Reasons NOT to eat at the Patio. 1. The ketchup fries. If you say yes to ketchup, they will serve you a side of wet fries soaked in tangy tomato paste. Gross, gross, gross. Who would possibly think this is ok. I wish I had a picture of this nonsense. 2. Cash only, no cards. Ill walk down to Al's beef if i want to pay cash for trash. 3. No alcohol, yet not BYOB like EVERY OTHER restaurant adjacent. Stupid, silly, dumb idea. They laughed at me when I asked, assholes. 4. Staff seems to always be bitching at each other. I think it is a family and they clearly do not like each other or working that hot dirty dingy fry grease kitchen all night. 5. Dirty Dirty Dirty. There is grease dripping from every crevice of this dark dirty cave, including off the employees foreheads, vomit. 6. The beef sandwich is soggy and salty, (really your go to item stinks?) 7. The hot dogs are small, soggy, and always covered in the effing ketchup fry slurry. WTF, you cant even get the dogs right? Useless, utter waste of space. A four-alarm grease fire is the only hope for this cesspool of disgust. This place holds the trophy for my least favorite place to eat in Chicago, congrats on really sucking Patio. read more

This is my first taste of a Chicago style hot dog and all I have to say is Wow!!! I don't think I can look at a hot dog the same way. For one thing the meat was much juicier and filling. Of course this probably means it's more fattening but who cares?Best part is my entire meal of hot dog and fries was under $5, perfect if you're on a budget. Side note: Space is small so be prepared to eat by the booths or take it to go. read more

Apparently my review got deleted..not cool. First off I want to say that the food here is pretty good, hence why the two stars. However, the staff there is so entirely rude. They don't greet you when you walk in (I've been working in food service for 6 years). Secondly, the last time I went there, the lady that took my order looked so annoyed. I accidentally said italian sausage instead of italian beef (whoops) and the lady looked pissed once I had corrected myself. Then after some lady finished my order, the original hag of a lady sat down in a chair and was complaining about how she didn't want any more customers coming in and that she couldn't wait to be off work. They should know what it means to work in the food industry and how to be accommodating and respectful. Never going there again and would rather go to Al's Beef for italian beef and fries. read more

No bathrooms for public. I am concerned over the sanitation of the food handling because workers were coughing all over the food and were touching food after grabbing money. Food isn't go read more

Same staff for twenty years. Enuff said. I make the trip from the south side every few weeks cause my body tells me I have to

Excellent and cheap beef sandwich! The fries are perfect 98% of the time (say no to ketchup for the fries) they put it all over them. Easy parking on Taylor street. I believe it's cash only. I've never had anything other than the Beef with fries. I would imagine all of the fattening greasy food is good here if that's the mood you're in! There are some spots in here to eat...But trust me you want to bring this home. read more

my favorite place to get a beef in chicago. i definitely think it's better than Al's. i'd give it 5 stars, but i have an issue with their ketchup policy. they won't give you a bottle of ketchup if you're eating there...rather, they squeeze it all over your fries themselves. i find it very strange. read more

Patio is a Taylor street institution that reminds you of what quick good fast food should be . I been in this neighborhood now 11 years and Patio given me some great sandwiches as well as nice little catering packages that have had my guest going um mm good . read more

I came a little late to the game of Italian Beef sandwiches, but I know where to go when the Hawks win and I need to celebrate with a "Victory Beef". It's the Patio on Taylor. Possibly the only place where you'll see guys paying with $50 or $100 bills, but there you are. Little Italy. Love the staff, I'll take mine hot with a light dip. Hold the fries. read more

What can I say. Fast food at it's finest. Patio is staple on Taylor St. I grew up on this food. In it's hey day the lines would be out the door. The food hardly has changed. If you are hungry and driving down Taylor between Ashland and Laflin it wouldn't be the worst thing to do to stop here. The owners is in everyday to check up on things. I asked him once how much would you sell me the Patio for, he said $1mm, that's how much he loves this place. Get a sausage sandwich with fries. Have them spoon beef gravy on the bread w/sweet peppers, put some fries on top of the sausage sandwich, so delicious. read more

The food at Patio is pretty bad. Don't waste your time or money eating from here. If you're near Patio, go somewhere else instead, such as The Rosebud or Potbelly's. read more

CASH ONLY! just putting it out there if yall dont know.. anyways.. after reading most of the reviews here about this place having some bomb ass beef sandwiches.. i decided to give it a try and find out myself i ordered a beef sandwich with peppers and a order of fries.. the beef was good .. nice thin slices.. but the flavor was lacking and not enough beef on the sandwich! a few people compared this with al's beef and saying this is way better and some say this is the best beef in chicago.. i find this to be false.. definitely not the best in Chicago and no it is not better then al's beef in my opinion.. read more

I was pretty disappointed. I read good reviews on here so i decided to try it. I would have enjoyed it if I had been drunk.

