At my parents house for the holidays and usually would rather stay inside my parents house then try to eat anything around the neighborhood. But I decided to venture out and check out Beef Shack, about 15 minutes from where my parents live. Was craving Italian beef and if I'm craving something I'm willing to get the best and travel for it so I decided to check out Beef Shack and my goodness I'm glad I did. I'm going to make a bold statement right now. You ready? This might be the best Italian Beef I ever had. Now I'm no Italian beef expert but this place was really really really good. Got the cheesy beef on garlic bread. It was so flavorful. Meat was tender. My goodness I can't emphasize how good this place was! The greatest kicker though? Their fries with cheese were amazing. The fries were perfectly crisp, flavorful just soooooo good. And the cheese? This wasn't no hole in the wall nacho cheese that I used to get from the dorms. But this cheese had flavor. This cheese had quality. This cheese was legit. I'm very impressed I found such a great spot in the suburbs and somewhat driving distance from my parents place. You can count on it that I will be back. Check it out. Let me know your thoughts. Make it a complete meal by getting fries too. Awesome fries! read more

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Not as good as I remember it being. Seems they cut back on the amount of beef in the sandwich

If i could put 0 stars that still wouldn't be a low enough rating. Not only was my burger completely uncooked but the woman who took my order Alauna W. was extremely rude. I have pictures of the burger and i will be asking the owner for a refund. read more

Sadly, my local Beef Shack which was a mere stone's throw from my apartment in Hoffman closed a few months back. Why? Hell if I know. The place was jam packed like a friggin Apple store daily. I guess it was just to annoy me, or maybe an act of God trying to tell me I need to eat healthier. FML. I make it to the one in Elgin when I am in the area, but I was on perhaps a few month Shack hiatus when I was up near St. Charles on business last week. It was the epitome of a no-brainer to come here when lunch time came around. The Robby motor was definitely a quart low, and I am happy to report to other fans that this location rocks it out in the same manner you have likely come to expect from the others. The interior of this place is much smaller than the one in Hoffman was, as they appear to do a lot more carry out and delivery buiz. However, there are still plenty of places for you to post up in the same cow print stools and the Wifi works great. Also just like the other locations, you place your order, and then pick it up from the window on the far side when it is done. Easy peasy. The absolute best thing on the menu at the shack, and what my mouth starts to water for the second I come through the door, is no question the cheesy beef on garlic bread (pictured). This is a phenomenal sandwich that utterly decimates 95% of the competition out there. It is a gooey, flavor soaked masterpiece. Pro Tip: Be sure to have them add hot peppers if they are your jam and ask for it toasted "well done". It makes the bread just a little crispier which is a dynamite contrast IMHO. Fires here are the same fresh cut varieties that I am used to. They give you a ton of them too. The best way to have these is dipped in Shack Sauce, which is sort of like a tangier version of 1000 Island dressing. There is a slight up-charge, but this is worth it. Trust me. You are going to need 2 sides of it to get through a whole order of fries. The staff here was friendly, but more importantly, quick an efficient, which is the real name of the game at places like this that are high volume. I will be back here without question next time I am in the area. read more

Beef Shack - The shack - Fast Food Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

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Sorry but made my first visit to Beef Shack on North Avenue in drive thru. The service was good, quick and efficient. The problem is their beef is just not that flavorful. I am a fan of Johnnies because it has good spices and the Portillos is smother that the beef has a distinct flavor. Unfortunately the Shack is just not that flavorful. Fries are pretty good. read more

Waited a long time for them to finish converting this location to the Beef Shack. I guess I shouldn't have been so excited. I hoped it would be a place for a good Italian beef, since I don't like Buona Beef, and have banned myself from Portillo's. Well, it was pretty disappointing. The bread was just so-so, but the beef was really under-seasoned. It almost tasted like it was a frozen product. They don't even dip it in the juice! This is the only order I've gotten from there, but it only takes one disappointment to never go back. read more

Took a nice Sunday ride from Orland Park to use my Groupon. Presently surprised how great the cheezy beef and fresh cut made to order french fries week. Had a great visit and experience today. read more

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As the official says in an NFL game, "Upon further review", I must update the poor review I originally posted on Beef Shack shortly after they opened. I have been their four times since and each time it was better. Tonight it was as I remembered from many years ago at their original location in St. Charles. The beef had the original taste, as if someone finally stirred the pot of gravy. The fries and hotdogs were very, very good if you like somewhat greasy fries. Mea Culpa, Beef Shack! read more

I had the cheesy beef on garlic bread and fries. Good flavor, but light on the beef. If the beef was increased by 50% it would be perfect. They give you a LOT of fries! Fast service. read more

Beef sandwich is good. A softer bread if you like soft . One in st Charles is cute on inside . Owner is very pleasant .

