Beef Stands for After Ball Games

Mike F

You have to think Yorkies, the Spot, Mickey's (Villa Park) or Hamburger Heaven (not beef but always a consideration) when traveling to the land of the Dukes.

Mike F:

For after the LT game try Little Joe's on Plainfield Rd. just east of LaGrange Rd.

Years ago worked for Metra along the Elgin-Chicago line and made lunch stops at dozens of great beef/sausage joints including a few you mentioned.
The best beef/italian sausage,fries, & chocolate shakes you'll find anywhere.
Still remember the taste and carrying the pounds around too, wish I could remember more of the names though.

You guys are killing me. It is impossible to find anything resembling an Italian beef sandwich with sweet and hot peppers dipped anywhere in New England.

How can that be??????????

If your playing the Wheaton schools or are anywhere near Carol Stream Augustino's on Schmale Rd is excellent.

Where is soxnole when you need him? His first hand expert empirical knowledge of culinary establishments is second to none, not only in Chicago, but across this vast great country of ours. He has the equivalent of a PhD in Chicago beef stands.

I second Mike F’s opinion of Johnnies’, having been brought up on their delicacies. Carm’s had a beef stand just off of North and Austin, also good stuff!

One of my favorite is “Mr. Beef”, on Harlem Avenue, just south of Irving Park. It was one of our late night stops coming home, with soxnole, after many travelball games.

That being said, I yield to my distinguished colleague soxnole…..

P.S. Just west of Johnnies’ is a great Italian Deli that makes the best subway sandwiches, Alpine Deli but that another thread……

quote:

Originally posted by lsc59:
Mike F

You have to think Yorkies, the Spot, Mickey's (Villa Park) or Hamburger Heaven (not beef but always a consideration) when traveling to the land of the Dukes.

lsc, however will I decide. Maybe Hamburger Heaven since we don't play at York until May. With apologies to Holden (I feel for you), I may need a break from beef, sausage and Italian ice by then. That's when I'll start a thread about the best BBQ joints around here.

Mike F

quote:

Originally posted by gotwood4sale:
Mike F:

For after the LT game try Little Joe's on Plainfield Rd. just east of LaGrange Rd.

Got Wood, I'm there. What do you recommend?

Mike F

quote:

The best beef/italian sausage,fries, & chocolate shakes you'll find anywhere.
Still remember the taste and carrying the pounds around too, wish I could remember more of the names though.

denisr, I forgot about the shakes! Unfortunately, I didn't forget about the pounds (pretty hard to miss these days). Let me know if you think of the names...I don't want to miss a good one.

Mike F

quote:

Originally posted by Holden Caulfield:
You guys are killing me. It is impossible to find anything resembling an Italian beef sandwich with sweet and hot peppers dipped anywhere in New England.

How can that be??????????

Holden, I don't have the words...I can't imagine a place that is devoid of Italian beef and sausage. Hey, I'll bet the chowder is fresh!

Mike F

quote:

Originally posted by denisr400:
If your playing the Wheaton schools or are anywhere near Carol Stream Augustino's on Schmale Rd is excellent.

Denisr, is that near Wheaton Warrenville South?

Mike F

quote:

Originally posted by Smokey:

One of my favorite is “Mr. Beef”, on Harlem Avenue, just south of Irving Park. It was one of our late night stops coming home, with soxnole, after many travelball games.

P.S. Just west of Johnnies’ is a great Italian Deli that makes the best subway sandwiches, Alpine Deli but that another thread……

Smokey, I'll have to try Mr. Beef (with a name like that, it better be good) when I get a chance, but since I moved west from Oak Park, I haven't been up that way very much.

Funny that you mention Alpine...there was about a two and a half year period in my life (before I was married) that I used to spend most Sundays eating Alpine roast beef sandwiches and reading the entire Sunday paper. That was the good old days for sure. Now I only get Alpine when we visit the in-laws and I spend more time reading on the HSBBW than in the paper. Progress I guess.

When we play OP, I'll hit Johnnie's for immediate consumption and Alpine for take home sandwiches.

Thanks for the reminder.

