Johnnie's Beef
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RestaurantsCheap Eats
Top Sentiments among Johnnie's Beef Reviewers
Love Italian Ice
Best beef sandwiches
Best damn lemon ices
Best sausages
Good flavor
Perfect au jus
Best hot peppers
Delicious lemonade
Perfect dessert
Best Tamales
Customer Reviews (57 reviews)
Rick R.
on Judys Book Mar 29, 2011The food here is excellent and the Italian ice is just what you need in the balmy Chicago summers. I'd give this place 5 stars but the parking is ridiculously limited and the lines can get really long. I guess that's the... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Jan 16, 2009Last week we went back to Johnnies. Have been going since 1974. In our eyes it was the best Chicago offered. We only get there once a year, due to the distance we now have to travel. What a difference! The beef amount is... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Oct 13, 2008if you are looking for some good fast food this is the place to go. this is a neighborhood classic and a must try for those visiting the area. the menu is always great and the italian ice is the best around!... (more)
ChicagoGuy76
on Citysearch Jul 17, 2008Have any of you who think Johnnie's is the "BEST" especially idigmusic55 ever had Portillo's??? I know some locations are very chincy on the amount of beef, but even so it should be about the whole experience but most... (more)
idigmusic55
on Citysearch Jul 13, 2008I can't believe Patrick Hayes I love Johnny's Beef I have never reviewed anything before but his comments necessitated response. Johnny's is my favorite beef I have ever had, the bread is not store bought its... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Apr 10, 2008Johnnies Beef is a must try in my opinion. Not only is it the best Italian beef in the Chicago land area but it is an experience to see this famous place and how it works.The service is good and fast. The line is usually... (more)
maxk1125
on Citysearch Dec 15, 2007great beefs. fast service even for larger crowds. it is a small place with juicy beef and GREAT ITALIAN ICE. doesnt rip you off. (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Oct 20, 2007Went to Johnnie's yesterday - for the last time. I placed my order and my son ordered the rest of what we came for. I was standing next to him as he ordered. Although we did not see cheezy beefs on the menu he first ordered a... (more)
patrickhayes
on Citysearch Oct 14, 2007I really don't know how this place keeps get first place. I really wonder who owns this place? I mark Johnny's one step above a generic beef. (A generic beef is one that has the same basic ingredients that you will... (more)
philback
on Citysearch Aug 26, 2007We knew it was a good sign when we pulled up and saw people lined out the door around noon on Sunday. Everyone in front of us ordered the tamales and the italian ice. We were there for the italian beef and it was fantastic.... (more)
kittycat31
on Citysearch Nov 20, 2006I'VE BEEN GOING TO JOHNNIE'S MY WHOLE LIFE AND IT IS MY FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT. I NOW LIVE ON THE WEST COAST AND ALWAYS GO BACK THERE WHEN I'M IN TOWN (more)
sonbello
on Citysearch Oct 22, 2006Just a few words..The Best, the best, the best.......I hate this place my mom's beef doesn't even come close.....Trust me we tryied to reproduce it..We can't...Johnny's beef is the Soup yadda, yadaa of Chicago, and... (more)
splapp1
on Citysearch Oct 03, 2006I visited Johnnies recently and was sorely disappointed. They were so stingy with the beef that they made a Portillo's Italian beef look like a gut buster. After I saw what I got I started checking other orders. Same... (more)
ro3bust
on Citysearch Aug 13, 2006I've been to a respectable amount of italian beef joints including certain establishments that are high on everyone's lists and while some of them aren't bad, none of them leave the kind of impression that Johnnie's... (more)
karenkuff
on Citysearch Jul 14, 2006THE BEST BEEF SANDWISH IN THE WORLD , I MAKE MY HUSBAND DRIVE FROM THE CITY TO GET A BEEF AT LEAST 5 OR MORE TIME A MONTH,THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE JOHNNIE'S BEEF, THE BEST AROUND ,NO PLACE BETTER AND THAT IS NO JOKE THE BEST... (more)
Nelson T.
