Italian Beef & Chicago Dogs...

[JRietz]

Big City opened Friday after Thanksgiving. I had a Italian beef on Friday and went back for a Chicago Red Hot on Saturday. The beef needed a bit of salt and the sweet peppers weren't quite right (maybe they needed to be cooked a little more), but it was the best I've had in FL... actually, it's the only one I've had. The dog was great and had the right toppings, including celery salt and cucumbers all on a Vienna poppy seed bun!

There are a number of other items which I need to sample soon: Italian Sausage, Meat Ball sandwich, Tombstone Pizza, chili cheese fries, tamales, and a garbage salad.

Big City is in front of the Walmart on 466 in the same strip as Starbucks. It's a welcome addition to the area as far as I'm concerned.

Jim

[Taltarzac]

Big City opened Friday after Thanksgiving. I had a Italian beef on Friday and went back for a Chicago Red Hot on Saturday. The beef needed a bit of salt and the sweet peppers weren't quite right (maybe they needed to be cooked a little more), but it was the best I've had in FL... actually, it's the only one I've had. The dog was great and had the right toppings, including celery salt and cucumbers all on a Vienna poppy seed bun!

There are a number of other items which I need to sample soon: Italian Sausage, Meat Ball sandwich, Tombstone Pizza, chili cheese fries, tamales, and a garbage salad.

Big City is in front of the Walmart on 466 in the same strip as Starbucks. It's a welcome addition to the area as far as I'm concerned.

Jim


Thanks for the review. May try this restaurant out sometime. What's a garbage salad? :dontknow:

[Donna]

I never heard of Big City Restaurant..Is it a steak place?? What is the dish they are known for?? :dontknow:

Glad it opened near my house..

[JRietz]

What's a garbage salad?
Garbage Salad: Mixed Lettuce, pepperoni, peperoncini, green peppers, black olives, provolone, and Italian dressing.
Two other salads: Caesar & Pecan (romaine, bacon, pecans, & honey mustard dressing).

Jim

[Taltarzac]

Garbage Salad: Mixed Lettuce, pepperoni, peperoncini, green peppers, black olives, provolone, and Italian dressing.

Jim


That's a lot of....stuff. :joke:

[JohnZ]

Big City is in the Buffalo Ridge shopping plaza. Think I'll try a red hot for lunch after I hit a few golf balls.

[JRietz]

What is the dish they are known for??
Glad it opened near my house..
Top two items on the menu: Chicago Hot Dog & Chicago Italian Beef... ;D
I would say it is a typical Chicago style hot dog stand with pizza and salads... and a couple of NY items: Chili Dog (Coney Style) and New Yorker (hot dog - mustard, onions, and sauerkraut).

Also featured: Chicken Sandwich, Maxwell Street Polish, Johnsonville Brats, and Philly Cheese Steak. They also have party (bulk) selections.

The location is a real hike for me, but I understand they are thinking of opening more stores. This is making me hungry... I'm thinking brats... I'm out of here! :arrow:

Jim

[Donna]

Jim..Is this place a franchise?? I never heard of it...

[JRietz]

Jim..Is this place a franchise?? I never heard of it...


I had a quick chat with the order taker and she mentioned they were from Chicago and had moved to Westmont, IL - right next to Downers Grove where I lived. If they didn't have a stand, they visited enough of them to get the menu right. I am thinking they are "family" owned, but you never know...

Jim

[Donna]

Thanks Jim..Was curious, because I never heard from them..
:dontknow:

Glad there is another great place to eat...I love NY style food... 040

[KathieI]

Donna, are you thinking that this is our new business venture to open in TV - combining it with our "bar"?? Now that we know Red is such a good cook, we'll let her join our group.

Garbage Salad is a terrible name for such a lovely salad with all those good ingredients. We'll rename is appropriately.