Food is great! Way better than Portillos....however their staff is rude and its the 2nd time that the girl taking drive thru orders has been snarky while taking our order. read more

only one word can describe my trip to Beef Shack... AWESOME SAUCE... service was superb and food was great. nice environment for our big family of 6 to enjoy. on top of the food, shakes are only $1 on Saturdays. so awesome! highly recommend!!! read more

Love the cheezy garlic beefs here. Amazing! I always stop when I'm in St Charles. A bit expensive but good. The worst thing is their parking lot.... TERRIBLE! Clearly they are charging enough... so fix that before someone falls through the giant craters to China!! read more

Stopped in to get a few beefs to go. Employees were quirky and friendly. The regular size is plenty and they put a good amount of beef in it. Personally, I wish I asked them for more juice bc it was a little on the dry side for me. I had the cheesy beef which includes delicious melted mozzarella. They use soft turano bread that I really like! read more

With a great base of BEEF , it's hard to screw up an Italian BEEF. When the BEEF, is the base and , is delicious and the rest of the sandwich compliments the meat to the fullest. You're at the BEEF SHACK, of St. Charles! The bread. Garlic, or not is the best you'll experience, if you get it TOASTED! If not GARLIC, still get it toasted! Their fries are the best I've ever had and deserve 5 stars alone. Order them well done, or they might come out less than perfect, which is still ; 4 star french fries cool place , nice concept, great food from what I've tried! Get the Shack Sauce at least once, goes great with their fries! read more

Beef Shack - Beef with cheese on garlic. I've been here 6-8 time and this was the best Italian Beef I've had! Lots of meat with the perfect bread - Fast Food Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

Thé serving of beef is very good. Very fresh bread. Fries are a great portion but soggy...Better fries at BURGER KING or WENDY'S. Not crispy at all.... Very disappointed with the fries. Where's the quality control???? read more

I love this place. All locations have been good for me. If you come here you have to get the garlic bread cheesy beef. It is by far the best thing ever. Think portillos is good?? GUESS AGAIN. This place has one of the best beefs. Hotdogs and burgers are also very Good! Friendly staff, food comes out fast. Small inside at this location so at prime time you may not have a seat...thats the only bad I guess but I've never not sat down by the time my foods out. The days are fresh made they grab a whole potato and cut it right then and there and fry it so they are the nice thick "home style" ones. Great place I'd you've never been here plus your right in downtown st Charles so you can go shop and walk the river which is always fun on a nice warm day! Try it out read more

Beef Shack - Home cut frys - Fast Food Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

Not a fan of the beef sandwich:( and I will not be returning for another. We stopped in near closing time and sandwich was lukewarm at best. For the price I expected more meat on the sandwich and better flavor. I found the beef on the bland side without cheese or peppers to add flavor. read more

I never expected such a tasty Beef sandwich from this little shop, it was great! My wife & I both ordered the "Mini Cheesy Beef Combo" had I known it was going to be this tasty I would have ordered the regular size or a giant! I come this way a lot in the summertime for events at the Fairgrounds & always drove past it, not doing that again.... This is a Great Food Stop!!!! read more

