# Are italian beef sandwiches popular outside of Chicago area? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 29, 2014, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535 "2014-05-29T03:57:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![chicagowhitesox1173](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/46a35a/32.png) [@chicagowhitesox1173](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chicagowhitesox1173)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2014, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/81 "2014-05-29T20:42:02Z")
> [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](#): > > For the ‘dipped’ version, do they soak the whole thing or just the portion of the bread on the inside? If it’s the former, wouldn’t your hands get all wet with the meat juice? And wouldn’t the whole thing eventually fall apart due to the pressure from the fingers? > > In any case, I would go for a partially-dipped version in which the outside of bread (the part that is in contact with your hands) is dry. I don’t like getting my hands wet when I eat. You really want to go with the double dipped. There is quite a big difference in taste. There ok single dipped but you tend to taste the bread to much. When they are double dipped, both the bread and beef blend in with each other. It can be a little messy but you can use a fork. I would not recommend eating one that isn’t dipped. I also hate when places have the beef too thick. The beef should be like shavings. I prefer Gonnola bread rolls over Turranos too. Both breads are good though. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2014, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/82 "2014-05-29T20:52:42Z")
> [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](#): > > For the ‘dipped’ version, do they soak the whole thing or just the portion of the bread on the inside? If it’s the former, wouldn’t your hands get all wet with the meat juice? And wouldn’t the whole thing eventually fall apart due to the pressure from the fingers? > > In any case, I would go for a partially-dipped version in which the outside of bread (the part that is in contact with your hands) is dry. I don’t like getting my hands wet when I eat. Yes, yes, yes, and yes! That’s why you see businessmen hunched over the counter, with their ties tossed over their shoulders. And a HUGE stack of napkins. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2014, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/83 "2014-05-29T21:06:54Z")
> [@chicagowhitesox1173](#): > > You really want to go with the double dipped. There is quite a big difference in taste. There ok single dipped but you tend to taste the bread to much. When they are double dipped, both the bread and beef blend in with each other. It can be a little messy but you can use a fork. > > I would not recommend eating one that isn’t dipped. I also hate when places have the beef too thick. The beef should be like shavings. I prefer Gonnola bread rolls over Turranos too. Both breads are good though. Agreed, except this “double dipped” business is new to me. But, yes, it’s messy, it’s wet, and it almost–but not quite–fall apart in your hand while you’re eating it. That’s the beauty of it. If that doesn’t appeal to you then, no, you won’t like Italian beefs. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2014, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/84 "2014-05-29T21:19:27Z")
Eating an Italian Beef is kind of like sex: If it isn’t messy, you aren’t doing it right. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2014, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/85 "2014-05-29T23:35:39Z")
Please pardon me for repeating myself, I know it’s bad form, but I really must. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/B-MHdSQhDIQ/hqdefault.jpg "Chicago's Best Deli: Rubinos Italian Imports") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-MHdSQhDIQ) Rubino’s Italian Imports. Tinley Park, Il. This video features a breaded steak sandwich, not the beef, but trust me. Really ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/86 "2014-05-30T11:16:13Z")
> [@Mixolydian](#): > > I’m originally from NY and live in south Florida - east coast…the first (and only one in Chicago) Italian beef sandwich I tried was from Portillos about 7 years ago. I have since searched for a close approximation to that at various places locally and on the west coast of FL; mostly from Chicago-styled hotdog or pizza shops made by transplanted Chicagoans. Nearly a dozen different places, and while valiant efforts all, they were not in the same ballpark. Next time I’m back in the Windy City I will make a concerted effort to venture to the more fabled establishments. > > I will note that there are quite a few joints that specialize in “authentic” Philly cheesesteaks down here that do quite well. They are quite tasty too, although I personally don’t have a Pat’s or Geno’s frame of reference. Agree with the OP though, it’s not an Italian Beef. Then again, the prep work and ingredients for an IBS is more involved. > > So, with the right marketing, and a step up in quality, it’s entirely possible that the Italian Beef sandwich