[rdhdleo]

Well after 53 years in Chicago and the surrounding area I can say YEAH!!!! Big City is great! Just tried it and the Italian Beef was soooooo good. Hubby had the combo and it was great also. Can't wait to go back and try more. Yeah real Chicago style food, life now is better in The Villages :bigthumbsup:

[golfnut]

That garbage salad sounds great!!

[chuckinca]

And now for a real test, since I can't get to check out Big City until when we visit after Christmas, my brother is in TV now and I'll have him check out the Italian Beef Sandwich and let you know the verdict. He, like me, is an Italian Beef Sandwich expert having been schooled by Italian Beef from Pementie's of Roseland and Dadonie's of Richton Park.

HOPE IT PASSES THE TEST ! ! !

(The peppers better be just right, too)

[JRietz]

I had a quick chat with the order taker and she mentioned they were from Chicago...
Sunday, I had yet another talk with the order taker and she said they had a restaurant in Villa Park on Roosevelt Road - I forgot the name. It was not like Big City, though.

I had a great brat with kraut (very tangy) for lunch and brought home an Italian Sausage for dinner - it hit the spot even reheated.

Mom had a beef for lunch and thought it was a bit too chewy, but she did like flavor and the hot peppers.

Jim

[chelsea24]

Hello all, I'm so glad to hear about Big City. We just moved here from Chicago 3 weeks ago and I'm missing a good combo sandwich already. Are there any clubs for Chicago or Illinois clubs??? Just wondering.

[nONIE]

Chelsea.

At long l;ast I found You!! :bigthumbsup: :welcome:

I am Chicago born & raised and have been looking for some Chicago people in TV. I have had a hard time finding any actual inner city people!
I have not found anyplace that serves a true Vienna Hot dog or the Great Italian beef that they have in Chicago, but if you find a place please let me know!

Where in Chicago did you live?

I know there is an Illinois club that meets in TV but I went once and couldnt find any "city" people. They were all from the burbs. Please write me ;D

[nONIE]

WOOPS!
Sorry to all of you that posted about "Big City". I didnt see your posts until after I answered Chelsea. Im Excited :hot: A real Chicago hot dog and Italian beef in TV? This is wonderful news!!! Cant wait 'till I get back down there this winter to sample them. Does anyone know when they opened? I just got back from TV and didnt know they were there.BUMMER :dontknow:

[golfnut]

Nonie, as jr stated that started this post they opened the day after thanksgiving.

[nONIE]

Thanks Golfnut,

I must remember to read all posts so as not to appear so uninformed! :read:

That is the day I left TV, I repeat! BUMMER >:(

[chelsea24]

Hi Nonie, glad to meet you. I'm sure there must be more of us out there. lol I was born and raised in Cicero, just on the edge of the city and my husband grew up in the Rogers Park area. Do you go back and forth from Chicago now? I'm going to look into that Illinos club. Email me if you'd like. I really happy they opened this restaurant too. Nice meeting you.

[Villages Kahuna]

I was born and lived on the South Side (87th and Morgan) until after I graduated from college. Then after 10 or so years in the Detroit area and then southern Indiana, I came back to Chi town but settled in Riverwoods, way up north north near Northbrook, Deerfield and Lake Forest. While we haven't lived in the city for a long while, I worked downtown (at First Chicago) for almost 30 years.

I heard there was a Roseland club, but haven't heard of an Illinois club.

Glad to hear that those great "snappy" Vienna franks are available here--with all the fixings (except ketchup) plus celery salt--a taste of home!

Come on down, Nonie. I couldn't get back here soon enough after experiencing the cold and snow over the Thanksgiving weekend. My pool is 82 degrees!

[Duffer]

For all of you that enjoyed your experience at Big City Grill, either I went on a bad time or you all enjoy no taste meat, stale buns, soggy buns and french fried bits and peices rather that french fries. I went last night and because I was in a hurry I didn't walk out and go somewhere else (it's the season you know). I had the sweet peppers (extra $) and what that amounted to was 2 peices (chunks) of bell pepper on top. The Italian beef was totally tastleless and I already stated the condition of the bun and fries. I am quite confident that BCG will not have me there again, there are just too many places in TV to pay for the slop that was served as a meal. >:(.

