Zel's Roast Beef - East Chicago

I thought this place was a staple of the area. Always heard the hype and finally was able to grab me a sammich. Roast beef with peppers and pickles. Not sure why but I was expecting something similar to Arby's. Instead I got a dry chewy Italian beef sandwich minus all the good seasoning. I'd compare this to maybe some catered beef because it's always horrible and this was on par with that. If that wasn't it I think a small McDonald's fry has more to it than what I got in my order. Good fries for sure, I searched the bag looking for the rest to no avail, I felt cheated out of the best part of my meal. 1/10 will not revisit

Used to travel weekly to the East Chicago, IN area. On Business. Was introduced to Zel's in East Chicago; being from Chi-town, know delicious fast food. Have to say, Zel's has there own flavor when it comes to there Beef BBQ. There regular faire (Chili Cheese Dogs, Chili Dogs, Polish, Hamburgers, Cheese Fries are delicious), used to eat here 3-4 times a month. Must introduce my children to this spot, so they too can be Chicago/Indiana area foodie experts. The people food are always great in the Chicagoland area and it carries over to the border to Indiana. When in East Chicago, and have a taste for good, local fast food, stop on out to Zel's. Mangia Cheers.

I wanted Beef Sandwich. I remember back in the day My father and I would always go to Zel's and it's been years since I ate at Zel's but I woke up and thought let's do Zel's. I ordered a beef sandwich and honestly my expectations were this is going to be a stellar sandwich this is going to be one for the books. So I unwrapped the sandwich and I was ready for a decadence that's hadn't experienced in years. I rubbed my hands together with expectation. I took I bite....I thought hmm.....let me take another bite.....hmm.....I took another bite.......I wanted to curse.....I mean Jesus I just spent $8.00 on this.....it's dipped in au juse.....and what is this? This is ridiculous that's what this is. This is the most plain dry and bland roast beef sandwich I've ever eaten.....how is the sandwich even partially dry when it's been dipped? Eating it....literally it had no flavor at all....it's like eating flavorless meat......and what's the point in that? Portrillos easily smashes this roast beef to pieces.....portrillos is easily 10 times better.....Barton's is probably the best beef sandwich I have had and even Arby's is easily much better then Zel's. So my personal recommendation is it's not worth it. I will say however that the chocolate shake is excellent. The onion rings are meh....because I can taste some after taste of something else that isn't onion rings which tells me the oil in their fryer should be changed. So there you have it. If your going to Zel's just go for a chocolate shake.

Tastes like you'd expect a Chicago Italian beef cooked in Indiana to taste. Not as expected.

I haven't been here in a while and probably will not return. If the older people have an unpleasant attitude, then they shouldn't be the first person to greet you. I was served a spoiled pineapple milkshake. Returning it wasn't a problem since te employee was able to smell it. The scent was similar to milk that has been in the fridge 2 weeks after expiration. Anyways, I was told it was the pineapples, and offered another flavor. I asked for strawberry. I regret not tasting it. I left and as I drove away I tried it and it was spoiled too. Not wanting to go through the experience again. I drove to the nearest alley and threw it in the garbage. Expected more for milkshake that costs over $4, served in a regular cup but referred to as a large.