The Windy City has endless boasting rights when it comes to foodie-related feats. Not only did the city invent deep-dish pizza and the Chicago-style hot dog, but also the rule-bending yet genius lettuce-in-burrito tradition that makes Chicago taquerias controversial but loved. Arguably one of the most notable Chicagoan culinary inventions which became truly popularized in the 1970s, is the Italian beef sandwich — a savory must-have when visiting the city. Chef and traveling TV food host Anthony Bourdain also thought Chicago was one of the best places to plate up an Italian beef that hit the spot. His absolute favorite place to enjoy it when visiting Chi-Town? Johnnie’s Beef.
Johnnie’s Beef is a staple in the Chicago area, with a history of bringing Italian beef and other classics to the city since 1961. Located in Elmwood Park, the eatery is known to be one the region’s most notable family-owned and operated Italian beef eateries. Anthony Bourdain took a liking to the restaurant, sharing in an interview with Thrillist that, “Either on my way into town or out of town, I’m going Italian beef at Johnnie’s.” The late celebrity chef also once shared an image of his Italian beef meal at Johnnie’s Beef on his Instagram account with the caption, “The glory that is Chicago.” Johnnie’s Beef stood out as one of the (many) restaurants in Chicago that were Bourdain’s favorites.
What To Know About The Hype Around Johnnie’s Beef
Anthony Bourdain’s taste buds were trusted for a reason, and Johnnie’s Beef has built a reputation based on quality food and authenticity. The eatery, which is hailed in Chicago as the Mecca of Italian Beef, has a fast-moving line and is cash-only. Italian beef is made from slow-roasted beef served wet, dry, or dipped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera on a French roll and is a true mark of Italian American cuisine. At Johnnie’s Beef, the ingredients are prepared fresh daily, from the sides of giardiniera to the perfectly roasted and thinly sliced beef. The seasoning for the beef is top-secret, and only a handful of people have the inside scoop. Italian beef is usually served with fries for a truly filling meal.
Bourdain wasn’t the only one who put full trust in Johnnie’s Beef (there’s a reason why it features on the list of 10 best places to get Italian beef in Chicago). Chicagoans also share that it is, in fact, highly flavorful and worth making the trek for. Several diners share their experiences online, noting that the restaurant’s Italian beef set a whole other standard for the sandwich and that it is worth adding an Italian ice to the order. Johnnie’s Beef also has a strong and committed customer base who keep the store thriving, which speaks to how much of a cornerstone eatery it is in Chicago…