Luke's Italian Beef image

Luke's Italian Beef

Restaurant Fast food restaurant Italian restaurant Sandwich shop

One of the Top rated Sandwich shops in Tucson


Address

1615 S Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85711

Contact

(520) 747-8399

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 9 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 9 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 9 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beef (31) Italian (31) Chicago (24) good (21) sandwich (17) order (16) Tucson (15) fries (15) amazing (14) great (14)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Victor B. 1 year ago on Google
    Always an awesome beef ! Love an authentic Italian Beef or a Chicago style hot dog? This is THE place in Tucson for the best in Chicago style beef! Get the hot pepper Giardiniera on top. It’s spicy but it hurts so good. I try to go there once a week for my craving to be satisfied! The owners, Luke and Patty are usually there so stop in and say hi and get an amazing and fast lunch ! VictorB
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Duffins L. 1 year ago on Google
    Luke’s has been a go-to for years. I’m surprised the AZ flag isn’t the outline of Luke’s Chicago Dog, this place isn’t a staple of Tucson, it’s a land mark. I recommend everything on the menu. Everything is delicious and packed full of flavors and made from only the best ingredients. Staff is amazing. I’ve never had a bad experience. Love these guys. Dining in the old diner style restaurant is always a must, however, they do have a drive thru that is lightning fast but you should dine in and experience everything Luke’s has to offer. Prices are low considering how much food you get and the food is always consistent. I can’t recommend Luke’s enough. One bite into a delicious Chicago dog and you’ll think that heaven must be just like this. Bring the family, co-workers and friends and you won’t be disappointed.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mariano G. 2 years ago on Google
    Always love this place. I have to visit every time I come home to Tucson. The Italian beef with cheese is amazing. My wife loves the meatball sub and my son gets the Italian. Everything is always great!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan S. 1 year ago on Google
    Get the Combo cheese and peppers mixed, thumbs up later. Eat In. Always good here. PS Meatball is amazing too.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeffrey A. 11 months ago on Google
    Ohh wow. I grew up in NY, I'm particular to legit deli sandwiches. Wow; it don't get more authentic than Luke's in Tucson. Maybe all of AZ! Pastrami is perfect and my friend got the roast beef with green chilie and whoah, will be back for one myself ASAP!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Netza O. 5 months ago on Google
    Fantastic food! Some say the best fries in Tucson...they may be right. Can't go wrong with The Combo or The Polish Sausage (pictured).
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 JEFF D. 1 year ago on Google
    The food is delicious and large portions. It's expensive but good. Our issue is with the service. We came from the Chicago area. Which is where they started. The owner moved to Tucson and we've remained customers after moving here. But we live 30 min away so we asked if one of the combo sandwiches they could put the meat in foil instead of the bun so it's not a soggy mess. It grosses my wife out. They refused. I asked if I could buy an extra bun for $2. They refused. They would even make more $$ on the bun. It makes no sense. We have tried on 3 occasions and always refuse. So now we never go. We miss out on great food and they lost a lot of business. Very glad to see portillos is coming to Tucson. Another Chicago favorite. The food is amazing there as well. We will be giving them out business once open.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marky M. 1 year ago on Google
    I was pleasantly surprised of just how good this place was! One of the best pastrami sandwiches I've ever had. You can tell the owner and staff care about the food they make for people. Highly recommend it. 👌. If I'm ever back in Tucson I'll stop by again
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Benjamin G. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to get a Chicago Dog, ask for everything on it and make sure to grab a drink! My gf really likes the meatball sandwiches here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicholas A. 11 months ago on Google
    Consistently awesome and the food is the best you can get outside of Chicago hands down. Very consistent since they 1st opened amazing food never had a bad experience that the fears amazing employees are amazing, highly recommended.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Alecs S. 1 year ago on Google
    I went today and ordered a meatball sub and pastrami subs... their food is normally amazing. But they didn't hear my order correctly though the drive through. They gave me and charged me for a hot dog instead... and when I went back to have them correct my order. The MANAGER stood at the window and argued with me! Terrible service! I will be complaining to the owner because all he had to simply do is say sorry and they would need to charge me for the correct item.. but no, he had to argue with me. They seriously need to fix their drive through speakers or repeat the damn order at the window.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Love J. 2 years ago on Google
    First time here I order a Chicago dog it was ok my bread was alittle soggy, because I got it to go. I also order the beef Italian with peppers great sandwich next time I will add cheese.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Malishia S. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is great!! I get the chicken sandwich and it's soooo delicious!! The chicken is always consistently moist and full of flavor. The service is fast and fresh every time!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeremy K. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a meatball sub. It's enormous! The meatballs are well seasoned, intensely flavorful, and absolutely massive. I got mine with cheese. Fries are separate but generously portioned.

