Been waiting a few years to finally get to this place. Glad I skipped the chains for once and got me a real BEEF. We ordered a sweet beef half dipped and a hot dog with fries. Best beef and fries I’ve had in the city so far. Can’t wait to back and try the sausage as it also looked incredible. Cash only however everything on the menu is under 7 bucks. Johnnies….they got the beef!!!

Definitely a mission getting here using public transportation from the City (Andersonville). Ordered an Italian Beef, probably should have got it with spicy peppers and Sausage but oh well, I just got it normally. Super good sandwich and worth the mission! Iconic Chicago Staple!

Unbelievable taste! Amazing value. This place cannot be beat. The smell will awaken you as you get close, and you’ll go from 6 to midnight instantly. Then your mouth will water like Niagara Falls on the Sahara. Your stomach will take you the rest of the way and you will not be disappointed. I recommend getting it juicy and with hot peppers. This place offers a completely legal experience unlike anywhere else in the continental US. Tony was right about this place, like most things. I really appreciate you reading all this way, but please stop and go there right now!!

Hands down the best Italian beef in Chicago. Johnnie’s is an institution and a must go for anyone living in Chicago. Their beef has so much flavor and the bread holds beautifully. Their french fries are perfectly skinny and fried. Hot peppers are hot! And nothing is more satisfying that their lemon ice. Fair warning it gets pretty busy during peak hours. Cash only and seating available outside. Food comes out quick!

Definitely making a trip to comeback here. The Italian beef sandwich is just that good. The Italian ice is just that good. The fries are too good. Spent a little over $11 for the beef sandwich, fries, and large Italian ice altogether. The lines are long but move at a good pace. I waited about 15 minutes considering it was peak dinnertime hours. The parking lot gets packed quickly so consider parking on the street somewhere or parking far. If I can give this place 10 stars, I would. It's just that good. One important tip to remember : THIS PLACE IS CASH ONLY. Another tip: they offer gift certificates but in $10 increments!

There is always long lines when ordering. But not to worry coz service is fast. When it come to food, they serve chicago style italian beef and sausage, and chicago style hotdogs with italian ice. Their menu is focused on these items. No facy menu’s on the list. The food is very nice to try. Ive been here several times and they never disappoint. This plave has been here quiet some time already. There customer keep coming back like me. So their food is a must try here in chicago. Though this place is in elmwood park. Still the food is chicago still. Love it.

One of only two restaurants I gave a 5-Star rating to on my 5 day trip to Chicago. Very much worth the wait, and there will be a wait. My wife had the regular and I had the hot pepper. It was amazing!! Simple ingredients done right, small menu and fast staff. Best beefsteak sandwich in the Chicago area that I found. The Lemon ice was very good and so was the chocolate shake. Thanks Johnnie's!!

This place is fxxKing awesum!! I been working in the area for like 20yrs and jsut found out this hidden gems! I ordered the combo Italian beef and sauguage with hot pepper and sweet pepper I have never had sucha tasty Italian beef and sauguage The Italian ice is to die for! Over all, it's a great place. No matter if you order during lunch or dinner hours please expect there a LONG LINE! They alway have ppl in line outside lol. Once you are inside u r probably fifth in line and it will take less than a min once you ordered! No dine in, they do have outdoor seating, or you can eat in your car just like me or take home

The best beef Sandwich in Chicago hands down, it's affordable, delicious, and quick to grab. Fries are great, delicious Italian sausage. Highly recommend, I come back here every time I visit Chicago. Cash Only.

Was visiting and tried it 1st time. Lots of flavor in food . Sausage was great and the meat on top was drenched in their house sauce. Very tasty food .would definitely try it again .

This place is an awesome dive. There was a line out the door when I showed up around 8pm, but I had my food in less than 5 minutes. Italian beef, wet, with hot peppers was great. Definitely a good amount of spice! Hot dog with everything and fries was also spot on. I dined for under $15, and I think it was a great value. They are cash only, so come prepared.

In a world overflowing with eateries, it's rare to find a gem that makes a lasting impression. Johnnie’s Beef is one such rarity. From the moment you step inside, you're met with an inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for the culinary journey ahead. Their beef sandwiches, the star of their menu, are not just sandwiches – they are an experience. Tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection, each bite transports you to gastronomic nirvana. The balance of seasoning, the succulence of the meat, and the freshness of the ingredients make it a must-try beef sandwich for both locals and travelers alike. But while the beef sandwich is undoubtedly the crowd-pleaser, one shouldn't overlook the other delightful offerings. The Italian ice, for instance, is a revelation. Cool, refreshing, and bursting with authentic flavors, it's the perfect accompaniment to the rich beefy goodness. It serves as both a palate cleanser and a delicious treat, ensuring your dining experience is well-rounded. In summary, Johnnie’s Beef is more than just a place to grab a bite – it's a culinary destination. Whether you're a beef aficionado or someone looking to elevate their sandwich game, this is one spot you won't want to miss. And remember, the Italian ice is not just an option; it's a must-try!

