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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.
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.
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.
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."
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
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.
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.
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
2 years ago
Came here on a whim after driving to Mario's Italian Ice (a must try) and saw this place from across the street. What better place to stop and try a beef dip sandwich than in little Italy? Have to say this place had to have been one of the top meals we tried while visiting Chicago. Ordered the Italian beef and got it dipped in au jus. The meat was well seasoned, tender, and the au jus with the peppers really made the sandwich come together. If you're a texture person, obviously a sandwich dipped in au jus won't be for you as of course it will make the bread soggy. The star of the show here for me though was their polish hotdog. It came on a soft poppy seed bun, well seasoned polish dog, good amount of onions, relish, and mustard. It was so good I ate two. I wish we could have visited this place at the start of our trip because we definitely would have made the trip back more than once. This place definitely feels like it been a Chicago staple for years, nothing seems like it's been renovated for quite sometime but it adds to the character of the place. A few counter style seats available and some picnic tables outside but definitely more of a grab and go type of spot. read more
11 months ago
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
Fun atmosphere in the heart of Little Italy but also near University Village near UIC Chicago campus. Lots of students. This place has a nice historic feel esp when you see pics of politicians and local first responders (BTW you get 15% off if you show student ID or if you are a first responder police officer or firefighter). The food is okay but it's the people and the area that make it fun. The hot dog w fries were a decent deal for $5.25 plus tax. Fries alone are $4.30 so I thought why not get a hot dog in addition for $0.95. The fries looked soggy but they weren't and instead they were lightly crispy which I liked. The hotdog wasn't all beef. But when ur hungry you will enjoy it. FREE parking in their own lot. That's a huge plus when you have street parking w meters til about 8pm to 10pm (depends on the area) like most places in Chicago. Also outdoor seating. Enjoy! read more
Al's beef is a chicago staple! Always delivering a consistent product at their little Italy outpost. The beef was tender and juicy and be sure to get it dipped if you love bread soaked in the juice! I just wish they would add more peppers or drop the price of peppers. Seems like it's not a value for the amount you get. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
I know it's a local staple- ok, I know. Don't bite my head off! I'm not a sandwich girl- I didn't order. My bf is and HAD to try one before leaving Chicago- he scarfed it down!!! He ordered the classic with cheese and peppers and onions. His one comment was it was a bit soggy. I think this is the "Chicago" style where the sandwich is actually dunked in au jus. Certainly a local thing- Idk if we would be back, but we are glad we crossed it off the list of things to try while in Chicago for the first time! Service was quick like a get in and get out type situation. read more
BACKGROUND When a tourist (like me) inevitably asks, "What food do I have to try when I visit Chicago?", the answer usually includes Italian beef since it originated from Chicago and is now considered a staple of the Windy City. There's contention about which restaurant has the best Italian beef, but after sifting through many reviews and comments, Al's Beef, specifically the one on Taylor Street, came up often. I also chose this spot because it's not super out of the way, and it's right across the street from Mario's Italian Lemonade, another highly recommended restaurant, which I planned to hit up after. My friend and I arrived at around 5:00 PM on a Wednesday. There was one small group already eating in the corner, but nobody was in line. When I walked in, the first thing I noticed was that the interior seemed a little bit dingy and had an old-fashioned vibe, exemplified by the pictures hanging up on the wall and their menu sign design. FOOD Because I've never had Italian beef before, I did some research about the most traditional order beforehand. I ended up ordering "beef, dipped, hot", referring to the regular Italian beef ($9.25), dipped in jus, with hot peppers (giardiniera) ($0.90). The beef was very tender. And because I requested dipped, the bread was a little soft and moist but not sopping wet. This was my first time having giardiniera, and it was just okay; I'd probably try sweet peppers next time just to compare. Eating this dish was messy, so I'd recommend just going for it since there's no way to eat it prim and proper. Just make sure to have napkins close at hand. Now that I've tried Italian beef, I probably wouldn't go out of my way to get it again (don't crucify me, native Chicagoans), but it was great to experience