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Mr. Beef on Orleans
Mr. Beef on Orleans is a small River North sandwich shop, founded in 1979, famous for Italian beef and as the real-life inspiration for the TV series The Bear.
At a glance
- Type
- Italian beef sandwiches
- Area
- River North, Chicago, United States
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- theoriginalmrbeef.com
Good to know
- Counter-style sandwich shop
- Founded 1979
- Inspiration for The Bear
Why we recommend it
Mr. Beef on Orleans is a small sandwich shop in River North that has become one of the best-known places in the city for an Italian beef, one of Chicago's signature sandwiches. It was founded by Joseph Zucchero, a Chicago native, as a stand in 1979, and it has long been a favourite with locals for its no-nonsense attitude and its signature sandwich.
The shop gained a much wider audience as the inspiration for the television series The Bear, which is set around an Italian beef restaurant in Chicago; the exterior served as the show's storefront. Sales reportedly rose sharply after the show aired, and many visitors now come to see the place for themselves. Joe Zucchero died in 2023, and the restaurant stayed open afterwards.
The Italian beef is the order. Ask staff how they serve it, including whether you want it dipped in the juices and which peppers you would like, as regulars have their own preferences. The menu also includes hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries and pizza puffs. This is quick, casual food, so expect to eat without ceremony and bring plenty of napkins.
Opening hours and contact details are not listed on the shop's website, so check a current listing before you go. Since the show, the shop draws a steady stream of visitors, so be ready to wait at busy times. Allow 30 minutes to eat.
It suits budget travellers, sandwich enthusiasts and fans of The Bear. It is not the place for a long, sit-down meal. Prices are low, and a single sandwich makes a filling lunch. Because the shop is small and very popular, it is worth going outside the main lunch rush, and having your order ready when you reach the front of the queue.
The shop is on North Orleans Street in River North, within walking distance of many downtown hotels. If you are planning a food-themed day, combine it with the Doughnut Vault on Franklin Street in the morning and a deep-dish or pan pizza in the evening; Chicago Food & City Tours also runs a food tour inspired by The Bear. Frontera Grill and Gene & Georgetti are nearby for a more formal dinner in River North.
Mr. Beef on Orleans FAQs
What is Mr. Beef known for?
Its Italian beef sandwich and as the inspiration for the TV series The Bear.
When was it founded?
In 1979, by Joseph Zucchero.
Was it in The Bear?
Yes. It inspired the series and its exterior served as the show's storefront.
What else is on the menu?
Hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries and pizza puffs as well as Italian beef.
Where is it?
At 666 North Orleans Street in River North.
Is it expensive?
No. It is a low-cost, casual sandwich shop.
Is it still open after the founder's death?
Yes. The restaurant stayed open after Joe Zucchero died in 2023.
How long should you allow?
About 30 minutes.