Chicago is famous for more than just pizza. The Italian Beef sandwich is just as iconic, and at Mad Pizza, we do it right.
What Is an Italian Beef?
An Italian Beef sandwich features thinly sliced, slow-roasted beef that has been seasoned with a blend of Italian herbs and spices. The beef is served on a sturdy Italian roll and can be ordered dry, with a drizzle of jus, or dipped, where the entire sandwich gets dunked in the warm, seasoned cooking liquid. The result is a savory, messy, incredibly satisfying sandwich.
The Jus
The jus is what separates a great Italian Beef from an ordinary roast beef sandwich. It is the seasoned liquid that the beef cooks and sits in, packed with garlic, oregano, and other Italian seasonings. When you order your sandwich dipped, the bread absorbs this flavorful liquid and becomes part of the experience.
Sweet or Hot?
The classic choice is sweet peppers, hot giardiniera, or both, known as a combo. Sweet peppers add a mild, slightly sweet contrast to the savory beef. Giardiniera, a Chicago-style pickled hot pepper relish, brings heat and tang that cuts through the richness. At Mad Pizza, we recommend trying it with both at least once.
The Bread Matters
Italian Beef demands a specific kind of bread: a sturdy Italian roll with enough structure to hold the jus-soaked meat without falling apart, but soft enough inside to absorb the flavors. The bread is not an afterthought, it is a critical component.
Why We Serve It
Mad Pizza is about bringing authentic Chicago flavors to Hollywood, FL. Our Italian Beef sandwich sits alongside our Chicago thin-crust pizza, Mad Meatball sub, and other menu items that honor the culinary traditions we grew up with. Every sandwich is made with the same care as our hand-shredded mozzarella and 4-generation sauce recipe pizzas.
Try our Italian Beef at 211 N 21st Ave in Hollywood, FL. Call (754) 275-8466 for pickup or delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Italian Beef sandwich?
An Italian Beef is a Chicago-style sandwich featuring thinly sliced, slow-roasted, seasoned beef on an Italian roll, served with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera. It can be ordered dry, wet with jus, or fully dipped.
Does Mad Pizza serve Italian Beef in Hollywood FL?
Yes, Mad Pizza at 211 N 21st Ave in Hollywood, FL serves an authentic Italian Beef sandwich. Call (754) 275-8466 to order for pickup or delivery.
What is giardiniera?
Giardiniera is a Chicago-style pickled relish made from hot peppers, celery, cauliflower, and other vegetables in oil. It adds heat and tang to Italian Beef sandwiches and is also great on pizza.
Ready to Taste the Difference?
Order authentic Chicago thin-crust pizza from Mad Pizza. Every slice supports veterans through our LEGION partnership.