Dip Into Chicago’s Italian Beef History: From Peanut Weddings to ‘The Bear,’ How This Sandwich Became a Staple

After a long journey of growth in popularity, the Italian Beef Sandwich became an icon of Chicago.

The Italian beef sandwich at Portillo's at 100 W. Ontario in Chicago in 2014. E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/TNS

By Nick Kindelsperger From Chicago Tribune

CHICAGO—Every great city deserves an easily identifiable sandwich of its own. Whether it’s the Philadelphia cheesesteak or the New Orleans po’boy, a gut-busting sandwich is a matter of civic pride.