The Bear: The Authentic Filming Location at Mr. Beef in Chicago

The Bear has captivated audiences with its engaging narrative, compelling characters, and an authenticity that can be partly attributed to its choice of filming location. The story revolves around three siblings with strong connections to gastronomy due to their Italian heritage and their mother’s love for preparing various dishes during family celebrations.

Carmy became an award-winning chef, Mike opened The Original Beef of Chicagoland, and Natalie is the supportive sister to both. When Mike passed away, Carmy felt obligated to leave everything behind and take over his brother’s disorganized and nearly bankrupt business. On top of that, he had to deal with employees who were used to a chaotic routine that lacked the essential rules for running a professional kitchen efficiently. From there, the storyline unfolds with drama, touches of comedy, and plenty of moments for reflection.

An essential element in creating the show's unique atmosphere is the real-life setting of Mr. Beef in Chicago, which served as an inspiration for the storyline. In this article, we will explore the importance of this filming location and how it enhanced the viewer's experience.

The Choice of Setting

The decision to use the real-life Mr. Beef restaurant as a filming location for The Bear was not accidental. The show's director, Christopher Storer, has personal ties to Chicago. The series also draws parallels to his own life. As a child, Storer’s parents divorced, and he lived with his mother while his sister stayed with their father. He always wanted to be a chef, just like his sister, but eventually realized he lacked the talent. This family dynamic echoes throughout the show’s storyline, particularly in the portrayal of the central characters' dysfunctional family.

The Real Mr. Beef

Mr. Beef in Chicago is an important part of the city's culinary culture. Founded in 1979 by Joseph Zucchero, the restaurant originally served factory workers in the River North neighborhood. Although the area has undergone modernization over the years, Mr. Beef has remained a gastronomic landmark, preserving its roots and authenticity. The show's creator is friends with the current owner, Chris Zucchero.

The Bear fully embraced this authenticity, filming both interior and exterior scenes at the actual restaurant. The decision to use the real location added layers of realism to the series, making viewers feel even more connected to the story and its characters.

Mr. Beef is famous for its Italian beef sandwiches, particularly the Italian Beef Sandwich, which has become a staple of Chicago’s culinary scene. The sandwich typically consists of thinly sliced roast beef, dipped in au jus (a savory beef broth), and served on Italian bread with optional toppings like peppers or giardiniera—a mix of pickled vegetables.

Feeling hungry?

You can try this and other delicious menu items at Mr. Beef, located in Chicago, Illinois. The restaurant’s traditional address is 666 North Orleans Street.

The Original Beef of Chicagoland

In addition to filming at the real Mr. Beef, the production team decided to build a replica of the restaurant at Cinespace Studios in Chicago. This allowed the crew to have more control over filming conditions and provided the flexibility needed for production.

The replica, known as The Original Beef of Chicagoland (the fictional restaurant’s name), helped maintain the show's visual consistency and allowed the crew to explore different filming angles. The combination of on-location shooting and the replica contributed to a rich and immersive viewing experience.

Using Mr. Beef as a filming location had a profound impact on the show's narrative. The restaurant became a character in its own right, with its history-filled walls providing an authentic backdrop for the family and professional drama that unfolds in the series.

Where to Watch: The Bear is available on Star+.