DELICIOUS! I got the buffalo chicken and although it was REALLY messy it was still so good! I've also had their Italian beef and it was easily the best I've ever had.
(5)
Kari T.
Service started off shaky- we stood at the counter for about ten minutes while no one appeared. Huge line behind me and finally an employee came and started taking orders. Loved the Skip the Gym options. I had the Tuna Genovese and it was amazing! Really flavorful and light. Great prices and after the order was taken; the food arrived quickly.
(4)
JP P.
I'm fed-up with "Buona Beef" reviews comparing every sandwich with Portillo's. The common denominator is that both skimp on the actual portion of beef...period! Some days are better than others. We just want our money's worth! The beef flavor and texture are always comparable...it's the juice that counts! It just depends what you like. I like the robust herb juice flavor that willingly supports the beef. I like the charred sweet peppers and crusty fresh bread that brings it all together. And most of all, I like the fact that the service attendants don't act like robots on a assembly line... Who's comparing?
(4)
Linda A.
This place unique and affordable! Buona offers skip-the-gym options. I came in and tried the Tuna Genovese, the order was ready in minutes. The cleanliness is admirable, there was at least two staff members cleaning while I was eating. Overall, a great experience for a fast food establishment.
(4)
Silk W.
I really enjoy Buona Beef's menu. The solo pizzas are awesome. The beefs have great flavor. I love the giardenera The caesar dressing is awesome. The turkey panini is fiyya. Excellent menu. Great beefs. Portillos still best, but they are def awesome. Mmmmm Love Buona.
(4)
Angus W.
B.E.E.F it's what's for dinner! Growing up on great Italian beef in every nook and cranny of Chicago.. all I can say about the beefs themselves from Buona is that they are "sorta buona". They are ok, not as good as Portillo's (which are overrated, but tasty) but reliable and satisfying. Their fries are hit and miss mediocre. This day my french fries were not hot and tasted old, I was driving away with my hand in the bag when I discovered this... On a good day they are ok fries. I stop at this shop because it's convenient to work and home and I don't generally have to deal with crowds. One of the things that I really like about Buona is that they post their nutritional info online, a beef is not so bad if you are counting calories and need a splurge. I'm currently in the non-calorie counting continuous splurge mode... which will then lead back to my appreciation of the nutritional information being available. Just saying.
(3)
Jeff N.
Tuesday night 8:30 pm Food -2.5- Meatball sandwich was very good Bud was cold and chilled glass Pinot was good Rustica pizza was absolutely horrible- the crust was so hard and the whole thing was incredibly dry. The menu says baked in less than 5 minutes. I would have preferred to wait then to have a pre baked crust. Service -1- The manager waited on me. Not terribly friendly. He watched as I juggled a bottle of beer, A chilled glass, a glass of wine and a plastic number while trying to put away my credit card and receipt. I asked for a tray but maybe he didn't hear me? Decor and cleanliness - 4 -the remodel is very nice. The staff was busy cleaning. The current marketing is offensive. Graduation catering: Something like "you can't eat a diploma" I'm not sure what the thought was? Spend your money here instead of going to school? Work here instead? If you have to explain it ,it probably should be avoided.
(2)
Heather P.
I used my credit today and I must say that I'm now a fan!!! My lunch was fantastic and exactly the way I ordered it:)
(5)
Ben S.
A good beef sandwich. Big flavors in both the meat and the sweet peppers. Couldn't verify the ingredients in the gardinara so I left it alone. Everything was fresh and delicious but didn't quite measure up to Portillo's. There was a little less meat and a slightly smaller portion of sweet peppers. Other than that, I can't really put my finger on the differences but suspect that the impression of inferiority is likely driven by the flavor profile being a little more subdued. As a side note, the Buona brownie was nowhere compared to the Portillo's chocolate cake. That alone actually made me regret my choice but geography had a lot to do with the decision. One thing about native Chicagoans and beef sandwiches is that we all have our favorites but the others will usually do in a pinch. I supposed that sums up my experience with Buona...
(4)
Ron K.
I'm a huge Italian Beef fan. I can't find a decent beef where I live. So when I come to visit whether flying or driving like this time. Their Italian Beef is worth traveling the 1000 miles for
(5)
Don K.
Had the chicken parm sandwich and their home made parm chips. It was excellent. Their beef sandwiches are always good but I think their chicken sandwiches are also very good.
(4)
Steve S.
I really wish they had one closer to home. The food is great and the staff takes pride in their service!
(4)
Ree L.
