Carm's Italian Beef
- Neighborhood: Little Italy/University Village
- 1057 W. Polk St.
- Chicago, IL 60607
- 312-738-1046
- Price range: $ (Under $9)
Carm's opened in 1926 as Fontano's, the grocery store that is now across the street, serving hearty Italian sandwiches. In the mid-'60s, Carm's separated from the Fontano store and dedicated itself to creating Italian beef sandwiches. Mary and Steve DeVille, Carm's owners, know almost all of their customers, who mainly live in the neighborhood and/or attend the surrounding University of Illinois at Chicago. Mary is proud of a new item on the menu ''for those of us watching our waist'': a chicken breast sandwich. From April through September, Carm's mixes Italian ices. The fruit flavors are really crisp--not loaded with heavy syrup.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Harrison and Racine.
- Parking:
- Street
- Public Transportation:
- Accessible by CTA bus (37-Sedgwick/Ogden, 60-Blue Island/26th) and elevated train (Blue Line-Racine).
- Wheelchair Access:
- No
The Basics
- Hours:
- 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday.
- Cuisine:
- Italian Beef
- Price Range:
- $ (Under $9)
- Smoking:
- No
Features
- Carryout:
- Yes
- Specialties:
- Italian beef sandwiches; Carm's Italian ice; $2 for two hot dogs with everything.
- Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Delivery:
- No
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Rate Carm's Italian Beef
"Best italian ice in Little Italy"
By cdg2009 from Little Italy/University Village, July 12, 2009
Our family prefers Carm's italian ice, but wish it were open later.
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"great service. extremely friendly...."
By Nick from Chicago, IL, July 22, 2007
great service. extremely friendly. haven't been going for that long ... but we get treated like we've been locals for years. best italian ice in...
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"I grew up in the..."
By Rosemary from Joliet, Il, November 4, 2005
I grew up in the old neighborhood and come back for the best italian ice and hot dog ever.
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