Novi's Beef

I had to fly to and from my home in DC to Chicago for a funeral. It was a quick flight and same day return Of course, I made the obligatory side trip for an Italian Beef at Novi's. It did not disappoint! I had mine the way I've had it since I was a little boy, Wet I poured giardinera pour all over it. Of course.I had homemade fries in a root beer but what I wouldn't I!

Um this place is misleading people into thinking this is what Chicago “style” or Chicago food is. The Chicago “style” hotdog is not authentically a Chicago dog but I guess that’s why they say Chicago “style”. The beef sandwich they charge you for adding peppers sweet and/or hot and so I paid $2.20 which got me two sweet peppers and 5 (I’m being generous) hot peppers(see photo you decide how many are there). It would have been cheaper to order 1 oz of their house made hot peppers on the side it’s only .50 and I would have gotten more for half the price.

I really never anticipated this or even wanted to do a review like this. Spent $150 to have beef and sausage shipped to me, there was a major issue that caused me to lose everything I ordered. I contacted them, super respectfully and it still took me days to get any kind of response and when I did, it sounded an awful lot like I was being called a liar. Never heard back again, did nothing to make it right, just screw the customer that trusted them as a business and am out the $150. Cool. Shame I used to absolutely love Novi’s. 4 generations of my family have called Lyons home and we have all gone here for decades. Sad to have lost all that. Would had this order shipped at least once a month now that I have moved. Sad to know that a place I have been going to my whole life could’ve cared less that there was a problem. Guess loyalty means nothing in 2025. Places aren’t what they used to be. Sadly, I guess it’s Portillo’s for shipping from now on.

This place has real good jumbo shrimp at a very great price 5/5, the hand cut fresh fries are out of thjs world order them well done if you love them crispy! Beef was good 4/5 love the spicy red gard was just a bit under seasoned for my liking. The tacos reminded me of the ones they sell at burger king or jackin the box, 4/5. Gyro 5/5, Cheese Burger 3/5, pizza puff 3/5. Lived in the area most of my life and never gave this place a shot but my go to for this place is the shrimp and fries all day!

Best Darn gyro I've ever had! From the warm buttery piura to the thinly sliced meat! I appreciated the toppings being under the meat as allowed to laying on top of everything sliding around and falling off. Food was so good I ordered the very next day during my hospital stay! Waiting on my husband to pick it up, I'm anxious lol. Run don't walk to Novis beef!

The Italian beef was spicy to me. Nice portions, but was expecting a good beef flavor and what I got was all spice. Had the Chicago dog. The hot dog was good, but was missing something...besides the poppy seed bun.. it was a topping that was missing.

I was in the Area and I have been hearing a lot about Novis Beef sandwich. So I had to stop and check them out. Solid Beef the hand cut fries on the other hand were incredible I believe they use a garlic salt blend seasoning 😄🤤 Beef Sandwich 8.5/10 Hand cut fry’s 10/10

Well, that's a really good beef.... First thing is this italian beef condom they've made to hold in the juice and, wow, just an immediate puddle on the bag, like I grabbed another paper bag to put under the supplied bag in addition to the foil wrapping from the beef to control the juice and it still got though the 2nd bag. Damn, that's a lot of beef for $6.90 🤯 (plain) Like I said in the Original Nottoli on Belmont Ave, where else are you going to find such a good beef for under $7, just barely here, but still. Shredded beef that almost melts in your mouth, which might off put someone who really likes a beef with some chew, but they're wrong in this case. Great spice heat and deeply seasoned flavor. The roll stays together despite being drenched in juice. I wanted to dislike this place for the distance, but it was well worth the trip. Fluffy fries, with good crispness, still good even after traveling with the bag rolled up. 4.75/5 I still think Michael's beef sandwich was better, but this has got to be tied or just under Johnnie's beef sandwich(EP), the fries are far super to Johnnie's shoestring fries.

