“If there was a Kingdom of Troy for sandwiches, Portillo’s Italian beef would be its Helen.”
-Thy Beef King
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Growing up in the suburbs, the Beef Bloggers weren’t lucky enough to be surrounded by countless Italian Beef stands as we are today. For us, if we needed a beef, Portillo’s was the spot. For that reason, Portillo’s may very well be responsible for the Beef Blogger’s love affair with the Italian Beef.
With 31 locations in the Chicagoland area, Portillo’s might be sleeping around. That’s okay though, with one of the best beefs in Chicago, we forgive them.
At every Portillo’s location, the menu is filled with several options other than Italian beef. Chicken, burgers, hot dogs, sausage, and for the non-meat eaters (God help you) salads and fish sandwiches are also available. Their famous crinkle cut fries are an excellent side choice, as are the cheese sticks or mushroom poppers. And for those looking to start the night out right, the Chicago location offers beer and wine for their guests.
But enough foreplay, let’s get to the beef. Whether you choose the regular or the Big Beef, each bite is the perfect blend of juicy, tender and chewy. The au jus has a flavor that complements the rest of the sandwich without overpowering it, and the right amount of dipping leaves the bread juicy, yet intact, through out the meal. A plentiful amount of mozzarella cheese gives the sandwich an added amount of flavor, even if it doesn’t need it. The hot giardenera peppers are a tasty mix of vegetables and peppers to add to the flavor without overwhelming the sandwich with hotness. If spice isn’t your thing, the sweet peppers give the sandwich an extra delicious crunch.
For each Portillo’s, owner and proprietor Dick Portillo has chosen a different decorative theme that ranges from the 60’s or 50’s era to 30’s style prohibition. When you walk into the Chicago location at 100 E. Ontario, old time saloon hall music takes you back to a time when mobs ran the streets and Al Capone was king of Chicago. Tommy Guns along the walls and replica barber shops on the second floor add to the lively ambiance with it's historical appeal.
With two floors and outdoor seating, the restaurant is constantly teeming with patrons from tourists to natives to members of the Chicago Police Department. During your meal, the friendly staff comes around to dispose of your garbage or to collect the trays with the four individual drink holders (which take up more room in the end). If you’re looking for a quick meal, the fast, efficient drive-thru can get you beefing on the go.
At the end of your meal, Portillo’s dessert menu can help satisfy your sweet tooth with their cheesecake or strawberry shortcake. If you’re like the Beef Bloggers though, after enjoying a Portillo's Italian Beef, you'd probably need a cigarette instead.
Beef-9.3
Fries-8
Location/Ambiance-9.2
100 E. Ontario
Chicago, IL
(312)587-8910
Sir Beefs-a-Lot
Mr. Beef
If an establishment is going to name its restaurant Mr. Beef, then it had better be sure that its carte du jour better be up to standards. In this case, it was. In the heart of River North, just a couple of blocks away from the previously visited Al’s Beef, Mr. Beef (666 N Orleans St) is a short distance from the Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue.
As our panel first tasted the Beef we knew we had picked the right choice this week. The beef is tender and the bread is delicious. I got my beef dipped with hot peppers and mozzarella cheese. The dipped beef almost melted in your mouth while the bread held up through the 15 seconds it took me to finish the sandwich. The sandwich held up till the very last bite. The sandwich was tender, greasy, and left me wanting another. The fries were good, not great, and were of average amount. The only drawback to my meal was the giardenera. It had a little heat to it but did not contain any flavor–a true drawback to an otherwise excellent sandwich. My fellow Beefers tell me that the sweet peppers were good, tender and flattered the beef well. Pepsi Products are the drinks that Mr. Beef uses to compliment its beef sandwiches. Although the meal is very tasty, the sandwich was slightly under average in size. If quantity is what you are looking for, you may need to order two beefs.
The thing that stood out most to us was the speed in which you get your IB. There is absolutely no waiting–you order and you receive. The Beef King actually quipped “Holy shit it’s ready.”
