Bob-O&#x27;s Hot Dogs

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-italian-beef-sandwiches-chicago

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Chicago’s best Italian beef sandwiches | Eater Chicago

"Though Bob-O’s originally started off as a hot dog stand, Italian beef is now arguably the main attraction. Beef connoisseurs would do well to head to Dunning for a top-notch sandwich featuring meat made in-house. It’s seasoned, sliced, and cooked daily and should be coupled with an order of the impeccable hand-cut fries. Order online here." - Eater Staff

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/best-italian-beef-chicago

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The 10 Best Italian Beef Sandwiches In Chicago, Ranked - Chicago - The Infatuation

"A Chicago legend, Bob-O’s has been around since 1950. This cash-only shop in Dunning gets points for nostalgia, points for a patio, points for spicy beef, points for crunchy giardiniera, points for bread that holds up well when you order the beef juicy (which you should), points for people who know to carefully wrap your sandwich in five layers of paper to prevent leakage from said juice ... you get the picture." - veda kilaru

Veda Kilaru

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/reviews/bob-o-hot-dogs

132,805 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

Bob-O's Hot Dogs - Review - Dunning - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Bob-O’s Hot Dogs is a cash-only counter-service hot dog spot in Dunning that also has very good Italian beef. Pop in around lunch or dinner time and you’ll see plenty of locals milling about the brightly lit space, waiting for their takeout orders. Out-of-towners show up throughout the day, grabbing seats on diner-style stools to peel back the five layers of paper surrounding the carefully crafted Italian beef. It’s constructed with bread that (mostly) holds up despite being dipped, stuffed with super thin slices of well-cooked beef, and topped with a pungent giardiniera. The extra vinegary flavor might be off-putting, but the crunchiness provides a nice textural contrast to the soft bread, sweet peppers, and meat." - Veda Kilaru

Veda Kilaru

https://ny.eater.com/2023/5/26/23737587/bobbis-brooklyn-chicago-tamales

391,482 Postcards · 10,994 Cities

A Rare Tamale Inspired by the Deep South Shows Up in Brooklyn - Eater NY

"Still, when I arrived recently at Bobbi’s Italian Beef in Cobble Hill, I was surprised to see Chicago tamales on the menu." - Robert Sietsema

https://boboshotdogs.com/

@postcardnews

20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

Family-run since the 1950s, Bob-O’s is a Northwest Side favorite with Vienna Beef Hall of Fame cred. Known for hand-cut fries and classic Chicago dogs, it’s been praised on local TV and in magazines—old-school service with real neighborhood heartbeat.

Best Hot Dogs in Chicago (2025)

Amanda R.

Google

$35 worth of food would get you 1 char dog, 1 Chicago style hotdog, a double cheese burger with everything (all with fries) a extra large Diet Coke that is shareable!, a large onion rings, and a 12 oz container of chili. The last time I was here I was 20. I am now 36 and the food still holds up the fries our hand cut the double cheeseburger was fire (they use red onions!) great food for amazing prices for these times.

Bubba G.

Google

In town for the week from Philly. Bob-O’ might make me move to Chicago! Chicago Dog was good but the Italian Beef was to die for! Cooked to perfection & so flavorful!

Jerry N.

Google

Authentic Chicago fast food. Very good stuff. Better than most others. The Combo with hot peppers dipped was really juicy - falling apart juicy.

Jennifer K.

Google

Authentic Chicago Hot Dog and fresh cut fries. 100% Chicagoan approved!!! Delicious and brought back memories of childhood in Chicago.

Elizabeth V.

Google

Simply the best polish and fresh cut fries! We went by there last weekend and I tried the Italian beef combo it was so good. The rootbeer float made me float right back to my favorite memories. Yummy!

Brad H.

Google

I'm not a fan of places in 2024 still having "cash only" signs. There are endless ways to implement card processing that it should be an embarrassment to have it in this year. However, despite all the signs, at the counter, they have one small sign that says they take credit and another with the %fee charged 🙄. Quite a different beef note than Johnnie's/Michael's, but only from the actual beef. The juice is very delicious and spiced well. Extremely tender and moist. Beef stretches a bit before tearing, but maybe a bit too salty. Maybe it's sliced roast beef marinated in the Italian beef spices and juice to cook it more as opposed to a solid italian beef roast cooked and sliced to be put in its own juice? The bread held up more than I would expect for 6 layers of paper to be soaked through with juice. The fries are very reminiscent of Gene and Judes. Just fresh cut spuds dropped right in the oil, less crisp and a little soft, but delicious all their own. The cheese sauce was fine, nothing special, but not the appalling food service brand others use. Rather enjoyed it 4.5/5 Beef The differences don't detract from the overall excellent sandwich, but if you are specific about the beef meat flavor itself, you should try it yourself for sure.

