Dry, baptized, sweet or spicy peppers? Adoration ran high as people told us where they get the beef on Takeout 25’s Facebook page. No matter where you get your favorite, this is Chicago’s sandwich of the moment thanks to the TV show The Bear spreading the love nationwide and worldwide.
Honestly, most of the comments were for Pete’s and Johnnie’s. The gap between the two was as thin as a slice of roast beef destined to sit between a Turano French loaf. That being said, there was still enthusiasm aplenty for other local purveyors of our city’s giardiniera-crowned hero. These are listed in order of enthusiasm.
1. Pete’s Red Hots
6346 Roosevelt Road, Oak Park
Jeff Niebres: The juice is simply amazing. I love how it’s spiced.
Doug McGoldrick: I love the combo
Renee Geweniger Zoltowski: Perfect balance of spice and delicious juice. It’s good whether “dry” or “baptized.”
2. Johnnie’s Beef
7500 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park
Cindy Fellencer: Wet/juicy beef with sweet peppers! Great seasoning – sweet and hot peppers – perfect drenching sauce – tasty fries and the lemon ice!
3. Michael’s Beef House
6747 W. North Ave., Oak Park
4. Freddy’s on 31st
701 W. 31st St., Chicago
5. Buona Beef
(Multiple locations)
Lauren Robinson: (specifically the one at Roosevelt and OP Ave.) I like the beef spicy but the bun dry (can’t do a soggy bun!) Add mozzarella and marinara and it’s perfect! They make it the way I like it best every time.
6. Old World Pizza
7230 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park
7. Brooklyn’s Subs
7001 Roosevelt Road, Berywn
8. Mr. D’s Shisk-Kabobs
6656 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago
9. Chickie’s
4152 Roosevelt Road, Hillside
10. Al’s
1079 W. Tayor St., Chicago
11. Scatchell’s
4700 W. Cermak Road, Cicero
12. Novi’s Beef
6746 Ogden Ave., Berwyn
