Delicious! A better, cleaner, portillos. The food tastes better and the service is definitely an upgrade. Everything I've had from here has been delicious. Especially their paninis. Highly recommended.
(4)
M. C.
This place is ok. The staff is friendly and the place is clean. The prices aren't bad. Not cheap, not expensive. I'd say it's average. The food is not spectacular. In fact it's just subpar. I go here reluctantly with coworkers for lunch only because there is nothing close for lunch other then this place.
(2)
Jon O.
Food is good. However drive thru service is the slowest I have experienced at a Buona. Even during off peak hours you still have to wait 10min for simple dishes, and I only order for 1 or 2 people and never a lot of food. Often after the wait the food comes not how I ordered it. Please improve your drive thru service as this location is close and I'd like to continue to be a customer.
(2)
Ron H.
First time here. Much better then the local EGV hot dog stand. Had a combo it was very good, could of been a little more juicy but I did not ask for that.
(4)
Stephanie M.
Cobb salad was fabulous! Italian beef and sausage sandwich AMAZING. Highly recommend.
(5)
N. M.
Working in the area, I enjoy Buona Beef once in a while for lunch. Their Beefs are great and have lots of flavor to them. The fries are nice and thick too. The personal pizzas are also very good and the atmosphere is very modern and pleasent. It doesn't take very long to get through the line, but it is hard to find a table sometimes as it's very busy at lunchtime.
(4)
John D.
Food selections are great. Current spinach strawberry blueberry salad is perfect. Pair this with $5 pizza on Thursday and you have a great dinner with a soda for $11! Great deal and you'll be satisfied.
(4)
Dave K.
I came here my first day of work with my team, and the food was quite delicious. It was a bit confusing at the start with the menus, but I see you walk with them (I'd think that was dangerous, but that's me) and then order at the front where the registers are -- where they have another menu for you to read. This particular day it was jam packed and yet our table of four got all of our orders (and right) in under 10 minutes. I'd go back, and recommend to others!
(4)
Jennifer S.
Did you know that you can get your sandwich on a pretzel roll? It's my newest find a Buona Beef. A bad habit in the making. I had my most recent Italian beef sandwich on a really fresh pretzel roll. Wowza! Also, their wait times seem to be getting better. I know it's a chain (even though it's family owned), but it is still a top spot for a quick lunch if you're in the area.
(4)
Nick M.
Nothing good to report unfortunately. I got their egg and pepper sandwich, there Friday special, and got FOOD POISONING!!!! I WAS UP ALL NIGHT PUKING! Stay away from this space it isn't sanitary! My order took place as of yesterday 3/7/14. Be aware! This was at lunch time. I am still sick a day later. Wtf is going on at this location???? Whatever it is things aren't being cooked correctly.
(1)
Curtis L.
The location of this bouna is very near many office locations walking distance away. I will often drive to one of the other establishments in the area for food due to the quality price and service. I would expect at a much lower price point due to the quality of the food and speed of service. On a few occasions i ordered dinner for a small party from this location and paid over the phone. Upon arrival i was informed that they did not have the food i paid for in the store and requested i drive 20 minutes out of my way to pick it up. When i told the manager i was unwilling to drive 20 minutes out of my way and would like them to exchange the beef meal i was going to pick up for one of sausages he treated me like i was being unreasonable. After the experience I gave away the gift card to bouna rather than return. After an office visit today I feel justified in giving away my gift card as the food is over priced and unremarkable. The speed of the kitchen is slow and they will often make mistakes in your order. The only plus for this buisness is its location.
(2)
Keith S.
This location is in the same lot as the Hyatt I was staying in. Never tried it so I gave it a shot for lunch. Was slightly confused when I walked in as to where to go/what to do. Figured it out quickly. Big menu. Multiple things looked good and I wasn't even that hungry, that's a good sign. Lunch rush was in full swing but the atmosphere was still nice. It was a bit loud but should be expected. Ordered a chicken artichoke panini. Chicken tasted like actual chicken. Good, distinguishable flavors. Bread was good and grilled right. Service was quick and friendly. Wouldn't hesitate to try more.
(4)
D C.
