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Long-standing local chain eatery known for Italian beef sandwiches, plus pizza, burgers & salads.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 7360 Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031
Phone: (224) 351-3150
Website: https://buona.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Related Web Results
Gurnee, IL | Buona – Chicago’s Original Italian Beef
Buona. Address: 7360 Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031. Phone: (224) 351-3150. View on Google Maps. Store Hours.
Buona | Chicago’s Original Italian Beef
Over four decades, three generations and several dozen restaurants ago, Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto opened the first Buona Beef restaurant in Berwyn, IL.
Menu | Buona – Chicago’s Original Italian Beef
Buona Meals Burgers & Dogs Chicken Desserts Dipping Sauces & Dressings Drinks Fan Favs Fresh Pasta Fresh Salads Hand-Spun Milkshakes
Reviews
Deplorable Rob
Got around to trying this location this past early June and like any location I’ve been to, was a pleasant first experience.
When I first heard a location was going up in Gurnee, was like “FINALLY!!” Lake County gets one at no more than a 15 minute drive from home.
For a while there it was either drive far SW down to Kildeer close to the Cook Co border or far west to Lakemoor. When the Pleasant Prairie location opened I was like that’s great but you guys forgot about us.
Anyways I really like Buona which is obviously competition to the likes of Portillo’s, Al’s Beef and Fratello’s. Decided to try a burger this time since I never had one from any location and was pretty darn good, similar taste to a Portillo’s burger.
So far everything I’ve had from any location whether the beef, Chicago dog, burger, meatball sandwich and fries have all been delicious. I definitely like the Chicago grill + Italian menu combo. I’ll be leaving a separate review for The Original Rainbow Cone soon.
Awesome grub at fair prices with friendly service in a clean dining space. Glad to see a Chicago-born (technically Berwyn) chain growing and hope to see more locations sprouting up.
… moreWhen I first heard a location was going up in Gurnee, was like “FINALLY!!” Lake County gets one at no more than a 15 minute drive from home.
For a while there it was either drive far SW down to Kildeer close to the Cook Co border or far west to Lakemoor. When the Pleasant Prairie location opened I was like that’s great but you guys forgot about us.
Anyways I really like Buona which is obviously competition to the likes of Portillo’s, Al’s Beef and Fratello’s. Decided to try a burger this time since I never had one from any location and was pretty darn good, similar taste to a Portillo’s burger.
So far everything I’ve had from any location whether the beef, Chicago dog, burger, meatball sandwich and fries have all been delicious. I definitely like the Chicago grill + Italian menu combo. I’ll be leaving a separate review for The Original Rainbow Cone soon.
Awesome grub at fair prices with friendly service in a clean dining space. Glad to see a Chicago-born (technically Berwyn) chain growing and hope to see more locations sprouting up.
Chris King
Drive-thru was packed so decided to venture inside. Kiosks to order or in-person if easier for ya. I had a beef dry w mozzarella, side of gravy. Fries, rootbeer. But then figured id go big back on it and got a cheeseburger and a strawberry shake. The cheeseburger I’ve never had and needed to see if this was a one hit wonder of places, beefs only propaganda. But no way it was a steak burger with everything on it, and the shake wasnt made with faux berriness. It was real deal and chunky. Highly suggested. I will be coming back, definitely.
Thanks and keep up the great work.
… moreThanks and keep up the great work.
Diane Wilczenski
Italian Beef Combo Meal. Added a brownie for dessert. Had my beef extra baptized with mozzarella cheese and my fries extra extra crispy. Everything came out perfect!!
Seniors: The young lady took my order realized I am a senior citizen and rang my Combo Meal separately so I was able to get a senior drink at a lower price, making my Combo Meal cheaper. So if the cashier doesn’t let you know then ask.
… moreSeniors: The young lady took my order realized I am a senior citizen and rang my Combo Meal separately so I was able to get a senior drink at a lower price, making my Combo Meal cheaper. So if the cashier doesn’t let you know then ask.
Mozak Solution
The general manager, Marko, welcomed us into the restaurant even though they weren’t officially open yet. That alone says so much about the level of hospitality here. He was incredibly kind, friendly, and accommodating, and made us feel welcome right away.
The food is absolutely phenomenal! My personal favorite is the Chicken and Avocado protein bowl—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. My son, of course, can’t get enough of the bacon cheeseburger.
Everything we tried was delicious, and the whole experience was wonderful. We will definitely be coming again!
… moreThe food is absolutely phenomenal! My personal favorite is the Chicken and Avocado protein bowl—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. My son, of course, can’t get enough of the bacon cheeseburger.
Everything we tried was delicious, and the whole experience was wonderful. We will definitely be coming again!
