Absolutely the worst "sandwich" I have ever suffered through. Well, actually not even half. It should come in a bowl. It isn't a sandwich. It's a hot mess of tasteless "beef". If this place is "famous" Chicago is in a world of hurt for edible food. I honestly would rather eat yogurt left out on the porch for a month in the middle of summer. Should be called Al's #2. If you catch my drift. read more

I have been a customer of ours number one beef... Well since I can remember.. Over 40 years.. first thing I would say that they have gotten significantly flat smaller. Umm probably 20% or more.. I like my combo beef/ sausage.. baptized with Jordan era and sweet peppers.. The sausage is smoked.. but not with that deep smoky fennel seed taste .. . The beef was seasoned.. but mildly! The bread is as it always has been.. Delish! I AM DISAPPOINTED BUT STILL SATISFYING! read more

They specialize in beef, but I felt like having a dog. For a little more than $5, they handed me this small tightly wrapped package that when opened exploded with hotdog and crispy fry goodness. I just wish I had the appetite for this AND a beef. read more

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

We planned our whole Chicago trip around this one place. Yes, you read that right. We planned a 3 day vacation just so we could eat at Al's. Granted were planned on eating ALL the food in Chicago, but Al's was the main purpose of the trip. We actually were staying in the River North neighborhood and planned to go to that location, but sadly they were closed. So we ubered to this one. We walked in and everyone working there just stared at us. No greeting, not even a half smile. Whatever, we were here to eat. My husband ordered the Italian beef with sweet and hot peppers and dipped. I got the double dog Chicago dog and a Dr. Pepper. They had no seating inside so we were lucky there was a table open outside. We got our food and sat down. My double dog was missing tomatoes and the relish lacked a little flavor. The double hot dog made it a bit difficult to eat without one sliding out. My husband opened his Italian beef up and it was the messiest one I have ever seen. He had juice all over from hands to elbows and dripping on the ground. He says that it was the best one he has ever had by far. The Dr. Pepper was absolutely amazing. I know that sounds funny, but it was the perfect amount of syrup and carbonation. I went back to get a refill, which there is a sign that says they are $1. I walked up and asked for a refill and the girl behind the counter rudely said Well, it is a $1. I said I know and put the dollar and a quarter on the counter. She took my money and filled the cup and pushed it back towards me. No change, even though it was $1.08. Lol, oh well. Still tasted delicious. read more

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Great spot! Dropped in while on a short trip to Chicago. I had never heard of Italian Beef and was excited to try it after hearing about it all over town. A few warnings it's cash only, food is messy and it's standing room only. (A few seats outside) I ordered the Italian beef with hot peppers, it was pretty messy but completely worth it. The taste was different from.a cheese steak but still very good. I also got a Chicago hot dog and fries. Both really good in fact the hotdog better then the beef. Great place to try if your looking for local fare! read more

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

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I don't care what anyone says this IS THE BEST ITALIAN BEEF IN CHICAGO. If you like dry manufactured beef from Portillos (portillos is fire on everything else) you don't have tastebuds. No one does it with the gardinera and gravy like Al's. read more

We are from out of town so we were expecting people to not be as friendly as back home in Tennessee but this place is a huge joke all around! The employee at the counter was not friendly at all even when we told him it was our first time he was still very pushy but the real reason for this review is because all the hype about how good the beef sandwich is was only that hype. If you like watered down beef with very little flavor this is the place to go! In my opinion save time and money and go to subway faster,friendly, and actually has flavor, not sure how this place has been in business so long? read more

It was just okay for me. Meat was kind of bland. I had a better one at Mickeys in Hillside. Sandwich was kind of pricey. read more

Al's beef is a staple in Chicago and the one in University Village definitely is the most popular one. The food at this location never seem to be as great as the other Al's throughout the city. This Al's is the original Al's beef so I'm expecting a little more. However the last time I went the beef was really oil and messy and the fries were not fresh. Usually when I visit Al's it like a mouth watering experience but maybe they were having an off day. The service was okay but the place definitely could use a makeover. Being that they are a staple in Chicago but better luck next time. read more

