Johnnie's Beef
(708) 452-6000
7500 W North Ave
Elmwood Park,
IL
60707
41.9089
-87.8133
Neighborhood: Elmwood Park
What People Are Saying About Johnnie's Beef
The Editor
Jennifer Olvera
Citysearch
The Scene
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 smoky scent emanating from this stand is nothing short of heavenly. A small standing-room-only counter serves as the indoor dining space, and no-nonsense counter service means you better know your order when you step to the register.
The Food
Shreds of nicely seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth beef mound atop chewy, jus-soaked Italian bread makes this place a mainstay. Searing giardiniera and tangy, caramelized green peppers are must-have toppers. Sweet char-grilled Italian sausage--particularly comboed with beef--furthers the appeal to carnivores, while Chicago-style dogs are a perfectly fine interpretation and are served alongside extra-crisp skinny fries. Lemon ice--tasty as sweet, summery lemonade--is delish any time of year. The small menu also includes tamales, and pepper and egg sandwiches.
User Reviews
Anonymous
January 17, 2009
Last 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 very cheap compared to what is used to be. There was more sweet peppers then there was beef and it seems they were not as sweet as they used to be, with way too much vinegar. I will try Portillos, Als and Mr. Beef again. The italian lemonade is a good as ever. Mr heart is sad, first the lose of the Come Back Inn and now this. Thank God for Jenes and Jude! Make me wonder if the Boys sold the business.
read full reviewAnonymous
October 14, 2008
if 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!
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ChicagoGuy76
July 18, 2008
Have 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 importantly the FLAVOR, the SPICES you can taste... I had a mission when I came home from the Army to find the "BEST" Italian Beef. I've tried hundreds. Most places that claim to be the best only serve a hot beef sandwich, NO ITALIAN FLAVOR! PLEASE, PLEASE TRY OTHER PLACES BEFORE YOU CLAIME ONE AS THE "BEST"!
read full reviewThe Details on Johnnie's Beef
Where to Sit:
Seating is limited to a few wrought-iron tables outside and a stand-and-eat counter indoors. Your best bet is to take it to go or park yourself on one of the benches along North Avenue.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Lunch Spot, Cheap Eats
General Info:
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
