Buona beef menu prices reflect their commitment to using high-quality, slow-roasted beef for every sandwich. When you walk into a Buona Beef location, you are looking at a menu built around Italian beef, but there is so much more to consider for your meal budget.
This guide breaks down every item, combo, and price point so you can plan your order without any surprises. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular, knowing the costs helps you get the best value for your money.
Buona Beef Menu Prices: A Complete Breakdown For 2025
Buona Beef keeps their pricing competitive for the Chicago area, but prices can vary slightly by location. The core menu focuses on their famous Italian beef, but they also offer hot dogs, burgers, salads, and catering options.
Below, you will find the most current prices for sandwiches, sides, drinks, and family meals. These prices are based on the most recent menu data and may change without notice.
Classic Italian Beef Sandwiches
The Italian beef is the star of the show. Buona slow-roasts their beef for hours, then slices it thin and serves it on a fresh Italian roll. You can order it dry, dipped, or with extra gravy (au jus).
- Regular Italian Beef Sandwich: $8.49
- Large Italian Beef Sandwich: $10.99
- Italian Beef Combo (with fries and drink): $11.99 (regular) / $14.49 (large)
- Cheesy Beef (with melted provolone): $9.29 (regular) / $11.79 (large)
- Beef and Sausage Combo: $9.99 (regular) / $12.49 (large)
You can add giardiniera (spicy or mild) or sweet peppers at no extra cost. That is a nice bonus that other places often charge for.
Hot Dogs And Polish Sausage
Buona does not just do beef. Their hot dogs are Vienna Beef, which is the gold standard in Chicago. The Polish sausage is also a popular choice for a heartier meal.
- Chicago Style Hot Dog: $5.29
- Maxwell Street Polish Sausage: $6.49
- Hot Dog Combo (with fries and drink): $8.79
- Polish Combo (with fries and drink): $9.99
The Chicago dog comes with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt. No ketchup, as per Chicago tradition.
Burgers And Chicken Sandwiches
If you are not in the mood for beef, Buona offers solid burger and chicken options. These are not the main attraction, but they are well-made and reasonably priced.
- Buona Burger (1/3 lb): $7.49
- Double Buona Burger: $9.99
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: $8.29
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich: $8.29
- Burger Combo: $10.99 (single) / $13.49 (double)
All burgers come with lettuce, tomato, and onion. Cheese is an additional $0.75. Bacon is an extra $1.50.
Salads And Wraps
For a lighter option, Buona has several salads and wraps. These are generous portions, often enough for two meals.
- Italian Beef Salad: $10.49
- Grilled Chicken Salad: $9.99
- Crispy Chicken Salad: $9.99
- Garden Salad: $6.99
- Italian Wrap (beef or chicken): $8.99
Dressings include ranch, blue cheese, Italian, and balsamic vinaigrette. You can also add extra protein to any salad for $2.50.
Fries, Sides, And Appetizers
Sides are a la carte or included in combos. The fries are crinkle-cut and always fresh.
- Small Fries: $2.99
- Large Fries: $4.29
- Cheese Fries: $5.49
- Onion Rings: $4.99
- Mozzarella Sticks (6 pieces): $6.49
- Coleslaw: $2.49
- Side Salad: $3.99
If you are feeding a group, the large fry is a better value. It is almost double the size for only $1.30 more.
Drinks And Desserts
Drinks are standard fountain sodas, bottled water, and iced tea. Desserts are simple but satisfying.
- Fountain Drink (small): $1.99
- Fountain Drink (medium): $2.49
- Fountain Drink (large): $2.99
- Bottled Water: $1.79
- Chocolate Chip Cookie: $1.49
- Brownie: $2.29
You can also get a milkshake at select locations for $4.99. Flavors include vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
Family Meals And Catering
Buona offers family packs that are perfect for parties, game days, or large dinners. These are some of the best values on the menu.
- Family Beef Pack (6 sandwiches, fries, and coleslaw): $39.99
- Family Hot Dog Pack (8 dogs, fries, and coleslaw): $34.99
- Party Beef Tray (serves 10-12): $69.99
- Party Sausage Tray (serves 10-12): $59.99
- Giant Sub (3 feet long, serves 8-10): $49.99
Catering orders require 24-hour notice for large groups. You can also order party trays of fries, onion rings, and cookies separately.
Breakfast Menu (Select Locations)
Some Buona locations serve breakfast. The menu is simple and affordable.
- Breakfast Sandwich (egg, cheese, meat): $4.99
- Breakfast Burrito: $5.49
- Oatmeal: $3.49
- Hash Browns: $2.49
Breakfast is usually served until 11:00 AM. Not all locations participate, so check with your local Buona.
How To Save Money At Buona Beef
Everyone likes a deal. Here are some practical ways to keep your total low while still enjoying a full meal.
Order Combos Instead Of A La Carte
Combos include a sandwich, fries, and a drink. The price is usually only $2.50 to $3.00 more than the sandwich alone. If you were going to buy a drink and fries anyway, the combo saves you about $1.50.
Skip The Large Size
The regular Italian beef is plenty for most people. The large is only bigger bread and slightly more meat. Unless you are very hungry, stick with the regular and save $2.50.
Use The Buona Rewards App
Buona has a loyalty program. Download the app and you earn points on every purchase. You also get a free sandwich on your birthday and occasional exclusive deals.