Mr. Beef is a true Italian Beef joint–I half expected to find Tony Soprano and his mob doing business in the back room. The workers were full-blooded Chicago Italian Americans and proud. The walls were adorned with photos of celebrities, both local and national, who have enjoyed the Mr. Beef experience. The dining hall contains dozens of posters of Italian staples such as The Godfather and Rat Pack. The place also contained an ATM and a parking lot (which is key in River North) which added to the ambiance rating.
Things that subtracted from the ambiance ratings were the missing bathrooms and the fact that it did not accept credit cards. Other than these trivial downfalls, it is one of the top rated Beef Stands we’ve visited. If you consider yourself an Italian Beef connoisseur, than Mr. Beef is a must.
Beef - 8.5
Fries - 7
Location/Ambiance - 8.9
666 N Orleans St
Chicago, IL
(312) 337-8500
Editor-in-Beef
As our panel first tasted the Beef we knew we had picked the right choice this week. The beef is tender and the bread is delicious. I got my beef dipped with hot peppers and mozzarella cheese. The dipped beef almost melted in your mouth while the bread held up through the 15 seconds it took me to finish the sandwich. The sandwich held up till the very last bite. The sandwich was tender, greasy, and left me wanting another. The fries were good, not great, and were of average amount. The only drawback to my meal was the giardenera. It had a little heat to it but did not contain any flavor–a true drawback to an otherwise excellent sandwich. My fellow Beefers tell me that the sweet peppers were good, tender and flattered the beef well. Pepsi Products are the drinks that Mr. Beef uses to compliment its beef sandwiches. Although the meal is very tasty, the sandwich was slightly under average in size. If quantity is what you are looking for, you may need to order two beefs.
The thing that stood out most to us was the speed in which you get your IB. There is absolutely no waiting–you order and you receive. The Beef King actually quipped “Holy shit it’s ready.”
Mr. Beef is a true Italian Beef joint–I half expected to find Tony Soprano and his mob doing business in the back room. The workers were full-blooded Chicago Italian Americans and proud. The walls were adorned with photos of celebrities, both local and national, who have enjoyed the Mr. Beef experience. The dining hall contains dozens of posters of Italian staples such as The Godfather and Rat Pack. The place also contained an ATM and a parking lot (which is key in River North) which added to the ambiance rating.
Things that subtracted from the ambiance ratings were the missing bathrooms and the fact that it did not accept credit cards. Other than these trivial downfalls, it is one of the top rated Beef Stands we’ve visited. If you consider yourself an Italian Beef connoisseur, than Mr. Beef is a must.
Beef - 8.5
Fries - 7
Location/Ambiance - 8.9
666 N Orleans St
Chicago, IL
(312) 337-8500
Editor-in-Beef
Max's Famous Italian Beef
The oddest place I've ever seen two inanimate metal cows is on the 5400 north block of Western Ave. They graze in front of Max's Beef, a stand-alone building on the west side of the street where Italian Beef is the name of the game.
On a gloomy Saturday afternoon when most people chose to stay within the comfort of their own home to avoid the cold and rain, Max's still managed to draw enough people to occupy all the tables in their small restaurant. The dozen or so tables are complimented by a few more seats along the walls. The entire surface area of the walls is covered with a mural of the Chicago skyline with one small detail that you've never seen anywhere else – every other building has a small cartoon cow on top smiling at you.
Walking into the establishment, the first two things I noticed were the incredible variety they had on their menu, as well as the fact that they had two TV's showing both the Cubs and the Sox game at the same time. Upon ordering I noticed they had an option to increase the beef on my sandwich. I respect that option, and I salute all the heroes that make it – but this Saturday I had to pass. The hot giardenera did not come on the sandwich, however. Instead, Max's offers a giant tub of hot giardenera on each table in the restaurant, so that each patron can satisfy their own lust for the delicious concoction. By any licensed doctor's standards, my giardenera intake on this specific day was abnormally high.
The sandwich was delivered in a giant conglomeration of beef and mozzarella cheese and everything that reminds me of freedom and the good life. The flavor of the beef was tender and carried a strong punch of garlic, a sign of a long slow marinade. While some might not like the taste or lingering odor of garlic, the fact that it was so pungent gives a sign of a beef made with a time and care as it should be. The marinade was unlike anything else that we've consumed thus far. The dipped bread did not hold up for very long, and the heaping pile of beef that Max's loaded on my sandwich was not helping the cleanliness of the whole experience. Then again, the only time I'm concerned about the cleanliness of an Italian Beef is when I'm pounding one right before the prom, and I haven't done that in about six years.