  • 5/5 Craig S. 3 years ago on Google
    Luke's signature sandwich of marinated roast beef with spices and broth on a crunchy, crusty French bread is French Dip taken to extreme. Prepare to use the abundant paper towels provided if you eat-in because this sandwich is wet. But that makes it delectable. I never have finished one that I did not drop a piece of meat or dab up the dripping juice on a dry corner of the bread.I personally don't take the pepper option, but I do like it with white cheese that I think is provolone. The side order of fries are generous, so much that I often share an order with my guest. Take care because they are hot, they come out of the kitchen so fast. I have tried other items on the menu in the past, like the Italian sausage, which are tasty in their own style, but going to Luke's is a mission to get the Italian Beef. You have got to try this, but prepare to field the drips and drops.

  • 5/5 Barret H. 2 years ago on Google
    If I visit Tucson and I don't stop at Luke's, then the visit was a failure. Chicago Dogs and Italian Beefs are great, but they also make a great tuna sub. My dad and I have loved this place for 25 years and counting. Go Cubs.

  • 5/5 Wayne W. 2 years ago on Google
    I ordered the pastrami sandwich and was highly impressed. I am very particular about my pastrami and this sandwich met my expectations completely. Plus I got hot french fries, what more could one want in life?

  • 5/5 r w. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a place I've wanted to go since I got here. The drive thru girl was superb & was the 1st person who asked if she could cut the sandwiches so both of us could taste both sandwiches. The onion rings were large& tasty, the crinkle cut fries were the best so far, & the pizza puff was delicious. We tried both the Italian beef sandwich & were delighted in the portion& taste, but then found out we got a portion of someone else's order, maybe a vegetarian sandwich & polish w/sport peppers (worked in a restaurant that was exactly like it with a bigger menu so I am familiar with Chicago style fair from living there).

  • 3/5 Mary W. 2 years ago on Google
    Food is good, but check your order. Never in 6 or more trips have they gotten it right. Order 2 fries, nope they did not hear that, did not find out about missing sweet pepper till we got home. No idea if charged or not because you never get a receipt.

  • 5/5 Matthew K. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best little hole in the wall, family joints you can find in Tucson. I'm never disappointed when I order there. Luke's is very pro law enforcement and emergency responders. He's probably one of the only places in this town, brave enough to play Fox News on the TVs inside the restaurant, rather than CNN. The fries are always cooked fresh to order, and the sandwiches as well. I would 10 outta 10 recommend this place to anyone!

  • 5/5 Paul M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great Italian Beef with cheese. Make sure you ask for it wet with hot peppers you'll thank me.

  • 5/5 Brad C. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely the best hand made Italian Subs you will find! Generous servings of fries or onion rings,and they are family owned. I have also done work for the owner several years ago at the ft . Lowell store. Excellent food there as well. Have been going since I was a kid. I now take my grandson.

  • 2/5 L&B C. 4 years ago on Google
    Very very saggy bread

  • 2/5 Caroline F. 1 year ago on Google
    Luke's has always been my favorite. It has been a long time since I had it. I usually get the Italian beef. Idk what happened but what I got was definitely not what I normally eat. It was slathered with mayo, had tons of mushroom and red onions. I could barely taste the meat. It was not good. I'll try it again next time but this was so gross that my husband and I could not eat it.

