Last week, I dined there with my family for the first time. The kids pizza, meatball marinara sandwich, and the Italian beefs were fantastic. The service is great. The staff is constantly taking the empty plates from your table which makes your dining experience cleaner as you dine. I look forward to tasting the other items on their menu.
(4)
Dave S.
I really can find no flaws with this place and I look for them really hard too! It is just not happening! I have been here for catering and individual meals and every experience was flawless. The quality of the of meals and the service I received made me forget I was going into a chain. I could go into details about my experiences here but I think a one sentence summary would benefit them the best:From the time I walked in the door to the time I finished my food, they nailed it ever single step of the way, every time!
(5)
Gary C.
My wife and I both agreed that this is the best beef sandwich around which still in my opinion it is..mozzarella and giardenera peppers and extra wet...a bit salty but what truly Italian beef isn't? Oh and I strongly suggest a cup of cheese for your fries if you go that route...unsure if it was because we ate there and it was tasty or not.. Manager stopped by our table to ask how everything was I really like that...wasn't real fond of bacon maple shake could of been stirred better as I had a solid 2 strips of bacon (roughly in small pieces) clogged the straw several times and to much maple if that's my only complaint then a solid 4 stars
(4)
Adrian G.
food is great and i love it but every time i order from here there is always something I don't receive in my order
(3)
Angela F.
I'm very happy to see a Buona pop up (pun intended and aimed directly at Karl M.) in the Orland area. Living the majority of my life in the western 'burbs, we were blessed with a smattering of locations from which we could satisfy our Italian beef tooth when the craving arose. My family needs to eat gluten-free for health reasons, and Buona is one of very few restaurants in the area that make it easy for us to conduct our busy-as-all-get-out lives without having to pack a cooler and tailgate in the parking lot of the pediatrician's office before we carry on with the other activities/errands planned for the day. All Buona locations offer a gluten-free pita/flatbread (supplied by Rose's Wheat-free Bakery in Evanston, if you're familiar with her products) at a nominal charge of $1 to make the majority of their sandwiches options safe for Celiacs, gluten-sensitive/intolerant. Buona's menu and price-point is family-friendly, and they offer some health-conscious options for those who aren't into getting down & dirty with a big, juicy beef sammie and cheese fries. This particular restaurant is shiny, new, squeaky-clean, and the customer service we've experienced thus far has been terrific. So, it's four big Buonas for the Orland Park location! In all seriousness Karl M., it's highly doubtful any Orland Park employee contributed to that ad campaign, so it really isn't fair, nor appropriate, to punish them for your displeasure with it on that basis. Your one star & commentary is better directed at the company's corporate HQ in Berwyn.
(4)
Lj C.
Buona is my local go to, when I'm looking for something quick, yet still somewhat healthy. For the average person, one sandwich is enough. I typically order two items. The Grilled Salmon, and Pollo Pomodoro, are both great choices. A bit higher in sodium, however, both are delicious. Another great option is the Cobb Salad, with added grilled chicken, instead of crispy chicken. I have only picked up food from the drive through, so I cannot comment on the dining area. However, service in the drive through is always prompt, and the employees are top notch.
(5)
Robert R.
I can't believe I've waited so long to try this place. It's terrific! I was working nearby yesterday and when it was time for lunch, my customer recommend it. I've seen the Downers Grove business in the past, but never stopped in. Now I wish I had! I ordered the beef sandwich (of course), fries and a drink. After a short wait, my server brought my meal out to me and he couldn't have been more pleasant. The seating area was clean, well designed and spacious. They also have a small outdoor patio, but the weather was a bit too steamy to stay out there. Next time, for sure. Panera had set the bar for my favorite restaurant chain to go to for lunch, but they've been disappointing me recently with their small portions and expensive prices, so I've been looking to find something else. I may have just found it's replacement!
(4)
Jim F.
Food and service are great. Pizza, beef sandwich, and chicken parm are great. Highly recomended.
(4)
Karl M.
I've eaten at this chain many times and the food isn't bad. The service is usually acceptable to pretty good. So why am I so salty? My big beef with this whole chain is their recent ad campaign where they plastered giant billboards with phrases like, "How big is your Buona?" I'm sure it was no accident that it sounds like, "How big is your boner?" Though it's a cute play on words and rather funny, too.... I am totally disgusted that they made that play. I don't want to think of putting "Buona's" in my mouth of ANY size. Masterful FAIL
(1)
Mike R.
For a Friday during Lent there were plenty of options for a meatless meal. My wife thoroughly enjoyed the tuna genovese sandwich. The tuna was fresh combined with the olive oil and kalamata olives. Quite wonderful. I enjoyed the Tuscan harvest salad and a small bowl of cheddar broccoli soup. The Gorgonzola cheese coupled with the raspberry dressing was excellent. I have been to the Naperville location and enjoyed the pepper and egg sandwich. Awesome! I am a fan.
(4)
George A.
Buona is a quality local chain and I'm glad they are in Orland. Regarding the two negative reviews: Please notice how many reviews each Yelper submitted and also how many stars. I usually ignore all 1star and 5 star reviews to get a fair average. The price: Its hard to eat well for under $10 these days. Buona is worth a try.
(4)
Don U.
I have eaten here several times since they opened. The beef sandwich is very good and tasty compared to Pop's and others in Orland. As for value, Pop's piles on much more beef at a lower price with peppers included. Taste wise, Buona beats them all. I just wish that they would give you more beef on the sandwich considering their higher prices. Very friendly and good service. I would have added a 4th star if quantity matched price.