on Judys Book Mar 18, 2006The appeal of Johnnies is perplexing as it is undeniable. At any given point in time, this old-school fast-food shack will have:a) A gigantic line of customers streaming out of the buildingb) A line of cop cars... (more)
angel1591
on Citysearch Dec 26, 2005Johnnys Beff is great food at an affordalbe pirce. If you get a chance you should go. Just make sure that you have a little time. The line is usually a little on the long side. Other than that its great.... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Dec 11, 2005I go to Johnnie's often. You have to have the frozen italian lemonade no matter what season it is. Also they are the last of the restaurants to serve the 4-mini tamales. Don't miss it.... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Nov 01, 2005The price here is to high for the small sandwich you recieve. They don't pack the beef enough for your stomach to make you feel full. They need to do something before they lose their so called long lines during lunch... (more)
Coral G.
on Judys Book Oct 10, 2005Johnnie's Beef is by far the best beef place in all of Chicago. Driving by, it looks like a small walk-in grill, but in the summer, the lines of people waiting go around the block. The Beef Combo, my favorite meal, is a... (more)
Joyce C.
on Judys Book Sep 16, 2005Johnnie's Beef is my FAVORITE Italian beef shack. Yes, it is a shack with limited seating and long lines day in and day out, but it is worth it. Its Italian beef sandwiches are excellent - you can choose hot peppers or... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Sep 05, 2005Super clean establishment. Good hot dogs. But my favorite is their Italian beefs. Most places give you a roast beef with no spices, not at Johnnie's there is a slight spiceyness to their beef and Italian Sausage. My... (more)
ingoglia75
on Citysearch Jun 14, 2005By far the best beef in Chicago. This is the place to be if you like Italian Beef. (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch May 15, 2005Living in Chicago, you have to go to Johnnies at least once. The lines are always long but they work faster than any other business. This place is legendary for the best beef sandwiches in the world and today it still... (more)
adacarlson
on Citysearch May 09, 2005Johnnies italian ice is my summer favorite. The portion is just enough to cool you off on a hot summer night. The wait in line is sooo worth it. (more)
Jennifer Olvera
on Citysearch Mar 20, 2005<b>The Scene</b><br>Day and night, rain or shine, folks shuffle in a line up to a block long for Johnnie's legendary beef sandwiches. Stainless steel and gray-blue tones add up to an institutional feel, but the... (more)
erb625
on Citysearch Aug 08, 2004I am a displaced Chicagoan and every time I come back, Johnnie's is one of the first stops I make. they never heard of Italian Beef in North Carolina and Johnnie's is definately one of the best in town. You can tell by the... (more)
asleepatwork
on Citysearch Jul 22, 2004I live in Austin now, but I grew up 15 minutes from Johnnie's. The beef is great and the sausage is wonderful. If you're a first timer, have a combo with hot peppers. The sausage is the better than anywhere. Some say... (more)
sifodyas1
on Citysearch Jun 21, 2004BEEF! BEEF! BEEF! A friend of mine turned me onto this place. ITS AWESOME. The best beef, forget the others. Small sandwiches, but no problem, i just order TWO! Eat em like hot dogs. :-) I must have missed the "lines"... (more)
mikennedy
on Citysearch Apr 28, 2004I was never a fan of Italian Beef until I went to Johnnies. Now I'm hooked. No where else can you get as good a sandwich as the beefs at Johnnies. The "juicy beef" with hot peppers is the best.... (more)
neapolitana
on Citysearch Aug 19, 2003Everyone in chicago knows what a beef is. Johnnie's, for many years, was in my opinion one of the best beef stands in chicago. I used to stop in here all the time to grab a sandwhich while on my way to work. Although in... (more)
jessica1977
on Citysearch Jul 09, 2003The Italian Beefs at this restaurant are the best I have ever tasted in the chicagoland area. The only thing about it they could be bigger. (more)
enginedic
on Citysearch Apr 28, 2003"Johnnie's over by dare on Nort Ave. "what a classic . BEST BEEF IN COUNTRY!!! Combo with sweet peppers a one of a kind (more)
cartman_83
on Citysearch Mar 26, 2003Being a beef fan I had heard from some people that Johnnie's had the best Beef in Chicago. I will admit it is damn good. However, it is rather on the small side and a bit expensive. I can't say the place is bad but if you want a... (more)
