Carm's Beef and Italian Ice

"Carm’s is just a few blocks away from Al’s, sitting on a cute little corner, with a cute little cash-only Italian ice counter, giving the number one spot performance anxiety. Not only is the side of jus the best in Chicago—more like a peppery consomme than a cup of liquid fat—but the bread is so outstanding that you can even order the sandwich dry. But the correct move is to get it dipped, and eat at one of their outdoor tables to make Al’s jealous." - veda kilaru

"Around the corner from Al’s on a quiet street corner is Carm’s, just a few blocks away from the traffic on Taylor Street. You’ll find plenty of things on the menu, but the main attraction at this small shop is the Italian beef. Not only is the side of jus here the best in Chicago—more like a peppery consommé—but the bread is so flavorful that you can even order the sandwich dry. The correct move, though, is to get your order dipped, and follow it up with a refreshing Italian ice as a palette cleanser from the separate, cash-only dessert counter." - veda kilaru, adrian kane

"Every day, third-generation-owner Steve DeVivo whips up Italian ice with fresh fruit the same way the staff did when the shop first opened in 1929: A little pinch of this, a big handful of that. “I don’t measure stuff no more,” DeVivo says. “It’s like tying my shoes.” One unusual item on Carm’s menu is a chocolate Italian ice that he says tastes “like a Fudgesicle.”" - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff

"Carm’s is on a quiet corner in University Village, just a few blocks away from the traffic on Taylor Street. You’ll find plenty of things on the menu, but the main attraction at this small shop is the Italian beef. Not only is the side of jus here the best in Chicago—more like a peppery consommé—but the bread is so flavorful that you can even order the sandwich dry. The correct move, though, is to get your order dipped, and follow it up with a refreshing Italian ice as a palette cleanser from the separate, cash-only dessert counter." - Veda Kilaru