[nONIE]

cHELSEA,

Thanks for writing back! I gre up in Wicker park, later as a teen moved to Rogers Park. Where in Rogers park did your hubby live?

I will keep in touch, I want to know more about the Illinois club so that when I come back in February, I can possibly join it depending on what you say. If you go to a function please write me about it.

I really dont think there are that many people from Chicago. I put a post out at one time and got very little response. Just wait until Chicago catches on, they will have to build a new landing for them!!! ;)

[nONIE]

Kahuna,

Thanks for your reply, I guess you do qualify as a "real Chicago guy". good to know your down there and dont tempt me. 82 degree pool!!!!! Alas I must wait for February, sigh

[JRietz]

For all of you that enjoyed your experience at Big City Grill, either I went on a bad time or you all enjoy no taste meat, stale buns, soggy buns and french fried bits and peices rather that french fries...

Sorry you had a bad experience. I do agree that the beef could have a bit more taste (I had mentioned it could use a bit of salt). I've been there 3 times and did get some short fries twice, but thought it may have just been my timing. The Vienna hot dog buns were perfect as were the beef and sausage buns. While they use Chicago Red Hots in place of Vienna dogs, they were very good. Italian sausage was great.

I'm sure they want to succeed, so tell them what you like or don't like. Since it is a family business, I'm sure they are open from suggestions - especially those of us from the Chicago area.

Jim

[butterfly sue]

I stopped in at Big City Grill and ordered a brat and sauerkraut. Haven't had a grilled brat since I left home over a year ago.

Oh, I was in heaven! Want to try some choice next time.

[Camille]

After a glowing writeup by the Daily Sun, we were anxiously waiting for City Grill to open. I love hot dogs...I ordered a hot dog with chili and a ceaser salad. The restaurant tossed french fries on top of the chili and wraped it up in greasy paper. I don't eat french fries so I had to pick them out of the chili. The hot dog was average. The salad had so much vinegar in the dressing, I took two bites and threw it in the garbage.

I'm hoping that Dee Dee's Dog House will be better.

[REDCART]

I've heard mixed reviews of the hot dogs at Big City, I wonder if people's reactions may be based on their experience. New Yorker's might prefer the simple, salty Nathan's and maybe can't appreciate the difference of a Chicago style dog. Can't help the taste prejudices we've acquired along the way. Agree, it'll be interesting to see what Dee Dee's Dog House brings to the "hot dog" table. I remember my surprise visiting Northern NJ where quite a few places offered Italian hot dogs. These were regular grilled dogs on Italian bread type roll with grilled peppers and onions. Very tasty! George

[pili]

Great news for those of us Chicagoans who are considering TV. You need someone who's lived in Chicago to know how to fix Italian beef and Chicago Style hot dog. Thanks for the update!!

pili :bigthumbsup:

[nONIE]

pili.

From what I understand, the people who opened "Big City" are Chicagoans! Suprised to hear some negative responses .

Kath & Donna, heres your big chance to open that resteraunt! ;)

[KathieI]

Nonie, you read my mind. I thought the same thing. Let's work on Donna to see if she agrees. We'll also make it a sports bar with Donna being the bartender in her genie costume. Bet we'll get a lot of guys coming in. Kath

[chelsea24]

Hi all, finally went to Big City and had a combo (beef and sausage) WONDERFUL! I walked in and said to the young man "I'm from Chicago, knock my socks off!" Well, the funny thing is he said that the owner was from Berwyn and I was raised in Cicero (of Al Capone fame -- lol), neighboring burbs on the edge of the city and the big hang out was a beef stand called Novi's on Ogden Ave. Turns out the owner is somehow connected to Novi's Beef and I counldn't believe it. Talk about a small world. I talked to him for a few minutes and took a walk down memory lane. The beef and sausage, with fries was just what I spent my teen years wolfing down! I soooo happy, I feel like my childhood followed me here to the Villages. Wait until some of my old (and I do mean old LOL girlfriends) come to visit. :2excited: wav