cubfan1908
on Citysearch Feb 06, 2003Always a wait, but ohh so worth it. Orgasmic beef(Home made), heavenly Sausage(also home made and spit cooked b4 your very eyes) and one of the best Ices around. Know how you want your beef, default is always wet. It... (more)
deltamike98
on Citysearch Feb 06, 2003The beef here is the best! Be sure to ask for a sandwich that's juicy. I also love the ice, and you should ask for it without a cover! I'll always love Johnnie's; growing up with it in Elmwood Park, it has become a tradition... (more)
jbnjohnson
on Citysearch Feb 06, 2003No fluff. No puff. Just damn good food. This is literally one of the few places i could eat at everyday and never get tired of it. Also, definitely the best Italian ice in the city. I've kept an eye open around the... (more)
Jzub
on Citysearch Jan 28, 2003One of the Best Beef in Chicago - especially in summer. Very few others in Chicago are so good. I have talked to people in line from Kentucky who came back to get a beef. Better in summer as there is no where to sit.... (more)
orangeness
on Citysearch Jan 28, 2003best beef in the south side of elmwood park, gotta love the ice on a summer day (more)
amarsh12
on Citysearch Jan 14, 2003Jonnie's has the best beef in Chicago, as the line outside shows. Service is fast, because before you even have your money out, your food's ready to go. The lingo of Jonnie's makes it great too.... (more)
Frogmariah
on Citysearch Dec 24, 2002Johnnie's Beef is the mecca of cheap eats for local college students. Anyone wanting a good portion for a very reasonable price has to try Johnnie's Beef. Be sure to have the Italian Ice!... (more)
bobfox73
on Citysearch Dec 24, 2002I just jumped on this website and ironically enough, my two favorite cheap eats in the city are #1 and #2 (Potbelly and Johnnie's). These should be flip flopped however. Before my wife and I moved to chicago, she would... (more)
abrown613
on Citysearch Oct 27, 2002The Best Beef at Great Prices.... Don't forget the Italian Ice with no lid.. (more)
pgaynor
on Citysearch Oct 27, 2002Johnies Beef is one of the best around, the only problem is you better order 3 if your hungry. The portions are much smaller than the average sandwich, and the price is the same. (more)
rschiltz
on Citysearch Oct 27, 2002If your looking for an Italian beef and you want it done right, come here. And remember, price is relative. You will definitely get what you pay for. (more)
lsherwin
on Citysearch Oct 25, 2002I have found that recently the samdwich size has become smaller and the sausage very over-done. The beef is still very good.I do not think that right now Johnnie's is worth the ride.... (more)
lwond
on Citysearch Oct 21, 2002Heard a lot about Johnnie's and went there a few weeks ago. The beef was definitely good, but didn't live up to all the hype. Too small and too expensive. For the BEST - go to Freddie's - at 31st and Union (just east of... (more)
candypooles
on Citysearch Oct 02, 2002Can't go wrong with their a-list italian ice and the beefs are to die for. (more)
jewanio
on Citysearch Oct 02, 2002Like the title says food is good, nothing special. for a great beef go to Jays Beef. Bigger and better (more)
BOBCAT76
on Citysearch Oct 02, 2002Johnnie's is worth the trip. If we can't get into Jean& Judes on River Road , we go to Johnnies for a beef instead. Johnnies may be crowded but the line goes faster. Oh, and what a beef!!!!!... (more)
johnny1
on Citysearch Sep 11, 2002Delicious beef and sausage sandwiches. Lines can get long but the wait is worth it. Add some homemade Italian Ice and you're set. (more)
hisspop
on Citysearch Aug 12, 2002it is the best beef i've ever had they but alot of ingredents that make it taste so good , i live at least a half hoour away and it's worth too go their (more)
HotDogMan
on Citysearch Aug 12, 2002The Best Beef And Tamales In The World. I Would Eat There Everyday if I Could. (more)
boricuaposse
on Citysearch Aug 07, 2002I'm 26 and I have been coming here practically all my life. I love Johnny's so much I would travel from Chicago's northwest side just to eat an italian beef or combo beef/sausage with sweet peppers. (Let's not forget... (more)
jmjgrandma
on Citysearch Jul 30, 2002johnnie's by far has the best beef anywhere. always fresh, juicy, and just the right amount of peppers. the italian ice couldn't get anybetter with the lemon rinds in it. despite the lines it is well worth the wait. the... (more)
kacee288
on Citysearch Jul 25, 2002This place is awesome! A meal for under $2 -- it's wonderful! And the italian ice is a must for anyone who goes there. (more)