Italian Beef Lincoln Square Area

LTH,

I know, I know, except for hot dogs there are probably more posts about Italian Beefs than anything on here. But, I can't seem to find any posts that note a good beef stand or restaurant or outpost or cart in or near Lincoln Square. I am absolutely jonesing for a good quality I-Beef but don't seem to have any good options up here.

The place I very occasionally go to is Max's on Western but I don't really like their beef that much at all. I believe I also had one once at Suzy's on Lincoln Avenue that was rather pedestrian long ago. I'd rather go someplace I can easily take out but would be willing to have a sit down lunch for a wonderful Italian Beef.

Here's my issue, in or around Lincoln Square (within 25 minutes or so driving roundtrip) a good quality Italian Beef place open for lunch today.

Thanks!

Bster

Though I haven't tried their beef, Budacki's might be worth investigating:

Budacki's Drive-In
4739 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 561-1322

Chubby Weiners has an italian beef that I've heard is decent but I've never actually had one.

When I worked near Lincoln Square, drives up to beefathon-stalwart Max's, were common. It's within a 10 minute drive of Lincoln Square and it's one of my favorite beefs in town, if for no other reason than their unique, secret-recipe giardineria.

Max's Famous Italian Beef
5754 N. Western Ave.
773-989-8200

Best,
Michael

Many will probably think this is way too south, but I have been known to be quite the interesting driver

Depending how far north, and off of Western you are, and how you drive, and if the stoplight gods are working with you, this is one of my favorite beefs in the city:
Tore's Italian Beef
2804 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618


If you actually try to get here, get a number, and try calling 1st. I haven't been in a LONG time, and I heard they were closed for remodeling at some point.

Again, it's a stretch south, but I would make an attempt if other options in the area don't pan out. I would consider it a driving challenge to get there and back in your time constraint, but if the driving gods were with you, I'd say it could be done. (probably not on a Friday after 1pm though.)

I like this place because the beef isn't overly salty like most, and when you combine it with the giardiniera (theirs is HOT!!) the salt content balances nicely for me. Most of the beef joints have both salty beef, and salty giardiniera which overkills it IMO.

Maybe try this place on a Tuesday with less traffic. If nothing else, it won't be BAD.

P.S.Their pizza slices are completely forgettable - although they do make a decent, cheap side for a beef sammich.

Bster wrote:The place I very occasionally go to is Max's on Western but I don't really like their beef that much at all.

What don't you like about Max's? I like the place a lot, so I'm not sure I'd be your best source for compatible beef taste.

Two other places that come to mind are Quick Bite and Tina's. I've not had Tina's, and didn't care for Quick Bite, but again, I like Max's, so maybe you'd like it.

What about Wiener and Still Champion in Evanston? Does Gus do Italian beef and is that within 25 minutes?

Looking for the addresses, I came across a nice photospread of some hot beef action. Greasefreak rates Tina's above Quick Bite and Max's.

Tina's missed the cut for beef-a-thon inclusion, and the only thing I know is from JSM many years ago, which may explain why I never tried it.

Quick Bite
5155 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
773-989-4918

Tina's Best Beef
2415 W Montrose
Chicago, IL 60618
773-478-2055

Aaron Deacon wrote:

Bster wrote:The place I very occasionally go to is Max's on Western but I don't really like their beef that much at all.

Sorry, I must have read your original message too quickly and substituted "Suzy's" in for "Max's" when I was reading.

I retract my recommendation.

Aaron Deacon wrote:What about Wiener and Still Champion in Evanston? Does Gus do Italian beef and is that within 25 minutes?

I don't mean to speak for Gus - although he's a friend - but I know he used to do Italian Beef, but concluded he couldn't do it as well as many other places. So he chose to concentrate on the dogs, his exceptional Dipping Dogs™, Falafel burgers, and a fascinating variety of off-menu items which he's said may make it on to the menu soon.

seebee wrote:Depending how far north, and off of Western you are, and how you drive, and if the stoplight gods are working with you, this is one of my favorite beefs in the city:
Tore's Italian Beef
2804 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618


If you actually try to get here, get a number, and try calling 1st. I haven't been in a LONG time, and I heard they were closed for remodeling at some point.

They are wide open.

I'll second the beef recommendation. They scored quite well on one of the Beefathons, BTW. I'll also add a recommendation for their meatball sandwich, in case you are looking for something other than IB. The rest of their offerings are pedestrian, but the beef and meatball or actually quite good.

seebee wrote:Many will probably think this is way too south, but I have been known to be quite the interesting driver

Depending how far north, and off of Western you are, and how you drive, and if the stoplight gods are working with you, this is one of my favorite beefs in the city:
Tore's Italian Beef
2804 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Ditto. Homemade and totally kick-butt. Good size. McDonalds-type thin french fries.

Try the pizza slice too, if hungry enough, for 1/2 price w/ beef.

Tricky parking lot!!! (Elston/Diversey/Western 6-way)

for future reference:
It's not Lincoln Square, but it's not too far out.
Marie's Pizzeria and Liquors
4129 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, (773) 725-1812.
What I like about their IB's is that they aren't super salty. So often I find that the jus is so salty my fingers swell-doesn't happen with Marie's.

Has anyone tried the Italian beef (or anything else) at the Hub (near Lincoln and Bryn Mawr). I always wonder if it's worth getting off the Lincoln bus for -- you can wait 20 minutes or more for one sometimes.

I live a couple blocks away from Hubs. All I've ever had there is the gyros, which are mediocre. My mom had the beef at Hub's when visiting in September. I don't think she was terribly impressed with it, but I also know it's been a long time since she's had one. Probably not worth your time, especially as unreliable as the #11 bus is these days.