Buona

Buona Buona is a renowned family-owned quick casual restaurant chain that proudly serves Chicago's Original Italian Beef. Founded in 1981 by Joe Buonavolanto, Sr. in Berwyn, Illinois, the establishment pays homage to the culinary contributions of Italian Americans who refined the beloved Italian beef dish. The menu showcases a variety of classic Chicago favorites alongside modern options, including pizza, burgers, hot dogs, salads, soups, sides, and desserts—all made from scratch using fresh ingredients. Buona emphasizes its commitment to quality with an unwavering adherence to its original beef recipe, upheld by three generations of the Buonavolanto family.

Recent social media posts

NO tricks, just FREE BEEF! 🎃🥩Now that's our kind of Halloween treat! From October 26–November 1, place a catering order ...
10/26/2026

NO tricks, just FREE BEEF! 🎃🥩

Now that's our kind of Halloween treat! From October 26–November 1, place a catering order of $75 or more and earn a FREE Italian Beef Sandwich reward!

Must be a Buona Rewards member to qualify. Your FREE Beef reward will be added to your Buona Rewards account on November 9 and will be valid through November 30.

Now that's a treat worth celebrating!

Chicago knows fall. Buona knows how to make it taste better. 🎃The Pumpkin Pie Shake is back — rich, creamy, and basicall...
10/25/2026

Chicago knows fall. Buona knows how to make it taste better. 🎃

The Pumpkin Pie Shake is back — rich, creamy, and basically pumpkin pie with a straw.

Skip the fork. Drink your dessert. Get yours at Buona while it’s here.

You bring the buckets, we'll bring the beef. 🏀🔥It's home opener time, Chicago! We're ready for another season of cheerin...
10/24/2026

You bring the buckets, we'll bring the beef. 🏀🔥

It's home opener time, Chicago! We're ready for another season of cheering on the Bulls, celebrating the wins, and enjoying some good food along the way.

Let's make it a great season! ❤️🖤

Are you getting enough protein? Everyone on the internet would like to know. 💪Our new Chicken & Avocado Protein Bowl is ...
10/22/2026

Are you getting enough protein? Everyone on the internet would like to know. 💪

Our new Chicken & Avocado Protein Bowl is coming in with 38 grams of protein, plus grilled chicken, avocado, veggies, and cauliflower rice.

A new recipe for your current obsession.

Your sandwich already made the right choice.For just $5 more, add regular fries + a fountain drink and make it a meal.An...
10/21/2026

Your sandwich already made the right choice.

For just $5 more, add regular fries + a fountain drink and make it a meal.

And if you’re not a Buona Rewards member yet, consider this your sign...the deals only get better from here.

10/20/2026

Thanks, Brayden, for showing us the seven VERY important steps to making a beef sandwich here at Buona Beef:

1. Start by toasting a 6-inch piece of bread
2. Add two slices of cheese to the toasted bread
3. Add three generous scoops of beef, layering them on top of each other
4. Because three scoops just aren’t enough, add three more
5. Ladle that delicious gravy over the beef
6. Top it off with mild peppers
7. Wrap it up, and there you have the perfect Buona Beef sandwich

Craving one yet? We thought so. Come satisfy that beef craving at The Beef Stand!

Buona is officially inside the United Center as part of a new multiyear partnership with the arena— bringing Chicago’s O...
10/19/2026

Buona is officially inside the United Center as part of a new multiyear partnership with the arena— bringing Chicago’s Original Italian Beef to one of the city’s biggest stages.

Find us at our dedicated stand outside Section 104, plus additional locations throughout the arena, serving Italian Beef, Italian Sausage, Combo Beef & Sausage, Meatball Sandwiches, Arancini Bites, and even Rainbow Cone for dessert.

Real Beef for Real Fans.
See you at the UC.

10/18/2026

Joe Cruz is a Buona guy?! We love to see it. Now we just need to know his order! Thanks for the shoutout

Sweetest Day took a savory turn.Spend $25 on October 17 and get a FREE order of Beef Bites.Because romance is temporary....
10/16/2026

Sweetest Day took a savory turn.

Spend $25 on October 17 and get a FREE order of Beef Bites.

Because romance is temporary. Beef is forever.

Use code SWEETESTDAY online or mention the offer in-store.

10/15/2026

Charbroiled Italian sausage, Chicago French bread, then make it your way: sweet peppers, hot giardiniera, mozzarella — you know the drill.

At Buona, there’s no wrong way to do it. Just your way.

10/13/2026

October is National Italian Heritage Month, and this one feels pretty appropriate. 🇮🇹

Some things just don’t need reinventing.
Meatballs. Marinara. Bread. A little Chicago attitude.

That’s amore. Grab a Meatball Marinara Sandwich at your nearest Buona.

We could say it ourselves, but we like it better when you do. ❤️Thanks for the love, Chicago.
10/12/2026

We could say it ourselves, but we like it better when you do. ❤️
Thanks for the love, Chicago.

If the Bears win, you win.Well… you get Cheese Fries. Which feels like a win to us. 🐻Buona Rewards members: place an ord...
10/10/2026

If the Bears win, you win.
Well… you get Cheese Fries. Which feels like a win to us. 🐻

Buona Rewards members: place an order on October 11, and if Chicago beats Green Bay, we’ll drop a FREE Cheese Fry into your Rewards account.

Valid 10/12–10/31.

One bib number. 500 bonus points. A shot at PUMA gear. 🏃Buona Rewards members can enter the Buona x PUMA Nitro Lab Sweep...
10/08/2026

One bib number. 500 bonus points. A shot at PUMA gear. 🏃

Buona Rewards members can enter the Buona x PUMA Nitro Lab Sweepstakes for a chance to score PUMA gear, including one of five pairs of PUMA Deviate Elite NITRO running shoes.