I used to like this place but it's run by children. I ordered a burger no cheese, it came with cheese, they scraped it off and brought it back, the burger was cold. The replacement burger was cold and they brought my fries after I'd eaten everything else. I'm done with them.
(1)
Joe I.
Italian beef, with cheese, hot and sweet peppers, order of fries and a pop. Oh, and don't forget the extra grease. Awesome!
(4)
Chris D.
I wish Buona would stop changing its menu. It has become less vegetarian friendly. How about offering beans instead of meat as a salad offering? Several weeks ago, I ordered online a family pack of beef sandwiches for my parents. The order was supposed to include bread, but did not. I contacted the company and was promised a coupon. While it did take a while to receive a response, the company did follow up to my complaint about not receiving it. The canoli is wonderful, and I am thrilled that gluten-free bread is now an option.
(4)
Mitchell I.
This place is fine. I was lazy and did not want drive to Potrtillo's. I was a little concerned when I ordered an Itaian Beef on garlic bread and I overheard the kitchen tell the manager that did not know how to make one. Not bad, could be better. Sandwich was ok.
(3)
Trina J.
This place always serves food hot and consistently good tasting. It is always busy. My favorite choices are the Supremo pizza or the italian beef with hots. I love their Italian Meatball soup and the brownies! Plan to spend $10, but is pretty good stuff.
(4)
Dinah T.
This is my Buona Beef location for lunch cause it's close to my office. You can dine in, take out, or drive through. I usually dine in. The set up is kind of different form what I'm use to in a typical sandwich/pizza place. If you haven't been here before (I'm not sure if it's the same layout like the other locations), in the front of the entrance you pick up a menu and walk through the left side of the room where the open kitchen is located. There, you can see the staff making food like a pizza station, salad, and sandwiches. During lunchtime, sometimes they display what the popular meals looks like. My friend and I use our Entertainment booklet coupons of buy 1 salad/pizza with a drink and a side and get 1 salad/pizza for free. So our meal split comes to $6 bucks each not bad cause it does get pricey like a $10 lunch. I figured it's because of the quality of the food, they make it fresh for you, and your dinning experience sitting it their nice marbled tables and dark wood chairs and real utensil. I would compare it like Panera Breads. Finally you place your order (where the heck to you place this huge menu that you've been carrying now?). They give you a number for your order and you find a table and sit and wait (kind of like Pompeii restaurant). The station where you get your fountain drinks and utensils is oddly positioned. It doesn't really flow well in the room, especially with the huge lunch crowd, it sucks! I wish it was more open not bunched up in a corner of the room. And the seating arrangements, they have too many tables too close to each other in the main dinning area. If you're lucky, sit in the semi private area on the far left side of the room or if it's nice outside, eat out in the patio during lunchtime. Unless you don't mind joining another tables conversation and it doesn't get pretty loud so you'll be shouting at your companion whose sitting right next to you. Maybe they're better off setting up these 4 chaired tables together into community tables or get smaller tables or get rid of a few of them. Give me some breathing room please! As for the food, it's ok. I've tried their buffalo chicken salad, chopped salad, BBQ chicken pizza, Margarita pizza, fries, soups, chili. They are all pretty good, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come back for any special item on their menu. They do have folks clean off your table pretty quick for you so that's a plus. I would come here once in awhile when I have a coupon for lunch or I got out voted from my coworkers on where to eat. As for dinner, there's other places I'd rather go but I bet there's plenty of room and it would be a much quieter experience when you dine in.
(3)
Bob R.
Buona has several locations around Chicago. Luckily, I have one right next to my office so it is a fall-back when I don't bring my lunch. Lunchtime at Buona can be really crowded and loud. But, there are lots of tables (all close together), so I've never not been able to get a seat. If you've not been to a Buona, it is a similar style to other larger Burger joints, but has a wider selection. Their burgers are pretty good, and I like burgers a lot. But, they also have hot dogs, pizza, Italian Beef, salads, sausage and peppers - typical Chicago fare. Price-wise, they are a little at the high end for a burger joint. But, they just put an app up on the iStore that works like a restaurant punch card. You scan a graphic when you pay, and it counts your meals. After 10 (I think), you get one free.
(3)
Emily I.
So incredibly SHOCKED when I came here. I expected a very unfriendly vegetarian place but they had SO many options!! Plus gluten free options- from pizza crusts to pitas. The homemade chips are amazing and the salads were so fresh. Like I said, shocked to see this in your typical Chicago Italian beef place! Go there!
(5)
John D.
Good tasty food although took a long time for simple takeout food.
(4)
Odranre B.
good food...plenty of parking...this location seems to attract senior citizens...
(3)
Alma C.
Consistent fast food option. I happen to like their well-seasoned dipped beefs and pizza vendura better than most other fast food options in the 'burbs.
(3)
frank K.
Wanted to give everyone a heads up on getting the beef sandwiches with tubs of beef sauce to go for parties and get togethers.... Great idea and has become a family tradition for our family get togethers. Yummy.
(3)
Catherine P.
I love beef sandwiches, salads and fries. If this could be my every day diet, I would have it that way. Buona Beef is expensive, bottom line. I eat out at restaurants a lot and never do I say "Let's go to Buona Beef". Its pretty good food, there is no question, but when I'm spending $10 on lunch, I expect a decent amount of food for the money and it's just not there. They are always busy at lunch (also slowing down the service), and I'm not quite sure why, other than good placement of the facility in a business park or area where there is minimal competition. I would much rather grab a sandwich at Portillo's or even my local pizza place. Worth a try, but you won't be running back.
(2)
Ron W.
I come here for lunch about once or twice a month mostly for the small Supreme pizza. I sometimes go for the burgers here and yes I know that is not the norm, but I like the burgers here as well. I also like the salads here. A lot of my co-workers like the beef sandwiches here as well but I am not really a beef sandwich sort of guy. Funny part is I am not a pizza guy either but I like the individual pizzas here. The crust is not a normal pizza crust but is thin and very crunchy. I tend to like that. Overall the food it always fresh and I have never had I bad meal here. I will continue coming back every month!
(4)
Ron S.
I have always liked Buona Beef sandwiches and fries. I think they are second to Johnnie's. Today, I tried a sausage solo pizza which was actually pretty decent. Hot from the oven in about 7 minutes, it cost me just under $10 with a medium drink. It didn't blow my doors off but it was a solid meal.
(3)
Saham H.
Great place, cool servers, nice chicken panninis, great buffalo chicken sandwich but the fries were just alright 4.5.
(5)
Scott J.
Roast beef is pretty tasty but the bread they use can't hold up to the gravy so it falls apart really quick, I had to eat mine with knife and fork, much better places to go, I won't be rushing back there.
(2)
John L.
I love Italian beef. Even this fast food type Italian beef is better than most food. Not the best dining area, but who cares as long as you get some pretty darn good Italian beef.
(4)
shizuku n.
It's better than McDonalds but worse than fine dinning. I feel like it's missing a little bit of a tint of something. They say their Beef is great but the Beef was okay. Not amazing. Their thin crust pizza is okay . . . feel a little over priced when I can get pizza so much cheaper at different places. It's local and okay enough to go there again but that's really all for me.
(2)
Beth G.
Seriously? I do not get the hype about Buona at all. I think the only reason the line is out the door at lunch time is the limited availability of local fast food in proportion to the office buildings surrounding it. Portions are small, prices are high. The amount of food in their Chicken Artichoke sandwich is laughable. I had to send mine back asking for the rest of it. Their thin crust pizza isn't really that good, and they should warn idiots like me when a variety doesn't come with pizza sauce on it. Idiots like me are used to pizza with sauce on it. Their burgers are just okay, nothing spectacular at all. Don't bother calling or faxing in your order, as it will sit there ignored like you will be, while the cashiers tend to the wait line instead. Your smart thinking by ordering ahead is wasted here, trust me. And don't get me started about the long, thick hair in my cheddar broccoli soup. I had nightmares for weeks.
(2)
Jim L.
Beth is generous. The beef is dry and sits in a watery "gravy" pan. Was the bun even four inches long? I thought, well, I've got a coupon!! Ah, two for the price of one.....but the fine print requires that the ONE be a COMPLETE - which includes expensive sides AND overpriced drink. So - two, tiny, hard-to-chew beefs, meat hidden inside tough cold buns dipped in beef flavored water, a dab of coleslaw(?) and some cold beans for under 8 bucks after waiting in line with the other suckers.... I was still hungry but didn't feel like eating anything anymore ever.
(1)
Scott M.
Buona beef has some good food, I'll give them that; like their Pesto salad and their tuna sandwich are very good. I also enjoy their personal pizza selections, their prosciutto and Alfredo is actually my favorite. The service is acceptable, the cashiers are always very friendly but the wait staff cannot be bothered to manage a smile or engage their customers. Most won't even look at you. One gentlemen barely issued a grunt when I expressed my thanks for my order. The managers, however, are usually very nice and processional . I agree with the other reviewers that the sides are over-priced for what's included. The soups are actually pretty good but I can tell that they're loaded with salt and the fries aren't worth the calories, let alone the money. Now, on to the beef, hence the name. I don't their beef is bad or good it's merely okay, I usually get cheese on it and peppers then it's actually pretty good ;). In contrast, Portillos has the most amazing beef sandwich I've already had. A really good beef sandwich would be offended if someone overloaded it with cheese or peppers; like a good steak, you shouldn't need condoments (A1 Sauce). Lastly, this particular location is wayyyy over crowded for the quality of food! There's very rarely seating available and I've not been able to call in an order on the occasions I've tried; the phone just rings. So I usually don't bother, not worth my business most days, but like one of the other reviewers said, at least I get a $2 coupon!
(3)
rob v.
Oh man, get the chicken artichoke sandwich. It's in the top 5 for best grilled sandwiches I have the pleasure of digesting. This place can be quite expensive, but this sandwich is worth every penny. The individual pan pizza's are great too. Add some cheese fries and your good to go! One thing that gets me is their coupons they give out for purchases. They expire within a week. Bouna Beef may be good, but twice a week is pushing it.
(5)
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
Address :1170 N Arlington Heights Rd
Itasca, IL, 60143
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Nicole C.
Delicious! A better, cleaner, portillos. The food tastes better and the service is definitely an upgrade. Everything I've had from here has been delicious. Especially their paninis. Highly recommended.
(4)M. C.
This place is ok. The staff is friendly and the place is clean. The prices aren't bad. Not cheap, not expensive. I'd say it's average. The food is not spectacular. In fact it's just subpar. I go here reluctantly with coworkers for lunch only because there is nothing close for lunch other then this place.
(2)Jon O.
Food is good. However drive thru service is the slowest I have experienced at a Buona. Even during off peak hours you still have to wait 10min for simple dishes, and I only order for 1 or 2 people and never a lot of food. Often after the wait the food comes not how I ordered it. Please improve your drive thru service as this location is close and I'd like to continue to be a customer.
(2)Ron H.
First time here. Much better then the local EGV hot dog stand. Had a combo it was very good, could of been a little more juicy but I did not ask for that.
(4)Stephanie M.
Cobb salad was fabulous! Italian beef and sausage sandwich AMAZING. Highly recommend.
(5)N. M.
Working in the area, I enjoy Buona Beef once in a while for lunch. Their Beefs are great and have lots of flavor to them. The fries are nice and thick too. The personal pizzas are also very good and the atmosphere is very modern and pleasent. It doesn't take very long to get through the line, but it is hard to find a table sometimes as it's very busy at lunchtime.
(4)John D.
Food selections are great. Current spinach strawberry blueberry salad is perfect. Pair this with $5 pizza on Thursday and you have a great dinner with a soda for $11! Great deal and you'll be satisfied.
(4)Dave K.
I came here my first day of work with my team, and the food was quite delicious. It was a bit confusing at the start with the menus, but I see you walk with them (I'd think that was dangerous, but that's me) and then order at the front where the registers are -- where they have another menu for you to read. This particular day it was jam packed and yet our table of four got all of our orders (and right) in under 10 minutes. I'd go back, and recommend to others!
