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The first time we came to Chicago we did a food tour and remembered how good Al's beef was with the giardiniera peppers so on this trip, we wanted to eat it again. Either we were really hungry last time or there was something drastically wrong with this sandwich this time. We got the beef sandwiched dipped. I got it with sweet peppers while my friend ordered hers with sweet and hot peppers. The sandwich was bland and so messy. The peppers tasted like overcooked bell peppers! The fries were also not very good. Based off this experience, we won't be coming back to Al's beef if we are in Chicago again.
Al's Beef was recommended by our Uber driver. It's larger than a typical a hole in the wall sandwich shop. It's got a vintage look and I liked that. We ate outside. No bathroom. Our party had to walk a block to find one :( The meat eaters in our party sure liked their sandwiches. I had the only vegetarian sandwich offered: cheese and peppers. It was super wet and sloppy. The peppers flopped all over. It was pretty bland. The bread was fine. Not stale, but not overly fresh either. I had fewer than ten bites and then gave up. I do not like to wear my food like makeup. I won't be back, but if you like wet beefy sandwiches and you don't need a bathroom, Al's may work for you.
Al's still hits the spot when it comes to Italian Beef in Chicago. I have been going to this location since forever . This spot is a must for summertime Chi. Afterwards, go across the street to Mario's. The inside could use a refresh. I ordered the Big Beef dipped with sweet and hot peppers. Fast service,No waiting around, order your food and get in and out.. There is inside counter seating and outside patio seating. Enter the parking lot on Taylor and exit through alley.
If you're looking for a Chicago Italian beef experience, Al's Beef absolutely delivers. I ordered the Italian Beef sandwich, dipped with hot peppers, and it was phenomenal. The beef was incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, while the gravy-soaked bread held up perfectly without becoming too soggy. Every bite had the perfect balance of savory beef, spices, and a little kick from the peppers. The the service was witty and quick, and the atmosphere felt authentically Chicago. Whether you're a local or just visiting the city, this is a must-try spot. I can see why Al's Beef has such a strong reputation. I'll definitely be back for another sandwich the next time I'm in Chicago.
I'm a huge Italian beef fan, and J've had countless Italian beef's from Chicago; however, this one was not hitting the spot for me sadly. The Italian beef tasted really oil and greasy, so it masked the flavor of the beef. Additionally, I usually love giardiniera, but it just tasted off and had such a strong celery taste to it. The hotdog and fries were very good though and had just the right amount of saltiness to it. The service was okay; they took my order very quick and had the food out within a few minutes. The ambiance seemed simple and more like a to-go food spot. It's nice that there's a small parking lot and right on Taylor Street. I would definitely give it a try if you're in the mood for something quick.
A trip to Chicago wouldn't be complete without an Italian Beef Sandwich. We knew we were going to check out Mr. Beef, but we figured why not check out another place while we're at it? And, go figure, this sandwich was slightly better than the one at Mr. Beef. They're both stellar and feature irresistibly juicy, tender meat, but I felt like the sandwich here used some spicing that I found very, very tasty. It's so good. I wish we'd had more time to try even more versions of this venerable concoction, but the one at Al's is surely one of the best.
Our sandwiches were delicious, and the fries were incredible!! I got a the regular combo hot & wet and my fiancé got Al's Big Beef which was ENORMOUS. He was thrilled and said it's the best Italian beef he's ever had (he's also from NY so I'm not sure how many he's had, lol). I'd never had a beef-sausage combo and it was incredible and soaking, absolutely perfect. The fries were soooooooooooooooooo good and our toddlers hot dog was great, too. She can be picky but she pulled the hotdog pieces straight out of the bun, lol. She loved the Italian beef, too. Service was great, kinda hard to hear when ordering but that could just be me. I love the bar style seating inside and the decor as well. Definitely thrilled with this pick!!
It was my first time in Chicago and Al's Beef was at the top of my list of things to try. It did not disappoint. I couldn't spend a bunch of time looking at pictures and reading reviews but I chose a different route. I walked in and told the lovely woman behind the counter "It's my first time in Chicago. What do I get?". She responded "Do you like spicy?" To which I responded "I like spicy, I like cheese, and I like peppers" and the rest was history. The final question..."do you want it dipped?" And I asked "am I supposed to say yes?" And she said "that's right" lol. I don't even know what I got but it was delicious and YES...dip it. It's not going to travel well so eat it there but it's going to be oh so delicious. There were no lines and my sandwich came out before I even took a picture. That's faster than fast food. Stop reading and go!
For the most part the place hasn't changed in 40 years. Let's start with what I don't like. I orders 2 beefs, one fry and 2 drinks. When we were about to leave I noticed they have a special price if you order it by saying the special. It should automatically charge you the special price if you make the combo or the cashier who has probably worked there 20 years should do it for you. Especially since it's about $5 per meal. For the same price we could have got another fry and drink. Or the fry and paid $5 less. Ok, that's the bad. For the good. I happen to love the flavor of Al's beef. I also love the fresh cut fries. If I were just reviewing the food it would be five stars. The place is what it is and has been for decades. If you want fancy but mediocre go to Portillo's. Portillo's outgrew their humble beginnings. Al's is still basically a 4 car garage that sells food. They call them stands for a reason. You pretty much stand at a counter and eat.
2025 Chicago. Lunch review. Italian beef. Ordered: Regular combo. Hot (Chiles). Dipped. No cheese. Regular beef. Sweet (Chiles). Dipped. Provolone cheese. Gypsy fries. Overall, interesting au jus flavor. Sweeter, maybe cinnamon? "I'm a fan."
This was the most delicious sandwich I had . I ask the cashier which sandwich I should have as a first timer and know I got what I needed . The space was so traditional and love the outdoor seating.
Okay, I don't need to hype up Al's Beef more than it already is. Not going to lie, I do love their food and just how greasy and primal I feel while eating it. Like you need a bunch of napkins while eating a beef & fries from here. Their only downfall is the prices... unfortunately. Their prices will hurt your pocket and unfortunately (again) I would rather go somewhere else because of this. BUT if you have never had a beef from here (or anything in general from here) I highly recommend, you're missing out big time. It's an experience and you'll enjoy it. This is one of those places that if i had friends/family visiting from out of town, I'll take them here to try a Beef. Thank you Al's, see you soon! Good vibes and good times. Personal Review: 8.2/10
Al's has great food for a specific type of meal and feeling. If you want something fast, heavy, meaty or even something subtly nostalgic, then this is your spot. You should not be expecting stellar ambiance or fine dining here, but there's a certain appeal of eating an italian beef on a high stool that hits the spot. Very Chicago. The lady taking orders was very nice and very efficient. The line cooks smiled at us when we came in. People were friendly. I got my beef dipped so it was full of gravy. I liked it dipped, but at the end, the bread was a soggy mess. Good portions. I also got sweet peppers on top but they were a bit stingy with the peppers, and I couldnt really taste them. Nonetheless, still a solid beef. I really enjoyed the fries. They were great. Full of potato flavor, but also plenty of crispy pieces with a satisfying crunch. The hot dog was just ok.
2 months ago
Best thing I've eaten since I've been here! Came to the area to specifically to try this place. I got the regular beef, dipped in whatever juice they dipped it in and I added cheddar cheese. So messy and but justified because of the taste. The meat was so tender and the juice helped me eat it at a faster speed, which I gladly did :) Some seating inside and some outside, but not a whole lot. I really thought the prices were fair and they service was great. So glad I made the stop here read more
Going around the city to find Chicago's best beef, & this was a disappointment. The bread had a weird taste like it was dipped in left over pizza grease. Probably old au jus. Chickies has the best beef so far. Any recommendations otherwise? Service was quick, in & out. We ate outside which was pretty full, but it was too nice of a night to pass up. Luckily Marios Italian ice is right across the street to give you something to look forward to. read more
This is the OG location of the legendary Al's #1 Beef near the University of Illinois - Chicago campus in downtown. There's even a street sign honoring this institution for its contribution to the culinary scene of the Windy City. I made a stop here during a recent trip after walking over from the bus station. There was an onsite parking lot with about a dozen spaces. It was completely full as I arrived. The decor was like an old school diner but with a service counter for ordering and pickup. There was a countertop and some small tables for inside seating. A few picnic tables with canopies were located adjacent to the sidewalk if you wanted to sit outside. A couple of menu boards hung behind the counter. One displayed the combination deals while the other listed the a la carte offerings. I never realized that hot dogs and Italian sausage sandwiches were so prominent here. It's a cash only operation, and I wasn't super hungry. My choice ended up being a Regular Beef with provolone and giardiniera (relish of hot and sweet peppers) added. The two toppings cost $0.95 each. I asked for the sandwich to be dipped in au jus which made it wet upon wrapping inside the waxed paper. Upon opening the package, it had to be the messiest sandwich I have encountered. A six-inch long roll was packed with juicy sliced beef and topped with the relish. The cheese was buried somewhere inside the bread as I could barely detect it. A couple of aspects lowered my rating for this place. The first was the price as I expected a regular sized beef sandwich to be more substantial. The second was the number of flies and hornets that were buzzing around the outside seating. I wanted to sit at a table to enjoy my item, but it wasn't possible with the presence of the insects. I think if the tables were wiped down more frequently and/or the garbage can was emptied, then that would have reduced the flying pests. As others have noted, there's no bathroom so washing your hands afterwards was not possible. read more
9 days ago
The first time we came to Chicago we did a food tour and remembered how good Al's beef was with the giardiniera peppers so on this trip, we wanted to eat it again. Either we were really hungry last time or there was something drastically wrong with this sandwich this time. We got the beef sandwiched dipped. I got it with sweet peppers while my friend ordered hers with sweet and hot peppers. The sandwich was bland and so messy. The peppers tasted like overcooked bell peppers! The fries were also not very good. Based off this experience, we won't be coming back to Al's beef if we are in Chicago again. read more
Al's Beef was recommended by our Uber driver. It's larger than a typical a hole in the wall sandwich shop. It's got a vintage look and I liked that. We ate outside. No bathroom. Our party had to walk a block to find one :( The meat eaters in our party sure liked their sandwiches. I had the only vegetarian sandwich offered: cheese and peppers. It was super wet and sloppy. The peppers flopped all over. It was pretty bland. The bread was fine. Not stale, but not overly fresh either. I had fewer than ten bites and then gave up. I do not like to wear my food like makeup. I won't be back, but if you like wet beefy sandwiches and you don't need a bathroom, Al's may work for you. read more
Al's still hits the spot when it comes to Italian Beef in Chicago. I have been going to this location since forever . This spot is a must for summertime Chi. Afterwards, go across the street to Mario's. The inside could use a refresh. I ordered the Big Beef dipped with sweet and hot peppers. Fast service,No waiting around, order your food and get in and out.. There is inside counter seating and outside patio seating. Enter the parking lot on Taylor and exit through alley. read more
