Portillo's is putrid. J&C'S is a must but is only open for lunch on weekdays.

OK, I'm going to stick my foot in it and maybe send this thread off in a slightly different direction.

Dickson said

of those hundreds of places, I am sure there are a lot that abuse and overcook their beef in some way. There is a lot of decent beef out there, but a lot of lousy, stringy, greasy, mushy, overcooked stuff, too. And in the 30 or so we have sampled so far, there are probably no more than 5 or 6 that anyone has considered memorable.

I generally agree with that statement, although I would go a bit further and say that the IB served up at far too many stands is ordinary at best. There is great stuff out there (Johnnie's) and a fair amount of pretty good IB's, but also plenty of junk.

Frankly, I think you can beat most stands' IB with Scala's Beef from the local Jewel. As we know, both materials and methods are important.

Most stands fall down with one or both. The most common problem is letting the meat sit in the gravy until it becomes tough boiled beef. Happens way too often.

Scala's Beef is a decent product, and at home you can get the gravy to a simmer, put the beef in just long enough to warm the beef and get it nice and juicy. Then put it on fresh Italian bread of your choice and spoon the desired amount of juice on top or dip it as you prefer.

Sometimes I'll cook some sweet peppers in the juice first. Makes for a nice sandwich.

Note: When you get Scala's at the grocer store, the juice (which is essential) comes in separate packages kept in the freezer (one package per ½ pound of beef). Sometimes they forget and you have to ask for the gravy.

There was an article this spring in the S-T by PAt Bruno and while he hit on a lot of the regular's they had some feedback in the paper from readers suggesting some more...link here:
[url]http://www.suntimes.com/output/bruno/wkp-news-beef18.html

Not sure if they have been part of Bat's in the past but the ones mentioned are:
Duke's - Bridgeview
Tony's on Pulaski
(actually the above 2 were covered in the recent Bat)
Mr Beef and Pizza on Harlem
Pepino's - Calumet City
[/url]

I've been to Mr. Beef & Pizza oln Harlem. I can't say that the beef was anything special. They had a good hot dog, though.

I haven't managed to go on any of the Beefathons, but I'd think it would be worthwhile to investigate those places that cook their own beef. The beef isn't all of the sandwich, of course, but absent any startling things about giardiniera or bread, one Scala sandwich is going to be pretty much like another's. Fine -- but not worth going out of your way for, all other things being equal.

On the other hand, I can well imagine that the Beefathon regulars could be getting burnt out.

Earlier in this thread I mentioned Strat's, whose house-made beef and excellent giardiniera I enjoyed. It would be worth a stop -- for the ambiance as well as the food.

Today we stopped into a place called Sonny's Hot Dogs because of a large sign advertising Italian ice and another claiming to be "Home of the 'real' fresh cut fries."

The fries were only OK -- skin on, and fresh cut, crisp outside but undercooked in the center. They were out of ice, which in any case turned out to be Mazzone's.

We grabbed a menu and left, and it was only afterwards I read that they also offer "homemade" Italian beef. It'll likely be awhile before I'm in that neighborhood again, but it seems worth a shot. They also offer Vienna dogs, Kronos-Central gyros, house-made sloppy joes, cheezy beefs, pepper & egg, deli subs made to order, and burgers.

Sonny's Hot Dogs
847/451-1117
11214 Grand Ave.
Melrose Park

Anybody up for it? I was just curious when it was going to happen? Since your last one Jays has really turned a corner.

Ted

New guy here who lurked for a while, I finally had to make an account and jump in on this beef topic. My cousin and I are food connoisseurs. We *LOVE* our beef sandwiches and other foods, and Chickies is one of the best for sure on our list. I noticed that POPS BEEF was on the list, but the location listed IS NOT the one I recommend. This location offers the SUPER BEEF, which is an extra long version of the regular beef for around $5. The regular beef is around $3, but the beef is super LEAN, extremely tasty, and PILED ON THICK. If you order it "hot" they have their own homemade pepper mix nearly the same as Chickies (diced fresh jalapenos, not oily). Superb Quality AND Quantity at this location and I haven't had a better beef sandwich yet. I've had Al's, Portillos, Chickies (on my top list), Anthonys and many many others, but POPS at *THIS* Homewood location ranks #1 for me.

Pop's for Beef
(708) 647-9999
18328 Governors Hwy
Homewood, IL 60430

Cross Street:Between Cherry Creek Dr and 183rd St. (in the Cherry Creek Center by Starbucks).

I'm sure this is where they started, and they also own the Orland Chateau in Orland Park. The owners daughters work both places, but you will frequently find one or more of them taking your order - or as they did this past weekend, MAKE your beef sandwich. Then just down the street (6 minutes away) in Flossmor is Flossmor Station - stop over there for some of the best brewed beers in Chicagoland!

Mike

UniAddict,

Thanks for the info re Pop's. I've added your comments to my database.

George, I've mentioned the Pop's in Homewood. This is not the original. I believe the original was in Tinley -- at least, I ate at the one in Tinley long before there was a Pop's in Homewood.

Also, about 15 minutes farther south in Chicago Heights, is Marnell's, which used to have the best Italian beef sandwich anywhere, although I haven't been there in about a year now, but I know I posted about it somewhere on this board. I know the original owners sold out to some relatives and I'm not 100% sure the quality is the same. I strongly suggest you come out our way if there is to be a future tasting. I'll be happy to be a tour guide.

Suzy

Suzy,

Thanks. I did have Pop's in my database, but wanted to add Uniaddict's comments.

We've done the Near South and the Southwest Beefathons, so the Far South will be next.

I have found several references to Marnell's, but no report on its current quality. Any recent experiences would be greatly appreciated before we plan the itinerary for Far South.

George

Marnell Drive In
849 S Halsted St
Chicago Heights, IL 60411
708-754-1164

UniAddict wrote:I noticed that POPS BEEF was on the list, but the location listed IS NOT the one I recommend. This location offers the SUPER BEEF, which is an extra long version of the regular beef for around $5.

So far I’ve only tried the Chicago location of Pop’s but I’d say it’s one of the better beefs around. That would be great if the Homewood one is better still. The Chicago Pop’s also offers The Superbeef but I’ve only had the regular. I’m also a big fan of their giardiniera made with thinly sliced jalapeños and celery plus some dried red pepper. I agree Pop’s and Chickie’s don’t get nearly the attention they deserve.

Window at Pop’s, 10337 S Kedzie


Pop’s Regular Beef, Dipped, Hot

Beefathon VI is on!

It will be Saturday, March 11th.

I've started a new thread to plan it at: http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=64251#64251

I look forward to seeing as many LTHer's a possible there.