(4)Jennifer S.
Did you know that you can get your sandwich on a pretzel roll? It's my newest find a Buona Beef. A bad habit in the making. I had my most recent Italian beef sandwich on a really fresh pretzel roll. Wowza! Also, their wait times seem to be getting better. I know it's a chain (even though it's family owned), but it is still a top spot for a quick lunch if you're in the area.
(4)Nick M.
Nothing good to report unfortunately. I got their egg and pepper sandwich, there Friday special, and got FOOD POISONING!!!! I WAS UP ALL NIGHT PUKING! Stay away from this space it isn't sanitary! My order took place as of yesterday 3/7/14. Be aware! This was at lunch time. I am still sick a day later. Wtf is going on at this location???? Whatever it is things aren't being cooked correctly.
(1)Curtis L.
The location of this bouna is very near many office locations walking distance away. I will often drive to one of the other establishments in the area for food due to the quality price and service. I would expect at a much lower price point due to the quality of the food and speed of service. On a few occasions i ordered dinner for a small party from this location and paid over the phone. Upon arrival i was informed that they did not have the food i paid for in the store and requested i drive 20 minutes out of my way to pick it up. When i told the manager i was unwilling to drive 20 minutes out of my way and would like them to exchange the beef meal i was going to pick up for one of sausages he treated me like i was being unreasonable. After the experience I gave away the gift card to bouna rather than return. After an office visit today I feel justified in giving away my gift card as the food is over priced and unremarkable. The speed of the kitchen is slow and they will often make mistakes in your order. The only plus for this buisness is its location.
(2)Keith S.
This location is in the same lot as the Hyatt I was staying in. Never tried it so I gave it a shot for lunch. Was slightly confused when I walked in as to where to go/what to do. Figured it out quickly. Big menu. Multiple things looked good and I wasn't even that hungry, that's a good sign. Lunch rush was in full swing but the atmosphere was still nice. It was a bit loud but should be expected. Ordered a chicken artichoke panini. Chicken tasted like actual chicken. Good, distinguishable flavors. Bread was good and grilled right. Service was quick and friendly. Wouldn't hesitate to try more.
(4)D C.
I used to like this place but it's run by children. I ordered a burger no cheese, it came with cheese, they scraped it off and brought it back, the burger was cold. The replacement burger was cold and they brought my fries after I'd eaten everything else. I'm done with them.
(1)Joe I.
Italian beef, with cheese, hot and sweet peppers, order of fries and a pop. Oh, and don't forget the extra grease. Awesome!
(4)Chris D.
I wish Buona would stop changing its menu. It has become less vegetarian friendly. How about offering beans instead of meat as a salad offering? Several weeks ago, I ordered online a family pack of beef sandwiches for my parents. The order was supposed to include bread, but did not. I contacted the company and was promised a coupon. While it did take a while to receive a response, the company did follow up to my complaint about not receiving it. The canoli is wonderful, and I am thrilled that gluten-free bread is now an option.
(4)Mitchell I.
This place is fine. I was lazy and did not want drive to Potrtillo's. I was a little concerned when I ordered an Itaian Beef on garlic bread and I overheard the kitchen tell the manager that did not know how to make one. Not bad, could be better. Sandwich was ok.
(3)Trina J.
This place always serves food hot and consistently good tasting. It is always busy. My favorite choices are the Supremo pizza or the italian beef with hots. I love their Italian Meatball soup and the brownies! Plan to spend $10, but is pretty good stuff.
(4)Dinah T.
