Gianelli's Drive Thru

Quick stop for lunch so I used the drive-thru. I ordered the Gyro platter with fries and a strawberry shake. The food came out quick and hot. Tzatziki sauce was served on the side. I didn’t get any ketchup for the fries, and no napkins came in the drive-thru bag. I ran inside to grab those. Overall, really good as a quick lunch spot. The dining area had some homemade charm, with lots of hand-written labels and other signs. Extra credit for the drive-thru sign warning about asking for extra sauce. “EXTRA COSTS EXTRA, NOTHING IS FREE. (Except our love for you - that don’t cost a thing!)”

Had an amazing experience again so I had to leave a review. The service here is always so friendly, and the vegan meatball sub is seriously the best I’ve ever had. Consistently delicious and such a welcoming spot! I will definitely be back to try their other vegetarian options. Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My family of four came into the place on Father’s Day around 530pm and they close at 6. Nobody was in the sitting area. As soon as we walk in, one of the workers looked back at the other worker and said something. I already knew then, they weren’t pleased with us coming in. Before he took our order he said “this would have to be to go”. My husband, said ok. We were planning on just eating in the parking lot. We ordered our food and I ordered a chicken Cesar wrap, the gentlemen that took the order turned around and said “can we still do that?” The other guy nodded his head. Finished our order, once the order was placed, not even 5 minutes our food was “finished”. Fries looked they’ve been out for awhile, lettuce in the lettuce wrap was wilted and brown, and the beef didn’t taste right. Anywho, we will not be going back. If they didn’t want customers 30 minutes before closing, they should of just closed.

Best Italian beef sandwich to be found anywhere in the suburbs. Juicy, tender, seasoned perfectly. Burgers, sides, desserts all top notch. Great service, attitude. Highly, highly recommend !!

Get ready for your new favorite wrap! I was lucky enough to be the very first person to taste the Santa Fe wrap, and it was truly delicious. Every bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, iceberg lettuce, avocado, 6 oz of chicken, black beans, and quinoa, all brought together by the pepper jack cheese, kick of jalapeno, and chipotle mayo in a spinach wrap. It truly has a bite to it, which I absolutely loved. I will be coming back for the wrap! The picture doesn't do it justice. Give this a shot!

You can pass this place and not realize it..its set back a little farther from tbe road.. This was our 1st time here.. let me say.. I love the different styled tables..the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. The service was great. I had the half Italian beef.. the beef was good..but nothing to write home about. The Au Jou was really good.. ordered a large cheese fry..good as well. Hubby man ordered the combo..he really enjoyed it.. fried mushrooms were good too! They have a lot to choose from ...All in all.. we'll be back!

I had the grilled chicken Caesar pita which was really good. I liked the extra touch of fresh Parmesan on top. Could do with less Caesar dressing though. My husband had the gyros and fries; he said both good. Young woman that greeted us as we walked in and took our order was friendly and proficient. Like the coziness of the wooden tables and chairs decor. The only complaint we have and hope they can rectify because we won't be coming back only because of this: whatever deodorizer they're using in back by the bathrooms is so overwhelmingly foul-smelling and powerful, that you smell it the minute you walk into the restaurant. The smell was so bad in back where you have to go to get your drinks and napkins that it was gagging us. We needed more napkins and we laughingly "debated" on who was going to go back there to get more.

Thoroughly enjoyed the Vienna hot dog special - two hot dogs, fries, and soft drink all for a very reasonable price. Later noticed an order of onion rings on someone else's tray and ordered them, too. Plenty of picnic tables outside when the weather is nice. The owner and restaurant are very patriotic, supporting the police, military, and Boy Scouts. Plenty of waving American flags adorn the building, and the interior walls have several dedications to the aforementioned groups. The menu is chuck full of tasty items. Next time in I'll have to try the Prairie Dog, it looked incredible.

Old school hot dog joint... the service was excellent- attentive, patient and friendly. Inside might look a little tired, mismatched basement furniture - but it worked here. We ordered the 2 dogs and fries for 8$ and as always- the Chicago Dog does not disappoint. We added funnel cakes for dessert but I wouldn't do that again- so, so greasy. We also tried the Greek salad wrap with chicken and I wouldn't order that again- feta, lettuce, olives and chicken w Greek dressing.

