Luke's Italian Beef — Restaurant in Chicago

Luke’s Italian Beef (Nov. 4, 2022)

This is my first visit to this place. Located on busy Jackson Blvd, this location is close to all public transportation stops, as well as Union Station. It occupies about 2-3 storefront widths, the place is well decorated inside, and has a comfortable feel. The dining area occupies about half the area in front, followed by stairs leading to the order area on the left side. You can see the kitchen in the back behind clear panels. The right side displays the Calzones and the various pizzas you can buy by the slice. I discovered (after purchase) that you can order a personal size pan pizza that will take an additional 10 minutes of prep time for the food to be ready.

Due to time challenges, I ordered a combo Italian Beef and Italian Sausage sandwich with both hot and sweet peppers, a standalone Italian Beef sandwich, and a single slice thick crust sausage pizza (When in Chicago, order sausage over pepperoni at all times!). The slice was good, loaded with melted cheese and a nice proportion of sauce. I did wish the pizza was baked a little longer however. Having said that, even the below average pizzas taste better than many pizza offerings elsewhere simply because of the Italian Sausage quality in my opinion.

As for the Italian Beef and Italian Sausage combo sandwich, I did not get to eat till 2 days later after I returned to the Pacific Northwest. The Italian Sausage sandwich is still in my freezer for future consumption. The sandwich was also good, with the Sausage tasting better than the beef. I find that the Italian beef lacks a little flavor compared with other retailers (Read my Buona dna Portillo’s comparison reviews!). Both the sweet and hot peppers complimented the meats well. The bread with the added gravy did not hold up well on the trip, though the crust still had a little crunch after some toaster oven beating.Overall, a solid 4 out of 5 stars in my rating.

For those new to Italian Beef sandwiches, I personally do not think it should be eaten without any condiments. The soft braised sweet green peppers, and the spicy crunchy giardiniera peppers both add different tastes and textures to enhance the sandwich. If you are unsure, order one or both peppers on the side. This is very much like the Chicago hot dog - All the different add-ons to the dog serve their own purposes to make the Chicago dog unique and out of this world...

If you're looking for a dining experience that combines mouthwatering flavor, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere bursting with life, look no further than Luke's Italian Beef. From the moment you walk through the doors, it feels like you've been invited into a family celebration.

The Italian beefs at Luke's are nothing short of a masterpiece. Crafted with love and precision, they start with premium cuts of meat from the renowned Slagel Family Farms, ensuring every bite is tender, flavorful, and downright irresistible. The beef is slow-roasted to perfection, seasoned with just the right blend of spices, and served dripping in a rich, savory au jus that you won't be able to resist sopping up. Add a pile of perfectly cooked sweet peppers or a spicy kick of giardiniera, and you're in for a sandwich that transcends the ordinary.

And let’s talk about the fries—oh, the fries! These golden, crispy beauties are in a league of their own, rivaling even the iconic McDonald's fries. Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, they offer a satisfying crunch on the outside and a pillowy softness on the inside. Pair them with your Italian beef or enjoy them on their own; either way, they're absolutely addictive. Trust us, one bite, and you'll understand why they're the talk of the town.

But the magic of Luke's doesn't stop with the food. The atmosphere is electric, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and lively chatter that makes you feel like you're part of something special. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal, the ambiance is welcoming, energetic, and full of charm.

And then there's the staff—oh, the staff! The team at Luke's doesn't just serve food; they serve up genuine care and hospitality. From the warm greetings at the door to the heartfelt smiles as they check on your meal, they truly make you feel like family. Their passion for what they do shines through in every interaction, creating a dining experience that's as memorable as the food itself.

Luke's Italian Beef is more than a restaurant; it's a celebration of flavor, community, and tradition. If you haven't experienced the joy of their Italian beefs yet, make it a priority. This is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression—and you'll find yourself coming back for more, time and time again....

My husband, son and I stayed at the Buckingham hotel (charming). We ordered Italian beef sandwiches (sandwiches x2) and a personal pan pizza through the website. First time sandwich ordering. My husband wanted pizza slices but the website said they were out of pepperoni slices. He said his pan pizza was a 7/10, “ better than average.” We live in rural Ky so Pizza Hut is the only game in town.

When we ordered the sandwiches it was a flate rate. There was an additions page and everything on it was an additional charge. I ordered lettuce and raw onions. My son didn’t add anything to his. I believe both sandwiches were dipped, but the website didn’t ask for a preference.

Overall the sandwiches were very bland and tasted like a Philly cheesesteak with nothing other than meat and bread. The top section of my bread was mushy. You couldn’t taste the jus, so the effect was a bland, soggy sandwich. The bottom half of my sandwich was much thicker and the texture was significantly less soggy. The beef was dry and had little flavor.

On the other hand the fries were great 8-9/10 and my husband said the restaurant itself was great. Service was quick and personable.

I feel like I needed more information to get the sandwich ordered correctly. A week ago my husband and I ate at a brewery in Bardstown Ky—definitely not known for Italian food and it was superb. Maybe I had unrealistic expectations. ...