Johnnie's Beef
(708) 452-6000
7500 W North Ave
Elmwood Park,
IL
60707
41.9089
-87.8133
Neighborhood: Elmwood Park
Reviews & Ratings for Johnnie's Beef
53 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 53 reviews
Not the same by Jan S. at InsiderPages
Contributor
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.
awesome fast food! by Christina F. at InsiderPages
Contributor
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!
Some people and there reviews really make me wonder!
by 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"!
Un BElieveable!
by idigmusic55
July 14, 2008
I 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 Gonnella, A hometown bakery that's been around since 1836, and the beef oh god the beef spicy juicy just enough meat I live in NYC now and I dream about it at night. The fries are delicious somehow they avoided the whole anti trans fat craze and kept their fries delicious anyway I just wanted to set it straight as if the mile long line there everyday wasn't enough to convince you to try it
Best Beef In Chicago! by Nell M. at InsiderPages
Contributor
April 11, 2008
Johnnies 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 wrapped around the outside, but don't worry it takes very little time and is well worth the wait. They only have a counter inside but have outdoor seating during warm weather. You can't beat the prices and most important the taste. Try their delicious Italian ice too.
best in the world
by maxk1125
December 16, 2007
great beefs. fast service even for larger crowds. it is a small place with juicy beef and GREAT ITALIAN ICE. doesnt rip you off.
Hope your order isn't messed up because they don't care
Contributor
October 21, 2007
Went 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 cheezy beef combo and the person taking the order turned around and told his co-worker he then ordered a cheezy beef with sweet peppers and again he turned and told his co-worker. The last item was a combo. He also ordered three fries & a tamale. We took our order home and we do not live close at all. Lo and behold the order was wrong. One beef was missing, there were no cheesy beefs, my son's beef had peppers all over it (he hate's peppers) and four fries instead of three. Needless to say I was not happy. I called and spoke to I believe a manager. He was in no way apologetic. He said that he doesn't believe that the order taker didn't tell me there were no cheezy beefs on their menu. He said that if my son placed the order how do I know that's what happened. I told him I was standing right next to him. I told him that I have ordered food for parties in the past and that I didn't think that it was worth a beef sandwich for him to lose a customer. I also told him this was not a way to run a business and he should be aplogizing to me. He told me that I was not being nice. I didn't think it was my responsibility to be nice . He made me feel like I was lying to him, he did not offer an apology and did not offer to correct the problem. I was so surprised by this man's reaction and made a vow to not go there again. Even though the beef is good at Johnnie's their customer relations are terrible. As my friend said, they think that they do such a good business they don't have to be nice. I went to another restaurant closer to my home and got a beef there. It was very good and a comprable replacement for Johnnies - if interested the
nothing special an you can easily find much better.
by patrickhayes
October 15, 2007
I 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 find at any pizza/beef shop that chooses to drop some beef in ajue. Giardiniera is store bought. And the bread is the same.)
The beef has an ok taste but ,nothing to right home about. I thing most people who love this place really don't go anywhere else. Or are not willing to try something else, since they think it is the best and for some reason so, do a lot of people.
I like to try different places and I am glad because I can truly tell you I have had the best beef. It is fro a place in Cal city called Pepino's thy are moving to a better area over the border. The fall in to the best of everything. Taste and value.
Try Pop's or Chickies all better than Johnie's. Hell Portillo's has more flavor and they are just as stindgy with the amount of beef you get
.
And just so you know, I have been to Johnnie's a few times so, it is not a one time thing. Also for the combo the sausage seems to be over cooked each time.
You can get a better beef at, at least a half dozen places.
- Pros: it is better than some
- Cons: you wait in line for nothing special
Well Worth the Drive...
by philback
August 27, 2007
We 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. Service was super fast, the tiny kitchen area was run with precision and we only wondered if it kept busy like that all day! Anyway, this place is worth the drive for a great sandwich. We can't wait to try it again, next time we'll try the tamales too.
- Pros: Fast, fantastic food, fast moving line
- Cons: Far from the downtown area, but no real complaints!
THE BEST ITALIAN BEEF YOU'LL EVER TRY
by kittycat31
November 21, 2006
I'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
- Pros: EVERYTHING
- Cons: NONE
