They say "and when i'm back in chicago, i feel it" and mr.beef perfectly encapsulates this lyric. I got the og beef and despite how mushy it was, it was still a very good hot dog with different layers of textures and flavors. Very worth the long wait! read more

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Most excellent meal! Get your money ready, know your order, and make it a combo. Fast casual very cool vibes. We ate in the back on the long table and made friends with some tourists next to us. Would go back. read more

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If you are in the Chicago area, you have to try this spot. We arrived pretty soon after it opened (around 10:45am on a Saturday) and there was already a line of a few people in front of us. The employees run this place very efficiently, like a well oiled machine. So make sure you know what you want to order by the time you reach the front of the line: They now accept card but there is also an ATM machine inside. I ordered the Italian beef sandwich, hot and sweet, but you can also order it just hot or sweet, depending on your taste preference. We ate in the adjoining room, which has a long picnic style table with community seating. Before diving into my sandwich, I grabbed a loose piece of meat and tasted it. Oh. My. Gawd. The flavor and tenderness was exactly what you hope for in this type of sandwich. The bread was soft and chewy and a perfect vessel for the meat and peppers. I was very happy with my food! I honestly want to plan another trip to Chicago just so I can eat another one of their sandwiches. By the time we left, there was a line out the door. A food tour bus came in after us and that was neat, listening to the tour guide talk and catching some snippets. They also have a parking lot which is a rare commodity in certain areas of the city. Highly recommend! read more

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I mean, you kind of have to try Mr. Beef at least once if you live in Chicago. Especially after watching The Bear lol. I got the Italian beef with hot peppers and fries and, obviously, got it dipped. It was messy as hell but really good. The beef was tender, the peppers had a nice kick, and the bread soaking up all the jus is really what makes it. Service is quick and straight to the point. You order at the counter, grab your food, and keep it moving. The inside is super old-school Chicago too, nothing fancy, people packed around the counter, pictures and signs everywhere. It feels like it's probably looked the same forever. Good food and just a very Chicago experience. read more

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Best Italian beef sandwich I've had in Chicago. Get it dipped, and don't skip the sweet and hot peppers, they make the sandwich. Cool bonus: spotted the owner and one of the executive producers of The Bear in the spot while eating. No-frills counter service, exactly as it should be. read more

Mr. Beef - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Not worth the hype (nowhere worth it to wait in sweltering Chicago heat for over an hour), but still a GREAT value. I got the bear and the beef somehow tasted not salty enough for me and the bread was fine. I had it dipped and I'm not entirely sure it made the sandwich better, but be forewarned that it was super messy! Fries were a soggy/greasy kind of good and they have an interesting variety of soft drinks. It's communal seating in a considerably cooler room next door and there's a nice man who cleans up and sits next to wet wipes you can use on your way out (due to aforementioned messiness). Remember to tip! Very true to how it looked in the bear. The main guy in charge was super kind. A girl had to wait extra long for her order (her friends were waiting for her) so he gave her a cannoli on the house. read more

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Incredibly happy I got to try this place IRL! Yes expect a long wait but it's so worth it. The men inside do their very best to work fast and it shows! Even saw one server catch a beef sandwich mid air It was my first Chicago style hot dog and beef sandwich and I'm so glad I got to experience at this iconic location. The hotdog was so great and perfectly paired with crispy fries! The cannoli also lived up to its reputation- it was LARGE! Also a nice surprise was the ample seating in the back and a parking lot Tip: they do offer a cash discount read more

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This was my first combo Italian beef which is a mix of sweet and spicy peppers(giardiniera). The sandwich itself was delicious. It was so juicy. I didn't enjoy the pepper and the celery. The only other Italian beef I've tried had the sweet pepper cut up into smaller pieces making it easier to eat so I would've preferred that over just a huge chunk of pepper. Regarding the celery, I assumed the spicy pepper meant it would be mostly peppers but there were only a few mixed in with the heap of celery and it wasn't spicy at all. I'd recommend this to first timers but definitely read up on what toppings you want added so you know what you're getting. I went before noon so the line took maybe 20 minutes and ordering went pretty smoothly and they give your food basically right after you order it. read more

Mr. Beef - Combo, dipped - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really good Italian beef sandwich!! Hype is real! Worth the visit! Pretty short wait in line around noon on a weekday when I visited! Cool vibes! read more

