Knowing what you’ll spend before you walk in makes any meal more enjoyable, so here’s the latest on Buona Beef’s menu and prices. This Chicago-area chain has been serving up Italian beef sandwiches, burgers, and salads for decades, and the prices have shifted a bit recently. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, having a clear picture of the cost helps you plan your order without any surprises at the register.
Buona Beef is known for its juicy, slow-roasted beef, but the menu goes way beyond that. You’ll find hot dogs, pizza, pasta, and even breakfast items at some locations. The prices vary slightly by location, but the differences are usually small. This guide covers the most common items and their typical costs, so you can walk in ready to order.
Let’s break down the full menu category by category. We’ll look at sandwiches, combos, sides, drinks, and desserts. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how much to budget for your meal.
Buona Beef Menu With Prices
The core of Buona Beef’s menu is, of course, the Italian beef sandwich. But there are many ways to customize it. You can get it dipped, with gravy, or with sweet or hot peppers. Each option affects the taste and sometimes the price slightly. The base sandwich prices are standard across most locations, though taxes and local fees can add a bit.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the main categories. Prices are approximate and based on recent visits to multiple Chicago-area locations. They may change, so always check the board at your local store.
Italian Beef Sandwiches
This is what Buona Beef is famous for. The beef is slow-roasted, thinly sliced, and served on a fresh Italian roll. You can choose your size and style.
- Regular Italian Beef Sandwich: $8.49
- Large Italian Beef Sandwich: $10.29
- Italian Beef Combo (with fries and drink): $12.99
- Beef and Sausage Combo (one link of sausage on the sandwich): $10.79
- Beef and Sausage Combo Large: $12.59
- Add Sweet Peppers: $0.50
- Add Hot Giardiniera: $0.50
- Add Extra Gravy (Dip): Free
You can also get a “wet” sandwich, which means the roll is dipped in the beef juice. This adds no extra cost but makes the sandwich messier and more flavorful. Many regulars say this is the only way to eat it.
Burgers And Hot Dogs
Not everyone wants beef every time. Buona Beef offers a solid burger and hot dog lineup. The burgers are made with fresh, never frozen, beef patties. The hot dogs are Vienna Beef, a Chicago classic.
- Buona Burger (single patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle): $8.29
- Double Buona Burger: $10.79
- Cheeseburger (add cheese): $8.79
- Bacon Cheeseburger: $9.99
- Chicago Style Hot Dog (all-beef, with sport peppers, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, celery salt): $5.49
- Char Dog (grilled, with mustard and onion): $5.29
- Polish Sausage Sandwich: $6.49
These items are popular with kids and those who want a change from the Italian beef. The burger patties are seasoned well, and the hot dogs snap when you bite them.
Pizza And Pasta
Buona Beef also serves thin-crust pizza and pasta dishes. These are not the main focus, but they are decent options for a group or if you want something different.
- Cheese Pizza (12-inch): $11.99
- Pepperoni Pizza (12-inch): $13.49
- Italian Sausage Pizza (12-inch): $13.99
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: $9.29
- Spaghetti with Meatballs: $10.49
- Baked Mostaccioli: $9.79
- Lasagna (single serving): $10.99
The pizza is thin and crispy, good for a quick bite. The pasta dishes are hearty and come with garlic bread. Portions are generous for the price.
Salads And Wraps
If you want something lighter, Buona Beef has salads and wraps. They use fresh ingredients, and you can add protein for an extra charge.
- Garden Salad: $6.49
- Caesar Salad: $7.29
- Grilled Chicken Salad: $8.99
- Italian Beef Salad (sliced beef on greens): $9.79
- Chicken Wrap (grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, ranch): $8.49
- Italian Beef Wrap: $9.29
These are filling options, especially if you add protein. The Italian beef salad is a unique twist for those who want the flavor without the bread.
Sides And Appetizers
Sides are available a la carte or as part of a combo. They are standard but well-made.
- French Fries (regular): $3.29
- French Fries (large): $4.49
- Onion Rings (6 pieces): $4.99
- Mozzarella Sticks (6 pieces): $5.99
- Garlic Bread (2 pieces): $2.99
- Coleslaw: $2.49
- Side Salad: $3.49
The fries are crispy and salted well. Onion rings are thick and battered. Mozzarella sticks are gooey inside, perfect for sharing.
Kids Menu
For children under 12, Buona Beef offers smaller portions at lower prices. Each kids meal comes with a small drink and a side.
- Kids Hot Dog: $4.99
- Kids Cheeseburger: $5.49
- Kids Chicken Tenders (3 pieces): $5.99
- Kids Spaghetti: $4.79
- Kids Pizza (personal size): $5.29
These meals are simple and kid-friendly. Portions are appropriate for younger appetites.
Breakfast Menu
Select Buona Beef locations serve breakfast from open until 10:30 AM. The menu includes eggs, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches.
