Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Zel's Roast Beef

    3.2 (49 reviews)
    InexpensiveFast Food
    Closed 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order Zel's Roast Beef Takeout or Delivery

    Zel's Roast Beef Photos

    ZEL'S ROAST BEEF ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    More like Zel's Roast Beef

    Recommended Reviews - Zel's Roast Beef

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Roast Beef Sandwich terrible flavor and not big

    A 5" beef sandwich with no meat at all and no fries is 12 dollars?? Not good sandwich either

    Beef
    Sue S.

    According to my Chicago native husband, Zels is the OG Italian beef. It was different than Portillos, but it was still good. It's larger, with a bun crammed full of thinly sliced, almost shredded beef. It comes with peppers and also pickles, which I thought were really delicious. I wished for more juice but the bottom part of the sandwich, where the beef, bun and juices all mush together was really tasty. It will definitely scratch the itch if you are craving a beef sandwich. I will say that I prefer Portillos personally, but totally get that this is a question that is largely influenced by what you are used to, what you grew up eating, etc. I could totally see how people would be loyal to Zels above all other beef sandwiches. Fries were great, cooked to perfection. And we ordered a Chicago Dog, which I really enjoyed even though it wasn't particularly traditional. There were chopped cucumbers instead of the green relish and more of those yellow banana peppers. And it's a Nathan's hot dog instead of a Vienna Beef. I still enjoyed it, but think my hubby was less impressed.

    Menu on display.
    Jill O.

    Ah, Zel's. This is the kind of place that you'd pass right up. It's outdated looking on the outside, and doesn't look like much more than a hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop. And well, maybe that IS what it is, but it is a delicious sandwich shop nonetheless. I've been here dozens of times, but most recently this was an idea I suggested to my dad, since we haven't been in the area in a long time. It's just as good as I remembered. We got the standard, classic order at Zel's- beef sandwich combos. This comes with fries for a price of $7.99. Like all beef sandwiches, the meat has a tendency to dry out. Be sure you ask for your sandwich to be dipped (or double dipped) so it comes out pumped full of au jus and soaked in the delicious way that requires you to either eat it with a fork, or dive into a mess face first. The sandwich is typically topped with peppers and pickles, but I always get no peppers, double pickles. You can also get it topped with chili and cheese. Speaking of chili cheese, we also got an order of chili cheese fries which cost $4.99. It sounds a bit steep, but it's a pretty big portion. I've ordered it as my main meal before, in place of my usual sandwich, and it's so filling that I don't finish it in one go. We also got two small banana shakes, which were $2.99 each. I don't know what it is about Zel's, but there's something about the place that just requires me to get a milkshake. Maybe it's nostalgia, or maybe it's how good and addictive they are, but whatever the reason, even in negative 1 weather, I had to get my shake! They also have chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, pineapple, and butterscotch. These other flavors are okay, but banana just hits the spot, and is my favorite of the flavors. Though they mostly do carry out, there is room inside to dine in. There's three or so counters with stools so that you can either dine in, or sit and wait for your order to come up. In the summer months, there's also an outside area with some picnic tables, but it's pretty sketchy looking. Oh, and Zel's takes American Express, which was a happy accident. If you're ever in the area and you're in the mood for a good, greasy, filling fast meal, be sure to check this place out, but don't forget your dip and shake.

    This has to be the best beef in the whole world!!
    Milo R.

    FIRST OF ALL!!!! I really wish that Zel's would open up in Chicago, but on the other hand that would be bad because I'd gain a ton of weight. I've been going to Zel's since I was a little itty bitty girl and I'll continue to drive all the way up from Chicago when I'm a little itty bitty old lady. I Love love love their pineapple shakes and nobody can ever steal their pickles and pepperoncini toppings. It's classic and delicious trademark of theirs. REMEMBER, and I repeat, REMEMBER, to ask for your roast beef double dipped. Open up one of the pepperoncini peppers and let the juice drip into the beef and it's pure heaven. Combo comes with fries and a drink. It's best paired up with root beer. So flippin good! Now I have to drive down!

    Storefront
    Howard L.

    Same great roast beef products as the Zels on Columbus in East Chicago. The outside is older looking, but inside is clean, and it doesn't have quite the dining space as the East Chicago location. Lunch traffic was sporadically busy. I've heard the burgers are pretty good at Zels also, but will have to try on another visit.

