One additional option that I like....the best 'store-bought' beef is from Valli - they make a homemade roast beef that's available in the deli case that is phenomenal.

Luke's is pretty awesome...I forgot about them. We have a Luke's in Mundelein...

I haven't tried Buona yet..

I think something is off with the Portillo's juice. It's sweet or something...

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@audioidkid

Portillo's to me is the average. It's fine and fills the hole....

Please don't post in this thread ever again.

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Michael's Beef House at 6727 W. North Ave is nice too.

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+1

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1926-1931-1934-1942-1944-1946-1964-1967-1982-2006-2011

The 2 original Zel's in East Chicago and Hammond are both good. The newer locations are not near the originals.

The cheese for the fries is out of this world.

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I haven't tried Zel's but have heard some good things about them, I often hear to stay away from the other locations like you mentioned.

Just make sure you order a cup of cheese to dip your fries in.

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Seriously, it is. If you don't realize that, then go lick a wet asshole.

My partner calls Portillo's "baseline beef". Anything better is good. Anything worse is not so great.

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His mind is not for rent to any God or government.

That is pretty much spot on.

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I am going to get this for lunch and the Arby's pulled pork for dinner. Death is likely to ensue at some point tomorrow.

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Luke's is my favorite. I never had a bad food item at this place but it's not cheap.

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favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

Johnnie's in Elmwood Park. Gotta get the combo though. otherwise sandwich is too small..

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Reality is your friend, not your enemy. -- Seacrest

Their fries suck.

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Yep. Good fries and a lemon italian ice too.

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Proud member of the white guy grievance committee

It aint the six minutes. Its what happens in those six minutes.

Hatchet: Which is better*, Johnny's in Elmwood or Jay's on Narragansett and Montrose?
(*until next month, when the Italian Beef-eating world will be turned on it's collective ear.)

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I don't remember half the time if I'm hiding or I'm lost

been meaning to hit up Jay's. somebody told me it was pretty good. Looks like an insurance agency from the outside so I never paid it much mind. In the neighborhood I hit up Mr D's who has real good fries. no fountain drinks though. ugh.

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Reality is your friend, not your enemy. -- Seacrest

The better question is what makes a good italian beef?

I like my beef well marinated but onthe drier side... With aw juice to dip it in. The bread has to be phenomenal, i prefer french bread thats a little chewey and crusty shell. Always put two jalapenos on it as well.

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the world will always the world. your entire existence is defined by your response.

I hear Mr. Beef and Pizza on Harlem and Addison brought up a lot. Ever been? If I have it's been years.

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I don't remember half the time if I'm hiding or I'm lost

Yep, that's how I feel about Giordano's too. Not great but always consistently decent.

Johnnie's is the gold standard for both beef and sausage (and Italian lemonade...).

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You guys are all spoiled. I would give a lot for a "baseline" beef of any sort.

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No, I'm biased against the place. Looks cheesy but not in a good way.

in that neck of the woods I'd hit up Nottoli's on Belmont.

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Reality is your friend, not your enemy. -- Seacrest

[there goes the Tall Midget bat signal, which I'm sure is a symbol for epystemic closure or something.]

Everything in Notolli's is good. Everything. But its a deli/specialty store more than a beef stand.

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I don't remember half the time if I'm hiding or I'm lost

I don't draw such strict distinctions. meat on a bun in some form or fashion does the trick for me.

a sausage sandwich with red sauce. oh my!

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Reality is your friend, not your enemy. -- Seacrest

The key to finding a good italian beef is finding a place at least 100 miles from Chicago with a place with Chicago in the name.

You know that person solved the italian beef issues of Chicago and has decided that you need to bring the best italian beef national to places like Ames, Iowa and Effingham, Illinois.

On that note, if you are ever in NYC, be sure to visit Uno Chicago Grill. It doesn't get more authentic than that.

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!