(3)
Kim O.
Love Buona but being lectured by the Muslim at register was really disturbing. We inquired about the Prosciutto, we were told "I'm Muslim so we don't eat pork". Then he proceeded to give us scripture lessons in Christianity as well. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? We were schooled about berqas & meat and how in our Christians bible, we are more fanatical than Muslims!!! We just wanted lunch but now Buona has lost not only our personal business, we will not allow our company to be catered by Buona Beef for anymore if our business lunches or holiday events. Highly offended to say the least.
(3)
Harriet T.
The food and service is absolutely astounding. I came 15 minutes prior to closing and staff was happy to serve me. Food was hot and service was fast. The workers were all friendly and place was clean. Management here is definitely getting the job done well. I will be back.
(5)
Laurie H.
I really want(ed) to like this place. It is so convenient to take home a special treat after a Sandburg event. I like the beef, but the salty taste is so overwhelming that it is always a disappointment. I've also looked at the salt content on the menu and the amounts are outrageous--I just don't see the need for that. I do like the chicken soup, though. I also find the religious discrimination account to be ey disturbing.
(2)
Louis C.
Let's diffuse the myth about this place right now: it is terrible on multiple levels. 1) After waiting a couple weeks to actually try this place because of the epic lines to eat here (I guess in a past life this place was actually decent, so all the sheep flocked here upon its opening a few weeks ago), I finally came by to pick up dinner for the family. The place was packed, and I was eager to try them having heard such great things about it from friends and family. The first thiing that struck me was the overpriced menu. I don't mind paying extra for quality, so that did not bother me initially. 2) I got my order take-out, and upon receiving my order I thought to myself that I better check the order to make sure it was right but thought "nah, this place has a good reputation and there is no way the service could already be bad after only being open for two weeks". Well that was mistake #2 - coming here in the first place was my first mistake - because when I got home I realized they forgot my fries. 3) The portions are a joke! I literally did a double-take when I saw my "original beef" sandwich had less than half the beef that any other beef joint in the neighborhood serves. Same for my wife's BBQ beef: very small portion relative to the overprice. My daughter got a small fry and there were literally about 8 fries in the box. 4) Most importantly: the food sucks. My beef tasted like it was marinated in brine it was so salty. My wife said here's was "okay" but I suspect she was just being nice The Parmesan chips she got were burnt and inedible. The food quality was not reflective of the price or the hype that precedes this dump. My daughter did not finish her meal either. In sum, the service is bad, the food is overpriced, the portions are small, and the food is poor to mediocre. So, if overpriced crap is your thing, Buona Beef might be for you.
(1)
Jac A.
I loved Buona Beef since before I stopped eating meat. Tonight I had their soup and cheese fries with hot peppers. Yummy! The gentleman at the register was so nice and friendly! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Ky B.
I missed happy hour and as a nice gesture for paying full price they gave me a free brownie. Very clean, very nice people, and most of all very good food.
(5)
glenn d.
Whoa!.. This Buona is SPICY. I stopped in between the lunch and dinner crowds, so maybe I got the "all day marinated in rocket fuel killer beef deluxe sandwich".I ate the sucker anyway, and have every intention on going back....as soon as I land back on Earth.
(3)
Persephon E.
Ordered from there two times, got two chicken sandwiches (different kind each time) and two times I had to open the bun and look for the meat. Thin, tiny, and tasteless. Extra pass! Plus, the bill was a bit much. I can't believe they put Tony's out of business. They were ten times better.
(1)
Peter S.
Best beef if you like well seasoned with great spices and not to salty. Love the green olives in the jardiniere.
(4)
Miranda F.
Horrible service. Waited over 10 minutes for my food and they forgot something I ordered so I had to wait in line AGAIN! Also got a sandwich with soggy bread, I called and had the manager bring me a new one and he even agreed the sandwich was disgustingly soggy. Love their food but recently their service has not been the best! Giving them one star because they try to fix their mistakes! Be sure to check your food before you eat it or leave the drive thru with it !
(1)
Toni F.
Not sure why this place has 3 dollar signs...I don't think it's too pricy for the quality of food you get here. I love the variety their menu offers and the place is cozy, comfortable and gives you the option of eating fast or ordering a glass of wine and lingering a bit. We tried a sample of their pizza for the first time, excellent! I've had better pepper and egg but I love their Tuna Genovese. They also offer a nice upgrade to include a generous side salad with your sandwich. I'm really happy we now have this Orland Park location - great spot for a light lunch or dinner while shopping in the area.
(4)
Rick B.
Pretty good italian beef chain that just added a store in Orland Park. Compared to Al's Italian Beef from the old Taylor Street neighborhood - which is a major competitor with franchisees out in the southwest of Chicago - Buona is sort of peppery. There was not a lot of distinctive italian seasoning taste to the beef. It was nice and tender, and tasted pretty good. We ordered it dipped - meaning dunked in the sauce - and it came out not so dipped. Maybe one has to order double-dunked or something. The fires were meh - sliced and cut with no potato skins and barely fried. They could have been fried a bit crisper, and we sort of like them when there are parts of the skins on ... so these were just fair. The melted cheese for the cheese fries is simply warmed Velveeta ... warm but sort of bland - there was no kick to it. But I think the lack of kick seems to apply to everything - the fries and the beef. They just didn't have that oomph to make them distinctive. This new store is directly across the street from Carl Sandburg High School and we suspect that is their main clientele. The store will do allright here, and it is a beautiful layout. They have a lot of room and seating, and even have outdoor patio seating. They serve beer and wine for those that are interested - but will probably be very careful since they are so near the high school.
