shouldn't have waited. At the outset the staff is courteous and friendly. The food? Well here ya go: The Combination Beef & Sausage was traditional and delicious. The Chicken Parmesan classic and perfectly seasoned. The pizza well above average -- but this is Chicago and there are tons of good pizza options. The star of the show was the incredibly unique "Original" *KING SIZE Breaded Steak Sandwich." It sounded like too much which is why I've driven by this place hundreds of times without stopping. Big mistake! What a treat that sandwich was. Quite an experience. read more

Still amazing as always!!! Their breaded steak sandwich is the best sandwich in the entire city of Chicago. Fast service, chill vibes, you just can't get any better!! You'd be doing yourself a disservice not coming here. read more

We were in Chicago for a business trip, and this joint was recommended by our colleague who is a Chi-Towner. He said, Ricobene's is a South Side staple and a far cry from fine dining, but amazing at the same time. We had just completed a long trade show and needed some substance. My coworker ordered a slice of the deep-dish pizza, which she enjoyed. We were a little caught off guard by the crust which had a cornbread taste, but it was delicious, crunchy and not too soggy. I went with the HIGHLY RECOMMENDED breaded steak sandwich. It was super unhealthy, and super delicious, all at the same time (see picture). The show stealer were the fries, which taste fresh and had the perfect amount of grease, which we all loved. If you just want to grab something quick and you are NOT on a diet, this is your spot. The inside is very family friendly; we were amazed that it was so busy at 9pm on a Tuesday. They have a lot of family portraits hung throughout which was neat to see. Did I mention, they also serve beer. Parking across the street under the overpass also added to the ambience/experience. It is akin to somewhere the mob might bring someone before whacking them. This is a great local spot, I will be back! read more

See all

Heard great things about this place so I came to try it. I got the king original breaded steak with giardiniera and mozzarella cheese. To be honest I was amazed by the size and how tender the breaded steak was. The taste of the sandwich didn't amaze me and all this hype about the sandwich wasn't there at least for me. The marinara sauce was a bit of a mess since it was all over the sandwich. The hot peppers gave it flavor if not all you taste is breadcrumbs and marinara sauce. The place has a lot of room to eat inside. It was a bit warm inside. They also have a parking space in front of their building which was a good thing since they were really busy. If you order any sandwich you can upgrade for 3.99 and get a drink and fries,pasta or onion rings. I also ordered the mozzarella sticks and they come 6 in an order. They were good and had a good amount of cheese you can even do a cheese pull. The cheese fries are really good. They are freshly cut there. The Italian ice was delicious and it is not expensive at all. They have a huge selection of food on their wall menu. It would be nice if they made menus for the tables that way you ain't blocking the line to order and you ain't getting pushed around. Almost forgot they have draft beer starting at $4 bucks to $5 bucks which is not that bad and it's good quality beer. read more

See all

Amazing food!! Enjoyed in moderation or your waistline will vanish as quickly as one of their sandwiches!

If you want a true taste of Chicago, skip the deep dish and head straight to Ricobene's. The fried beef sandwich here is the real deal, hands down the best thing I've eaten in this city. It's like a chicken parm got a South Side makeover. The steak is sliced thin and fried until it's perfectly golden and crisp, but still melt-in-your-mouth tender. That crunch when you bite in is next level, the kind of texture you only get when someone really knows what they're doing at the fryer. The marinara sauce has that perfect Chicago style sweetness and depth, rich, slow-cooked flavor that soaks into the soft French roll without making it soggy. Add the melted mozzarella and some spicy peppers on top, and it's a perfect balance of crispy, saucy, cheesy, and spicy in every bite. Forget the tourist traps, this is the kind of sandwich Chicagoans brag about. 10/10, a must try. If I could only eat one thing in Chicago again, this would be it. read more

Ricobene's - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Absolute Chicago staple. The food is great and the service is fantastic. The ambience is even better. This place honestly reminds me of Manny's Deli but for Italian. read more

Ricobene's - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Felt like I was inside an alternate Portillos. Ordered, went to wash hands, and the food was ready. We got the breaded steak sandwich and the vesuvio Italian classic. When they said the king size was 8" we thought it wouldn't be enough but were we wrong. This came out and was massive. The steak was nicely breaded and plentiful. Cheese melted all over and the bread not too soft. The vesuvio had a perfectly breaded chicken breast with the right amount of onions and tomatoes. It also came with mayo that tied everything together. Both sandwiches were massive and delicious. Not the cheapest but really fast and worth the visit. read more

Ricobene's - King Size Breaded Steak Sandwich - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I used to live in Chicago so Ricobene is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. There used to be a few in the burbs too but if I remember correctly, I think this is the last one in Chicago. Whenever I am in the area, I have to get either their Breaded steak with mozzarella cheese, hot AND sweet peppers and extra red sauce OR their Double hot wings with a bed of fries on the bottom. The only reason why I gave them 3 stars this time is my bed of fries was sooooo skimpy probably no more than 10 fries. Especially with the food prices going up, I thought at least I would get the same amount as before which I am a bit disappointed. As you can see in the picture. There were basically NO FRIES visible. However food was still good and I would still go back if I am in the area. I just wish they would pay more attention with the amount of food they give since they are the last Ricobene's and nowadays there are so many choices and competition. I just continue to support their business because it's what I grew up with but not everyone likes 10 pieces of fries under their 15 wings. Hopefully next time will be better. read more

Ricobene's - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois