Gary,
Love the utterly Hopper-esque exterior shot. Even the patron and counterman seem perfectly placed. Beautiful.

I haven't stopped here in many years. The beef sandwich was small and kind of dry. I asked for it wet and Mr. Personality behind the register corrected me and said it's called dipped. I've always thought the two were different, wet being more wet then dipped. That really didn't matter, because it was the beef that was dry, not the bread. The sweet peppers included alot of chopped onions. Why? I didn't want or ask for onions and have never had them included when ordering sweet on a sandwich-ever. And they weren't sauteed or grilled, more like steamed. Yuck. I had business in Elmwood Park and talked with a few people about what area beef they liked. Everyone said Sorrelli's and commented on how Johnnie's has changed.

TooHot wrote:I haven't stopped here in many years. The beef sandwich was small and kind of dry. I asked for it wet and Mr. Personality behind the register corrected me and said it's called dipped. I've always thought the two were different, wet being more wet then dipped. That really didn't matter, because it was the beef that was dry, not the bread. The sweet peppers included alot of chopped onions. Why? I didn't want or ask for onions and have never had them included when ordering sweet on a sandwich-ever. And they weren't sauteed or grilled, more like steamed. Yuck. I had business in Elmwood Park and talked with a few people about what area beef they liked. Everyone said Sorrelli's and commented on how Johnnie's has changed.

Interesting, I never order sweet, but one of the guys I work with does. I don't remember ever seeing onions. Then again, I work near the Arlington Heights location, so that's where we go. I do live near the Elmwood Park one, but as I said, never order sweet. It's probably been 6 months since I've been there, but it was still good back then. And the Arlington Heights one I've been to quite often recently. No complaints there.

But I do agree about the personality of the cash register guy, at both locations. I think they are twins.

why don't you try mr.d's shish kebob for their great italian beef. i'm still a big fan of johnnies, but mr.d's beef is delicious, bigger and comes with a large portion of fresh cut, fantastic fries. the small shop is not too far away from johnnie's. it's at 6656 w. diversey in chicago. justjoan

As far as I know, there has always been onions in the sweet peppers. I feel this gives the peppers more flavor and complexity.

I had the pepper and egg combo (with a link of sausage) today. The sandwich is topped with a spoonful of beef gravy. IMHO, the best version of a pepper and egg sandwich. Awesome!

Thanks for the rec on Mr. D's. I love their steak sandwich, but have never tried the beef. After many decades, I have given up on Johnnie's tea sandwiches and super surely service. Who needs that crap when you are giving them your hard earned money?

Re:Sorrelli's Beef mentioned above: Sorrell's (approx 6500 North Ave.) is a grocery store that sells their terrific beef in bulk. They do not make sandwiches.

I have yet to go to Johnnie's in Elmwood Park this summer but I always approach the cashier guy like the soup nazi. Sometimes I don't even make eye contact.

Hopefully the lemon ice is still good.

I've been thinking that maybe the cashiers act like that on purpose so customers don't start a conversation with them. This is probably how they get the food out so fast. Those super long lines of drooling customers can be intimidating when you are on the other side of the counter, let me tell you! The Beef Sandwich Nazi attitude could be Johnnie's SOP. It works. Customers fly in and out
I still disagree with the onions. Alot of people, including my eating partner, do not like onions at all. He had about 1 tsp. on his sandwich. Mine had at least a tblsp. and they were really mushy. I probably got the bottom of the sweet pepper pot.
Had I eaten it there, I would have returned my sandwich. Now that would have been a show!!!
Not on my top 10 list. I don't know for which reason, but combined it wasn't a good experience.

I've encountered no such cashier attitudes at the Arlington Heights location- if anything, late at night all the employees seem to want to do is chatter amoung themselves and play. That, and begin cleaning the floors with harsh, smelly cleaners around customer's feet...an hour an half before closing time.

But, talk about fast- one time, they literally handed me my change and another employee was setting my order down on the counter to the left. The ultimate fast food transaction!

Had a combo and lemon ice there a couple weeks ago. Tasted the same as always, but I don't get sweet. I thought the terms they used there were "dry" or "juicy" but I can't keep these things straight.

I agree, that cashier in EP is one rude dude. I also dislike their sweet peppers. The mushy, limp texture and the onions turn me off. But I like the beefs and combos, and usually get giardinera or sport peppers on them. Actually, Buona, just a few blocks east of Johnnies, usually has great sweet peppers; roasted in oil and seasoned with oregano. But their beefs don't compare with Johnnies.

teatpuller wrote:Had a combo and lemon ice there a couple weeks ago. Tasted the same as always, but I don't get sweet. I thought the terms they used there were "dry" or "juicy" but I can't keep these things straight.

Johnnie's has used "juicy" for decades. Portillo's uses "dipped" I believe, but never heard anyone use that at Johnnie's.

Anyway, while the cashier isn't friendly, I've never had an interaction that would make me describe him as surly. And their beef remains my favorite in Chicago (though I can understand Al's, if you go for a flavor profile that unique).

I've never gotten attitude from the staff at either location, but I also treat them like the soup nazi. I usually say "dipped" instead of "juicy" and have never gotten any flak. Note that you have a third option, "spoon the juice", as well.

the beefs and combos have been as good as ever as far as I'm concerned, but I also don't get sweet.

ucjames wrote:Anyway, while the cashier isn't friendly, I've never had an interaction that would make me describe him as surly.

I haven't, but a guy in front of me once did. Conversation went like this:

Patron: I'll have a combo, and can I get some extra beef on that.

Cashier: No

Patron: I'm willing to pay for it.

Cashier: No, next

Seemed pretty surly to me.

In the old days, late '70s and '80s, Nick a rather robust fellow always ran the cash register. He sweated aver the machine and called out your order quickly, but always in his special style.

Juicy Beef = "take it for a swim"

Hot dog with everything = "dog, run it "troo" the garden"

Double Sausage with giardinare and Italian lemon aid to go = " Lemmo double hot "wit" wheels"

babaluch

I took Justjoans above advice today about Mr. D's beef. Nice sandwich on Mr. D's standard roll, with lots of juice per my order. No upcharge for the hot peppers. Lots of fresh made fries. Total price:$ 5.40. I felt that I was full after lunch, unlike a one sandwich lunch at Johnnie's.

Cogito wrote:I agree, that cashier in EP is one rude dude. I also dislike their sweet peppers. The mushy, limp texture and the onions turn me off. But I like the beefs and combos, and usually get giardinera or sport peppers on them. Actually, Buona, just a few blocks east of Johnnies, usually has great sweet peppers; roasted in oil and seasoned with oregano. But their beefs don't compare with Johnnies.

I stopped at Johnnie's for the first time today about 12:45, I had something out in River Forest this morning. Line was pretty long but moved fast, I'm impressed with their efficiency. I was maybe 25th in line and got my food within about ten minutes. I sympathize with the cashier, that is one brutal job and curtness does keep things moving. I must say it's probably the best beef I've ever had, dry and hot. It's a pretty decent size and definitely a good value. Industrial fries nice and crispy, real potatoey. Too far away to justify a trip but really worth hitting if in the area. I had a Buona beef last week, and while it was quite good I agree it wasn't up to Johnnie's level. I think one problem a lot of beef places run into is that they overcook the meat or allow it to sit too long so it becomes dry. Johnnie's was perfectly done, nice and juicy with great flavor. I live near Max's, that's next on the beef patrol.

Did you have the sweet peppers?

Johnnie's sweet peppers are a bad joke IMO. I think they are are nothing more than stewed green peppers out of a can. I think the beef is good (and small) however but not the best around.
For my money, when I have the time to drive the miserable gauntlet that is Harlem north of North Ave, I go to Nottoli's up past Irving - (not the one on Belmont although they aren't bad either). They cut the roast beef to order , at least the last few times I've been there, heat it in the Jus in the back for a couple of minutes and viola. Never more tender and beefy.

I like mine WET with sweet peppers and Mozzarella. - Johnnie's wont let you have cheese.

My last visit I think I inhaled it or more like I osmosed the whole thing directly into my gut.
I think my eyes rolled into the back of my head like a sharks does before the Big Kill. When I finished it I almost couldn't remember eating it; so fast, so primal, so good! I really wanted to stick my face into it and roll around a bit it was that good.

i agree that johnnie's sweet peppers are mushy, disappointing and downright bitter. but still i surprised myself by switching my allegiance to the italian beef at mr. d's shish kabob. johnnie's has always been my favorite italian beef. in fact, i never really saw the point of eating italian beef until i was introduced to johnnie's years ago by vital information and the condiment queen. i recently had 2 mr. d's beef and 1 johnnie's beef over the course of 2 weeks, for comparison's sake, of course. mr.d's has beef as delicious as johnnie's, but the sandwich is bigger, the sweet peppers are much tastier, and it comes with fantastic fries. all for $5.40. mr. d's isn't as generous with the hot peppers (i always order both) as johnnie's. i'll still go to johnnie's when i have no time to travel 10 minutes northwest, but the stars are out of my eyes. justjoan

mr.d's shish kabob, 6656 w. diversey

Didn't mean to hijack the thread. I should have started a new thread about Nottoli's instead.

