Mr. Beef

We've been to Chicago several times, but never ventured out for an authentic Italian Beef and this was the first place that I wanted to go. It was worth walking a little over a mile from the hotel.Of course, there was a line out the door, but it moved quick (maybe 15 - 20 minutes) so don't that that deter you.I've heard that it's cash only and you should know your order, so I thought it was going to be a little hostile like the Soup Na*i from Seinfeld, but it was anything but. Everyone behind the counter was super friendly and accommodated each order. Everyone was ordering something different (with cheese, without cheese, someone ordered a burger...), and they didn't even bat any eye when someone asked for their sandwich to be cut in half. Very admirable to have a staff that is under pressure to work hard and fast from the second they open until they close, and do it with in such a friendly and respectable way. Think the opposite of New York :)I got mine sweet and dipped and they have a bunch of these premade; wrapped and ready to go so I got mine as quickly as I ordered it.Note: They do take cards, but I was prepared with my cash in hand.We headed to the elegant dining room and enjoyed our Italian Beefs in the company of a few dozen other folks and they were great! Even though it was dipped, it wasn't disintegrating. It was moist, but the au jus added so much flavor to the bread... The beef was tender, fatty (in a good way), salty and filled with glorious savory beefy beef flavor.I can't imagine a sandwich like this being much better, but I can't say if they're the best since this is my first real beef in Chicago, but it certainly is well worth it. The next time we're in town, we for sure heading back as soon as we touch down. Thank you Mr. Beef!!!

My partner and I shared an Italian beef w sweet peppers and hot peppers -TASTE: 3/5 - I was underwhelmed, but maybe it was just our sandwich, based on people's stellar reviews. Wish the meat was flavorful and that the peppers came through more. Will have to try again next time we're in Chicago TEXTURE: 4/5 - beef was drier than I expected, but loved the overall greasiness of the sandwich. A guilty pleasure!PRICE: 5/5 - paid $10 cashSERVING SIZE: 4/5 - thought the sandwich would be more loadedSERVICE: 4/5 - anticipated crowds, so walked in at 10:30am on a Saturday to no line. Got our order in a couple of minutes ATMOSPHERE: 5/5 - we're The Bear fans, so the overall experience was a treat, including seeing the space in its authentic glory w history written all over its wallsPARKING: N/A - walked a few blocks over from our hotel in River North area

So excited to have tried this spot. I've been curious about the Chicago Italian beef sandwich since well before the Bear came around. And speaking of the Bear, I freaking love that show and it inspired our recent trip to Chicago!So, we had to go to the real life Mr Beef! We got the Italian beef sandwich and it was really good.Service was great, though we did have to wait in a line which was fairly long, but moved well.The "Elegant Dining Room" was fortunately nice and cool, so we ate our sandwich in relative comfort.Thanks, Mr Beef!

FEATURED IN THE BEAR!! My friends and I are huge fans of the show, so we obviously had to come. It's just like how it is in the show! I have no idea what the actual history behind this place is, so forgive my ignorance. However, I thought the space was really authentic. Cash only! My friends and I ordered their classic beef sandwich dipped in grease and a hot dog, and everything was pretty good! I'm not a huge sandwich or hot dog person but I loved how authentic to Chicago this place is.

The excitement about not only the beef sandwich, but being the inspiration behind 'The Bear' is why I waited in line for 45 minutes. Y'all, you may have to wait a while, but it's worth it. Not being from Chicago made the experience even better. Once we stepped foot in the door it was just like a scene you'd see in The Bear. From the high intensity behind the counter to them slinging sandwiches left and right screaming at each other. It was truly the best sight to behold. This is it!Sweet Beef was superb and at such a great price that you can't beat.

Visited Mr. Beef for the first time after finishing the latest season of The Bear! Was super excited to check out the food there and to learn more about the history behind the restaurant. When we arrived, the line was really long. Halfway through queuing, it started heavily raining and the line surprisingly grew longer still! We got the sweet and hot Italian beef sandwiches. This was actually my first time ever having an Italian beef sandwich. My favorite was the hot version, it had a bit of heat, plenty of meat, and was overall good. The beef was a bit dry for my liking (potentially because I didn't realize you could ask for it extra dipped in jous). Overall, it was a nice experience and cool to come full circle to the venue that was at the heart of a cool show.

Came by around opening time. There was a little line forming before opening, but it moves fast. Ordered an Italian beef with peppers. They aren't spicy. Even though I think you can get the sandwich spicy. I didn't get it dipped, but I really didn't need to because the sandwich was already soaked with all the juice for the beef. It's a good hearty sandwich packed with beef. Definitely wanted more peppers to cut down the beef a bit. Very filling and very messy. There are no sinks, so just be prepared to use a lot of napkins or bring some wet wipes. It's only $10 too. Cash only on Saturdays only per the person preparing the sandwiches. However, I would bring cash in case. There is an ATM inside though.

For my fiancé's first trip to Chicago, we made the little walk to Mr. Beef. The weather was nice and we made it to the restaurant around noon. The line was out the door, but it moved quickly. The guys working behind the counter were quick and the ones taking our order were nice. The menu is short and sweet. You can order any of the sandwiches "hot" meaning "spicy" but I have a good spice tolerance and it wasn't spicy for me. Tasted great though! In all we ordered the beef sandwich, combination (beef and sausage), cheese fries, cannolis, and drinks. I would definitely recommend eating in because the bread is soaked and will be soggy from all the juicy meat and dip. Everything was made fresh and they were so quick with the prep. The meat is super tender and delicious. The cannoli was crisp and not too sweet. Be prepared for a messy eat (lol). You'll need all the napkins. It's really no wonder this place has been around for so long. It's really worth the wait and I 10/10 recommend stopping in.

So much character in a place and Italian beef sandwich. Very juicy and loaded with meet. Enjoy a staple of classic Chicago. Lines can be long outside even on weekdays. Inside is a hall of signed photos by celebrities mixed with cheeky posters.

Honestly surprised it took me so long to try Mr Beef being a big fan of The Bear. It's really cool that the interior is pretty much exactly the same as on the show. There's a big long community table in the back to eat in so that your beef doesn't get soggy on the way home. Did I mention they are dog friendly inside?? The staff were all friendly, service was fast. The beef was delicious! My favorite I've had in the whole city. My only gripe were the fries. Delicious but lots of very small pieces in the bag. Otherwise, great place and delicious Italian beef.