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    Poor Boy

    4.0 (67 reviews)
    InexpensiveGreek, American, Fast Food
    Closed 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    POOR BOY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Poor Boy

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    This thing was big and hefty and maybe only needed sweet peppers on top, but better with giardiniera on the side IMO. It's too hot spicy.
    carlo l.

    If I could apply fractions or decimals to a Star review I'd make this a 3.54 Star rating. I can only review the limited selection I had there at Poor Boy and that was the Italian Beef. So it's rated a bit better than okay leaning to good. The good: This was not a skimpy portion, it was pretty loaded with beef, that sandwich had some girth and weight, that's nice. To be fair, my favorite Italian Beef in the Greater Chicagoland area is made for me personally (usually) by Mr. Beef himself, Carl Bonovolanto, hands down the best and a high bar to match. The So-so: I wasn't asked if I wanted my Italian Beef dry, wet, dipped or dunked. To be fair not all places ask that. Even Portillio's did not the last time I went there (it was a test visit). I knew that's because the quite young employee there wouldn't know the first thing about how real Chicagoan's are particular about their Italian Beef and likely wasn't trained to say the words. She was just going through the motions. Same thing here at Poor Boy, I think that's just not the the way to present an authentic Chicago Italian beef. There's a serious tradition to this iconic beef sandwich which for a long time you couldn't find most anywhere but in the Greater Chicagoland (until The Bear TV series became popular). I was asked about peppers, I said sweet peppers. I then said do you have giardiniera and he said yes and I said I also wanted them. But he misunderstood my Chicago accented english, so just put on the hot giardiniera, no sweet peppers. I declined the cheese too, totally not used on the real deal, that's for tourists from Philly. I didn't find out until I seated and opened the sandwich. More So-so: The sandwich was piping hot and filled with beef and topped with copious amounts of very hot giardiniera. BUT.. the Italian flavoring was pretty hard to detect. It was beef alright, but where's the herbs and spices? The beef on the sandwich was way too dry and the little amount of very thin au jus that was there had all fallen to the bottom of the sandwich and totally melted the bun out in places. It was falling apart spilling beef as I began to eat it (inhale it?). So another no-no is you have to use a bun that won't disintegrate with juice. This bun failed that test pretty badly. I'd tell you the bun brand to use that's the absolute best, but then I'd have to flash you with that Men In Black device so you'd never be able to tell anyone. So even if I'd have been offered a dunked or wet Italian beef which I always like, this bun wouldn't have been able to take it anyway. The servers/cooks there looked like they knew their way around a fast food kitchen but they also seemed not to be part of knowing just how important the Italian BEEF tradition is to a natural born and raised Chicagolandian. Since there are places around that do it so well and so authentically, you have to put a strong effort in, IMO. Their menu on the wall behind the counter looked very deep and I bet they have items there that they just knock out of the park. I think the prices are fairly reasonable and you may get a good value for your dollar here. The tables were not a wreck but if it were my place I'd wipe down those tables often so there's absolutely no crumbs, greasy smudges or bits laying on top of them. If I end up in that town again for any reason I may stop in here again to try something else they are supposed to be known for, and maybe will have a better review to add. Okay, that's a lot of words for just one sandwich... 3.54 Stars, Fair/Good tasting and nice pretty hefty Italian Beef Sandwich. I think I could like this joint just fine if going there more often.

    4 half pita breads. How am I supposed to make sandwiches.
    Larry B.

    First I went there at 6:20pm. They are supposed to be open til 10. Doors locked, only drive through open. I hate drive throughs. The speakers suck, you can never understand what they are saying. Poor Boys speaker sucked. Ordered Gyro plate. Supposed to get 2 pita breads. Nope. I got 4 halfs. How am I supposed to make sandwiches. Don't think I'll be going back. The Gyro meat was good.

    Hot corned beef sandwich

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    1 month ago

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    10 days ago

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    4 months ago

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    9 months ago

    Big bag of fries. The sandwiches are pretty good,and a variety at that. Ribs,fish,pork,beef, whatever you're looking for.

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    11 months ago

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    9 months ago

    The soup was excellent but could have been hot instead of lukewarm. The gyro wasn't good but fries were okay but could have used salt.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Great food. Great prices and great service! Large selection of different sandwich options. Great soup too!

