The Chicago Traveler

Search the Internet for keywords like “Italian beef” and “Chicago,” and you will find dozens of ongoing debates about where to find the best jus and peppers in town. About a block or two east of La Peña, one contender whose name comes up often is Roma’s Italian Beef & Sausage.

Roma’s definitely has a nostalgia factor attached to it. Talk to the regulars, and most will tell you tales of how their parents were regulars, too. For decades, customers have enjoyed the Chicago flavors that are cooked up here, including great Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beefs with sweet peppers. In fact, even if people move out of the neighborhood, they find themselves traveling back home to revisit their lunchtime memories.

With a history and reputation like that, where’s the room for debate? Well, Roma’s serves up its fries skin-on, which some people like and others don’t. Also, the last time I visited, the restaurant didn’t have any tables indoors, only a couple of picnic tables set up outside. That’s not a big deal for me, but it’s all subjective, opening the door for more debate. Finally, there are rumors stating that once the boss-owner leaves, the employees water down the gravy (jus), which might account for the inconsistency in taste people have reported.

Whatever the reasons, this debate won’t end any time soon, so you’ll just have to stop by and judge for yourself.

Photo credit: G Wiv, Skillet Doux

Roma’s Italian Beef & Sausage ($): 4237 N Cicero Ave; 773-725-5715
Sun – Thurs: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fri – Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 12 midnight
Street parking, free lot
Public trans: Bus # 54, X54, 78 or Blue Line train (Montrose)
Metra Milwaukee District North Line (Mayfair)