This is my Buona Beef location for lunch cause it's close to my office. You can dine in, take out, or drive through. I usually dine in. The set up is kind of different form what I'm use to in a typical sandwich/pizza place. If you haven't been here before (I'm not sure if it's the same layout like the other locations), in the front of the entrance you pick up a menu and walk through the left side of the room where the open kitchen is located. There, you can see the staff making food like a pizza station, salad, and sandwiches. During lunchtime, sometimes they display what the popular meals looks like. My friend and I use our Entertainment booklet coupons of buy 1 salad/pizza with a drink and a side and get 1 salad/pizza for free. So our meal split comes to $6 bucks each not bad cause it does get pricey like a $10 lunch. I figured it's because of the quality of the food, they make it fresh for you, and your dinning experience sitting it their nice marbled tables and dark wood chairs and real utensil. I would compare it like Panera Breads. Finally you place your order (where the heck to you place this huge menu that you've been carrying now?). They give you a number for your order and you find a table and sit and wait (kind of like Pompeii restaurant). The station where you get your fountain drinks and utensils is oddly positioned. It doesn't really flow well in the room, especially with the huge lunch crowd, it sucks! I wish it was more open not bunched up in a corner of the room. And the seating arrangements, they have too many tables too close to each other in the main dinning area. If you're lucky, sit in the semi private area on the far left side of the room or if it's nice outside, eat out in the patio during lunchtime. Unless you don't mind joining another tables conversation and it doesn't get pretty loud so you'll be shouting at your companion whose sitting right next to you. Maybe they're better off setting up these 4 chaired tables together into community tables or get smaller tables or get rid of a few of them. Give me some breathing room please! As for the food, it's ok. I've tried their buffalo chicken salad, chopped salad, BBQ chicken pizza, Margarita pizza, fries, soups, chili. They are all pretty good, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come back for any special item on their menu. They do have folks clean off your table pretty quick for you so that's a plus. I would come here once in awhile when I have a coupon for lunch or I got out voted from my coworkers on where to eat. As for dinner, there's other places I'd rather go but I bet there's plenty of room and it would be a much quieter experience when you dine in.
(3)Bob R.
Buona has several locations around Chicago. Luckily, I have one right next to my office so it is a fall-back when I don't bring my lunch. Lunchtime at Buona can be really crowded and loud. But, there are lots of tables (all close together), so I've never not been able to get a seat. If you've not been to a Buona, it is a similar style to other larger Burger joints, but has a wider selection. Their burgers are pretty good, and I like burgers a lot. But, they also have hot dogs, pizza, Italian Beef, salads, sausage and peppers - typical Chicago fare. Price-wise, they are a little at the high end for a burger joint. But, they just put an app up on the iStore that works like a restaurant punch card. You scan a graphic when you pay, and it counts your meals. After 10 (I think), you get one free.
(3)Emily I.
So incredibly SHOCKED when I came here. I expected a very unfriendly vegetarian place but they had SO many options!! Plus gluten free options- from pizza crusts to pitas. The homemade chips are amazing and the salads were so fresh. Like I said, shocked to see this in your typical Chicago Italian beef place! Go there!
(5)John D.
Good tasty food although took a long time for simple takeout food.
(4)Odranre B.
good food...plenty of parking...this location seems to attract senior citizens...
(3)Alma C.
Consistent fast food option. I happen to like their well-seasoned dipped beefs and pizza vendura better than most other fast food options in the 'burbs.
(3)frank K.
Wanted to give everyone a heads up on getting the beef sandwiches with tubs of beef sauce to go for parties and get togethers.... Great idea and has become a family tradition for our family get togethers. Yummy.
(3)Catherine P.
I love beef sandwiches, salads and fries. If this could be my every day diet, I would have it that way. Buona Beef is expensive, bottom line. I eat out at restaurants a lot and never do I say "Let's go to Buona Beef". Its pretty good food, there is no question, but when I'm spending $10 on lunch, I expect a decent amount of food for the money and it's just not there. They are always busy at lunch (also slowing down the service), and I'm not quite sure why, other than good placement of the facility in a business park or area where there is minimal competition. I would much rather grab a sandwich at Portillo's or even my local pizza place. Worth a try, but you won't be running back.
(2)Ron W.
I come here for lunch about once or twice a month mostly for the small Supreme pizza. I sometimes go for the burgers here and yes I know that is not the norm, but I like the burgers here as well. I also like the salads here. A lot of my co-workers like the beef sandwiches here as well but I am not really a beef sandwich sort of guy. Funny part is I am not a pizza guy either but I like the individual pizzas here. The crust is not a normal pizza crust but is thin and very crunchy. I tend to like that. Overall the food it always fresh and I have never had I bad meal here. I will continue coming back every month!