My brother and I stopped here after a Chicago Bulls game to grab a bite. I suggested we go to the location on Wells, I've been to that location plenty of times and the food and experience has always been great. This place was the exact opposite the staff was rude. Particular the older lady behind the counter. They didn't serve chargrilled burgers which is why I went there. The location on wells serves a fantastic chargrilled burger. The restaurant had no restroom for customers. If I'm not mistaken, I believe that's a violation to be a sit down restaurant with no restroom. I will have to look that up. I ordered a Chicago dog which was basic to say the least. If you're reading this view to decide if this Al's Beef location is for you. Don't waste your time. Google the location on Wells and make a B-line to that location. That one I highly recommend. read more

This is a must go to if you want to experience heaven in a bite! A local recommended it and it did not disappoint! The meat is soaked In gravy and cooked to perfection! read more

Al's Beef - Combo beef and sausage, sweet peppers and cheddar cheese - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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yooooo this food was 100% worth the hype. Idk what the negative reviews are about because we just had some killer food from Al's #1. You know you can trust a place that looks like a reformed dive bar with old school, plastic-ridged letter boards that are older than your grandad. Split a regular beef dipped w/hot peppers and a polish dog all the way, both with some kickass hand cut fries- these are spectacular, maybe a little greasy(?), but my friend, what did you come here for? Al's is here to feed your soul, not to please your cardiologist. Dat beef! The bread is drenched but it held up well, though we likely devoured it in record time, the hot peppers are spicy and tangy and perfect, the au jus is gorgeous... who had the nerve to say this MF is bland? The polish dog is a classic Chicago triumph with that crazy atomic green relish and juicy as hell peppers- it's smoky and fat and tastes like love and acceptance. Service was nice, quick and easy. Currently there are no dine-in options, it's still cash only, and it's absolutely worth your time. read more

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

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We don't visit Chicago without stopping at Al's for an Italian beef sandwich. Has to be spicy too!

never order via uber eats unless you want an incorrect order all i wanted was a beef dipped wit mild n hot peppas on my daughter yall bogus jo read more

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

Amazing Italian Beef sandwiches! So glad we made the trek! They give you a lot of meat, the the dip makes it 10x better (option of wet or dipped). We also got the the Gypsy fries, which also had a good portion of meat and smothered with cheese.. fries were extra soggy because of the toppings so I would probably ask for the fries well done next time to counter the wetness. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for an authentic beef sandwich! read more

Not the best Italian beef in Chicago, but top 3. Established 1930's. It's relaxed quick & convenient.

Tried this legendary spot and boy was it good. I always thought Chicago was only deep dish pizza but Als is a true American classics. The vibe of the restaurant. The other customers there. The friendly staff it all added to the super juicy (yet messy) beef sandwich I got. Only thing I wish is that I came in December so I could eat this bad boy in the snow read more

Al's Beef - From the outside - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Beef. Hot. Dipped. All you need to say. Italian beef with hot peppers finished off with a dunk in the au jus. $10. The sandwich just kinda falls apart, in a good way, with the paper thin beef just melting in your mouth with just solid beef flavor. The peppers aren't really spicy but it's just a messy man sandwich. Dude food for real. My local uber drivers all said this is the Al's to go to. Photos of celebrities lining the walls prove it. Damm. I want one again. Cash only. read more

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Al's beef is the only way to experience the Chicago Hot Beef sandwich! Of course dipped!