Mr. Beef - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is a gold mine, due to being the inspiration for Netflix's show 'The Bear' ... and good for them. Was the food 20 minute and down the block line worthy? No. It's a decent beef sandwich and canoli ... a lunch which is reasonably priced and satisfying. While I probably wouldn't wait more than 5 minutes to get it, I wouldn't mind having it again if I was in Chicago. They get props for keeping everything orderly ... lots of these 'viral' food places have a chaotic ordering system with a menu not available until you get to the counter or people waiting mixed in with people ordering. Not this place! It runs with military-level efficiency ... no line cutters, no figuring out how to order, no ride counter staff. The staff all deserve a lot of praise. It's no less than 85 - 90 degrees in that store with all the grills going. I broke a sweat just standing inside for a few minutes. Yet all of the staff was extremely pleasant and didn't even lose patience with the 'duuuuuh' customers who were totally clueless and slow. The beef sandwich is what I ordered ... Hot, Sweet and Juicy ... which sounds like a 1970's Blacksploitation movie but actually means sweet peppers, hot pepper and dipped in au jus. I also added Provolone cheese for a buck, which I wouldn't do again because it was kind of bland. If I was doing it over, I'd skip the hot pepper and get a side of melted cheese for dipping. The sandwich was good ... a bit bland, even with the peppers. I think they should maybe add some salt and pepper or other seasonings. I expected more flavour. It was very juicy and though the bread got a little soggy, it was still fairly easy to eat, although messy enough to not be a good date spot. The canoli was the best part of the meal. Mike's bakery in Boston has fantastic canolis and I think this was on par. Don't skip the canoli. That's the low down on Mr. Beef. Going there feels more like an event than lunch. It's fairly inexpensive and very good. My concierge said Al's was a better choice but as a fan of The Bear, I wanted to try this. I don't regret going and would go again if the line was short and maybe try something different. It seems that they focus on quality ... despite the large quantity served. read more

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Finished watching all 5 seasons of The Bear, so we thought it was the perfect time to finally try Mr. Beef. I am so happy they were open July 4th, and it seemed they stayed open a little after they were supposed to close just so they could serve every customer in line! There was a super long line out the door that took about 30 minutes (we lined up around 3pm and ordered around 3:30pm--which is when they were supposed to close). Once you order, you get your food right away because they are just constantly making beef sandwiches right behind the counter. If you pay with cash, you'll get a slight discount. They do accept credit cards with a fee. We ordered ours the way it's recommended: juicy, sweet, and hot. They offered to cut it in half for us to share, which was super nice of them! The guy working at the counter was very friendly and quick. We also ordered one of their homemade cannolis. In the dining area, it's a very long communal table that everyone sits at. People finish very fast, so there's always an open spot. The beef sandwich was definitely one of the best I've had!!! Super juicy and flavorful. I could definitely eat an entire sandwich by myself because they are so good. We'll definitely be back for another sandwich sometime!! read more

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I made it a mission to visit the infamous Mr. Beef on my Chicago trip and it was so worth it. The owner took care of everybody here during my visit and you can tell he genuinely cares about visitors. He mentioned there was going to be a wait and offered suggestions near the area for great Italian beef sandwiches for travelers that did not have the time to wait. I got the Italian beef and it was messy and delicious (that's how it's supposed to be!) I enjoyed every aspect of the sandwich, the beef, veggies, bread, and most importantly the au jus (juices from the meat). The dining area is one long table which allows for you to interact with others dining if you wish. They have their own parking lot on the side of the restaurant for those looking to drive there. Overall this was an excellent experience and the service alone was enough to make me want to come back. read more

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Yup I'm a super fan of The Bear and you knew if I was coming to Chicago, I was coming to Mr. Beef. Walking in to the place, it felt just like I was inside Season 1 Episode 1. Anyways, the line had two people hanging out the door so it wasn't too bad. We were ordering food within 10-12 minutes. The service was quick and simple, just be ready with your order. Food time. Fries were excellent. Don't skip em. The sandwich, well maybe I just don't like Italian beef sandwiches. I mean, the bread was sogged out (which I know is part of whole deal) while the beef inside was dried out and bland. But I've had several Italian beef sandwiches before (Als, Portillo's, etc) and always have the same experience, so maybe I just don't like Italian beef sandwiches lol. The best part was the sweet and hot peppers because that's the only way I can get some flavor and texture on this wet ole thing. I loved the eating area. It was all family style eating. Someone across from us mentioned that next time, I should order the sandwich dry with the jus on the side. Ding ding ding. That's what I'm gonna do next time. In the meantime, I'm glad I came. read more

