The only place in the country to get an authentic Italian beef sandwich is in Chicago. It's like the only place to get an authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich is in Philadelphia. There are many places in Chicago to get one, but the one I like most comes from Al's Beef. This enterprise started as a small family beef/sausage sandwich stand in the late 1930s and then escalated to a very successful operation after moving to Taylor St. in Little Italy many years ago. In 1999 Al's Beef was bought out by large corporation that started a franchising business for the Chicago area. (One was also opened in San Jose, CA, with which I am not familiar.) My favorite location is still the original one on Taylor St. Standup counters are available for eating inside as well as a couple of outdoor communal tables. As to the sandwich itself, it is thinly sliced beef bathed in a highly spiced au jus served in a piece of French bread in sizes small and large. The sandwich has plenty of the au jus, but it can be "dipped" to make it juicer. Sweet green peppers and hot giardiniara are available as toppings. Eating an Italian beef sandwich is one of the most pleasurable food experiences one can have. The taste of the sandwich and having hot juice running down your hands while eating it is a wonderful and unique gastronomical experience not to be missed. Biting into the sandwich and tasting the delicious combination of juicy meat and peppers and causing the hot au jus to drip down your hands is a wonderful and unique gastronomical experience not to be missed. For a great time on a summer's day try an Italian beef sandwich at Al's and then walk across Taylor St. and enjoy an Italian lemonade at Mario's! Wow! read more

I grew up in Philly, so I know a good sandwich, and Al's is top notch... One reviewer wrote "Get a beef dipped with hot peppers, fries, and you're golden." and I couldn't agree more. Great experience read more

It's an indulgence, that's for sure. Very tasty sandwich, too bad one can't have it on a more regular basis

Fantastic Chicago tradition. Al's Italian Beef is ONE OF THE BEST italian beef joints in the country, if not the best. IF you are in chicago and never tried Italian Beef, then you need to check this out. Its like a roast beef sub with soggy gravy soaked bread and peppers with some delicious fries. You can also get hotdogs and etc. But you are here for the Italian Beef. The prices are good and this hefty greasy dish if sure to satisfy anyones hunger. Again this is a rooted chicago style favorite, usually very busy especially during lunch.. so go late afternoon or late morning. Check out www.tonsilcleaner.com join our breath forum! read more

When I first moved into the neighborhood, this place was epic. The beef was as good as they come and it was a great value and place to take visitors. You felt full when you finished and still wanted more. But now, the portions are absurdly small for the price they charge and you are left feeling hungry for more, but with an empty wallet. It is unfortunate that i can no longer justify spending money here. Your money is better spent anywhere else on Taylor Street for better value. read more

I have tried several Italian beef places in Chicago, but by far this is my fave place. You can argue about the meat, but their hot peppers is definitely the best!!! I'm glad that they ship too!!! One thing if you dine in, the sandwich is quite messy to eat and they don't have a place to wash your hands. read more

It's both a blessing and a curse to have Al's right in the neighborhood. You see, I'm a sucker for a good beef and when the withdrawal pains get the best of me I head over to see Dr. Feelgood at Al's and get my fix. Big beef combo with sausage and hot peppers, side of fries. That artery clogging cuisine set me back about twelve bones and sent my quest for summer fitness back to the drawing board. The verdict?...damn good as always. I love the beef and sausage combo. Giardineira could be hotter and seem to get all over the paper since they are finely sliced and don't stay on the sandwich. Fries? Meh. Pass on those next time. You can get your beefs dipped or get some other things on the menu. But, the beef is why you are here. And it's Dr. Feelgood's specialty, which is one of the best in town. Does he sling diet pills too? read more

Greasy, juicy beef... on a bun. What more could I ask for after a night of libations? The day I arrived in Chicago - as I stepped off the red line at the Garfield stop - I looked around and saw a sign looming in the distance for Al's Italian Beef. I recall asking my friend, "What's an Italian beef? Wait, no, better yet... when do I get to have one?" His description sounded very much like a Philly Cheesesteak, without the cheese... I was intrigued and already hungry for it. It was late in the afternoon on a Friday by the time we finally made it to Al's. By the time I had ordered I was seriously considering getting a Big Al (8"!), but thought better of it and went with a Regular Al & fries which I shared. My body thanked me later. It was good. Unhealthy, but good. Throughout the duration of our meal not a word was spoken. We were that hungry and it was that tasty. Needless to say, Al hit the spot...(That's what she said!) I could see myself becoming a regular at this divey chain if I ever made Chicago my home - and for that reason I will never make Chicago my home. I love my healthy ways way too much to compromise them with the temptation known as Al's. --- *Cash only. **This is the original Al's. Makes the sandwich taste that much better. read more

