Carm's Beef and Italian Ice
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About
Carm's Beef and Italian Ice — an italian spot in Near West Side. Order the Italian Ice. It wears its years well. "The beef was tender and juicy, piled high on fresh bread, and the fries were crispy perfection" — Kyle Julian
Experience Breakdown
Michael Searle
71 reviews
“The Italian beef was good but has a different spice than you might expect, I could not identify it”
Highlights
Must Try
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
Some noted
Traveled to Chicago for the purpose of trying an Italian beef.... Disappointed. No flavor at all to the beef.
The worst Italian beef I've had in Chicago. Literally what even is this.
🚨This by far is the worst representation of a Chicago Style Italian Beef!!!🚨The flavor was bland & the meat was chewy.
Specialties
- Italian Ice
Location
1057 W Polk St, Chicago, IL 60607
What 40+ diners say about Carm's Beef and Italian Ice
“This might be my favorite Italian Beef in the city.”
This might be my favorite Italian Beef in the city. It’s also got the right amount of spiciness and kick to it.
Yuan Zho
Aug 2025
“So juicy it was completely disintegratingly unmanageable, heaps of tender wafer-thin beef in a...”
So juicy it was completely disintegratingly unmanageable, heaps of tender wafer-thin beef in a toothsome jus with celery slivers, hot roasted peppers, onion and celery salt. Completely delicious. Washed down with brain-freezingly cold lemon and strawberry sorbets. Great flavors, great value 😍
Chris Post
Aug 2025
“A really delicious and reasonable price for Chicago Italian Beef.”
A really delicious and reasonable price for Chicago Italian Beef. The hot peppers are hot. The fries are delicious. Just good stuff
dominika oliver
Aug 2025
“If you want a real beef stop in and taste the difference.”
If you want a real beef stop in and taste the difference. Great service! Thank you!!!!
Alex Masso
Aug 2025
“Great service great food great Italian ice feel like you’re family.”
B Jazzo
Aug 2025
“One of the best italian beefs in the City.”
One of the best italian beefs in the City. They pack a lot of meat in this sandwich and super flavorful. It has nice peppery taste which compliments their hot giardeneria. Across the street ffom Fontanas, you can stop into 2 of Little Italy’s fine establishments in one trip.
Rolo
Jun 2025
“Very nice Italian beef sandwich and Italian Ice.”
Very nice Italian beef sandwich and Italian Ice! The restaurant is not big but food is great, price is reasonable. Service is good too.
J. X. (JX2069)
Jun 2025
“I just ordered the Horchata Italian ice, which was fantastic, and I enjoyed it.”
I just ordered the Horchata Italian ice, which was fantastic, and I enjoyed it. I had a good experience and will come back to try their food.
John Pozo
Sep 2024
“Outstanding Chicago Dog, double cheeseburger, and fries.”
Outstanding Chicago Dog, double cheeseburger, and fries. The Italian Ice was old school and delicious. Great staff and full of friendly customers. Established in Little Italy in 1929!
The WWII Professor
Jun 2024
“Traditional Tri-Taylor beef stand Excellent skin on fries.”
Traditional Tri-Taylor beef stand Excellent skin on fries. Gardiner is different, fresh jalapeño, celery and habanero(?), not oily. 'Green' but plays well!
Christianne Varela
Jun 2024
“Tasty, flavorful, and I really liked the perfectly seasoned peppers and celery on top.”
Tasty, flavorful, and I really liked the perfectly seasoned peppers and celery on top. I had asked for my sandwich to come dry, but they served it wet (dipped) instead. Not a deal breaker, as it was still really good. Horchata Italian ice was also really refreshing. They accept credit cards but with a $5 minimum purchase... Italian ice is cash only!
Yan De
Aug 2023
“Great flavors on their beef.”
Great flavors on their beef. Spicy peppers or plain beef, both were delicious. The Italian ice is a great way to cool off.
Mark Wahmhoff
Jul 2023
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