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

Al's Beef - Reg beef, dipped with cheddar - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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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

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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

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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

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Honestly, the sandwich was so freakin good. Have to get it soaked, the meat was tender, melted cheese! Service is very fast!

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

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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

Al's Beef - Italian Regular Beef Sandwich Special - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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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

Al's Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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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

Al's Beef - Fresh Cut Fries & the Reg Combo - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

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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

Al's Beef - Beef sweet dipped. - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Th service was horrible. They got my order wrong twice on the same visit. The food was only mediocre. Maybe it's an acquired taste.

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

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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

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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 Beef - Italian Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Al's on Taylor has the best Italian beef in Chicago. Perfectly soggy, just the right amount of giardiniera and good portions. Staff could be nicer, but it's so good that I don't care. The fries are awesome. I understand why some don't like the slight cinnamon flavor in the beef, but I enjoy it a lot. If you don't like it, I don't feel it's overpowering enough to ruin the entire meal. I am moving from the Chicago area and Al's is one of the things I will miss the most. read more

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

Al's Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

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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

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I went a ways to go to the original Al's Beef. I think my expectations were a little too high. I got the Italian beef sandwich dipped. I found the meat to be a little dry. The condiments on the sandwich were very good. The french fries were very good. 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

Al's Beef - Super excited to try Al's Big Beef ($12.31) dipped with both sweet and hot peppers! Loaded with beef! - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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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

Al's Beef - Italian beef sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Man, I hate to write this... I had a beef "dipped" and fries. The beef was weird. Greasy and orange-ish. Not a good flavor. The portion was small and the price was high. I ate the beef because I was fairly hungry but I wish I did not eat it. Honestly the worst beef I've had in the Chicago metro area. Fries were greasy and not in a good way. Odd flavor and could not eat them. Service was just odd. Nothing like the old neighborhood good way. Any old days they ask you what you want maybe yelling back-and-forth. It was pretty much hurry up. Tell me what you want all good nature. This was indifference. Ambience is where it gets its two stars. This place hasn't changed since the old days. Additionally there's he tried the parking lot for this place, which is almost unheard of in the neighborhood or in most places downtown so two stars for that. It'll be such a long time since I've been here and the reason for that was because my last experience so many years ago, this was subpar in a big letdown. This was actually a little worse so I think I'll skip it next time. Unfortunately there's not too many places in the old neighborhood to get a good Italian beef anymore. I think the patio was the last bastion of Hope and it recently closed. You can still get beefs down there, but I'd set my expectations lower. Drive out a little further For a good beef. read more

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

Al's Beef - Dry combo sweet and hot - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

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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

Al's Beef - Bitten hotdog...frie and piece of Italian beef sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

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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

Al's Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was so bad we took one bite and threw it away! We ordered gravy for the beef on the side. It was a cup of grease read more

Everything was just okay. Beef was not as flavorful as I'd like. Peppers were big. Fries were just okay. It's cold inside and there isn't much seating. Service was adequate. Everything was pricey! read more

Al's Beef - Regular Italian Beef Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My coworkers and I decided to drop by Al's Beef for lunch and go across the street to Mario's Italian Ice. Al's Beef claims to offer a 15% first responder discount for CPD and CFD. We all work for the Chicago Police Department and showed the gentleman at the cash register our ID's that state in bold letters Chicago Police Department. He asked an individual who I can only assume to be the manager if we were okay to get the discount. He looks over with this nasty disposition in his tone and voice says, "Chicago Police only". When I stated that we work for the Chicago Police he doubled down with the same nasty delivery in his voice. I think unless you're some sort of a mental defective that people don't generally walk in claiming to work for the Chicago Police for a discount. Did we need to make an arrest for verification? Do the CFD have to save a kitten from a tree for verification? Is it so outrageous that a CPD or CFD employee work in business casual clothing? F'real though what would it have cost him to look at the ID badges closely to read Chicago Police Department? It ain't like we got them out of a cereal box. That tone in the voice didn't make matters any better. You being a manager should know better and approach the public in a better manner. I can imagine how it must be to work with a jerkoff manager like that. No wonder the guy at the cash register had to ask him. Heaven forbid! Not the sacred discount!!!! I know this is most definitely my last time visiting Al's Beef and you best believe I'll be telling people at headquarters where NOT to visit if they want an Italian beef. Do yourself a tremendous favor for better service and a friendlier atmosphere. Go to Ferro's!!!! read more

very mediocre compared to the original one. I had this back to back with Mr. Beef and Mr. blows this one out of the water. This feels like someone is trying to franchise something that is very unique to chicago. Anyway, they have a set menu- just get the classic, but you can tell it feels much more corporatized than Mr. Service is fine, and the interior is clean but it juts feels like a sterilized version of Mr. read more

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

Al's Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

not a bad beef sandwich product i wished the tinley park location did deliver. Always ask for a cup of extra gravy tooo, taste soo good

The beef is tender and juicy. It's so good I haven't tried anything else other than french fries. Never disappointed, whether it's sweet peppers or hot, always delicious. 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

Al's Beef - Al's Big Beef Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The sandwich was just ok. Very wet and nothing special. The staff working there is ok. Not a great experience. Just a fast food chain.

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

Al's Beef - Combo beef- yea there's a sausage in there, but go beef only - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

How can this place get only 3.5 stars? Best beef I have had in Chicago. Fresh, delicious, LOTS of meat. Dipped with hot Giardinara. Wonderful. read more

Went to Al's Beef today the food was terrible fries were burnt and my beef was cold and this was 19.06 .Dont waste your time or money. read more

Al's Beef - Old Fries ,cold Italian beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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