    See all

    Photo of B J.
    5
    136
    93

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nadia C.
    1
    144
    82

    9 months ago

    Great service! Clean restroom. Awesome chili cheese beef on fries! Huge portion for just $10!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sue S.
    326
    1235
    4268

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jill O.
    106
    586
    4923

    10 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Went for Chili Cheese Fries, Got them, And Chili Cheese was on Bottom. Service was good though!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    I've ALWAYS loved Zels. From the original spot in EC and now Hammond and Schererville. Always good stuff!! Never a bad meal.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A F.
    0
    106
    19

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kari N.
    19
    22
    0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    I always visit this Zels its the best they give you just what you ask thank you sir,madame keep doing it with great customer service

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Leo J.
    10
    8
    0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ted B.
    0
    55
    4

    10 years ago

    They have raised their prices recently, I went in for 2 chili dogs and fries and a bowl of chili and it was 12 dollars, Wtf? No more for me.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom M.
    0
    13
    6

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Guiv V.
    3
    32
    11

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kay M.
    0
    29
    0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Zel's Roast Beef

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Fast Food 4,073 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Schoop's Hamburgers

    Schoop's Hamburgers

    (73 reviews)

    $

    SCHOOP'S FOR THE WIN!…read more First time in Hammond, IN... WHAT do we eat?!? Schoop's is a local Mom & Pop close to our hotel and The Hammond Sports Complex, that had pretty decent yelp reviews, how about we sample the dinner yummies here??? Yelp directions are on point. Designated parking is available in the lot next to the restaurant which is definitely convenient for the customer! Thank you! Didn't have to wait long to sit down. Interestingly, there are quite a few booths with "decorations" on it, very cool for sure (Who doesn't like the Three Stooges and Lucy & Desi!?!), however they limit access to sitting in those areas, which is unfortunate because the booths have the best lighting compared to center of the room tables. Barbara was our server and loved her spunkiness! Note... you have to designate which free toppings (on bottom right of menu) you want on your burger/sandwich, so be prepared for that question! LOL! I was not ready and that elicited some hilarious banter with Barbara ;) Okay, let's eat!!! BREADED PORK TENDERLOIN: I read somewhere that the Breaded Pork Tenderloin sandwich, aka The Pork Schnitzel, was THE JAM in Indiana. Never heard of it in California so I wanted to see what this was all about! I'm in luck because Schoop's has their own version on the menu! When it landed I was like... Whoa! The tenderloin is bigger than the bun!?!! Nothing small about this thing! Apparently, this Indiana Pork Tenderloin/Pork Schnitzel thang can get even bigger but I was pretty happy with Schoop's option. The breading is Crisp and the tenderloin is not thin like a McD's hamburger, but more like a McD's Quarter Pounder. Meat is juicy and flavorful. Filling for sure. Paired with BOMB tater tots... GREAT INTRO to the Indiana Pork Tenderloin Sandwich!! SWISS MUSHROOM BURGER: Schoop's claim to fame is their Burgers and there are many props to that fame decorating the restaurant, even a "Top 10 in America" (CNN Eatocracy) claim! Now we gatz "expectations" lol Mushrooms are Wifey's Go To, so of course we go for the 'shrooms! Grilled onions to perfection, grilled mushrooms to perfection and a smash burger that had edges crisped just right and a flavorful center. Wifey rarely finishes a burger but this one was GONZO! Luckily she offered me a bite! Solid burger!!! TATER TOTS: PERFECT! Crisp on the outside, yet soft inside. Tastefully flavored. No greasy aftertaste. DEELISH! We doin' the big order next time! VERY EASY RECOMMENDATION! Nom Nom level is high! We would absolutely come back to sample more of the menu! Enjoy! :)

    Great old school burgers and friendly service. Diner been around a few decades, Worth a stop.read more

    Schoops Hamburgers - double cheeseburger

    Schoops Hamburgers

    (83 reviews)