Mr. Beef - Italian Beef with sweet/hot peppers and provolone and fries - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Make sure you're ready to order at this fast paced famous order-at-the -counter spot in Chicago! Mr. Beef, recently featured in the bear, is a no frills solid spot for the classic italian beef. I tried the italian beef dipped, with sweet and spicy peppers, and provolone cheese. I would say this was the ideal combination. I loved that while one side is the deli where you order there is a back room with one long family style table to eat at - gives a sense of community! It was so flavorful, messy, and delicious! Service is friendly, but again have your order ready they wait for no one! A spot that lives up to the hype. read more

Mr. Beef - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Amazing and just a fan. The food was hot and ready I ordered the Italian beef and it was falvourful. Came here because I'm a fan of the show and enjoyed it very much. Service was chill and just real no fake stuff. You have to get here early to beat the crowd and I was in awe of the atmosphere and how much the show relates read more

Mr. Beef - Italian beef - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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One Bear (sweet and hots on Italian Beef) with Dip and a Dr Pepper. Delicious. Well seasoned. And the perfect afternoon bite. Well worth the walk through the loop to get here. Will put on my list to visit every time I'm here. Fast service and the 'Elegant Dining Room's is perfection. Alone or with friends definitely stop in to check out Mr. Beef!! read more

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incomparably iconic. one of the best italian beefs the city has to offer. the history feels alive and well at this spot, and it could not be a better source material for the incredible television show. the dining room feels very familial and inviting, the staff is no frills and tough as nails, and the food itself is hard to beat. words don't do justice, an absolute must visit. read more

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Worth the hype. I know a lot of people come out as fans of The Bear, but beyond that it's legitimately an awesome sandwich. The beef in the italian beef was juicy and flavorful. The hot, sweet peppers were balanced. The service was amazingly fast and energetic. To note the main room where you order is scorchingly hot (props to the cooks)! but they have a dining room to the side that has AC and a long communal table. Order your own, don't spit it... you'll regret it like I did and we had to go back for more. read more

Arrived 30 minutes early and there was no line yet. Circled the block and ended up being 3rd in line. Ordered the Combination Sandwich ($12, Italian Beef + Italian Sausage) and added the giardinia for an extra $1 since the combo doesn't automatically come with it. Also asked for it dipped and surprisingly the bread actually held up! Be prepared for a greasy mess trying to eat this, the entire sandwich and wrapping gets very oily. Bring extra wet wipes. They have a back room with communal tables to eat it fresh. Loved the snap of the Italian sausage. Both meats were well seasoned and flavorful. The size is smaller than some other spots but worth for more flavor. read more

Mr. Beef - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Went here for lunch on Saturday and there was long line. Took about 30 minutes to order. Got a beef sandwich dipped. Tasted kind of like a cheese steak, but it didn't have much flavor in general. Guess this place is all hype. I'll try Al's next time. read more

Absolutely great the highlight of my Chicago trip I ate deep dish pizza had hot dogs and plenty of food in and near Wrigley field but Mr beef was definitely the best meal I had in Chicago just and explosion of flavors at once the beef peppers and bread all mix together perfectly next time I'm in town this will be my first stop read more

Mr. Beef - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I had an out of town guest who really wanted to eat at Mr. Beef, it's not really my thing but I wanted to be a good host. We stood in line outside for about 15 mins, it was a scorching hot day, almost 100f. Then we made it inside for another 15 mins wait and I can't believe how hot it was, it had to be 120f inside, I have no idea how the guys could work in such conditions. My hat's off to them! My friend really liked his Italian beef (his first time) and fries. I gave the beef a try, not my thing but the fries were excellent. Four stars based on my companions opinion, not necessarily mine. read more

As a fan of The Bear, I was obligated to make a stop at Mr. Beef during our Chicago trip. We showed up around noon and the place was already pretty busy, but the line moved relatively fast and we were eating within about 15 minutes of our arrival. We decided to share the Italian Beef sandwich, and of course we got that dipped. It's a huge, messy sandwich that absolutely lived up to my high expectations. It's got this rich, beefy flavor that I found completely irresistible, and the meat itself was just so tender and delicious. I'm so happy that Mr. Beef is so good. It would've been a real let-down if it had been anything other than stellar. read more

Mr. Beef - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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First time having a Chicago beef dip and it was an experience for sure. Lots of sauce and messy to eat! Ordered the bear which is half sweet half hot peppers! Would recommend! read more