Beef Shack is a small eatery located off of Main Street in Saint Charles just a bit East of Randall Road. When you walk in you'll notice a very small menu board posted. They only have a few different items for sale being variations on Italian Beef, Hot Dogs, Burgers, French fries and for some reason salads. The inside is small, there is nice cushioned stools to sit on and service is quick. In visiting Beef Shack I decided to try a hot dog. The hot dog came with fresh cut fries and was only 2.75 plus tax. The dog I received came on a standard non-poppy seed bun. The bun was soft and a bit wet from fry grease. The sausage used here is a natural casing skinned hot dog. The dog had a nice snap to it and a great flavor, it didn't come with a pickle but did include hot peppers. There was a bit more relish and onion than most dogs but the application of mustard was fine. Overall this was a very solid hot dog. The fries included were a nice bonus as they were pretty decent. I'm not the biggest fan of fresh-cut style fries but these were well seasoned and better than most. Considering they came with the hot dog I can't complain. Overall Beef Shack did a great job in proving a solid overall value. It was a good hot dog, with good fries at a good price. I'd recommend Beef Shack for the hot dog, and would visit again. read more

Beef Shack - hot dog and fries - Fast Food Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

After years of not even considering this place as an option, here I am! Does the "Beef Shack" actually live up to its name? "Absolutely"! Indeed, the footprint is the size of a shack...with a very limited menu. You "absolutely" have to respect that. Keep the fluff, "gimme some beef"! The beef is fantastic while the fresh cut fries are greasy perfection. Put that combo on a fresh toasted "Turano" roll slathered with garlic butter; you may have just experienced the premium beef sandwich in the western suburbs! If you like your beef "dipped" in steamy gravy, and who doesn't...I'd think about it.. read more

Beef Shack - One of the "Best Beefs" in the area - Fast Food Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

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Oh man- best Italian beef of my life! We had such a great experience at the Beef Shack that we will definitely be back over and over again... though perhaps not too frequently as healthy fare is a bit difficult to find at this location. Beef Shack as a really simple menu- beef, burgers, hot dogs, and one salad. We all had the beefs- all on the garlic bread with mozzarella cheese- they were heaven. Every single person in my family ate their entire sandwich, which is impressive as some are light eaters. We also had several orders to share of their fries- absolutely delicious. They make them fresh- and there is nothing better- and they were also perfectly salted. The restaurant isn't much to look at inside and out- very simple- but also very clean. The service was friendly and very efficient. We'll be back! This location also participates in the Kane County monthly deal program- so you can look into that if you are interested. read more

We all love an Italian Beef from Portillo's, Augustino's, and Buona Beef, don't we? All of them have good, consistent sandwiches as well as a large menu when we're feeling like a change of pace. They all do many things well. That being said, if you want to go to a legit beef shack in the tri-cities area, the Beef Shack is the place to go! The Menu has 4 items: Beefs, Dogs, a burger, and a salad. I hear the salad is pretty good actually. All I get (I've been 4x) is the Garlic Cheezy Beef w/ hot peppers. The beef is tender, the bun is toasted, the peppers are hot, the gravy is legit, and that garlic spread they put on the bun before they make your sandwich puts it over the top! It's large and in charge. It is definitely a wet sandwich. I've eaten it in the car and barely avoided a catastrophe of gravy and greasy goodness all over my pants. I cant wait to go back. There is this thing with the fries though... Its true about the fries. However, in the last few weeks, they seem to have gotten better. Maybe the owner has been trolling "the inter-nets" and has seen what his would-be loyal patrons are saying about the mushy, stick together, waste-of-a-potato fries. Do you hear us, Mr. Spiro Douvris? We love your beef and will patronize your lovely establishment forever if you fix your f***ing fries! I know it takes longer, but they need to be cooked 2x dammit! In truth, I think they have gotten crispier in the last few weeks. Or is it that I've gotten used to them? Perhaps. All I know is that the Garlic Cheezy Beef calls my name in a way that Portillo's does not. read more

Best Italian Beef I've had no contest. I had the beef on garlic with mozzarella and hot peppers. The gravy is what makes it the best! Not only do they pour it on, they even dunk the entire thing straight out of the oven into it! Forget Al's and Portillos. If you want a beef this is the place to get it. next stop Bouna Beef. read more

My husband and I visited Beef Shack last week and loved it. We both had the garlic bread beef sandwiches and, although I probably won't have the sandwich on garlic bread again (just a little too garlicky for me), we will definitely be back. The inside is small, but the tables are nice and the place is definitely a few notches up from a "shack". read more