Fire the whole crew and start over. Every single employee is ridiculously rude. The beef itself is good but the employees always find a way to mess it up. If you ask for it wet they'll give it to you dry, if you ask for it drive they'll give it to you wet. Fries are always cold. If you go early they will use days old bread and drench it in juice to cover it up. I always feel disappointed going there hoping this time they'll get it right. read more

Move over Philly- I think I just found a new dipped sandwich that tops even those cheese steak monsters. Out for lunch and into Taylor, my friend and I decided to try out Al's. Neither of us had eaten it before, so we decided it was time to knock off another one of the "must-eats" in town. Who would've thought that the original Al's Beef sipped sandwiches would be right here next to UIC? (well yes, there IS Little Italy) We each ordered an Al's Big Beef sandwich; mine came with sweet peppers, and each of ours was dipped. OMG... the sandwich was messy beyond reason, but damn it was good! The beef inside was cut thinly and resembles what you'd find in gyudon (totally making a Japanese comparison here). The bread was beyond tasty given it's wet texture. Then there are the BIG portions... wow, I was only able to eat half of mine before throwing in the towel. Limited seating is available. You can stand inside or sit outside on a nice day. Pair this up with a visit to Mario's across the street and you've got yourself a fantastic meal. CASH ONLY so make sure you have some greens on you. I don't think dancing can be used as a form of payment if all you got is the plastic. read more

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

First of all there is no reason for cheese fries and a combo to be $19. Second the flavor is lacking as the beef and the sausage were simply just bland. Service was quick but not redeemable enough for the taste. This was my second time coming here and I thought the first time was a fluke as I had a equally as bad meal yet a year later and it's just as bad. read more

I had Al's beef yesterday and it is by far the best beef I've had my fav and the beef and cheese frys are the best

The workers here can give a rats you know what about any customer or customer service. Asked for our sandwich to be cut in half it wasn't went back and they said too late it's opened, turned his back to us. Asked for a sausage and pepper sandwhich they literally put a plain sausage in bread. The place looks like crap, dirty and no one has dropped a dime into this place for decades. I got Al's a decade ago and it was memorable, this place has fallen from grace and they really suck. Get your Italian beef somewhere that cares. read more

My first trip in Chicago and it's been a great one so far!! I wanted to try the Italian sandwich as it is a popular food item in Chicago. I got the Italian beef with sweet and hot peppers, dipped in gravy. The gravy is very rich, just a tad too salty for my taste buds. The peppers were good. The meat was nice and tender. It's not something I would rush to Chicago for. Again, not a bad sandwich, just not a sandwich I would indulge in again. read more

Al's Beef - Italian Beef Sandwich with sweet and hot peppers/dipped in gravy - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A must visit when in Chicago. We were had the classic sandwich and the bread was so soft and perfect. Perfect pit-stop for a quick bite for lunch. read more

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

If you don't get the Big Beef sandwich fully dipped you are doing it wrong my friend! The bread, the beef, the au jus. OMG Maybe even get an Italian Ice across the street. Great meal to share with the parents of the woman you love 5 stars read more

Huge fan of Philly cheesesteaks and not so much a fan of French dips so wasn't sure what to expect at Als. But the big beef sandwich was amazing- meat was full of spices, and not overly chewy. The best part was the gravy and hot peppers. Place is a dive but that's part of the allure. Service is rude but what else would you expect. read more

Al's Beef - Big beef with sweet peppers and hot peppers on the side - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Sandwiches lacked flavor of other Italian beefs I've had. Also super greasy. When they forgot a part of my order, they insisted on checking security footage before they would give it to me. That was weird and off-putting. read more

Also my 1st Chicago Italian beef sandwich. So many choices to choose from. I would direct your attention to the Chicago Tribune article titled "20 Best Italian Beef Sandwiches in Chicago". The writer tried more than 50 beef sandwiches and came up with a #1. This reference was good enough for me! I don't have any other beef sandwiches to compare. We took the L and walked to the Taylor St #1. The place is iconic to Chicago, see the many videos. They even have a street named after them. On to the sandwich. The beef is shave very thin and melts in your mouth. We ordered the large sandwich and split it, dipped, No cheese. I must say it have great flavors to the beef and the juices the meat cooks in and dipped the whole thing in it!.. eat it right away or you will have a soggy mess on you hands. The dipped sandwich makes it really easy to eat w/o a heavy or bloated feeling I would rec adding the sweet and spicy peppers too. I'm a huge fan of this sandwich now. Al's will be the gold standard for all beef sandwiches from here on out! read more

