Real chicago Hotdog and Italian Beef Sandwich

A friend of mine told me she found a little place who served the best Italian beef sandwiches she's had in a along time....Today, we met there for lunch. Having never had one before, I must say that I am hooked.
My friend used to live in Chicago, so I take it on good authority that this is as close as it gets without making the trek.

Landy's Delight on Preston Highway just a half block north of Fern Valley Road prides itself in Real Chicago Hotdogs and Italian beef sandwiches and various other sandwiches & burgers...all at VERY reasonable prices.

I remember the place as a Dunkin Donuts--had no idea that it was now sandwiches, burgers, dogs and softserve. The next time, I can't wait to try the chicago hotdog. They also serve frozen yogurt as well.

If you want a quick Italian Beef sandwich or Chicago Dog, this is one place I recommend you try out. Landy's is a secret that shouldn't be kept.

Lonnie's in St. Mathews does real good Chicago dogs etc. The italian combo has thin roast beef, an italian sausage, and killer peppers. Take some Pepcid. The place is run by a really nice couple.

This self proclaimed foodie can attest that Linda is speaking the truth. For $3.79 you get the chicago dog, homemade handcut fries and and drink.

That is a DEAL.

My dad had the italian beef and said it was great.

Brian

The Come Back Inn does GREAT Italian Beef bt no Chicago Dogs. On corner of Swain and Breckenridge.

...but they close at 6:00PM!!! We went there and the doors were locked. It ia very difficult for us to get out very early for dinner, so I guess we save it for a weekend we are both off....maybe sometime in 2008!!

I can second Lonnie's. Really good food and good prices.

and dont forget there homemade cakes....

Which Chicago restaurant has the best Italian Beef sandwich?

We went and checked out Landys. The place was very clean and very friendly service. I tried the italian beef and thought it to be just okay. The meat had good texture but lacked flavor. Also the bread seemed off.We also got a chicago dog that was pretty good but was missing the celery salt. The salt is one of the things that all chicago dogs should have. We also liked the homemade chips they have. I would stop in for dog if I was nearby, but would have to say that Lonnies is still the closest thing to real chicago food in town. I think Lonnies is a bit less expensive as well.

As I am partial to Lonnie's I will let you know that they will not sacrifice their Chicago roots, for price or any other factor. I am a New Yorker and was always partial to Nathan's, but I am a firm believer in Vienna and Lonnie's does them up right.

Which Chicago restaurant has the best Italian Beef sandwich?

Ron, my pick would be Al's #1. I think it's on Taylor Street in a former Italian immigrant neighborhood that's been mostly replaced by university expansion, public housing and gentrification. Counter service, no tables, just a shelf that wraps around the room where people stand and eat their sandwiches. Order your beef "wet" and you'll have to eat it with your elbows at right angles to your body to keep the jus from dripping on your shoes. And like a classic kosher deli, you better damn well know what you want when the guy takes asks for your order!

Al's is great. I totally miss going to that place. I went to high school behind Al's and would stop in for a beef before going home for dinner. I wish I could still eat like that. Lonnie's is really good for a quick fix, but nothing is like Al's.