(4)Ron S.
I have always liked Buona Beef sandwiches and fries. I think they are second to Johnnie's. Today, I tried a sausage solo pizza which was actually pretty decent. Hot from the oven in about 7 minutes, it cost me just under $10 with a medium drink. It didn't blow my doors off but it was a solid meal.
(3)Saham H.
Great place, cool servers, nice chicken panninis, great buffalo chicken sandwich but the fries were just alright 4.5.
(5)Scott J.
Roast beef is pretty tasty but the bread they use can't hold up to the gravy so it falls apart really quick, I had to eat mine with knife and fork, much better places to go, I won't be rushing back there.
(2)John L.
I love Italian beef. Even this fast food type Italian beef is better than most food. Not the best dining area, but who cares as long as you get some pretty darn good Italian beef.
(4)shizuku n.
It's better than McDonalds but worse than fine dinning. I feel like it's missing a little bit of a tint of something. They say their Beef is great but the Beef was okay. Not amazing. Their thin crust pizza is okay . . . feel a little over priced when I can get pizza so much cheaper at different places. It's local and okay enough to go there again but that's really all for me.
(2)Beth G.
Seriously? I do not get the hype about Buona at all. I think the only reason the line is out the door at lunch time is the limited availability of local fast food in proportion to the office buildings surrounding it. Portions are small, prices are high. The amount of food in their Chicken Artichoke sandwich is laughable. I had to send mine back asking for the rest of it. Their thin crust pizza isn't really that good, and they should warn idiots like me when a variety doesn't come with pizza sauce on it. Idiots like me are used to pizza with sauce on it. Their burgers are just okay, nothing spectacular at all. Don't bother calling or faxing in your order, as it will sit there ignored like you will be, while the cashiers tend to the wait line instead. Your smart thinking by ordering ahead is wasted here, trust me. And don't get me started about the long, thick hair in my cheddar broccoli soup. I had nightmares for weeks.
(2)Jim L.
Beth is generous. The beef is dry and sits in a watery "gravy" pan. Was the bun even four inches long? I thought, well, I've got a coupon!! Ah, two for the price of one.....but the fine print requires that the ONE be a COMPLETE - which includes expensive sides AND overpriced drink. So - two, tiny, hard-to-chew beefs, meat hidden inside tough cold buns dipped in beef flavored water, a dab of coleslaw(?) and some cold beans for under 8 bucks after waiting in line with the other suckers.... I was still hungry but didn't feel like eating anything anymore ever.
(1)Scott M.
Buona beef has some good food, I'll give them that; like their Pesto salad and their tuna sandwich are very good. I also enjoy their personal pizza selections, their prosciutto and Alfredo is actually my favorite. The service is acceptable, the cashiers are always very friendly but the wait staff cannot be bothered to manage a smile or engage their customers. Most won't even look at you. One gentlemen barely issued a grunt when I expressed my thanks for my order. The managers, however, are usually very nice and processional . I agree with the other reviewers that the sides are over-priced for what's included. The soups are actually pretty good but I can tell that they're loaded with salt and the fries aren't worth the calories, let alone the money. Now, on to the beef, hence the name. I don't their beef is bad or good it's merely okay, I usually get cheese on it and peppers then it's actually pretty good ;). In contrast, Portillos has the most amazing beef sandwich I've already had. A really good beef sandwich would be offended if someone overloaded it with cheese or peppers; like a good steak, you shouldn't need condoments (A1 Sauce). Lastly, this particular location is wayyyy over crowded for the quality of food! There's very rarely seating available and I've not been able to call in an order on the occasions I've tried; the phone just rings. So I usually don't bother, not worth my business most days, but like one of the other reviewers said, at least I get a $2 coupon!
(3)rob v.
Oh man, get the chicken artichoke sandwich. It's in the top 5 for best grilled sandwiches I have the pleasure of digesting. This place can be quite expensive, but this sandwich is worth every penny. The individual pan pizza's are great too. Add some cheese fries and your good to go! One thing that gets me is their coupons they give out for purchases. They expire within a week. Bouna Beef may be good, but twice a week is pushing it.
(5)