[chelsea24]

Hi Nonie, just saw your posting, I'm going to the first Illinois meeting on Jan. 7. I'll let you know. The man that called seemed really nice. 'nite

[chuckinca]

Open a White Castle and a Prince Castle I'll truly be in heaven

[Taltarzac]

We got the Italian beef Friday night. It was good except I thought that the sweet peppers were supposed to come with the meat for the price listed on the menu which describes it coming with this and has a price of $12.95???

We got the french fries too which were quite a bit below par from other french fries you can get in TV.

[KathieI]

Do they serve all that oink and moo with sprouts?? Remember, I'm from So Cal. ;D

:dontknow: K.

[chuckinca]

$12.95 for an Italian beef sandwich!

Guess I'll be eating the Chicago Hot Dogs (with chips)

[Taltarzac]

$12.95 for an Italian beef sandwich!

Guess I'll be eating the Chicago Hot Dogs (with chips)





No. That's $12.95 for the pound of Chicago Italian beef with 4 rolls. Supposed to feed between 2 and 4. The menu says-- "Thin sliced beef in Italian seasoned gravy, 4 French rolls with either sweet peppers, or hot Gardineira".

The individual Chicago Italian Beef sandwich is $4.29. (add hot or sweet peppers .40)

My beef (pun intended) on Friday night is that we only got the beef with no sweet peppers. They wanted about $5.00 extra for the sweet peppers. Maybe, there was a mistake in communication though? :dontknow:

[nONIE]

O Boy, this is not sounding good. thats a pretty expensive beef sandwiich, never paid that much in Chicago! :cus:

[Taltarzac]

O Boy, this is not sounding good. thats a pretty expensive beef sandwiich, never paid that much in Chicago! :cus:


The individual Chicago Italian Beef is $4.29.

Individual Chicago Italian Sausage is $3.54.

The various hot dogs are: Chicago Hot Dog $2.97; Chili Dog (Coney Style $3.22); and New Yorker $3.14.

What we got Friday night (December 7, 2007) was a Big City Pounder-- One Pound of Chicago Italian Beef. That's $12.95 and is supposed to feed 2 to 4.

[JRietz]

The various hot dogs are: Chicago Hot Dog $2.97...
Also: All Hot Dogs come with Fries.

Jim

[Taltarzac]

Also: All Hot Dogs come with Fries.

Jim


Right. Personally a would rather go next door the Big City Grill to McDonald's and get their fries. Like them so much more than Big City's.

[nONIE]

Tal, thanks for clarifying, thats not too bad. guess I will give them a try.

[Taltarzac]

Tal, thanks for clarifying, thats not too bad. guess I will give them a try.


I do want to try one of their Sheboygan Johnsonville Brats. They are $3.94 each.

On another note, anyone know if and when the Johnsonville Big Taste Grill is coming back to TV? Missed it last year as I got there too late. From the Villages Daily Sun article sometime last year, I thought that the Johnsonville rep said that they would try to come for 2 days in 2007 or 2008? Do not remember the exact dates. Maybe, I missed it again?? :dontknow: I was traveling for about 10 days in October so might have missed it. Also do not read the Villages Daily Sun every day.

[kregski]

Ahhh to be here in northwest indiana pigging out on a chicago dog,vienna beef celery salt,onions peppers,and of course you chicagoins forgot to mention da sesame seed bun...think ill wash it all down with a Maxwell st. polish ,,tasty,,,,BURRRRRP

[JRietz]

....and of course you chicagoins forgot to mention da sesame seed bun...

You've been away too long... it's da poppy seed bun!

