Luke’s Italian Beef

It’s lunchtime at the downtown office. Greg wants something greasy. Tracy’s on her new vegetarian diet. And your pressing deadline has given you a stress headache that only the most comforting batch of French fries will cure. It’s time to go to Luke’s Italian Beef.

Luke’s is simple and straight up, which is what makes it so good. This little Italian place, spotted with red-and-white checked tables, serves up Chicago cuisine like no one else. The long lines that accumulate daily during lunchtime attest to that. Luke’s offers something for everybody, including sandwiches, chili, chicken, personal pizzas, soups, hot dogs, burgers, and salads. But of course, the star of the show is the Italian beef, served either plain or with cheese and/or peppers. Get yourself a side of fries (they only come in one size: massive), and you can’t go wrong.

Locals love Luke’s loop lunches. Twist your tongue on that, and then treat it to some beef at Luke’s.

Luke’s Italian Beef ($ – cash only): 215 W Jackson Blvd; 312-939-4204
Mon – Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 1, 7, 11,X28, 126, 134, 135, 136, 151, 156
Brown/Purple/Pink/Orange Line train (Quincy)