(2)
Jeannie A.
The first time I had their beef was at a superbowl party - someone had it catered in. I thought it was really good. A location opened up near-ish to me, so I thought I would check them out. Service was GREAT. From the second you walked in and was welcomed - to the person at the counter taking the order, to the people walking around checking on you asking if everything was good. Really wonderful. I was happy that they had a low-carb option. They called it the Naked Combo. It was a bowl of beef, peppers, cheese, and sausage. Huge portion - tasted great. Good value for your money. Inside was clean and new. I even ordered 2 pounds of beef to go - which came with gravy. I'll be back!
(4)
Alex C.
Came for dinner with some friends the other day and was reassured that Buona is still probably one of my favorite Italian beef sandwiches, and additionally a great option for salads, too. This time I started with a cobb salad, which was a heaping portion that was incredibly fresh and delicious. Everything from sliced eggs to avocado to thousand island dressing was on here. A friend said the crispy chicken was good also. We split a 10'' beef with peppers and giardiniera. I thought it added a nice touch, but perhaps was a little overwhelming and took away from the flavor/seasoning of the beef that I particularly enjoy from Buona. The only drawbacks to Buona is that it is comparatively expensive and the quantity of beef on their sandwiches is not exactly large. In my book, quality always wins over quantity. I really liked the cobb salad and although our meals were still ~$10/person even after a $5 off coupon, we left full and satisfied.
(4)
Natalie D.
Wow this place has the best service I've ever had anywhere. Literally. They were so nice I was floored. Food? Amazing. I ordered the Caesar salad and a pizza. My family got the classic beef sandwiches, my grandparents had a chicken sandwich and a salad and my boyfriend had a burger which was HUGE. He ordered a double on accident -it was so big. It took less than 10 minutes for all of our good to get to our table and there were 7 of us! Because of the set up of the restaurant (you order and seat yourself and they bring you your food) we were comfortable hanging out at the table just talking for hours -Something we would never consider doing at a regular restaurant. I can't say enough good things. They are a family restaurant chain but the service is crazy good. I hope they continue to see lots of growth. Buona could very well be the pride of Chicagoland. Oh and don't skip on the cannoli!! It was so light and yummy! I swear! I was stuffed but ending the meal on the cannoli was the perfect way to finish! I'm not even a huge fan of cannoli usually.
(5)
Gem S.
Where's Da Beef? Would you rather be the very best at 1 thing or just be good at many things? Welcome to Buona Beef, a Chicagoland chain that by its name & logo (pic of an Italian beef sandwich) would implicate it to be a fast-casual joint all about the beef. But this assumption my yelpstas would be wrong. BB does indeed have beef sammies & I've ate a couple of 'em on past occasions. They come in small, reg & super-size sammies. I get the small-size beef dipped with hot & sweet peppers & make it a value meal which comes with your choice of a side & a regular-size fountain drink. The beef here is sliced kinda too thick for my taste, I prefer almost paper-thin beef. Also, while the meat & peppers were fresh-tastin' & overall fine, the beef here seems to be a lil lackin' in flava & also portion-wise. It's definitely betta than some crap you'll get at Arby's, but the beef here doesn't knock my sox off or compare to the beef sammies at my 2 faves, The Original Al's Beef on Taylor St in Chicago or Portillo's in Tinley Park, where at either place the junior beefs are still pretty sick big with piles of thin juicy, ass beef! Also, the fries at BB aren't that spesh! They are the medium-thick, frozen, straight, just non-seasoned, caloric waste kind! There are some better, healthier sides at BB such as a side house salad, pasta salad, side caesar, fresh fruit salad, cup o'soup, etc. that you can get with your value meal. Nice to have these healthy side choices! BB might not be the best place for beef in my book but it sells a variety of other menu options besides beef that are pretty good too in case you're not in the "moo-d" for Italian beef. There are also burgers, hotdogs, meatballs, Italian sausage, BBQ beef, soups, an assortment o'cafe sandwiches, grilled paninis, different kinds o'Chicken sammies & even a grilled salmon fillet sammie if you're feelin' a lil fishy! Oh yeah, let's throw on some healthy-lookin' salad options & why not serve hand-rolled, thin-crust pizzas for shits?! BTW, there's a menu for the kiddos, booze for the adults, some desserts & coffee, a catering menu & ya can buy beef & sausage by da lb to throw yer own juicy sausage fest at home! I think this restaurateur covered all the bases! I've also had the Roasted Vegetable pizza on a past visit & it was surprisingly good for a beef place. It's thin & crunchy with lotsa, fresh veggies & is a big portion for 1 person. I got the Old Neighborhood House Salad on my last visit which is mixed greens, roma tomatoes, cukes & pepperoncinis, added grilled chicken & it was served with a free garlic breadstick. The salad was large & tasty with big, fresh veggies & sliced, grilled chicky. I'd get this salad again. The BB I'm reviewing is the Orland Park location, best burb on da SW side o'Chicago. This BB is still relatively newish. It's large & spacious with lotsa seating & is modern/nice for a fast-caz place & very clean. It's dine-in or drive-thru & all food is made fresh-to-order. Service here is limited to ordering at the counter & waiting on someone to bring your food to your table. I have no complaints with the service/speed at BB. It's adequate, efficient & timely. So BB isn't sellin' my fave beef in Chicagoland more like a solid 3 gems but it offers a