Johnnie's Beef — Restaurant in Leyden Township

You might be wondering which Johnnie's Beef is she talking about because there are so many locations that sell a variety of items. I'm specifically talking about the Johnnie's Beef located in Arlington Heights in Illinois. They serve hamburgers and hot dogs but I got the opportunity to try the Juicy Beef with hot peppers, fries and their lemon ice! By far, I've never tasted anything close to the Italian beef sandwiches in New Jersey. It was a simple sandwich but the combination of all the ingredients married well together. The dipped "wet" effect is a new concept I've seen but it makes the sandwich even more juicy. The thick bread holds up well to the "wet" effect but don't wait too long otherwise you'll see your thumb slipping through the bread. It's not something you're going to worry about because the sandwich is going to magically disappear in a matter of minutes because it's just that damn good. The sandwich is topped with your choice of sweet or hot peppers or both for the daredevils out there. The peppers were a great way to cut the creaminess that you taste from the dipped sandwich. Overall, I think the sandwich was great and I'm trying to find a volunteer who's willing to ship me a sandwich to New Jersey.

Additionally, on the side there were their fries. From the outside, they seemed like normal, average fries but I couldn't stop eating them. I love my french fries and it's comforting to know they can make normal fries without messing it up..it was golden and crispy..just the way I like it. At this point, I didn't think I would be able to eat anything else but I somehow got the courage to eat the lemon ice. It looked too delicious not to devour. I've had some great Italian ice before and Lemon was always my favorite flavor so I had high hopes for it. I was comparing it to Rita's Italian Ice in the Lemon Ice flavor and it jam packs the lemon flavor in it but I feel like the Lemon flavor was lacking in the ice. You will also see seeds and lemon rinds in a bite or two but it shows you how fresh it is. Apart from the food, the employees working behind the counter were very friendly. Their quick service was key during the normal lunch rush. It was an open kitchen where you can see them preparing your food in front of you. There was plenty of varied seating with a TV on the side and a stand-alone area by the window if you're grabbing a quick bite. They're right off a main road however they do have their own parking lot. Cash only.

Rating: 5/5

I'll be back Johnnie's Beef....

I recently visited Johnnie's Beef, a place renowned for its Italian beef sandwiches, and I must say, it was a delightful experience deserving a strong 4 out of 5 stars.

The standout at Johnnie's Beef is, without a doubt, the Italian beef sandwich. The beef was tender, juicy, and full of flavor, and the bread was the perfect combination of soft and sturdy, holding up well to the generous amount of gravy. The giardiniera provided a nice kick and added texture, making the sandwich not just tasty but also exciting to eat.

Another highlight was the speed and efficiency of the service. Despite the line, which seems to be a constant given the popularity of the place, the staff were quick and efficient, moving the line along at a brisk pace. It's clear that they've mastered the art of handling a crowd without sacrificing the quality of the food.

The atmosphere of Johnnie's Beef is quintessentially casual and no-frills, which adds to its charm. It's the kind of place where the focus is solely on good, straightforward food. The outdoor seating area, while basic, is a nice touch and a good place to enjoy your meal during warmer weather.

I also tried the Italian ice, which was a refreshing end to the meal. It had just the right amount of sweetness and was a great palate cleanser after the rich flavors of the beef sandwich.

The reason I'm not giving it a full 5 stars is due to limited seating options. The place is primarily designed for quick service and takeaway, so if you're looking for a sit-down meal, this might not be the spot. Also, for those who are not fans of beef, the menu options can seem limited.

In conclusion, Johnnie's Beef offers a fantastic Italian beef sandwich that lives up to its reputation. The combination of delicious food, efficient service, and a classic, unpretentious vibe makes it a must-visit for anyone in the area. It's a simple, no-nonsense establishment that focuses on what it does best, and it does...

I'm not gonna dredge up the cheestesteak v Italian Beef beef here bc both are members of the Sandwich HOF and are equally wonderful to scarf. I will say that as a Philly native, Johnnies conjures some of the same 9th and Passyunk and Front and Oregon vibes i remember well. Stop here on a summer night and the lines are long, the outdoor seats crammed, the grill smoke thick as fog.

Once you make your way into the slit trench that is the inside of Johnnies, the sensory overload really begins. A platoon of cooks keeps the operation humming: one stokes the charcoal, another drops the next French fry batch; another tines the shaved beef from a bubbling vat while a colleague snaps open paper bag after paper bag to stuff the succulent orders into.

The beef at Johnnies is so much better than other joints ive sampled. It's flavorful and juicy, practically dissolving on the tongue like a umami eucharist. The rolls - as with cheesesteaks, a deceptively important part of the overall performance of a great Italian beef - are perfectly crisp on the outside, cotton candy soft on the inside. I like mine dipped and heaped with giardinera. The sweet pepper option is great too.

If you're looking for a change-up, try the pepper and egg sandwich, exclusively served on Fridays, maybe in a nod to Elmwood Park's old Catholic traditions? Among many endearing things about Johnnies are the prices. And not just their affordability; their quirkiness too. Why charge $8 for a beef when you can sell it for $7.62. And, sure, a single scoop of Italian ice for $2 is perfectly logical, but think of how good the mental math of the cashier has gotten ringing up multiple $1.96 sales over the years.

Speaking of sales, Johnnies is cash only, so leave your Chase Reserved card home. Instead bring a $10 bill and find out why Johnnies is a...