    $

    The night began at Schoop's Tinley Park location…read more Their credit card machine was down, thus I jumped on the expressway and headed to Munster, Indiana's Schoops! Definitely worth the 26min drive:) This place brings back all the "feels" from my childhood as I had a Schoops near my home growing up. The restaurant on the inside, still that old hamburger joint look from the 50's. And the smell, that hits you in the nose as soon as you open the door-DELICIOUSNESS! I ordered 2 Special E's: These are double cheese burgers with one piece of cheese. A double cheese: a double cheese burger with double cheese slices. 2 orders of Irish nachos(loaded cheese fries with bacon bite, fresh green onion, and ranch sauce on the side). An order of regular fries with a cheese cup. A large strawberry shake A large Coke no ice And a small Green River Shake (mine). My order was packed up nicely in a box (including the drinks). The transporting of the food and drinks home was secured by my trucks selt belt. I was determined to get the grub home with out issues. To my surprise, the food was still piping hot when we sat down to eat. The shakes were still shaking, and the fries we as yummy as I had remembered. Everything tasted great. The burgers were so huge, I couldn't take more than 3 bites. Can someone say "LEFTOVERS!!" Score! The only thing that wasn't amazing, was that my well anticipated "Green River Shake" didn't taste like Green River,nor did it look all that green. It was a nice shake, but it just tasted like vanilla. I am glad I took the drive to this location. The staff was kind, they listened to me ramble about working one summer at a Schoops near my home, and one nice employee gave me a quarter for the jukebox! So cool! I sang a Christmas song as I waited for my food. A pleasant and delicious trip for burgers on a Wednesday night! Memories unlocked and my Schoops craving fulfilled. Please, go get you some!! Ciao

    Great burgers and onion rings. Can't attest to the fries. 50s/60s style diner. Route 66 vibe. I…read morehave a place in Litchfield IL near Rt 66; this place would fit right in!! Also, the prices are great!!! No overpriced $15 smash burgers here. Good food; fair prices. Service was excellent. Wish I would've ordered a Green River for nostalgia's sake. Didn't see it until too late. Support the local small businesses please!!! Just to be clear, here's my scale: It's not gourmet; but for what they offer and the price they offer it at, it's a 3+*. There are plenty of places that offer the same food and less ambiance for twice the price and deserve a 2-* review. If you crave a good burger, Schoop's will easily scratch that itch.

    Charleys Cheesesteaks - Cheesesteak,fries

    Charleys Cheesesteaks

    (6 reviews)

    Kenwood

    I've spent a lot of time in Philadelphia and have had many cheesesteaks, so I'm well versed on what…read morea good Philly Cheesesteak should taste like. The quality of the steak and the hoagie roll (has to be fresh and from Philadelphia) being of utmost importance. The first time I had a Charley's cheesesteak (Rosemont Outlet mall location), was due to a recommendation from someone. I'm always hesitant about getting cheesesteaks from random places, because they're just not good. I got the chicken cheesesteak and to my surprise, it was tasty. The chicken was seasoned, bread was good and the fries were crispy. On this particular occasion, I visited the Charley's located on 47th street, in the Lake Park Plaza Shopping Center. This is a strip mall location with other eateries and a laundromat. While there's parking, it can sometimes get crowded, and is always filled with cars. Upon entering, there are a few tables, but the space really isn't setup for dining in . On this occasion I ordered the Philly cheesesteak, fries and a peach lemonade. I do suggest ordering on the mobile app to save time. The mobile app also offers coupons and points earned for purchases made. (A few weeks prior I had a free drink on my account for my birthday. I went in store to order, and had to go back and forth with the counter attendant about if the drink was for a lemonade or a milk shake, as I wanted a milk shake. It was for both, but I wanted a milk shake. All of this would've been avoided if I had ordered online. I hate going back and forth with people, which is why I prefer ordering fast food online- so I don't have to deal with people- but I digress). I had ordered online so didn't have much interaction with the counter attendants, on this occasion. However, my interaction with them was pleasant. The cheesesteaks are pretty good, nice serving size with portions that leave you full. I've also ordered boneless chicken wings in the past, and they, too, were tasty. My favorite cheesesteak on the planet is Max's in North Philadelphia. But when in Chicago, Charley's is my go to for a cheesesteak in the city, for the meantime.

    This was our Oscar watching main course meal. I am glad they have chicken and veggie options, but…read morewe got beef for both sandwiches. We split the large old School Philly sandwich and a special Kimchi version. I like that they change it up with different flavors. We didn't get any sides or fries with it. The bread is nicely seasoned and toasty, not hard, and the meat and cheese were tasty. We did carryout, they do not have much in the way of dine in. I saw some juices and ice cream, which I will def try when it's warmer out. The staff was professional and friendly. I think there is a tv in there, as it is a 10 or so minute wait for each order. They are in a mini mall so one could wander around, but next time I will order online.

    Zel's Roast Beef - hotdogs - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...