"Mr. Beef has been making Italian beef sandwiches in River North since 1963, long before it became the inspiration behind The Bear. And if this counter service spot’s longevity isn’t enough to convince you of its greatness, their sandwiches will. The meat and gravy isn’t too peppery or salty, which allows the pure beefiness to shine through, and the sturdy bread develops a pleasant softness as it soaks up all the juices. Just know that Mr. Beef is cash-only, so stop by an ATM before grabbing lunch (they’re only open until 4pm). It’s mainly a takeout spot, but they do have an old-school communal table in the back." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru