Paterno’s
5303 N Milwaukee Ave
(773) 631–5522
www.paternopizza.com

Some people might accuse the Beat Cop’s Guide of being a little biased when it comes to Paterno’s. After all, it’s a neighborhood place, Paul Paterno is a great guy, and the bar doesn’t overcharge the beer or underpour the scotch.

What’s great about Paterno’s is that everything is homemade. I think this includes the gravy in the beef sandwiches, which has a more peppery flavor than some others I’ve had.

The sandwich is called the ”Incredible” and incredible it is. The bread is always fresh, and so are the peppers. At Paterno’s, I get the beef a little less wet than is my usual, because the bread is so good, and I don’t want the gravy to overpower it. Although it’s a bar, many families go to Paterno’s and eat in the simple dining room.

Buona Beef
7025 W. North Avenue
(and other locations)
(708) 383–1800

http://www.buona.com

The Beat Cop’s Guide does not cover chain restaurants (normally) but for Buona Beef, we’ll make an exception. Partly because we got a lot of votes for the Buona Beef sandwich; partly because … it’s really good.

Sticking to the theme that defines the Top 7, Buona’s serves very tasty beef, with good dippage, and fresh peppers. What makes Buona just a touch better than the bottom four of the top seven is the intangibles. The service is good, the restaurants, especially the North Avenue location, are clean and the people that work there are nice and polite. The cost is comparable to places in the neighborhood, and haven’t been jacked up because they have a good reputation.