Landed in Chicago and first spot to eat was here. The Italian Beef was delicious. Ordered a regular because we just wanted to grab a taste. Instead, we definitely should have gotten a BIG one, cuz the Chicago dog is just ok. Fries were tasty though! The place is clean. People are friendly and there's a good amount of tables to sit at. Make it your first spot to visit. read more

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I do want to start by saying this interview is for Uber eats delivery, not in restaurant. I am hoping that the product that I would've received had I visited the store in person would've been remarkably better than what I got. Unfortunately, what I had delivered to me, was a utter salt bomb that was inedible after three or four bites. in addition, I specifically requested the sandwich be extra dipped and received a sandwich that was mostly dry with a tad bit of gravy across the beef in the middle. This was a combo sandwich that included sausage and at $11, I expected so much more. However, I did order the sandwich near closing time and I think I just frankly got stuck with some product that they were willing to get rid of via Uber eats. Hopefully the experience is different the next time around but I also have so many other Chicago Italian beef spots to hit, that will likely not be for a while. read more

We ordered Al's for delivery on our last night in Chicago so we weren't expecting perfection since we weren't eating it fresh. Well, we were wrong. We ordered the beef dry with sauce on the side and that wound up being perfect. The bread wasn't soggy at all and it was delicious! We also shared some cheese fries which were fresh and the cheese sauce was surprisingly good. This was my first Italian beef IN Chicago and I loved it! read more

I've been coming here for at least 20 years, probably 30. The two young gentlemen, brothers from humble beginnings, who own Al's are really nice guys and committed to top quality food and consistency and top-quality consistent customer service. The new location is just a few blocks away from the old location on Ontario street. It's bigger, cleaner, taller ceilings oh, and has new, inspired energy. This is one of those times where the renovated Place actually is better than the original haunt. There are a lot of great Italian sausages in and around Chicago, but Al's are absolutely outstanding. As well, there are good Italian beef places in and around Chicago, but Al's is absolutely the finest. They make it themselves, it's not salty, it's full of flavor, and fresh everyday. The size of the Italian sausage and the pile of Italian beef are both absolutely filling meals. A double Italian sausage or the Chicago combo of sausage and beef is enough to kill you and send you to the cardiologist, whichever comes first. The homemade giardiniera at Al's is spicy, oily enough, and loaded with an explosion of flavors in your mouth. French fries or super consistent, a little crispy a little mushy, just right. I'm forever a customer, and for good reason. You should be also. read more

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Dipped Italian beef was alright. I much prefer the beefy fries. The cheese, giardiniera was just perfection. Can be easily split among 2-3 people. read more

We wanted to be sure to experience an Italian Beef while in Chitown so we turned to a native Chicagoan to ask for a recco and they directed us here and Al's #1 did not disappoint! I wasn't super hungry when I arrived, so I opted for the "diet beef" which is literally beef swimming in au jus in a cup. Deeeeeeelish! This is a down-and-dirty place and well worth a trip. My only disappointment was that I was not hungrier when we went to Al's #1. read more

Al's Beef - Cup o'beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Worth the walk. (Walked a mile from my hotel) Don't miss a sammy "dipped" with peppers. There is a reason they have been here for 7 plus decades. If you have ever watched the Bear. You'll want to try! This is pure beef sandwich perfection. read more

The facade and interior of this place may have a fast food feel and appearance, but do not sleep on their Italian beefs with a spicy giardiniera. This place moves fast so lines are not much of a bother. read more

Delicious, Delicious, Delicious!! The bread is so fresh , beef is tender & so juicy . Very filling. Best beef sub I've ever had!! Will definitely be back when in Chicago. read more

Al's Beef - The sweet peppers, gives it a sweet & savory taste!! - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been waiting to get DIPPED!! First time I had a chance to go and get an Italian beef in Chicago. We went to Al's! It was great! Ended up with a Big Beef and a Chicago dog ('cause we here! Why not!) The Big beef was not enough , lol! Should have had the Jumbo! And we chickened out and went Wet, not Dipped. BUT it was GREAT! The Chicago dog was MEH. But we came for the BEEF and it was great! Of course it was, Al's has been around since 1938! read more

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Honestly not bad, relatively inexpensive for a decent amount of food and it's not so heavy that I feel lethargic and gross afterward. Would only go since I live close by tho read more

Al's Beef - Chili Cheese Dog - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Awesome classic Chicago food. If you're looking for the best Italian beef sandwich, try this place.

