Italian Beef Sandwich
Chicago, United States
An Italian beef sandwich uses thinly sliced roast beef soaked in savory jus and piled into an Italian roll. Diners can choose the amount of gravy and add sweet peppers or hot giardiniera, changing the sandwich from juicy and mild to spicy and messy.
Why locals eat it
The sandwich reflects Chicago’s Italian-American neighborhood food culture and is designed as a filling counter meal rather than a delicate roast-beef roll. Its identity lies in the combination of seasoned meat, bread, jus and the customer’s chosen level of heat.
Local tip
Learn the local shorthand: dipped means saturated with jus, while dry leaves the bread firmer. Add giardiniera cautiously if you are unfamiliar with its heat, and keep the sandwich over the tray.
Typically made with
Roast beef, French bread, Au jus, Giardiniera, Sweet Italian peppers, Garlic, Oregano. Recipes vary — always check with the vendor if you have allergies.