Recent social media posts
05/28/2026
You loved it, so we extended it. Our merch will be available beyond May 31 while supplies last, and we just restocked all sizes!
Get yours before they're gone.
05/27/2026
The WBC isn’t over yet. There’s still time to climb the ranks and take home the belt and golden gift card! Don’t forget, you can also get yourself a nice chunk of bonus rewards points just for participating and reaching 1 of the 4 tiers.
Contest ends this Sunday, 5/31
Get after it!
05/22/2026
It’s our favorite day of the year. National Italian Beef Day is May 23, and Buona is serving $7.99 Beef & Fries all day long at all locations. Includes regular beef and regular fries. Toppings extra. Limit 3.
Learn more: https://buona.com/beefmonth/
05/21/2026
Get ready for National Italian Beef Day!
Check out the latest community post from one of your neighbors. (The views expressed in this post are the author’s own.)
05/19/2026
New merch dropped...they deserve a moment.
Do you even merch? Check out the merch drop https://bit.ly/42SzDSn..
05/18/2026
The belt has entered the chat. 🏆
Our friends at CHGO Sports are helping us celebrate National Beef Month the only way that makes sense: with beef, bragging rights, and a belt worthy of the title. Think you’ve got what it takes to claim the belt? Join our Virtual Beef Eating Challenge. Download the app to enter, track your progress, and rack up rewards points – Championship level members can earn more than 61,400 bonus points
Learn more through the link below, and may the best beef lover win.
https://buona.com/beefmonth/
05/17/2026
Think you’ve got what it takes to win the World Beef Championship Belt? Prove it!
Learn more at buona.com/beefmonth/
05/15/2026
REPOST!
📷 by : Got a special Italian beef delivery from They are dropping their first ever merch drop designed by local chicago artists. Dig the shirt, thanks Buona, stay wet!
Comment down your Buona Beef combo in da 💬
05/15/2026
National Italian Beef Day is May 23, and it feels like the perfect excuse for an Italian Beef run.
May 23rd only: Grab a Regular Beef & Fry for just $7.99.
Limit 3. Available at all Buona locations. Peppers extra. Not valid on 3rd-party delivery sites.
05/15/2026
Updated leader board for Beef Month is live!
Greg H is leading with 50 beefs from our Orland Park location 👏
Join in the fun at https://buona.com/beefmonth/
05/14/2026
Crosstown Classic, but make it Buona.
Italian Beef vs. Chicago Dog…where are you putting your money? Comment below
No matter the team, you’re winning here.
05/13/2026
BTS of our screen-printing process for our Buona Merch. ‼️ 2XLs are back in stock in every design! ‼️
Silkscreen printing is a manual printing process that results in bold and vibrant colors. The process from start to finish is very labor intensive, but the quality in the finished product is unmatched.
Thank you to & for the 10/10 quality on these.
Click the link in our bio to get yours now!
05/12/2026
May 23rd can’t come soon enough. Mark your calendars and click the link in our bio to join in on all the Beef Month festivities!
05/11/2026
Got what it takes to take home the custom World Beef Championship Belt?
The competition is up and running so go to your Buona location and clock your status in the app 📲
Get all the deets: https://buona.com/beefmonth/
05/10/2026
Today we honor our mom, Peggy Buonavolanto, and the enduring influence of her love and legacy across four generations of family.
It's a day to celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, and family traditions that nurture us throughout life’s journey.
Happy Mother’s Day!
05/07/2026
Do we have beef? Of course we do, it's National Beef Month.
So what’s your Buona order:
the classic Beef, Cheesy Beef, the Combo, Big Joey’s, Baptized, or Dipped
Comment below and let's get this beef straightened out.
https://buona.com/rewards/
05/07/2026
Free beef sounds better, right?
Join Buona Rewards and start earning every time you order: $1 = points, and points = free food. (Yeah, it adds up fast.)
Download the app, order your way, and cash in when you’re ready.
More details here: https://buona.com/rewards/
📲 Get started on the Buona app-link in bio
👉 Invite a friend and you both score points toward a free Regular Beef
05/04/2026
If you’re celebrating Beef Month, you might as well dress for it.
Limited-edition merch just dropped, featuring fan-inspired designs made for true beef lovers.
Wear it to your next beef run. Wear it all month long. Either way, it just fits.
Learn more about Beef Month here: https://buona.com/beefmonth/
05/03/2026
We said we were celebrating Beef Month… and we meant it.
From May 1–22, Buona Rewards members who buy a beef get a free beef.
Share one, save one, or make it a personal feast.
That part’s up to you.
Learn more about Beef Month here: https://buona.com/beefmonth/
05/02/2026
Beef Month isn’t just a celebration… It’s a competition.
Introducing the World Beef Championship 🏆
A members-only, month-long challenge where every Italian beef you order earns points and moves you up the ranks.
Hit the tiers at 5, 10, 25, and 50 sandwiches—and rack up to 61,400 bonus points along the way.
Pro tip: don’t go it alone.
Order for your friends, your family, your office… it all counts.
Make your move, climb the leaderboard, and go for the belt.
Learn more about Beef Month here: https://buona.com/beefmonth/
05/01/2026
Beef Month starts now.
For Buona, Italian beef isn’t just something on the menu; it’s the sandwich that built our story. Since 1981, we’ve stayed true to the original Chicago method: perfectly seasoned beef, slow-roasted to create rich, all-natural gravy from the beef’s own drippings, no shortcuts, no additives.
This May, we’re celebrating all month long with the World Beef Championship, members-only offers, limited-edition merch, and National Italian Beef Day on May 23.
Join us as we celebrate Chicago’s original Italian beef.
https://buona.com/beefmonth/
04/24/2026
It's not hard to get lost in a sight like this 😍
04/22/2026
The wait is finally over! Our new Chicken Caeser & Vodka Chicken Parmesan Cutlet Sandwiches drop TODAY. 🤩Which one are you trying first?
04/20/2026
First look at our 2 new Chicken Cutlet Sandwiches dropping this Wednesday, April 22nd! 🐔 Your rotation is getting two crispy upgrades.
04/16/2026
Illinois just made it official (well… almost) 🥖
106 votes for the Italian beef as the state’s official sandwich, and honestly… what took so long? Next stop: the Senate.
And to our friends downstate… we see you. The horseshoe is officially holding it down as Illinois’ open-faced sandwich, nothing but respect 🤝
We love a good compromise. We love a great sandwich even more.
Celebrate the Chicago way—go grab an Italian beef 🔗
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.
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.