could be the next big thing. I’ve told other pseudo-foodie co-workers about it, but they’re not travelling to ChiTown anytime soon. > > Unfortunately, it could be consigned to the same fate as bagels, pizza, Chinese food, etc. - subpar quality due to a combination of climate differences(?) and lack of desire for those who really know how to prepare the item to relocate, especially if they’re doing well in the originating region. > > There’s Italian Beef places in Orlando that have decent reviews on Yelp…any Dopers that have tried one? I’m tired of being disappointed… If you are anywhere near Hollywood, and want a thin cracker style Chicago pizza go to Villa Rose Pizza on SR 7 tween Taft and Johnson St. But Italian Beefs? No! they sell philly cheese steaks! good but not as good as Sonny’s Famous Steak Hoagies… ---
**Author:** ![Apocalypso](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Apocalypso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apocalypso)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/87 "2014-05-30T12:35:25Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > [snip] > If you didn’t like Portillo’s version, you’re probably not going to like Italian beefs. It’s a solid representation of the dish. It’s not in my top five beefs in the city, but, like their hot dog, they make a representative version that I have no qualms about. The level the beef is spiced varies all over the place. Al’s has a particularly flavorful broth–it’s more assertively flavored than most and has spices like clove or allspice or something in that general area that most beefs don’t have. Portillo’s is a bit more neutral and typical of your average beef joint. Part of the reason I think you need the giardiniera is as an accent to this big juicy pile of beef. That’s what takes it over the top for me. I know lots of people love them just with the roasted/fried sweet peppers, but, to me, I need that little spicy, tangy, crunchy flavor to fully complete the experience. It’s like the lime in a gin and tonic. A gin and tonic isn’t right without that accent. I definitely want to give **Portillos** another shot, but **Al’s** sounds really good too. And from what you’re saying Al’s is a little more strongly flavored, which I might like a little better. Off-topic: Son in law took us to **Beggars** for some deep dish pizza. It was pretty small, smaller than a medium here, but as thick as 3-4 pizzas stacked on top of each other. Very good sauce and cheese and just the right amount of toppings (I think we got a supreme or deluxe or something). It was a very tasty pie, but it’s the only one I’ve tried. How does it stack up for you Chicagoans that have been there? ---
**Author:** ![Mixolydian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/da6949/32.png) [@Mixolydian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mixolydian)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/88 "2014-05-30T13:15:05Z")
> [@chela](#): > > If you are anywhere near Hollywood, and want a thin cracker style Chicago pizza go to Villa Rose Pizza on SR 7 tween Taft and Johnson St. But Italian Beefs? No! they sell philly cheese steaks! good but not as good as Sonny’s Famous Steak Hoagies… I’ve been to Villa Rose (years ago) and remember that it was really good but different…didn’t realize that it was Chicago style, as I’ve only had deep-dish. Sonny’s I’ve been to a few times…great sandwiches, and not Philly either. Two places I did try an Italian Beef were Fat Lou’s on Hallandale Bch Blvd (just ok), and The Burger Freak on Powerline & McNab (better). Haven’t tried Hot Dog Heaven’s version, which has mixed reviews. I think some folks lower their standards because they’re desperate. A Chowhound post mentions two places on in Ft. Myers: Chicago Dawg House, and Giovanni’s Italian Market, with the valid argument that there are more midwesterners on FL’s west coast. ---
**Author:** ![SanDiegoTim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/85e7bf/32.png) [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/89 "2014-05-30T13:20:49Z")
Note to madmonk…take previous advice and go to Al’s on Taylor Street. After your sandwich walk across the street for the best Italian Ice you’ll ever have at Marios’s. ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/90 "2014-05-30T15:01:29Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > I had no idea they even had a location there. Is that fairly new? There is a Loop location at 330 S. Wells, then there’s that West Side location roundabouts the United Center. And, of course, the lower Hubbard & Michigan Ave location. That’s the only one that matters to me. It’s really not something to work expectations up about, though. I love it because it’s a downtown bar with the feel of a real, genuine, old-school neighborhood tavern. Except for the occasional busload of tourists, it’s about as close to down-home Chicago you can get to in that area. It was a hangout also for all the journalists, being below the Tribune building and (years ago) the Chicago Sun-Times building. Great place with a real Chicago heart. I remember going there the night Royko died to find that a few dozen others had the same idea, and a makeshift memorial service was taking place. I’m a big fan of the burgers there (the double is awesome) and they have great pickles. Plus the history of the place can’t be ignored (CHEEZBORGER CHEEZEBORGER CHEEZBORGER!) [Here’s a list of locations](http://www.billygoattavern.com/locations/). There’s one at Navy Pier and one at O’Hare (plus one in DC, apparently). ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/91 "2014-05-30T17:49:11Z")