Jim

[nONIE]

Kregski's,

Believe it or not I have never had a maxwell St. hot dog :dontknow: Are they better then the regular Chicago vienna red hot? Next time Im in Chi town I will have to get one but am I taking my life in my hands going down to Maxwell Street? Heard its a pretty tough neighborhood these days

[chuckinca]

All I want is a decent Italian Beef Sandwich (with sweet peppers that are cooked right)


Over the 35 years being in California, my taste buds have adjusted to other Hot dogs and Pizzas but Italian Beef was only available in Chicago and suburbs.

[chuckinca]

bump

[JRietz]

bump

You're making me hungry... ;)

[rdhdleo]

Re: Big City, Till 5 years ago I lived in and around Chicago all my life. At Big City, while not the very best Italian Beef I have ever had it is pretty close and as close as you're going to get here in Florida as Italian Beef is a Chicago thing. They are reasonably priced with lots of beef. Big City is one of the better deals around. Their fries have always been good hot and crispy for us and the oil they use is the only one around that does not give me heartburn! I applaud the owner for bringing a little of home here, he has been making the beef himself and has most items expressed shipped in.
Re Dees hot dogs good luck, someone at work said it is fancy and very high priced a Chicago Dog without fries is $6.95 , most everything is expensive. I won't be walking through their doors anytime soon!

[Villages Kahuna]

The old Maxwell Street doesn't exist anymore, Nonie. That area was taken by an expansion of the University of Illinois at Chicago campus. The old vendors have been given the opportunity to place their booths in a new multi-level parking structure built by UIC. Most have opted not to endure the heavy-handed, risk averse and litigation avoiding rules laid down for using that antiseptically clean and heavily policed space.

My experience was that the old Maxwell Street wasn't any more threatening than many of the flea markets that pop up on weekends here in Florida. Our southern flea markets have many of the same colorful personalities that used to occupy Chicago's Maxwell Street. It's too bad they don't serve Chicago hot dogs, polish and Italian beef sandwiches.

[nONIE]

VK,

Thanks for bringing me up to date on my old home town. I actually have never been to Maxwell St. even tho I had uncles who owned clothing shops there in the 50's. Hubby tells me he was there in 60's and he was propositioned by a very savory character and he fled the area rather quickly.

My, My what a hot dog topic can lead to hu? ::)

[DickY]

Big City has just opened their new place next to Katie Belles. There is an article in todays Daily Sun on the back page of the local section on it. I will have to try it sometime this week.

[Shirleevee]

This Italian/New Yorker would love to know what Italian Beef is.........


Thanks.

Shirleevee

[Taltarzac]

This Italian/New Yorker would love to know what Italian Beef is.........


Thanks.

Shirleevee


Here's a link to a Villages Daily Sun article on the Big City Grill. http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/articles/2008/03/04/villages/villages02.txt

This has a good description of Italian beef-- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Beef

[Shirleevee]

Sorry......this sounded too good to wait.

Found a recipe and info on Wikipedia.............Yummmmmmmm!

[Taltarzac]

Sorry......this sounded too good to wait.

Found a recipe and info on Wikipedia.............Yummmmmmmm!


That looks like what about Big City Grill serves. I thought it was just OK. Like their pizza more but it cannot compare to Pauly's Pizza.

[Shirleevee]

Tal,

Thanks............I must wait until 8/17/08 for a tasting.

Shirleevee

[Jim 114]

I've been to Big City several times. It's as close as you're going to get to a Chicago-style Italian Beef sandwich, but I've found that the quality seems to vary. My first experience was great; the second time they were apparently out of the bread/buns that they normally put the beef on and substituted something that was not very good. Another trip there resulted in the beef not tasting quite right.

My Son recently send me a "care package" for my birthday that has Lou Malnoti's pizzas and genuine Portillo's Italian beef sandwiches (complete with the bread, gravy, green peppers and hot giardiniera) ... there's no comparison between the original and Big City - Portillo's is far superior.

