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Was in town and really had to find out what the hype was about. Mr. Beef really is Chicago's best Italian beef spot. They open at 10 am and we got there just before the line started stretching down the street which it usually does. This place pulls both tourists and locals,and once you try it, you get why. The beef was juicy sliced perfectly and packed with flavor. French fries were crisp and greasy and perfect complement to the beef. Service is fast: you order, grab your bag and you're good. Inside there is one big communal table that feels like a mess hall, everyone squeezed in together, eating, talking and enjoying their beef. Chaotic in the best Chicago way. Mr.Beef lives up to the hype. Worth the stop.
Believe the hype! The famous Mr. Beef is a must try and a Chicago classic. Arrive early or be prepared to wait a little. Small little hole in the wall type spot with big flavors and big beef energy! The line does move reasonably quickly as orders are placed quickly and sandwiches served immediately. Love the nostalgia with both old and new pictures and shots that line the walls. It is pretty hot while inside waiting to order as there is no AC. However after ordering they have an air condition seating area with community picnic bench style seating to enjoy your meal. Mr Beef knows how to serve up a nice beefy sandwich roll full of tender juicy flavorful beef. Each bite was amazingly simple yet big on taste . Hands down a local favorite and a viral sensation as the hype is real.
AMAZING. The Italian beef sandwiches are so packed with flavor and the sauce they're dipped in packs a powerful punch! Cash only / preferred fyi. And the line moves quickly. There's a communal table in the back if you'd like to eat there. I recommend that if you're looking for The Bear vibes :)
This is of course, the place that The Bear is loosely based on although you'll only get a small bit of that vibe. Still super fun to check out but the best part is that the beef is actually really good. I'm not going to call it a 10 out of 10, but it's at least an eight out of 10. And even though the guy taking your order, has that Chicago tough vibe, they don't give anybody a hard time, even if they're slow to decide. Fries are hand cut and excellent. The only thing I'd skip would be the cheese sauce. My main flag would be to make sure you realize that it closes at 4 o'clock. It's a lunch spot, not a dinner spot and there's really not that much room to sit. Four seats I think. But you can eat at the long counter.
Very cool spot in the city. Lots of the bear memorabilia since the show is based on this sandwich shop. Sandwich was good. A bit heavy on the bread and grease but the meat tenderness was yummy and the flavor was good. I liked Johnnie's beef more. Service was so fast.
I'm a month behind on this review, oops! Visited on a Thursday at 11am, there was metered parking on the street around the corner and no lines, no wait. Before you can finish placing your order, your order is in your hands. That's how fast they move. The Italian beef was the most flavorful I've ever had. Get it with the giardiniera, so good! The pizza puff was also the best I've ever had. We were the first in the elegant dining room, and by the time we left, it was packed.
Wanted to try Italian beef while in town and Mr Beef had been recommended. Got the combination with hot and sweet, it was delicious. Line moves fast and they have wet wipes available in the dining area which is nice as the sandwich can be a little messy.
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.
As a fan of The Bear I was eager to try Mr Beef and even with a 40 minute wait on a Saturday afternoon (the weekend of the Chicago Marathon), I can gladly say it was worth it. Great vibes all around. I had the Italian Beef and it was delicious. Owner was friendly and there's seating in the back area similar to the show! I'd definitely return! Recommend bringing cash.
Solid dipped Italian beef. Honestly, I haven't had Italian beef outside of Portillos. This place is pretty comparable. Not sure I would go out of my way to get more, but dipped definitely made it better.
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.
Not only a fan of The Bear show, but a big fan of Italian Beef. My recommendation for order is hot and dipped, but everyone has an opinion. Room to dine inside, which was a plus. I had envisioned trying to eat an Italian beef on the sidewalk but that was not the case . Staff was friendly and patient. They also offer cool merch for sale.