Have driven by many a time, finally had a taste for an Italian Beef with Sweet Peppers. Saw that this was a good place for Beef's, went in and ordered an Italian Beef with sweet peppers. Service was quick and professional, place had a old school feel like many of the Chicagoland areas serving quality fast food. Trying to keep it simple. Must say, they were chosen as Chicago's Best. Could see why, but we do have may Various Beef spots in the Chicagoland area! When in Berwyn go try Novi's spot! Mangia & Cheers!

One of the best Beef sandwich in the area and not pricey at all I love coming for the beef and the pasta

Best beef sandwich I have had in a long time. My friends were right. The flavor was special. When I found out they cater I was excited to connect to arrange to have their food at our next cousin's club event

To start, I will go back to Novi's any day of the week. I had an Italian Sausage with Fries (and a side of cheese) and it was delicious, as usual. I'm at a point where I would try their entire menu until I hit every meal I could. Unfortunately, for this experience my girlfriend ordered the chicken tenders and the picture says enough... they were small, flat as paper, and not too much flavor. Definitely would not try those again. I also felt bad because I went on a non-busy night and I could tell that they didn't have too many employees working so I let them know take their time, no rush. But if you're looking for a great beef or place to eat at, I would recommend Novi's. Plus they have a drive thru (not super fast but definitely quality!) Personal Review: 6.7/10

Go too for Italian beef and we always get the novis special cause who wants to only eat one. Love the hot peppers and they curly fries.

Good Italian Beef, of course, but we have never been disappointed in their burgers, hot dogs, fries or shakes. Good selection of craft pop.

Place was recommended to me, from someone's past visit. Italian beef with hot peppers was odd. Very greasy (red grease) with a tomato flavor. Portillo's beef is magnitudes better. Fresh cut fries were good though, but that's not why we came.

Have been coming to Novi's for over 40 years for the same great taste & good service!

the food is good i get the italian beef with fries but the workers at times try and rush you when you order and that is y i have to give it a 3 star instead of 4

A good place for beef. Sausage Dogs. Fries. The place could be updated. That would be nice but other than that the food salad or a fast food joint.

Beef is ok nothing special fries are fresh cut but are dry or reheated the hot giardeneria is all oil no peppers not impressed Buona is way better

Spend $100 on food. Missing Combo and fry got home and went back still missing combo. Only got beef. For price should have Ben better organized.

I really love this place! Everything on their menu was amazing! They have Gyros, Burgers, Fries, Hot Dogs, sandwiches, and others. I order their Italian beef sandwich, burger, fries, and a drink. I am satisfied and impressed. Their offers are fair and reasonable. Worth trying. They are way cheaper than other fast-food and sandwich shops around the area. If you are nearby the area you must give this place a try. This place never disappoints. The whole place was amazing, clean, bright, and decent. Everything is organized and interesting. Very convenient and enjoyable spot. Their staff is friendly and helpful. They even greeted me the time I entered the place and help me to find a vacant table. Everyone who works here was super accommodating and attentive. Excellent service. I can't wait to go back again and bring my friends and family to this place. Novi's Beef is absolutely great! Great customer service. Amazing offers. Affordable prices. Awesome place. Everything here is perfect. Will continue to recommend this place and support them. Novi's Beef is phenomenal! Looking forward to exploring the whole menu and their new offers. Thank you for the awesome experience. Kudos to everyone! You all did a great job! See you again next time!

The original owners sold the place about a year and a half ago. The new owners should have kept Novi's recipes. The original owners had one of the best beef sandwiches in the area. I was totally disappointed with the new owners quality of their food which is totally different. I went there one time after the original owners retired and sold the business and I will never eat there again

Got a pound of beef and sausage-so good! My family has been going there for years! Love that there is now a drive thru

I've been here a couple times and it will definitely be a frequent stop for me in the future. The have options galore on their menu, even have vegetarian options, if you are looking for something like that. The entrees that I have had there are their cheeseburger and gyro. The cheeseburger was an actual burger, if you understand what I'm saying. Like it isn't a value menu McDouble. It looks like a proper restaurant burger piled high with fresh tomatoes and onions. Their gyro was one of the best I have had. They give a lot of deliciously seasoned beef and again fresh onions. The only negative/neutral experience was their fries. They seemed to be fried before hand and heated upon request. Like the majority weren't all crispy and hot. They weren't bad, they actually were seasoned really well. They're just not as good as the other things on their menu, but they definitely have the potential to be as good as everything else. They do make up for it with their homemade cookies and brownies however, which are very delicious!

