Buona Companies

I don’t normally write reviews of chain restaurants, but I’ll make an exception here because A) Buona Beef is a small, locally based chain, B) I think they are an above-​average fast-​food chain, and C) in my opinion they make one of the best Italian Beef sandwiches in the region.
I’m going to base my review almost entirely on their Italian Beef sandwich because hey, it’s their main specialty. It says so right there in their name! The beef sandwich is delicious. It has a unique flavor to it that it heavy on the black pepper, garlic and olive oil. One time I picked up about 10 – 15 Buona Beef sandwiches for an office lunch and the whole office smelled like olive oil… in a good way. Even their specialty giardenera contains pieces of green olive.
I gotta respectfully disagree with Ken P. here. Buona makes a solid beef sandwich, IMO one of the best. I’d say it’s just as good as Portillo’s if not better (depending on my mood). The rest of the food they serve isn’t bad either. I really think Buona would be just as popular as Portillo’s if they had the fun «themes» and bouncy atmosphere. As long as they maintain the same consistent quality, Buona will have a spot in my Italian Beef rotation!

Bada beef
Yes this is the bottom feeder of beefs in chicago
Living on its past reputation
Take the drive west on Roosevelt to portillos in forest park
That’s a beef worthy of your hard earned $$$$

Just seeing that they tore down their previous eye-​sore of a building, and are putting up a brand new restaurant, I’m excited to see what they do. Menu will be the same as all the others, I’m sure, but the new look will really help Roosevelt Rd more shiny and new!