Buona

Buona at 6745 Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn is the flagship and first location of the Buonavolanto family’s Italian beef chain. Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto opened the store in 1981 with a recipe worked out alongside Carl Buonavolanto, the family member who started Mr. Beef. The restaurant sells slow-cooked Italian beef shaved thin in a gravy made from the drippings, Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, grilled chicken and salads, with dine-in, drive-thru, carryout and catering.

What to know

• The chain has grown to 34 stores across four states.
• Beef is sliced thinner than at most stands, which helps a wet sandwich hold together.
• In September 2026 the company opened a walk-up beef window on Division Street in Wicker Park as a pop-up, Block Club Chicago reported.
• There is a parking lot and a drive-thru lane.