We ate at around 2:30 PM on a weekday and it was still pretty busy, though it was after lunch. The French fries that I ate blew me away. They were so good! Close to perfect French fries. A solid five star. The Italian beef was good but not the very best. (4.5 stars). The beef was moist. I like it that way, but others may not like moist Italian beef. The line moved quickly. The water fountain did not work and there were no free refills on soft drinks. The seating inside was limited and it was quite warm inside on a cool late June afternoon. We chose to eat outside. We had our own water with us. Found out that this restaurant is in a section of Chicago called Little Italy. 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

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

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

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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

Al's Beef - The OG Jumbo Beef Sandwich with fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

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

Great food loved it will definitely go again family friendly great place to enjoy good fresh food

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

Al's Beef - Italian beef sandwich $11 definitely not worth it - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Al's can't miss beef W/gardiniera peppers dipped. Dam that's good. My friends from Topeka are getting the real deal. read more

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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

Al's Beef - Beef and sausage sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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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

Al's Beef - A Regular, Dry Italian Beef Sandwich with Peppers. - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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

Al's Beef - Hot dog with everything. Supposed to have 2 dogs but we only got one :( - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Another one of those places in Chicago where the food was great but the service was meh. I actually expected the sandwich to be a lot bigger but I guess everyone is cutting back. I did get their signature Italian beef with fries, and the sandwich tasted awesome but very greasy. I thought they were going to ask me how I wanted my Italian beef sandwich, be it wet, dry or whatever but they didn't. Oh well. Next time I'm in Chi I'll try another one of those other Italian beef places. 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

Al's Beef - Small "sweet peppers" beef dunked - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Al's Beef was everything I had hoped it would be. The sandwich was amazing and the fries were delicious. As a visitor to Chicago, this is a must stop in and try the sandwich. Fantastic! read more

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

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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

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Staying in Chicago again for work and I was craving an Italian beef sandwich. A quick seach and I found Al's was just a mile and a half from where I was staying. I drove over and ordered a sandwich, dipped, and paid to add hot peppers and cheese. They called my order number fast and when I asked for ketchup for my fries, they rudely just kind of tossed the ketchup packets on the counter. I thought "whatever" to myself and just ignored it and headed back to my hotel. When I opened up my sandwich, I noticed that it did not have the peppers or cheese that they changed extra for. I still had hopes for the sandwich however. I have had some pretty good Italian beef sandwiches in my time but this one didn't rank anywhere near the top. The flavor was really more just a greasy salty flavor than one of beef and spices. The celery-based giardiniera was lackluster as well. I did enjoy the fries but I would go back just for fries and rude service. read more

Every summer I frequently visit Mario's Lemon Ice on Taylor Street and find myself gravitating to Al's for a Combo dipped with Chicago-Style Giardiniera peppers. The debate will live on -- Al's vs. Mr. Beef -- and I'll continue taste testing by eating at both!!! GREAT COMBO BEEF/SAUSAGE! Much better than Buona Beef in my humble opinion. read more

5 star for taste & consistency over the years. One of the best combo's you can find. If your eating in( stools or leaning on counter) it's not much and could use a little update. Service is efficient but don't look for much else read more

Very very good lunch. First time Chicago visitor from Tampa, Florida. Al's was recommended by several friends. Definitely did not disappoint

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

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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

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Al's Beef never misses. I forgot to take a pic. Crispy fries yummy! Whenever I'm in the area I always gotta grab a Italian Beef! Hot dog was ok! 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

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Genuinely havent had such terrible food in Chicago until this. Asked for their most popular item, Italian beef sandwich... got soggy bread filled with salty meat and a rock solid frank. No straw came with my food, No sauce for the fries. The worst part is I spent 21 dollars for not even a 6 inch sandwich. Not worth it 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

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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

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Italian beef has good flavor but almost $12 and was super small. Was not satisfied at all. Cashier was super rude!

