Buona opened on Grand Avenue in Gurnee in May 2025, with The Original Rainbow Cone sharing the same roof. Come in for an Italian beef sandwich, a Chicago-style hot dog, a burger or a plate of fresh pasta, then dine in, order ahead online or pull through the drive-thru when you are short on time. Planning a birthday, a graduation party or an anniversary dinner? See our Gurnee Catering page.
Buona Beef is a family business that started in 1981, when our parents opened the first restaurant in Berwyn, and the way we make the beef has not changed since. We prepare it the way the earliest beef stands in Chicago did, slow roasting it until it loses 40 to 50 percent of its original weight. That roasting is what produces the all-natural gravy, and it is why we never pump the beef with water or other additives and never add bouillon, lard or preservatives. It costs more to make this way, but the flavor is worth it.
Other Buona restaurants nearby include Pleasant Prairie, Lakemoor and Kildeer. View all Buona locations for addresses and directions.
“Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament returns, and Buona Beef is ready for their title defense.”
Slow-roasted Italian beef and a charbroiled Italian sausage share one roll, so you get two Buona classics in a single sandwich.
An all-beef hot dog on a steamed poppyseed bun, piled with mustard and the traditional toppings for a quick lunch.
Chicken breast marinated for 24 hours and char-grilled, a lighter pick for anyone in the group who wants something other than beef.
Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor are both in Gurnee, and Buona is a short drive from them. Families often pick up lunch before a day at the park or stop for dinner on the way out, and the drive-thru and online ordering keep that quick.
Order online ahead of time, then collect it inside or at the drive-thru.
Gurnee Mills brings shoppers in from across Lake County, and the hotels in the area host travelers who want something familiar after a long drive. Buona has dine-in seating, outdoor seating, carryout and a drive-thru, so a family with kids, a shopping group and a solo traveler can each eat the way they like.
As an Italian beef restaurant, Buona goes well past the beef. Plant-based guests can order the Vegan Italian Beef as a sandwich or a bowl, and the cauliflower crust pizza is gluten-free. See the full menu.
Buona Beef in Gurnee sits on Grand Avenue, an easy drive from Wadsworth, Park City, north Waukegan and Old Mill Creek, and guests also come up from southeastern Wisconsin.
The restaurant has its own parking, including wheelchair-accessible spaces, and the entrance and restrooms are wheelchair accessible too.
Where is the Buona in Gurnee?
Buona is at 7360 Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL 60031, right on Grand Avenue.
Does the Gurnee Buona have a drive-thru?
Yes. Pull through for a quick meal or to pick up an order you placed online. Dine-in and carryout are available too.
Can I order ahead for pickup at Buona in Gurnee?
Yes. Order online for pickup, then collect it inside or at the drive-thru.
Does Buona in Gurnee deliver?
Yes, delivery is available from this location. Enter your address when you order online to see what is available for you.
Is Buona close to Six Flags and Gurnee Mills?
Yes. The restaurant is a short drive from Six Flags Great America, Hurricane Harbor and Gurnee Mills.
When did Buona open in Gurnee?
The Gurnee restaurant opened in May 2025.
Is Buona an Italian beef place or a regular fast food restaurant?
Both. Italian beef is what Buona is known for, and the menu also covers burgers, chicken, pasta, salads and pizza, with dine-in, carryout and drive-thru service.
What makes the Italian beef at Buona different?
We roast the beef slowly, and it loses 40 to 50 percent of its weight while it cooks. The gravy comes from the beef’s own drippings, with no bouillon, lard or preservatives added.
What can I get at Buona besides Italian beef?
The menu also has chicken sandwiches, Italian sausage, Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, fresh pasta, salads and tavern-style pizza. See everything on the menu.
Does Buona in Gurnee serve pizza?
Yes. Buona serves tavern-style pizza, cut into squares, including a gluten-free cauliflower crust option.
Are there vegan or gluten-free choices at Buona in Gurnee?
Yes. The Vegan Italian Beef comes as a sandwich or a bowl, and the cauliflower crust pizza is gluten-free. Our nutrition and allergens page lists ingredient details.
Does the Gurnee Buona have a kids menu?
Yes. Kids meals include a Kids Buona Beef Meal, a Kids Hot Dog Meal, a Kids Cheese Pizza Meal and Kids Grilled Chicken Strips.
Is there parking and outdoor seating at the Gurnee Buona?
Yes. The restaurant has parking, including wheelchair-accessible parking, plus outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi. The entrance and restrooms are wheelchair accessible too.
Can I pay with my phone at Buona in Gurnee?
Yes. The restaurant accepts NFC mobile payments as well as credit cards.
Does Buona in Gurnee cater birthdays and graduation parties?
Yes. Gurnee Catering offers boxed lunches, buffets and trays for birthdays, graduation parties, anniversaries and family gatherings.