holy mother of sandwiches. Never had i tried italian beef. but now, i want it. every day of my life. until i am old and have no teeth and even then i want an al's italian beef milkshake. scratch that. that sounds disgusting. but still. i got mine dipped with hot peppers. this was a soggy delightful mess. I do not mind a messy sandwich. and this was a hot, hot mess. the surprise hit? french fries. PERFECT. i thought the fries at Les Halles in NYC were good. they are good. but these? were fan-freaking-tastic. punted it right out of Soldier Field with this one. next time i'm in chicago i will ignore all the deep dish and hot dogs and just eat al's italian beef. read more

I surprised my wife by taking her to Al's on our 5 year anniversary. It was a romantic night. We had Beefs dipped hot. P read more

Oh Al's... we grew up together.. but now how you have begun to disappoint me. I used to go to Al's all the time as a kid when the beef was amazing and then cross the street for some lupini beans and ice at Mario's. This past week, I decided to start trying different places for Italian beef so I know where to go when my cravings are strong. But Al's beefs have gotten really skimpy and the prices has gone up. The beef is now dry and shredded. I guess this is what happens when you become a Tourist Attraction. I am still giving you 3 stars because you bring back good memories for me and I love the atmosphere of just counters to bend over as you devour you sandwiches. As well as a prime location across from Mario's. And I'm sorry but beef tasted like curry last time... and my group of friends all agreed with this. What's happening here Al's?! I'm disappointed in you! I didn't even finish my beef and had no where to clean up in after because Al's has no bathroom! If you are craving a good beef sandwich or hot dog go a littler further down Taylor St. to Lulu's! PS- I laughed out loud when I saw the sign explaining a combo! read more

I am a connoisseur of Italian Beefs!!! Al's is Excellent! Some people don't like it because it has a cinnamony au jus but I freakin love it. I always get a big beef dipped heavy with hot peppers with fries and a drink. That's over 10 dollars but who cares cause it's the shit!! read more

a Chicago must-have! Whenever I think of growing-up in Chicago, U-Town Polishes, Ricobene's, Italian Ice & Al's always came to mind. Nothing like the big greasy! read more

When at birth you are given the name 'Al' it seems that the odds are in your favor for getting into the Italian Beef business. With minimal research you will find that this is a reasonable assumption. More power to 'em...it lends itself well and just isn't a fine dining kind of name. 'Al's Trattoria' or 'Chez Al' don't ring out like "Al's No. 1" This location might be the best known in the Chicago metro area for what it is, does, and sells. Decided to break my four day turkey blitz yesterday and stopped in as a passerby though it is has also a been a destination in past visits. Great sandwiches but note that even 'not dipped' is pretty much dipped anyway. I've never ordered them 'dipped' but if I did would it come in a pint glass? You could hold Al's up against any other place (even another "Al's") and argue which is better but it really just depends on your personal taste. I taste meat. Nice big parking lot (maybe the only one) on a very dense section of Taylor St. read more

My mother used to tell me "never trust anyone who doesn't like the comic strip ... they take themselves too seriously". Good advice, and it applies to the food world too, never trust anyone who can't enjoy a good greasy local stand up food joint ... like Al's #1 Italian Beef! Now, I like fine dining as much as the next guy, but how can you not love a juicy, freshly made italian beef sandwich that is so f**king messy that you have to use a special stance just to eat it? We've eaten at several of Chicago's notable italian beef joints, but Al's is truly #1 in our book! The meat is very nicely cooked, tender, and very succulent. The roll, well let's say the roll holds the meat together, at least for a few minutes. What really sets Al's apart though is the giardiniera, it's crunchy, spicy and savory all at the same time (other gardiniera hold their heads in shame compared to this stuff). Add the sweet peppers, and then get your beef wet, and you have the makings of a fabulous sandwich! My only gripe? No beer ... but depending on which location you go to, this can be rectified by getting carry out and then hitting the local liquor store to grab yourself a bottle to go. Now we are talking! read more

it's been a while since I had an Al's beef, so after reading Richard A.'s review I jumped in the car & picked one up. I somewhat agree with his review. The beef is not overrated, but it is overpriced. I don't go to Al's as often anymore because the bang for your buck is no longer there. I would rather pick up a Portillo's beef and an order of chesse fries for the price of a combo. Not as good, but pretty damn close. read more