Curtis P.

Google

Bob O’s is amazing. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. Owner Rich is very nice. The restaurant is in good condition. Great Italian beef. Gotta come back. 10/10.

Rick C.

Google

I couldn’t drive by this place again. Tried the beef/sweet. This is definitely a top tier Chicago beef stand. Sandwich and fries were perfect. Need to come back for some dogs, won’t be long.

Bob K.

Yelp

They won Chicago's best Italian beef and it was delicious. We moved from the area so we do t get over there that much and cannot wait until the second location opens up at Devon and Milwaukee . Had a beef wet and a cheese dog! Love the fires

Steve H.

Yelp

About the best thing I can say about Bob-o's was that it was clean. Otherwise: Not the best Italian beef as they claim Parking was minimal Cash-only Customer service was not good Prices were high for what you get Food was average at best

David R.

Yelp

I've come a few times with my kids: it is fun to sit on the old-fashioned diner stools and look out the big windows while you eat. They excel at hot dogs, italian beef, and polish sausage. And piles of delicious fresh-cut fries on the side! Obviously Chicago has tons of these types of places, but Bob-O's is one of the best.

Alice K.

Yelp

Recently read an article about Bob-O's and stopped by today. Private parking lot made it easy to get in and out. I ordered a beef sandwich and a hot dog. The beef sandwich was delicious and well worth the drive. I can see why WGN ranked it the best beef in Chicago. Next time I am going to try the meatball sandwich! They do take credit cards, even though the signs say cash only.

Christine D.

Yelp

Have you had their Italian beef? If you have not yet I do have some sadness for you. You must go now and get yourself their contest winning beef.

Victoria M.

Yelp

Not the best beef at all. Fattier cut of beef than Johnnie's (which is the actual best beef) and had a funky taste. Fries are salted well.

Irene C.

Yelp

Awesome value! Large portions of delicious food! Italian beef was fantastic- moist, flavorful beef! Chili and tamales were tasty! The fries were fantastic - crispy and fresh!

Pete C.

Yelp

I've had better beefs and the guy at the front counter was kind of rude. I'm not sure if that's the neighborhood vibe they are trying to make but I was waiting for my food and he was the same to other customers. There was a man with a leg issue that ordered some food and then asked if he could use the restroom and was told he couldn't and then had to cancel his order to find a restroom elsewhere.

Garnet S.

Yelp

Outstanding Chicago-style Italian beef. Authentic, original and worthy of the praise and loyalty heaped upon it by locals. Ask for your beef hot wet and sweet if you want some added bell peppers. Or any of the other delicious fare on the menu. Don't forget to get an order of fries for you and perhaps two friends to share. This an absolutely bare bones restaurant with immovable stools dotting a counter around the perimeter of the dining area. There are no bathrooms and a couple of picnic tables in front. This is really a take-out place but the food is great and the staff are responsive.

G. M.

Yelp

Great beef, even Better meatballs. Glad I finally discovered this place. I plan to eat my way through the menu!

Bob C.

Yelp

Okay it's been a while and I'll post this at the risk of repeating myself. Today I popped in after a morning ride on the Harley. I had a taste for one of Bob O's always tasty cheese burgers. I gotta tell ya , it sure was good but it usually always is :) I don't know where they get the meat from but it's so good. Littered with some grilled onions, lettuce, and tomato it hit the spot Washed it down with a diet soda that also tastes fresh Now I got to hike my leg back over that Harley on a full stomach and ride off into the sunset. All kidding aside , thanks guys for taking care of my cheese burger fix Stay safe All

Ed M.

Yelp

Heads up when I went it was cash only, I'm not sure if this is all-time or due to something else but be aware. I had the cheesy beef and fries. The fries are hand cut, well seasoned and you get a lot. They could have been crisper for my taste so next time I'll ask as they seem accommodating and would be happy to do it for me. Now the beef. If you like cheese on your beef, pay the extra 75 cents it's well worth the keeping amount of good mozzarella. The bread is french which is just ok for me but not my favorite. It can be toasted or dipped or left alone. The gravy or juice whichever you want to call it was just spicy enough to let me know it was there but not so overpowering that you couldn't enjoy it. The beef is of exceptional quality and sliced. I understand why some people say this is the best beef in Chicago. The sandwich size is average so if it's lunch you're good but dinner i might get two. Overall a good experience and I'll be coming back to pay money for more.