  • 4/5 Ryan S. 4 years ago on Google
    Enjoy the burger alot with bacon

  • 5/5 Red D. 1 year ago on Google
    This is one of my favorite places to eat with my brother I've never been disappointed, everything's always been super good! Beef cheese hot is my favorite thing there, it was just as good as the ones I've had in Chicago! They also have a super friendly owner and staff.

  • 5/5 Jason N. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic grub. Having lived in Illinois and being a Portillos fan, this is a great substitute. Not better or worse, but equally good in its own way. If you haven't been here, give it a shot. The Italian beef, Chicago Dogs, and the Pastrami are all top notch.

  • 5/5 Susan B. 1 year ago on Google
    Tasty casual dining. Have always loved the Italian beef sandwich and French fries here and they didn’t disappoint. As with everywhere, prices have gone up but the cost and the trip is well worth it!

  • 5/5 Dean's E. 1 year ago on Google
    Tucson staple! Place is classic and the food is yummy! Italian beef with hot peppers! I've always had a great experience. I recommend going inside to order to get the full experience and check out all the Chicago memorabilia. Support your local places like this!

  • 5/5 Sandy M. 1 year ago on Google
    Super friendly service- we got to meet Luke and he gave my son a toy, which he loves! Delicious food and you can taste the quality. Definitely recommend if you’re in the area at the zoo or craving some good, quick food.

  • 5/5 Shelby L. 10 months ago on Google
    First off, best Italian beef I've had, got it dressed with sweet/hot peppers and cheese, wet! Also had the Chicago dog and fries - quality authentic dog and the fries were piping hot. Service was exceptional and prices are reasonable. Will definitely be back!

  • 4/5 Rachel C. 10 months ago on Google
    My brother LOVES the steak sandwich. It was too greasy for me. The fries and onion rings were good. I'd go back for a Chicago Hotdog. I liked the tables with old pics showcasing family history.

  • 3/5 Dominic C. 8 months ago on Google
    I walked into Luke's expecting to get an excellent Chicago Dog, but it was more of a Chihuahua... yappy and saucy. I know they're not using Vienna, which is a requisite if you're going to call yourself an authentic Chicago place... The bun was soggy as well. The thing that was the biggest bummer is there was a picture of Gene and Jude's Restaurant on the wall. Now, this is the holy grail of Chicago dogs. This place is a very pale comparison.

  • 5/5 Tony L. 8 months ago on Google
    One of the best Italian sandwiches I've had. Really good fries. Only complaint is that it was a little dirty - especially under the glass on the table. Not appetizing to look at while you're eating.

  • 5/5 Jordan A. 8 months ago on Google
    Great beef joint! The meat is flavorful and tender while the sandwhich is so juicy! You're going to need multiple paper towels. And yes ( actual paper towels! ). No thin disolving napkins here! I get mine with the beef, cheese , hot. That's the thin shaved Italian beef with provolone cheese and hot giardinera. It is absolutely amazing! As I've said with these types of sandwiches. If you don't like moist bread then order it dry. But I highly suggest you order it straight up and it is the best and most authentic way to get it. I don't think I even set it down it's so good and messy! But wait let's not forget about the Meatball sub! Holy mama's meatballs those are large! Very tender and juicy. Tons of flavor and the sauce was perfect. The sandwhich was made very well and I also got it with the hot giardinara. An absolute must try! The colonal doesn't have finger licking flavor Like this! I rest my case. Go get yourself some lukes. I'll take two more!.

  • 5/5 Eric R. 7 months ago on Google
    I used to go there a lot, once a week at least when I worked 2 mi west. Buddies of mine continue to go there once a week, and we always have the Italian beef, with cheese, peppers, and mayonnaise with double cooked fries. It has been our go-to place and will continue to be for a long time.

