Johnnie's Beef

No frills, no fancy decor, just an old school establishment slanging THE BEST ITALIAN BEEFS in the chicago area. The perfect combination of savory and spicy with their homemade hot peppers. The line is always out the door but service is lighting fast so it goes by fast. Portillo's and Al's can't hold a candle to Johnnie's in my opinion. P.S Cash only

This was good! My wife, who is more critical than I am was impressed. (She raises cattle in Texas). The beef was moist, not dry. Quality ingredients. The vegetables that were added were good. The French fries were shoe string fries similar to what is served at Burger King. This is a stand. No bathrooms. No indoor dining. Tables are outside. This place is cash only. This place is in the suburbs in Elmwood Park. The single line moves fast. The parking lot filled quickly in the first fifteen minutes after they opened at 11 AM. This places has become my favorite for Italian beef.

Only the best Italian beef combo (with sweet and hot peppers) and Italian lemon ice in the Chicagoland area; and that's no hyperbole. The reviews reflect such. Fresh, quality ingredients, packed with flavor, at a respectable price point. Johnnie's has been my go-to for over 30 years since I was in grammar school. No other Italian beef joints can touch Johnnie's. One word that describes Johnnie's is CONSISTENCY. I've NEVER had a bad experience or bite. You can go to some of these restaurants and never know what you're going to get from one visit to the next. Johnnie's does not miss. There's always a line, be not dismayed, it moves quickly. This is a no frills establishment. Everything is straight to the point from the menu to the staff moving people through the line. Before you can even pay, your food is ready. The staff is very efficient. Food is always being prepared piping hot, and it's always clean. Housekeeping items: very small parking lot. Street parking as well. Business packed area, so finding parking can take a minute at times, but folks are always coming and going. CASH ONLY!!!! Fresh Thyme Farmers Market across the street offers a cash back option when you make a purchase. There are a few benches outside to dine. I gladly drive 45 minutes plus, depending on traffic, and proudly eat in my car. Please feel no shame if you do. No one is judging you. No restrooms.

This place always brings back great memories from my childhood. I'm not sure what I can add from prior reviews but you need to check this place out if you haven't already. The Italian beef always has great flavor (I go with the sweet peppers). The Italian sausage if great as well. And don't forget the Italian ice!! Sometimes lines can get long but don't let that keep you away. The employees are always super efficient! I'm already looking forward to my next visit!!

Cash only. I think I forgot to mention that in other reviews. When people say "neighborhood gem" this is the standard I assume will be met. Johnnie's is the original "spot."I'm living in Nevada now and pretty much whenever I see a place that advertises Chicago Italian Beef, I give them a play. Some are tasty almost none can pass (there's one place in Henderson...that's for another review--it's all about the hot peppers.)The ice, the beef, the rolls, the fries-- oh yes oh yes...the fries.I was scrolling through my drafts and realized I hadn't posted this one... so what you are feeling is my wistful nostalgia. My heart !!I'll drop in one last time when I go to pick up and move my parents later this year. Then my memories will become the thing of myth and legend. Enjoy!

If you go, get the Italian ice. It's made fresh, with real ingredients. And it's really good. Also, very generous. Of course, the Italian beef is solid. The giardiniera they use is a little bit spicier than other places. It's mostly peppers. The beef itself doesn't have a particularly unique flavor. I would rank it as similar to Portillo's. It was good.The service is super fast. It's a great option if you want to grab and go very quickly.

A friend introduced me to this place. I've driven past it for years. The beef is ransomed well and the prices aren't out of control.

We checked this place out since this place was rated number one in Chicago. We arrived just a little past 11am and there was already a long line! The line went by super quick. We got the Italian beef with peppers and it was delicious. The bread was super soft and the beef was tender. They are cash only so make sure to bring cash with you. I would definitely check this place out again!

Legendary. Iconic. Delicious.Know what you want before you get up to order. Know exactly how to say it: dry beef, hot peppers. Easy dip beef with sweet peppers. Dry combo. Small lemon ice to go (that means lid on). Small lemon ice for here (heaping mountain overflowing the cup). Johnnie's Beef is like the Soup Nazi with no yelling. Know before you go.Cash only! Nearest cash station is a block away.There's always a line here. It's THAT good!!!No indoor seating. The whole parking lot is people eating in their cars. Typical Johnnie's.Fries are always burning-lava-hot. Ketchup is always a big squeeze into parchment paper- no annoying little packets and plenty-big-a-squeeze! The food, service and ambiance have been the exact same since I was in high school. Legendary. Iconic. Delicious.

Yes yes yes! On a beautiful hot summer day and a delicious beef and sausage with hot peppers fires and coke, I was in heaven. Tender beef and sausage with spices was soooo good. Fires were served hot. The meal was perfect! Can't wait to go again.