Amazing phenomenal sandwich. Food comes out super quick, so there is barely a wait. The beef is sliced so paper, thin, and so juicy and tender; it all practically melts in your mouth. The bread is soggy from all the juices but not in a bad way. The sandwich is a mess to eat, but it is so delicious and so worth it. I wish I could bathe in the au jus. The giardiniera was a perfect tangy respite from the richness of the beef. Without resorting to salinity, the beef and au jus is so flavorful with herbs and spices. All in all, one of the best beef sandwiches I've ever had. read more

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

I have never seen a more beautiful thing! We came straight here after our flight from Cali to enjoy the authentic Italian beef. This meal alone made the trip worth it. The Italian beef was definitely one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. The beef gravy was leaking from our wrapper when it arrived. My mouth was watering just looking at it. I couldn't wait to get my hands on that sandwich. We ordered the sandwich with provolone and giardiniera. At first bite, it's thin yet juicy and tender. The sandwich was dipped into the gravy making it moist, juicy and soft. The peppers added a nice picky and kick but not super spicy that it's overwhelming. The provolone was perfectly melted and gave a social media worthy cheese pull. Everything about the sandwich felt right, and satisfying after our long flight. You also can't shy away from the Chicago dog. If this is your first time trying one, it's a bit different than your regular hot dogs. A Chicago dog is usually made with poppy seed buns, bright green sweet relish, and pickle, tomato slices and some sort of pickled peppers. At Al's it was a show stopper of a meal. The Vienna sausage was delicious, unlike any other beef sausage I had before. It's thin, but yet juicy and perfectly tender. The pickles and the garnish added a nice tanginess that complements the beef well. The bun was nicely baked, and I love the poppy seeds on top. After trying the Chicago dog, I don't know why we don't serve our hot dogs this way. I save the best for last, the scene stealer, the fries. Yup, that's right! The fries. Al's have perfected the recipe for the perfect fries. We initially ordered the cheese fries to jazz up the plain fries, but you don't need that here. The fries are fluffy on the inside while also crispy on the outside. They had the right flavor that's not just salt, it was something else that I can't pin point to. I never thought I would love the fries so much, even as much as the Italian beef and the Chicago dog. Al's was the best meal for me when I arrived and it was also the perfect meal for me when I left. That's right, I had it twice. It was just that good. The staff was friendly and I love the restaurant chill diner vibe. Al's, keep doing what you're doing. You made my trip unforgettable and I can't wait to come back again. read more

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Stopped by on a road trip back to California, and I'm so glad I did. I went a little past lunchtime and there was no wait, was in and out in under ten minutes. The sandwich was incredibly juicy, with flavors that popped with every bite. I'm absolutely obsessed with the heat and complexity of the giardiniera--it's the perfect condiment, cutting through the richness of the beef, while the bread soaks up all the goodness. A must-try if you're a fan of bold, flavorful, yet simple and satisfying sandwiches. read more

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

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Still thinking about the regular italian beef sandwich days later. This will be a must-stop on future trips to Chicago. The spices are incredibly well balanced and flavorful and the house made Giardiniara is a perfect addition. This location fills up quickly but tables turn over fairly quickly. read more

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

Protip: Probably get cheese and peppers on all the sandwiches Highlights: Quick service, location was clean, and food was alright. Not really into Italian Beef sandwiches, but it's Chicago. Lowlights: We got one without cheese and peppers and it seemed pretty underwhelming in comparison. read more

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

[DELIVERY] We ordered to our hotel via DoorDash late night (1am) after a show across town. I was a little nervous it wouldn't travel well, but it really hit the spot. Everything was hot and tasted fresh without any signs of sogginess or staleness from travel. I got the Chicago dog with cheese fries and my boyfriend got a double Italian sausage with fries. It could've just been the "post-show high", but the cheese fries absolutely slapped lol. We don't really have places like this near where we live, so it's always a treat to come home to Chicago and get hot dogs and beef. read more

Heard this place was good so wanted to check it out. Service was wonderful. Ordered the Italian beef sandwich & it was so juicy & messy but good! The yellow chairs inside gave the place some life & made it fun! Pretty affordable place to eat if you're on a budget. Would definitely go back next time I visit Chicago! read more