The Fries were golden, crispy, and full of flavor. Watch out for the cheese that's included with those fries, though. One of our bloggers found out the hard way that the cheese they include with their cheese fries is very much like a fat girl in a bikini – odd and lumpy texture, it smelled terrible, and the taste it left in your mouth after the whole experience was over warranted a trip to the bathroom to brush your teeth.
Overall, though, the experience as a whole was a good one. This beef stand is well worth visiting, especially if you're looking for something that tastes a little different than the industry standard. The mural at Max’s is worth going to see, and be sure to enjoy one of their delicious Italian Beef sandwiches while you’re there.
Beef -7.5
Fries – 7.1
Location/Ambiance – 7.75
5754 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL
(773)989-8200
The Beef King
On a gloomy Saturday afternoon when most people chose to stay within the comfort of their own home to avoid the cold and rain, Max's still managed to draw enough people to occupy all the tables in their small restaurant. The dozen or so tables are complimented by a few more seats along the walls. The entire surface area of the walls is covered with a mural of the Chicago skyline with one small detail that you've never seen anywhere else – every other building has a small cartoon cow on top smiling at you.
Walking into the establishment, the first two things I noticed were the incredible variety they had on their menu, as well as the fact that they had two TV's showing both the Cubs and the Sox game at the same time. Upon ordering I noticed they had an option to increase the beef on my sandwich. I respect that option, and I salute all the heroes that make it – but this Saturday I had to pass. The hot giardenera did not come on the sandwich, however. Instead, Max's offers a giant tub of hot giardenera on each table in the restaurant, so that each patron can satisfy their own lust for the delicious concoction. By any licensed doctor's standards, my giardenera intake on this specific day was abnormally high.
The sandwich was delivered in a giant conglomeration of beef and mozzarella cheese and everything that reminds me of freedom and the good life. The flavor of the beef was tender and carried a strong punch of garlic, a sign of a long slow marinade. While some might not like the taste or lingering odor of garlic, the fact that it was so pungent gives a sign of a beef made with a time and care as it should be. The marinade was unlike anything else that we've consumed thus far. The dipped bread did not hold up for very long, and the heaping pile of beef that Max's loaded on my sandwich was not helping the cleanliness of the whole experience. Then again, the only time I'm concerned about the cleanliness of an Italian Beef is when I'm pounding one right before the prom, and I haven't done that in about six years.
The Fries were golden, crispy, and full of flavor. Watch out for the cheese that's included with those fries, though. One of our bloggers found out the hard way that the cheese they include with their cheese fries is very much like a fat girl in a bikini – odd and lumpy texture, it smelled terrible, and the taste it left in your mouth after the whole experience was over warranted a trip to the bathroom to brush your teeth.
Overall, though, the experience as a whole was a good one. This beef stand is well worth visiting, especially if you're looking for something that tastes a little different than the industry standard. The mural at Max’s is worth going to see, and be sure to enjoy one of their delicious Italian Beef sandwiches while you’re there.
Beef -7.5
Fries – 7.1
Location/Ambiance – 7.75
5754 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL
(773)989-8200
The Beef King
Byron's Hot Dogs
Among the more ubiquitous of North Side eateries is the local hot dog stand, and in our Lakeview neighborhood, it is virtually impossible to walk more than a few blocks along a main thoroughfare without passing one of these establishments. One such “restaurant” is Byron’s Hot Dogs, located in North Lakeview (1017 W Irving Park Rd), adjacent to the Sheridan Red Line stop and a few blocks away from Wrigley Field.
As the name suggests, Byron’s specializes in that inimitable staple of Windy City cuisine—the Chicago style hot dog. However, many hot dog joints offer excellent alternatives to the red hot, Italian Beef sandwiches among them. We decided to sample Byron’s IB offering to see if this local establishment would qualify as more than just a hot dog stand.
