Chicago is packed with places that have Italian Beef on their menu, but only a handful serve sandwiches worthy of the name. And of these Johnnie’s reigns supreme. The beef is tasty, the bread crust crunchy, the juice flavorful. Johnnie’s fries are just greasy enough to round out the meal. The ambiance at Johnnie’s is wonderful, too. In a world full of places that pretend to be what they are not, Johnnie’s remains true to its original design: enter in the east, wait in line, give your order to the crabby, overworked guy behind the counter, pay your money and a few moments later you are handed your food by another crabby, overworked guy and ushered out the west door. Spartan picnic benches are provided for those who prefer to dine on the premises.
Johnnie’s Beef 7500 West North, Elmwood Park (708)452-6000
Audience choice: Portillo’s 100 West Ontario (312)587-8910 portillos.com