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Let's be honest, a first timer who just climbed out of the turnip truck and wandered into Mr. Beef's would likely award 4 stars - with its sticky floors, limited menu, only a fan for ventilation (borderline unbearable in summertime), and surly service. And yet, my kinda place. On this muggy August Saturday 12:30p we waited in a long (roughly 40+ person) line whose length split evenly between the humid, sunny outdoors and the even hotter but shaded indoors. After approx 25 minutes (impressive) we were at the counter. Staff is polite but efficiently frank (know what you want!) We came for the Italian beef and swiftly ordered "two beefs with everything" (that automatically comprises sweet and hot peppers, medium dipped) and just $10 each. Cash is king but they do take cc for a small fee. The cashier was a whiz with math and would instantly shout out your total for each payment type (my guestimate is a 2-3% upcharge for cc). There's a small ATM just inside the front door too. The total menu has maybe 8-10 items (several of which were unavailable because their grill was down, including any burgers, but what are you doing even thinking about a burger here?) I fell in love with Mr. Beef during college so it is always nastalgic to revisit, now 20+ years later, and perhaps even more so while fully grasping the hidden, 5am urgency behind the preparations that "The Bear" has since iconified (the show was modeled after THIS place). Yes, you can get an equally solid Italian beef at Portillo's but why miss the legendary experience. Cheeseburger, cheeseburger! No soup for you! Life is short, live it uniquely. read more

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We tried this place because of The Bear and I realized after living in the Chicagoland area my whole life I've never tried Italian beef, but we came for lunch and got a standard dipped italian beef. I don't have a good metric for what good italian beef tastes like but this sandwich was a little bland for me, not enough flavor aside from the meat, and the giardiniera was also a little tasteless. It was also a little too wet (I get it, I got it dipped) but the bread was melting a little as I was eating it. It was a good experience, but I would probably not come again. read more

I have to say, this place is much better than some of the other Italian beef spots out there. The meat was flavorful, and the hot peppers were absolutely delicious. The prices were also quite reasonable, especially for such a famous place. However, given its reputation, I expected the food to be much better. Perhaps that is simply the curse of high expectations and it would be unfair to hold that against them. Or perhaps not. Either way, if you are expecting to be blown off your feet, I can assure you that you will remain firmly planted on the ground. read more

Mr. Beef - Italian Beef - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good amount of seating and only waited 15~ minutes in line. Got the Italian beef with fries and onion rings. The Italian beef was nice and drenched and definitely flavorful. The sides of fries and onion rings were just okay and standard. Got three Italian beef and the two side for a total of 46$ cash read more

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Mr. Beef is an Italian Beef restaurant that serves up Chicago's finest Italian Beef sandwiches. It also happens to be the backdrop of the fictional Original Beef from The Bear. Shout out to Celina G., whose review was great and helped make my experience awesome. My Overall Rating - 5 Stars (Atmosphere, Service, Food, Return) Atmosphere - Mr. Beef's is a small, humble restaurant that was an area where you order, and a dedicated dining area which is one long communal table. Behind the counter, your food is made to order. The old school menu has items you can order, and all along the walls are photos of famous people who have visited. 1 Star. Service - The staff are super nice. The system is simple, you line up - know what you want to order so you don't hold up the line. They'll take your order, give you a stack of napkins (you'll need them), and then you pay. Bring cash if you don't want to pay extra fees. Mr. Beef is staffed by "good people", always smiling and making sure my order was right. 1 Star. Food - I came here for the Italian Beef with sweet peppers. The thinly sliced beef was super tender and packed a seasoned beef punch - in a good way. While I didn't order my sandwich dipped, the natural juices from the Italian beef were enough to soften my roll. Mr. Beef gave me a generous portion of beef, as some of them fell out as I took a bite. While they tried to escape, they ended up in my tummy. The onion rings were hot & crispy, fresh out of the fryer, and a good distraction from my sandwich. 2 Stars. Will I Return? - Yes. I went to visit Mr. Beef as a tourist, wanting to check out where several scenes from The Bear were filmed. I left after eating one of the best Italian Beef sandwiches I've ever had. The next time I come back, it will be for Mr. Beef, not The Bear. 1 Star. read more

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After several years and all the hype, I finally tried Mr Beef. The ordering process was super easy and fast - walked up to the counter, ordered from the friendly staff and my Italian Beef and fries was ready in minutes. I decided to eat-in and the long tables next on the other side of the counter / kitchen was unique and fun. Even being well before noon, the room was almost full and clearly a mix of tourists and locals. The Italian Beef itself was very good but I wouldn't put it ahead of Johnnie's or even Al's. The fries were okay but not stand outs. Overall, a good experience. read more

