Few dishes are as synonymous with Chicago as the Italian beef sandwich, a creation that has captured the hearts and appetites of residents for nearly a century.
This savory delight has recently gained renewed attention with its prominent feature in the hit show The Bear, but its history is rich and deeply woven into the fabric of Chicago’s culinary heritage.
An Italian beef sandwich consists of several key components: a French bread roll, thinly sliced beef, and peppers.
For an added layer of flavor, many enjoy dipping their sandwich in a flavorful au jus bath, which enhances the overall experience.
Though the traditional Italian beef sandwich remains a crowd favorite, adventurous eaters today can find inventive variations sprinkled throughout the city, from Italian beef tamales to bao buns and even Italian beef-flavored creative cocktails.
The story of the Italian beef sandwich began in the early 1900s within Chicago’s Italian community, where many immigrants settled in what is now known as the Little Italy neighborhood.
These resourceful families sought ways to provide hearty meals without breaking the bank, often braising and thinly slicing available beef cuts to create a filling sandwich served on sturdy bread.
This clever approach not only made it possible for families to stretch their food budgets, but it also gave rise to a delicious local staple.
Originally, Italian beef sandwiches played a frequent role at modestly budgeted Italian wedding receptions, aptly dubbed “peanut weddings.”
Among those who enjoyed these sandwiches was Anthony Ferreri, a street peddler who recognized their potential and began selling his version across Chicago.
His family later launched Al’s Bar-B-Q in 1938, serving Anthony’s renowned beef sandwiches from a small stand in Little Italy.
Interestingly, Al’s Bar-B-Q started as a cover for a bookmaking operation; sandwiches were served at the front while gambling happened in the back.
However, as the beef sandwiches gained popularity, Al’s Bar-B-Q slowly transformed into the now-famous Al’s Italian Beef, revered by many.
The original location of Al’s Italian Beef remains a beloved fixture of Chicago’s food scene, and the Italian beef sandwich has since cemented its status as a citywide staple with countless vendors offering their unique interpretations.
To truly enjoy an Italian beef sandwich in Chicago, it helps to learn the local lingo.
Each sandwich features beef, peppers, and beef jus; you just need to specify your combinations.
First, select from two types of peppers: sweet or hot.
Sweet peppers include green or red varieties, while hot peppers consist of a spicy mix known as giardiniera, a local favorite.
Next, determine the desired moisture level of your sandwich.
The beef is typically scooped from a savory au jus sauce, but you can request varying amounts based on your preference.
A ‘dry’ order means no extra jus is added, keeping the sandwich relatively dry.
If you prefer more flavor, ask for ‘wet’ where the sandwich receives a splash of jus, keeping it just the right amount of moist but not overly soggy.
For those who want an even more indulgent experience, ordering ‘dipped’ means your sandwich gets completely bathed in au jus, making it a flavorful, albeit messy, treat.
Adventurous eaters may even consider the ‘double dipped’ option, which takes the pride of place for flavor.
Cheese, typically provolone or mozzarella, can also be added to the mix, although purists may baulk at this deviation, much like those who eschew ketchup on a Chicago-style hot dog.
If you see the term ‘combo’ on the menu, that signifies the inclusion of an entire Italian sausage with your beef sandwich.
Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, whether piled high with spicy giardiniera and dripping with jus or dry with green peppers, there’s virtually no wrong way to savor this messy delight.
When it comes to finding the ideal Italian beef in Chicago, there are numerous classic establishments that both locals and visitors hold dear.
Some of these cherished spots have been around for decades, while newcomers bring fresh perspectives to this traditional dish.
Al’s Italian Beef is a cornerstone of the scene, being the oldest beef stand in the city.
With its original location in Little Italy and three others across Chicago, Al’s remained true to its recipe over the past 85 years, earning its esteemed reputation.
Johnnie’s Beef in Elmwood Park also enjoys cult-favorite status; recognized for its authentic beef and often-long wait times, it attracts loyal fans and even renowned visitors such as Anthony Bourdain.
Mr. Beef, situated in River North, gained fame from its appearance in The Bear.
This straightforward beef stand serves delicious sandwiches that charm both die-hard fans of the show and Italian beef aficionados alike.
Carm’s Little Italy, which has served hungry patrons since 1929 in the heart of Little Italy, is renowned for its authentic flavors and family-run heritage.
For a neighborhood favorite, Roma’s Italian Beef & Sausage has satisfied patrons on the northwest side for over 50 years, known for its chunky giardiniera and tasty sliced beef.
At Portillo’s, while known for Chicago-style hot dogs, the Italian beef is also a strong contender, especially when paired with crinkle-cut fries and their signature cake shake.
On the West Side, Odge’s offers a hidden gem; even though they’re only open for lunch, patrons rave about their slow-roasted beef served on Turano rolls with complimentary beef-fat fries.
For 25 years, Southtown Sub on the South Side has been perfecting subs alongside their renowned Italian beef option, featuring a unique take with chopped rather than sliced beef.
Chef Cicco, located inside Navy Pier, surprises diners with an Italian beef sandwich served in crustier bread that can withstand its homemade jus, topped with traditional peppers and a unique twist of roasted potatoes.
The options don’t stop there, as the city and its surrounding suburbs are home to additional cherished spots like Bob-O’s Hot Dogs, Scatchell’s, Tony’s Italian Beef, Mugshots Bar & Grill, and Bari Italian Subs.
For those seeking a family favorite, Buona Beef has over 20 locations around Chicago, continuing the tradition of serving up delicious Italian beef.
The creativity doesn’t end with the classics; some Chicago restaurants have introduced modern twists to the Italian beef sandwich.
Kasama offers a Filipino-style Italian beef featuring thinly sliced pork adobo, while Kinding serves a Wagyu rendition crafted by a James Beard-winning chef.
Vegetarians can rejoice at The Chicago Diner in Logan Square and Lakeview or Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat in Hyde Park, both offering plant-based Italian beef options.
BiXi Beer features Italian beef bao on its dim sum menu, while those with a taste for fusion can enjoy Italian beef egg rolls at the Egg Roll Factory.
With the wealth of options available, Chicago’s Italian beef scene is dynamic, continually evolving as chefs experiment and create further culinary offerings around this beloved dish.
Venturing into the world of Italian beef sandwiches, whether traditional or innovative, guarantees a satisfying experience reflecting Chicago’s devoted food culture.
It’s an inviting and delectable journey to explore the varying interpretations and regional favorites, all of which contribute to the city’s status as a haven for Italian beef lovers.
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