Luke’s, Johnnie’s, Al’s.
Portillo’s, Al’s, and Johnnie’s, all great choices for Italian Beef sandwiches in Chicagoland. I went through withdrawal when I moved down to Florida 4 years ago. Florida is not known for Italian beef. And then, lo and behold, I discovered there is a Portillo’s in Brandon, located on the near outskirts of Tampa. I live about 45 minutes away from it and my nephew has moved right next to Brandon, so I will be able to once again get my fix. They sell a great slice of chocolate cake also for dessert, and their fries are really good too.
Then I just recently found out that in my town of New Port Richey (just north of Tampa and Clearwater) a new place opened about 6 or so months ago called Second City Eats, a mere couple of miles away from me that has Chicago food, including Italian Beef, Chicago deep dish pizza, all Vienna beef Chicago hot dogs, Maxwell Street Polish sausage (they used to have Maxwell Street Pork Chop sandwiches too; not sure if they still do), and Gravy Bread, plus lots more. I’m in hog heaven now knowing my fix is so close to where I live.