Look For Daily Specials
Some locations have a “Beef of the Day” or a discounted combo on certain weekdays. Call ahead or check the app for your local store’s specials.
Share A Family Pack
If you are with two or three people, the Family Beef Pack is cheaper than buying individual sandwiches. At $39.99 for six sandwiches plus sides, it comes to about $6.67 per person.
What Makes Buona Beef Different From Other Chains
Buona has been around since 1981. They started as a single shop in Berwyn, Illinois, and have grown to over 30 locations. Their beef is slow-roasted in-house, not shipped pre-cooked. That is a big difference from places like Portillo’s or Al’s Beef.
The beef is also never frozen. They use fresh, USDA Choice beef that is seasoned with a secret blend of spices. The result is a tender, flavorful sandwich that holds up well even when dipped.
Another difference is the bread. Buona uses a specific Italian roll from a local bakery. It is sturdy enough to handle the gravy without falling apart, but soft enough to bite through easily.
Service is also fast. Even during lunch rush, you usually wait less than five minutes for your order. The staff is trained to keep the line moving.
Step-By-Step Guide To Ordering Your First Buona Beef Sandwich
If you have never ordered an Italian beef before, it can be a little confusing. Here is exactly what to do.
- Choose your size: Regular or large. Regular is usually enough.
- Choose your meat: Beef only, or beef and sausage combo.
- Choose your cheese: Provolone is standard. Add it for $0.80 if you want a Cheesy Beef.
- Choose your peppers: Giardiniera (spicy or mild) or sweet peppers. Both are free.
- Choose your dip: Dry (no gravy), dipped (quick dunk), or wet (extra gravy). Most locals get it dipped.
- Choose your combo: Add fries and a drink for the combo price.
- Pay and wait: Your number will be called when ready.
That is it. You now have a classic Chicago Italian beef sandwich.
Buona Beef Menu Prices Vs. Competitors
How does Buona compare to other popular Chicago beef joints? Here is a quick price comparison for a regular Italian beef sandwich.
- Buona Beef: $8.49
- Portillo’s: $8.99
- Al’s Beef: $8.79
- Johnnie’s Beef: $7.99 (cash only at some locations)
- Mr. Beef: $9.49
Buona is in the middle of the pack. They are not the cheapest, but they are also not the most expensive. Considering the quality and consistency, the price is fair.
For combos, Buona is actually a better deal than Portillo’s. A Portillo’s beef combo is around $13.49, while Buona’s is $11.99. That is a $1.50 savings.
Nutritional Information And Dietary Considerations
If you are watching calories or sodium, here is what you need to know. A regular Italian beef sandwich (dipped) has about:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 24g
- Sodium: 1,800mg
- Carbs: 52g
- Protein: 32g
Adding cheese adds about 80 calories and 200mg sodium. Fries add another 350-400 calories depending on size.
Buona does not have a dedicated gluten-free menu, but you can order any sandwich without the bun. They will serve it in a bowl with extra gravy. That cuts the carbs significantly.
For vegetarians, options are limited. The garden salad and cheese fries are about it. The Italian beef salad can be ordered without meat, but you should ask.
Location-Specific Pricing Variations
Prices are not the same at every Buona. Locations in downtown Chicago or near tourist areas like Wrigley Field tend to be $0.50 to $1.00 higher. Suburban locations in places like Downers Grove or Naperville are usually at the standard prices listed above.
Airport locations (O’Hare and Midway) are significantly more expensive. A regular Italian beef at the airport can cost $12.99 or more. That is the airport tax.
If you are visiting Chicago, try to find a Buona outside of the tourist zones. You will get the same quality for a better price.
Seasonal And Limited-Time Offers
Buona occasionally runs special promotions. In the past, they have offered:
- Summer BBQ Beef Sandwich (limited time)
- Buffalo Chicken Beef (spicy twist)
- Holiday Party Packs (November-December)
- March Madness specials (discounted combos)
These are not always on the regular menu. Check the Buona website or app for current promotions. They usually last 4-6 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buona Beef Menu Prices
Are Buona Beef menu prices the same at all locations?
No, prices can vary by location. Airport and downtown locations are typically higher. Suburban stores usually have the standard prices listed on the website.
Does Buona Beef offer any discounts for seniors or military?
Some locations offer a small discount for seniors (usually 10%) and military personnel. It is not advertised, so you have to ask at the register.
Can I order Buona Beef online for pickup?
Yes, you can order through the Buona app or website. Prices are the same as in-store. You can also schedule a pickup time.
What is the cheapest item on the Buona Beef menu?
The cheapest item is the small fountain drink at $1.99. For food, the garden salad at $6.99 or the hot dog at $5.29 are the lowest-priced entrees.
Do Buona Beef menu prices include tax?
No, prices listed are before tax. Sales tax varies by location, usually between 8% and 10.25% in Illinois.
Final Thoughts On Buona Beef Menu Prices
Buona Beef offers a solid menu with fair prices for the quality. The Italian beef is the reason to go, but the hot dogs and family packs are also good values. If you are on a budget, stick with the regular combo and skip the extras.
The prices are competitive with other Chicago beef chains, and the consistency across locations is impressive. You know what you are getting every time.
Whether you are a local or just visiting, Buona Beef is a reliable choice for a classic Chicago meal. Just remember to order your beef dipped and add some giardiniera for the full experience.
Now you have all the information you need to order with confidence. Go ahead and enjoy that sandwich without worrying about the cost.