I went and place my order to the drive-thru , made me wait about 15 minutes in the drive-thru, ​and then they shorted me two tacos. ​

I come to Novis if not once per week it's once every 2 weeks. They have their own distinct flavor for their beef and their giardiniera is incredible. Very crunchy and overall makes for a spicy Italian beef. The spices in the beef, ordering dipped and the bread holds up just about every time. You can never go wrong with Novis. The staff is friendly, and the food comes out very quick just like any beef or hot dog place should be.

The food is great. But please don't drive off without fully checking your order. EVERY single time our order is wrong........ missing sausage....... Missing orders of fries........ asked for something and got the complete opposite.....Etc. I did call 2 times in separate occasions to let them know before posting this as well. I really hope they can do something about all those small mistakes that add up.

Still my favorite beef around, but do yourself a favor and order a meatball with mozz next time you are there. An unsung hero on that menu board. Warning that you may have to take a shower afterwards as they can be very messy, but oh so good!

AMAZING! Very good! Loved it! 1st time and I never knew what I was missing out! By far the best beef I have had. You all need to try this Jem! Novi's keep up the great job!

One of the best Beefs in the Chicago area. Tremendous flavor and the peppers are superb. The fries are nothing special. A must stop for a Chicago Italian beef fan.

I stopped by today since I was in the neighborhood and always loved Novi's beef. The beef sandwich I had today was good but what happened to the totally unique spicy flavor it used to have? I guess I'm spoiled with all the choices for Italian beef in Chicago. Maybe there are new owners or a new recipe or something, I'm disappointed. The fries used to be good as well but now are just tasteless. Might be my last trip and I will have to live on memories of beefs past.

Sad to say they become overpriced for snack sized meals. 3 stars just because the food is good just terribly portion sizes

Rosa J., too, watched the episode of "Chicago's Best" featuring Novi's Beef in Berwyn. She finally got a chance to pay the visit. One benefit when dining in the Chicago suburb: finding parking is relatively easy. Novi's does have a private lot, so get your vehicle parked and head inside. Hubby and I both had their signature Italian beef sandwich with hot peppers. We then shared an order of fries. I wouldn't say the Italian beef sandwich was disappointing. I actually liked the beef slices: tender and juicy. However, I found the hot peppers oily. After discounting the actual pepper ingredients, the remnants were oil or other oil by-products. On the other hand, I found the curly fries bland. I dipped the fries in the remaining hot pepper oil to boost the flavor. The dining area was clean, but I thought the color coordinations were odd. Even though I didn't like the beef sandwich as much as I would like, I haven't made up my mind on Novi's. I would render four (4) stars for now. I will bring Daddy J. next time for another opinion.

Still the undisputed best Italian beef and sausage sandwich in my opinion. Same location since the 70's? Great spices on the beef. I love Portillo's and Al's too, but Novi's is the king in my opinion.

I have ordered the beef and burger from this place and is absolutely delicious. The beef sandwich has lots of flavor and you won't be disappointed after eating it. Fries aren't too bad either!

There food gave me food poisoning order double cheeseburger Friday been running to the bathroom for 2 days straight.

Oh man, it's not often that I gush. This place is excellent, everything I've had has been delicious from the hand made shakes to the homemade deserts, and of course some of the finest beef and sausage entrees I've ever enjoyed. Staff are friendly, helpful, jovial and remember you. Just one of those hard to heat hometown favorites type places. Go and try anything, you won't be disappointed.

