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Johnnie's Beef Menu with Prices 2026

⭐ 5.00/5 (3) reviews
USD prices currency
$2.72 Average Item Price
You are viewing prices confirmed by PriceListo at the following Johnnie's Beef location:
1935 S Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL, 60005, US 1(847) 357-8100
This business is featured in 10 Best Chicago Restaurants

On the Johnnie's Beef menu, the most expensive item is Combo Sausage & Beef, which costs $5.15. The cheapest item on the menu is Sweet Peppers, which costs $0.35. The average price of all items on the menu is currently $2.72.

View the Johnnie's Beef menu prices list below for the most accurate and up-to-date menu prices. We aggregate data from one or more Johnnie's Beef locations in our database to create the most accurate list of Johnnie's Beef prices. Don't rely on outdated price data. We update our database frequently to ensure that the prices are as accurate as possible.

Johnnie's Beef is a revered Chicago-area institution known for classic Italian-style sandwiches. The popular items on the menu are the Italian Beef, the Combo sandwich, and the Italian Sausage. The cheapest meal is the Hot Dog, which costs between $2.80 and $3.50, while the most expensive single-item meal is the Combo sandwich, priced from $4.80 to $6.80. Johnnie's Beef menu is known for its simplicity, featuring these core sandwiches costing from $3.23 to $6.80, fries, and its signature Italian Lemonade.

Founded by Johnnie Aretos in 1961 at Elmwood Park, Illinois, Johnnie's Beef has become a landmark for authentic Chicago street food. The establishment is famous for its fast-paced, cash-only service and its traditional walk-up counter. The business operates two main locations in the Illinois suburbs of Elmwood Park and Arlington Heights, maintaining its status as a local, family-owned establishment.

Top Rated Items at Johnnie's Beef

Italian Beef Price

$4.69

Italian Sausage Price

$3.65

Pepper & Egg Price

$4.19

Johnnie's Beef Menu

What is Johnnie's Beef Most Famous For?

Johnnie's Beef is most famous for its classic Italian Beef sandwich, a Chicago staple. This sandwich is defined by its thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef served on a substantial French roll and soaked in a flavorful broth known as juice or gravy. The experience is customized when a customer orders the sandwich dipped or wet, which involves submerging the entire roll in the savory gravy. The restaurant’s fast-paced, cash-only, no-frills service model and the quintessential Chicago way of topping the sandwich with either hot giardiniera or sweet peppers set it apart, creating a taste profile that has defined the city's sandwich culture.


What are the Most Popular Signature Items on the Johnnie's Beef Menu?

The most popular signature items on the Johnnie's Beef menu are the quintessential Italian Beef and the hearty Combo sandwich. Other popular items on the menu are shown below:

  • Italian Beef: The legendary sandwich featuring thinly sliced roast beef seasoned with a secret spice blend, served on a French roll, and made complete by being dipped in its own flavorful gravy.
  • Combo: A substantial sandwich that combines the signature Italian Beef with a charcoal-grilled Italian sausage, offering two of the restaurant's core flavors in one roll.
  • Italian Sausage: A sweet Italian sausage packed with fennel, grilled over charcoal briquettes for a distinct charred flavor.
  • Italian Lemonade: The signature house-made frozen beverage, providing a sweet and tart counterpoint to the savory sandwiches.
  • French Fries: Simple, classic fries that are a common accompaniment to the main sandwiches.

What Drinks and Beverages Can You Have at Johnnie's Beef?

The beverage selection at Johnnie's Beef is centered around its famous homemade Italian Lemonade, a frozen slushy drink that is a perfect pairing for the rich, savory beef. The restaurant also offers a straightforward selection of classic fountain sodas to complement any meal. Other available beverages are listed here:

  • Italian Ices: The signature house-made frozen lemonade, also available in a watermelon flavor.
  • Fountain Sodas: A standard selection including Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, 7-Up, and Root Beer.
  • Shakes: A classic chocolate shake is available.
  • Bottled Water: A simple option for hydration.

What is the Cheapest Meal on the Johnnie's Beef Menu?

The most affordable meal on the Johnnie's Beef menu is the Hot Dog, with prices ranging from $2.80 to $4.50. This is a straightforward, classic hot dog served on a bun, providing a simple alternative to the restaurant's more complex signature sandwiches.

What is the Most Expensive Meal on the Johnnie's Beef Menu?

The most premium stand-alone sandwich on the Johnnie's Beef menu is the Combo, priced between $4.80 and $6.72. This meal features a full charcoal-grilled Italian sausage link placed inside a French roll and then topped with a generous portion of the house-specialty Italian Beef.

What are the Healthiest Meals on the Johnnie's Beef Menu?

The healthiest meals on the Johnnie's Beef menu are the Hot Dog, the Italian Beef ordered dry, and the Italian Lemonade. The Hot Dog is a simple, smaller portioned item compared to the larger beef and sausage sandwiches. Requesting the Italian Beef sandwich dry, without being dipped in the gravy, significantly reduces the overall sodium and fat content. The Italian Lemonade, while containing sugar, is a fat-free option to accompany a meal.

What is on the Menu at Johnnie’s Beef in Arlington Heights?

The Johnnie's Beef Arlington Heights menu centers on a focused selection of classic Chicago-style sandwiches and items that the restaurant is known for. The offerings at Johnny's Beef Arlington Heights are consistent with the original location. The menu items available at Johnnie’s Beef in Arlington Heights are shown below:

  • Italian Beef: Thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef served on a French roll. Customers can have it dry, wet, or dipped in gravy and topped with sweet peppers or hot giardiniera.
  • Italian Sausage: A charcoal-grilled sweet Italian sausage served on a French roll.
  • Combo: A sandwich containing both the Italian Beef and the Italian Sausage on one roll.
  • Hot Dog: A classic Chicago hot dog, also available with cheese or as a double dog.
  • Italian Ice: A house-made frozen treat available in lemon and watermelon flavors.
  • French Fries: A classic side order to accompany the sandwiches.

