The hit FX show “The Bear”– which some chefs have described as the most accurate portrayal of a chaotic restaurant kitchen – dropped its second season on Hulu at the end of June. And it’s left many hungry viewers craving a classic Italian beef.
“The Bear” lets viewers see the not-always-pretty insides of an Italian sandwich shop in Chicago that is struggling to make itself after Carmy Berzatto, a Michelin-starred chef in New York City, returns home to take over the family business due to the sudden death of his brother.
To avoid a rumbling stomach ruining your viewing experience, here are six spots around Denver to grab an Italian beef sub.
Chicago Style Beef and Dogs
The name says it all. For Windy City transplants, Chicago Style Beef and Dogs in Lakewood is a home away from home, and littered with Chicago memorabilia, like Salerno butter cookie boxes and Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs and Bears gear. It serves classic Italian beef subs with giardiniera peppers at the counter.
6680 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood; facebook.com/ChicagoStyleBeef
Carmine Lonardo’s Italian Meat Deli
Carmine’s old-school Italian deli counter serves up some of the best subs and cuts of meat in Lakewood. The deli’s Italian beef sub is made with Piedmontese beef, known as the “Italian wagyu.”
7585 W. Florida Ave., Lakewood; facebook.com/people/Carmine-Lonardos-Italian-Meat-Deli
Carm & Gia Metropolitan
Carm & Gia’s menu dubs itself as the “Kings of Chicago street food.” Grab The Loop, named after downtown Chicago, with slow-roasted, thinly sliced Italian beef, sweet peppers and hot giardiniera on a French roll.
9598 E. Montview Blvd., Aurora; carmandgiametropolitan.com
Mile High Vienna Stand
Where there’s a Chicago dog, there’s probably an Italian beef not far down the menu. Mile High Vienna Stand might get you in the door for its Vienna beef dogs, but don’t knock the Italian beef with sweet peppers or hot giardiniera served on a fresh-baked Gonella roll (which is like an Amoroso roll to Philadelphians) and a side of homemade gravy.
300 Santa Fe Dr., Denver; milehighviennastand.com
Lou’s Italian Specialties
It’s hard to leave this one-stop shop with just one item. Lou’s elevates its counter-served Italian beef with provolone and a side of au jus on top of the usual lineup of roast beef, sweet peppers and giardiniera.
3357 Downing St., Denver; lousitalianspecialties.com
Chicago Mike’s Beef & Dog
Any spot with Chicago in the name better do the Italian beef justice, and Chicago Mike’s Beef & Dog, which was been around since 1998, lives up to the standard. The Italian beef includes thinly sliced seasoned beef heated in its own gravy. Order it wet, dry or dipped — and make sure to get plenty of sweet or hot peppers, depending on your preference.
11405 E. Briarwood Ave., Centennial; chicagomikesofdenver.com
Bonus:
Red Tops Rendezvous
Red Tops Rendezvous just opened in Jefferson Park, and even though its loyalties are to owner Kevin Eddy’s hometown of Detroit, the restaurant has an Italian beef thick crust pizza on the menu with Italian roast beef, a brick cheese blend, provolone, spicy giardiniera and beef jus.
2917 W. 25th Ave., Denver; redtopsrendezvous.com