lotta, yummy menu options & the restaurant, service & staff is good too. But what brings it from an average, 3-gemmer, fast-caz chain to a 4-gem banger-upper is the self-serve fountain machine, my fave part o'BB! I used to be a hard-core Diet Coke whore until I gave 'em up cold turkey 2 yrs ago & like everything else I get over, I've never looked back! So when I saw BB had Yumberry Pomegranate Sobe Lifewater on tap I started yellin' in gemstasy "they have Sobe Life on tap!" & snapped pix of it! (SL is the only "pop-like" drink I will consume bc it's made w/natural sweeteners unlike Diet Coke.) Yea, I got some weird, oh they just let the lil, Azn lady out for the day kinda looks! Um, I guess I only fuel the stereo-type o'Azns, who take pix o'everythin' lol! Duh, it was a fuggin' Kodak moment! Thanx BB for givin' me access to unlimited refills o'Gemberry PoMEGranate, my fave Sobe LifeH2O! You Rock! Ok, so I recommend goin' to BB when you're around OP & ya just wanna fast-caz lunch or din-din with your bro, sis, ma, dad, hubs, wife, kids, GF, BF, buds, co-workers, etc. & no one can agree on what they want to eat cuz ya know that happens like every time ya go out to eat & yer not flyin' Hans Solo. Like I said BB has beef plus everything but the kitchen sink full o'goodies on the menu sure to please all the bitches in your life! It may not be da best beef or the best fill in the blank meal o'your life but I can reassure ya whatevs ya decide to eat, your meal will be fresh & tasty cuz Buona Beef sells a lotta, bueno food & ya can bet yer ass I'll be walkin' away with a smile & a gemmy refill! In Re Owner's comment: No prob! Kudos for keepin' a great sense o'humor & restaurant! I'll be back!
(4)
Greg D.
My son and I went through the drive thru Sunday August 16th after our football game at Sandburg High. We ordered a combo, beef, meatball, burgers and some fries. The adults in our family shared the beef and meatball sandwich. I ate the combo which was outstanding. The beef is peppery and very good. The order was correct and we received our food quickly in the drive thru. Its not cheap but its worth it. The next time I want a beef sammy, I am coming here.
(5)
Edwin H.
The beef is to die for omg hits the stop everytime beef with the cheese sauce is amazing. I love the place since I ate here years ago in berwyn. Love the beef never fails always on point. Very good customer service. Fries always fresh.
(5)
Big D.
Great combination. Love their bread. Wish they had more locations near the city. Love that their big beef is huge.
(5)
Megan S.
BF is absolutely in love with this place. Gluten Free "fast food" (per say) is hard to come by so it is a welcome treat...just not as much as he would like. I've had the pizza and beef there. Both are good. Order the beef dry because the gf flatbread can get soggy. I've also had the cobb salad. A few times my stomach got a little rumbly but I don't know if it was me or gluten. I'm usually here 1-3x a month when I'm in the burbs. It's a really good option though.
(4)
Angela B.
Great service, clean, and of course...great food! Serves beer and wine here. Also, free wifi :)
(5)
Harry M.
Still the best beef sandwich around. Don't skip their combo beef and sausage sandwich. My wife had the Cobb salad without the bacon (she is vegetarian) and was very happy with it. Her first time here and said she will come back with me.
(5)
Harmony K.
The Manager Steve is really great! He was very accommodating and very nice. The beef is great and their new orange dream shake is amazing!!! I will definitely go back for more! Great location!
(5)
Staci M.
I had a beef sandwich a couple weeks ago and it had a very small amount of beef on it. Haven't gave this place another shot yet.
(2)
Mike O.
Passing this place all the time while driving down La Grange Road, so I finally stopped and tried it for lunch. Opted for a beef sandwich and fries, my other standard meal from hot dogs. The beef was prepared as ordered, did not order any peppers as they are an additional charge, should be free. You place your order and they give you one of those table number cards and they bring your meal to your table. The beef has a slight kick to it, but not over powering and the fries were your typical frozen fries that were cooked to a nice crispiness. The restuarant is nicely decorated and fairly clean and absent of any strange smells. They also have a little outdoor eating area that would be nice on a summer night just to eat and relax.
(4)
Phil A.
Not sure what happened to the Italian beef recipe at this location, definitely different then the other Berwyn location which is ok. Just not to my liking, went a second time just to make sure that I didn't get a bad batch and it was just not good. Will stick with some of the old stand bys, Best :Al's Beef and Mr. Beef
(2)
Joe D.
An over priced mostly mediocre beef sandwich. There trying to be like Portillos but its not working. There was a beef sandwich place across the street in the mall that closed up called Tony's. They had a much better sandwich, but did not appeal to the soccer moms and manscaped metrosexuals of Orland Park.
(1)
Julie O.
Dine in, drive thru or carryout. Free parking. I like having options. My friend, her son and I dined in on MLK for lunch. It was hopping. Probably because it was a holiday and the place is new. In any case, this is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. The restaurant is probably just the right size. Casual, you order at the counter and they bring the food to you. I love that I can finally get a good salad in the Southlands. Seriously, the Tuscan Harvest salad is amazing and generously portioned. They were nice to the kiddo, offering him crayons and a booklet to color on. Not cheap, but not too bad. They have email lists and they do send coupons from time to time.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
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Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Ramsey B.