Would not substitute or refund polish sausage. We asked if it could be replaced with a hotdog order when they were told we don't eat pork. The manger and cashier were VERY inconsiderate and rude!!!! read more

Seriously This place has it's own ratings. No one does beef like Al's The prep and the giardiniera wow. Yes it's a greasy spoon or fast serve place. But it's what I expect. Also fresh cut fries!! read more

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Al's is my all-time favorite beef or Italian Sausage/combo sandwiches. I happen to live not too far from the location at Diversey & Western. They get you in and out really fast even with a long line. They know you ordered your sandwich the right way, mine is "juicy beef sweet and hot". I don't know how anyone can order a beef "dry" or at the very least "dipped". Their fries are fresh and crisp. Mr. Beef & Pizza on Harlem just South of Irving Pk is my second choice. Also one of the last "old time" beef stands is Mr. Beef on Orleans the owner died recently, so I'm not sure if they're still open or not, if they are you'll get one of the best "beefs" ever in the city. read more

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

Al's Beef - You'd better believe it lives up to the hype! It's a symphony of flavor and texture! - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Spectacular gimme 14 of them! Als is a classic Chicago staple that has stayed consistent. They churn out sandwiches and fries quickly. This is mostly a to go spot, with limited seating inside and some picnic tables outside when weather permits. Delicious Italian beef that satisfies when the craving hits. read more

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

Al's Beef - a man standing at the counter of a restaurant - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is the best Italian beef you will ever have. There is nothing that comes close, even Portillos at its best is no where near as good as this one. I ordered mine with hot peppers and dipped, it was amazing. Their fries, though an afterthought compared to the sandwich were also nice and crispy and you can tell they're made fresh. My husband and I still talk about this great lunch we had months ago. I wish I had remembered to take some pics, but honestly it wouldn't do it justice, you just have to try for yourself. read more

Good joint to grab a classic Italian Beef. It was packed inside so we caught a bench in the parking lot, as it's located in a nice spot. Sandwich was flavorful but the actually beef could've been a bit more tender. Definitely recommend getting it dipped. read more

Can someone tell me WHY, they add cinnamon to their beef's gravy, as I was told by a cook they do there. Like others of which I'm reading here apparently notice, something is definitely different in the taste of their decades old once delicious natural gravy. read more

There's not much a to say about Als Beef. I've been here several times and don't know why I haven't gotten around to review it. Everyone should know about them by now, but I'd you haven't I highly recommend you try their beef. This is the original location, and unlike the other franchise locations, this place is still cash only. A lot of people care complaining about their prices and that they're really high, but I disagree. Their prices are fair roughly about the same price as plenty of other Italian beef joints around the city. Now on to the beef itself...beef.hot.dipped. That's the best way to order it. The beef is well seasoned, although this time around it tasted a little too salty for me. The hot peppers are also very tasty. One of my hot peppers in the city and then the bun was perfect. It was soggy with all those juices, but it held the beef until the very end. We also ordered a Chicago dog with fries, and another order of fries. The fries were soggy and greasy. Unhealthy I know...but they were still tasty. I didn't care for the hot dog much. The service is great and they have plenty of parking as well. Don't forget to bring cash. read more

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I've always wanted to try Italian beef sandwich. It was on my bucket list of things to try. I finally got the chance. And I have to say the Italian beef sandwich is worth the hype. Maybe in a way it is fortunate that California does not have any Italian beef sandwich places or else I might end up in the hospital for ODIng on this delicious sandwich. The meat is plentiful plus the jous that they use for bread and the entire sandwich is just ... Chefs kiss. Excellent but seriously california needs a Big Al.. please come lol read more

I was impressed by the Italian beef. Such good flavor! Gotta get that stance down before coming. Def try it out you won't be mad. I didn't enjoy the fries as much so I'd pass on those next time. read more

Al's Beef - This is how you eat an Italian beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Best of the Italian Beef sandwich. Generous portions, perfectly seasoned and served with that Chicago flair! There is nothing not to like! I'm not a bread person but I think I could eat this even without the Beef, soft tender and fresh roll! read more