Jay’s Beef

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.