Unfortunately, any expectations we had for a quality beef experience turned out to be disappointed. Things began inauspiciously when, upon ordering, the employees had to bring more beef to the counter from refrigerators in the back. This beef had not been sitting in marinade, and it was added to the existing beef juice only to be extracted seconds later to prepare our sandwiches.
The first bite revealed the beef to be lacking in flavor. The meat was not tender as is ideal for the IB sandwich, and the too thickly slicked beef only exacerbated this problem. Those of us who ordered our sandwiches dipped were dismayed to find that the bread disintegrated into a soggy mess after only a few minutes, necessitating a plastic fork to continue eating. The giardiniera lacked variety, consisting entirely of Serrano peppers, though I did find one sliver of carrot, which added a modicum of color to my otherwise unremarkable sandwich.
What Byron’s Italian Beefs lacked in quality was offset, ever so slightly, by quantity. Our server was not shy with the beef, heaping two giant tong-fills of beef on to each sandwich. The fries, which reminded me of McDonald’s spuds in size, shape, and taste, were a pleasant surprise, as was the availability of free refills on assorted Pepsi products from the fountain.
We were also impressed with the friendly service, acceptance of credit cards, and outdoor seating—though this last attribute was necessary to compensate for the absence of indoor seating. Byron’s is a friendly neighborhood hot dog stand with a convenient location for anyone passing through the Irving Park corridor, and those looking to grab a Chicago style dog on the way to Wrigley or the Lake could certainly do worse. Discriminating IB enthusiasts, however, should look elsewhere.
Beef – 4.75
Fries – 7
Location/Ambiance – 6.5
1017 W. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL
(773)281-7474
Dr. Beef, PHD.
As the name suggests, Byron’s specializes in that inimitable staple of Windy City cuisine—the Chicago style hot dog. However, many hot dog joints offer excellent alternatives to the red hot, Italian Beef sandwiches among them. We decided to sample Byron’s IB offering to see if this local establishment would qualify as more than just a hot dog stand.
Unfortunately, any expectations we had for a quality beef experience turned out to be disappointed. Things began inauspiciously when, upon ordering, the employees had to bring more beef to the counter from refrigerators in the back. This beef had not been sitting in marinade, and it was added to the existing beef juice only to be extracted seconds later to prepare our sandwiches.
The first bite revealed the beef to be lacking in flavor. The meat was not tender as is ideal for the IB sandwich, and the too thickly slicked beef only exacerbated this problem. Those of us who ordered our sandwiches dipped were dismayed to find that the bread disintegrated into a soggy mess after only a few minutes, necessitating a plastic fork to continue eating. The giardiniera lacked variety, consisting entirely of Serrano peppers, though I did find one sliver of carrot, which added a modicum of color to my otherwise unremarkable sandwich.
What Byron’s Italian Beefs lacked in quality was offset, ever so slightly, by quantity. Our server was not shy with the beef, heaping two giant tong-fills of beef on to each sandwich. The fries, which reminded me of McDonald’s spuds in size, shape, and taste, were a pleasant surprise, as was the availability of free refills on assorted Pepsi products from the fountain.
We were also impressed with the friendly service, acceptance of credit cards, and outdoor seating—though this last attribute was necessary to compensate for the absence of indoor seating. Byron’s is a friendly neighborhood hot dog stand with a convenient location for anyone passing through the Irving Park corridor, and those looking to grab a Chicago style dog on the way to Wrigley or the Lake could certainly do worse. Discriminating IB enthusiasts, however, should look elsewhere.
Beef – 4.75
Fries – 7
Location/Ambiance – 6.5
1017 W. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL
(773)281-7474
Dr. Beef, PHD.
Vienna Beef Factory
For our third week of beefery, we took our quest to the source of all the great beef stand staples in the Chicagoland area: The Vienna Beef Factory. Located at 2501 N. Damen, this factory has been home to the Vienna Beef Company since 1972. Nestled between the Damen, Fullerton, and Elston intersection (one of the worst in the city in terms of congestion and accidents) and the north branch of the Chicago River, the factory offers a cafeteria at the front of the building open from 6am til 4pm on the weekdays and 10am til 3pm on Saturday. A small but ample parking lot sits in front of the entrance with a red and yellow sign that reads "The Factory Store." Inside, a variety of meats can be purchased both at a deli counter to be taken home or at a typical beef stand counter to be consumed on the spot. After purchasing my Italian beef with sweet peppers and no mozzarella (the only cheese offered was nacho. weird) I got my helping of ketchup and sat down.