Had some great cheap eats from this Crystal Lake drive thru and cafe. It has plenty of seating inside if wanting to eat immediately. Gianelli's is a long time local favorite. Most people get the hot dogs obviously. There's also lots of other grilled classics like burgers and that kind of stuff. Coming here the first time, know that it's pretty far away from the other popular places in town in the middle of nowhere almost. It's almost surrounded by nothing, but there's a few things around obviously. This is kind of close to the Snap-On plant. Look for that when coming here. The menu is mostly hot dogs but there's lots more to get though. It's $5 to get a veggie dog. With a combo it's $11 and includes a drink and fries. Cool. This is a way to get a lot for not a lot. Get some hot dogs and more from this classic drive in. It's on State Route 176 at Valley View Road. There's plenty for mystery meat eaters and vegetarians.

We ordered and took home our food but there is some seating inside and picnic tables outside. Gma's meatball sub was very good. Nice sauce and meatballs. Everything was good and service was fast.

Great find along Liberty St., next to Nasty Performance and Sharper Detailing!! They have a vegetarian menu as well as gyros!!!!! Fresh smoothies, Turano desserts, and more! It did not disappoint. Thank you!!

Two Stars The menu at Gianelli's Drive Thru looked amazing. Tons of variety and everything sounded delicious. The decor was really cool, the place was spotless, and it seemed well staffed. It also wasn't busy at all... one car in the drive-thru, a small family eating inside, a kid with a milkshake, and a woman waiting on her food. Very calm vibe. That's why it was so frustrating when we stood at the counter for 15 minutes after being told, "We'll be right with you," and then... nothing. No one followed up. No one checked in. We were just ignored. We ended up walking out. This was our first time here, and sadly, it'll be our last.

Had the Italian beef which was good, not great but just good. The cheese puff wasnt good.

It was ok.. very friendly people that work there. I wouldn't get the Italian beef again. Hotdogs were good tho, but they forgot our fries. Walked back inside to retrieve it and as I walked in, it was hotter inside that outside, and we are going through a hearwave. It looked great in there but we ended up eating in our car since we had AC.

Used to be pretty good. Just ordered a beef with everything on it (used to include cheese, hot peppers and sweet peppers). It actually looked like the picture on this site. Got home and it was bare. Called and the young lady told me that how they come. Must be new ownership, no one seems to care there anymore.

I've had Italian beefs from this place a few times. They're really good with great flavor. I haven't tried other items because I really like their beefs. There are only two other places in CL that I'll buy beefs from. But when I want a really good one, gianelli's is my first choice.

This is a really cute place. Inside it is comfortable and low key. I ordered the half Italian Beef sandwich ( w/ hot peppers) that was highly rated last year. It was quite good and not too drippy. I really like that they offer a half sandwich option. The fries were good. This is a place where you place your order at the counter, sit down and wait. They bring out your food once it is ready. I wish I took photos, but will go back and take photos later. This is a cool place with many, many options. Go see for yourself. You will thank me later.

Delicious Italian Beef Sandwich. The hot Giardiniera was just the right mix of heat and flavor. Got a side of cheese fries and mixed the Giardiniera juice with the cheese for an extra kick. Only disappointment was they were out of the fried cheese curds.

I've enjoyed beef sandwiches, meatball sandwiches, burgers, dogs , and an array of food in the Chicago area, and this place is hands down the best you will ever eat at. I didn't drive through, I walked right in and had the best beef sandwich I've ever had. That's right, better than Portillo's, better than Al's Beef, and better than Buano or Johnnies. It was tender real roast beef, dipped in a mouth watering juice, and to my taste, a spicy but tolerable jardiniere pepper topping. But it didn't stop there, I added cheese to that, and couldn't put it down. OMG....so good. You order at the counter and it's served right at your table by the owner himself, Terry Trobiani. Service couldn't have been better. Ambiance is welcoming and easy to get around. A self service pop machine, plenty of napkins and utensils, and some pretty cool swag you can buy (shirts and hats). I met some college buddies at Terry's place and was welcomed with open arms. He brought out some wonderful homemade meatballs and sausage from family recipes, but the kicker was the unbelievable tasting cannolis and funnel cake. The sweetness of every bite from the cannolis was better than the first. And the funnel cakes came out warm and tender. I've got to say it's worth every minute in the car ride to get to lunch. Don't think twice about checking this place out. It's outstanding food and worth every penny you pay for it. When you go, ask for Terry and let him know Keith sent you.