Last week, I dined there with my family for the first time. The kids pizza, meatball marinara sandwich, and the Italian beefs were fantastic. The service is great. The staff is constantly taking the empty plates from your table which makes your dining experience cleaner as you dine. I look forward to tasting the other items on their menu.
(4)Dave S.
I really can find no flaws with this place and I look for them really hard too! It is just not happening! I have been here for catering and individual meals and every experience was flawless. The quality of the of meals and the service I received made me forget I was going into a chain. I could go into details about my experiences here but I think a one sentence summary would benefit them the best:From the time I walked in the door to the time I finished my food, they nailed it ever single step of the way, every time!
(5)Gary C.
My wife and I both agreed that this is the best beef sandwich around which still in my opinion it is..mozzarella and giardenera peppers and extra wet...a bit salty but what truly Italian beef isn't? Oh and I strongly suggest a cup of cheese for your fries if you go that route...unsure if it was because we ate there and it was tasty or not.. Manager stopped by our table to ask how everything was I really like that...wasn't real fond of bacon maple shake could of been stirred better as I had a solid 2 strips of bacon (roughly in small pieces) clogged the straw several times and to much maple if that's my only complaint then a solid 4 stars
(4)Adrian G.
food is great and i love it but every time i order from here there is always something I don't receive in my order
(3)Angela F.
I'm very happy to see a Buona pop up (pun intended and aimed directly at Karl M.) in the Orland area. Living the majority of my life in the western 'burbs, we were blessed with a smattering of locations from which we could satisfy our Italian beef tooth when the craving arose. My family needs to eat gluten-free for health reasons, and Buona is one of very few restaurants in the area that make it easy for us to conduct our busy-as-all-get-out lives without having to pack a cooler and tailgate in the parking lot of the pediatrician's office before we carry on with the other activities/errands planned for the day. All Buona locations offer a gluten-free pita/flatbread (supplied by Rose's Wheat-free Bakery in Evanston, if you're familiar with her products) at a nominal charge of $1 to make the majority of their sandwiches options safe for Celiacs, gluten-sensitive/intolerant. Buona's menu and price-point is family-friendly, and they offer some health-conscious options for those who aren't into getting down & dirty with a big, juicy beef sammie and cheese fries. This particular restaurant is shiny, new, squeaky-clean, and the customer service we've experienced thus far has been terrific. So, it's four big Buonas for the Orland Park location! In all seriousness Karl M., it's highly doubtful any Orland Park employee contributed to that ad campaign, so it really isn't fair, nor appropriate, to punish them for your displeasure with it on that basis. Your one star & commentary is better directed at the company's corporate HQ in Berwyn.
(4)Lj C.
Buona is my local go to, when I'm looking for something quick, yet still somewhat healthy. For the average person, one sandwich is enough. I typically order two items. The Grilled Salmon, and Pollo Pomodoro, are both great choices. A bit higher in sodium, however, both are delicious. Another great option is the Cobb Salad, with added grilled chicken, instead of crispy chicken. I have only picked up food from the drive through, so I cannot comment on the dining area. However, service in the drive through is always prompt, and the employees are top notch.
(5)Robert R.
I can't believe I've waited so long to try this place. It's terrific! I was working nearby yesterday and when it was time for lunch, my customer recommend it. I've seen the Downers Grove business in the past, but never stopped in. Now I wish I had! I ordered the beef sandwich (of course), fries and a drink. After a short wait, my server brought my meal out to me and he couldn't have been more pleasant. The seating area was clean, well designed and spacious. They also have a small outdoor patio, but the weather was a bit too steamy to stay out there. Next time, for sure. Panera had set the bar for my favorite restaurant chain to go to for lunch, but they've been disappointing me recently with their small portions and expensive prices, so I've been looking to find something else. I may have just found it's replacement!
(4)Jim F.
Food and service are great. Pizza, beef sandwich, and chicken parm are great. Highly recomended.
(4)Karl M.
I've eaten at this chain many times and the food isn't bad. The service is usually acceptable to pretty good. So why am I so salty? My big beef with this whole chain is their recent ad campaign where they plastered giant billboards with phrases like, "How big is your Buona?" I'm sure it was no accident that it sounds like, "How big is your boner?" Though it's a cute play on words and rather funny, too.... I am totally disgusted that they made that play. I don't want to think of putting "Buona's" in my mouth of ANY size. Masterful FAIL
(1)Mike R.
For a Friday during Lent there were plenty of options for a meatless meal. My wife thoroughly enjoyed the tuna genovese sandwich. The tuna was fresh combined with the olive oil and kalamata olives. Quite wonderful. I enjoyed the Tuscan harvest salad and a small bowl of cheddar broccoli soup. The Gorgonzola cheese coupled with the raspberry dressing was excellent. I have been to the Naperville location and enjoyed the pepper and egg sandwich. Awesome! I am a fan.
(4)George A.
Buona is a quality local chain and I'm glad they are in Orland. Regarding the two negative reviews: Please notice how many reviews each Yelper submitted and also how many stars. I usually ignore all 1star and 5 star reviews to get a fair average. The price: Its hard to eat well for under $10 these days. Buona is worth a try.
(4)Don U.
I have eaten here several times since they opened. The beef sandwich is very good and tasty compared to Pop's and others in Orland. As for value, Pop's piles on much more beef at a lower price with peppers included. Taste wise, Buona beats them all. I just wish that they would give you more beef on the sandwich considering their higher prices. Very friendly and good service. I would have added a 4th star if quantity matched price.