Before enjoying my sandwich, I noticed the setting was not typical. It appeared this was not only a restaurant open to the public, but also a cafeteria for the factory workers complete with lockers and vending machines. Many framed Vienna beef posters adorned the walls as well as signed sports jerseys representing each Chicago sports franchise. But enough about the room and into the sandwich. The beef itself was very fresh and tender with a nice flavor and was warm and consistent throughout. The sweet peppers were tasty and had a soft crunch to them. While I myself did not try the giardiniera, my fellow hot pepper beef eaters had nothing but good things to say. The bread was meant to be dipped and held up well. However, I had sorely forgotten to ask for a dipping at the counter, resulting in a slightly chewy bun not allowing me to maximize my beef experience. The fries accompanying the beef were tasty and plentiful. To wash down our I beefs, we were presented with the rare option between Coke and Pepsi products at two separate soda fountains. Fully satisfied after our meal, we perused the many delicacies available at the deli counter and in glass refrigerators against the wall. I contemplated purchasing that Vienna Beef t-shirt on my way out the door, but then thought it better to pick that up as a memento for when we come back to take the factory tour.
Beef- 6.7
Fries- 6.9
Location/Ambiance- 7.3
2501 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL
(773)278-7800
BeefMan
Before enjoying my sandwich, I noticed the setting was not typical. It appeared this was not only a restaurant open to the public, but also a cafeteria for the factory workers complete with lockers and vending machines. Many framed Vienna beef posters adorned the walls as well as signed sports jerseys representing each Chicago sports franchise. But enough about the room and into the sandwich. The beef itself was very fresh and tender with a nice flavor and was warm and consistent throughout. The sweet peppers were tasty and had a soft crunch to them. While I myself did not try the giardiniera, my fellow hot pepper beef eaters had nothing but good things to say. The bread was meant to be dipped and held up well. However, I had sorely forgotten to ask for a dipping at the counter, resulting in a slightly chewy bun not allowing me to maximize my beef experience. The fries accompanying the beef were tasty and plentiful. To wash down our I beefs, we were presented with the rare option between Coke and Pepsi products at two separate soda fountains. Fully satisfied after our meal, we perused the many delicacies available at the deli counter and in glass refrigerators against the wall. I contemplated purchasing that Vienna Beef t-shirt on my way out the door, but then thought it better to pick that up as a memento for when we come back to take the factory tour.
Beef- 6.7
Fries- 6.9
Location/Ambiance- 7.3
2501 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL
(773)278-7800
BeefMan
Wrigleyville Dog
A pop fly from Wrigley Field, a stage dive from the Metro and drunken stumble from the Clark street bars, Wrigleyville Dog is a popular spot for late night munchies. Open till 6am on Fridays and Saturdays, Wrigleyville dog gets crowded with rowdy patrons at the end of the night. When the crowd slows down the service time, entertain yourself with a vintage soccer gumball machine–just don’t eat the gumball.
3737 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL
773-296-1500
Sir Beefs-a-Lot
Although not officially a beef stand, the beef bloggers visited this stand after the season opener of intramural softball. Portions were just right for a group of hungry beef eaters right after a rigorous game, it also helped us forget that we lost.
Beef- 6.4
Fries- 6.5
Location/Ambiance- 6.5
3737 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL
773-296-1500
Sir Beefs-a-Lot
Al's #1 Italian Beef
Trying to decide where to eat in River North is never the easiest decision of my week. Whether you're sitting down at a restaurant or getting something quick, there is always a plethora of choices. If you're trying to decide after finishing up a wine tasting event at a River North art gallery or just got your pump on at one of the numerous techno clubs, one eatery that is always a solid choice is the timeless Al's Beef.
