Paging Dr srjdsmith, Chicago Question

Oh man, if you are passing through my area you have to try Marchelloni's. They've only got 2 shops about 10 miles apart but holy Sweet Baby Jesus to they do it right. They do a beef roll, basically pizza dough, cheese and beef folded over on itself that is amazing. Their pizzas are fantastic. But that beef roll I could live on. They have a full menu but I get to the beef roll and stop.

I think after Dayton OH we are going to Buford’s pub in Sadorus (famous for their tenderloin)  on the way back to Iowa 

However, also have Marchelloni’s on the map as choices are good and it does look really yummy

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.”

Wife hates spice & wet bread, she refuses to eat anything but dry bread 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Looking at Iowa Galavant for ideas & woza hid Facebook is full of drool worthy stops

https://theiowagallivant.com/

Wife hates spice & wet bread, she refuses to eat anything but dry bread 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Looking at Iowa Galavant for ideas & woza hid Facebook is full of drool worthy stops

https://theiowagallivant.com/

I had a West Dubuque Tap yesterday. The best pork T I’ve had was in Traer at the bowling alley- now closed.

Wife hates spice & wet bread, she refuses to eat anything but dry bread 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Looking at Iowa Galavant for ideas & woza hid Facebook is full of drool worthy stops

https://theiowagallivant.com/

I had a West Dubuque Tap yesterday. The best pork T I’ve had was in Traer at the bowling alley- now closed.

Hung out at a bowling alley in Traer when I was in HS in Tama, but don’t remember eating a tenderloin, could barely afford gas & beer

Breakfast of champions

Casey’s breakfast pizza. A classic.

The lemon ice alone was worth the drive, had to use a fork as juice was super soggy but mummmmmmm good

The lemon ice alone was worth the drive, had to use a fork as juice was super soggy but mummmmmmm good

You got your combo!! So jealous! Johnnie’s Ice is the BEST. I hope your wife was impressed with her dry bread 🤣 If that was my only choice I’d still love an Italian beef, but dip mine, please. Those little straw/spoons are a trip, aren’t they?

The lemon ice alone was worth the drive, had to use a fork as juice was super soggy but mummmmmmm good

You got your combo!! So jealous! Johnnie’s Ice is the BEST. I hope your wife was impressed with her dry bread 🤣 If that was my only choice I’d still love an Italian beef, but dip mine, please. Those little straw/spoons are a trip, aren’t they?

She actually really liked the roll & refused to try my soggy roll or any of the peppers

Its a real operation, the cashier yells out the order and it magically appears 

Might have to swing in on the way home for an Ice & then zip to Gene & Jude’s 🤣🤣🤣