Bari Foods

“First stop on first visit to Chicago.”

First stop on first visit to Chicago. Italian beef sandwich is super juicy and delicious. Hot peppers bite you back in a good way

Andrew Paguio

Feb 2026

“Look. Let’s cut to the chase. If you go to Chicago for ANYTHING, go for the Italian beef. I was...”

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)

Brent Markowski

Oct 2025

“Benchmark Italian deli offering made-to-order sammies along w/ a solid array of packaged Italian foods.”

Skyler Cesarone

Sep 2025

“I am not sure how they didn’t have a huge line.”

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. 🤌🏽

Anna Marie Munoz

Sep 2025

“The giardinera on the Italian beef is under the meat!”

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 🌟

Gabrielle

Sep 2025

“Phenomenal place to grab an Italian sub.”

Phenomenal place to grab an Italian sub! I got the Italian and it was perfect! Giardinara is a great addition. The ability to do an online order is also clutch!

Chiburbanfoodie

Aug 2025

“Great spot for a no frills sandwich.”

Great spot for a no frills sandwich. Well priced considering the size of the sandwich and how packed it is with meat. I wish I had gotten hot peppers and giardiniera but that’s on me.

Liam B

Jul 2025

“Everything is great except for the system of waiting.”

Everything is great except for the system of waiting. They need a number system atleast . All that aside, best beef of my life and was well worth it. Sweet and hot with mozzarella / dipped … wow

Max Malinowski

May 2025

“The Italian beef sandwich is FIRE.”

The Italian beef sandwich is FIRE! It is a thicker cut and is very juicy. Very little fat. 12 inch is HUGE and could feed a family of 4. $16.75. This place is an old school grocery store. Charming. Authentic Chicago. 🩵🇮🇹

lisA fRosT

Apr 2025

“2025 Update Dropped one star.”

2025 Update Dropped one star. Bad bread day. I almost lost a tooth. The bread was so hard. I had to take half of it off to be able to eat the sandwich. Italian sub and American sub were just ok today. Italian Sub-add fresh mozzarella and mild giardiniera! American Sub-add muenster cheese, pickles, onions, and mayo!

mc smarto

Apr 2025

“Classic Italian no frills deli.”

Classic Italian no frills deli. They actually have an amazing Italian beef. The meat was incredibly flavorful and juicy. And it was a HUGE portion. Will be back.

Katina Donoghue

Mar 2025

“Really busy on a "warm" February Sunday afternoon.”

Really busy on a "warm" February Sunday afternoon. (36°) We ordered Italian beef subs in advance to ensure we got them. (We missed the window a couple weeks ago and they ran out of bread and meat) They were huge, with lots of meat inside. Very tasty. I liked the flavor a lot, the family has their own preferences, but agreed Bari's was definitely one of the best. (Still preferring Mr Beef) I on the other hand really enjoyed the flavor of the au jus--tasty and NOT GREASY, which is really important!! Definitely one of the best Italian beef I've had in Chicago!! 😋

Tammi Yamaji

Feb 2025