David M.

Yelp

The Italian Combo with hot peppers is probably one of the top 5 best beefs ever. The fries are homemade but way too large and only come in 1 size. They should make a smaller size for half he price. The homemade Giardiniera is great. Love the celery in it. The prices are what was tough to swallow. A beef Combo with hot peppers and fry will run you $15. That is a little expensive and would have resulted in a 3 star if the beed wasn't as good as it was. They do accept credit cards but charge you 3.5% to use it.

The F.

Yelp

Let me start by saying I was expecting something GREAT from this place but that was not the case. I get my beefs wet and even with that, their beef was dry like the meat was dry, tough even. This is one of those spots where cheese just might help improve the beef but, as of late, if I can't eat it without cheese I don't want it lol. Now, I do believe that restaurants can just have bad days and that does not necessarily mean that the food is consistently bad. That being said, I would try them again but I would have to already be in the area. I wouldn't go out of my way and take the long drive just to be taking it. Plus, I want to experience what I've seen so many people rave about--a good beef. Some put it over Johnnie's but, from where I stand(as of now), it doesn't even come close.

Chris T.

Yelp

The Italian beef was tasteless. Even with the giardiniera it still was bland. The meat should have some sort of seasoning to it. I can boil meat and throw it in a bun too. Fries were soft and mucky. Tasteless as well. Got a coke that tasted horrible. Honestly cannot believe this won the WGN beef contest. Will never go back.

Sandra D.

Yelp

Not too bad the service is ok kind of slow depending on what time you go! The food varies the have a large selection of different food . Fast food.

William M.

Yelp

Everything here was great. The Maxwell St. Polish was grilled perfectly...with delicious caramelized onions. Oh, those fresh cut fries...wow! Orange float and Italian ice were very refreshing. Do be clear on what you ask for condiments...I asked for "everything" and only got onions and mustard, but maybe I wasn't clear myself, but no big deal on that. Prices are very reasonable. Taking cash only helps keep the prices lower. Service was efficient and pleasant and the counters were clean and the stools to sit on were comfortable.

Kevin D.

Yelp

OK, so we wanted authentic Chicago dogs or Polish dogs and Bob-O's was highly recommended on Yelp. I am SO glad we went there. We had a Polish that was grilled with grilled onions and sport peppers. It was absolutely fantastic. We also order something I would never see outside of Chicago...a tamale on a bun prepared just like a regular Chicago dog with onions, mustard, pickles and tomatoes. It was great if strange. I would love to go back if I didn't live 2000 miles away.

Hersh A.

Yelp

My wife had happen to find this restaurant through Yelp search while I was looking to have Italian Beef sandwich on Memorial Day Monday while my favorite place, Johnnie's Beef in Elmwood Park, was closed. I hadn't heard about Bob-O's prior to my visit. From the Yelp reviews, I noticed that they are known for their Italian Beef sandwich and it seemed like a popular spot among the locals. When he got here, it was semi-busy. The weather was nice. So, most of the people were outside dining on the patio. The inside has limited sitting room. Their menu had a good variety of items to choose from. I ordered their Italian Beef sandwich with hot giardinera and dipped in the au jus. My wife ordered the Maxwell Street Polish with all the trimmings and fries and my son had a vanilla soft-serve cone. The Beef sandwich was big and loaded. It looked good. I liked its flavor but its texture left me wanting for something better. The beef was kind of dry and they did not dip the sandwich in the au jus like I had asked for. I suppose I could have asked them again but I didn't. My wife like the Maxwell Street Polish and fries she had. The fries were well prepared. Overall, Bob-O's is a nice neighborhood spot with a good variety of fast food items on the menu at reasonable prices. The restaurant was clean and the service was good.

Tony I.

Yelp

Very good hot dogs n fries , fresh cut fries. They have a good solid dog plus comes with pickle n tomatoes.people go for the beef but try the hotdogs you can't go wrong

Mary H.

Yelp

The best most authentic Chicago hotdog in the city. excellent Italian beef sandwich .packed to overflowing with perfectly seasoned quality meat. Cute diner style interior . Friendly servers.

Hector C.

Yelp

Just ordered a chili dog and 2 hotdogs. They were horrible! The paper and buns were very wet, the fries were undercooked and the chili tasted like canned. This is the third time I've gotten less than decent hot dogs! I will never go back

Stephen S.

