Buona Algonquin

Authentic Italian Beef & Local Favorites

Buona - Italian Beef and Fast Food Restaurant located in Algonquin, Illinois

Restaurant Hours

Key Features

Slow-Roasted Italian Beef on South Randall Road

Buona opened at 501 S. Randall Road in November 2016, a few minutes from Algonquin Commons. The Italian beef sandwich and our Italian beef and sausage combo lead the menu, backed by Chicago-style hot dogs, meatball sandwiches, fresh pasta and tavern-style pizza. Eat in, order online for pickup or use the drive-thru, and if you are feeding a crowd, our Algonquin Catering team can help.

The Buonavolanto family started Buona in 1981, and second- and third-generation family members still run it today. We hand-trim sirloin and slow roast it for about three hours, so the pan drippings become an all-natural gravy with no bouillon, lard or preservatives. Each batch is sliced paper thin and fluffed onto hand-cut Chicago-Italian bread.

Heading toward another part of the northwest suburbs? Buona also has restaurants in Hoffman Estates, Kildeer and Lakemoor. See all Buona locations to find the one closest to you.

Bon Appétit review of Buona Beef

“This family knows what it’s doing.”

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Five gold stars beside the Bon Appétit review
InsideHook review of Buona Beef

“Buona Beef, a family-run business that does things right.”

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Five gold stars beside the InsideHook review
The Infatuation review of Buona Beef

“One of the very best Italian beefs in the city.”

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Five gold stars beside The Infatuation review
Time Out review of Buona Beef

“The family-run, Chicago-born operation is steeped in rich history.”

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Five gold stars beside the Time Out review
WGN Radio review of Buona Beef

“Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament returns, and Buona Beef is ready for their title defense.”

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Five gold stars beside the WGN Radio review
Axios review of Buona Beef

“The Best Italian Beef in Chicago”

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Five gold stars beside the Axios review
Tasting Table review of Buona Beef

“The legendary family recipe is the star of the Buona Beef sandwich.”

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Five gold stars beside the Tasting Table review

Favorites from the Algonquin Menu

Italian Beef at Buona restaurant in Algonquin, Illinois

Italian Beef

Sirloin slow roasted the old school way, with an all-natural gravy made from its own drippings. Order it easy gravy, dipped or baptized, with hot giardiniera or sweet peppers.

Italian Beef and Sausage Combo at Buona restaurant in Algonquin, Illinois

Italian Beef & Sausage Combo

Italian beef and a grilled Italian sausage on one sandwich, made with our family’s sausage recipe. Pick it when one favorite is not enough.

Cheeseburger at Buona restaurant in Algonquin, Illinois

Cheeseburger

An all-natural sirloin patty cooked on the grill and served on a toasted, freshly buttered brioche bun with melted cheese.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich at Buona restaurant in Algonquin, Illinois

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Chicken breast marinated for 24 hours and then char-grilled. A good pick when beef is not what you are in the mood for.

Buona Chopped Chicken Salad at Buona restaurant in Algonquin, Illinois

Buona Chopped Chicken Salad

Our signature salad: chopped, fresh-grilled chicken breast over chopped greens, made to order with all-natural house dressings and no artificial colors or flavors.

Cheese Fries at Buona restaurant in Algonquin, Illinois

Cheese Fries

Crinkle-cut fries served with a cup of cheese for dipping. They go with any order, including one placed at our Algonquin drive-thru.

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A Neighborhood Favorite in Algonquin

Dine In, Carry Out or Drive Through

Buona is at 501 S. Randall Road in Algonquin, close to Algonquin Commons and the other shops along the road. Sit down for lunch, pick up an order to go or stay in the car and use the drive-thru. Either way, the Italian beef, hot dogs and sandwiches you came for are on the menu.

A Stop Near Downtown Algonquin and the Fox River

Algonquin has a historic downtown, riverfront along the Fox River and plenty of parks, and Buona is an easy stop before or after an event, a walk by the water or time with family. Order ahead online and pick it up on the way, or sit down at the restaurant when the day is done.

More Than Beef: Hot Dogs, Pasta, Pizza and Vegan Options

Beyond the Italian beef, the Algonquin menu includes Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian sausage and meatball sandwiches, burgers, chicken sandwiches and fresh salads. Pasta is made fresh and never dried, and tavern-style pizza comes cut in squares. For a plant-based choice, try the Vegan Italian Beef sandwich or bowl.

Hosting a party or a team lunch? See our Algonquin Catering page.

Buona Algonquin FAQs

Where is Buona located in Algonquin, IL?

Buona is at 501 S. Randall Road, Algonquin, IL 60102, a few minutes from Algonquin Commons. It is an easy stop for guests from Lake in the Hills, Crystal Lake, Huntley and Carpentersville.

Does Buona in Algonquin have a drive-thru?

Yes. The Algonquin restaurant on Randall Road has a drive-thru, so you can pick up Italian beef, hot dogs and the rest of the menu without leaving your car. You can also dine in or take your order to go.

What can I order at Buona in Algonquin if I eat vegan or gluten-free?

The Algonquin menu includes a plant-based Vegan Italian Beef sandwich and bowl. For gluten-free, there is a cauliflower crust pizza you can build your own way. For ingredient questions, see our nutrition and allergens page.

Can I order online from Buona in Algonquin?

Yes. Start a pickup order for the Algonquin restaurant on the Buona Algonquin ordering page, or stop in at 501 S. Randall Road and order at the counter.

Does Buona in Algonquin deliver?

Yes, where available. Delivery for Algonquin is offered through our online ordering page, depending on your address. You can start an Algonquin order to see your options.

What amenities does Buona in Algonquin offer?

The Algonquin restaurant has parking, outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, a kids menu and wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking and restrooms. You can dine in, take out or use the drive-thru, and pay by credit card or NFC mobile payment.

Does Buona in Algonquin offer catering?

Yes. Our Algonquin Catering page covers boxed lunches, buffets and trays for office lunches, school events, parties and family gatherings in Algonquin.

Where can I find photos and current hours for Buona in Algonquin?

The Google Business Profile for Buona in Algonquin shows photos, reviews and current hours. Open Buona Algonquin on Google Maps.