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Wanted to love this so much!! Nothing wrong with it, overall. The meat was bland, without the gravy. Got thru Uber Eats, so i was glad for side gravy. Fries ok, after I crisped them up. Husband liked polish sausage enough, but we felt it was "meh." So, Portillo's remains my favorite. read more

Al's Beef - Italian Beef & Polish Dog - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I used to love Al's, it was #1 for me since the 80's. I went last week and was very disappointed. The meat was not flavorful and there was an aftertaste like the juice that it was in was not fresh. I will not be back. read more

Met friends last week and sat out at picnic tables and had Mario's lemonade across street. Al's is good. Great? No. It is not what it was when I was in high school, and even then there was better Italian beef on Taylor street. But, Al's remains. The sandwiches are smaller, the beef is less, the prices are higher. It's still very good. I place it maybe 4th or 5th in the Chicago area. As for cash only? It's always been that way. Be happy there's an ATM inside now because that wasn't always the case. It's a good sammich. read more

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Food: We ordered a beef sandwich and some fries. The fries were soggy and greasy and the beef sandwich was ok, however, my husband liked the au jus here. We probably would have left 3 stars if not for the terrible service. Service: I ordered pick up through GrubHub and when we arrived, GrubHub listed the order as already picked up. We were confused, so my husband asked the young tall guy at the counter (Francisco?) about our order status. He was rude and told my husband that my husband was wrong about the picked up order message, but said our order was ready (my husband obviously wasn't wrong, I was looking at the picked up order message on my phone). Then Francisco turned around without telling us where our order was. Confused again, we asked where our order was. Francisco's responses were short, rude, and confusing. While we were waiting for our order, he was rude to another customer who also was confused. With service like this, better to go to Portillos, Buona or just about anywhere else. read more

Al's is a Chicago staple so I felt that I had to do my due diligence and visit the original location. After trying Johnnie's Beef, Al's was gonna have to do a lot to take the top spot. Unfortunately I was left a little disappointed. Both the beef and the peppers seemed to be lacking that extra umph. A five inch sub will run you about $8 which didn't feel worth it to me. Once was enough at this spot for me. read more

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

Delicious and messy as it should be! Worth the pit stop for lunch. Dipped in the gravy is the way to go!

Extremely overpriced for the quality. The staff was not friendly. The workers seemed aggravated by being "busy".

WORST SERVICE EVER!!!! We have been going there for over 50 years and will NEVER EVER EVER go back again!!! The staff was ignorant and rude when they goofed up our order. Made us pay for THEIR mistake. Never seen anything like it. Ownership should review their staff. read more

I think this place does Italian Beef well but the price is just a tad bit unreasonable. You could still be hungry after the sandwich. And the order of fries? Pretty skimpy amount in my opinion. You end up going around $13-$16 for this meal... and I can't justify that especially if I'm trying to "ball on a budget." read more

We read a lot of Chicago foodie-type articles online to find the best Italian beef, and Al's was consistently at the top, so we tried it. It was cool to visit the iconic Al's, but I was underwhelmed. It was quite warm and muggy outside, and there was no AC, so we sat outside. It seemed cooler on the patio than it did inside the restaurant. We had cash on us, so that was fine, but nowadays, I find myself perturbed with businesses that refuse to accept cards. Get with the times. Everyone takes plastic. Shoot, it seems like even homeless panhandlers accept credit cards now. I guess I can appreciate Al's is trying to keep prices low, but I actually found the food quite pricey for what you get. What's a couple more bucks to use a card? We got a #1 (beef sandwich with fries and a drink) and then a "big beef" for the two of us. We also added cheese sauce for the fries. We spent about $32 and change. FYI, Pepsi products here. I asked for cheddar on my sandwich, and my husband asked for American, but they both had cheese sauce on them, not slices of cheese. Don't wear white to eat here! Sandwiches are very messy, and the bread got soggy quick. But if you like your Italian beef juicy and dripping, you may prefer Al's to others. Overall, I thought the food was okay. I wasn't blown away like I thought I might be. read more