Al's Beef - Inside dining area - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Though the food maybe ok at minimum, the service I got here they never ever have to worry about this Black dollar again as long as am Black ok, ambiance basic and mid at most nothing to write home about read more

First time having proper Italian beef in Chicago. Al's is on everyone's list as far as places to eat while in Chi-town so we were very excited to try it. The cashier at the walk up counter was very polite. Food came out very promptly. It's a very casual setup - you walk up to the counter to order and they call your name for pick up. They also have a soda fountain. I ordered a regular beef sandwich which was very good! I see why people crave it. It was dripping in juice all over. My wife ordered a Chicago style dog - good but not great. The star of the show was definitely the sandwich! If you're on the fence if you should have an Italian beef at Al's, consider this your sign to go for it! read more

Loved Al's Italian Beef! We were visiting Chicago on vacation and after watching The Bear we decided we must try an authentic Italian Beef sandwich and if did not disappoint! My wife got the regular and I got the medium "Big Beef" sized sandwich with the cherry peppers and had it dipped. There is a "Jumbo" beef for those who are really hungry. It was incredibly messy but exactly what I was looking for. The meat portion is generous and the bread is perfectly soft after being dipped. Would highly recommend! read more

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

We came to Chicago from Los Angeles to visit Loyola University with our daughter. Besides the school visit,I wanted an Italian beef while I was in Chicago. We looked at some reviews before our trip and Al's # Beef seemed rated the best. I chose the Taylor location because it was within walking distance of the riverwalk and other sights. I ordered the regular beef, wet, with hot peppers. Freaking so good!- exactly what I wanted but even better than I imagined it. The beef was so tender and flavorful. I'll be back in the fall when we drop off our daughter for college. read more

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

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First time trying this place and it didn't disappoint. The Italian beef with hit peppers was delicious! A bit greasier than I expected, but still very good. We ordered delivery service and it still came in piping hot. A must go to when in Chicago. read more

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

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Absolutely loved the Italian Beef here. Friendly staff and very quick service. Highly recommend. read more

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

So this was my first time ever having an Italian beef sandwich. And this review was for delivery. So I got it with cheese and the dip on the side since it was delivery. The sandwich got there and it was still really hot. I loved the flavor of the meat and the peppers! The peppers are a must. It's not spicy at all but it adds so much flavor. The sandwich was EXTREMELY greasy, and that's without the dip. The dip made it so much more greasy so I didn't even use it. But overall the flavor was really good. The fries weren't good at all. Soggy mess that had no flavor. I would skip it completely. read more

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

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Unable to order in person so I didn't. This was especially annoying since I endured rush hour traffic hell to make it there.

First time in Chicago and I had to get an Italian beef sandwich. Before visiting, I've only ever had Portillo's, so i wanted to give this place a try. In terms of the sandwich, I got it dry with gravy on the side which I would recommend if you're a slow eater and don't want your bread falling apart. The meat in the sandwich was very lean, which I really appreciated, and it had good flavor. We added peppers to our sandwich and it ended up only coming with 3 slices of peppers. Overall, I don't think I would get the peppers again. We also got a side order of fries, but they were a bit soggy so I would pass on them next time. read more

The service was great. The person at the counter was very friendly and helpful. As fast food places go, this place was super clean with a very clean bathroom. Value-wise, food was a good deal. I had the regular wet beef with peppers and provolone and a Chicago dog. The hot dog was good but the beef was kinda uninspired. Again, you get good value for the money, meaning a decent amount of beef but it was seriously under seasoned. I thought adding the peppers, would give it some tang, but that was seriously lacking too. read more

What's not to love about Al's Beef?? Their jus-dipped beef sandwiches with sweet and spicy peppers and dragged through the garden Chicago style hot dogs with sport peppers are both outstanding and well worth the trip! And their bathrooms are impressively clean, too. read more