It’s funny, I always avoided Billy Goat when I’m in Chicago because I assumed that it was unique once, but now is just a tourist trap. Maybe I’ll have to check it out. ---
**Author:** ![Cuckoorex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/92 "2014-05-30T18:27:17Z")
I’m in the Quad Cities (Moline, IL, to be exact) and Italian Beef is a regular menu item at most places here. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/93 "2014-05-30T18:38:35Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > In Milwaukee I’d get them at Martino’s. I was hoping someone would mention Martino’s. The owner is a very good friend of mine. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/94 "2014-05-30T18:56:39Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > It’s funny, I always avoided Billy Goat when I’m in Chicago because I assumed that it was unique once, but now is just a tourist trap. Maybe I’ll have to check it out. It receives its fair share of tourists, of course, but I don’t really think of it as a tourist trap. I used to hang out there all the time in the mid-to-late-90s and early-to-mid 00s, mostly with folks who worked at the Trib or Sun-Times. It’s a down-to-earth joint with a bit of a blue collar tavern vibe to it. You don’t really find much in the way of hipsters here. It’s not a trendy joint, but it is on the Chicago tourist trail, so you’ll get your out-of-town clientele, as well. It’s a reasonable mix of people, and I was born and raised in the city on the Southwest Side, and I feel perfectly at home at the Goat. And, yes, if you get a cheeseburger, it must be at least a double, if not a triple. The bun is a kaiser roll and a bit more substantial than a typical squishy fast food hamburger bun, so you need a bit more meat for it to work out. And the patties are thin, something around ten to the pound, I would guess. I think it’s a very average burger and nothing to write home about, but it tastes just perfect when eaten at the Goat. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/95 "2014-05-30T21:58:36Z")
Well, thanks to this thread, I just had to go to Al’s and have an Eye-talian Beef for lunch. Yum! This was the one on Elston and Western (lots closer to my house); not quite as good as Taylor Street, but close. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/96 "2014-05-30T22:05:44Z")
> [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](#): > > Well, thanks to this thread, I just had to go to Al’s and have an Eye-talian Beef for lunch. Yum! > > This was the one on Elston and Western (lots closer to my house); not quite as good as Taylor Street, but close. Hey hey hey now…we’re not from Eye-taly. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/97 "2014-05-30T23:07:21Z")
Well, that’s how my big I-talian family says it, so I do too. (my real name has lots of syllables and ends in a vowel) ---
**Author:** ![interface2x](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c0e974/32.png) [@interface2x](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/interface2x)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/98 "2014-05-30T23:12:46Z")
> [@GrandWino](#): > > I’m a big fan of the burgers there (the double is awesome) and they have great pickles. Plus the history of the place can’t be ignored (CHEEZBORGER CHEEZEBORGER CHEEZBORGER!) > > [Here’s a list of locations](http://www.billygoattavern.com/locations/). There’s one at Navy Pier and one at O’Hare (plus one in DC, apparently). They’re going to put one in the Yorktown Mall food court in Lombard, as well. They recently renovated and it’s got a big “Coming Soon” sign. ---
**Author:** ![chicagowhitesox1173](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/46a35a/32.png) [@chicagowhitesox1173](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chicagowhitesox1173)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/99 "2014-05-30T23:14:31Z")
> [@Cuckoorex](#): > > I’m in the Quad Cities (Moline, IL, to be exact) and Italian Beef is a regular menu item at most places here. Somebody told me that they went to a place in Iowa that had the best Italian beef he ever had. We always wanted to go on a road trip for this but never did. I don’t talk to the guy much anymore but I wish I had gotten the name of the place. It could have been in the Illinois part of the Quad cities too though. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535/100 "2014-05-30T23:15:52Z")
> [@Shakes](#): > > Interesting, I thought Italian beefs were a New York thing… Really? So far two of us never heard of it. Where are you from? Also, another “huh” from me on learning that giardinera was a thing in a unique American context. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-italian-beef-sandwiches-popular-outside-of-chicago-area/689535.md?page=6)