Look. Let’s cut to the chase. If you go to Chicago for ANYTHING, go for the Italian beef. I was first introduced to this holy grail of meat on a bun at Portillo’s and it’s been a rollercoaster of a ride ever since. Now, if Italian beef is even mentioned in conversation, I eavesdrop like the KGB. I need the meats (sorry Arby’s).
Bari’s was introduced to me by a person who I hold near and dear to my heart. And no, no spoilers (Sorry River). The fact that this Ark of the Meat-anent™️ is located inside an actual Italian deli is just another special layer, like an onion (Sorry Shrek). Entering the deli, you’re met with your classic deli acutremant (sorry spelling). It looks exactly what you would picture a deli looking like. You don’t even need your imagination. Walk your way to the back, shipping as you go, and BOOM, deli counter. This is where the magic happens. Service is your normal deli style service. Guy asks what you want, patron tells them. I ordered the 9” Italian beef. Hot. Dipped. If you don’t order your Italian beef dipped, you don’t even actually like Italian beef.
Buddy. My guy. Pal. Did you see those pictures? I’ll be honest with you, this is my second time there. I just forgot to review it. And unwrapping that sandwich was still better than any Christmas morning (sorry mom and dad). It was heavy, it was wet. The bun falls apart it’s so wet. You know how weird it is to say I love a wet sandwhich? The only ONLY sadness I had in me heart was I feel there were not enough giaderna? gierderna? gardienna? The spicy relish stuff on it. But, the flavor alone makes up for it.
If I had the Midas touch, I would want everything I touched to turn into Bari’s Italian Beef. I’d call it the meat touch. Well. Maybe not that, but something catchy.
Sandwhich wetness 12/10 Chicago staple 10/10 Parking 3/10 (parking was rough. Traveled probably 30 miles looking for a spot)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason Upchurch
Great food and great nice employees.
Violetta Talley
Best Italian beefs sandwiches in the midwest!!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Johnchoya Fields
I have to try this place….my friend just said they have the best Italian beef in Chicago
Ne McNeal
Classic and delicious <3 Bari for a good selection of Italian gluten free ingredients too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alexis Santoyo
Fantastic service and fantastic sandwiches.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Skyler Cesarone
Benchmark Italian deli offering made-to-order sammies along w/ a solid array of packaged Italian foods.
I am not sure how they didn’t have a huge line. This was the best of the best. Hands down it’ll be in my dreams. Great price point, friendly staff & clean location. 🤌🏽
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joshua Thompson
Grocery store/deli that sells Italian subs and sandwiches. It's delicious!
Italian beef DEFINITELY WORTH THE HYPE loved the bread the meat the juice and flavor!
Food: 5
Liz Joyce
Not a bad sandwich, but very bready (and the bread was okay quality). The meats and cheeses were fresh but ratios off. The Italian was definitely better than the prosciutto and mozzarella. Staff was friendly and the sandwiches came out very quickly.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Hailey Brown
Hit up Bari Foods for lunch and went with their classic Italian sub plus a little pasta salad on the side. The sandwich is no joke—bread’s crusty, meats stacked high, provolone sharp, and you can taste it’s the real deal, not some chain shop stuff. The pasta salad was fresh, tossed with just enough dressing. Place gets packed quick and the line feels a bit chaotic, but that’s part of the old school vibe. Not really a sit-down spot, more of a grab-and-go deli. Totally worth it though. Spent around $16 for everything.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: ft Italian Sub, Salad
Gabrielle
The giardinera on the Italian beef is under the meat!! Honestly kind of brilliant because the peppers aren’t falling out as you eat 🥖🥩❤️ Cup of the jus really elevated the sandwich 🌟
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert Dirks
Is the quality of the sausage slipping? We encountered several grisley pieces in our last 2 lbs purchase.
Look. Let’s cut to the chase. If you go to Chicago for ANYTHING, go for the Italian beef. I was first introduced to this holy grail of meat on a bun at Portillo’s and it’s been a rollercoaster of a ride ever since. Now, if Italian beef is even mentioned in conversation, I eavesdrop like the KGB. I need the meats (sorry Arby’s).
Bari’s was introduced to me by a person who I hold near and dear to my heart. And no, no spoilers (Sorry River). The fact that this Ark of the Meat-anent™️ is located inside an actual Italian deli is just another special layer, like an onion (Sorry Shrek). Entering the deli, you’re met with your classic deli acutremant (sorry spelling). It looks exactly what you would picture a deli looking like. You don’t even need your imagination. Walk your way to the back, shipping as you go, and BOOM, deli counter. This is where the magic happens. Service is your normal deli style service. Guy asks what you want, patron tells them. I ordered the 9” Italian beef. Hot. Dipped. If you don’t order your Italian beef dipped, you don’t even actually like Italian beef.
Buddy. My guy. Pal. Did you see those pictures? I’ll be honest with you, this is my second time there. I just forgot to review it. And unwrapping that sandwich was still better than any Christmas morning (sorry mom and dad). It was heavy, it was wet. The bun falls apart it’s so wet. You know how weird it is to say I love a wet sandwhich? The only ONLY sadness I had in me heart was I feel there were not enough giaderna? gierderna? gardienna? The spicy relish stuff on it. But, the flavor alone makes up for it.
If I had the Midas touch, I would want everything I touched to turn into Bari’s Italian Beef. I’d call it the meat touch. Well. Maybe not that, but something catchy.
Sandwhich wetness 12/10
Chicago staple 10/10
Parking 3/10 (parking was rough. Traveled probably 30 miles looking for a spot)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food and great nice employees.
Best Italian beefs sandwiches in the midwest!!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have to try this place….my friend just said they have the best Italian beef in Chicago
Classic and delicious <3 Bari for a good selection of Italian gluten free ingredients too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic service and fantastic sandwiches.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Benchmark Italian deli offering made-to-order sammies along w/ a solid array of packaged Italian foods.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meatball Sub, Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella
One of the best sandwiches in Chicago-fantastic❤️
I am not sure how they didn’t have a huge line. This was the best of the best. Hands down it’ll be in my dreams. Great price point, friendly staff & clean location. 🤌🏽
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Grocery store/deli that sells Italian subs and sandwiches. It's delicious!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Italian beef DEFINITELY WORTH THE HYPE loved the bread the meat the juice and flavor!
Food: 5
Not a bad sandwich, but very bready (and the bread was okay quality). The meats and cheeses were fresh but ratios off. The Italian was definitely better than the prosciutto and mozzarella. Staff was friendly and the sandwiches came out very quickly.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Hit up Bari Foods for lunch and went with their classic Italian sub plus a little pasta salad on the side. The sandwich is no joke—bread’s crusty, meats stacked high, provolone sharp, and you can taste it’s the real deal, not some chain shop stuff. The pasta salad was fresh, tossed with just enough dressing. Place gets packed quick and the line feels a bit chaotic, but that’s part of the old school vibe. Not really a sit-down spot, more of a grab-and-go deli. Totally worth it though. Spent around $16 for everything.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: ft Italian Sub, Salad
The giardinera on the Italian beef is under the meat!! Honestly kind of brilliant because the peppers aren’t falling out as you eat 🥖🥩❤️ Cup of the jus really elevated the sandwich 🌟
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Is the quality of the sausage slipping? We encountered several grisley pieces in our last 2 lbs purchase.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
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