Mr. Beef - Italian Beef Sandwich - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The perfect quick, tasty, filling sando experience. At most a square block from the brown line, you can see the sign from the platform like a beacon. Sauce on the side would have been preferred, but the bread was so soft and the beef was so thinly sliced, it was more delightful than anticipated. Sweet peppers completed the flavor profile perfectly, and I grabbed a pineapple soda to enjoy in the dining room. The workers are kind and quick, and the space has the same charm as it does in THE BEAR. Big win. read more

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I stopped by Mr. Beef and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The food was amazing and the customer service matched everyone was friendly and efficient, even with how busy it gets. I ordered my Italian beef sandwich dipped, and it did not disappoint. The beef was tender, flavorful, and perfectly juicy with a generous amount on a soft bun. The peppers were spot on I loved the mix of spicy and sweet. Honestly, it was so good I could've eaten another one right after. The fries were fresh and crispy without being overdone, and they had ketchup available for dipping, which was a nice touch. A couple of things to know: if you pay with cash, you get a small discount, but there's a slight fee if you use a card. They also offer free water in a cup, or you can purchase bottled water. I've heard great things about the cannolis, but they were out when I visited. The restaurant itself was clean with plenty of seating, including a long communal table. The location is convenient, though I didn't notice parking since I took the bus. It's a very popular spot with lots of tourists, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. read more

Old school sandwich shop vibe. Walk up to the counter, place your order and within seconds they have a sandwich ready for you. Got the combination which is the beef and sausage along with sweet and hot peppers (grizzly style) The peppers are not spicy so don't worry about extra heat. The sandwich itself is hearty and flavorful. It is a very wet sandwich and the bread gets soggy so it is meant to be eaten then and there. They hand you a stack of napkins and you will end up using all of them. I'm sure there is some kind of local hack in placing the perfect order so it may be good to ask around. Overall it was worth trying once. Expect to pay cash around 12 bucks a sandwich. If you use card there is a 4 percent fee. There is a communal dining area with tables set up and everyone shares the space. Worth trying. read more

Mr. Beef - Combo sandwich Italian Beef Combination - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

10/10 food 10/10 hospitality 10/10 vibes 10/10 dining room Only downside is they close at 4:00. You better get in line! read more

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Came here because one family member is a big fan of "The Bear". Literal hole in the wall establishment, limited seating, and hot as heck inside during a Chicago summer. Portable AC unit to try to help things, but honestly, I just wondered how the guys could keep making sandwiches over a hot grill all day long. Well, the result is...amazing. Get "The Bear" an Italian beef sandwich with sweet and hot pepper combo. It was delicious and we have yet to find any remotely plausible substitute here in LA. There is just one nod to the famous tie....a poster of "The Bear" on the wall. read more

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Please open in San Francisco??? It's so good. Went on a Monday and was only a 15min wait. read more

Mr. Beef - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Now I see what all the hype is about! The roast beef sandwiches were delicious, and the Chicago-style hot dogs were just as good. There was a line out the door, but it moved super quickly -- they've really got their system down. Inside, the only seating was one big long table where everyone sat together and chatted with strangers, and honestly... it was such a cool Chicago vice to the place. read more

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Awesome sandwich and crispy onion rings. Come hungry because it's very filling. Nice people working behind the counter and super friendly with the regulars that come in. Food is served fast and there is a dining room to eat at. Very simply deli feel just like you see in the show. read more

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I know most reviews here start off by mentioning The Bear, but how could you not? This iconic restaurant is where The Bear was based off. Quite honestly, when you step inside, you feel like you're in an episode! Everything feels familiar. You start off by seeing the Mr. Beef sign hanging over the door with the line starting there and going up the block. We were here on an early Saturday afternoon in September and the line was not bad at all. When you walk inside, the guys working here have that strong Chicago accent, they sound like cast members but could not have been nicer. As for the sandwich...it was great! I ordered the Italian Beef and chose sweet peppers. If you go here, you have to get the sandwich dipped! It was a little messy, but so good! The dining area is long tables one after another. Very fun atmosphere! This was a cool experience coming here and I recommend if you watch the show, but even if you don't. Good time!! read more

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I was so excited to step foot into Mr. Beef after watching four seasons of The Bear and it was even better than I imagined. It was literally the BEST beef I have eaten in my life--flavorful, the hot peppers were perfect, and the fries were the best home cut version. The character of the shop was everything I could have hoped for--no frills, just good food, and chill vibes. Great selections on their fountain drinks (Diet Dr. Pepper anyone?) and nice staff. My 15 y/o daughter is already asking me when can we go back and we were just there yesterday! read more

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