Mike F

Holden,

I am sorry to hear about your situation out there on the eastcoast. Portillo's will fly in all the fixings for you and your loved ones. See http://www.portillo.com/store. Big chain now...still one of the best beefs in Chicago. The flavor will win you many favors in your part of town. The frozen schooner of ice cold beer however, does travel well. Too bad..great add-on after hanging out on a dusty fields all day. Tasty ribs too.

In Evanston, there is Bill's, on Asbury Street (near Howard)which has great dogs, with all the trimmings and really thick shakes. Also, Hot Dog Island on Central Street (near NU Stadium). Both will make you smile!

Rosy will remember Big Herms on Dempster in Skokie. Their fries were terrific!

gotwood4sale,

Forgot about Little Joes. Deserving of the list.
To those who travel to Play the Downers South Mustangs or the North Trojans give Teddy's a try. (63rd just south of Main Steet) A better than average beef...not Johnnies,Carms or Als but deserving... you won't leave disappointed. Ask Mike F for a coupon ...a little pricey. Freddies on 35th street just west of the 2005 World Championship Chicago White Sox and the next dynasty in baseball and Dukes in Chicago Heights. Great cars nightly at Dukes...one of the originals.

Please, fellas, do I have to remind you about the famous breaded steak sammich at Ricobenes after Sox games. You guys must be North Siders.

Dukes is Chicago Ridge not Heights. A lotta
sandwich at Ricobenes.

Oh my.... What have I done?

Tuzigoot

You need to go into the Bridgeport neighborhood for a good breaded steak or chicken . Much better than Ricobenes . But JMO

Corky...lets not forget Poochies in Skokie

By taste...1)Johnny's in Elmwood Park or Arlington Hts........2)Al's...better on Taylor than elsewhere. 3)Mr. Beef on Harlem, just south of Irving.....4)Carms on Wolf between Roosevelt and Cermak.

By quantity of actual beef.1)Mr. Beef by a mile
...........................2)Carm's..not close to Mr. beef though.
...........................3)Al's..by a mile over Johnny's
...........................4) Johnny's..now laughable

giardiniare.................1)Mr Beef home made with little or no stinking jalapeno's
............................2)Al's hot and spicy with not too many jalapeno's
All others have turned good Italian tradition to some kind of Mex/Ital counterfeit.

Notes:

Johnny's Italian ice is far and away the best.
Mr. Beef has sensational Pizza and soup. The staff
led by owners Tony and Dan are wonderful people.
Carm's has many outstanding sandwich specials and
other Italian delicacies on a daily basis.

No better sandwich in the city, imo, than Ricobene's breaded steak with mozzerella, red gravy and....... Mr. Beef's giardiniare. Worst giardiniare of those mentioned at Ricobenes.
Ricobenes has tremendous Pizza also..several different options, hot and ready at all times.

Your welcome, Smokey!

Btw, Sultiger, could you please tell me the Bridgeport establishments you were referring to?

Thanks.

Soxnole,
When on Taylor Street as you obviously know, you can't only stop at Al's, on the fine weather days. The Al's "annex" is across the street. (37 steps to be exact) The best Italian ice in the city.

An arguement can be made for revised rankings based on the new information.

I gotta chime in because....I love BEEF!

1) Johnny's- At least bi-weekly
2) Jay's (Montrose & Nagle) Don't sleep on this!
3) Al's
4) Carms

Great thread, way better than top 09's!!!!
The only one who wants to talk about that is the infamous ***. I'm Glad, HE GONE!!!!

It didnt even let me put his name in there, he must be infamous!!!!

Hey guys,

They absolute best place for anything Italian is Freddie's (really a tiny grocery store), on 16th in Cicero. They cook great food for lunch for take-out, but they have some tables, too. The food is absolutely the best. Fabulous Italian Ice and gelato. omigod. Not sure if they have Italian beef. You won't miss it if they don't. Everything else is that good.

Not terrifically far from OPRF, Fenwick, or Morton. Definitely worth the extra minutes to drive there. Wish they were open NOW!

Mike F:

quote:

Got Wood, I'm there. What do you recommend?

Sorry I missed your post...hope you made a decision and didn't go away hungry...how was it?



Bender:

quote:

Oh my.... What have I done?

We don't know...please fill us in!



Isc59:

quote:

Forgot about Little Joes. Deserving of the list.