(3)Kim O.
Love Buona but being lectured by the Muslim at register was really disturbing. We inquired about the Prosciutto, we were told "I'm Muslim so we don't eat pork". Then he proceeded to give us scripture lessons in Christianity as well. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? We were schooled about berqas & meat and how in our Christians bible, we are more fanatical than Muslims!!! We just wanted lunch but now Buona has lost not only our personal business, we will not allow our company to be catered by Buona Beef for anymore if our business lunches or holiday events. Highly offended to say the least.
(3)Harriet T.
The food and service is absolutely astounding. I came 15 minutes prior to closing and staff was happy to serve me. Food was hot and service was fast. The workers were all friendly and place was clean. Management here is definitely getting the job done well. I will be back.
(5)Laurie H.
I really want(ed) to like this place. It is so convenient to take home a special treat after a Sandburg event. I like the beef, but the salty taste is so overwhelming that it is always a disappointment. I've also looked at the salt content on the menu and the amounts are outrageous--I just don't see the need for that. I do like the chicken soup, though. I also find the religious discrimination account to be ey disturbing.
(2)Louis C.
Let's diffuse the myth about this place right now: it is terrible on multiple levels. 1) After waiting a couple weeks to actually try this place because of the epic lines to eat here (I guess in a past life this place was actually decent, so all the sheep flocked here upon its opening a few weeks ago), I finally came by to pick up dinner for the family. The place was packed, and I was eager to try them having heard such great things about it from friends and family. The first thiing that struck me was the overpriced menu. I don't mind paying extra for quality, so that did not bother me initially. 2) I got my order take-out, and upon receiving my order I thought to myself that I better check the order to make sure it was right but thought "nah, this place has a good reputation and there is no way the service could already be bad after only being open for two weeks". Well that was mistake #2 - coming here in the first place was my first mistake - because when I got home I realized they forgot my fries. 3) The portions are a joke! I literally did a double-take when I saw my "original beef" sandwich had less than half the beef that any other beef joint in the neighborhood serves. Same for my wife's BBQ beef: very small portion relative to the overprice. My daughter got a small fry and there were literally about 8 fries in the box. 4) Most importantly: the food sucks. My beef tasted like it was marinated in brine it was so salty. My wife said here's was "okay" but I suspect she was just being nice The Parmesan chips she got were burnt and inedible. The food quality was not reflective of the price or the hype that precedes this dump. My daughter did not finish her meal either. In sum, the service is bad, the food is overpriced, the portions are small, and the food is poor to mediocre. So, if overpriced crap is your thing, Buona Beef might be for you.
(1)Jac A.
I loved Buona Beef since before I stopped eating meat. Tonight I had their soup and cheese fries with hot peppers. Yummy! The gentleman at the register was so nice and friendly! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Ky B.
I missed happy hour and as a nice gesture for paying full price they gave me a free brownie. Very clean, very nice people, and most of all very good food.
(5)glenn d.
Whoa!.. This Buona is SPICY. I stopped in between the lunch and dinner crowds, so maybe I got the "all day marinated in rocket fuel killer beef deluxe sandwich".I ate the sucker anyway, and have every intention on going back....as soon as I land back on Earth.
(3)Persephon E.
Ordered from there two times, got two chicken sandwiches (different kind each time) and two times I had to open the bun and look for the meat. Thin, tiny, and tasteless. Extra pass! Plus, the bill was a bit much. I can't believe they put Tony's out of business. They were ten times better.
(1)Peter S.
Best beef if you like well seasoned with great spices and not to salty. Love the green olives in the jardiniere.
(4)Miranda F.
Horrible service. Waited over 10 minutes for my food and they forgot something I ordered so I had to wait in line AGAIN! Also got a sandwich with soggy bread, I called and had the manager bring me a new one and he even agreed the sandwich was disgustingly soggy. Love their food but recently their service has not been the best! Giving them one star because they try to fix their mistakes! Be sure to check your food before you eat it or leave the drive thru with it !
(1)Toni F.
Not sure why this place has 3 dollar signs...I don't think it's too pricy for the quality of food you get here. I love the variety their menu offers and the place is cozy, comfortable and gives you the option of eating fast or ordering a glass of wine and lingering a bit. We tried a sample of their pizza for the first time, excellent! I've had better pepper and egg but I love their Tuna Genovese. They also offer a nice upgrade to include a generous side salad with your sandwich. I'm really happy we now have this Orland Park location - great spot for a light lunch or dinner while shopping in the area.
(4)Rick B.
Pretty good italian beef chain that just added a store in Orland Park. Compared to Al's Italian Beef from the old Taylor Street neighborhood - which is a major competitor with franchisees out in the southwest of Chicago - Buona is sort of peppery. There was not a lot of distinctive italian seasoning taste to the beef. It was nice and tender, and tasted pretty good. We ordered it dipped - meaning dunked in the sauce - and it came out not so dipped. Maybe one has to order double-dunked or something. The fires were meh - sliced and cut with no potato skins and barely fried. They could have been fried a bit crisper, and we sort of like them when there are parts of the skins on ... so these were just fair. The melted cheese for the cheese fries is simply warmed Velveeta ... warm but sort of bland - there was no kick to it. But I think the lack of kick seems to apply to everything - the fries and the beef. They just didn't have that oomph to make them distinctive. This new store is directly across the street from Carl Sandburg High School and we suspect that is their main clientele. The store will do allright here, and it is a beautiful layout. They have a lot of room and seating, and even have outdoor patio seating. They serve beer and wine for those that are interested - but will probably be very careful since they are so near the high school.
