Janson's Italian Beef and Banana Milkshakes Make "Chicago's Best"

WGN’s foodie show “Chicago’s Best,” which has never shirked the South Side, was in the nabe this week sampling Janson’s Drive-In’s Italian Beef and banana milkshakes for an upcoming episode.

Each week, show hosts Brittney Payton and Elliott Bambrough set out to find the city’s best gastronomic delights -- from the breakfast joints and pizzerias to BYOB and comfort food recommended by viewers on the Chicago’s Best TV’s Facebook page.

Bambrough interviewed the owners of Janson’s Drive-In to find out why their signature Italian Beef and fresh banana milkshakes stood out from all the rest. He also donned an apron and went into the kitchen to prepare the cuisine alongside Janson’s crew.

The Janson family opened the drive-in at 9900 S. Western Ave. in 1960. New owners purchased the restaurant in 2014 and brought the old girl back to its original glory.

The current owners, Haiwei Yuan, and Gus and Wendy Pettas, still operate the family restaurant much the same way the Jansons back in 1960.

The “Chicago’s Best” episode featuring Janson’s Drive-In is set to air at 10 p.m. May 22 on WGN-TV. The show will also re-air several times on CLTV. After the show appears on TV, viewers can watch it online on the Janson and the “Chicago’s Best” websites.

There was a last minute change during the taping of the show on April 26. The restaurant was expecting Brittney Payton, but co-host Elliot Bambrough took over the interview and kitchen prep. The article has been updated.