Al's is fitting for all levels of Italian Beef consumers, but an aficionado might find some options limiting. Their tender Vienna Beef is soft to the tongue and ripe with flavor. Their combination of quality beef, a seventy year old recipe of herbs and spices, and the perfect amount of cooking time makes Al's among the best places for the actual beef in the sandwich. They also provide the option of dipped, wet, or dry bread, as well as different sized beefs for different sized appetites.
Our Beef Bloggers found very little wrong with the actual beef. It was other flaws in the sandwich and the experience as a whole that caused Al's to get less than extraordinary ratings. For example, Al's Beef on Ontario did not offer mozzarella cheese on our sandwich and claimed that cheddar would be an ample substitute. Personally, I have no qualms with cheddar cheese. In fact, I insist on consuming it at least once a week on some sort of enormous chili bowl or delicious hamburger. However on my Italian Beef, mozzarella is the cheese of choice. To add to the discontent of a lack of mozzarella, the sweet peppers were soft and fell short of the crispy feel of a fresh vegetable, and the giardenera did not pack much heat, but was filled with flavor.
The French Fries at Al's Beef were more like burnt slices of potato rather than the golden garden variety that we have seen at countless other beef venders. This gave them a very bland flavor, however a rather large portion of them was served. Basically, they offered a large portion of something I did not enjoy–not exactly a plus. One of the Bloggers preferred the taste of plain potatoes, however even he admitted they were queer to the industry standard. To wash it all down, Al's provides a wide assortment of Pepsi products, which didn't appeal too much to our Bloggers but may be the preference of the reader. Also, be weary–there is not much parking for Al's Beef and their lack of a public bathroom might cause select customers some discomfort.
Personally, I've been to Al's Beef at different times of the day, different levels of sobriety, and different levels of hunger, and have never walked away from there unsatisfied. If you could only make one trip to a Beef Stand in River North, Al's probably would not be the perfect choice. But if you have more time in the neighborhood, Al's is a must-try.
Beef – 7.4
Fries – 6.1
Location/Ambiance - 7
169 W. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL
312-943-3222
The Beef King
Al's is fitting for all levels of Italian Beef consumers, but an aficionado might find some options limiting. Their tender Vienna Beef is soft to the tongue and ripe with flavor. Their combination of quality beef, a seventy year old recipe of herbs and spices, and the perfect amount of cooking time makes Al's among the best places for the actual beef in the sandwich. They also provide the option of dipped, wet, or dry bread, as well as different sized beefs for different sized appetites.
Our Beef Bloggers found very little wrong with the actual beef. It was other flaws in the sandwich and the experience as a whole that caused Al's to get less than extraordinary ratings. For example, Al's Beef on Ontario did not offer mozzarella cheese on our sandwich and claimed that cheddar would be an ample substitute. Personally, I have no qualms with cheddar cheese. In fact, I insist on consuming it at least once a week on some sort of enormous chili bowl or delicious hamburger. However on my Italian Beef, mozzarella is the cheese of choice. To add to the discontent of a lack of mozzarella, the sweet peppers were soft and fell short of the crispy feel of a fresh vegetable, and the giardenera did not pack much heat, but was filled with flavor.
The French Fries at Al's Beef were more like burnt slices of potato rather than the golden garden variety that we have seen at countless other beef venders. This gave them a very bland flavor, however a rather large portion of them was served. Basically, they offered a large portion of something I did not enjoy–not exactly a plus. One of the Bloggers preferred the taste of plain potatoes, however even he admitted they were queer to the industry standard. To wash it all down, Al's provides a wide assortment of Pepsi products, which didn't appeal too much to our Bloggers but may be the preference of the reader. Also, be weary–there is not much parking for Al's Beef and their lack of a public bathroom might cause select customers some discomfort.
Personally, I've been to Al's Beef at different times of the day, different levels of sobriety, and different levels of hunger, and have never walked away from there unsatisfied. If you could only make one trip to a Beef Stand in River North, Al's probably would not be the perfect choice. But if you have more time in the neighborhood, Al's is a must-try.
Beef – 7.4
Fries – 6.1
Location/Ambiance - 7
169 W. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL
312-943-3222
The Beef King
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