If you're looking for a Chicago Italian beef experience, Al's Beef absolutely delivers. I ordered the Italian Beef sandwich, dipped with hot peppers, and it was phenomenal. The beef was incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, while the gravy-soaked bread held up perfectly without becoming too soggy. Every bite had the perfect balance of savory beef, spices, and a little kick from the peppers. The the service was witty and quick, and the atmosphere felt authentically Chicago. Whether you're a local or just visiting the city, this is a must-try spot. I can see why Al's Beef has such a strong reputation. I'll definitely be back for another sandwich the next time I'm in Chicago. read more
5 months ago
I'm a huge Italian beef fan, and J've had countless Italian beef's from Chicago; however, this one was not hitting the spot for me sadly. The Italian beef tasted really oil and greasy, so it masked the flavor of the beef. Additionally, I usually love giardiniera, but it just tasted off and had such a strong celery taste to it. The hotdog and fries were very good though and had just the right amount of saltiness to it. The service was okay; they took my order very quick and had the food out within a few minutes. The ambiance seemed simple and more like a to-go food spot. It's nice that there's a small parking lot and right on Taylor Street. I would definitely give it a try if you're in the mood for something quick. read more
A trip to Chicago wouldn't be complete without an Italian Beef Sandwich. We knew we were going to check out Mr. Beef, but we figured why not check out another place while we're at it? And, go figure, this sandwich was slightly better than the one at Mr. Beef. They're both stellar and feature irresistibly juicy, tender meat, but I felt like the sandwich here used some spicing that I found very, very tasty. It's so good. I wish we'd had more time to try even more versions of this venerable concoction, but the one at Al's is surely one of the best. read more
Our sandwiches were delicious, and the fries were incredible!! I got a the regular combo hot & wet and my fiancé got Al's Big Beef which was ENORMOUS. He was thrilled and said it's the best Italian beef he's ever had (he's also from NY so I'm not sure how many he's had, lol). I'd never had a beef-sausage combo and it was incredible and soaking, absolutely perfect. The fries were soooooooooooooooooo good and our toddlers hot dog was great, too. She can be picky but she pulled the hotdog pieces straight out of the bun, lol. She loved the Italian beef, too. Service was great, kinda hard to hear when ordering but that could just be me. I love the bar style seating inside and the decor as well. Definitely thrilled with this pick!! read more
It was my first time in Chicago and Al's Beef was at the top of my list of things to try. It did not disappoint. I couldn't spend a bunch of time looking at pictures and reading reviews but I chose a different route. I walked in and told the lovely woman behind the counter "It's my first time in Chicago. What do I get?". She responded "Do you like spicy?" To which I responded "I like spicy, I like cheese, and I like peppers" and the rest was history. The final question..."do you want it dipped?" And I asked "am I supposed to say yes?" And she said "that's right" lol. I don't even know what I got but it was delicious and YES...dip it. It's not going to travel well so eat it there but it's going to be oh so delicious. There were no lines and my sandwich came out before I even took a picture. That's faster than fast food. Stop reading and go! read more
For the most part the place hasn't changed in 40 years. Let's start with what I don't like. I orders 2 beefs, one fry and 2 drinks. When we were about to leave I noticed they have a special price if you order it by saying the special. It should automatically charge you the special price if you make the combo or the cashier who has probably worked there 20 years should do it for you. Especially since it's about $5 per meal. For the same price we could have got another fry and drink. Or the fry and paid $5 less. Ok, that's the bad. For the good. I happen to love the flavor of Al's beef. I also love the fresh cut fries. If I were just reviewing the food it would be five stars. The place is what it is and has been for decades. If you want fancy but mediocre go to Portillo's. Portillo's outgrew their humble beginnings. Al's is still basically a 4 car garage that sells food. They call them stands for a reason. You pretty much stand at a counter and eat. read more
2025 Chicago. Lunch review. Italian beef. Ordered: Regular combo. Hot (Chiles). Dipped. No cheese. Regular beef. Sweet (Chiles). Dipped. Provolone cheese. Gypsy fries. Overall, interesting au jus flavor. Sweeter, maybe cinnamon? "I'm a fan." read more
5 months ago
This was the most delicious sandwich I had . I ask the cashier which sandwich I should have as a first timer and know I got what I needed . The space was so traditional and love the outdoor seating. read more
