Italian Beef in SoCal

[Ollie]

In Chicagoland on business, had great Italian Beef sandwich w spicy sausage. Where in SoCal can we go for Chicago style Italian Beef, for when I get back home?

[REFFI]

I went, specifically, for the Italian Beef. They hadn't been open for very long. I had the beef with hot pepper giardiniere and an order of fries. The sandwich was very good, on a par with anything I've had in Chicago. The fries were also very tasty and crisp. However, they had no pepper or vinegar (both of which I like on my fries). I'll go back for the sandwich and I'll bring my own pepper and vinegar.

[Peripatetic]

"I went, specifically, for the Italian Beef. They hadn't been open for very long."

Were you referring to Portillo's, Rocco's, or somewhere else? (It's not clear from the context.)

[REFFI]

I was speaking of Just Hot Dogs. Interestingly, I watched Guy Fieri prepare Italian Beef yesterday morning. It looked like a good recipe, but he was weak on the giardiniere topping. I will check his program website for the recipe to see if he offers further clarification beyond "pickled vegetables."

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Just Hot Dogs
15223 Beach Blvd, Westminster, CA 92655

[Norm Man]

Rocco's Deli Italiano in Signal Hill (Long Beach) has Italian Beef and Italian Beef and Sausage Combo.

http://www.roccosdeli.com/menu.html

I haven't eaten at Rocco's Deli Italiano but Rocco's "Hell's Kitchen" Hoagie -- Hot Sopressata, Hot Capicolla, Pepperoni and Provelone -- makes my mouth water. And I just noticed that Rocco's serves the Philly specialty Italian Roast Pork and Broccoli Rabe Hoagie. Now I have to try this place!

Rocco's Deli Italiano

2420 E. 28th St

Signal Hill

562 424-8400

http://www.roccosdeli.com/index.html

http://www.yelp.com/biz/roccos-deli-i...

[pharmnerd]

4&1/2 stars w/ 120 review, so looks promising. Looks like it comes with grilled peppers/onions by default & have to request giardinera.

[Norm Man]

Amazon Deal for Rocco's Deli Italiano -- $14 Food/Drink for $7

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/8042...

[pharmnerd]

Apparently there's a place on Venice beach. Anyone heard/tried?

[laytonj1]

I believe your referring to Mr. Beef that was located in Venice, but it has already closed down.

[pharmnerd]

OK, thanks.

[Ollie]

any more places in LA/OC that you guys can think of?

[Johnny Marlin]

Chicago's Best
2540 Main St. Irvine, CA
949-757-1802

Call for hours.........I believe they are only open for lunch..........

I feel their Italian Beef sandwiches are better than Portillo's...........their chili fries are incredible!

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Chicago's Best
2540 Main St, Irvine, CA 92614

[chowchi1]

Portillo's is the best of all your options. It's the same as in Chicago and the prices are reasonable. Taste Chicago in Burbank is ok. QT Chicago Dogs in Sherman Oaks has a beef sandwich on the menu that is pretty good. http://qtchicagodogs.com/users/awp.ph...

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QT Chicago Dogs
4344 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Taste Chicago
603 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

[nosh]

Try the hot roast beef at East Side Market Deli, just east of Chinatown. They are huge, filled with the dunked, sliced beef, have a melted slice of cheese, and a couple of the soft peppers. Beef is very flavorful, if a bit chewy.

Another very good option is Victor Jr.'s, on the north side of Washington across from the studio in Culver City, way east of the 405 and just west of downtown. On most occasions the beef has been excellent, moist and tender, I think they usually use a brisket. No cheese or peppers, but they include a little container of jus to dip.

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Victor Jr's
10113 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

[Jeryy]

I've been to Portillo's - it's just okay. A better option would be ask the people at the hot food counter at the front of the Bay Cities store to make you a pot roast sandwich and add some of their warm red and green peppers and sauce. Voila! a fabulous Italian beef sandwich on the best bread in the city.

It may not be 100% authentic ( meat sliced a little too thick) but it sure beats driving to Buena Park.

[Riccardo]

What/where is "...the Bay Cities store..."??

[Ollie]

Been to East Side Deli many times, I usually get the DA Special. A slammin sandwich in its own rite...but it's not an Italian Beef Chicago style.

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East Side Deli
1290 S Duncan Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90022

[JAB]

Agree. It's a hell of a good Italian beef sandwhich but, not a Chicago style Italian beef sandwich.

[Ollie]

Been to East Side Deli many times, I usually get the DA Special. A slammin sandwich in its own rite...but it's not an Italian Beef Chicago style.

East Side Deli
1290 S Duncan Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90022 Remove

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East Side Deli
1290 S Duncan Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90022

[nosh]

wrong place mark... East Side Market Deli is on Alpine.

[granadafan]

Try Pinocchio Restaurant which adjoins the Monte Carlo Deli in Burbank

3103 West Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank CA 91505

[Ollie]

I grew up on Pinocchios. Loved the place when the original owner/father "ran the store", until he passed on the business to the daughter. After that, it was a downward spiral from there. Haven't been in 3 years. Last visit was just as disappointing. Any other suggestions for Italian Beef, in SFV/LA County?

[TimToyGeek]

Taste Chicago in Burbank has a pretty credible Italian Beef.

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Taste Chicago
603 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

[Ollie]

Been there, done that. I thought it was eh. There's gotta be more out there. Definitely going to Portillo's when I get back. Appreciate all the suggestions. Thanks, keep'em coming.

[Professor Salt]

For OC: Portillo's in Buena Park. Just Hot Dogs in Westminster and Newport Beach. Chicago's Best in Irvine.

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Chicago's Best
2540 Main St, Irvine, CA 92614

Just Hot Dogs
15223 Beach Blvd, Westminster, CA 92655

[Ollie]

Portillos in Chicagoland is where I went. Might it be a franchise of the original?

[Charles Pepper]

Yes, it's a branch of the original Chicago company

http://www.portillos.com/portillos/lo...

[kevin]

damn, you beat me to it, professor, yep just hot dogs has it, though i've only tried their chitown dogs so far.

[Charles Pepper]

*sorry*

[wienermobile]

Another vote for Portillo's. Good Italian beef and I get it double dipped with chesse and peppers. The Buena Park store is just like the one on Wells in Chicago.

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Portillo's Hot Dogs
8390 La Palma Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620

Portillo's Hot Dogs
12840 Day St, Moreno Valley, CA 92553