Yelp

Straight up enjoyable spot for an Italian beef, burger or hot dog. An order of fries are fresh and huge. The beef, sweet with xtra gravy on the side was delicious. It was a special trip to try the place out and well worth the trip. I wouldn't hesitate if in the area.

Anthony M.

Yelp

Great food great staff my go to for chat dogs or any other thing on the menu great cheese burgers great beef can't go wrong with Bob O 'S 5 in my book

Tom G.

Yelp

I ran across Bob-Bo's Hot Dogs after noticing it on an old episode on "Chicago Best". I ordered a juicy beef with green peppers and hot gardineira. Other reviewers gave it a five star review, but I gave four stars. Everything was great, the generous portion of beef,it was juicy the way I like it,good size green peppers and hot gardineira but I just couldn't give it that fifth star I just couldn't put my finger on it it might have been the juice.

Brendan B.

Yelp

Love this place. Food is fantastic and the prices are normal. Great value and a bag full of fries with every order. Burgers and dogs are just what you'd expect and they're delicious. Beef sandwich is up there with some of the top beef spots in the city. Fresh cut fries and lots of them. With all these overpriced burger joints I was happy to see a double cheese, fries, and a drink for less than $15.

Valerie U.

Yelp

Great customer service and def a really good cheese burger! It's just a typical neighborhood spot but the people are super caring and the quality is def there too!

Ted N.

Yelp

Had a beef, fries and a coke today. Although the beef was plentiful, no flavor at all. It was like a wet roast beef sandwich. Fries were hot but soggy.coke was cup of seltzer water.Pretty disappointing meal. Not really sure what happened but a few years ago I traveled many miles to get this beef because in my opinion it was tops. Not the same flavor anymore. With the average Beef meal just under 16 bucks, I believe there a far better choices out there.

Erin K.

Yelp

The absolute best. Especially their chili cheese fries! Their homemade chili has a good kick to it and the portion sizes are huge: I had half for dinner then reheated the other half for lunch the next day. And it was just as good reheated. Also, their hot dogs are better than Gene and Jude's. I said what I said

Barb B.

Yelp

Stopped by for a quick bite to eat on the way home after a Cubs game, and Bob-o's did not disappoint. Yummy hotdog and fries with an Italian Ice.... All cheaper than the price of one water bottle at Wrigley! Lots of outdoor seating (picnic tables with umbrellas), and indoor seating (stools around the windows). Grub hub and Uber Eats deliver too! Next time, we'll try the Italian beef. Vienna beef hotdogs, fresh cut fries, DELICIOUS lemon Italian ice .... A great stop for fast food.

Kat Q.

Yelp

Good price and a huge Italian beef sandwich. I ordered it half dipped. It was messy but absolutely delicious. One of the best authentic Chicago beefs I've had in a long time.

Mike S.

Yelp

Polish and fries were great, along with the chili with tamales. But the woman at the register was RUDE and had a lot of attitude for my liking!!! Won't be going back...

Bob F.

Yelp

Best combo and fresh cut fries. One order can feed the whole family. Hot dogs and polish are also a favorite

Rob W.

Yelp

Disappointed. Read several reviews about the place and a few notes on Facebook in the Chicagoland Hot Dog... pages. Was eager to check it out, but it wasn't as good as expected. The hot dog was OK - but no seeds on the bun. It's amazing what poppy seeds do for a hot dog, just sayin'. The fries came with it - too greasy for my liking. I also got a combo - wanted to try the gamut so to speak. The beef was actually a tad tough - rarely experienced that with any Italian beef sandwiches. Sausage as OK. Bread fell apart about halfway through - found myself holding a big glob. They need to fix their stools - many are angled / unlevel so you have to position yourself not to slide off. I will say the price was right - add to all of the above a large beverage and it cam in under $15. But there are better beefs and dogs to be had in the area.

Ozzie T.

Yelp

Hubby had a craving for a Maxwell St Polish tonight. Thanks Yelp for helping us find Bob-O's! It sure beat driving downtown. Bob-O's is just east of Cumberland on Irving Park Rd. with a small parking lot and street parking. They're open for carry out. We tried a variety of items on their very straight forward menu. Polish, char hotdog, cheese burger, pizza bread, fries, chili cheese fries and a pizza puff. The dogs come with fries, burgers do not. Service was prompt except for the cheeseburger they forgot to ring up. Luckily, we checked our bags in the car before driving off. We waited a few extra minutes to make the cheeseburger and then we were on our way! We dug into the chili cheese fries in the car, couldn't wait! Overall, this is a decent spot for dogs, burgers and fries! Price is very reasonable! We will be back soon.