(2)Jeannie A.
The first time I had their beef was at a superbowl party - someone had it catered in. I thought it was really good. A location opened up near-ish to me, so I thought I would check them out. Service was GREAT. From the second you walked in and was welcomed - to the person at the counter taking the order, to the people walking around checking on you asking if everything was good. Really wonderful. I was happy that they had a low-carb option. They called it the Naked Combo. It was a bowl of beef, peppers, cheese, and sausage. Huge portion - tasted great. Good value for your money. Inside was clean and new. I even ordered 2 pounds of beef to go - which came with gravy. I'll be back!
(4)Alex C.
Came for dinner with some friends the other day and was reassured that Buona is still probably one of my favorite Italian beef sandwiches, and additionally a great option for salads, too. This time I started with a cobb salad, which was a heaping portion that was incredibly fresh and delicious. Everything from sliced eggs to avocado to thousand island dressing was on here. A friend said the crispy chicken was good also. We split a 10'' beef with peppers and giardiniera. I thought it added a nice touch, but perhaps was a little overwhelming and took away from the flavor/seasoning of the beef that I particularly enjoy from Buona. The only drawbacks to Buona is that it is comparatively expensive and the quantity of beef on their sandwiches is not exactly large. In my book, quality always wins over quantity. I really liked the cobb salad and although our meals were still ~$10/person even after a $5 off coupon, we left full and satisfied.
(4)Natalie D.
Wow this place has the best service I've ever had anywhere. Literally. They were so nice I was floored. Food? Amazing. I ordered the Caesar salad and a pizza. My family got the classic beef sandwiches, my grandparents had a chicken sandwich and a salad and my boyfriend had a burger which was HUGE. He ordered a double on accident -it was so big. It took less than 10 minutes for all of our good to get to our table and there were 7 of us! Because of the set up of the restaurant (you order and seat yourself and they bring you your food) we were comfortable hanging out at the table just talking for hours -Something we would never consider doing at a regular restaurant. I can't say enough good things. They are a family restaurant chain but the service is crazy good. I hope they continue to see lots of growth. Buona could very well be the pride of Chicagoland. Oh and don't skip on the cannoli!! It was so light and yummy! I swear! I was stuffed but ending the meal on the cannoli was the perfect way to finish! I'm not even a huge fan of cannoli usually.
(5)Gem S.
Where's Da Beef? Would you rather be the very best at 1 thing or just be good at many things? Welcome to Buona Beef, a Chicagoland chain that by its name & logo (pic of an Italian beef sandwich) would implicate it to be a fast-casual joint all about the beef. But this assumption my yelpstas would be wrong. BB does indeed have beef sammies & I've ate a couple of 'em on past occasions. They come in small, reg & super-size sammies. I get the small-size beef dipped with hot & sweet peppers & make it a value meal which comes with your choice of a side & a regular-size fountain drink. The beef here is sliced kinda too thick for my taste, I prefer almost paper-thin beef. Also, while the meat & peppers were fresh-tastin' & overall fine, the beef here seems to be a lil lackin' in flava & also portion-wise. It's definitely betta than some crap you'll get at Arby's, but the beef here doesn't knock my sox off or compare to the beef sammies at my 2 faves, The Original Al's Beef on Taylor St in Chicago or Portillo's in Tinley Park, where at either place the junior beefs are still pretty sick big with piles of thin juicy, ass beef! Also, the fries at BB aren't that spesh! They are the medium-thick, frozen, straight, just non-seasoned, caloric waste kind! There are some better, healthier sides at BB such as a side house salad, pasta salad, side caesar, fresh fruit salad, cup o'soup, etc. that you can get with your value meal. Nice to have these healthy side choices! BB might not be the best place for beef in my book but it sells a variety of other menu options besides beef that are pretty good too in case you're not in the "moo-d" for Italian beef. There are also burgers, hotdogs, meatballs, Italian sausage, BBQ beef, soups, an assortment o'cafe sandwiches, grilled paninis, different kinds o'Chicken sammies & even a grilled salmon fillet sammie if you're feelin' a lil fishy! Oh yeah, let's throw on some healthy-lookin' salad options & why not serve hand-rolled, thin-crust pizzas for shits?! BTW, there's a menu for the kiddos, booze for the adults, some desserts & coffee, a catering menu & ya can buy beef & sausage by da lb to throw yer own juicy sausage fest at home! I think this restaurateur covered all the bases! I've also had the Roasted Vegetable pizza on a past visit & it was surprisingly good for a beef place. It's thin & crunchy with lotsa, fresh veggies & is a big portion for 1 person. I got the Old Neighborhood House Salad on my last visit which is mixed greens, roma tomatoes, cukes & pepperoncinis, added grilled chicken & it was served with a free garlic breadstick. The salad was large & tasty with big, fresh veggies & sliced, grilled chicky. I'd get this salad again. The BB I'm reviewing is the Orland Park location, best burb on da SW side o'Chicago. This BB is still relatively newish. It's large & spacious with lotsa seating & is modern/nice for a fast-caz place & very clean. It's dine-in or drive-thru & all food is made fresh-to-order. Service here is limited to ordering at the counter & waiting on someone to bring your food to your table. I have no complaints with the service/speed at BB. It's adequate, efficient & timely. So