OMG this is our new favorite hot dog place. They have a lot of other stuff we are definitely going to try. Like the polish sausage on French bread, beef sandwich...just everything. We did our test meal of hot dog and fries. That is the bench mark. We were not disappointed. Fries were hot and crispy. Vienna beef hotdog with poppyseed buns! Perfect! Definitely will be making this our regular place, and definitely recommend.

Had lunch here today with my co-workers and I have to say, it was exceptional. Drew, the owner actually delivered our food to our table and we had quite a nice conversation. The food was hot, cooked perfectly and the portions are awesome! Something else that I thought was truly an awesome concept, they have small tables, then they also have "your grandma's" dining room table to sit at & enjoy lunch or dinner with your family and friend. A really nice touch!!!! Cannot recommend this business enough. We will most assuredly be back!!!!

The waitstaff was nice.... The chicken breast on a pita was absolutely flavorless dry and not worth the price. The 11/2 cups of lettuce on the pita was more than the 2 ounces of dry flavorless chicken. They said it was the chicken they use in the chicken Cesar wrap.... I imagine it's dry and flavorless too.

I went there the other day for the first time after reading some reviews! I was totally disappointed I walked in the restaurant it was at least a hundred degrees inside with no fans no air conditioning, they did have a dining room so if they expected diners to eat it was unbearable. Getting down to the food being in Chicago in I was looking forward to their Italian beef and sausage combo and fries the bread was too soft and almost tasted stale not surprised the humidity and heat in the restaurant alone would have ruined the texture. The Italian beef and sausage was absolutely lackluster compared to a Portillo's, or Johnny's Beef it was so Bland even though I ordered sweet peppers and hot gardinare there was barely any on it even though I paid extra I couldn't even finish the sandwich because the Italian sausage absolutely was the most Bland undercooked, undesirable. I hate to give this place a bad review but if I'm to be honest like I said, the restaurant was absolutely at least close to 100°. Hotter than it was outside which yesterday was in the mid-90s. You would think that they would have had fans or air conditioning since the dining room was a cute little area! I have to give the food on a scale of 1 to 10 a two. The french fries were just typical frozen fries not hand cut like good Chicago Original Italian beefs places would have. They were overly salty it was very disappointing food and the inside of the restaurant was a sweat box.! There's no way I would ever go back there worse Italian sausage and beef I ever had!

Fantastic service. Yummy food. Tried the Fiesta Burger; good fair price for a unique take on a burger. They have Green River soda too. It's a good old fashioned hot dog stand that carries a little bit of everything.

Love love love them. Awesome variety of menu choices. Plus red cream soda , who could ask for more.

Absolutely delicious! Gyro platter is amazing, it's pretty big, comes with fries and tzatziki sauce on the side. Now the gyro is really good, the tzatziki was a little thick for my liking , but overall a delicious meal! I should've taken a pic but my food smelled amazing and I was hungry lol next time for sure! They offer a variety of delicious summer items including funnel cakes and they are delicious too! Place is cute and also has outdoor sitting! The staff was also great, service was awesome!

Delicious! We love the food and the service. When we get it delivered by door dash it's the same. Excellent quality...same great service. If you like Italian Beef .... by far the best we've had in the area.

This was my first time here and it wasn't very good. Got a chocolate milkshake that was pure ice chips, wasn't blended very well and it tasted watered down. The burgers were alright. They definitely looked better in the picture online. I don't want to be too quick to judge and would want to try other items, but as a first timer I was slightly disappointed.

Been a customer since they opened their doors. All of their menu is good, My standouts are the Meatball sandwich and the Breaded Chicken sandwich. Oh, and you have to try their Onion rings, they are fantastic

Another off the road place I've been passing by for years. Finally driving by while "hungry." Nothing negative here. Great Italian Beef. Good Chicago Hot Dogs. Good Gyros. Good fries. Excellent service. Decent prices. What more would you expect. Glad we stopped. We'll be back......Oh!!!! The interior is really cool and clean.

We went for the first time last week, service was fast, food was delicious, and love the decor!!! Ordered delivery again a week later and once again it did not disappoint - especially being 20 minutes away, food was still warm and fries were still good (which is always questionable!) Will definitely become regulars here!!

We lived in Crystal Lake over 25 years ago and haven't been to the Chicago area since. Since we were just passing through, I needed a Chicago hot dog and Italian beef fix. I was not disappointed. This place seemed like a locals place. We ate inside which was clean. The service was great. I recommend it.