For those not familiar with Portillo's or Lou Malnoti's, my deepest condolances ...

[Mallory]

Jim - As the soon to retire Bob Feder might say in the "Devotion to Accuracy Department", it's Malnati's not Malnoti's. If you can't spell it correctly you could end up eating thin crust at Home Run Inn.

PS - Dick Portillo did try a location in SW Florida that was not successful. Order da beef dipped or juicy and it will be fine.

[Donna]

This Italian/New Yorker would love to know what Italian Beef is.........


Thanks.

Shirleevee

:agree: This Brooklyn, Italian too..:shrug:

[diskman]

here in southern Calif, we have a Chicago chain which started opening in the last yr called Portillos"FROM CHICAGO" I am hoping they make it to the villages in the future.
because they r great:a040:

Surprised you Chicago peeps haven't commented on them!

[SUNreporter]

Yes, Big City Grill is family owned... by Mike Valenta, who opened Johnny Rockets and operated it for a couple of years. I've had a couple of long talks with him. He's a career restaurant man and yes he's from the Chicago area. He had a restaurant in Villa Park. Hard-working guy and he likes to mingle with the customers, so tell him what you like or don't like. I imagine he'll try to fix it. I've also had mixed results, but would agree the Italian Beef is a decent sandwich.

[JohnN]

Well, I'm a Chicago boy born and raised on Italian Beef, Combos, hot dogs, etc.
I've been to Big City twice now and it's about the best I've had in the south, however it's not nearly as good as Chicago. I don't know why, but it's not.

It's good, it SMELLS right, but it's not Chicago.

The hot peppers will burn your tonsils out, go easy on 'em.
The sweet peppers weren't right (as noted above), they were way too big and not cooked enough. Just little stuff, but it makes a difference.

I'll visit again for my Italian Beef fix.

[rdhdleo]

Well I lived in Chicago and the burbs around it all my life till 6 years ago when we moved to TV. We went to Big City after it opened and it was pretty darn close to a good Chicago Italian Beef. We went back several times after that and it was very good. However we went back about a month or so ago and the beef sandwich was half the size it used to be, the beef was tasteless and the roll stale and not the kind they started out with. We were VERY disappointed and have not gone back since. I'll make my own at home till they start making them like they used to. The dogs are still pretty good but nothing will ever compare to the ones sold on the hot dog carts around Chicago years ago....ah those were the best!

[diskman]

here in southern Calif, we have a Chicago chain which started opening in the last yr called Portillos"FROM CHICAGO" I am hoping they make it to the villages in the future.
because they r great:a040:

Surprised you Chicago peeps haven't commented on them!

Surprised you Chicago peeps haven't commented on them![/QUOTE]

[rdhdleo]

Just my opinion.... Being a born and raised Chicagoan and spending much of my time in the Little Italy area, Portillos is good but by far not the best. Bueno Beef is better and the best is a little Italian Deli on 22nd street In Bridgeview, called Vesuvios' Genuine and authentic the biggest and the best for less than the chains like Portillos. Lukes was a chain also that had really good Italian Beef. I never knew till I moved here that Italian Beef is a Chicago thing, the Italian places here looked at me like I had 2 heads when I asked for it LOL. I will give Big City another try hopefully I just went on an off day. Also I tried the "Maxwell Street Polish at Big City and it was horrible. No where near a true Maxwell Street Polish :) Oh Ricobenes on 26th St in Chicago is another great place. If you have never had a breaded steak sandwich from there you are missing something special!

[zcaveman]

Three posters have asked and have not received a reply.

What the heck is Italian beef? Is it a special steer raised on oregano and pasta or what??

Please enlighten us non-Chicagoans. :shrug:

Thanks.

[JohnN]

rdhdleo,
let me know when you're makin' 'em at home and I'll bring the drinks!!