The place is not very big but my review is strictly for the food. I thought the fries were exceptional but the beef left me disappointed. I ordered a beef dipped and hot. The meat was tender but flavorless. The bun was more like a soft dinner roll in texture and taste but I like a Gonellas style French roll which is crusty and firm. This was spongy and soft. I did think the giardiniera was average. There was a good supply of beef on the bun. Maybe the burger or hotdog with the good fries? read more

The major quality change at portillos since they sold out left me searching for a new Italian beef spot and I found it here at beef shack. Their Italian beef on garlic bread with hot peppers is great. Their shack salad and fresh cut fries are also very good. read more

Seriously the garlic cheesy beef is the best beef ever. So much flavor and melts in your mouth. I started eating and could not stop. read more

Beef Shack - Fast Food Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

Yes, Italian Sausage!!! Cheezy Combo on Garlic. It was everything I had hoped it would be. +1 star back!! Can't wait for my next one!! read more

They have the best Italian beef I've ever had! The garlic bread adds a punch of flavor that elevates the sandwich to a new level. The fries are perfectly crispy with just the right amount of salt, and are so fresh! The only part of my meal I didn't love was the fries cheese sauce ... and it was still pretty good! If I could give this place 10 stars I would! read more

"Okay" at best. Probably would not return. Beef ($6.85 before tax) is served on a softer hoagie-type or kaiser-type roll, not french bread. It was a bit too juicy and there was not enough beef put inside. Not that I want something OVERLY loaded either, but it could have been more commensurate for what the cost was. Fries are homemade and were decent. One of my other family members had a regular cheeseburger and they told me it was just okay, nothing special or "great" like Outback, or Hawthorne's. The hot dog and fries is listed for "3.25" on their stack of cardboard menus, but was now 3.75 on the blackboard. I would think they should update their menus, or at least not have various neat stacks of them on their counters if the prices aren't current. The place was kinda messy/dirty inside and not swept up, and I admit to nitpicking here but the parking lot is awful. Very small/crammed and there had to have been 100 potholes all over. Barely ok - I tend to think the numerous 5-star reviewers have overrated this place. I doubt I would return here. Wasn't terrible, but there are at least 5 other nearby places to get a better beef at for the same price or even cheaper from Portillo's to Pop's to Augustino's to especially Buona Beef. Buona Beef is cheaper, and a much better beef... read more

This one off steak shack is quite good. The bread is almost garlic bread consistency. If you don't specify, they will just put a cup of juice on your sandwich. The meet was just a little dried out, but decently priced for the portions. read more

Italians beef sandwiches are great, even better on the cheesy garlic bread. The fries are REAL FRIES that you see freshly cut from a real potato cutter. Great fries but could've used a little less grease and more salt. Smaller environment but not extremely uncomfortable. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because no hot peppers came on the sandwich. We asked for a side of hot peppers once realizing this. They charged an extra 50 cents so not the worst, but we were never initially asked if we wanted hot peppers on our beef which is odd because this is a staple of Italian beef sandwiches! read more