it at least once. SERVICE After walking in, we stood in front of the counter so we could look up at the menu sign. The employee only waited a couple of minutes before abruptly asking if we were ready to order. That irked me slightly since we would obviously go up to the counter once we finished deciding. And there was nobody waiting behind us in line, so there wasn't any reason to rush us. But at least the service was quick, and they handed us the food while we were paying for the order. They don't ask for a tip, but there is a tip jar if you're feeling openhanded. TIPS Note that this establishment is supposedly cash-only (I didn't try paying with a card), but there is an ATM inside if you forget to bring cash, but beware of the service fee mentioned in other Yelp reviews. If you want to eat inside, there is a corner with counter space and bar stools. Alternatively, if you want to eat outside, there are picnic tables in front of and next to the restaurant. read more
2 years ago
A Chicago tradition. First night we were in Chicago over the holiday weekend headed here. Had never been here before and didn't know what to expect. It is iconic. This location is old. It looks old and used. Cement floor kinda dirty but it kinda added to the experience. I knew what I wanted a small roast beef wet with provolone cheese. It was pretty good. The roast beef kinda tasted like it was made in the morning and we arrived later at night, so I was kinda bummed but it was a lot better than I thought it would be. My hubby didn't know what he wanted and the lady behind the counter was gruff but patient with him and helped him. The portions are great! If you like a gooey sandwich I would double up on the cheese. Wasn't really too bad price wise...I would say fair. Fries were yummy and homemade. Not a sit down place but they do have picnic tables outside and a couple hurry up and eat tables and a sit down bar against the window. It's busy people are in and out consistently for takeout (which means people really like the place!) it's a fun place to go to if you like Italian roast beef and yes was satisfied when I left and happy I had to walk a few blocks to get back to our air bnb! You gotta check it out at least once. Haven't been to the other more modern locations but super happy I came here. read more
2 years ago
Was visiting family in Michigan so drove to Chicago for the day. We wanted to try a Chicago Dog and this place seems like the real deal! Got the combo plus we shared a beef sandwich. Great food but my only complaint is the fries are soggy! But who am I to complain because you can just tell this place is a Chicago staple! Would I come back?...Yes! read more
7 months ago
2 years ago
The worst customer service the employees are so lazy and rude in the front counter. I don't know how he has any business. I mean the prices are sky high. The sandwiches are small and the beef was very salty and if you ask for napkins, they give you an attitude, there's too many other good beef sandwiches in the area and treat you better like cats or patio And half the price read more
1 year ago
We ordered the Italian beef via the door dash. It was a tad salty so next time I will order it spicy with sweet peppers or veggies. Mention to have it cut but they forgot to do it to be a sandwich. Their hot dog with everything was so GOOD too! Fries need to request extra crispy next time. read more
My first Italian beef sandwich! And it was excellent! I bellied up to the Big Beef Sandwich (Chicago's #1 roasted Italian beef sliced in house daily and served on freshly baked French bread, $10.29), wet style with sweet peppers (+$0.65) and hot giardiniera (+$0.65) with a side of small hand-cut fries ($2.70). The Big Beef comes with a lot more meat than the Reg, if you like the goods you're gonna want this one. It was a messy meal. But soooo good. The dip drenched the entirety of the sandwich - sounds like this isn't how everyone likes it, but I absolutely loved each juicy bite. The peppers and giardiniera were a hit. Fantastic addition to an already delicious sandwich. The beef was beautifully flavored, my taste buds are still raving over it. This is something I would buy a plane ticket for. And only for. That's how much I loved it. Keep in mind, this review is written from a tourist who has never eaten one of these so I am not a very good judge. If you're on the fence about visiting look at the reviews from locals. But from me, Al's gets a new fan and fat five stars. read more
2 years ago
First time in Chicago and this place was delicious . I tried two other Italian beef sandwiches from other spots and this one is still #1 read more
2 years ago
Besides Chicago-style lasagna/pizza, the other must-eat Chicago delicacy is the Italian Beef Sandwich. They say the best can be had at Al's Beef in Little Italy (where else would it be located?). It's the typical Italian eatery, and by that, I mean photos of every famous Italian who ever passed through Chicago covering its walls. If I were you, I'd order mine with peppers (otherwise, it may be a little bland) and dry (otherwise, it may be a super hot mess). read more