Mean people. Average food. Massive menu. Ownership has been rude to myself, family, and friends. I have also heard they are not friendly with the nearby school next door. Sad! We could really use a better hot dog or beef in the area but we will continue down 176 to Tommy's. Bummer...

Horrible! Owner is an A-hole. Insulted me for my order, which is kinda basic and then they gave me tiny containers for my jus. When I arrived home, 5 mins away, they busted open and was all over the bag. Returned for a refund and you can tell he was pissed. Don't care. Never been back since.

Now my favorite place for Italian beef. They do them perfect for me with cheddar sauce and easy hot peppers. Hot dogs excellent and so are the fries. Great place.

It's a great place to have good food. It's the American way. Read Italian beef patriots welcome we the people.

Great food, especially wet Italian beef, prairie burger with Velveeta and cooked onions. Ambiance is nice sit down tables with covers and even decorations. Easy in out on route 176 right by the school. Kronos gyros meat and they will crisp it for you! Jalapeno cheese poppers rock!!

The best hot dogs! It's a great place to have good food. Good prices. I recommend Gianelli's Drive-thru

Driving out west we decided to stop here for lunch. This is a Drive-thru, order on the speaker and drive to the pick up window. I had the beef, Megan the sausage. She liked hers and did not offer me to try it. The beef was good, tender and flavorful. Could have used more juice but I like my sandwiches swimming and soupy. The hot peppers were hot. Fries were excellent. Could have used more napkins and ketchup. Recommend, I will go back.

This place is a gem! Best Italian beef sandwiches! Great burgers, and the Chicago hot dogs are truly authentic! They have a drive through which is convenient, but I like to stop in to order. Everyone is so genuine. They make you feel like you are stopping by at a friend's for lunch. We are big fans of Gianelli's!

This place reminds me the the places in Chicago that I'd visit when working as a truck driver. A nice menu of which l loved the dogs, polish and gyros. I recommend Gianelli's Drive-thru.

Went through the drive-through and ordered an Italian sausage combo meal with a side of cheese for my fries. Placed my order and received my food in under five minutes. Workers were wearing masks and everyone that greeted me at the pick up window seemed appreciative and accommodating. Probably one of the best sausages I have found in a largely blanketed area. Bread was true French bread and not the roll variet. Side of juice was pretty good. Fries were as well. Could have used a bit more salt but that is my preference. My fountain drink, which was Coca-Cola, tasted very fresh and like it came from clean lines. Only thing I wish they did differently was to give a side of beef juice in a little bit bigger of a container that will accommodate dipping your sandwich in. But they do give slightly bigger cups than most. I know there's this place on my way home from work every day and plan on visiting more often! Next time pictures will be included. This place deserves to survive!

Italian beef is a bit short on taste and even though it was dipped, the meat was dry. Maybe it was just that day coz they have a lot of loyal customers including the one that recommended me to this place.

I was a long time supporter of this small business but their dispute with the local village has been a real turn off. Why can't they just follow the rules?

***Update: Went back a few weeks after the gyro wrap dressing mishap and while in the drive thru- the gentlemen (who I think is the owner) recognized me and apologized for the mixup on my sandwich. I told him I appreciated it and it was the phone call and lack of remediation that was disappointing. He again apologized and gave me my wrap- free of dressing and free of charge. Just went through the drive thru and ordered my usual- Greek gyro wrap no dressing no olives and food for the kids. Received my food and the person who handed it to me recited my order back- called out the gyro wrap and I said "no olives no dressing." I have learned over the years I need to ask about my orders when I modify them, because when I don't, 90% of the chance their incorrect. Arrived at home and went to take my gyro wrap out of the bag and noticed how oily the wrapper was, so I already knew. There must have been a disconnect somewhere because there is dressing all over my gyro. Now I understand mistakes happen so I called over to them to let them know. A females answered- I told her that I was just there and didn't have plans of coming back today since my kids were settled and eating. YES she did apologize twice for it happening, but I still would've expected her to take my information down and either credit me the next time I'm there or offer to rectify the situation and offer me a free wrap. Now I have a wrap I paid for that I can't even eat... and I'm left eating the kids leftover fries and chicken tenders.

