Plenty of sandwich shops claim to make a real Philly cheesesteak, but very few can win over people who actually grew up in Philadelphia. A small, family-run counter in Mundelein, Illinois has pulled off that tricky feat.
Folks drive an hour or more for its chopped ribeye, its Amoroso-style rolls, and its cheese whiz ‘whizzers.’ Even a self-declared rule breaker who refused to eat cheesesteaks outside Philly gave in after spotting the right bread and cheese on the menu. Keep reading to learn where this spot sits, who runs it, what to order, and how to plan a stop without missing your chance.
A Philly Outpost on Butterfield Road
Lake County has a little slice of Pennsylvania, and it goes by The Philly Special.
The shop sits at 1408 Butterfield Rd, Mundelein, IL 60060, in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is listed as a cheesesteak restaurant, and that label fits like a well-wrapped sandwich.
Mundelein is not the first town most people connect with South Philly cooking. That surprise is part of the fun.
Locals who have lived nearby for years often say they only recently discovered the place. Once they do, it tends to land on their list of favorite sandwich shops.
The menu goes beyond the classic steak. There are several cheesesteak styles, a shrimp po boy, chicken wings, cheese sticks, buffalo cauliflower bites, and fries cut by hand.
Still, the cheesesteak is the headliner. It is the reason people make the trip from across Chicagoland, and even from other states.
Travelers from Tennessee stopped in while visiting for a Bears game. A group from Arkansas called it the food highlight of their whole trip.
That is a lot of attention for a modest suburban counter, so the next question is simple: who is behind the grill?
Nick and the Family Behind the Counter
Ask regulars about the shop and one name comes up again and again: Nick.
The owners are from Philadelphia, and that hometown connection drives everything here. The owner is often the one taking orders, chatting with guests, and making sure tables have what they need.
Guests describe him as down to earth, personable, and quick with a joke. One late arrival ended up talking with him well past closing time and never felt rushed out the door.
It is a true family operation. The owner’s young son has been spotted clearing empty baskets, politely doing his part while wearing an Eagles jersey.
Small touches stand out too. Even with a to-go order, staff have carried food out to the table where a customer was waiting.
Large groups get the same care. Out-of-town families have noted that the team went out of its way to keep them comfortable while a big order came together.
The owner also replies to online comments with warmth, even when a batch of fries misses the mark. He owns the mistake and invites people back.
That kind of hospitality is hard to fake. It sets the stage for the real star of the show.
Ribeye, Rolls, and the Famous Whizzer
Authenticity starts with ingredients, and the shop checks the boxes Philly natives look for.
The steak is chopped ribeye, piled in generous amounts. Guests often mention that the steak to cheese ratio is right where it should be.
The bread matters just as much. The kitchen uses Amoroso rolls, the brand many Philadelphians consider essential.
Cheese choices cover the classics. Provolone is a popular pick, and Cooper Sharp also appears on the menu, a detail that convinced one longtime skeptic to try it.
Then there is the whizzer. That is Philly shorthand for a cheesesteak topped with cheese whiz, and it ranks among the most talked about orders here.
Cooked onions are another favorite add-on. Diners point out the touch of sweetness and bite they bring to each sandwich.
Some guests go for a classic with bacon. Others stick to the purist route of steak, cheese, and onions.
Born-and-raised Philadelphians have called it the most authentic version they have found in the Midwest. A few even rank it ahead of some sandwiches back home, which is bold talk in cheesesteak circles.
Fries, Wings, and Side Characters
A great sandwich needs a strong supporting cast, and the extras here pull their weight.
The hand cut fries are a regular companion to the steaks. Many describe them as hot and very crunchy.
To be fair, one batch came out overdone for a pair of first-timers. The owner apologized publicly, which says something about the standards in the kitchen.
Pickle fries are another frequent talking point. They are among the most mentioned menu items overall.
Wing fans have plenty to cheer about. The wings are brined overnight and fried twice, and they come in a long list of flavors.
Spicy Peach is a personal favorite of the owner. The peach glaze has won over guests who call it one of the best wing sauces they have had.
Plant-forward diners can try the buffalo cauliflower bites. Cheese sticks and the shrimp po boy round out the options.
For dessert, Tastykakes make an appearance. Those snack cakes are a Philadelphia classic, a fun sweet note to end on.
Nobody has to leave hungry, which brings up the next topic: portion size.
Bring an Empty Stomach
Here is some friendly advice: skip the snack before coming.
Portions run big. The large Philly is often described as huge, enough to stretch into two meals.
Sandwiches arrive stuffed with filling. The owner jokes that these steaks are not for the faint of appetite.
A large combo with sandwich, fries, and a drink has run around $26. Some find that a bit steep at first, then decide the size and quality make it worth it.
Overall, the typical spend falls in the $10 to $20 range per person. Many call the prices reasonable for what lands on the tray.
For the truly ambitious, the shop also offers a food challenge. It has become one more reason first-timers want to come back.
Sharing is a smart move for lighter eaters. Splitting a large sandwich and a side of fries keeps the bill friendly and the leftovers manageable.
Whatever the plan, a to-go box is never a bad idea here.
Eagles Pride on Every Wall
Go Birds is more than a slogan inside these walls.
The dining area is casual and clean, decorated with a fun Philly theme. Guests say the atmosphere practically overflows with hometown pride.
That spirit matters to transplants. For Philadelphians living in Illinois, the shop serves as a reminder of home, and coworkers often send friends here to see what a legit cheesesteak should be like.
The vibe works for many types of meals. It suits a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a stop on a road trip.
Families fit right in. Parents bring kids, siblings grab dinner together, and groups of travelers settle in without fuss.
There is also gaming on site in the form of slots. Some locals first came for those machines and stayed for the food.
Staff keep the mood relaxed and upbeat. The register banter alone has earned plenty of fans.
Bears fans are welcome too, of course. They just might want to keep the rivalry talk friendly.
Hours and Timing Your Visit
Mondays are the one day to avoid, since the shop stays closed.
Tuesday through Saturday, doors open at 11 am and close at 9 pm. That leaves plenty of room for lunch or a later dinner.
Sundays run on a shorter schedule, from noon until 7 pm. Weekend game days might call for an earlier arrival.
Online ordering is available through the website at thephillyspecialsteaks.com. One pair who ordered ahead had food ready in about 30 minutes.
Dine-in service tends to move quickly. Many guests note that orders come out fast and hot, even large ones.
Getting there is simple for anyone in Lake County. The shop sits right on Butterfield Road, and people regularly drive in from across the Chicago area.
Planning a road trip stop is easy too. Visitors from as far as Tennessee and Arkansas have worked it into their travel plans.
A little planning keeps the whole experience smooth and stress free.
Worth the Drive, Says Lake County
Strong word of mouth usually means something, and this shop has plenty of it.
The Philly Special holds a 4.6 star average across nearly 500 Google entries. That is impressive for a small family counter.
The praise keeps circling back to the same points. Real ribeye, true Amoroso rolls, big portions, and a warm owner who treats people like neighbors.
It also wins over skeptics. Folks who had never tried an authentic cheesesteak say chain sub shops are no longer on their list.
There are small misses now and then, like an overcooked batch of fries. The response shows a team that listens and cares.
For Philly natives, it offers a taste of home in the Midwest. For everyone else, it is a crash course in what the fuss is about.
Start with a whizzer or a provolone classic and add some pickle fries. Then save a little room for a Tastykake.
Odds are the first visit will not be the last, and Nick will probably remember the order next time.
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