Bongo,
I grew up in Chicago, and I have never been to Joe Boston's, but I will check it out when I am up there during the holidays.
For Chicago I-talian beef in Chi-town, we go done to Taylor Street area, Al's Italian Beef. Very tasty!!
Also, if you are downtown, I love Vesuvio (it's a great little very old Trattoria) near Navy Pier. It's still has authentic wise-guys hanging out there. Tells you how good it is!!