  • 5/5 Adam K. 6 months ago on Google
    What can I say? They have always been supportive of our military law enforcement and first responders. Excellent food and unwavering service. A rare treat in today's service and food industry.

  • 5/5 Brenda Neuman F. 7 months ago on Google
    Best roast beef sandwich I've ever had. If you are a female make sure you make a trip to the restroom. Got to speak with the owner for a little bit and he is so fun and down to earth. His staff takes care of the customers with pride.

  • 5/5 WARD V. 4 months ago on Google
    "Sandwich" are large and high quality meats. Dogs, polish sausage and brats available. Italian beef, pastrami,ext served on bread loaf. Owner has many stores in Chicago land. Nice crisp fries.

  • 5/5 Karl C. 4 months ago on Google
    I used to live by Luke’s and it was a go to weekly but I’ve moved away but today I drove over to see if it was a good as I remember and Well! It was Better!! Great Folks, Great Service, and thee Best Italian Beef in Tucson!!! I’ll be Back!😂

  • 4/5 David G. 3 years ago on Google
    Good food,and one hell of a poker face

  • 5/5 Karin M. 3 years ago on Google
    There's no better beef and/or sausage sandwiches in Tucson!!! You gotta get there!!! Funny, before I could get my camera out to take pictures, it was gone!!! Take a safe seat inside and check out the TV showing old pictures from the best of Luke! Chicago is historically where the business originated. But the Old Man, as he prefers, took up and headed to Arizona, bringing with him the recipes for the best Italian beef and Italian sausage sandwiches for all time!!!

  • 4/5 Micheal M. 3 years ago on Google
    Always enjoy food from here

  • 1/5 JD F. 3 years ago on Google
    I tried to place an order over the phone for pickup and they were incredibly rude. I’ve ate here several times and had decent experiences before. I know times are tough, but you’re not going to keep customers if you’re rude to them.

  • 5/5 Lori V. 3 years ago on Google
    Love Luke's Italian sub, none can compare!

  • 2/5 Samantha 3 years ago on Google
    It was ok

  • 5/5 Jewels G. 3 years ago on Google
    Typical Chicago dog..my fav?

  • 5/5 Charles A. 3 years ago on Google
    Hadn't been there in years sandwiches were awesome as usual.

  • 5/5 Jackie L. 3 years ago on Google
    How can you not love Lukes?? The Italian beef and the meatball sub are amazing. If I'm over on that side of town I try to eat there.

  • 5/5 Hashtag The S. 3 years ago on Google
    All I got to say.... Da bomb!!!!!

  • 5/5 Thelma E. 3 years ago on Google
    Delicious well server

  • 5/5 Jon D. 3 years ago on Google
    Stopped by Luke's Italian beef and got the ribeye steak sub and it was amazing.. will be going back every day for lunch.. also quick service and respectful staff

  • 5/5 Paul P. 3 years ago on Google
    They have the best meatball sandwich in tucson. Their Italian sausage is second to none. Luke and his wife are extremely inviting and friendly.

  • 4/5 Jennifer S. 3 years ago on Google
    Food is always great so I guess it evened out the incredibly rude person at the counter.

  • 5/5 lisa R. 4 years ago on Google
    Luke and Patti are great. I have been eating at Luke's for 40+ years. The food is delicious. I always get the Italian Beef with cheese and hot peppers. The hot peppers are HOT. If you like hot you will get it here. My family has tried everything on the menu. All of it is good. The service is fast. You will get all your order within 5 minutes.

  • 5/5 R Z. 4 years ago on Google
    Best Italian beef this side of the Mississippi! I had the combo, beef and sausage with hot peppers. I didn't realize how much I missed that flavor. The crusty bread, the moist beef dripping in juice. I will absolutely be coming back. (And you can buy a jar of peppers too!)