I just want to Gianelli's and had a Chicago style hotdog and a french fry when he came by and asked me how it was. I said well the hotdog bun with a little cold we had a discussion when I went to leave out the door he came out and gave me another hotdog iPad, Amanda back and said I think that was a class act of you. Thank you.

My husband and I moved from Chicago to the area a few months ago. We stopped at Gianelli's for a beef. We were not disappointed, the beef was very tasty and the fries were fresh and hot! Service was great. The young man at the counter was very polite and helpful. I would definitely recommend Gianelli's Drive-thru!

Stopped in for some food because I've been here before and loved it! Unfortunately this time they didn't live up to any expectations. The actual burger meat was burnt to a crisp, didn't both even eating it after a certain point it taste like wood. And they didn't add anything other then lettuce and tomato when I wanted everything on it. So upset loved it before but definitely won't be back again.

Impressed that they have some vegetarian options. Tried the vegetarian meat ball sandwich and have to saw it was excellent. Their homemade marinara sauces was excellent. To top it off the French fries were excellent. Thanks for having some vegetarian options... I was surprised to see the great menu options. I would highly suggest giving Gianelli's a try. Good food and nice place.

I decided to support a small business today by going to Gianelli's Drive-thru. I called ahead and asked for a veggie burger and a few other items. They made a beef burger instead. They made a mistake no big deal. They had to make a veggie burger instead, so I had to wait. They decided to tack on another $2.50 for a "custom item". When I question it they said the veggie burger has an add on cost, but the receipt clearly stated a line item for a veggie burger. I am guessing they did not want to eat the cost of the beef burger, so they charged me extra for their mistake. Unacceptable! That is the last time I will go to Gianelli's.

Locally owned- great people! Food was very good and good prices. Burger was very good, hot Italian sandwich was outstanding. Ate in, so the juice for the peppers and the sausage soaked up the bun- just perfect! If you take home, maybe ask for the pepper on the side- Will be back!

We love this place. Not close to our house (40mins away), but, worth the drive. The wraps, the chili dogs, the meatball subs... the best fries around. Just a pleasant atmosphere, a kind staff, and great food at a reasonable price. Stop giving Portillo's and chains like that your money and support this great local business!

First time here. Had a hot dog with all the fixins, sport peppers too, and fries. Food was fresh and fries were hot and and lightly crispy. That seems simple, but I've been to places that don't get it right. Gianelli's does. We ate inside the restaurant, which has several tables available. Pleasant atmosphere and employees. Will be back.

We were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed our Gyro sandwiches from this little food oasis in Prairie Grove! We have driven past Gianelli's many times and always thought "we should try that place sometime." Unfortunately, it always seems out of the way when we are feeling a craving for good Chicago Style fattening foods. Well, I am here to say that all of you others out there should not be making the same mistake that we had been making since they've opened. We just did the drive thru, so that is the only experience that I can base my review on. We placed our order and were greeted by a nice young dude. We paid at the window and waited maybe 5-8 minutes (typical for a nice fresh gyro). An older guy, who I believed to be the owner, handed us our food and was very pleasant. The ride home (about 5 minutes) was very difficult, because the aromas coming from our piping hot bag was too much to resist. Once we had plated the food, my wife and I both devoured our tasty tasty gyros in no time. We said to each other "these are the best gyros we have in a loooong time and much better than Tommy's or anything else that is nearby!" I'm interested in going back and trying some of the other sandwiches. I will be sure to snap pictures and share my thoughts when I do.

ok no body gives a shit at this place after a long time gone ive decided to use my reward points up to give them another try...Serious terry your a joke of a owner who has no clue of whats going on in your place.The lame ass excuses you come up with for your subpar recooked food is a joke.BUT you dont care thats obvious.All you kepted saying is were doing good.Wow wonderful for you to have people come in and eat burgers that have been cooked days prior and so called flash cook them as you have told me. WHAT YOU CANT MAKE A FRESH BURGERS People dont want to wait for a burger going thru a drive thru really.Your excuses are so lame . BLAMING this cook that cook yaaa daaa da tap dance.NEVER EVER EVER WILL i come back after our last ordeal.Keep feeding the sheep.Iwill go to elsewheres

Great food. Everyone in the family likes this place! Try their Beef, sausage and meatball sandwich! All of it was good! Their red sauce is home made and is great! Their Burgers are also very good. They also have a very wide variety of food and even do some vegetarian items. I have to say even better than the food are the owners. They care about their customers. Can't wait until the next visit!