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Thanks to a show that my sibling and I have seen, it's not just about the deep-dish pizza that is a staple food of Chicago but rather the addition of dipped Italian beef sandwich into that list. Enter Al's Beef sandwiches. My sister, my mom, and I shared a jumbo beef (sliced in three ofcourse) dipped. Maria recommended the Chicago style after I told her it's our first time in Chicago, I believe it's a mix of bell pepper, and their signature sauce--it was a mix between bell peppers, some spicy kick, and onions. It was great! We might come back again before we fly back home. Maria and others were welcoming, service was great, and the place was welcoming. It did add history to where you are standing, with a great selection of jazz music. If there's one thing I could say they could improve, perhaps proper tray or plate that can help the customers eat. We ordered the sandwich dipped, so it was oozing in beef sauce, but regardless it was still delicious! Still a 5/5! Thank you for the great food! read more

I had high hopes about a beef sandwich. Man, Al's exceeded every expectation and more! We got the regular beef and a Chicago polish. I want to come back every single day just for the sandwich. read more

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

The Italian beef is great... but the Chicago Polish was the rockstar! And all for under 20$ Ambiance: 3/5. Seems like clean and organized spot. For a fast food spot, it's nice and accommodating. Think of a better version of subway or nyc pizza place. Food: 5/5. The food is the star here! Had the Italian Beef dipped (regular size) and the Chicago Polish. The Italian beef was extremely flavorful. The beef was the key of the sandwich and had a great seasoning and flavor. It doesn't come with peppers at all and you gotta order them for .85$ more, which I think is dumb. Give the people the peppers! The peppers were good but IMO the beef didn't need them at all, the sandwich was awesome through and through.... But hold up, the rockstar was the Chicago Polish. A polish sausage that came with mustard, onions, tomato, pickles (cut length wise) and peppers. Man this was amazing! The citric flavors from the pickles mixed so well with the meat and was killer! This was for sure the winner for me and easily would go back for the dog alone. I tried the sausage on its own and it had a decent flavor, but the fixings on it is what made the dog my pick! The dog also came with fries which were cut short and crispy! Overall, definitely coming back! A must try for sure! read more

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

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What a great find! Al's was just what we needed after a bunch of pricier sit down dinners in Chicago. I've had Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style dogs, but when in Rome you have to eat what the Chicago Romans eat! Beef sandwich was spicey and plentiful, Chicago dog came with a bunch of great fries. I don't think I'm going to be able to eat for a couple of days after coming here. Defiymaje this place a stop if you're in town! read more

Al's Beef - Italian beef sandwich, Chicago hot dog and fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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There is a spice,anise and cinnamon perhaps, that you m just not liking in the beef. Also the meat was kind of grainy

What can I say this place has awesome beef sandwiches and fries. The employees were very friendly. read more

I'll keep this short and sweet. I'm no beef expert, I'm a skinny fat man who likes to eat and I did my share of walking around the city these last few weeks trying to discover the best one. While I didn't try them all, not by a long shot, I will say that Al's did set the standard for me as far as Italian beef sandwiches go and it is going to take a mighty sandwich to dethrone this one. It's everything I wanted in this sandwich and I'm sad I don't live here so I've got to wait a few months before the next one. Besides making a hell of a sandwich, they are super fast here and friendly. I'll definitely make this a regular stop when I'm in town. read more

Al's Beef - Regular beef with sweet and hot giardiniera. - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Al's Italian beef! Incredibly thinly sliced beef piled high on an Italian roll saturated with gravy and topped with green peppers. A divine must have Chicago treat! An add on if the hot delicious hand cut fries with some cheddar sauce on the side is scrumptious! read more

Al's Beef - Al's entrance off of Well's - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Still the best Italian beef IMHO. Very modern space, fast friendly service, and the Italian beef is so tasty. I've been eating these for 20 years, and it's amazing how consistently good they are. read more

Al's Beef - Italian beef with hot giardiniera, dipped - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A Chicago institution since 1938 Al's serves some of the best Italian hot beef around. Arrived via GPS to Al's original location which had been closed, possibly burnt down from the looks of it? My heart sank, but then a bystander pointed me in the direction just one block away where the new Al's stands. Arriving inside I already new exactly what to order with no menu needed. A big beef served the right way with provolone, a mix of hot and sweet peppers, and fully dipped. You can customize your sandwich here anyway you like but this is the classic way it's served. Food was out in a jiffy and all I needed was one bite of that hot beef to know I was in the right place. Bread was perfect and the meat was so tender it just melted in your mouth. Could have somehow probably made room for another sandwich but I controlled myself. This place is a must have in Chicago! read more

Al's Beef - Fully dipped, messy but delicious! - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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