I was really impressed by the tasting we had today with Gina. She came out to our location and everything was set up nicely and the food was delicious. The spread included beef of course, wraps of which the black bean and roasted veggie were my fav, others in the group liked the buffalo chix, gourmet sliders, the beef tenderloin slider is a must, Gnocchi and rice pilaf were good and the chix piccata was delicious. So much more to mention but thats the gist of it. Dessert included ghirardelli brownies, lemon squares and gourmet cookies. Not sure if all of these items are on their regular menu, this is more for catering. Great for a party and the prices are reasonable.
(5)
Kara Z.
Though I like how large this restaurant is and it was clean, I was pretty disappointed in my sesame ginger salad. It was drowning in dressing and I felt like I could barely eat most of it. The chicken on top tasted good (I think they put the dressing on before the chicken) but everything else was drenched in too much dressing. I'm sure some people love it like that but in the future I will ask for much less dressing or it on the side. They still have a good selection here, including pizzas, and helpful menus.
(3)
Sanford R.
I am a big fan of Buona Beef and have been for many years! I love both the Italian beef sandwich and the burger, so I don't venture into their menu beyond that, because that more than satisfies me. I am also pleased that the prices here are pretty reasonable. It's a nice place to eat and when I lived in Illinois I ate here all the time! I miss Buona Beef and can't wait until the next time I get to visit!
(5)
Thomas T.
This place is the bomb. Not the best Italian beef around, but I mean it's pretty good for the price you pay. I don't suggest getting the lunch special, if you do the math, you get less food for a dollar more. How that makes sense? No clue. Good staff, friendly guy that asked if we had menu questions and if we needed anything after we got our food. Stay their long enough and they'll even offer to throw away your food for you. Cashier didn't know what she was doing though. You can dine outside which is definitely nice, especially in this messed up Illinois weather we have. I got the Italian beef and I still believe that it is an outrage that they charge you 40 cents for peppers and cheese. Like that's just crazy. Really delicious though.
(4)
Lyndsay K.
The naked combo was delicious! Italian beef *and* sausage with no bread - perfect! I only wish we'd found this place before Thursday. I definitely would have gone back before leaving the area. Only thing that would be better is if they'd open a location in Atlanta, but I did find out that they ship. I have a feeling I'll be ordering soon!
(4)
Preferred C.
We received some coupons for Buona Beef in the mail. I was not a fan of their's on previous visits, not because there was anything wrong, but, nothing wowed me. Today we stopped in for lunch and ordered the burgers. They were absolutely delicious! Juicy, meaty, nice amount of toppings, & the fries were hot. The restaurant was very busy, very clean and everyone was so nice. We will definately make this a burger destination.
(4)
Susan R.
..... I use to be a fan, but not any more. Their food taste great, but i always go to the drive-thru, and when you get the wrong food, or not as described, or they forget to pack all items of your order, or they screw a special request (after repeating it to you correctly) .... and most of the time you dont realize these issues until you get home/back to work/to your picnic..... well you get the point, I'm tired of giving them 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 15th chances !!! One of my biggest pet peeves is the misleading change to their menu. Actually it is FALSE ADVERTISING !! I use to go here a couple time a week & always ordered Polo Pomodoro or the Chicken Artichoke successfully. Great bread, veggies & yummy thick slices of grilled chicken breast. Sounds great, right ?? It was until they started substituting deli-style slices of chicken breast - without informing the customer !! It is false advertising because their drive-up menu board, in store menu boards, and website all DESCRIBE & show a PICTURE of said sandwich with the THICK CUT SLICED grilled chicken breast. So that is what I am ordering & EXPECTING !! I have even called the Manager & he said "sorry" but it's a temporary change & didnt really care when i explained that the taste is different as is the texture & I would have no complaint if i was informed so I could choose a different item. He said I could come back to get something else (on my dime) but i said No because i was already sitting @ a park 15 mins. away. After the 1st problem with the change I called ahead & was told it was back to the original chicken breast. Nope,... after i drove 7 miles specifically for the sandwiches, i confirmed when ordering, think all is great, then get 2 sandwiches with DELI SLICED chicken !! I give up !!
(2)
Josh N.
This place is good. Shared a Buona Beef and the Quattro Formaggi pizza. Both were outstanding. Will definitely be back.
(4)
John D.