How Often Does Johnnie's Beef Offer Special Offers?

Johnnie's Beef does not run special offers, discounts, or limited-time promotions regularly. The restaurant maintains a consistent menu and pricing structure, relying on its reputation for quality rather than promotional deals to attract customers.

Does Johnnie's Beef Have a Loyalty Program?

No, Johnnie's Beef does not have a loyalty or rewards program. The business operates on a traditional, cash-only model and does not offer points, memberships, or digital rewards for repeat customers.

Does Johnnie's Beef Offer Family Meal Bundles?

No, Johnnie's Beef does not offer formal family meal bundles. The menu is structured for individual orders, though customers can purchase items in large quantities, such as buying Italian beef by the pound, to create a meal for a group.

Does Johnnie's Beef Offer Vegan Options?

No, Johnnie's Beef does not offer vegan options. The core menu is centered on meat products like beef and sausage. The French bread used for sandwiches contains egg, and the French fries share cooking oil with animal products. The only vegan items are the Italian Ices and fountain drinks.

Does Johnnie's Beef Offer Gluten-Free Options?

No, Johnnie's Beef does not offer certified gluten-free options. The primary menu items are sandwiches served on French bread containing gluten. While it is possible to order the Italian beef or sausage without a bun, the risk of cross-contamination in the kitchen is high. 

Is Johnnie's Beef Pet-Friendly?

Yes, Johnnie's Beef is pet-friendly at its locations with outdoor space. The original Elmwood Park location has an outdoor ordering counter and standing tables where pets are welcome to accompany their owners.

Can You Order Ala Carte in Johnnie's Beef?

Yes, customers can order ala carte at Johnnie's Beef, as the entire menu is structured this way. All items, including the Italian Beef sandwich, the Combo sandwich, Italian Sausage, Hot Dogs, French Fries, and Italian Ices, are sold and priced individually rather than as bundled combo meals.

What Other Services Does Johnnie's Beef Offer?

Johnnie's Beef offers the option to purchase its core ingredients in bulk. Customers can buy the Italian beef by the pound, along with loaves of French bread and containers of sweet peppers or hot giardiniera. This service allows people to assemble Johnnie's Beef sandwiches at home for parties or large gatherings.

Does Johnnie's Beef Offer Catering Services?

Yes, Johnnie's Beef offers catering services by selling its main components in bulk. The restaurant provides Italian beef by the pound, along with options to purchase French bread, sweet peppers, and hot giardiniera. This allows customers to create their own sandwich-making station for events, but the restaurant does not provide on-site staff or full-service catering.

Can You Rent Johnnie's Beef for Private Occasions?

No, customers cannot rent Johnnie's Beef for private occasions. The restaurant operates as a quick-service, walk-up stand with limited outdoor standing areas and does not have a private dining space or the capacity to be rented out for events.

Does Johnnie's Beef Do House Delivery?

No, Johnnie's Beef does not have its own in-house delivery service. The restaurant's business model is centered on in-person, counter-based ordering. 

Is Johnnie’s Beef in Elmwood Park Open for Delivery?

No, Johnny's Beef in Elmwood Park does not have its own delivery service. This location is a traditional, walk-up stand where customers order at an outdoor counter. 

How are the Reviews for Customer Experience at Johnnie's Beef?

Johnnie's Beef reviews are consistently positive, with customers praising the food quality while acknowledging the unique, no-frills service style. The Italian beef and combo sandwiches receive high marks for flavor and authenticity. The service is described as extremely fast and efficient, though the cash-only policy and abrupt, fast-moving line are noted as part of the authentic experience. The atmosphere is not that of a sit-down restaurant but a classic Chicago-style stand with outdoor, standing-only tables, which contributes to its unpretentious, old-school reputation.

Who are the Top Competitors of Johnnie's Beef?

The top competitors of Johnnie's Beef are Al's #1 Italian Beef, Portillo's and others listed below:

  • Al's #1 Italian Beef: A historic establishment founded in 1938, Al's #1 Italian Beef is another one of Chicago's most celebrated Italian beef sandwich purveyors.
  • Portillo's: A large, fast-casual chain famous for a broad menu that includes Italian beef, Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, and its Chocolate Cake Shake, Portillo's has numerous locations across the country.
  • Mr. Beef on Orleans: A stand-alone, cash-only spot in River North that gained widespread attention after being featured in the TV show "The Bear." Mr. Beef on Orleans is known for its classic Italian beef.
  • Buona Beef: A family-owned chain with many locations in the Chicago suburbs, Buona Beef offers Italian beef, sandwiches, pizzas, and salads in a more modern, fast-casual setting.
  • Jay's Beef: Another local favorite, Jay's Beef has been serving Italian beef and other Chicago classics from its Wicker Park location for decades.

Where are the Johnnie’s Beef Locations in Chicago?

The primary and most well-known Johnnie's Beef locations are situated in the Chicago suburbs, not within the city limits of Chicago itself. These establishments are considered the original and most famous locations. The two main Johnnie's Beef locations are:

  • Elmwood Park: The original location, established in 1961, which operates as a classic walk-up food stand.
  • Arlington Heights: A second location that offers the same core menu in a building with an indoor ordering area.
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