Okay, I don't need to hype up Al's Beef more than it already is. Not going to lie, I do love their food and just how greasy and primal I feel while eating it. Like you need a bunch of napkins while eating a beef & fries from here. Their only downfall is the prices... unfortunately. Their prices will hurt your pocket and unfortunately (again) I would rather go somewhere else because of this. BUT if you have never had a beef from here (or anything in general from here) I highly recommend, you're missing out big time. It's an experience and you'll enjoy it. This is one of those places that if i had friends/family visiting from out of town, I'll take them here to try a Beef. Thank you Al's, see you soon! Good vibes and good times. Personal Review: 8.2/10 read more
Al's has great food for a specific type of meal and feeling. If you want something fast, heavy, meaty or even something subtly nostalgic, then this is your spot. You should not be expecting stellar ambiance or fine dining here, but there's a certain appeal of eating an italian beef on a high stool that hits the spot. Very Chicago. The lady taking orders was very nice and very efficient. The line cooks smiled at us when we came in. People were friendly. I got my beef dipped so it was full of gravy. I liked it dipped, but at the end, the bread was a soggy mess. Good portions. I also got sweet peppers on top but they were a bit stingy with the peppers, and I couldnt really taste them. Nonetheless, still a solid beef. I really enjoyed the fries. They were great. Full of potato flavor, but also plenty of crispy pieces with a satisfying crunch. The hot dog was just ok. read more
7 months ago
The best Sandwich I ever had eever had a chicago style will come back. And the service was fast !!! I was worried about it not being seasoned enough it met my standards!! Juicy as well. The hot Dog was so goooodddd the pepper could of been softer but over all I give everything a 10/10 read more
6 months ago
Delicious! Truly a hole in the wall, authentic Chicago place. We had a classic Italian Beef Sandwich and fries. Both were so flavorful! Perfect spot for a quick supper before a concert at UIC. read more
There are many great eats rooted in Chicago's history and Al's Beef is no exception to that. Unlike the deep dish pizza where you could use a fork/knife, you just have to dive into the deep end with these Italian beef sandwiches. As soon as you walk inside you can see and feel the history flowing through the walls with all of the pics of celebrities that frequent this local establishment. The interior is just as original and dark as their legendary recipe. My fiancé and I shared the Al's Big Beef loaded with both the sweet and giardiniera peppers with a side of fries. Don't forget to ask them to have the sandwich dipped in their au jus/gravy. If you don't you're not getting the full experience! As you unwrap your sandwich you can see the juices permeating through the paper which is a good sign that the bread really soaked up all of the delicious flavor. Each bite is incredibly MEATY and tender with juice coating the inside of your mouth so it never gets dry. The fries are actually well seasoned and the slight crispy exterior pairs well with this messy yet addicting sandwich. The only reason I knocked off a star is because the staff was not as lively and welcoming as I had seen online. Even when I saw the owner and showed my excitement it seemed impossible to get a smile back and almost felt like the staff just wanted to get us out the door even though there was no line behind us. Overall the food is worth a trip, but the entire staff could certainly have been more friendly. read more
10 months ago
It's been a while since I have been able to stop and get a beef sandwich and let me tell you something it's was delicious and if you want a really good sandwich this is the spot and if you don't believe me give them a try for yourself read more
2 months ago
1 year ago
I've been a customer of this location since I was a kid. Although I don't eat this type of food regularly like I did as a kid, I was dying for a combo. So I stopped in on my way home about 5 on a Wednesday and ordered a dry combo sweet and hot. There was nobody in there at that time so it was fast. I didn't want the fries, but I still ordered the combo meal because I wanted a drink. I didn't expect a credit for no fries, but don't play games and give me 2 oz. of beef and 1 tiny PC if sausage for over $19.00!! Not happening ever again! I'm sure the employees are encouraged to either weigh the meat for food cost reasons, or be careful to salvage as much as they can so they don't run out - If they do weigh it, then the amount they gave me was less than a half palmfull!! The flavor was consistent with how I remembered it, and I realize food costs have increased along with everything else, but don't give me a 5 inch piece of Gonnella bread and as I said, barely any beef at all. Why didn't I say anything while I was eating at the counter? Probably because the woman behind the counter who rang me up would not be very friendly just the way I heard her talking to co workers and the people who came in after me, and the guy behind the counter who made, it probably wouldn't have cared anyway. The pic is deceiving because it looks like a normal sized combo, but it was NOT! And for +$19.00!!! read more