- Breakfast Sandwich (egg, cheese, choice of bacon, sausage, or ham on a roll): $4.99
- 2 Eggs Any Style with Toast and Hash Browns: $5.49
- Pancakes (3 pieces) with Syrup: $4.79
- Breakfast Burrito (eggs, cheese, sausage, peppers): $6.29
- Omelet (cheese, with choice of meat): $7.49
Breakfast is a good value, especially the sandwiches. They are made fresh to order.
Drinks And Desserts
Beverages include soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, and bottled water. Desserts are limited but satisfying.
- Soft Drink (small, medium, large): $2.29, $2.59, $2.89
- Iced Tea (unsweetened or sweet): $2.49
- Lemonade: $2.69
- Bottled Water: $1.99
- Chocolate Chip Cookie: $1.49
- Brownie: $2.29
- Cannoli (1 piece): $3.49
The cannoli is a popular dessert, filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips. Cookies are soft and chewy.
Combo Meals And Value Options
Buona Beef offers combo meals that include a sandwich, fries, and a drink. These save you a few dollars compared to buying items separately.
- Italian Beef Combo (regular): $12.99
- Italian Beef Combo (large): $14.79
- Burger Combo (single): $11.99
- Burger Combo (double): $14.49
- Hot Dog Combo: $8.99
- Chicken Tenders Combo (4 pieces): $10.49
These combos are the best value if you want a full meal. The drink is usually a medium, but you can upgrade for a small fee.
Catering And Family Packs
For larger groups, Buona Beef offers catering trays and family packs. These are great for parties, office lunches, or game day gatherings.
- Italian Beef Tray (serves 10-12): $49.99
- Hot Dog Tray (20 dogs): $34.99
- Burger Tray (10 burgers): $39.99
- Party Size Fries (serves 10-12): $14.99
- Party Size Salad (serves 10-12): $19.99
You can order catering online or by phone. Give at least 24 hours notice for large orders.
Seasonal And Limited Time Items
Buona Beef sometimes offers seasonal specials. These might include a turkey sandwich around Thanksgiving or a barbecue beef in summer. Prices vary, but they are usually in the $8 to $11 range. Check the store or website for current offerings.
One popular limited item is the “Beef and Cheddar Melt,” which adds melted cheddar cheese and grilled onions. It usually costs around $9.49 when available.
Tips For Saving Money
You can keep your bill lower with a few simple tricks. First, order a regular size instead of large. The regular is filling for most people. Second, skip the combo and buy a sandwich and a water. Third, look for coupons on the Buona Beef app or website. They often have buy-one-get-one deals or discounts on combos.
Another tip is to visit during lunch hours. Some locations offer a lunch special from 11 AM to 2 PM, which includes a smaller sandwich, fries, and a drink for around $8.99. Not all stores have this, so ask at the counter.
How To Order Online
You can order Buona Beef online for pickup or delivery. The website and app show the full menu with current prices. Here is how to do it:
- Go to the Buona Beef website or download the app.
- Select your location. Prices may vary slightly by store.
- Browse the menu by category. Click on items to add them to your cart.
- Customize your order. Choose dipping style, toppings, and sides.
- Review your cart. Check the total before checking out.
- Pay online with a credit card or PayPal.
- Choose pickup time or delivery address.
- Confirm and wait for your order.
Online ordering is convenient, especially during busy times. You can also save your favorite orders for faster reordering.
Nutritional Information
If you are watching calories or sodium, Buona Beef provides nutritional info on their website. A regular Italian beef sandwich has about 550 calories, 28 grams of fat, and 1,200 mg of sodium. Adding cheese or extra gravy increases these numbers. The salads are lighter, with the garden salad at around 200 calories without dressing.
For a lower-calorie option, try the grilled chicken salad with light dressing. Or order a small hot dog without fries. The kids meals are also smaller in portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most popular item on the Buona Beef menu?
The Italian beef sandwich is the most ordered item. It comes in regular or large, with or without dipping. Many customers add hot giardiniera for extra spice.
2. Are the prices the same at all Buona Beef locations?
Prices are very similar across locations, but there can be small differences due to local taxes or operating costs. The differences are usually less than 50 cents per item.
3. Does Buona Beef have a loyalty program?
Yes, they have a rewards program through their app. You earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for free items like fries or a sandwich.
4. Can I get a gluten-free option at Buona Beef?
They do not have gluten-free bread, but you can order a salad or a bowl without the bun. The Italian beef salad is a good choice. Inform the staff about your allergy.
5. What are the hours for Buona Beef breakfast?
Breakfast is served from open until 10:30 AM at participating locations. Not all stores offer breakfast, so check online or call ahead.
Final Thoughts On Buona Beef Menu With Prices
Knowing the Buona Beef menu with prices helps you order with confidence. The Italian beef is the star, but the burgers, hot dogs, and salads are also worth trying. Prices are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. Combos offer the best value, and the kids meals are affordable for families.
Remember that prices can change, so check the board or app before ordering. With this guide, you can plan your meal and avoid any sticker shock. Enjoy your next visit to Buona Beef, and dont forget to try the cannoli for dessert.