EVERY CHICAGOAN HAS THEIR PERSONAL ITILIAN BEEF SPOT, PLACE OR FAVORITE will this is mine! I was here once a week for years but once I learned to make Itilian Beef on my own I stopped going! I like get a Beef and 1 gravy bread and take off sandwich onto GRAVY bread 2 for the price of 1! read more

Best beef in chicago, old school place which is the best place. Ive been going to patio for over 20 years and I wont get a beef from anyplace else. If you dont like patio that means you are not a true chicagoan. Great food, great staff, and no they dont accept credit cards oh well suck it up and move on, that's the old school way. read more

We stopped here after the Taylor St. festival, and I was truly blown away by the goodness of their Italian beef sandwich ($4). I actually think it is better than Al's--there is something about the spices that make it delectable. Definitely worth a try. The other items look like garden variety take out stuff. But that beef was yummy! Also, beware, the "Potato Sandwich" is only bread loaded with French Fries. Or Freedom Fries. Or whatever they are calling them now. read more

Could possibly be the best Italian Beef I've ever eaten!. Cooked with just the right seasonings, try it slightly dipped with sweet peppers. I'm not a big fan of steak fries (prefer mine thin and crispy), but everybody else seems to enjoy them here. Can't beat the price, but be prepared to take everything to go... read more

This place is a hot dog joint. They have regular hot dog, polish, chili, and so on. Good food. Especially considering the price, this is one of the best deals you can get in the area. I admit this is not the cleanest restaurant, but until I see something apparent, I will go to this place once in a while. read more

Best hotdogs in Chicago.. Trust me. They put everything on it. I'd say Uno's is to Pizza as The Patio is to hotdogs :-)

i always get my fries "bloody".. its the only way. i like the hot dogs and pizza puffs as well. since when has this neighborhood been known as "university village"? f that... read more

I don't know about this place. I ordered a combo sandwich (beef and sausage), peppers, dip, the works. I'm pretty new to this whole italian beef thing, so maybe it's just not my thing (but I doubt it). The sausage was tough. Tasty and all, but tough (like, got out a knife to cut pieces). Sure, maybe that's the style here. The beef was tender and juicy, but strangely low on flavor. The peppers tasted like all of their flavor was left in the container they had been cooking in. That's just not right. I'm also not sure about the dip, but I'll give the benefit of the doubt on that one. I was also surprised by getting the ketchup (which I asked for) on the fries in the bag. No points against them for that, just a surprise. I'll try it again (it's really close to home) and add an update if I like it better next time. read more

I don't know how late this place is open but would get an additional star if it was open after bar hours. For $2.50 you can get a decent hot dog and a huge handful of fries. Not too shabby. I don't know if I would go here regularly, but it is nice to know I can grab a hot dog somewhere close by if I really want one. read more

CASH ONLY- it's good, cheap food. I've never tried anything except the hot dogs, and it was very very good! Nothing spectacular or revolutionary, but a nice place to go to for some cheap eats! I've heard the Italian beef is the best in Chicago, but I have yet to try it... Maybe for my updated review I will! read more

The best. My Nana took my brother and I there since we were little kids. Taylor Street is a place where u are like family, bring an appetite. The beef and hotdogs are very good. It's tradition to get a beef and a hotdog when I'm in the neighborhood. read more

Best Beef in the city (Chicago). Wonderful people, best value for hot dogs and fries. Always get the lemonade with whatever you order. Parking can be a problem, so bring a friend who can jump out and get the order while you circle the block. Get the beef dipped and the sausage dry with peppers. read more

Went here for lunch with a friend. It was just okay. They have your typical Chicago staples, hot dogs, polishes, Italian beef and sausage. I had the Italian sausage with sweet peppers. The sausage itself had a nice bite and tasted pretty good. Also got some fries. I thought they were pretty sub-par. They were flimsy and not crispy at all. Good potato flavor, but there was more to be desired with the texture. read more

Three stars solely on food critique. The staff don't seem to pleasant or nice to any welcoming guests. It's really sad casue it's harder to find a great hot dog n beef joint. This place seems on the verge of closing it's doors. Every restaurant u walk by in that area is thriving n pack. I would hate to see this place go. The food is great, they just need a new attitude on customer service. read more

The best beef in the neighborhood yes that's right stick Al's beef in your moon great size combined with the taste always the best combined with great hot dogs and the best staff I've been coming to this place since a kid . The patio is Taylor street has been for decades other stands don't compete simply the best read more