This place is a Chicago icon. I took my son there for the first time, but I grew up in Chicago so I know this place well. Italian beef in Little Italy, a tiny, cramped ma and pa shop, eating on bar stools and narrow metal strips, you won't get a more authentic experience. The wall is filled with photos of famous people visited there. I ordered ours dipped, with hot pepper, the only right way to eat it. It comes in 4 layers of wax paper and it is still leaking the sauce :). It was warm, wet, sour, and spicy. It will be a bite to remember. The service had changed over the years, slightly for the worse. Gone were the old Italian lady and men running their crew of young men. Now it is run by a group of young immigrants. Nothing against immigrants sine I was one landed in Chicago decades ago. Unfortunately the flavor of sandwich also watered down a little over the years. I remember it being mind numbingly salty, fatty, sour, and spicy. Now the seasoning has been pulled back by 20%. Still a great bite. read more
I mean come on, who doesn't love Al's Beefs? They do it right every time. Whew whenever I'm craving an Italian beef, this is where I go. This location has been open since 1938. So with that being said it's the BEST! Made fresh and hot every time. Italian beef, with nacho cheese slightly dip it every time. Yum. I also love their natural fries. read more
The hype about Italian beef is a real thing if you're not from the Midwest. I grew up not knowing what Italian beef was and found out from a friend I know that lives in Chicago. Italian beef at Al's is very good, the spice, sauce, and bread all come together for a classic sandwich. Al's is famous and they live up to Chicago's best. read more
2 years ago
Been eating at this location for over 30 years! Today my hotdog was dry and condiments were scarce. The fries were overcooked and only a handful. I'm extremely disappointed for my cousin taking a 40 min ride for mediocre food! This used to be the best location! Hate I took a few bites before taking a photo. The Italian beef was decent! read more
3 months ago
7 months ago
1 year ago
Always have loved Al's hot beef sandwich. Wet. Had to have one while I was is it in Chicago. This is not the location I normally visit. It was and Little Italy. A very small shop, but you get exactly what you want and need. I love mine with a giardinara and wet. It was like I remembered and yummy. read more
What I ordered: 1x big beef, regular and hot, 1x cup of gravy, 1x regular fries What I got: a mouthful of goodness Tucked away behind UIC and located in the heart of Little Italy is an unassuming restaurant selling Chicago classics such as the hotdog dragged through the garden and of course its Italian beef sandwiches. You'll find outdoor seating as well as bar stool seating inside, and it is a quaint little spot. The big beef was just extraordinary. Tender slices of beef adorn the sandwich which I prefer to the more shredded versions that other shops sells. Their hot peppers consists of mainly celery and provides a nice crunch to each bite. Bread was very nice quality and held its own as I dunked it into my side cup of gravy so the overall construction of the sandwich is definitely Top tier. Gravy here is tremendous by the way, almost reminds me of a super rich Italian pho broth. Hits of beef, herbs, and wonderfully aromatic. My only critique is the fries which were pretty hit or miss on crispness, and not seasoned the best. Service was relatively quick, got my sandwich in maybe 3 minutes. Definitely recommend as it's about a 15 min walk from the UIC station. read more
Ha! I finally made it back to Chicago to avenge my food foible! After a long day touring, Al's Beef delivery sounded like the perfect remedy, and this time it certainly was! I don't love delivery apps, but what they provide is a more thorough way to browse a menu! Hahahaha not this time Al! I got one of the best sandwiches of all time! Simply the big beef with hot peppers and provolone added. Dipped of course! The delivery came lightning fast and just long enough my sandwich was perfectly soggy- YES THAT'S A THING! Hot peppers totally worked in harmony with the insanely savoury beef (do not make the mistake of added a sausage *combo*). The beef and bun are so tender and juicy, you don't want to mess with the recipe! read more
6 months ago
5 months ago
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More info about Al's Beef
1079 W Taylor St
Chicago, IL 60607
University Village
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(312) 226-4017
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http://www.alsbeef.com
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Difference between big beef and Italian beef?
We have 3 sizes available. Regular beef about 5 inches…
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