Good restaurants good food I love the friendly coustomer service I would recommend this place!

It would be really nice when you order if you gyros sandwich that you get at least some Gyro sauce, my God does it hurt just to throw in some gyros sauce when people order a gyros , tell those Mexicans to stay away from Italian food and Greek food, And learn how to make a gyros sandwich,,, by the way Im Mexican too so don't take it so harsh You guys have some great food but guys in the kitchen just need to know what sauce to add to what sandwich

Just had a run in with the "supposed" owner right now. There window service was horrible with either teenage kids or even younger(wonder if they even had work permits) and they gave me my food after I was discussing with the servers which bags had which contents. We talked for awhile and then they forgot to give me my receipt and credit card. thinking ok I got everything, usually you get your credit card back right away and then later the receipt when they give your food. So I had to rush back to get my credit card while my food got cold. Owner says my fault for driving off but I was there for quite awhile. So I wanted compensation since my food was now cold, a dessert something. He just shouted and scolded me like a little rich kid brat and said I don't want you coming back here. So that's how it values customers. Which is fine cuz their product has been going downhill anyways. Just drove thru cuz it was convenient at the time, won't ever go back. The owner was a real ***hole.

Best Italian beef Sandwiches in the Chicagoland area. Hate to say it but I think it's better than Al' beef on Taylor. I stop by and eat there when I get the chance too. Definitely my new favorite place for an Italian beef sandwich.

I never really leave reviews but i felt like i just had to my 1st time trying them i bad a beef it was good my second time a soon as i opened my food i noticed right away a long strand of hair I'm amazed they didn't notice it was unmissable so unfortunately i don't think i will be eating here again but my experience shouldn't stop you just check your food i would suggest and i mean really check.

Just went to the new drive thru and order some cheeseburger meals and a combo first after paying they forgot my drinks then called but didnt want to drive back to pickup drinks but then started eating cheeseburgers and found them pink and raw in center never had this problem before drive thru not sure i will return

This place has the best beef. Has a little kick to it which makes it good. Also the fries are good.

Really good food, came here for years. They only suck at salting their damn sidewalks, so in other words they don't care about you? It's like they forgot people walk too.

This is the second time this happens to me here at this place. They are so rude and they want to charge you for a mistake they made. After they charge you once. I don't ever want to come and eat here. And then after I leave they are still yelling rude remarks to me because they are upset I said something about the mistake they made on my order. I hope they fix their attitude in this establishment.

I pass by here at work every Saturday. This is one of my boyfriend's childhood favorites, so I decided to stop in. I didn't get any hot food. I just got the pound of frozen beef, pound of sausage and 2 loaves of bread. The young man who took my order was very friendly and helpful. I let it cook on low for a couple of hours, and I was really surprised at how flavorful it was! There's a lot of taste in the beef. It is a little spicy though. The sausage was also great. I just wish it came with more gravy since my boyfriend and I both like the bread dipped. He was so happy and between the two of us, all we've got left is some bread! I'll be stopping in again for sure.

We were in the area and my guy got hungry so I went to Yelp for suggestions. We were right next to this so we decided to come here to try it out. We got the #1 combo with hot peppers. The beef wasn't bad, but a bit dry. The peppers had a kick, but was a bit oily. I actually liked the fries here. Not a bad place for a quick bite.

I've gone here a couple times since it is so close to my house but have stopped going because the experience is always terrible. Oily, bland food. Rude customer service. There should really be no reason to go unless you are dying for a mediocre Italian beef.

Novi's - THANK YOU!!! What a great idea to add a drive thru window. Just in time for the pandemic. We love the beef, burgers and the Italian sausage is the best around! The desserts are fabulous! Absolutely the best carrot cake I've ever had! So lucky you are down the block from our home.

By far the best beef, sausage and Chicago style food anywhere. Highest quality meats and homemade giardiniera is the best anywhere. My favorite place around here.

best beef in berwyn. no competition. and buona isn't even close... the giardiniera is totally different from any other Chicagoland beef stand - it's more of a chunky chili oil with pepper flakes in olive oil. but it works!

