Luke's Italian Beef

215 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
+1 312-939-4204
$$$ Italian restaurant
(1957 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you find yourself in the vibrant heart of Chicago, a visit to Luke's Italian Beef is not just a good idea—it's an essential experience. This iconic Italian restaurant, located at 215 W Jackson Blvd, skillfully crafts a menu that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Italy, with a firm nod to Chicago's robust food culture. With a bustling atmosphere that recalls a classic American diner, Luke's offers a unique blend of casual dining and mouthwatering fare that keeps locals and travelers alike coming back for more.

The star of the menu is undoubtedly their Italian beef sandwich, recognized by customers like 'G D' as a contender for the best in Chicago. The sandwich features tender, juicy beef, enveloped in exceptionally soft bread that soaks up the flavorful juices. For an extra kick, you can load it up with spicy giardiniera, a fresh and zesty touch that elevates every bite. If you're in the mood for something meatless, don’t miss out on their Pepper & Egg Sandwich or the delicious Breaded Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich. Each option showcases the same loving attention to quality and flavor that defines Luke's commitment to its customers.

The side orders are equally enticing. Imagine indulging in Cheese Fries, perfectly crispy with a gooey cheese sauce that wraps around every fry, or opting for a classic bowl of Chili that promises warmth and depth. For those looking for something lighter, the Sweet Peppers and Hot Peppers are a delightful, tangy accompaniment that brightens up your meal. Customers rave about everything from their Chili Cheese Fries to the perfectly seasoned French Fries, so it's clear that at Luke's, every element of the meal is crafted with care.

As for the ambiance, the mix of casual and nostalgic creates an inviting space where you can relish your meal without distractions. While some reviews mention the need for a bit more cleanliness in the dining area, the genuine hospitality and the quality of the food more than make up for it. 'Oleg Sukhorukov' captured it perfectly, noting how the vibe at Luke's takes you back to a classic old-school diner, perfectly complimented by the bustling energy of downtown Chicago.

Whether you're grabbing a quick bite before a train at Union Station or after a day exploring the city's sights, Luke's Italian Beef stands out as an unmissable gem. Their dedication to delivering unbeatable flavors has made them a staple in the Chicago food landscape, making it easy to understand why newcomers and regulars alike are drawn to their signature sandwiches. Stop by and see for yourself why so many are singing their praises—it just might become your new go-to spot in the Windy City!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Service options
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Difficult to find a space
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

1957 Reviews
G D

08 Sep 2025

Awesome, Italian beef rivals Philly cheesesteak. First time having one and I guess they set the standard. Very soft bread and flavorful sandwich. Super fast service. Pricier than expected but worth it at least once. Everything was great. Great place.

KC Weaver

01 Sep 2025

Great option so close to union station! I hit this spot on my way to the airport, and after my trip on the route home. I’ve had beef all over Chicago and Lukes has some amazing competition, but delivered solid results each time. My colleague grabbed pizza and said it was fantastic.

Michelle Timian

29 Aug 2025

I wish I could give them 10 stars out of 5. Or time travel…I have worked downtown for 20 years and this was my first time trying their beefs. It was the best Italian beef I’ve ever tasted. The giardiniera is fresh and spicy, the meat absolutely succulent and even though I don’t like my beef dipped, this was an exception. I will need to make up for lost time and eat here more often! Also, gotta love the decor, with old style checkered tables and enormous figurines of Chicago classics!

Oleg Sukhorukov

23 Aug 2025

I had a great time at Luke’s Italian Beef in Chicago! The food was delicious, and the vibe instantly took me back to a classic old-school American diner — exactly the kind of place I love. The fries deserve a special mention — impossible to forget! It could’ve been a bit cleaner inside, but overall, it was a tasty and memorable experience. Definitely worth a visit.

Christabella

06 Aug 2025

Old but well kept establishment. Seems to have been here a number of years. I had very little expectations based on the initial service and also because it’s just hotdogs.. big deal but I was pleasantly surprised at how good the food actually was. It was fairly quiet, right before the lunch time busyness. I thought it was overpriced for a hotdog but one could argue that it’s worth it. It’s on a lot of “things to do/places to eat at in Chicago” lists, so it’s worth a try!

Veda Mccray

26 Jul 2025

June 2025 I asked the guy working at Willis Tower building for a recommendation on a place close by that had chill cheese dogs it suggested Luke’s Italian Beef it was only a few blocks away when we arrived it was empty but people were starting to come. We ordered 2 chill cheese dogs and fries and drinks I glad I always carry wipes because the table was dirty. I have no complaints on the food. Be aware I saw another review don’t hang your purse on the back of the chair it we get stolen

Jacob Galloway

06 Jun 2025

Stopped in at Luke’s Chicago Style Sandwiches while visiting downtown with my wife and kid, and it was the perfect choice! I went with the combo (Italian beef with Italian sausage) while my family went classic with dipped Italian beefs (one with hot peppers, one without). Every sandwich was delicious, tender, and packed with flavor — exactly what you hope for when grabbing an Italian beef in Chicago. Luke’s has that true Chicago character — quick service, fair prices, and even a funny but honest sign inside warning not to hang purses or bags on the back of chairs because “it will be stolen.” A couple of things to know: there are no public restrooms (just hand sanitizer by the door for a quick clean-up), and you’ll actually save a little money if you pay with cash instead of card. All in all, Luke’s delivered a fantastic experience for us. If you’re near Union Station and want an authentic, affordable taste of Chicago, this spot is a must-visit.

Jeremy Yowell

30 May 2025

Not an earth shattering experience, but very consistent spot for Italian Beefs and Chicago dogs. If that is your goal then Luke's is a perfectly fair option. The dining area was not clean and needed a deep wipe down for sure though. Hot dog was tasty!

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