Illinois takes its Italian beef seriously, and everyone here seems to have a favorite spot they guard like a family recipe. From cash-only stands in the suburbs to Route 66 counters and old-school delis, the state is packed with places stacking thin-sliced beef high on fresh rolls.
This list rounds up eight roast beef joints across Illinois that regulars would rather keep to themselves. Whether you like your sandwich dipped, topped with hot peppers, or paired with fresh-cut fries, there is a stop here worth planning a drive around.
Save it, share it, and get ready to argue about which one really does it best.
1. Johnnie’s Beef, Elmwood Park, IL
Open since 1961, this tiny counter-serve stand has built a reputation as one of the top names for Italian beef in the entire Chicago area. It stays cash-only, so plan to leave the cards in your pocket.
The beef comes thinly sliced and moist, and adding sweet or hot peppers is the move most regulars swear by. Grilled Italian sausage rounds out the sandwich menu, and the Italian ice is nearly as famous as the beef itself.
You will find it at 7500 W North Ave in Elmwood Park. It runs late, open until midnight most nights, which makes it a solid stop for a quick bite well after dinner.
Do not expect much in the way of seating or table service. There is no restroom, and the whole operation leans on speed and quality over comfort.
Parking is usually easy to find in the lot or on the street.
2. Frank’s, Peoria Heights, IL
Down in central Illinois, Frank’s proves that great Italian beef is not just a Chicago thing. The shop serves up Frank Abdnour’s Italian beef, hot dogs, authentic Italian subs, and fresh salads in a carry-out format.
The beef here leans juicy and tender, and the sandwiches come packed full to the brim. It is not a strict Chicago-style version, and that is exactly the point, since it has its own loyal following in Peoria Heights.
Besides the beef, the Italian sub and the Chicago Dog give you a couple more reasons to swing by. Curbside pickup and takeout make grabbing lunch simple.
Find it at 4408 N Prospect Rd. Hours run Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM, and it is closed on Sundays, so time your visit accordingly. Parking is usually plenty, and there is free wi-fi if you stick around.
3. Novi’s Beef, Berwyn, IL
Sitting right along historic Route 66, Novi’s has been a beef sandwich specialist for years while also branching into burgers, hot dogs, tacos, and pasta. If you want variety alongside your beef fix, this is a strong pick.
Portions are generous and the prices stay reasonable, which is a rare combo. The Novi’s Italian Beef Sandwich is the headliner, and you can even order a full pound of the famous beef if you are feeding a crowd.
Beyond the beef, the menu stretches to gyros, chicken pitas, tacos, and a pizza puff, plus fresh-cut fries that come out crisp. The cheeseburgers with grilled onions have their own fans.
You will find it at 6746 Ogden Ave in Berwyn. It is open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM and has a drive-through, restrooms, high chairs, and spacious parking, so it works well for families and groups.
4. Scatchell’s Beef & Pizza, Cicero, IL
Craving beef and pizza in one stop? Scatchell’s in Cicero handles both, serving hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, thin crust pizza, and other fast eats until late into the night.
The Italian beef comes packed with flavor, and the cheesy beef gets plenty of attention. Pair it with a pepperoni and sausage pizza slice and you have got a serious meal.
Do not skip the homemade Italian ice, which is a favorite way to finish things off, especially the strawberry. Fresh fries and a beef one-pound gravy option round out the lineup.
Just a heads up on spelling, since many people forget the letter C in Scatchell’s when searching. Find it at 4700 W Cermak Rd, open as early as 8 AM daily and running past midnight, with restrooms, free wi-fi, and easy parking.
5. Deli Italia on North Main, Rockford, IL
Up in Rockford, Deli Italia keeps things simple with Italian classics, including pizza, lasagna, sandwiches, and catering. The Italian beef sandwich is the reason to make the trip.
Order the Italian beef and sausage combo for the full experience. The hot sandwiches come generously packed and served fresh, and the deli also turns out a well-priced sub that keeps regulars coming back.
If you have room for dessert, the tiramisu is worth a look. The staff here have a reputation for a warm, welcoming attitude that fits the small-shop feel.
The address is 3004 N Main St. Hours are limited, so plan ahead: it opens Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 2 PM and again from 4 to 6 PM, plus Saturday from 10:30 AM to 5 PM, and it is closed Sunday and Monday. On-site parking is free.
6. Baldarotta’s Porketta & Sicilian Sausage, Urbana, IL
College town meets old-school Italian deli at Baldarotta’s in Urbana, a sandwich shop and gelateria that goes well beyond the basics. It is a favorite with students and families alike.
The Italian beef arrives with a wide container of au jus for optimal dipping, which is a nice touch for anyone who likes it wet. Portions are generous, and the hand-cut fries hold their own.
Do not overlook the porketta and Sicilian sausage that give the place its name, plus a muffaletta, turkey pesto sandwich, and even porketta fries. There is a full vegan and vegetarian menu too, so nobody in your group gets left out.
Located at 208 W Griggs St, it is closed Mondays but open Tuesday through Sunday with varying hours, and it offers dessert, a kids’ menu, outdoor seating, and easy parking.
7. Tony’s Italian Beef, Chicago, IL
On the Southwest Side of Chicago, Tony’s has been a neighborhood longtimer serving sandwiches, burgers, dogs, and more from a simple counter-serve setup. The Chicago-style Italian beef is the main draw.
The beef comes moist and well seasoned, topped with hot peppers and provolone, and the kitchen does not skimp on the meat. Fresh giardiniera adds a little bite for those who want it.
Beyond beef, the menu spreads wide with a Jr Beef and Sausage Combo, gyro plate, Greek chicken, a super sub, and Sicilian breaded steak sandwiches. Fresh-cut fries with cheese are a solid add-on.
Find it at 7007 S Pulaski Rd. It opens early, at 7:30 AM on weekdays and 8 AM on weekends, and stays open until 10 PM. There is a kids’ menu and easy parking, though no restroom on site.
8. The Original Nottoli & Son, Chicago, IL
Part deli, part grocery, The Original Nottoli & Son leans into homemade sausages, sandwiches, party trays, and shelves of Italian staples. It is the kind of old-fashioned spot that keeps people coming back for years.
The 12-inch Italian beef has become the shop’s calling card, stacked with high-quality ingredients and genuinely full of meat. The equally hefty pot roast sub gives it real competition for your order.
Cold subs, potato salad, and pasta salad fill out the case, so it doubles as a stop when you need to feed a group. Everything leans generous and fresh.
The deli sits at 7652 W Belmont Ave and keeps short hours, open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM and closed the rest of the week. Free street parking makes a quick visit easy.
Any of these eight will settle the age-old Illinois debate over who piles the beef highest, at least until your next stop. Save the list, pick your dipping style, and start planning which one you will keep secret from your friends.
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