I grew up in Chicago but my first taste of the Italian beef was when I drove for Good Humor (remember them?) out of Maxwell St. And that was where I had my first, and afterwards, many Italian Beef. Many years have passed. Every time I came into Chicago I searched for this now mythic sandwich. I even found it one day several years ago in a Northern suburb, tho for the life of me I couldn't remember where. This past October, I made another stab at searching for this tasty (as I remembered) sandwich. A Google search turned up Al's in what I remembered to be the Italian neighborhood on Taylor st. So I took my Kansas raised wife and drove from Skokie to Al's on Taylor St. All I had was the Italian Beef sandwich, while my wife had that and the french fries, along with a diet pop for me. Ah! My search had ended. And just in time too, as at 81, it can't go on forever. Limited seating, and parking. Worth the wait. read more

Al's is a small (if you're claustrophobic order at the window) place that must be sitting in a warp between here and heaven. The beef is prepared as ordered (not sitting somewhere under a warmer) and it melts in your mouth, leaving a greasy smile that vegans wouldn't understand. The sandwich used to be so large that I could eat my fill and have leftovers to start the next day, but, time passed and it now is just enough for a meal. The fries knew they had to be good to compliment the beef and stood up to the task. I have dreamed about this meal (with a large lemonade). They have sausage too. read more

Great spot but after a decade of coming there, I always get treated poorly by the older white lady (so glad when she's not there tbh). It's always some weird energy. Today, after she's done it numerous times, I asked to have my BIG beef cut three times and she scowled that it would be hard to do. Uncalled for and then had an attitude about doing it. I really don't understand. If the job is too much for you, retire. I don't bring my problems to and from work. I don't understand people who do. Customer service, no compromise. read more

Moved out of Illinois in 2012 to Florida. Boy I miss Al's! Need one here in Panama City, FL.

Me & 3 of my friends went to Al's for lunch recently during our visit to Chicago. We originally went on Sunday, and it was closed (which we didn't expect). We went back on Monday, and it was pretty busy. Service was fast and beef sandwiches were good. The only thing was the lack of seating. I'm not a big fan of standing up as I'm eating a big dripping sandwich. But, overall, I'm glad I got a chance to go and try Al's :) read more

Ok This place is REALLY popular and/or famous for it's sandwich right? And the sandwich is DEFINITELY worthy of 4 stars. The fries definitely are not. I got the "combo" which is a sausage covered with sliced beef, stuffed in a bun. Then it's DIPPED in the juice it's cooked in and covered with hot peppers. Salivating yet? You will. The sandwich is awesome, stick to that. read more

The best in Chicago and you have to go to this location, the original location, to appreciate the experience! No tables, no chairs, just counter space to eat your italian beef sandwich. Be careful of their gardiniera, it's got some heat to it! And if it's your first time there, learn the correct eating stance so you don't get any juice on your clothing. read more

Now this is a Chicago icon with which many visitors to our great city identify us with. This location has consistent excellent quality. The place looks like its stuck in the 1970's. But I would not change a thing. If you are visiting, then you need to get over to this location to try this distinct sandwich that all others around the city measure themselves up against. It's like going to New York and needing to have a hot dog out of the "dirty water"( the water is not actually dirty, its just an appearance) in Central Park. The faint hints of licorice set it apart from the others. Philadelphia's famous cheese/steak sandwiches or Miami's Cuban sandwich has nothing on this sandwich. read more

My favorite one to visit, lady behind the counter is super sweet. Everything I bought was freshly made right in from of me. Their beef is so good here and I love the gypsy fries they make! They offer combos, and the hot dogs are delish too! It's cash only but you can easily find parking here. This is the best location of al's beef, hands down!!! read more

Dayum! The big beef was hella beefy and hella good! Got the hot dog and fries too and it was banging!

