FOODITOR’S TOP FIVE ITALIAN BEEFS IN CHICAGO:

1. Johnnie’s Beef
2. Joe Boston’s Italian Beef
3. Al’s No. 1 Italian Beef
4. Mr. Beef & Pizza
5. Duke’s Drive In

FOODITOR’S CURATED LIST OF THE BEST ITALIAN BEEFS IN CHICAGO:

NORTH

Bari— Tiny Italian grocer with a small but busy deli sandwich counter making real-deal Chicago subs, meatball sandwiches and Italian beef, the latter topped with the excellent housemade giardinera.

Beef & Burger— A cut or two above the typical Greek fast food place, this place grills up an especially flavorful burger, steak sandwich, Philly cheese steak, Italian beef or gyros, plus freshcut fries. Susie’s across the street is more picturesque—but actually eat here.

Joe Boston’s Italian Beef— Bare bones factory lunchbox joint serving a minimal Italian beef that’s also one of the city’s best, especially after you add the housemade giardinera.

Jay’s Beef (Wicker Park)— Oddly swanky Wicker Park location of longtime Schiller Park and Harwood Heights Italian Beef favorite; be sure to pile on the tasty, celery-based giardinera.

Patio Beef— Solid enough dog, burger and Italian beef stand in an area (Edgewater) where those are rare.

Quick Bite Carry-Outs— Snappy, tiny hot dog joint with totally pretty good burgers, Italian beef and more.

WEST

Hot Dog Station— Well-run fast food joint serving good dogs, superior Italian beef and housemade soups.

Jay’s Beef (Schiller Park)— Original location of a venerable Italian Beef joint noted for its celery-based giardinera.

Jay’s Italian Beef & Sausage— Near northwest suburbs location of Schiller Park Italian beef place with celery-based giardinera, also now in Wicker Park.

Johnnie’s Beef— There’s always a line running outside what’s widely considered the best Italian beef in Chicago (which means, on Earth), with its well-seasoned broth, charcoal-grilled sausages—and no-nonsense order and get out of the way approach to service. Another location is in Arlington Heights; any other Johnnie’s is no relation.

Mickey’s Drive-In— Vintage hot dog stand is a favorite in the straight-west suburbs for burgers, Italian beef and more.

Mr. Beef & Pizza— No relation to the downtown Mr. Beef on Orleans, the Harlem Mr. Beef is one of the best beefs on the northwest side, with good kicky giardinera.

Roma’s Italian Beef and Sausage— Friendly new owners, old 1970s recipe keep one of the northwest side’s top Italian beef joints plugging along.

Tony’s Italian Deli & Subs— Excellent Italian deli on the northwest side, with a nice selection of subs, Italian beef, and prepared foods.

SOUTH

Al’s No. 1 Italian Beef— Some consider it pricy for what you get these days, but when what you get is a spicy, cinnamon-tinged beef or a charcoal-grilled combo from the original Al’s, well, you only live once my friend. Other locations are licensed franchisees and as franchises go, not bad, but only this is the original Al’s.

Bombacigno’s J&C Inn— Hidden gem just outside the Loop, a family-run Italian deli in an old tavern serving meatball subs, pasta dishes and other old school classics.

Duke’s Drive In— Drive-in stand that’s one of the few hot dog and Italian beef stands still grilling meats over live charcoal, which makes a combo the beef of choice here.

Pop’s Italian Beef— South side stand often ranked as one of the best Italian beefs (barely) in the city; there are also a couple of south suburban locations.

Tony’s Italian Beef— Tiny hot dog and Italian beef stand doing a solid job serving working men and cops (even if they offer cheese as an option on Italian beef).

List compiled by Michael Gebert, 10/9/15.