Of the many places making dipped beef Sammie’s I’ve never had anything quite so deliciously decadent than Johnnie’s Beef. The meticulous process is deceivingly simple. The cashier runs the place with military accuracy and command. There is a specific way to order and when the order is taken the cashier commander shouts the order to the line and they get to work making a deliciously sloppy Sammie sure to please. The textures are amazing! The rich beef and gravy gives way to the peppers all the whole the gravy soaked bread holds everything together so we’ll that you can’t figure out what is what but they marry so well. We ordered spicy dipped with peppers, regular dipped, and a combo dipped with a double sausage combo. All of which were paired with French fries and finished off with Italian ice which hit the spot. So refreshing and delicious. I couldn’t recommend more!

Food is served ridiculously quick. I wish the fries were more crispy but regardless they were still good. Make sure you tell them how you want the Italian beef or it will be given plain. Overall for the price this place was great.

This was my first ever Italian beef, so I have no basis for comparison. That being said, it's the best thing I have ever eaten on bread! If I could afford it, I would fly to Chicago twice a year just for this sandwich!

My mom had been talking about this place since I was a kid. This is the local place the highschool kids would go to during lunch when she was in school. So I decided to surprise her and take her back. She said food is just as delicious as she remembers! The Italian ice is so good and a decent size! Definitely Recommend. Just a heads up the line gets long but moves very quickly. And they only take cash there is an ATM 1/2 a block away though if you forget.

I’ve had a Italian beef sandwich from portillos and it was okay, I had this one and it was 100x’s better lol beef was nice and juicy and tender, the bread was soft and had a nice spice with the peppers on it. I also got a Italian ice and boy was it good! Loved the ice and the flavor, I probably should of got a large hahaha.

Lightning fast service and the food was so good! The sausage was very peppery and the beef was so good. I hear that you should order it extra juicy. The Italian ice was one of the best I’ve ever had. A small one would do. I got the spicy peppers with my sandwich but looking back, I think I should’ve gotten the sweet peppers. Fries are good too. They give you ketchup in a cone of wax paper :) their milkshake is decently good and their drinks seemed to be a handcrafted soda that I haven’t seen before. Overall very good experience at this establishment. Cash only, no bathroom on site. There is a gas station down the street, and also a fresh thyme across the street if you want to play frogger.

I've been coming here for years and it's always been delicious. Their Italian ice and beefs are the standard that I judge all others against. They've got good fries too and lightning fast service. I love supporting this local business. FYI, cash only!

Absolutely the best Italian beef sausage hot pepper combo in chicago. And the Italian ice is to die for! Cash only! Always a line out the door.

An institution for a reason. Johnnies provides the only Italian beef and Italian ice you’ll ever need. Your order is seemingly made instantly, usually before you can even get cash out (it is cash only). Seriously the single most efficient operation I’ve ever seen. I highly recommend getting it hot and wet. The ultra thin sliced beef, giardiniera, and bread blend together into a cacophony of wonderful juicy flavor. It’s really hard to beat.

Love Johnnies Beef because their food has been so consistently great for decades. The sweet peppers are to die for!!! They are very quick with their service and it can get really crowded in the summer months. They have one of the best Italian Beefs in Chicago period!!!

This classic Italian beef stand brings me back to my childhood. Altho this place was busy and has no indoor seating the line moved fast and the staff was on there game. I had a combo (Italian beef sandwich with an Italian sausage) dipped in gravy. WOW the Italian sausage was flame cooked. What an unforgettable taste of real Chicago.

Johnnie’s is soo good! After moving from Chicago 3-years ago, I returned yesterday and the first place I went to was Johnnie’s. I got the double hot dog with fries and the Italian ice, and I tipped. My whole meal was under $10 and my food was so good! It was like home in a meal. I also completely spaced that it was cash only. They are super kind about and once I got cash, they let me come back and place my order. Johnnie’s is really a community spot. So grateful that all these years they still managed to keep their prices and deliciousness of their food.

Always good food, fast service despite the line. Only downfall is not enough tables, and everything is outside. No bathrooms. Still an iconic must visit restaurant in Chicago.

I've gone twice in the last week and the Beef has just been ok. I don't know why they put freshly added beef to the gravy with beef that has been simmering a while. It is tough, unflavorful and not good. I wish they would try it themselves and see it's not tasty. You can tell the difference in textures.

I recently tried their sandwich, and it was outstanding! The flavors were on point, especially the Italian sausage – not overpowering with spices, just perfect. 🙌🏼 Also, their Italian ice is wonderfully soft and refreshing, hitting the perfect temperature. Highly recommended!