I'll have to try Mr. D's

i recently tried the beef at mr d's too, and it really is quite good. the flavor profile is a little off for an IB, but the beef is tender, the sausage in the combo is nicely spiced, and the juice is very flavorful.

it makes it even harder for me to decide what to order when I go there, now..

that said, johnnie's is still the #1 beef in the metro area for me.

I contrived a reason to swing out to Elmwood Park today with Mrs. Trpt so I could introduce her to Johnnie's. She loved the beef, and after I had a beef too I ordered a sausage. Wow was that awesome too, the grilling really makes it. Hot with a little mustard, mmmm. Topped it off with a headache-inducing Italian ice, and it was a great summer day in the burbs.

BigDCB wrote:I think my eyes rolled into the back of my head like a sharks does before the Big Kill. When I finished it I almost couldn't remember eating it; so fast, so primal, so good! I really wanted to stick my face into it and roll around a bit it was that good.

LMAO!!!!!1

At Johnnie's yesterday with Mrs. Trpt, I looked around and the scene reminded me of a watering hole in Africa or somewhere, where all the different species come to drink. Johnnie's attracts everyone, from all over. There were even a couple of Chicago cops outside their jurisdiction getting a couple of beefs. Beeves? A more diverse crowd you can't find anywhere. And everyone grooving on the food.

Then today for comparison I went to Max's on Western, a lot closer to home, hoping to find something less than an hour away for a beef. Just not good. And a $.49 charge to have hot peppers on the side. Why? The little cup. If they're on the sandwich they're free, on the side 49 cents. Plus the beef is dry, not flavorful, with a strange and unappealing reddish gravy. Yuck. Fries were also not good. Sigh. Johnnie's or nothing I guess. They were rude too.

trpt2345 wrote:Then today for comparison I went to Max's on Western, a lot closer to home, hoping to find something less than an hour away for a beef. Just not good. And a $.49 charge to have hot peppers on the side. Why? The little cup. If they're on the sandwich they're free, on the side 49 cents. Plus the beef is dry, not flavorful, with a strange and unappealing reddish gravy. Yuck. Fries were also not good. Sigh. Johnnie's or nothing I guess. They were rude too.

Does this mean that Max's no longer has the giardinara containers out of the counter for you to help youself?

stevez wrote:

trpt2345 wrote:Then today for comparison I went to Max's on Western, a lot closer to home, hoping to find something less than an hour away for a beef. Just not good. And a $.49 charge to have hot peppers on the side. Why? The little cup. If they're on the sandwich they're free, on the side 49 cents. Plus the beef is dry, not flavorful, with a strange and unappealing reddish gravy. Yuck. Fries were also not good. Sigh. Johnnie's or nothing I guess. They were rude too.

Does this mean that Max's no longer has the giardinara containers out of the counter for you to help youself?

I didn't see any.

trpt2345 wrote:Then today for comparison I went to Max's on Western, a lot closer to home, hoping to find something less than an hour away for a beef. Just not good. And a $.49 charge to have hot peppers on the side. Why? The little cup. If they're on the sandwich they're free, on the side 49 cents. Plus the beef is dry, not flavorful, with a strange and unappealing reddish gravy. Yuck. Fries were also not good. Sigh. Johnnie's or nothing I guess. They were rude too.

Thanks for the info. I'm crossing them off my list of places to checkout. You can probably get 500 of those cups for a couple of bucks. I just don't like that kind of thinking.

babaluch wrote:In the old days, late '70s and '80s, Nick a rather robust fellow always ran the cash register. He sweated aver the machine and called out your order quickly, but always in his special style.

Juicy Beef = "take it for a swim"

Hot dog with everything = "dog, run it "troo" the garden"

Double Sausage with giardinare and Italian lemon aid to go = " Lemmo double hot "wit" wheels"

babaluch

I remember the "lemmo" and "wit wheels" calls. His voice was so distinct. Is this the same guy who'd yell "juicy sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!" with a raising pitch as he finished the call? If so, I loved that guy. I stopped seeing him and heard he passed away in the late 90s.