111728 Thu Nov 07 16:47:47 -0800 2002 3 7 Chicago Area 0 605517 Every time for the last couple of years that I've visited MBeef, I've sworn never to return, only to come back because it's near my office and/or I'm in a forgetful or forgiving mood. This week's visit, though, was the capper. About 10 sandwiches were already made and wrapped and sitting waiting for a customer. Seeing this, I ordered a dry beef with sweet and hot, figuring this was just enough customization to allow me to receive a sandwich freshly made. No such luck. I saw the counterman whisper something to the beef maker, and got one of pre-mades. It wasn't hot, and the green peppers were bright green the way they'd appear on a salad--barely cooked. The fries--also already pre-bagged--weren't even warm. That's it....and this time I mean it. Thu Nov 07 16:47:47 -0800 2002 0 Old School 1 605556 Thanks for the post. I past that place just yesterday and considered going there one day soon just out of curiousity given its longevity. Based on your experiences, I'll take a pass. Fri Nov 08 13:08:20 -0800 2002 605517 0 Bacchus 1 605557 I couldn't agree more! I work a block away but have not been there in two years. The beefs are small, the meat itself is usually cold, the gravy is bland, and the hot giardinaria is...well, its not really giardinaria, just celery chunks in oil. Query: was Mr. Beef ever really good? Is it one of those unexplainably popular places that coast on reputation from years past? Or, is it one of those places that is popular for no good reason (and, in Mr. Beef's case, helped by props from Jay Leno and Mancow)? Fri Nov 08 13:24:23 -0800 2002 605517 0 John M 2 605812 I worked down the street from 91 to 94, the first couple of years it was good, sometimes even outstanding. I went back 2 years ago, it sucked and the service was awful. So, yes it WAS good, now I'll go anywhere else. Tue Nov 12 18:00:52 -0800 2002 605557 0 dougk