BB isn't sellin' my fave beef in Chicagoland more like a solid 3 gems but it offers a lotta, yummy menu options & the restaurant, service & staff is good too. But what brings it from an average, 3-gemmer, fast-caz chain to a 4-gem banger-upper is the self-serve fountain machine, my fave part o'BB! I used to be a hard-core Diet Coke whore until I gave 'em up cold turkey 2 yrs ago & like everything else I get over, I've never looked back! So when I saw BB had Yumberry Pomegranate Sobe Lifewater on tap I started yellin' in gemstasy "they have Sobe Life on tap!" & snapped pix of it! (SL is the only "pop-like" drink I will consume bc it's made w/natural sweeteners unlike Diet Coke.) Yea, I got some weird, oh they just let the lil, Azn lady out for the day kinda looks! Um, I guess I only fuel the stereo-type o'Azns, who take pix o'everythin' lol! Duh, it was a fuggin' Kodak moment! Thanx BB for givin' me access to unlimited refills o'Gemberry PoMEGranate, my fave Sobe LifeH2O! You Rock! Ok, so I recommend goin' to BB when you're around OP & ya just wanna fast-caz lunch or din-din with your bro, sis, ma, dad, hubs, wife, kids, GF, BF, buds, co-workers, etc. & no one can agree on what they want to eat cuz ya know that happens like every time ya go out to eat & yer not flyin' Hans Solo. Like I said BB has beef plus everything but the kitchen sink full o'goodies on the menu sure to please all the bitches in your life! It may not be da best beef or the best fill in the blank meal o'your life but I can reassure ya whatevs ya decide to eat, your meal will be fresh & tasty cuz Buona Beef sells a lotta, bueno food & ya can bet yer ass I'll be walkin' away with a smile & a gemmy refill! In Re Owner's comment: No prob! Kudos for keepin' a great sense o'humor & restaurant! I'll be back!
(4)Greg D.
My son and I went through the drive thru Sunday August 16th after our football game at Sandburg High. We ordered a combo, beef, meatball, burgers and some fries. The adults in our family shared the beef and meatball sandwich. I ate the combo which was outstanding. The beef is peppery and very good. The order was correct and we received our food quickly in the drive thru. Its not cheap but its worth it. The next time I want a beef sammy, I am coming here.
(5)Edwin H.
The beef is to die for omg hits the stop everytime beef with the cheese sauce is amazing. I love the place since I ate here years ago in berwyn. Love the beef never fails always on point. Very good customer service. Fries always fresh.
(5)Big D.
Great combination. Love their bread. Wish they had more locations near the city. Love that their big beef is huge.
(5)Megan S.
BF is absolutely in love with this place. Gluten Free "fast food" (per say) is hard to come by so it is a welcome treat...just not as much as he would like. I've had the pizza and beef there. Both are good. Order the beef dry because the gf flatbread can get soggy. I've also had the cobb salad. A few times my stomach got a little rumbly but I don't know if it was me or gluten. I'm usually here 1-3x a month when I'm in the burbs. It's a really good option though.
(4)Angela B.
Great service, clean, and of course...great food! Serves beer and wine here. Also, free wifi :)
(5)Harry M.
Still the best beef sandwich around. Don't skip their combo beef and sausage sandwich. My wife had the Cobb salad without the bacon (she is vegetarian) and was very happy with it. Her first time here and said she will come back with me.
(5)Harmony K.
The Manager Steve is really great! He was very accommodating and very nice. The beef is great and their new orange dream shake is amazing!!! I will definitely go back for more! Great location!
(5)Staci M.
I had a beef sandwich a couple weeks ago and it had a very small amount of beef on it. Haven't gave this place another shot yet.
(2)Mike O.
Passing this place all the time while driving down La Grange Road, so I finally stopped and tried it for lunch. Opted for a beef sandwich and fries, my other standard meal from hot dogs. The beef was prepared as ordered, did not order any peppers as they are an additional charge, should be free. You place your order and they give you one of those table number cards and they bring your meal to your table. The beef has a slight kick to it, but not over powering and the fries were your typical frozen fries that were cooked to a nice crispiness. The restuarant is nicely decorated and fairly clean and absent of any strange smells. They also have a little outdoor eating area that would be nice on a summer night just to eat and relax.
(4)Phil A.
Not sure what happened to the Italian beef recipe at this location, definitely different then the other Berwyn location which is ok. Just not to my liking, went a second time just to make sure that I didn't get a bad batch and it was just not good. Will stick with some of the old stand bys, Best :Al's Beef and Mr. Beef
(2)Joe D.
An over priced mostly mediocre beef sandwich. There trying to be like Portillos but its not working. There was a beef sandwich place across the street in the mall that closed up called Tony's. They had a much better sandwich, but did not appeal to the soccer moms and manscaped metrosexuals of Orland Park.
(1)Julie O.
Dine in, drive thru or carryout. Free parking. I like having options. My friend, her son and I dined in on MLK for lunch. It was hopping. Probably because it was a holiday and the place is new. In any case, this is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. The restaurant is probably just the right size. Casual, you order at the counter and they bring the food to you. I love that I can finally get a good salad in the Southlands. Seriously, the Tuscan Harvest salad is amazing and generously portioned. They were nice to the kiddo, offering him crayons and a booklet to color on. Not cheap, but not too bad. They have email lists and they do send coupons from time to time.
(4)