[zcaveman]

From Google:

Italian beef / uh TALE yun beef / n. 1. Thinly sliced beef seasoned with garlic, oregano and other spices and served on Italian bread. A Chicago creation, it is slowly spreading nationwide thanks to transplants who can't do without it. The slow-cooked, top-butt meat can be eaten "dipped" (in beef broth), "sweet" (with sweet peppers), "hot" (with giardiniera), "cheesey" (with cheese) or as a combo (with an Italian sausage tucked beneath the beef). In Chicago, it's a source of pride, competition and dirty shirts. 2. A sandwich not known to be served anywhere in Italy.

[zcaveman]

We decided to give the Big City Grill a try today. We went to the one in SS. It was okay. The wife had the Philadelphia Cheese Steak. There were no green peppers and the wife likes A-1 sauce on the sandwich. I had the Chicago Italian beef with hot peppers. It came out wrapped in tin foil so the bun was soggy. But the meat was very tender and the hot peppers with a double dose of catsup made it pretty good.

I was expecting a more upscale eatery than we got. At least McDonald's puts salt and pepper shakers on the tables. I hate those little tear apart salt and pepper packets.

We might return to try some of the other sandwiches but then maybe not.

[chuckinca]

We decided to give the Big City Grill a try today. We went to the one in SS. It was okay. The wife had the Philadelphia Cheese Steak. There were no green peppers and the wife likes A-1 sauce on the sandwich. I had the Chicago Italian beef with hot peppers. It came out wrapped in tin foil so the bun was soggy. But the meat was very tender and the hot peppers with a double dose of catsup made it pretty good.

I was expecting a more upscale eatery than we got. At least McDonald's puts salt and pepper shakers on the tables. I hate those little tear apart salt and pepper packets.

We might return to try some of the other sandwiches but then maybe not.



Zcaveman:

I have given Big City a try about four times and, sorry to say, it just doesn't produce the good Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich and the fries are terrible.

I have been in Norcal for 35 years and whenever I get back to Chicago I head for the closest Italian Beef I can find and usually can get a pretty good sandwich at just about any small neighborhood lunch spot or pizza place.

When we were kids, probably the biggest treat was when my dad brought home a bucket of Italian Beef and buns for dinner.
.

[Muncle]

May have mentioned this before but . . . I love Italian sausage, from mild to fairly hot. I've tried Big City a couple times and the huge negative is the bun. As mentioned, they wrap everything in foil. Each sandwich I've had ends up with an adequate roll/bun that is inedibly soggy on at least one end. I'd love to see them use a bun similar to the really crusty things that the hot dog restaurant by Target used. (Did they go under???)

[chuckinca]

May have mentioned this before but . . . I love Italian sausage, from mild to fairly hot. I've tried Big City a couple times and the huge negative is the bun. As mentioned, they wrap everything in foil. Each sandwich I've had ends up with an adequate roll/bun that is inedibly soggy on at least one end. I'd love to see them use a bun similar to the really crusty things that the hot dog restaurant by Target used. (Did they go under???)


Muncle:

I hate the soggy bun and tried getting the juice on the side a couple times but they don't give you enough to make it right.
There's just something missing and the servers don't know how to make an Italian Beef Sandwich (probably are from the East Side).
One of the biggest disappointments in my life!

.

[villages07]

Muncle,

I read somewhere that DeeDee's Dog House over near Spanish Springs did indeed go out of business. Another one bites the dust.

On a related note, we bought a couple of bratwursts at the new Fresh Market butcher counter the other day and grilled them up....mighty tasty.

[zcaveman]

Friend sent me this youtube site:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qoa1R1Svnk&feature=channel

Now that looks good!!

[nONIE]

ummmmmm!!!! I could just taste those Chicago Italian beef sandwiches. Im sorry to say "big City" comes close to the ones we used to get in Chicago but something is sadly lacking.

However, I dont recall the Italian Stance!!! LOL Guess I was more interested in my sandwich then the way the guys were standing!!