The Beef debate continues. Who has the best? I won't say who I think is but I'll put together a list and you can decide for yourselves. Again, like my Portillo's review, this is aimed towards out of towners and those new to the area. Some refreshers from a prior post- some lingo that may help you: DRY: Very little gravy WET: We splash a bit of gravy on the sandwich JUICY: sandwich dipped in gravy (sometimes not fully submerged). Combo: Italian Beef & Sausage I could almost cut & paste my Portillo's review here & for the most part, it would stick. Here are some key differences between the two: 1. Hot Giadinera doesn't have the same bite but still a nice flavor, favoring olive versus peppers. It's STILL very good. There is a mild giadinera 2. Buona has 3 options of beef's to choose from: Piccolo (5 inch), Original (7 inch), & Maggiore (9 inch). 3. I hope I'm putting this right but Buona is almost like a very good Italian deli. They now (and have for some time) served pizza (thin crust, closer to neopolitan-style (go with the 4 cheese & add sausage or buy the supremo & call it a day). 4. They serve hot & cold sandwiches (roast beef served on a pretzel role is very good). Ever tried their Parmesan Chips? Give them a try & see if you like them (I do. I wish they sold them in stores). 5. Where most places offer a jumbo dog, Buona does a double dog (2 smaller hot dogs in one bun). For me, that's a bit odd and I haven't liked it. They also have excellent burgers as well. They offer BBQ like Portillo's, but I don't go to either spot for BBQ. I have Buona's BBQ one and it was good. Very effecient location during lunch time. A good place to eat. I guess I should consider eating off the beef menu.
(5)
Shannon M.
I had never eaten at Buona Beef before, but after hearing good things from a couple of trusted friends recently, I stopped in for lunch after an appointment across the street. Even though it was technically past the lunch rush, the place was still busy. There were some menus laid out in the entry area when you walk in (ostensibly for catering, but they have most everything that's on the regular menu); if you're unfamiliar with Buona's offerings, it's a good idea to do your pondering here, as the menu board inside has no descriptions (though a few of the items are displayed freshly made for you to see...kind of like the plastic sushi concept, but, you know, not fake). I ordered the 5" Buona beef sandwich with mozzarella added (this is the smallest size; there are two larger options as well) with parmesan chips and a drink. This is one of those places where you order at the counter and they bring it to your table. You do get your own drink though, and the drink bar is unfortunately positioned at the end of the ordering counter, so there is some confusion with the patrons crowding to get their beverages and the staff trying to get out to bring the food. The Buona beef sandwich was okay, not the best Italian beef sandwich I've had by far, though I didn't expect it from a fast casual chain. The bread was fresh, the mozzarella was shredded rather than fresh type and didn't melt very well, just becoming globby, and the beef was tasty if not terribly plentiful. The parmesan chips were outstanding: kettle-style chips covered with pepper, herbs and powdered parmesan (there's a shaker at your table if you're like me and want to load on more). I rounded out the meal with a cup of the chocolate-hazelnut gelato, which had a nice flavor but leaned a bit towards iciness in texture. You're do better by going a couple of blocks west on Ogden to Gelati or Gelato Dream for your Italian ice cream fix. Buona has a nice dining room as well as a screened-in outdoor seating area, which I took advantage of while the weather was still nice! All told, Buona is a good lunch option. Ciao bella!
(3)
Pat E.
I have gotten this twice. First time, I got a beef and sausage combo...YUM! Second time, I got the Pollo Pomodoro, which was good, but not as good as the beef. It is Buona Beef, not chicken!
(4)
Crystal L.
If for some reason my last meal request could not be met with Portillo's, Buona Beef would be my second choice for a beef sandwich. The beef here actually has more flavor than at Portillo's but less greasy and there is a larger sandwich selection. However, the salads here are not as good.
(4)
Denise M.
Buona is the home of the best hamburger I have ever eaten. The bun is always perfectly toasted and the patty is nice and juicy. Comes with all the regular toppings, cheese and bacon are extra. It's drippingly greasy, which is probably why it tastes so good. I get cravings sometimes, despite knowing how unhealthy it must be. You owe it to yourself to try this burger. All that aside, every time I've been here the service is great, cashiers and people who bring you your food have always been friendly and smiley. Food can be hit or miss; like I said, the burger's to die for, I've had the ham and brie on a pretzel bun which wasn't great, their beef is just OK (was a little dry, if I remember correctly), but their fresh potato chips are yummy, and the blueberry verde salad is delish. They also do a good caesar salad.
(4)
mike l.
3.5 stars. A solid 3.5 Beef sandwich was nice, albeit SWIMMING in grease. But, i guess that's the appeal of getting a beef sandwich. Their specialty sandwiches were nice too. I like how they've got samples in the display case, cuts back on all that unnecessary menu reading.
(3)
Howard L.
Good reliable place for Italian beef sandwich. You know what you're expecting and you get it here. They have 5", 7" and 9" sandwiches for which I didn't recall as many choices from previous visits.
(4)
Jessica T.
Everything I've tried here is good-- Salads, sandwiches, burgers, and best of all, the BEEF! It has a menu that caters to all (vegetarian, health-conscious, etc), not just the greasy stuff. Every time I eat here, whether it be dine-in with friends, or solo via the drive-thru, I am always satisfied!
