Jay's Beef
~ 1976 ~

Famous For: One of the best Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago.

Founded By: Jay Fortuna in 1976, currently owned by his sons: Tony, Joe, JB, and Ross.

Fun Foodie Facts:

  • Italian beef sandwiches originated in Chicago and most historians agree it was created by Italian immigrants who worked in Chicago’s Union Stock Yards in the early 1900s.
  • This location of Jay’s Beef cooks about 500 lbs of top butt beef a week, which is over 26,000 lbs a year!
  • Justin, Jay’s father, was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in a short baseball career. (See his photo by the counter.)
  • Jay’s is third generation owned.

Our Recos:

  • Use both sweet & hot peppers – since both are made in-house you know they are high quality.
  • Having a party? Get their beef by the pound. It’s a party pleaser.
  • Insider secret: If you see cupcakes on the counter – buy one! Tony’s wife is an excellent cook on her own and makes delicious cupcakes that can sometimes be seen at the shop.

10% Off Your Purchase

Available at the North Avenue location only. One coupon per Chicago Food Planet customer. Cannot be combined with other offers.


Jay's Beef
West North Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA

Chicago's only tour that takes you to the hot local spots featured on the hit TV show THE BEAR

Tour Length3.5 hours
Cost$129.00 Adult
Tour Distance9 miles
NeighborhoodsRiver North, West Loop and Logan Square.

Devour all five of the iconic “Chicago-style” dishes from the eateries that perfected them on our most popular downtown tour.

Tour Length3 Hours
Cost$75 Adult | $50 Adolescent | Free Child (6 & Under)
Tour Distance1.4 Miles
NeighborhoodsRiver North & Streeterville
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