Frequently Asked Questions

The original Johnnie's Beef stand is located at 7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707, right on the border dividing western Chicago from suburban Elmwood Park. It was founded in October 1961 by Johnnie Aretos.

Yes, strictly cash only. They do not accept credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or personal checks. An ATM is located on site or across the street, but bringing paper currency is strongly recommended to prevent delays. The Arlington Heights location does accept major credit cards and debit.

At the Elmwood Park flagship, there is zero indoor seating. It is strictly a walk-up counter stand. Guests eat standing outside on stainless-steel building ledges, over the hoods of their parked cars, or inside their vehicles. If you require indoor booth or table seating, visit the Arlington Heights location at 1935 S Arlington Heights Road.

Elmwood Park: Monday through Saturday: 11:00 AM – Midnight (12:00 AM); Sunday: 12:00 PM (Noon) – 11:00 PM.
Arlington Heights: Monday through Sunday (Daily): 11:00 AM – Midnight (12:00 AM).

Yes. Both locations provide free, dedicated on-site parking lots. At Elmwood Park, the lot wraps around the building; vehicle turnover is exceptionally rapid (spaces open every 2–4 minutes). Arlington Heights features a large suburban retail parking lot.

No, Johnnie's Beef is not Halal certified. Meat is sourced through conventional commercial Midwestern meat packing facilities without ritual Islamic slaughter (Zabihah) protocols. Furthermore, the kitchen actively grills pork Italian sausages over an open charcoal grill in the same workspace, creating high cross-contact risks with prep tongs, counters, and cutting boards.

Johnnie's signature au jus is prepared from roasted beef drippings, concentrated beef stock, water, crushed garlic, dried wild oregano, cracked black pepper, red chili flakes, and bay leaves. It does not contain pork broth, pork lard, or gelatin. However, because pork sausages are cooked in the same facility, cross-contact is possible.

Yes! The house-made Italian lemonade (lemon ice) is 100% dairy-free, egg-free, vegetarian, and vegan. It is prepared daily on site using real lemon juice, lemon zest, pure cane sugar, and water.

The Pepper & Egg sandwich is a traditional Chicago Catholic specialty served on Fridays year-round. It consists of eggs scrambled with tender, slow-simmered sweet green bell peppers, served hot inside a fresh Gonnella French roll. It is vegetarian (contains egg and gluten).

No. Johnnie's Beef does not partner with any third-party delivery apps. They do not offer online ordering through any web platform or app. Orders must be placed in person at the walk-up counter.

No. "Johnny's Beef & Gyros" (spelled with "-y's" and located in Chicago's Lincoln Park) is an entirely separate, unrelated restaurant offering gyros, delivery apps, and different recipes. Make sure you are heading to the authentic Johnnie's Beef (with "-ie's") in Elmwood Park or Arlington Heights.

Wet: The carver ladles a spoonful of hot au jus over the meat inside the roll. The bread softens inside but the crust stays relatively firm.
Dipped: The carver takes the entire assembled sandwich with tongs and plunges it completely into the simmering au jus vat for 1–2 seconds. The bread is fully saturated and dripping.