And just for entering? You’ll receive 500 bonus Buona Rewards points.*

HOW TO ENTER:
Submit one official 2026 Chicago Marathon bib number belonging to you, a friend, or a family member through the link in our bio.

🏆 30 total winners
👟 5 pairs of PUMA Deviate Elite NITRO running shoes
🎒 25 PUMA hat + sack pack prize packages

No commenting, tagging, or sharing required — just click below to enter
https://bit.ly/3VyYbQa

Let’s talk burgers. 🍔Fresh char-broiled sirloin. Buttery brioche buns. Classic, Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger, or Avo...
10/05/2026

Let’s talk burgers. 🍔

Fresh char-broiled sirloin. Buttery brioche buns. Classic, Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger, or Avocado Pepper Jack when you want a little extra.
Juicy, stacked, and very much worth ordering at a place famous for Italian Beef.

Even better? Buona Rewards members can get a burger + regular fries for just $7.99 every Monday.

Oh wait… that’s today!

That’s a Monday plan we can get behind.

Game day, the Chicago way. 🏈 Keep your eyes on the field and let Buona handle the food.From Italian Beef and burgers to ...
10/04/2026

Game day, the Chicago way. 🏈 Keep your eyes on the field and let Buona handle the food.

From Italian Beef and burgers to chicken, salads, and more, there’s something for the whole crew.

Order delivery or catering and don’t miss a single play.

Order now!

Chicago, get your beef however you like it.Old-school? Hit the window at .Too comfy to leave the house? We deliver.Eithe...
10/03/2026

Chicago, get your beef however you like it.

Old-school? Hit the window at .
Too comfy to leave the house? We deliver.

Either way, the beef finds you.

⚾️ WHITE SOX PLAYOFF TICKET GIVEAWAY! ⚾️Italian beef, Rainbow Cone AND playoff baseball? Now that’s a Chicago combo. Sou...
10/02/2026

⚾️ WHITE SOX PLAYOFF TICKET GIVEAWAY! ⚾️

Italian beef, Rainbow Cone AND playoff baseball? Now that’s a Chicago combo. Sound like a fun night to you? Well, you’re in luck!

Buona Beef and The Original Rainbow Cone are sending THREE lucky winners to the playoffs! Each winner will receive a pair of tickets to Wednesday’s (10/7) game at Rate Field.

Entering is easy:
1️⃣ Like this post
2️⃣ Follow BOTH +
3️⃣ Comment who you’re bringing to the game!

Contest closes Monday (10/5) at 12PM. Winners will be notified by 5PM that day.

Good luck, Chicago! ⚾️

Buona Beef brings the main event. Now you’ve got to pick the supporting act. 👀🍟 French fries or 🧅 onion rings?There are ...
09/30/2026

Buona Beef brings the main event. Now you’ve got to pick the supporting act. 👀

🍟 French fries or 🧅 onion rings?

There are no wrong answers… but there are definitely strong opinions.

Pick your side in the comments. 👇

09/28/2026

Our protein bowls are making an entrance.

Loaded with Buona favorites, veggies, cheese, and plenty of protein, they’re an easy way to switch up your usual order.

There’s a lot more to Buona than beef.We’re an Italian family, after all, and that means pasta was always going to have ...
09/26/2026

There’s a lot more to Buona than beef.

We’re an Italian family, after all, and that means pasta was always going to have a seat at the table. 🇮🇹

Rigatoni, ravioli, fettuccine—pick your favorite and dig in.

Address

Chicago, IL

**Travel Directions to the Location in Chicago**

**Public Transport:**
1. **Train:** Take the CTA Blue Line or Pink Line to the Damen station. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk east on 18th Street.
2. **Bus:** You can also take the #18 bus (18th Street) and get off at Damen Avenue. The destination is just a short walk from the bus stop.

**Driving/Parking:**
1. If you're driving, head towards 18th Street and Damen Avenue.
2. There are several street parking options available nearby, but be sure to check for any parking restrictions.
3. Alternatively, you may find nearby paid parking lots if street parking is full.

Safe travels!

Opening Hours

Monday 10:30am - 11pm
Tuesday 10:30am - 11pm
Wednesday 10:30am - 10pm
Thursday 10:30am - 11pm
Friday 10:30am - 11pm
Saturday 10:30am - 11pm
Sunday 10:30am - 11pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Buona posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

What people say

Buona stands out as a delightful gem in Chicago's culinary scene, celebrated for its authentic Italian beef and a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. This family-owned restaurant chain has been serving up deliciousness since 1981, when Joe Buonavolanto, Sr. opened the first location in Berwyn. His dedication to quality and tradition is evident in every bite.

The heart of Buona's menu lies in its Original Italian Beef, a dish perfected by generations of the Buonavolanto family. Each sandwich is crafted with care, ensuring that the rich flavors and textures remain true to their roots while also appealing to modern palates. Alongside this iconic offering, guests can indulge in an array of other mouthwatering options including pizzas, burgers, hot dogs, fresh salads, hearty soups, and delectable desserts.

What sets Buona apart is their commitment to using only fresh ingredients and making everything from scratch. This dedication ensures that each meal not only satisfies but also delights diners with vibrant flavors and quality that you can taste. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying a leisurely dinner with family and friends, Buona promises an experience filled with warmth and genuine hospitality.

With its blend of classic Chicago fare and innovative choices, Buona continues to be a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike. It's more than just a meal; it's a celebration of family traditions and culinary excellence that keeps patrons coming back for more.