I tried Italian beef from 3 popular Chicago chains, and there's only one sandwich I'd order again

Alexis KishimotoAug 18, 2022, 19:17 IST

I tried Italian beef from three Chicago staples to find which I liked best.Alexis Kishimoto

I ordered a classic Italian beef sandwich from 3 Chicago staples: Buona, Portillo's, and Al's Beef.
Buona's beef was a bit underwhelming, and Al's beef was a bit overpowering.

Italian beef is a Chicago staple, and I was excited to try it.

Portillo's, Al's, and Buona are some popular chains for Italian beef.Alexis Kishimoto

First, I stopped at Buona.

Buona's specialty is Italian beef.Alexis Kishimoto

The chain was spacious and welcoming.

Buona had tons of seating options.Alexis Kishimoto

The Buona employee who took my order seemed confident I'd love the sandwich.

Based on the welcoming environment and kind staff, I had a great first impression of Buona.Alexis Kishimoto

My Buona sandwich was wrapped in foil and placed in a paper bag.

I could smell the tasty beef through the wrapper.Alexis Kishimoto

I was a little disappointed by how skinny the sandwich was.

My Buona sandwich wasn't quite 7 inches long as advertised.Alexis Kishimoto

This sandwich didn't quite meet my high expectations for Italian beef.

Buona's sandwich was good but it didn't blow me away.Alexis Kishimoto

The bread was fluffy and the sandwich wasn't messy to eat.

I almost wish the sandwich had been messy since it would've meant more juice.Alexis Kishimoto

Overall, Buona had a solid sandwich — but it didn't blow me away.

Buona left a little to be desired.Alexis Kishimoto

Next, I went to Portillo's.

Portillo's is also famous for its hot dogs.Alexis Kishimoto

Portillo's was bustling, but I immediately felt welcome.

The employees were helpful and upbeat.Alexis Kishimoto

It felt like an experience, not just a place to eat.

Portillo's is so cool inside.Alexis Kishimoto

I couldn't smell my sandwich through the bag, but it looked thick.

Portillo's bag has a dog on it as a nod to its famous hot dogs.Alexis Kishimoto

It was love at first bite.

Portillo's beef was well-seasoned.Alexis Kishimoto

It was clear this sandwich wasn't just thrown together.

The Portillo's sandwich was thick and delicious.Alexis Kishimoto

Overall, Portillo's beef was worth waiting for.

Portillo's sandwich was flavorful and juicy.Alexis Kishimoto

Lastly, I visited Al's Beef.

Al's has won hundreds of awards for its beef.Alexis Kishimoto

Al's felt a bit cramped, but it was beautiful inside.

I liked the pop of yellow.Alexis Kishimoto

Al's had a very hip and fast-paced energy.

Al's menu seemed easy to navigate, too.Alexis Kishimoto

Al's sandwich was definitely the messiest.

The Italian beef sandwich from Al's was certainly thick.Alexis Kishimoto

The sandwich from Al's almost had an autumnal taste.

Al's sandwich was the shortest one I tried.Alexis Kishimoto

The beef was flavorful, but I wasn't sure about it.

The sandwich was nice and moist, but I didn't love it.Alexis Kishimoto

The bread also got pretty soggy while I was eating.

The sandwich from Al's was well-stuffed.Alexis Kishimoto

Al's Italian beef wasn't No. 1 for me.

Al's sandwich was moist and well-stuffed.Alexis Kishimoto

Overall, Portillo's is the only chain I'd go back to if I wanted Italian beef.

Portillo's Italian beef felt like a perfect medium.Alexis Kishimoto

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