Mel’s Hot Dogs 4136 E Busch Blvd., Tampa, 813-985-8000 Since 1973, Mel’s has been serving its locally-loved Chicago beef sandwiches and the people can’t get enough. The $10.50 specialty sandwich consists of thinly sliced roast beef served on a steamed hoagie with sautéed red bell peppers and topped with traditional Chicago spicy au-jus. Photo via Mel’s Hot Dogs/Facebook

Mike’s Pizza and Pub 14477 Walsingham Rd., Largo, 727-724-4100 After spending the day at Indian Rocks Beach, you’ll have worked up quite the appetite. Swing by Mike’s to try its version of a Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich and you shouldn’t be disappointed. Mike’s Italian beef tabs $10, the same as its steak and cheese, chicken Philly, corned beef and reuben sandwiches. Photo via Mike’s Pizza and Pub/Google

Portillo’s Multiple locations Ever since Portillo’s opened its new St. Pete location earlier this year, its Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs have been the talk of the town—even though there has been a Portillos on Tampa’s Fowler Avenue for a few years now. Regardless, it’s the leading Italian beef sandwich-serving chain in the Bay right now for a reason. Photo via Portillo’s/website

Second City Eats 5446 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey, 727-807-6542 With its meats directly imported from Chicago, Second City can truly call their Italian beef sandwiches authentic. The pizza restaurant also hosts car shows and plans to open a second location in Hudson later this year. Photo via Second City Eats/Facebook

Bruce’s Chicago Grill & Dog House 7733 Ulmerton Rd., Largo, 727-408-5525 Bruce’s has “The Mother of All Beef Sandwiches,” and you can try the half-pound giant for $12.79. There’s also many ways you can order it, including gravy-dunked, sweet, cheesy and “burn-your-throat” hot. The four ounce sandwich runs $8.79 and six ounce for $10.79. You’ll also get a cup of homemade coleslaw and Italian gravy with your order. Photo via Google Maps

The Brocato’s line at lunch

I’ve aged 10 years collectively waiting for Italian subs at Brocato’s and I’ll age another 10 years if I must. Credit: Photo via Google Maps

Chicago Paulie’s 1031 N Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-494-4275 If you’re in Tampa and looking for a cheap, yet tasty, classic Italian beef sandwich, Chicago Paulie’s is the place for you. Located next to a gas station, these Best of the Bay-winning sandwiches cost $5.79 for a small, $7.99 for a medium and $10.29 for a large. You can also try the $10.29 “Italian Combo” sandwich, which is a mixture of Italian beef and Italian sausage. Photo via Chicago Paulie’s/Facebook

Chicago Deli & Coney Dogs 6585 126th Ave. N, Largo, 727-536-4685 It’s got everything Chicago, but right in our backyard. Since 1982, this deli takes pride in serving its authentic Italian beef sandwiches, simmered in au jus and served with your choice of mild or hot pepper giardinera on a toasted roll. Try it out yourself for $8.79. Photo via Google Maps

Paul’s Chicago Pizza Multiple locations Forget the ‘za, Paul’s has Italian beef, and it’s the #1 selling sandwich on its menu. If you’re extra hungry, ask for it “really stuffed.” Paul’s also offers a beef and sausage combo Italian sandwich and a cheesy, provolone-covered beef sandwich. Paul’s has locations in St. Pete and Clearwater. Photo via Paul’s Chicago Pizza St. Pete/Facebook

Cesarina’s Italian Deli 2575 E Bay Dr., Largo, 727-535-5630 When it comes to absolutely loading its sandwiches, Cesarina’s is amongst the leader board—so much so that you can’t even close the bun. The authentic deli serves hot Italian beef sandwiches with extra servings of cheese, onions and peppers. A full-size ‘wich runs $10.99, or get half the size for half the price at $5.99. Photo via Cesarina’s Italian Deli/Google

Mike’s Pizza and Deli Station 13560 49th St. N, Clearwater, 727-572-4888 Looks like there’s more than just one Mike’s Pizza in Tampa Bay with a tasty Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich. This thinly-sliced, au jus roast beef hoagie is topped with sweet bell and hot peppers and will have you coming back for more. Don’t believe me? Go get your own for $9.99. Photo via Google Maps

Pajano’s Pizza & Subs 1305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 727-595-8446 What’s better than chowing down an Italian beef while watching the sunset with your toes in the sand? Opened in 1971, Pajano’s has been serving its freshly-made $8.95 Chicago-style beef subs for over 50 years and is located right across the street from the beach. But beware, the $8.95 Italian beef sandwiches are only available on the weekend. Photo via Google Maps

Rosati’s Pizza Multiple locations With over 200 restaurants across the nation, Rosati’s Italian Beef filled the guts of many pleased customers. With over a third of those locations in its origin state of Illinois, Tampa Bay is lucky to call two their own with Rosati’s in both Oldsmar and Valrico. Photo via Rosati’s/website

Delco’s Original Steaks 1701 Main St., Dunedin, 727-738-4700 Home to classic steaks and hoagies and located right on Main Street, Delco’s is Dunedin’s go-to spot if you’re looking for an original and affordable sandwich. The sub shop offers a hot-sliced roast beef sandwich topped with gooey sharp provolone cheese for just $8. Photo via Google Maps

The Hot Tomato 2702 E College Ave., Ruskin, 813-938-1888 According to the giant letters plastered on the storefront, The Hot Tomato has the best sandwiches in all of Ruskin and is loved by the locals. Among these ‘wiches comes the Italian beef, which comes on a toasted sub roll and a side of au jus dipping sauce. Make it a combo and get it with a side of fries, onion rings or cup of soup. Photo via Google Maps

Mity Nice 5944 Benjamin Rd., Tampa, 813-886-4766 Before hopping on your plane at Tampa International Airport, stop by Mity Nice to grab a quality, $7.99 Italian beef sandwich. If you don’t have a flight soon or just want to eat it in the comfort of your home, simply order it for delivery on DoorDash. Photo via Mity Nice/Google

Beanie’s Sports Grill 2002 US Hwy. 41, Ruskin, 813-649-1700 This family-run tavern serves an Italian beef sandwich that will make you “swear you’re back in Chicago.” The beefy, baguette sandwich can be found under “White Sox” specials on the menu, a tribute to Chicago’s favorite baseball team—well, unless you’re a Cubs fan. Photo via Beanie’s/website

Ippolito’s Italian Deli and Market 14100 Walsingham Rd., Largo, 727-593-1037 Arguably Largo’s favorite Italian market, Ippolito’s serves a variety of hot and cold deli subs, including its “Beef Supreme.” Served on freshly baked bread, the sub is packed with authentic Italian roast beef, melted mozzarella cheese and plenty of peppers and onions—and it only costs $8, along with all the other sandwiches on the menu. Photo via Google Maps

Olde Town Pizzeria & Pasta Co. 115 W Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, 813-684-4200 This old-fashioned parlor has pizza, calzones, pasta and most importantly, a juicy Italian beef sandwich. The cozy restaurant also has plenty of TVs, which makes a great spot to catch all your favorite sports games. Photo via Google Maps