Well we came from Pennsylvania to pick my daughter up from college. My husband had seen the show about Al's beef so before we left Chicago we decided it had to be a must try. First let's start off with the lady that took our order. She was soooo rude. I tried to explain what I was looking for and she literally growled at me and every time we placed a new order she would roll her eyes and get annoyed with us because we weren't moving fast enough for her I guess. She didn't explain the sandwich to me and I ended up ordering what wasn't very good at all. I thought it came with cheese but didn't know it didn't because she never said otherwise or even tried to suggest it. The dunk sauce was delicious but just because of the fact how arrogant that lady with no teeth acted. I do not recommend going to Taylor Street Al's Beef. I know I won't be a patron ever again. The one cook kinda made me feel bad too cause I only eat smalls even though I'm a bigger woman and he kept insisting that I would need a medium. I couldn't even finish the small let alone get a medium. I dunno the aromas here turned me against this establishment. I hope you feel more welcome than we did! When they say sweet peppers it's DEFINITELY not sweet peppers it's only green peppers. Sweet peppers are wayyyyy different! read more
2 years ago
Great place for a quick bite. Today I went with some co-workers and we got a couple beefs . A combo and some hotdogs. I Believe this location is the original location. I had a beef, fries and a drink combo. It is tasty just have to get it wet or else is to dry. Also ask for napkins. read more
CASH ONLY we heard from our friends that Al's Beef has their favorite Italian Beef Sandwich so we stopped by to get one. it was a little pricey for the size, but maybe it's because of the hype (or because i'm not used to the crazy tax in Chicago). we got ours 'wet' per our friends recommendation, which they dip in the au jus before serving. the meat was very flavorful, tender and just a bit spicy form the chilis they used. they also added celery on top which i thought was weird at first but it went fairly well with the sandwich. the au jus permeated throughout the entire sandwich making even the plain ole bread a deliciously flavorful vessel. Overall, it was a very good sandwich that came from a very dingy looking shop, but is just a bit overpriced for my taste. read more
Als beef!! Finally made it out here. Located in their UTC area, you can't miss it. CASH ONLY to keep prices low. Must get is the beef sandwich, the original, have it fully dip and add some giardiniera and you're good to go!! A bit messy to eat... it's basically a soggy bread soaked up in beef juice and thinly sliced beef that is well seasoned. It looks like a mess but it's worth the mess. We also got The Gypsy fries and omg that will definitely hit your junk food craving! For the messiness, I do really wish they had a hand wash station or some wet wipes or a bathroom available, especially with COVID and all. read more
I am sad to see that the Ontario location has now closed but am SUPER happy that it wasn't the only location for Al's Beef! You just don't know unless you've been there and had 1. I had taken Ben to Al's Beef after showing him the Food Network episodes that featured this amazing gem of Chicago. Since we started dating and his food "education" began, Ben has a little obsession about going to places that he sees but especially the ones Guy Fieri has gone to. The sandwich is just great. There is no other way to explain in. I personally do not like the giardiniera (pickled vegetables) that is supposed to come on an Italian Beef sandwich, so we ordered ours plain because honestly, all you need is their thinly sliced beef and that gravy!!! Ben was done for... his first bite and he just closed his eyes and sighed. He still won't shut up about it. There is one thing for sure, when in Chicago, you go to Al's Italian Beef regardless if you're already full. You.Just.Go! read more
5 years ago
Heard this was a must try when in Chicago, so we came to try it. We chose to have the dipping sauce on the side because many people on here had said it was too wet and that's not a sandwich for me. Haha Regardless of it being in the side or not, it felt pretty soaked but it just tasted simply amazing. Definitely do recommend to try Al's if your ever in Chicago. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
I've been hearing about this place for years and I've seen it on countless food shows, so when I finally made it to Chicago last week, I had to try Al's #1 Italian Beef at the 1079 Taylor Street location. I had the Big Beef with hot giardiniera, dipped and it definitely lived up to the hype. This wasn't a sandwich, this was a carefully composed symphony of flavors and textures. Remove one element from it and it wouldn't have been one of the top three sandwiches I've eaten in 63 years. Man, this was an amazing sandwich! read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
Food taste below average regular sandwich, not just Chicago Italian style, overall the taste are nothing special. Staff looks like they either too high or not at good mood at all, maybe they just don't want work . Everyone looks so unhappy working there . Don't waste your time here, not worth it at all. Over price for everything too read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
More info about Al's Beef
1079 W Taylor St
Chicago, IL 60607
University Village
Directions
(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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