I love Al's cheese and pepper sandwich (not available at franchises: tried once but apparently not something that could be done) but don't get there often but today was less than stellar. My beef double sweet fry was very wet and salty. My cheese and pepper with hot (pd extra) was dry and without hot. For some reason that instruction for dipped wasn't on receipt but the extra charge for hot peppers was. And the receipt does show dry for the beef. I will be calling tomorrow during day to complain. I guess I can't post photos of dry no hot pepper sandwich and receipt. read more

This place rightfully deserves their name as #1 Italian Beef at least in Chicago. I love it dipped in au ju (the beef juices) and the bread and meat practically fall apart in your mouth. The fries are amazing, too. A definate must try in Chicago. read more

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Well here it is, nestled out with a giant sign, a road named after you (what is it with Chicago naming roads after people? they do this with every single dam road in the city), you have in the Italian neighborhood Al's. Outside and inside the place hints of an establishment that has had a long tradition and run. Dotted inside are several photos of famous people some local to Chicago, others from all over that dot the walls. Dark and cozy with steam coming out of the back, feeling warm and inviting. Finally doing things correct myself, I asked for a DIPPED beef and finally got what I was told about. An Italian beef sandwich from Chicago dipped is one unique ride I must say. Having had my second one they do all seem to taste similar. A dipped one is basically eating a hot steaming bowl of really good soup, as the bread melts and the peppers pop in your mouth. People seem to rave about the meat, but I think it's the peppers that make this sandwich, and Al's handles this no problem with pride. I didn't try anything else unfortunatly, but I would for sure be back to do so. read more

I've been coming to this place since high school 30 years ago and the portions have gotten so small and expensive that it's just not worth it anymore. An Italian beef sandwich for $13 that's literally the size of my index finger and I'm not exaggerating. Then to add insult to injury they're cash only to "lower costs". Too late guys, that ship has sailed. No thanks I'll go to Carm's or one of the other spots on Taylor, they're 90% of the flavor, twice the size and half the cost. read more

Yes, I went here solely based on having seen it on Food Wars. Since it was on tv, I expected to have my mind blown. It was not. Beware that there is really no seating to speak of here - only some stools. Maybe thats part of the charm but I didn't see it that way. The portions were small for the price. I liked that the sandwich was dipped in sauce but thought it had a strange sweet spice flavor to it...almost like a nutmeg. If anyone knows what that is (or if I was just imagining it), I'd love to know - its killing me that I can't name that spice. Overall: meh. read more

Fat bomb Italian Beef sandwich! Great deal, just don't get robbed by ordering it soaked. It's 2 bucks extra and it's the same as not getting it soaked. Super thin sliced meat, parking, and the spicy peppers/toppings are amazing read more

My five stars are for the Italian Beef sandwich. Why would you order anything else here? Perfectly tender meat, bun with just the right consistency, great jardiniere, and a nice flavorful spicy oily juice that is unmatched at any other Italian Beef joint I have found. Just don't adjust your contact lenses until you've given your hands a good scrubbing. Special bonus: they even have a parking lot! Saving me the cost of bus ride makes this joint a bargain. read more

We cater Al's, especially when we have out of town clients that want some traditional Italian Beef...They have the best fries ever, italian beef is tender and juicy, and they bring spicy & sweet peppers on the side so you can create your own. The baked mostacholi is only decent...but I only order it for the vegetarians so not my problem ;) Also, Al's is a great deal if you're catering on a budget. read more

Italian Beef Sandwich with sweet peppers, dipped! Cash only! I always take out-of-towners there and then to Mario's. read more

I've been coming here for over two decades and it seems quality has gone done in recent years. I was there two days ago and their sandwich seemed a lot smaller, but prices have gotten bigger. Also, the fries were kind of bland. Maybe they forgot to apply salt? Before, I never used ketchup on their fries since they were so tasty on their own, but that's not the case any more. Overall, the beef sandwich is still good, but not worth what they charge. Tip: always order a Chicago beef sandwich dipped. It's the only way to go! read more

Even the dry Italian beef is a lot greasy. The bread was not fresh, and the place had that heavy smell. It is not that expensive, but not offering value for the money paid. read more

Loved the Chicago dogs ... the fries were great ... it's a neat little hole in the wall place

First time in Al's..... Ordered the regular, not the "big one." You shouldn't charge extra for peppers, it should be included in price. That said, what a great sandwich, although my cardiac doc might feel differently. The hot peppers are generously sprinkled over the top of the pile of thinly sliced beef. Plenty juicy and delicious. Just the right size sandwich, just make sure you eat it somewhat quickly otherwise it becomes an absolute mess. Fries were not as good, but were a good accompaniment to the sandwich. Kind of "In and Out" style fries. Will be back again, hopefully when its warmer so that I don't have to stand to eat (no seating inside). read more

I wish we had one of these in LA. It's like french dip, but better because you can get your whole sandwich dipped in goodness! My only regret was that it was close to 90 degrees outside when I was eating it. Eating a hot sandwich on a hot day just makes life a little more miserable. But I was happy to finally get to try an Italian beef sandwich during my visit to Chicago! Thumbs up from me! read more

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