Lynne Davidson
Enjoyed a delicious Cheezy Beef meal with crinkle-cut fries. The food was served fresh and hot in a very fast manner. Very clean restaurant and Jeremy was doing a wonderful job pre-bussing and ensuring guests had all that they needed. Topped off the meal with a delicious brownie. We will return soon!
… moreI L
If you’re looking for a place that consistently delivers, this restaurant never disappoints. The food is always fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Whether you’re ordering a classic favorite or trying something new, every dish is prepared with care and high-quality ingredients.
The service truly stands out. The staff is friendly, professional, and attentive without ever being intrusive. You can tell they genuinely care about creating a great dining experience. The store manager is especially impressive—always visible, welcoming guests, and making sure everything runs smoothly. That level of attention makes a big difference.
The location is spotless and well-maintained, which adds to the overall comfort of the experience. It’s clean, organized, and inviting every time we visit.
This has become our once-a-week lunch spot for my coworker and me, and we always look forward to it. Great food, outstanding service, and a team that goes above and beyond—highly recommended!
… moreThe service truly stands out. The staff is friendly, professional, and attentive without ever being intrusive. You can tell they genuinely care about creating a great dining experience. The store manager is especially impressive—always visible, welcoming guests, and making sure everything runs smoothly. That level of attention makes a big difference.
The location is spotless and well-maintained, which adds to the overall comfort of the experience. It’s clean, organized, and inviting every time we visit.
This has become our once-a-week lunch spot for my coworker and me, and we always look forward to it. Great food, outstanding service, and a team that goes above and beyond—highly recommended!
AG Lopez
This is fairly new business to me. But my major comment is ‘why such a nice place for a beef sandwich place ? Real food utensils, no graffiti and some very helpful staff. It was our first time stop here. Honestly getting a sandwich to come close to other chicago sandwich places is a task. I did find out there is one in Wisconsin so I will try it out. Meanwhile this place isn’t bad. Just give me the full flavor.
… moreSander john
Buona is definitely a go-to spot for me now. The Italian sausage and beef combo was a total winner; it was so flavorful and cooked perfectly. I also got a chopped salad, and it was super fresh.
Everything was great, and I’ll definitely be back for more
… moreEverything was great, and I’ll definitely be back for more
Johnny “El Dred” Gato
5+5+5+5
We’ve been eating on and off at Buona beef for 25 years. My wife turned me on to it when she was working in Des plaines. I have to admit, it’s changed some, it was much more self-serve in its earlier incarnation. That being said, it still tastes the same. But I miss the bigger stores. The beef, the dogs, the burgers, salads, all top notch, all fresh. The jardinier, fantastic. I kind of wish they would go back to the whole wheat Italian bread, you never have to worry about gluten allergies if they go back to the old Italian way of making bread. Hot Italian bread and butter, man, that thought right there, brings back some old Taylor Street memories. My wife had the walnut avocado strawberry spring lettuce salad, with chicken on top. And lemonade along with some cheese fries. I had a double cheeseburger with everything, cheese fries, and a Dr Pepper. I was full, so I didn’t go next door for ice cream. But I will tell you that that ice cream is really good! By the way, they take their cleanliness serious, the bathrooms were spotless along with the kitchen and the dining room. If you go to a place and the bathrooms are filthy, you better leave. Just a tidbit I learned over the years.
… moreWe’ve been eating on and off at Buona beef for 25 years. My wife turned me on to it when she was working in Des plaines. I have to admit, it’s changed some, it was much more self-serve in its earlier incarnation. That being said, it still tastes the same. But I miss the bigger stores. The beef, the dogs, the burgers, salads, all top notch, all fresh. The jardinier, fantastic. I kind of wish they would go back to the whole wheat Italian bread, you never have to worry about gluten allergies if they go back to the old Italian way of making bread. Hot Italian bread and butter, man, that thought right there, brings back some old Taylor Street memories. My wife had the walnut avocado strawberry spring lettuce salad, with chicken on top. And lemonade along with some cheese fries. I had a double cheeseburger with everything, cheese fries, and a Dr Pepper. I was full, so I didn’t go next door for ice cream. But I will tell you that that ice cream is really good! By the way, they take their cleanliness serious, the bathrooms were spotless along with the kitchen and the dining room. If you go to a place and the bathrooms are filthy, you better leave. Just a tidbit I learned over the years.
Kym D
Finally, they just opened up. I had the rigatoni with meatballs fabulous rigatoni meatballs were great with perfect size about the size of golf balls not the size of your fist. Good sauce not too much. The combo sandwich was good. Fries were great hotdog was good. Definitely have a new favorite. We will definitely be back again. . They need some window treatments. I also like the fact that they did an entrance out of the subdivision not just off Grand Avenue that will definitely help your business. Also make sure you save room for dessert from rainbow cone.!
… more