(5)
Erik H.
I would call this upscale fast food. You get hot dogs, Italian Beef and sandwiches in minutes, and can complement it with with wine and gelato. That's pretty cool. The quality of the food is quite high as well; I'd normally go to Portillo's for a hot dog or beef, but if I want to feel a bit classier about it all I'll come to Buona Beef.
(4)
Gyan S.
Excellent foods. Tried veggie panini and Parmesan chips for lunch. Good for vegetarians like me.
(5)
K D.
My favorite Italian Beef of all. I used to go to the original Berwyn location all the time. They get their bread from the Turano baking company down the street from there. But the Naperville one has it's advantages such as the expanded menu, drink fountain, and dessert area. The Italian beef has that special combination of their seasoned au jus, homemade giadinera (hot peppers), and the Turano bread that is addicting. Buona's is one of the few places around that I can count on for hot french fries that haven't been sitting under a heating lamp, in combination with the Beef sandwich is all sublime.
(5)
Jon M.
As a huge fan of Italian beef, I can tell you you will get something truly different here. A friend took me to this place for the first time the other day, and I was impressed. There is a hint of brown sugar in the meat that is very tastey.
(4)
Ellen M.
I don't know what it is with these once-in-a-blue-moon beef cravings I get, but the other night I started jonesing for some. My awesome dude of a spouse grabbed me the beef sandwich on his way home and it did the trick. I prefer Portillo's or Papa G.'s, but this was also nice and tender. Pretty juicy. The bread was nice and smushy at each end. Yum. Fries were nothing special (are they ever?) - skip 'em.
(3)
Patrick W.
I frequent a different Buona Beef location, but this one seems pretty good too. I tried their ribs, which really weren't anything special. They were pretty meaty and tender, but the sauce could have been better. The rib dinner comes with a very good side salad and a generously sized piece of focaccia garlic bread. The restaurant has a modern feel and is very nicely decorated- you can get all your favorites from the old school hot dog stands in a much nicer atmosphere. Odd story- I'd ordered my dinner, picked a table, sat down... two very wild 3 or so year old girls come running back near where I was sitting and begin running back and forth on the long bench-type seat where I was. Grandpa comes over and tells one of them to stop and how they've discussed that before. He turns and goes back to the counter and they started right up again. Grandma comes back with the spawns of hell and tells me, "You don't want to sit here, trust me." I said, "Huh?" She says it again. I considered reminding her that I'd been sitting there and don't see why I should have to move. As one of the girls screamed and pulled something down on the other side of the restaurant, I figured she had her hands full as it is, said, "Thanks, I'll take your word for it" picked up my things and moved to the other side of the restaurant. As I did so, grandma said to one of the girls "That man has to move because he wants to enjoy a quiet dinner and you and your sister are too wild." I'm sure that resonated well with the 3 year old. Anyway, based on the screaming, falling furniture, etc. that I heard from that corner of the restaurant, I learned my lesson: if someone with children advises that you move, just do it. Do not ask questions, do not pass go, do not collect $200, just go.
(4)
Nelson S.
It's really a 3.5 star rating. I've been wanting to try this place out for a while and finally go the chance. I got the small Italian beef with cheese fries. The beef was good but I still like Portillo's better and the fries were very good. It was a thicker cut fry and what made the difference was that I got it fresh out the fryer, so it was hot & crispy. The prices here are very reasonable, I thought it was going to be a lot more. If I come back, I will probably try one their sandwiches instead of the beef.
(3)
Caroline B.
Yummy yummy. Not something that I could eat all of the time, but an Italian beef with hot peppers sure does hit the spot for a quick comfort lunch. The pepper and egg sandwiches and hot dogs are great also.
(4)
Tony K.
Best hot dogs in the burbs. Nice people too. A tad pricey? Maybe. I had their other stuff. Also very good. But those dogs are just great. If the hot dog was a woman, I would marry it.
(4)
Greg S.
Chicken artichoke panini - best thing on menu. Home made chips are good. Shakes are notable
(5)
Michelle I.
WoW, YUM!! I had a great lunch here today! I had to stop and get some food on my way to the Premium Outlets in Aurora and had my choice of McDonald's or Buona Beef- well gee who won!? Well I was very impressed my chicken artichoke panini which was sliced, marinated, roasted chicken breast, artichoke hearts, provolone, roasted red peppers & pesto sauce. And I got Parmesan Chips on the side. Great lunch, great price. For $10 was pleasantly surprised! And my chicken artichoke panini will be a favorite if mine! It was just perfect! And the chips were very light and flavorful. Again- YUM!!
