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There was no way we could eat our way through Chicago without trying
to understand the Italian Beef phenomenon. The television would have
you believe that there are only two places serving this Chicago only
staple but we literally saw hundreds of storefronts offering the
sandwich. There are two however, with long histories and much
acclaim. Mr. Beef and Al’s. Not knowing if
we would be able to get to more than one our guide the
aforementioned Michael Wonka said we had to experience Mr. Beef. One
reason is Mr. Beef is Mr. Beef. It is in the same location is has
been and there is just the one. We really lucked out and found a
spot in the parking lot next door and went inside to meet Mr. Wonka. |
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There is a long counter with about a dozen people and a couple of guys on the other side in a constant mad dash to get the orders up and out. Our turn arrived and we ordered a beef dry, and two beefs wet with hot and sweet, along with fries. The guy behind the counter was amazing…more Italian than the beef itself he had this all down to a sweet science. He can hustle, do five things at once, and be pleasant. It wasn’t long until we had sandwiches in hand and entered the “elegant dining room”. How do you know it’s elegant, there is a sign that tells you so. Once you step in the elegance is easily apparent. The snowblower, the movie posters with Sinatra and clan, a signed movie poster from Joe Montegna on which the words Best Sandwich Ever were inscribed. The clientele is no less diverse than the streets of Chicago. There was a beret wearing dude carrying a cello, a couple of guys in business suits, and some random just hangin’ out guys all hunched over greasy paper. |
 Running All Over My Shirt Before We Sat Down |
 Holy Beef!!! |
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 Just Packed with Tasty |
 Simple But Good Fries |
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Are the sandwiches juicy? I had a swath of juice running down my
shirt before we even got to the table. I usually wait until I’m
eating to ruin my clothes. To me, Mr. Beef is an appropriate name
for this place. It is all about the beef. The giardiniera is very
mild and consists of a lot of celery compared to the other places we
went. What you taste is beef beef beef. The most pure offering in
the best setting, real, original, and delicious. The fries were also
fresh and crispy and added a nice touch of salt with the sandwiches.
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 How Do You Know its Elegant? |
 Any Questions? |
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Now the blanket statement for our Italian Beef experience in Chicago. If it’s all about the Beef and nothing more…Mr. Beef’s is your spot. If you are looking for more pizzazz and options, and a little comfort, Al’s will welcome you.
If you want to go to the place most haven’t heard of but to me has
the most outstanding sandwich and flavor, try Johnnies. |
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| Ratings | |||||||
 Food |
 Service |
 Ambiance |
 What's Best |
 What's Worst |
 Overall |
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| A | A | A- | A | N/A | A | ||
| Totally Beef | No Single Standout | ||||||
