MR. BEEF: a chicago stable and the inspiration for 'The bear' By Georgia Garrett

Located on Orleans, Mr. Beef has been a Chicago sandwich spot that serves as much more than a local favorite. The modest Italian beef spot has helped shape Chicago's deep Italian beef culture and serves as the real life restaurant that inspired the popular FX series, The Bear.

Located in River North downtown Chicago, Mr. Beefs iconic exterior, that has been featured in The Bear multiple times. Before inspiring the Emmy award winning TV show, Mr. Beef has been serving the public their famous Italian beef sandwiches since 1979 and has made their mark as a Chicago attraction. Fans of The Bear can visit Mr. Beef to get a delicious Italian beef sandwich and a feel for the chaotic TV show.
Customers waiting to order at the famous ordering kiosk where The Bears pilot episode was filmed. The waiting area immediately gives customers a feel of the authenticity and fast paced environment that reflects aspects of The Bear and Mr. Beefs history. The waiting area features an ATM, a wall of fame, a deli, and behind the counter is where the famous Italian beef sandwiches are served in only a matter of seconds.
Mr. Beefs wall of fame located in the waiting area across from the counter, features Chicago icons and other notable celebrities that have stopped by Mr. Beef to try the renowned Italian beef. Among these includes Criminal Minds star, Joe Mantegna as well as The Bear star Matty Matheson (not pictured).
Mr. Beef employee, Jason Trapp, prepares a customers order. Trapp has been working at Mr. Beef before The Bear surged its popularity. "You gotta an Italian beef sweet, hot, and juicy. It's the best thing we have here," Trapp says when asked what he recommends to customers.
Mr. Beefs signature Italian beef sandwich, dipped in the beefs juice and topped with both sweet and hot peppers, giving it the perfect juicy bite. This is the famous sandwich that has brought in locals and tourists since 1979.
Hanging proudly in Mr. Beefs dining room, the first poster for the first season of The Bear. Below it, a newspaper article from the Chicago Sun-Times highlighting the best places to get an original Chicago Italian beef. Mr. Beef was featured on this article for being "a Chicago landmark for good food," and rated as one of the best places to get an Italian beef in Chicago.
Fan of The Bear, Greg Martin, taking photos outside of Mr. Beef. Martin, visiting his friend Simon Olloway from Australia, says he "is a big fan of the show, I've seen every episode twice." Martins friend, Olloway is a Chicago resident, "I've never seen The Bear or tried Mr. Beef but I am really excited to try it," Olloway says.
A Chicago Tribune article by Nina Metz hanging proudly in Mr. Beefs dining hall. The article reviews The Bear, as well as goes into detail on how Mr. Beef became the inspiration behind the hit TV show.

Mr. Beefs street sign hangs above the long table in the dining room, where customers can sit and enjoy the Italian beef sandwich that inspired The Bear. The Chicago inspired decor that hangs around the table offers costumers a chance to engage in Chicago's deep food culture while sitting in the dining room that has became a fan-favorite feature in The Bear.