  • 3/5 Hector S. 4 years ago on Google
    The food was alright. But my first experience was NOT great because I was taken by a work friend if mine an he was telling me he loved the food and this "meat juice" that you can drizzle on your sandwich and said I should try it. So when we eagerly arrived and ordered I asked about the juice and the tall blonde lady in glasses had the AUDACITY to tell me that the sauce did not go with the sandwiches we ordered and that we were going to "RUIN HER SANDWICH". First of all once I pay for my food its mine and I can do whatever I want to it. And second of all if I'm your customer shouldn't you WANT to sell me the damn sauce lady...?

  • 5/5 Blaine R. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this food a chi-town man of 40 years ate there in ILL for my whole childhood . Food still taste the same.Best beef sandwich you can find in AZ.

  • 5/5 Charles C. 3 years ago on Google
    This is best Chicago beef I have. They had multiple place. I thought Ft Lowell was the best but it was closed. Went to Alvernon one which is good as well. Owner told me his son at Ft Lowell went to Thorneydale. I went to 6741 N Thornydale Rd, and sure enough that has gotten better. FYI. Thorneydale on 10 years ago (when I used to live in Tucson) ran by someone else so it wasn't as good as now.

  • 5/5 Roman I. 3 years ago on Google
    Lukes is a legend in tucson, over 15 years going here and ive always had the best tasting hot dogs and grinders ive ever had. Simply the best!

  • 5/5 Mm25 3 years ago on Google
    Service is excellent and the staff is friendly.

  • 4/5 Charles D. 4 years ago on Google
    Best food I've ever ate in my life, very kind and polite staff. Must try to anybody local or traveling by. Dropped a star because my sandwichs bread was so soggy I just ate the meat out of it and threw the bread away.

  • 4/5 Jay V. 4 years ago on Google
    Got the combo hot! I was like drown it ! ?? great service! Will definitely be back.

  • 5/5 Ben G. 4 years ago on Google
    I've missed really good Italian Beef and I hadn't been to this location. Awesome and I will be going back.

  • 5/5 Victor A. 4 years ago on Google
    Bomb

  • 5/5 Shawna R. 4 years ago on Google
    Love, love, love this place!! Get your sandwich "juicy or wet" if you like au ju styles. He's a local small business man and he's rather sweet and good humored and so are the staff!!

  • 5/5 Theresa W. 3 years ago on Google
    The best in Tucson. The best in Arizona.

  • 5/5 crystal w. 3 years ago on Google
    Great prices really good food love the onion rings

  • 5/5 Jeff A. 3 years ago on Google
    Authentic Chicago style sandwiches

  • 5/5 Peter H. 3 years ago on Google
    Everyone needs to eat here. It's the best.

  • 5/5 Tricia H. 3 years ago on Google
    Great customer service and the Italian beef sandwich was as amazing as I remembered it to be and their fries are the bomb! Well done ? I thought Lukes had closed years ago so I was very excited to find this location!

  • 5/5 Miguel C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great food

  • 5/5 Brad C. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome rib eye steak and cheese sandwich

  • 1/5 Johnny K. 3 years ago on Google
    Im a first time customer and really thought I would enjoy eat out and was drawn to this great aroma coming from the street as I've started the past by and thought it would be something great , I was wrong , but I finished my burger and only found out when I got home that the carryout meal turned out to be very soggy and doey , not worth the price I payed !

  • 5/5 Phillip B. 3 years ago on Google
    Lukes has the best Italian beef in town

  • 5/5 Mike T. 3 years ago on Google
    The best meatball sub in town

  • 5/5 Jeremy O. 3 years ago on Google
    Luke's is always amazing! Their food is top notch, and their staff is very friendly. Every time I go, I leave happy and full. I highly recommend this place to anyone!

  • 4/5 Jordan D. 3 years ago on Google
    Beef was good. Bread was ok. Wrapping...the beef stained my pants through the bag so -1 star, be careful!

  • 2/5 Elizabeth C. 3 years ago on Google
    They didn't have any beef

  • 5/5 Edward C. 3 years ago on Google
    Food was fantastic. We'll return


Call (520) 747-8399 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Drive-through
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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