Oh, how I miss that one big guy that used to say, "gimmie a beef, drag it, and a bag to travel"…read more Or, "gimme an ice, cap it, next!" Johnnie's is an icon, just based on the experience of listening to that guy talk. Ah, but he's long gone, and new ownership abounds. But the beef is still great. One of the best beef sandwiches around, combos that are seasoned just right, and Italian ice That hits the spot on a hot summer day. I think the hot dogs are just a throw in, and the fries are decent. But it's the beef that keeps bringing you back. Not much ambiance, unless you want to stand and watch the cars roll by on North Avenue, but the smell of the sausage cooking is intoxicating. The price of the beef has gone up, and I swear it's a tad smaller, but if you're in the neighborhood, nothing hits the spot quite like a Johnnie's beef sandwich. I can still hear the big guy...."Whaddah need, gimmie a beef, wet, sweet and hot, That'l be nine fiffy two, bag it, next!" I miss him...

Johnnie's Beef is known. It has a reputation. One that it upholds with every hot dog and beef…read moresandwich they serve. You've undoubtedly heard the rumors and they are true! Choosing an "off" night (example: a weeknight) or during a less-than-ideal time (example: during a snowstorm) will give you the quickest experience for Johnnie's as the line can get LONG and parking is terrible (tiny lot). Note: this was my second visit as my first attempt, on Father's Day 2025, was a magnificent bust. We had no line and plenty of seating this time! They have a big menu, but save the cute stuff for a follow-up visit and get a beef (& hot dog is really hungry). Do yourself a favor and get an Italian Ice too, time of year is irrelevant. You can thank me after your tastebuds recover from being overwhelmed. Is the food THAT much better than other spots, you ask? Not handedly, no. But the whole experience, especially if you wait in line (in the sun as there is zero shade), is what makes this place great. It really is a delightful Chicago experience. Put Johnnie's at the top of your list this summer, plan accordingly, and ENJOY!

New Star Restaurant is truly a staple in the Elmwood Park area and one of those places I pray never…read moregoes away. What I love most is the versatility...you have the traditional sit-down dining area, and then on the other side (toward the back/left), there's the hibachi grill. Whether you're in the mood to relax and be served or want something fresh off the grill, you've got options. Now, I'll be honest, the line can get long, especially on Sundays right when they open at noon. But it's absolutely worth the wait. Everything is fresh and made to order, and I've never had a bad experience here. Some of my go-to favorites include the egg foo young, Mongolian beef, spicy egg rolls, and spicy crab rolls...but honestly, you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The service is always friendly and welcoming, which makes a difference. The atmosphere has a little bit of buzz to it, but it's not overwhelming, you can still enjoy your conversation without feeling like you're shouting over noise. Overall, this is a five-star go-to spot for me. Consistent, flavorful, and reliable every single time. If you're in the Chicagoland area, especially near Elmwood Park, New Star is definitely worth checking out.

I reserved a table for 10 people for my mother's birthday with a 7:00 p.m. reservation. My party…read morearrived at 6:55 p.m., and I asked about our table three different times between 7:00 and 7:30. Each time, I was given a different excuse. First, I was told they were waiting for a table to open up. Then they were waiting on a cook. Finally, a staff member said the people at our reserved table were still eating and they were waiting for them to get up. When I asked when our table would actually be ready, she laughed, threw her hands up, and said she didn't know. What made the situation even worse was watching other customers walk in and be seated while we continued to wait. From what I observed, Black families were waiting extended periods of time, while White and Mexican customers were seated much more quickly. A party of 15 that arrived well after us was even seated before my group. I am deeply disappointed and disgusted by the treatment my family received on my mother's birthday. This would have been her first hibachi experience, and instead it was ruined by poor customer service and what appeared to be unfair treatment. I will never return and would not recommend this restaurant based on my experience.

Hands down the best tapas place I've been to--there's nothing like it. The food and drinks were…read morephenomenal. I had the lamb chops and garlic shrimp, and they were absolutely delicious, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. The ambiance was great, the staff was super friendly, and the happy hour deals were a plus. This is definitely my new favorite spot! I'll definitely be coming back

The food is amazing n delicious! The Service was Great! The decor was very Serene n Tranquil. Very…read morePretty. The drinks top notch. You must Visit this Establishment. Friendly People.

I've passed by Sandwichón Café countless times driving up and down Harlem, so we finally decided to…read morestop in for lunch--and I'm glad we did. At first, I was a little unsure how it worked since there's a service counter, but staff quickly greeted us and showed us to a table. Table service was a pleasant surprise. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable, walking us through an impressively extensive menu. I ordered the Double Medianoche--pulled pork, ham, mustard, Swiss cheese, and sweet pickles, all pressed panini‑style. My friend went with the Pan con Croqueta, a ham and cheese sandwich topped with a ham croquette. For anyone unfamiliar (myself included), croquetas are minced pork that's breaded and deep‑fried. Both sandwiches were solid, but the Medianoche was the clear winner for me--warm, flavorful, and perfectly pressed. With so many options on the menu, there's plenty more I want to try. Friendly staff, good food, and a comfortable dine‑in experience. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area. There at least two signs advising they will charge 18% gratuity to tables of three or more and will not split checks for three or more.

Ordered lunch. Food was ready by the time I got there quickly. Lots of parking. Small inside but…read moreenough seating. The food was delicious at a good price. I will def be going back especially to try their breakfast menu!

So good, authentic Mexican with fresh ingredients! You can see the cheese has been freshly grated,…read morethe lettuce crisp and clean. The salsa and hot sauces are super flavorful, you can taste the fresh squeezed lime. The margaritas are beyond anything I've ever tasted, with the Tajín rim it adds to authenticity of this spot. Staff is wonderful. Highly recommend

Everything was OK. I really like the salsas. I wish the chips were served in a more sanitary…read morecontainer instead of the baskets. The burrito is really soggy I wouldn't recommend it. Stick with the tacos.