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
20 days ago
4 days ago
Mr. Beef lived up to the hype! The line was long, the kitchen was hot, the beef was drippin'. I loved ever minute of it. I really loved that we got to chat with Mr. Beef himself, that was not something I was expecting. Pro tips - Bring cash, Mr. Beef loves it and you get a discount. Expect to get messy. Give yourself plenty of time, its busy, but the line goes quick. Make sure you know how to order, there are different "wetness" (Gravy Level). I highly suggest dipped! I couldnt speak about the pepper ( heartburn is real) but my friend got hers sweet and loved it! * Dry: The beef is shaken off so there is minimal liquid on the bun. * Juicy / Wet: The sandwich gets a quick or generous soak/dunk in the gravy (au jus). * Dipped: The entire sandwich is dunked right into the beef jus for a messy, classic Chicago style. ( DO THIS ONE) then choose peppers * Sweet: Slices of roasted green or red bell peppers. * Hot: Hot giardiniera (a spicy, oily pickled mix of sport peppers, vegetables, and garlic). * Sweet and Hot: Both types of peppers combined Hope you give it a go and love it as much as I did. read more
Was in town and really had to find out what the hype was about. Mr. Beef really is Chicago's best Italian beef spot. They open at 10 am and we got there just before the line started stretching down the street which it usually does. This place pulls both tourists and locals,and once you try it, you get why. The beef was juicy sliced perfectly and packed with flavor. French fries were crisp and greasy and perfect complement to the beef. Service is fast: you order, grab your bag and you're good. Inside there is one big communal table that feels like a mess hall, everyone squeezed in together, eating, talking and enjoying their beef. Chaotic in the best Chicago way. Mr.Beef lives up to the hype. Worth the stop. read more
Believe the hype! The famous Mr. Beef is a must try and a Chicago classic. Arrive early or be prepared to wait a little. Small little hole in the wall type spot with big flavors and big beef energy! The line does move reasonably quickly as orders are placed quickly and sandwiches served immediately. Love the nostalgia with both old and new pictures and shots that line the walls. It is pretty hot while inside waiting to order as there is no AC. However after ordering they have an air condition seating area with community picnic bench style seating to enjoy your meal. Mr Beef knows how to serve up a nice beefy sandwich roll full of tender juicy flavorful beef. Each bite was amazingly simple yet big on taste . Hands down a local favorite and a viral sensation as the hype is real. read more
AMAZING. The Italian beef sandwiches are so packed with flavor and the sauce they're dipped in packs a powerful punch! Cash only / preferred fyi. And the line moves quickly. There's a communal table in the back if you'd like to eat there. I recommend that if you're looking for The Bear vibes :) read more
This is of course, the place that The Bear is loosely based on although you'll only get a small bit of that vibe. Still super fun to check out but the best part is that the beef is actually really good. I'm not going to call it a 10 out of 10, but it's at least an eight out of 10. And even though the guy taking your order, has that Chicago tough vibe, they don't give anybody a hard time, even if they're slow to decide. Fries are hand cut and excellent. The only thing I'd skip would be the cheese sauce. My main flag would be to make sure you realize that it closes at 4 o'clock. It's a lunch spot, not a dinner spot and there's really not that much room to sit. Four seats I think. But you can eat at the long counter. read more
Very cool spot in the city. Lots of the bear memorabilia since the show is based on this sandwich shop. Sandwich was good. A bit heavy on the bread and grease but the meat tenderness was yummy and the flavor was good. I liked Johnnie's beef more. Service was so fast. read more
I'm a month behind on this review, oops! Visited on a Thursday at 11am, there was metered parking on the street around the corner and no lines, no wait. Before you can finish placing your order, your order is in your hands. That's how fast they move. The Italian beef was the most flavorful I've ever had. Get it with the giardiniera, so good! The pizza puff was also the best I've ever had. We were the first in the elegant dining room, and by the time we left, it was packed. read more
Wanted to try Italian beef while in town and Mr Beef had been recommended. Got the combination with hot and sweet, it was delicious. Line moves fast and they have wet wipes available in the dining area which is nice as the sandwich can be a little messy. read more
2 months ago
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
23 days ago
As a fan of The Bear I was eager to try Mr Beef and even with a 40 minute wait on a Saturday afternoon (the weekend of the Chicago Marathon), I can gladly say it was worth it. Great vibes all around. I had the Italian Beef and it was delicious. Owner was friendly and there's seating in the back area similar to the show! I'd definitely return! Recommend bringing cash. read more
3 months ago
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
1 month ago
Not only a fan of The Bear show, but a big fan of Italian Beef. My recommendation for order is hot and dipped, but everyone has an opinion. Room to dine inside, which was a plus. I had envisioned trying to eat an Italian beef on the sidewalk but that was not the case . Staff was friendly and patient. They also offer cool merch for sale. read more
3 months ago
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
1 month ago
First time visiting this highly recommended spot for Chicago's classic beef sandwiches. The line was super long and usually discourages one from waiting but they move it along pretty quick. We had the beef with both hot and sweet peppers and the Chicago dog. The beef is absolutely delicately soft cooked to perfection. The Chicago dog was also great and very traditional. Loved this spot and I see why it's a must visit. read more
7 days ago
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
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
13 days ago
Epic Chicago classic!!! I had the hot sweet dipped and a cannoli because I'm headed back to the gym tomorrow. Come for the experience and the great food is a fun bonus. read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
3 months ago
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
4 months ago
4 months ago
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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More info about Mr. Beef
666 N Orleans St
Chicago, IL 60654
River North, Near North Side
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(312) 337-8500
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Ask the Community - Mr. Beef
Still cash only?
Do they serve halal meat?
Is it really no change? First time visiting
It is cash only! If that's what your asking?
Why does the picture of the Mr. Beef sandwich says 9.50. They're $8.00 now?
Look at the date of the photo prices change due to inflation
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