It's a decent greasy spoon. The food is what you would expect, but the prices are the real draw. It's cheap as hell. My biggest problem is sanitation. Bare hands go straight from money to food and back. With a $2.75 double-dog with fries though, I'll keep going back. read more

If you want a good,quick and cheap meal check The Patio. The Italian Beef sandwich I find better than Al's Italian Beef down the street. Remember its cash only and if you ask for ketchup they'll put it directly on the fries. read more

Not sure where I should start... No ketchup packets, but they will charge you .10 per container they give you. Fries were already fried and they just re-fry them so their warm. No debit or credit accepted, and then there's the service. Let's just say I will never return and wouldn't advise anyone else to go. Food was mediocre read more

Growing up on the west coast, The Italian beef and Chicago style hot dog are new to me, but since moving to Chicago, I have fallen in love with both. I have to say, The Patio is one of my favorite places to go for both. I strongly base my reviews on what you get for what you pay, and I have to say, this place beats all. A Chicago dog and fries for $2? It's not the best dog in the world, but well worth the money. All in all, this is my new go to place for a good, cheap meal. read more

I've been a customer since 1984 and today, as it was 27yrs ago (wow! can't believe it's been that long), it is the best fast food for the best price that I know of in Chicago. These days, I take my two little boys here for double dogs (for them) and polish (for the wife & me) or sometimes a tasty Italian beef. The old man who is sometimes there... is the same one from 27yrs ago. You can't go to McD's and feed 4 people for $17, but you can at the patio! (2 double dogs, 3 polish, fries & drinks all around?! Who can beat that price?) read more

The Patio has been on Taylor St. for over 50 years in several locations under the same families. I know this because my parents were in a similar business further east on Taylor St. until 1967. If you want reasonably priced sandwiches and quick service, then the Patio is the place for you...if you are in the area. I usually eat the Italian beef with "no gravy" and sweet peppers. Once in a while, I will have a sausage sandwich with sweet peppers with "no gravy." Parking for most of the local businesses in this area is not easy, I will NOT eat at other sandwhich shops on Taylor Street. If I want cannoli, then I head further West on Taylor to Ferarra's (Taylor & Ogden). I do not like comparing one sandwich or restaurant location against another. It is easy for the average person to compare, comment and complain. To last over 50 years in ANY business, especially the sandwich business, takes committment, guts and very hard work. Take the Patio for what it offers: consistently good sandwiches, low prices and efficient service. I have NEVER written a review for any other food service vendor in my life. The Patio has truly "earned" this review! read more

This is THE best Italian beef and sausage that you can get in Chicago! The Polish with fries is awesome as well. I have been coming here for 20 years and have never had a bad experience. The staff can be brusk, but they are always quick and efficient. This place is proof positive that some of the best food comes from hole-in-the-wall joints. read more

The food at Patio's is inexpensive and plentiful yet sub par. Honestly, the quality of the food could easily be overlooked if the service were just average. The staff openly make it known that you are an inconvenience and unwelcome. Their unsatisfactory dispositions has lead me to no longer do business with this company. read more

Where it all began... My family and I would walk over after church. My first, ever Italian beef with all the fixins. Dipped with sweet and hot peppers. American cheese came in later years. Fries drizzled with ketchup. Some days I'd have a polish or hotdog, no relish or tomatoes. Times have changed and now I load them up. Chicago or Maxwell style. My first love. Only thing is... I wish they took debit cards. read more

This is just a fast little hot dog place. It's really cheap great for a college students on a budget. All their sandwiches come with fries which is also a plus. read more

Ahh memories from my UIC days... I am dieing for a Patio Combo with Hot Peppers dipped. Best Beef and Sausage Sandwich period. Their Giardinera has got some zing with its oil escaping from the pores of your forehead on every tasty bite. Back in the 80's as a broke student I fondly remember surviving on $5 a day buying me a Patio Beef for $1.95 a 6 pack of Meister Brau for $2 and a pack of marlboros for $1. Life was simple and the smells and taste of the entire patio menu are deeply imprinted in my mind. Wish they shipped.. oh well just another reason to visit Chicago. Must try their combo with hot peppers dipped. Stand on the edge of the counter and try not to make a mess ;) read more

whoever says al's has the best beef in town has it aaaaaaall wrong. ive been going there for yeeeeeaars since i was a child. my parents grew up in this neighborhood even worked there as teenagers and it hasnt changed one bit. i love it. and they got hot dogs with poppy seeds, true chicago style NO KETCHUP lol. read more