Thanks for the review, and ugh - jalapenos, really? He'd get thrown out of Chicago for that.

I'm not sure if maybe he unexpectedly ran out of product - but I can say that when I checked out Callahan's new location in Parlor and asked for hot peppers on my beef, I got proper hot Chicago-style giardiniera. I suspect that's what you received as well, @kukblue1, since pickled serrano peppers look pretty similar to pickled jalapenos, and celery is also typically a component of that delicious condiment. My hubby, who's from the NW burbs of Chicago, says Pepperoncini peppers are an uncommon topping for a Chicago-style italian beef, though there are many homestyle crock pot recipes online that include them as an ingredient to help flavor the gravy. Generally, though, you're either getting "sweet peppers" - oven roasted bell peppers - or "hot peppers" - Chicago-style giardiniera.

Also, if you like Chicago-style giardiniera, some Target stores in the metro carry it under the Mezzetta brand. Make sure the jar says "Chicago-style" on it and not "Italian Mix" - they're very different products. We get ours from the Target in Moore.

I'm gonna be honest, the beefs from Callahan's and Cal's both taste pretty similar to me... Definitely good and tasty, and VERY happy to have them both here as options when the craving strikes, but I suspect (like many restaurants serving italian beef sandwiches outside of the Windy City) that they're both serving pre-sliced beef from a foodservice supplier... Haven't seen a slicer in either restaurant. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn't compare to a Chicago standard like Al's or Tony's that roasts and slices their own beef.

I'm not sure if maybe he unexpectedly ran out of product - but I can say that when I checked out Callahan's new location in Parlor and asked for hot peppers on my beef, I got proper hot Chicago-style giardiniera. I suspect that's what you received as well, @kukblue1, since pickled serrano peppers look pretty similar to pickled jalapenos, and celery is also typically a component of that delicious condiment. My hubby, who's from the NW burbs of Chicago, says Pepperoncini peppers are an uncommon topping for a Chicago-style italian beef, though there are many homestyle crock pot recipes online that include them as an ingredient to help flavor the gravy. Generally, though, you're either getting "sweet peppers" - oven roasted bell peppers - or "hot peppers" - Chicago-style giardiniera.

Also, if you like Chicago-style giardiniera, some Target stores in the metro carry it under the Mezzetta brand. Make sure the jar says "Chicago-style" on it and not "Italian Mix" - they're very different products. We get ours from the Target in Moore.

I'm gonna be honest, the beefs from Callahan's and Cal's both taste pretty similar to me... Definitely good and tasty, and VERY happy to have them both here as options when the craving strikes, but I suspect (like many restaurants serving italian beef sandwiches outside of the Windy City) that they're both serving pre-sliced beef from a foodservice supplier... Haven't seen a slicer in either restaurant. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn't compare to a Chicago standard like Al's or Tony's that roasts and slices their own beef.

Good to know, thanks. Not sure which would be worse if I ordered hot peppers - if they told me they were out or if I ended up getting something else besides giardiniera. :p

I'm not sure if maybe he unexpectedly ran out of product - but I can say that when I checked out Callahan's new location in Parlor and asked for hot peppers on my beef, I got proper hot Chicago-style giardiniera. I suspect that's what you received as well, @kukblue1, since pickled serrano peppers look pretty similar to pickled jalapenos, and celery is also typically a component of that delicious condiment. My hubby, who's from the NW burbs of Chicago, says Pepperoncini peppers are an uncommon topping for a Chicago-style italian beef, though there are many homestyle crock pot recipes online that include them as an ingredient to help flavor the gravy. Generally, though, you're either getting "sweet peppers" - oven roasted bell peppers - or "hot peppers" - Chicago-style giardiniera.

Also, if you like Chicago-style giardiniera, some Target stores in the metro carry it under the Mezzetta brand. Make sure the jar says "Chicago-style" on it and not "Italian Mix" - they're very different products. We get ours from the Target in Moore.

I'm gonna be honest, the beefs from Callahan's and Cal's both taste pretty similar to me... Definitely good and tasty, and VERY happy to have them both here as options when the craving strikes, but I suspect (like many restaurants serving italian beef sandwiches outside of the Windy City) that they're both serving pre-sliced beef from a foodservice supplier... Haven't seen a slicer in either restaurant. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn't compare to a Chicago standard like Al's or Tony's that roasts and slices their own beef.

Probably right I'm used to the Pepperoncini taste now that I always make it in the crock pot that way, and it's been over 10 years since I been back to Chicago. Grew up in Indiana. I guess the biggest turn off was the amount of peppers on there. Killed the beef flavor felt like I was just eating peppers. They did put a lot of them on there.

LIke I said, don't expect much from their beef sandwich. Get their Chicago dogs.

Had a great, authentic Chicago Dog. The crinkle cut fries were not good - tasted like something from a school lunch. Friendly and fast service, will go back when craving a dog.

The porkchop sandwich will come with bones. Throwing that out there.

A sandwich with bones? That’s interesting.

A sandwich with bones? That’s interesting.

Go give the chicken and dumplings at Florence's a try some time.... They're really good but definitely a choking hazard because they serve them with the bones.

It's not something you see very often anymore but I used to see rib sandwiches at BBQ restaurants occasionally and they were usually 3-4 ribs between 2 slices of white bread and some pickles.

Also, if you like Chicago-style giardiniera, some Target stores in the metro carry it under the Mezzetta brand. Make sure the jar says "Chicago-style" on it and not "Italian Mix" - they're very different products. We get ours from the Target in Moore.

I wasn’t crazy about the Mezzetta giardineria. I just order Marconi’s from Amazon.

All of Callahan’s stuff is Vienna Beef, including the condiments. They make great Chicago dogs, but Vienna Beef’s Italian beef is just alright.

I wasn’t crazy about the Mezzetta giardineria. I just order Marconi’s from Amazon.

All of Callahan’s stuff is Vienna Beef, including the condiments. They make great Chicago dogs, but Vienna Beef’s Italian beef is just alright.

World Market carries Marconi giardineria and sports peppers.

Thanks for the leads on giardiniera, my wife is getting tired of me bringing gallon jugs of it home when I go home to visit family. Anyone know where I can get some stadium mustard?

Back on topic, I've avoided the Italian beef because of the ridiculous pricing. I'm partial to Al's and 2 people should be able to get lunch for under $20 easy...not almost $40

Bad Nonna’s is closing at the end of the month. Their FB page says stay tuned for their next adventure.

Bad Nonna’s is closing at the end of the month. Their FB page says stay tuned for their next adventure.

It's always my favorite places that keep closing...

It's always my favorite places that keep closing...

Let's hope Bad Nona's is graduating to another spot.

One of the functions of these food halls is to serve as a proving ground between food trucks and stand-alone restaurants.