(5)
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Address :1588 Naperville Wheaton Rd
Naperville, IL, 60563
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
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Rebecca M.
DELICIOUS! I got the buffalo chicken and although it was REALLY messy it was still so good! I've also had their Italian beef and it was easily the best I've ever had.
(5)Kari T.
Service started off shaky- we stood at the counter for about ten minutes while no one appeared. Huge line behind me and finally an employee came and started taking orders. Loved the Skip the Gym options. I had the Tuna Genovese and it was amazing! Really flavorful and light. Great prices and after the order was taken; the food arrived quickly.
(4)JP P.
I'm fed-up with "Buona Beef" reviews comparing every sandwich with Portillo's. The common denominator is that both skimp on the actual portion of beef...period! Some days are better than others. We just want our money's worth! The beef flavor and texture are always comparable...it's the juice that counts! It just depends what you like. I like the robust herb juice flavor that willingly supports the beef. I like the charred sweet peppers and crusty fresh bread that brings it all together. And most of all, I like the fact that the service attendants don't act like robots on a assembly line... Who's comparing?
(4)Linda A.
This place unique and affordable! Buona offers skip-the-gym options. I came in and tried the Tuna Genovese, the order was ready in minutes. The cleanliness is admirable, there was at least two staff members cleaning while I was eating. Overall, a great experience for a fast food establishment.
(4)Silk W.
I really enjoy Buona Beef's menu. The solo pizzas are awesome. The beefs have great flavor. I love the giardenera The caesar dressing is awesome. The turkey panini is fiyya. Excellent menu. Great beefs. Portillos still best, but they are def awesome. Mmmmm Love Buona.
(4)Angus W.
B.E.E.F it's what's for dinner! Growing up on great Italian beef in every nook and cranny of Chicago.. all I can say about the beefs themselves from Buona is that they are "sorta buona". They are ok, not as good as Portillo's (which are overrated, but tasty) but reliable and satisfying. Their fries are hit and miss mediocre. This day my french fries were not hot and tasted old, I was driving away with my hand in the bag when I discovered this... On a good day they are ok fries. I stop at this shop because it's convenient to work and home and I don't generally have to deal with crowds. One of the things that I really like about Buona is that they post their nutritional info online, a beef is not so bad if you are counting calories and need a splurge. I'm currently in the non-calorie counting continuous splurge mode... which will then lead back to my appreciation of the nutritional information being available. Just saying.
(3)Jeff N.
Tuesday night 8:30 pm Food -2.5- Meatball sandwich was very good Bud was cold and chilled glass Pinot was good Rustica pizza was absolutely horrible- the crust was so hard and the whole thing was incredibly dry. The menu says baked in less than 5 minutes. I would have preferred to wait then to have a pre baked crust. Service -1- The manager waited on me. Not terribly friendly. He watched as I juggled a bottle of beer, A chilled glass, a glass of wine and a plastic number while trying to put away my credit card and receipt. I asked for a tray but maybe he didn't hear me? Decor and cleanliness - 4 -the remodel is very nice. The staff was busy cleaning. The current marketing is offensive. Graduation catering: Something like "you can't eat a diploma" I'm not sure what the thought was? Spend your money here instead of going to school? Work here instead? If you have to explain it ,it probably should be avoided.
(2)Heather P.
I used my credit today and I must say that I'm now a fan!!! My lunch was fantastic and exactly the way I ordered it:)
(5)Ben S.
A good beef sandwich. Big flavors in both the meat and the sweet peppers. Couldn't verify the ingredients in the gardinara so I left it alone. Everything was fresh and delicious but didn't quite measure up to Portillo's. There was a little less meat and a slightly smaller portion of sweet peppers. Other than that, I can't really put my finger on the differences but suspect that the impression of inferiority is likely driven by the flavor profile being a little more subdued. As a side note, the Buona brownie was nowhere compared to the Portillo's chocolate cake. That alone actually made me regret my choice but geography had a lot to do with the decision. One thing about native Chicagoans and beef sandwiches is that we all have our favorites but the others will usually do in a pinch. I supposed that sums up my experience with Buona...
(4)Ron K.
I'm a huge Italian Beef fan. I can't find a decent beef where I live. So when I come to visit whether flying or driving like this time. Their Italian Beef is worth traveling the 1000 miles for
(5)Don K.
Had the chicken parm sandwich and their home made parm chips. It was excellent. Their beef sandwiches are always good but I think their chicken sandwiches are also very good.
(4)Steve S.
I really wish they had one closer to home. The food is great and the staff takes pride in their service!
(4)Ree L.