Lisa S.

Yelp

Where else can you find a hot dog with fries for under $5? Best hot dogs on the northwest side of Chicago and flavorful fries too! I always get a hot dog but one day will try something different like the polish sausage or burger.

Ella B.

Yelp

I would give 3.5 stars. The prices were decent and the food was decent as well. The meatball sub wasn't very saucy and the meat had that odd taste like it was a combination of veal or pork. I love meatball subs but rarely order them because people don't use everyday 100% beef and the flavor is off putting to me. The Italian beef was seriously dry and needed more flavor. The Italian sausage was really good and cooked so well.

Nika W.

Yelp

Finally tried the Italian beef sandwich. It was good but lacked flavor of Italian spices. Beef was cut thin and the portion was good. What really brought the meal together was their hand cut fries . Fries , awesome as always ! This place is great for hot dogs !!! Cash only .

Aaron K.

Yelp

The Chicago style hot dog was great! It was my first experience with Chicago style and I was impressed. The second hot dog was just alright, the bun got smushed and the toppings were a little too much. Overall very good though!

Lsa L.

Yelp

Food is great consistently, I have never had a bad item yet! Prices are reasonable, and ice cream cones are yummy too!

Aileen G.

Yelp

The customer service was great as soon as I walked in. First time trying this place and it was pretty good. Only thing is that it's better if we dined in. We got an order of 2 sandwich and the bread was soggy; most likely due to have it wrapped and waiting to get home to eat. But overall the sausage was great on its own!

Bella G.

Yelp

I wish their food staff would wear gloves while prepping and serving the food. They were featured on Chicago's Best and they were all wearing gloves. Now you go in there they don't have any on. Other than that the food is good.

James B.

Yelp

Was suggested by a friend. Got an Italian Beef and my wife got a Chicago dog. Shared some cheese fries. Let me tell you; I've been to several "name" places for an Italian Beef. Bob-O's tops them all by far. Bread stayed damp by didn't fall apart. Beef was thin and flavorful. The spicy Giardiniera completed the sandwich. My wife had never had a Chicago dog before and gave a side eye to the "salad" toppings, but she totally changed her mind after just one bite. From now on, when we're in Chicago, we will make a point to stop in.

Sal C.

Yelp

This is a pretty good fast food joint. I would recommend the Italian beef. The fries are awesome as well! The staff is really nice but the prices are a little high.

Embra B.

Yelp

Fresh and good hotdogs. I would recommend to stop in. There are other menu selections as well. This is a cash only restaurant.

Chris A.

Yelp

Everytime I order here every fucking time they don't give me a straw and rely on the delivery driver, put the damn straw in the bag before you staple.

Scott J.

Yelp

Bob O for da BEEF!! Love this place. I get mine ez dipped with peppers. The hand cut fries are magic to your mouth.

D T.

Yelp

Nothing but real good food. Fries are great. Italian beef is on my top 3 list. Hot dogs are definitely good. Everything I've gad on the menu is good. Been going here for years and nothing has changed, except for prices but not outrageous. Bob-O's thank you for great food at a good price point. Can't wait to have more good food from you!!!!

Jerry M.

Yelp

Excellent Italian Beef. The fries were quite good. It would have been nice had they furnished a place to wash hands after eating, though.

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-italian-beef-sandwiches-chicago

391,482 Postcards · 10,994 Cities

Chicago’s best Italian beef sandwiches | Eater Chicago

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/best-italian-beef-chicago

132,805 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

The 10 Best Italian Beef Sandwiches In Chicago, Ranked - Chicago - The Infatuation

Veda Kilaru

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/reviews/bob-o-hot-dogs

132,805 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

Bob-O's Hot Dogs - Review - Dunning - Chicago - The Infatuation

Veda Kilaru

https://ny.eater.com/2023/5/26/23737587/bobbis-brooklyn-chicago-tamales

391,482 Postcards · 10,994 Cities

A Rare Tamale Inspired by the Deep South Shows Up in Brooklyn - Eater NY

"Still, when I arrived recently at Bobbi’s Italian Beef in Cobble Hill, I was surprised to see Chicago tamales on the menu." - Robert Sietsema

https://boboshotdogs.com/

@postcardnews

20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

Best Hot Dogs in Chicago (2025)