Beef Shack - Fast Food Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

Today was my second time in Beef Shack, and regretfully, it wasn't nearly as good as the first. I really wanted to give this place a better rating but unfortunately the only reason that I am giving it 2 stars is because of one of the guys behind the counter and the amount of beef and cheese that is on the sandwich. Today I was the first customer of the day coming in at 5 after 11. I had a taste for beef, and drove past a couple of Portillos, and Buona's, as well as a couple of other local beef places to come here. I remembered how good the beef was the first time. Consistency is key, and maybe today was a bad day but if I were a first time customer, i'd not be back. I walked in the door to no one being behind the counter. Sure it was early in the day and perhaps catering orders or prep work was being done. After about 15-20 seconds, someone came out and said hi (white male, tall, with redish hair). I placed my order for a cheesy beef and a hot dog while looking at the menu board. Looked over the the man and he looked at me like I just spoke to him in Japanese and I was an inconvenience for interrupting what he was doing before he had to come take my order. I again repeated my order to him. Unfortunately when I sat down I forgot to order peppers on the sandwich, and I was never asked about this. I didn't want to interrupt him again though, so I just waited. Another worker was preparing my food (black male, tall).This guy actually looked like he was working and like he gave a darn that I came in and spent my hard earned money to help keep them employed. When he got done putting my order together he called my number, said thank you, and have a blessed day. I sat at a tablet and ate the beef there. When I took my beef out of the bag, there were was a lot of juice in the wrapper and unfortunately I spilled some of it on my pants. Now I love a juicy beef just as much as the next guy, but I guess I didn't realize it would be swimming. I'll take the blame on that one. The beef was full of flavor and was absolutely delicious. The only thing I would change about it is putting the cheese in the center, so you get cheese in both bites. Now onto the hot dog. Well lets just say it wasn't edible. I got back home and opened it up. The bun was left open faced and the fries were just dumped all over the hot dog. Now I get that I had to drive 25 minutes back home, and wouldn't expect the dog to be as good as if I had eaten it there, but this was just not good. I tried to pick the fries off the dog and when I was done, I realized the hinge in the bun was broken and half of one of the sides of the bun was broken. Essentially I had 3 pieces of bun to hold into. The hot dog was very small. If I had to guess I would say maybe a 10:1 dog. The toppings were smeared all over and it just wasn't worth trying to salvage what was there. The fries and dog were unfortunately tossed in the garbage. Overall, would I return? Maybe. Would I drive 25 minutes to come back here again, not a chance. I likely would recommend the beef, and stop back for it if in the area, but certainly wouldn't come here for the customer service or the hot dogs. read more

Ah good ol beef shack. I can't believe I've waited this long to write a review. But here we go: The service, amazing. They are so friendly, when you walk in they greet you and make you feel welcome. I really get the feeling they care about their customers. Also even during the busy times, the system they have in place still gets you on your way fairly quick. Dine in, the footprint of this little shack is very small. Tall wooden tables with a barstool type seating. The place can get pretty busy and crowded, but that doesn't make it any more difficult to get in and out if you choose take out. The food! My beef of choice is the cheesy beef on garlic. It's a delicious beef with cheese and I believe garlic spread on the bun. The beef and cheese is good but that hint of garlic really sets this beef apart others for me. They send the sandwich through this toaster conveyer thing and it comes out golden on the top and perfectly melted cheese. The fries on the side are actual cut potatoes. Not frozen. You see them use the potatoes cutter right then and there before they fry them. And I love their fries. They are greasy so it's not a meal to have everyday but if you have a chance definitely grab some! Also, the burger is great as well. I'd call it smashburger but better. They also serve it with a chipotle mayo that I've yet to try. They have a fountain drink machine I believe 20oz cups and a nice selection of refreshments. Overall, great place with great food and a great experience. read more

We stopped here cause we had a restaurant.com certificate. What a great find their cheesy beef sandwich on garlic bread is delicious. The fresh cut fries were hot and crispy and so good. We will definitely be back coupon or not. Inside is clean and well set up. read more

Beef Shack - Cheesy beef on garlic bread and fresh cut fries - Fast Food Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

I was a bit disappointed. I rarely write anything but, a 5-star. I called my favorite neighborhood go-to DeGeos, nearby on the East Side. They had closed for a family function. Bummer, but good for them. Yelp ended up sending me across town to The Beef Shack. Their website showed a delivery service but only for pick up. I did get the convenience of ordering and paying on line, only to get there and find that they use three delivery services. Oh well maybe I was out of range. After I waited patiently for ten minutes, they figured out that it was me and the order, getting cold, was matched up. Compared to DeGeos, cold bland beef, and gold service. If you like The Beef Shack and you live on the West Side, come over to DeGeos. Well worth the drive. Great owner, lives there, and WAY better beef! read more

This place has the best beef you will ever have. Can't beat it. Portillos has nothing on them. The fresh cut fries are perfectly made. Get the cheesy beef on garlic you won't regret it. read more

Great place in that it was exactly what it said it was, the beef shack. Really good Italian beef. Get the garlic mayo sauce and the hot peppers. Fries ok, could be crisper. read more

Just went to beef shack in Joliet off jefferson st. Horrible!! I paid 8 dollars for a rubbery hot dog and stale as hell hot dog bun...and it took a minute to get my food too...very disappointed. Ill stick to Portillos or mickeys . read more