I was really impressed by the tasting we had today with Gina. She came out to our location and everything was set up nicely and the food was delicious. The spread included beef of course, wraps of which the black bean and roasted veggie were my fav, others in the group liked the buffalo chix, gourmet sliders, the beef tenderloin slider is a must, Gnocchi and rice pilaf were good and the chix piccata was delicious. So much more to mention but thats the gist of it. Dessert included ghirardelli brownies, lemon squares and gourmet cookies. Not sure if all of these items are on their regular menu, this is more for catering. Great for a party and the prices are reasonable.
(5)Kara Z.
Though I like how large this restaurant is and it was clean, I was pretty disappointed in my sesame ginger salad. It was drowning in dressing and I felt like I could barely eat most of it. The chicken on top tasted good (I think they put the dressing on before the chicken) but everything else was drenched in too much dressing. I'm sure some people love it like that but in the future I will ask for much less dressing or it on the side. They still have a good selection here, including pizzas, and helpful menus.
(3)Sanford R.
I am a big fan of Buona Beef and have been for many years! I love both the Italian beef sandwich and the burger, so I don't venture into their menu beyond that, because that more than satisfies me. I am also pleased that the prices here are pretty reasonable. It's a nice place to eat and when I lived in Illinois I ate here all the time! I miss Buona Beef and can't wait until the next time I get to visit!
(5)Thomas T.
This place is the bomb. Not the best Italian beef around, but I mean it's pretty good for the price you pay. I don't suggest getting the lunch special, if you do the math, you get less food for a dollar more. How that makes sense? No clue. Good staff, friendly guy that asked if we had menu questions and if we needed anything after we got our food. Stay their long enough and they'll even offer to throw away your food for you. Cashier didn't know what she was doing though. You can dine outside which is definitely nice, especially in this messed up Illinois weather we have. I got the Italian beef and I still believe that it is an outrage that they charge you 40 cents for peppers and cheese. Like that's just crazy. Really delicious though.
(4)Lyndsay K.
The naked combo was delicious! Italian beef *and* sausage with no bread - perfect! I only wish we'd found this place before Thursday. I definitely would have gone back before leaving the area. Only thing that would be better is if they'd open a location in Atlanta, but I did find out that they ship. I have a feeling I'll be ordering soon!
(4)Preferred C.
We received some coupons for Buona Beef in the mail. I was not a fan of their's on previous visits, not because there was anything wrong, but, nothing wowed me. Today we stopped in for lunch and ordered the burgers. They were absolutely delicious! Juicy, meaty, nice amount of toppings, & the fries were hot. The restaurant was very busy, very clean and everyone was so nice. We will definately make this a burger destination.
(4)Susan R.
..... I use to be a fan, but not any more. Their food taste great, but i always go to the drive-thru, and when you get the wrong food, or not as described, or they forget to pack all items of your order, or they screw a special request (after repeating it to you correctly) .... and most of the time you dont realize these issues until you get home/back to work/to your picnic..... well you get the point, I'm tired of giving them 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 15th chances !!! One of my biggest pet peeves is the misleading change to their menu. Actually it is FALSE ADVERTISING !! I use to go here a couple time a week & always ordered Polo Pomodoro or the Chicken Artichoke successfully. Great bread, veggies & yummy thick slices of grilled chicken breast. Sounds great, right ?? It was until they started substituting deli-style slices of chicken breast - without informing the customer !! It is false advertising because their drive-up menu board, in store menu boards, and website all DESCRIBE & show a PICTURE of said sandwich with the THICK CUT SLICED grilled chicken breast. So that is what I am ordering & EXPECTING !! I have even called the Manager & he said "sorry" but it's a temporary change & didnt really care when i explained that the taste is different as is the texture & I would have no complaint if i was informed so I could choose a different item. He said I could come back to get something else (on my dime) but i said No because i was already sitting @ a park 15 mins. away. After the 1st problem with the change I called ahead & was told it was back to the original chicken breast. Nope,... after i drove 7 miles specifically for the sandwiches, i confirmed when ordering, think all is great, then get 2 sandwiches with DELI SLICED chicken !! I give up !!
(2)Josh N.
This place is good. Shared a Buona Beef and the Quattro Formaggi pizza. Both were outstanding. Will definitely be back.
(4)John D.
