Paging Dr srjdsmith, Chicago Question

Been looking at the menu, going to pack a roll of paper towels as well as wet naps 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

To order at Johnnie’s Beef in Elmwood Park, Chicago, follow these steps for a smooth experience, as the process is fast-paced and the line moves quickly:

1. **Know Your Order**: Johnnie’s is a cash-only, counter-service spot with a focus on Italian beef sandwiches, combos (beef and sausage), hot dogs, and Italian ice. Decide in advance to avoid holding up the line. Key terms:
  - **Beef**: Italian beef sandwich.
  - **Combo**: Italian beef with Italian sausage.
  - **Juicy** or **Dipped**: Sandwich dipped in gravy (jus).
  - **Wet**: Sandwich with extra gravy, not fully dipped.
  - **Hot**: With giardiniera (spicy pickled vegetables).
  - **Sweet**: With roasted sweet bell peppers.
  - **Sweet and Hot**: Both sweet peppers and giardiniera.
  - **Plain**: No peppers.
  - **Fries**: Often come with extra fries thrown in the bag.
  - **Italian Ice**: Lemon or other flavors, a popular side.

  Example orders:
  - “One beef, juicy, sweet and hot, one fry.”
  - “Combo, wet, hot, Italian ice.”
  - “Two beef, plain, dipped, one fry.”

2. **Rehearse Your Order**: The counter staff are efficient and expect quick, precise orders. Practice saying it clearly and concisely, as the environment is busy and the staff may shout to confirm orders.

3. **Cash Only**: Bring cash, as Johnnie’s does not accept cards. An ATM is available across the street if needed. Prices are reasonable (e.g., ~$6-7 for a combo sandwich).

4. **Order at the Counter**: Step up to the counter when it’s your turn. Speak loudly and clearly to the staff, who will relay your order to the kitchen. The line moves fast, so be ready.

5. **Pay and Move**: After ordering, pay immediately and step aside to let the next customer order. Your food is typically ready within seconds, handed over in a paper bag. Check your order, as mistakes can happen in the rush (e.g., “sweet and hot” instead of “mixed” for both peppers).

6. **Tips for First-Timers**:
  - Expect a line, often out the door, but it moves quickly.
  - No indoor seating; limited outdoor tables are available, or eat in your car.
  - For a classic experience, try the Italian beef, juicy, with sweet and hot peppers, paired with fries and a lemon Italian ice.
  - If you’re unsure, observe others in line or ask the staff for clarification.

Yep. All that. Good advice.

My stupid brother-in-law almost got us kicked out. I told him what to order and he improvised. Jerk. The guy was seriously angry. Threw down his pen, looked at the high school kid next to him, and said, “Ask Elmo for his order” and walked in the back. (Brain Trust was wearing an Elmo T shirt.)

Also, don’t enter unless the door will close behind you or you’ll get yelled at, “HEY! Close da door! Air conditioning’s on!”

My order; “Combo, sweet, dipped, with fries. Large Italian ice, no lid.”
My wife; “Beef, hot on the side, dry, with fries. Small Italian ice, no lid.”