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Been eating here since I was a child love this place could eat almost anything on the menu

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    2 years ago

    It was fine. The lobby was closed so we couldn't go in. The food was bland. It wasn't to busy so that was nice.

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

    I stop here when ever I am down there. Foods always hot. They have lots of options. Portions are definatly oversized

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    7 years ago

    If you like gyros dogs and CHARburger's this is a good place service is usually very fast and the product is tasty

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    11 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Poor Boy

    Review Highlights - Poor Boy

    As others have mentioned, if you're in the mood for greasy food, this is the place to be in K3.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Hoppy Pig

    Hoppy Pig

    3.8
    (222 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    The beer and cocktail mine is huge! It's got an open seating area and a pretty large bar. The…read morebathrooms are at the back and off to the side, there is a very large room looking like it's for catered parties or large parties connected is the barrel room which serves breakfast. We sat at the bar and the bartender is super attentive 1 o'clock in the afternoon on a Thursday and it's not very busy The music is decent not too loud. There are a lot of TVs. We ordered Reuben combo with pastrami and corned beef with a side of macaroni and cheese and we also ordered a side of the cornbread casserole just because it's something unique and different to try. As for the sandwich we both enjoyed it although it's a little smoky Mac & cheese is okay. It definitely could use green onions on top to dress it And the cornbread casserole is a homemade cornbread that's soft with like a kind of cream filling and loaded with corn it was my least favorite We also ordered a couple old-fashioned. I don't like that they have the little ice cubes, butdrinks are tasty.

    Tonight was my first visit as I recently moved and have heard several times how I just HAVE to…read morecheck out the Hoppy Pig. Now I know it is worth all the hype. Ambiance, food, drinks and service were all top notch! We sat under the massive old timey stained glass chandelier at the big community table. What a neat idea. I had the bison burger. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to a beautiful medium just as I requested. The coleslaw had a bit too much onion, but it was still good. My Mom had tots with the trio wrap. It was so deliciously smokey. And a "fall off the porch" drink that was just peachy and not too strong for her. But Beau was the shining star of our visit. He took time to go over the menu and make suggestions. And was very attentive to refill our waters and check in after we had our first few bites without hovering. I will definitely be back soon to try the wings!

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
    Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
    Decor including a stand alone arcade machine

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    Decor including a stand alone arcade machine
    BrickStone Brewery

    BrickStone Brewery

    3.8
    (349 reviews)
    3.7 mi
    $$

    Ate at BrickStone a couple times last week. Was in town for work and had a couple of large groups…read more(6-10) to take out for dinner. Took the larger group out on St Patty's Day. No trouble getting a table but the bar area was pretty full. Our server was fast and professional. She nailed everyone's drink and food orders with no issues. Food came out fast and hot as well. Tough to do with 10 people at a table. I ordered the Honey Glazed chicken. It was pretty good but the chicken had a few chewy spots. Flavor was great though. The glaze was sweet but not overpowering. 2nd night I ordered the Parmesan chicken. That chicken was great but o didn't care for the pasta it was served on. Flavor was good but just not my thing. Service was great both nights. Pricing is fair as well. Recommend if you're in the area and looking for something different than your typical nationwide chain.

    Very disappointing experience at this establishment. It's been a few years since we've visited…read moreBrickstone and this time, we were not impressed. Service was slow -- to non existent -- at best. We ordered two saganashkees that were bland, with little to no crust. The server said he has never served two at once before, so I guess we loose. I ordered the Poke. It too was bland and some of the tuna was hard!! Yes, hard!! The serving included a dollop of guacamole that had no business on the plate, in my opinion. Chunks of avocado, that I thought I was getting, fine, but not a traditional guacamole. Not good. Three of the four persons at our table ordered burgers and were all equally disappointing. It seemed like the burgers were diced up like it we to get used like in chili. But then, there tried to make a hamburger out of it!! Really weird. The taste was good, but unmanageable as a hamburger. One of the persons at our table ordered a shrimp appetizer. He said it was "ok". This restaurant has a nice atmosphere and is quite comfortable and the beer is okay. But, that's all it has going for it. Our previous visit a few years ago was much more enjoyable. We see no reason to return.

    Photos
    What a great brewery to visit. Great food also! Friendly service.
    What a great brewery to visit. Great food also! Friendly service.
    Stuffed mushrooms
    Stuffed mushrooms
    BrickStone Brewery

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    Poor Boy - greek - Updated June 2026

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