The Beef debate continues. Who has the best? I won't say who I think is but I'll put together a list and you can decide for yourselves. Again, like my Portillo's review, this is aimed towards out of towners and those new to the area. Some refreshers from a prior post- some lingo that may help you: DRY: Very little gravy WET: We splash a bit of gravy on the sandwich JUICY: sandwich dipped in gravy (sometimes not fully submerged). Combo: Italian Beef & Sausage I could almost cut & paste my Portillo's review here & for the most part, it would stick. Here are some key differences between the two: 1. Hot Giadinera doesn't have the same bite but still a nice flavor, favoring olive versus peppers. It's STILL very good. There is a mild giadinera 2. Buona has 3 options of beef's to choose from: Piccolo (5 inch), Original (7 inch), & Maggiore (9 inch). 3. I hope I'm putting this right but Buona is almost like a very good Italian deli. They now (and have for some time) served pizza (thin crust, closer to neopolitan-style (go with the 4 cheese & add sausage or buy the supremo & call it a day). 4. They serve hot & cold sandwiches (roast beef served on a pretzel role is very good). Ever tried their Parmesan Chips? Give them a try & see if you like them (I do. I wish they sold them in stores). 5. Where most places offer a jumbo dog, Buona does a double dog (2 smaller hot dogs in one bun). For me, that's a bit odd and I haven't liked it. They also have excellent burgers as well. They offer BBQ like Portillo's, but I don't go to either spot for BBQ. I have Buona's BBQ one and it was good. Very effecient location during lunch time. A good place to eat. I guess I should consider eating off the beef menu.
(5)Shannon M.
I had never eaten at Buona Beef before, but after hearing good things from a couple of trusted friends recently, I stopped in for lunch after an appointment across the street. Even though it was technically past the lunch rush, the place was still busy. There were some menus laid out in the entry area when you walk in (ostensibly for catering, but they have most everything that's on the regular menu); if you're unfamiliar with Buona's offerings, it's a good idea to do your pondering here, as the menu board inside has no descriptions (though a few of the items are displayed freshly made for you to see...kind of like the plastic sushi concept, but, you know, not fake). I ordered the 5" Buona beef sandwich with mozzarella added (this is the smallest size; there are two larger options as well) with parmesan chips and a drink. This is one of those places where you order at the counter and they bring it to your table. You do get your own drink though, and the drink bar is unfortunately positioned at the end of the ordering counter, so there is some confusion with the patrons crowding to get their beverages and the staff trying to get out to bring the food. The Buona beef sandwich was okay, not the best Italian beef sandwich I've had by far, though I didn't expect it from a fast casual chain. The bread was fresh, the mozzarella was shredded rather than fresh type and didn't melt very well, just becoming globby, and the beef was tasty if not terribly plentiful. The parmesan chips were outstanding: kettle-style chips covered with pepper, herbs and powdered parmesan (there's a shaker at your table if you're like me and want to load on more). I rounded out the meal with a cup of the chocolate-hazelnut gelato, which had a nice flavor but leaned a bit towards iciness in texture. You're do better by going a couple of blocks west on Ogden to Gelati or Gelato Dream for your Italian ice cream fix. Buona has a nice dining room as well as a screened-in outdoor seating area, which I took advantage of while the weather was still nice! All told, Buona is a good lunch option. Ciao bella!
(3)Pat E.
I have gotten this twice. First time, I got a beef and sausage combo...YUM! Second time, I got the Pollo Pomodoro, which was good, but not as good as the beef. It is Buona Beef, not chicken!
(4)Crystal L.
If for some reason my last meal request could not be met with Portillo's, Buona Beef would be my second choice for a beef sandwich. The beef here actually has more flavor than at Portillo's but less greasy and there is a larger sandwich selection. However, the salads here are not as good.
(4)Denise M.
Buona is the home of the best hamburger I have ever eaten. The bun is always perfectly toasted and the patty is nice and juicy. Comes with all the regular toppings, cheese and bacon are extra. It's drippingly greasy, which is probably why it tastes so good. I get cravings sometimes, despite knowing how unhealthy it must be. You owe it to yourself to try this burger. All that aside, every time I've been here the service is great, cashiers and people who bring you your food have always been friendly and smiley. Food can be hit or miss; like I said, the burger's to die for, I've had the ham and brie on a pretzel bun which wasn't great, their beef is just OK (was a little dry, if I remember correctly), but their fresh potato chips are yummy, and the blueberry verde salad is delish. They also do a good caesar salad.
(4)mike l.
3.5 stars. A solid 3.5 Beef sandwich was nice, albeit SWIMMING in grease. But, i guess that's the appeal of getting a beef sandwich. Their specialty sandwiches were nice too. I like how they've got samples in the display case, cuts back on all that unnecessary menu reading.
(3)Howard L.
Good reliable place for Italian beef sandwich. You know what you're expecting and you get it here. They have 5", 7" and 9" sandwiches for which I didn't recall as many choices from previous visits.
(4)Jessica T.
Everything I've tried here is good-- Salads, sandwiches, burgers, and best of all, the BEEF! It has a menu that caters to all (vegetarian, health-conscious, etc), not just the greasy stuff. Every time I eat here, whether it be dine-in with friends, or solo via the drive-thru, I am always satisfied!