Nothing beats a Provolone Mushroom burger well done (highly recommended) with nothing but mustard form here, add a hot dog with fries and you have a great, quick take home dinner.

I came to Novi's after seeing them on Chicago's Best and being intrigued by how they make their own giardiniera. I ordered a wet beef with hot peppers (no cheese) I thought it was really good, but I can't go so far as to say it was my favorite Italian beef ever. The 'wet' was extra wet and I made a sopping mess all over the table. That's the way it should be. If I had a little bit more class, I might have reached for a fork and knife, but I like to get down and dirty with it. I didn't find that the beef itself had a ton of flavor--which was probably the most disappointing part--but the giardiniera was bursting with flavor. I consider myself pretty weak when it comes to handling heat, so these were incredibly spicy to me. I still loved them though, even though my mouth was on fire. If you like hot peppers, I highly recommend coming and checking them out. The woman working the register was casual yet amicable. I liked that they have ample seating, so you don't have to try and stand with beef jus dripping down your hands. Novi's is worth a stop if you find yourself in the Berwyn area.

This place is amazing! I have grown up going to the original Portillos on North Ave in Villa Park, I have been to Pop's Beef, Johhny's Beef. Let me tell you, Novis has the BEST beef. Typing this review makes me drool over their food! Their beefs use two different sauces, the standard italian with sweet peppers, mozzarella, and brown gravy and that is really good! But the one that I always go with is their beef with giardanara, it has a red sauce and it has a good kick to it. Typing this review makes me drool just thinking about their beefs, they're that good!

Ive given them 3 chances; I would have never come back after the first screw up, but my fellow employees insisted. Each time they screw up my order then have an attitude when I ask for it to be corrected. Cold fries always, wrong sandwich everytime. Italian sausage when I order beef, no cheese when I asked for it, and I tell them I CAN MOT HAVE PEPPERS OF ANY KIND, so of course I get loaded with hot peppers. I want my time & money back. They have such poor customer service. But hurray my work put them on our "banned" lunch menu!

I've never dined in here however our office gets catering from them at least once every couple of weeks and while I'm a huge fan of classic Italian beef such as the original Al's in the city, this place is a close second (FORGET Portillos, ha. Seriously). The food here has always tasted fresh, even upon a drive from Berwyn to our office here in Oak Brook. What I absolutely love about their Italian sandwiches is their in-house made hot peppers, I can't even describe just how good it is, and a tad spicy but that is the whole point. They dip their bread in upon request and the rest is heaven and history. I haven't really tried the rest of their menu but it's like any other American-style diner, their fries are decent but the rest of the menu is still left there for me to explore. Portion sizes are decent and the price is very competitive. Service by the employees that come in to serve us has always been extremely polite and professional. Our office has used them I think a total of 7+ times since the middle of last year (2016) without any complaints. I am sure we will be using them again soon without any regrets.

I've had many a beef sandwich from Novi's. dipped, not dipped, with or without peppers, and a few different types of cheeses. Italian Beef is their claim to fame. For the most part pretty good but depending on who's making the sandwiches if you get it dipped it will be sopping wet and will require a fork and knife. Also while many cheeses are sliced or shredded if you get cheddar it comes from a heated pump and doesn't have the right cheddar flavor. The regular fries are barely salted and are flavorless and not mush flavor happening. The more expensive don't have much more flavor than pain ones so don't spend the money. The owner / manager at the front counter was very talkative and smily. Other employees not quite as friendly. The place was pretty clean except for the restrooms. I worry that the same cleaning practices for the restrooms were used for the kitchen so that makes me concerned. The Route 66 stuff and historical plaques and news articles on the walls in the seating area was a nice touch. Have so say though that the fairly new purple tables and benches looked a bit strange. Yes, we'll be back but not as often as we would be if the Italian Beef knocked our socks off.