As a native Chicagoan and Italian beef enthusiast, I’m always on the hunt for the most authentic, delicious Italian beef sandwiches in the city. And in my opinion, there’s no better place to get a genuine, Chicago-style Italian beef than Bari Beef.
Bari Beef has been serving their slow-roasted, perfectly seasoned Italian beef sandwiches for over 40 years in Chicago. They’ve perfected the tender, thinly-sliced roast beef and the rich, flavorful au jus that makes a great Italian beef. That’s why Bari Beef is my number one recommendation when people ask where to find the best Italian beef in Chicago.
In this article I’ll tell you everything you need to know about buying Bari Beef’s famous Italian beef sandwiches. including
- A brief history of Bari Beef
- What makes their Italian beef so special
- Where to find Bari Beef locations in Chicago
- How to order online or buy in stores around Chicagoland
- Tips for preparing and eating Bari Beef at home
I’ll also share some of my personal favorite menu items beyond the classic Italian beef, so you can get the full Bari Beef experience. Let’s dive in!
A Brief History of Bari Beef
Bari Beef was founded in 1978 by the Lacalamita family, who immigrated to Chicago from Bari, Italy. Using family recipes and techniques, the Lacalimitas began producing high-quality Italian beef from a small shop in suburban Chicago
Word quickly spread about the delicious Italian beef sandwiches served at Bari Beef. Chicagoans from all over the city started flocking to their shop to get a taste.
Today, Bari Beef is still owned and operated by the Lacalamita family. They now have a 10,000 square foot production facility where they slow-roast their famous Italian beef to perfection. While they’ve grown over the past 40+ years, Bari Beef still uses the same recipes and pays close attention to quality.
Bari Beef has become a Chicago institution known for serving the best Italian beef sandwiches around. Their loyal customers know that you can’t find a more authentic Chicago-style Italian beef than one from Bari Beef.
What Makes Bari Beef So Special
There are a few key things that set Bari Beef apart and make their Italian beef sandwiches special:
High-Quality Ingredients – Bari Beef only uses premium cuts of beef. They roast whole top and bottom rounds which allows them to carve incredibly thin and tender slices of beef. The giardiniera and peppers are also specially made for Bari Beef using old-world recipes.
Proprietary Seasonings – Bari Beef uses its own proprietary blend of seasonings to give the beef maximum flavor. This includes garlic, oregano, basil, and other spices inspired by the Lacalamita family’s recipes. No one can quite replicate Bari’s signature seasoning blend.
Slow Roasting Process – The beef is slow roasted for hours, ensuring it absorbs all the flavors and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. This is really what sets it apart from many other places.
Housemade Au Jus – The au jus is made in-house using beef drippings from the roasting process. It has tons of rich, beefy flavor that perfectly complements the sandwich.
Authentic to Chicago – From the paper-thin slices to the perfect combo of juicy and crispy bread, Bari Beef makes their Italian beef sandwiches exactly how you’d find them done best in Chicago.
When you add up all these elements, you get an Italian beef sandwich that’s a step above the rest. The quality of ingredients and time-honored process really shine through in every bite.
Where to Find Bari Beef Locations in Chicago
Bari Beef operates a few retail locations around Chicagoland where you can walk in and order their famous Italian beef sandwiches:
Bari Beef Production Facility & Store
710 Schneider Dr, South Elgin, IL 60177
This is Bari Beef’s 10,000 square foot headquarters where all the magic happens. You can visit the store attached to the production facility to order Italian beef sandwiches, sausage sandwiches, meatball sandwiches, and more.
Bari Beef & Gyros
9 W Roosevelt Rd, Villa Park, IL 60181
A quick service shop dishing up Italian beef alongside gyros and other Greek specialties.
**Bari Beef & Subs **
8 W Roosevelt Rd, Lombard, IL 60148
Another spot to grab Italian beef and other classic Italian sandwiches.
Bari Beef at Mama Milano’s
24154 W Lockport St, Plainfield, IL 60544
Bari Beef serves their signature Italian beef sandwiches out of this family-owned Italian restaurant in Plainfield.
So those are your best bets for finding authentic Bari Beef locations in the Chicagoland area. I’d recommend visiting the South Elgin production facility and store if you really want the full experience.
In addition to their storefronts, Bari Beef also supplies their Italian beef to hundreds of pizzerias, hot dog stands, and Italian restaurants in Chicago. So keep an eye out and you may spot Bari Beef on the menu at your local spot!
How to Order Bari Beef Online or in Stores
If you aren’t located near one of Bari Beef’s storefronts, don’t worry – you have a couple convenient options for ordering their famous sandwiches:
Online Ordering
Bari Beef offers online ordering through their website. You can order Italian beef sandwich packs, Italian sausage, meatballs, and more. Then just select a pickup date for when you want to swing by the South Elgin store and grab your order.
It’s super easy and ensures you walk away with the authentic Bari Beef sandwiches you’re craving.
Retail Stores
In addition to pizzerias and restaurants, you can also find Bari Beef products in retail stores across Illinois. Check the deli or prepared foods sections at stores like:
- Cer
Battle for the BEST Italian Beef in Chicago | Mr. Beefs | Bari | Luke’s
FAQ
What is the name of the Italian beef meat?
Where are Italian beef sandwiches from?
Does Bari have Italian beef?
You’ll love our Italian beef, whether eating it plain, with sweet peppers, hot or mild giardiniera, juicy or dry. Over the years, Bari has remained a family-owned business and is proud to serve its delicious Italian beef to its own cherished family members and yours.
Where to buy Italian beef in Chicago?
When it comes to Italian beef, Chicago is the capital. Chicago Italian beef isn’t something that can be compromised. For the best Chicago-style Italian beef, choose Bari.
Which Chicago style Italian beef is best?
Chicago Italian beef isn’t something that can be compromised. For the best Chicago style Italian beef, choose Bari. Starting with only the finest cuts of beef and imported ingredients, Bari has been slow roasting Chicago’s favorite Italian Beef for nearly four decades and has established a reputation for quality that you’ll appreciate.
How much does a Bari Bari No mi cost?
It costs $1,350,000 and 1 gem, making it a relatively affordable fruit. The Bari Bari no Mi, while not doing the most damage, is a fairly underrated fruit. If used in the right hand’s, this fruit can serve to be a massive annoyance.