(5)Erik H.
I would call this upscale fast food. You get hot dogs, Italian Beef and sandwiches in minutes, and can complement it with with wine and gelato. That's pretty cool. The quality of the food is quite high as well; I'd normally go to Portillo's for a hot dog or beef, but if I want to feel a bit classier about it all I'll come to Buona Beef.
(4)Gyan S.
Excellent foods. Tried veggie panini and Parmesan chips for lunch. Good for vegetarians like me.
(5)K D.
My favorite Italian Beef of all. I used to go to the original Berwyn location all the time. They get their bread from the Turano baking company down the street from there. But the Naperville one has it's advantages such as the expanded menu, drink fountain, and dessert area. The Italian beef has that special combination of their seasoned au jus, homemade giadinera (hot peppers), and the Turano bread that is addicting. Buona's is one of the few places around that I can count on for hot french fries that haven't been sitting under a heating lamp, in combination with the Beef sandwich is all sublime.
(5)Jon M.
As a huge fan of Italian beef, I can tell you you will get something truly different here. A friend took me to this place for the first time the other day, and I was impressed. There is a hint of brown sugar in the meat that is very tastey.
(4)Ellen M.
I don't know what it is with these once-in-a-blue-moon beef cravings I get, but the other night I started jonesing for some. My awesome dude of a spouse grabbed me the beef sandwich on his way home and it did the trick. I prefer Portillo's or Papa G.'s, but this was also nice and tender. Pretty juicy. The bread was nice and smushy at each end. Yum. Fries were nothing special (are they ever?) - skip 'em.
(3)Patrick W.
I frequent a different Buona Beef location, but this one seems pretty good too. I tried their ribs, which really weren't anything special. They were pretty meaty and tender, but the sauce could have been better. The rib dinner comes with a very good side salad and a generously sized piece of focaccia garlic bread. The restaurant has a modern feel and is very nicely decorated- you can get all your favorites from the old school hot dog stands in a much nicer atmosphere. Odd story- I'd ordered my dinner, picked a table, sat down... two very wild 3 or so year old girls come running back near where I was sitting and begin running back and forth on the long bench-type seat where I was. Grandpa comes over and tells one of them to stop and how they've discussed that before. He turns and goes back to the counter and they started right up again. Grandma comes back with the spawns of hell and tells me, "You don't want to sit here, trust me." I said, "Huh?" She says it again. I considered reminding her that I'd been sitting there and don't see why I should have to move. As one of the girls screamed and pulled something down on the other side of the restaurant, I figured she had her hands full as it is, said, "Thanks, I'll take your word for it" picked up my things and moved to the other side of the restaurant. As I did so, grandma said to one of the girls "That man has to move because he wants to enjoy a quiet dinner and you and your sister are too wild." I'm sure that resonated well with the 3 year old. Anyway, based on the screaming, falling furniture, etc. that I heard from that corner of the restaurant, I learned my lesson: if someone with children advises that you move, just do it. Do not ask questions, do not pass go, do not collect $200, just go.
(4)Nelson S.
It's really a 3.5 star rating. I've been wanting to try this place out for a while and finally go the chance. I got the small Italian beef with cheese fries. The beef was good but I still like Portillo's better and the fries were very good. It was a thicker cut fry and what made the difference was that I got it fresh out the fryer, so it was hot & crispy. The prices here are very reasonable, I thought it was going to be a lot more. If I come back, I will probably try one their sandwiches instead of the beef.
(3)Caroline B.
Yummy yummy. Not something that I could eat all of the time, but an Italian beef with hot peppers sure does hit the spot for a quick comfort lunch. The pepper and egg sandwiches and hot dogs are great also.
(4)Tony K.
Best hot dogs in the burbs. Nice people too. A tad pricey? Maybe. I had their other stuff. Also very good. But those dogs are just great. If the hot dog was a woman, I would marry it.
(4)Greg S.
Chicken artichoke panini - best thing on menu. Home made chips are good. Shakes are notable
(5)Michelle I.
WoW, YUM!! I had a great lunch here today! I had to stop and get some food on my way to the Premium Outlets in Aurora and had my choice of McDonald's or Buona Beef- well gee who won!? Well I was very impressed my chicken artichoke panini which was sliced, marinated, roasted chicken breast, artichoke hearts, provolone, roasted red peppers & pesto sauce. And I got Parmesan Chips on the side. Great lunch, great price. For $10 was pleasantly surprised! And my chicken artichoke panini will be a favorite if mine! It was just perfect! And the chips were very light and flavorful. Again- YUM!!
(5)