Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches have a cult following, and for good reason. Thinly sliced, slow-roasted beef soaked in fragrant, herb-spiced au jus, piled into a soft Italian roll, and topped with spicy giardiniera or sweet roasted peppers — it’s the kind of sandwich that’s hard to forget once you’ve had a really good one. If you’re in Denver and missing this Chicago classic, you don’t necessarily need to book a flight. A handful of spots in the city are serving up versions that come pretty close to the real deal.
What defines Chicago-style Italian beef?
The Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich has a few defining characteristics that set it apart from a regular roast beef sandwich. The beef — typically top sirloin or bottom round — is seasoned with Italian herbs including oregano, garlic, and sometimes pepperoncini, then slow-roasted and thinly sliced against the grain. The sliced beef is then simmered in its own drippings and broth to create a rich au jus. The sandwich is traditionally served on a long Italian roll, either “dry,” “dipped” (briefly submerged in the au jus), or “soaked” (left in the juices until the bread fully absorbs them). Giardiniera — a mix of pickled vegetables with a spicy kick — is the classic topping.
1. Luigi’s Original Italian Beef & Sausage Company
For the most authentic Chicago-style Italian beef experience in Denver, Luigi’s Original Italian Beef & Sausage Company is the name locals consistently recommend. This spot takes the sandwich seriously, using properly seasoned beef that’s slow-roasted and sliced thin, then served drenched in a bold, well-spiced au jus. The bread is brought in specifically to hold up to the dipping process, and the giardiniera is housemade and genuinely spicy. If you order it “dipped,” expect a sandwich that’s dripping with flavor from the very first bite. This is the place to go if you want something that feels true to Chicago tradition.
2. Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs
For a more creative and unexpected take on the Italian beef concept, Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs offers an adventurous spin on Denver’s sandwich scene. Known for its willingness to experiment with bold flavors and unusual ingredients, the kitchen here doesn’t shy away from putting its own stamp on familiar dishes. While best known for its gourmet hot dogs, the approach to meat — slow-cooked, generously seasoned, and served with thoughtful toppings — translates well to Italian-inspired sandwiches. It’s a fun destination for food lovers who want something a little outside the ordinary, served in a lively, casual atmosphere.
3. Exploring Denver’s independent sandwich shops
Beyond the well-known spots, Denver’s growing food scene has produced a number of independent sandwich shops and Italian-American delis that occasionally feature Italian beef sandwiches as daily specials or rotating menu items. These smaller establishments are often where the most interesting versions of the sandwich can be found, with chefs who grew up eating this style of sandwich bringing their own personal touches to the recipe. Checking local food blogs, neighborhood Facebook groups, or Denver-specific food apps can help uncover these hidden gems.
How to order your Italian beef like a Chicago native
- “Dipped” – the whole sandwich is briefly submerged in the au jus, making the bread soft and fully saturated with flavor.
- “Hot” or “sweet” – specify whether you want spicy giardiniera or sweet roasted peppers as your topping.
- “Combo” – some spots offer the option to add a grilled Italian sausage link alongside the beef, a popular Chicago pairing.
- Eat it over the tray – a properly “soaked” Italian beef sandwich is meant to be messy; embrace it.
Final thoughts
Denver may not be Chicago, but the city’s sandwich scene has grown enough that a satisfying Italian beef experience is absolutely within reach. Whether you head to a dedicated spot like Luigi’s for a traditional version or explore a more creative interpretation elsewhere, the key qualities to look for remain the same: properly seasoned slow-roasted beef, a flavorful au jus, sturdy bread that can handle the dipping, and giardiniera that actually has some heat to it.