[JeanneBeannie]

ummmmmm!!!! I could just taste those Chicago Italian beef sandwiches. Im sorry to say "big City" comes close to the ones we used to get in Chicago but something is sadly lacking.

However, I dont recall the Italian Stance!!! LOL Guess I was more interested in my sandwich then the way the guys were standing!!

LOL LOL Nonie you are too funny!!! Gees, I just sat down with a grilled cheese....now you all have me craving a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich!!
Well...I guess I will just have to pretend lol! :beer3:

[oldguy]

I had the Italian Sausage sandwich, and my wife had the Gyro. The Sausage had great flavor, and it was Char Broiled. I had the hot peppers on my sandwich. Honest to god, I dont know who does the portions there, but my piece of sausage had to be 10", and the bread was hot, fresh, and crisp. After reading the other comments about the bread being to wet, I ordered my juice on the side, used it all up, and asked for more, the cashier gave me another one "no Charge" and said to me, "oh, I think your turning into a Chicagoan with a smile". Next time I am going to order it wet, I love the gravy they have. My wife loved the gyro. I dont like them, but she said it was the best she ever had..

[oldguy]

the Chicago Club, and The Illinios Club

[chuckinca]

Welcome to TOTV!

What about the Chicago Club & Illinois Club?


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[oldguy]

:pepper2:

[mac9]

I was surprised to learn that Big City does not make Chicago deep dish pizza.

[chiromom]

I'm from Chgo and Big City has the Best Italian Beef Sandwiches. You need to have them wet with sweet peppers. That is suburp. The bread holds the wetness of the beef and it is a great sandwich. I'm so happy you guys opened. I loved my Chgo Italian beef. Thanks for a great sandwich.

[nONIE]

Chiromom and Oldguy,

Where in Chicago are you from? That is my hometown also. Great to see more Chicago people on this board. Mabe you would like to join the Chicago natives social group on this forum??? Check it out.

[oldguy]

westmont and palos hills...:pepper2:

[chelsea24]

Welcome fellow Chicagoan! Originally from Cicero, than lived the past 18 years in Bloomingdale, near Schaumburg.

The man that started Big City Diner was or his family was originally from the Cicero/Berwyn area. I spoke to him and his family used to have a very popular beefstand called Novi's on Ogden Ave. So, needless to say, I was very happy when they opened.

Although I think he brought down the spices a bit for the seniors, still great sandwiches!!! I love it! Nonie and I go there whenever she's in town! Yummm! :icon_hungry:

p.s. And soon she's be a frog!!!! Yeah!!!:pepper2:

[Mallory]

I understand that the location on 466 near Wal-Mart has closed due to the economy. May reopen when the snowbirds return.

Only location now open is in Spanish Springs.

[chiromom]

Nonie,
I'm from Downers Grove and Burr Ridge.:o

[oldguy]

I have a old menu, that was for a pound of beef, and 4 Italian rolls... 4 big sandwiches, that comes out to about $3.25 per sandwich...good deal to me.

[Bambi]

Had my first Italian Beef Sandwich yesterday. Wonderful. Fries were hot and tasty. Good service.

[Johncancook]

I just returned to Bolingbrook after ten days in TV. What a great place! Bought a home in Summerville while I was there and will be moving on 11/2. I have a Portillo's about a mile from here. Do I have any takeout requests?

Born and raised in Chicago. Grew up on the East Side (107th and Avenue H). Also lived in South Shore, downtown (South Loop) and on da Nort Side. Also lived in Romeoville, Crown Point, IN and Lansing. OK, so I'm a gypsy...

The video on page 8 posted by zcaveman is from Al's Beef on Taylor Street. They make a great sandwich. Also no one mentioned Mr Beef on Orleans. Many say that's the best beef in the city. I used to live near both. I rate them a tie.

I'll stuff myself before I move down, but when I'm finally hungry again, I'll definitely try Big City Grill.

(Be nice to me - this is my virgin post)