I'm glad you agree.



Smokey:

quote:

Where is soxnole when you need him? His first hand expert empirical knowledge of culinary establishments is second to none, not only in Chicago, but across this vast great country of ours. He has the equivalent of a PhD in Chicago beef stands.

You weren't kidding about soxnole!



soxnole:
Wow! If I ever spot you at a game I'm going to follow you afterwards...a top notch Italian beef will not be far away!




Great topic Mike F...worthy of an Illinois Golden Thread!



Everyone...keep eatin' and keep postin'

Bon Appetit!

Soxnole,

A very thorough and informative list. I haven't dined at a couple of your favorites, but I must make it a point to get to Mr. Beef. I couldn't agree more about Ricobene's. I've eaten there since I was a little boy. My dad used to own a body and fender shop on south Wentworth. When the city built the Dan Ryan Expy he moved over to Canalport and Jefferson. Ricobene't was one of the first food stands that I ever ate in. Thanks for reminding me.

We'd also eat at a fried shrimp place on Canal, just south of 18th st. Good hot sauce.

You all are making me hungry. As a transplanted St. Louisian, I have come to love Italian Beef. IMO, the best is Mr. Beef, not on Harlem, but downtown on Orleans (Jay Leno eats there whenever he's in Chicago...but even with or without his endorsement, it really is unbelievable). I also concur that Portillo's does a mighty fine job with the Beef sandwich. But, because my wife and I are always on the hunt for the "great beef sandwich" (in addition to the "great burger"...which could be a whole new topic) we will have to try some of these suggestions.

Augustino's on Schmale is closer to Wheaton North & there's also a store on North Ave in West Chicago. Beef is outstanding & famous for their deli sammich's also.
Portillo's always a great option if no mom & pop place nearby. Like the whole menu but beef/it'sausage combo quite good & filling.

Thanks for the tip, lsc59.

Thanks for nothing to all of you who brought up Ricobene's. Nothing like that here either.

If you're in the UIC area you have to stop at Manny's for the corn beef sandwich or Fontano's for a Sub!

Don't know about its Italian Beef, but Fontano's on Western in Riverside (I think) is pretty hard to beat. Also, I know it's a chain, but Portillo's Beef and Cheddar is one of the best.

OK, I couldn't wait for baseball to start...I just had lunch at Buona Beef in Downers Grove. It was excellent. Must be the Gonella bread.

My wife wants me to get in shape, but it looks like she'll have to settle for round.

Mike F

Mike F:

quote:

My wife wants me to get in shape, but it looks like she'll have to settle for round.

Mike F

My wife and I make a lovely pear...she's the trim stem and I'm the plump fruit!
...and...

Soxnole

there is one place in particular in bridgeport that i was referring to--- LaMelonesse --located at the corner of 32nd and May . One of the best breaded steak and chicken sandwiches you will have . Its a little pricey, but well worth it. Its a little corner resturant that you wouldnt know about unless you live in the neighborhood or if someone had told you about it. There are many other little places like this tucked away in bridgeport . But this is one of the best . JMO

Holden.....try the clam stand in Revere..I think its Kelly's...not sure 30 years later but if its still there, its fabulous!

Also America's #1 steakhouse bar none..."Lochober's" on Winter Street downtown Boston. Fantastic bar as well.

Thanks Sultiger24...I will check it out soon!

Mike F:

quote:

I fell for that old "come on into beautiful Riverside" once before. Took me 4 hours to find my way out. Are they ever going to straighten out those streets?

We did try soaking the entire village in one 'n only Curl Remover...but our results were mixed...some streets wound up being even more curved...we had to call in the staff of one of those cable TV make-over shows...the whole street system still frizzes up when the weather turns damp...it's a problem all right!

Fortunately, for you Heavenly Hot Dogs is on a straight street parallel to the Burlington Northern tracks...we keep that street straight with a giant barrette.


...Riverside on a bad hair day!

MIke F....

Hate to disagree, BUT "Buona Beef" has no taste, it's bland, to dry, even when its 'dipped'. There is no flavor in the gravy/juice (lacks seasoning). A great benchmark for flavor in the gravy is Portillo's, especially with the sausage in a "combo"!!!!

JMHO