Super disappointed. I live in Oaklawn so we had to decide whether to drive downtown or save 15-20 mins by going to Tinley. I should have stuck to my instincts and gone to Taylor or Ontario. While service was quick, they didn't put much effort in making my actual order. I didn't check the food before I left and I kind of regret that now. I usually like to trust it and just gtfo of there. I ordered a beef, dipped. It was on the receipt so didn't think there would be any issue. As soon as I opened the beef, internally I started sobbing, uncontrollably. I threw myself to the ground kicking and screaming (not really) because I seen a whiteness in my bread. It was dry. Not dipped, which is a deal breaker for me and ruined my meal. + French fries were abnormally soggy with grease. Absolutely no salt. It was as if they didn't shake them out enough (which makes sense as to why there was no salt) I knew the ride home would sog the fries but this was more than that. I was able to salvage them. Patted them down with paper towels and toasted them in the oven a bit to get my crunch back. Too much work and emotional distress for the price I paid to have them make it. My side of cheese was good. My Coke was good. Anyway, it's safe to say this location needs improvement. Long story short: ALWAYS DIP THE BEEF, GUYS! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, SHAKE AND SALT YOUR FRIES!! read more

Al's Beef - I asked for my beef dipped!!! Seeing white bread = Disappointed - Sandwiches Near Me - Tinley Park, Illinois

Italian Beef - reason #1 to be in Chicagoland . Loving the hot pepper mix! Quick, reasonable in price and delicious read more

Horrible service. Staff is very rude. One of the guys preparing my food wouldn't even give me my cup. There's also no sanitizer for patrons. Disgusting. Tables are all dirty as well. read more

Al's Beef - Dirty table - Sandwiches Near Me - Tinley Park, Illinois

I know it's been a long time debate but it's Al's beef for the win for me. I have enjoyed my food every visit and in my opinion tops Portillo's with their Italian beef. The beef is moist, and seasoned perfectly. The homemade peppers are a welcomed bonus. What makes me continue to go back even more than the food is the superb customer service at this location. read more

Ordered a Big Beef sandwich today and was expecting a bigger than the regular beef sandwich. Bad assumption on my part. I didn't know if it was a bigger sandwich with more bread or just extra meat. This sandwich didn't look any bigger than a standard beef, in fact the bread seemed like the same size and it less meat than a regular beef. The first bite was almost all bread... Very disappointing. read more

First off I'm not from Chicago. I saw a restaurant similar to this on the food network. I thought I'd give a chance. I ordered the Italian beef dip in the juice and the polish dog Chicago style. I don't understand the allure of the beef. It was kind of sweet and it was my first time eating on purpose the soggy bread. Not a fan of that. The dog was really good. It had a pickle, some kind of pepper, tomato, onions, and mustard. I'd come back for this. I'll let the Chicago peps keep their soggy beef thing. read more

Al's Beef - Soggy Italian beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Tinley Park, Illinois

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Generally good food, liked the beef sandwich Except I was disappointed with the hot peppers I was expecting traditional hot peppers but got something that was not red sauce and not the hot peppers I expected, the fries was ok but not as good as they could have been. Good but not outstanding read more

I love Al's beef more then any other place,but the sandwiches got smaller, other then that it's all good

Despite what the sign says, this is DEFINITELY not "Chicago's #1 Italian Beef." I thought it was kinda gross and at $13 for fries, beef and a drink, totally not worth it. Much prefer the spicing of Portillo's beef, and they aren't even the best. Best thing about Al's was the fresh cut fries, but still no reason to come here. read more

Lunch there for year's. Recent change in bread for beef/sausage is a winner. All around they are in the A Team picture. Best fry's if eaten while hot. Still quite good but starting to get pricey. Usually on the warm side inside. read more

Even though the price for food is a bit outrageous I definitely enjoyed my visit here. I came here with a couple of my coworkers on our break. Sarah took our order and was a fantastic host and especially informing me about specials since I've never been here. The food here was fantastic and delicious. The restaurant was clean as well. Definitely very modern looking. Will visit again. read more

It was our first time here. We ordered the Italian beef and it was absolutely disgusting. It had tasted like it was left out overnight and reheated the next day. I know it wasn't fresh because it was ready within seconds after ordering. How would something fresh be ready that quick? Also very poor customer service. She had a nasty attitude because my husband had an accent and she basically didn't want to deal with him. The place is horrible in everything. Expensive food for nothing and the worst customer service ever. DO NOT GO THERE!!! read more

The beef at Al's has never been one of my favorites for more personal reasons, it just isn't how I like my beef. The beef at Al's is shredded much smaller than a typical place's beef. An interesting touch is the seasoning they put in it. I had a beef and fries here. Just remember if you are reading this review, the reason I chose not to rate it high is because of how I like my beef cut. Your preferences maybe completely different. Food I had here: Italian beef no peppers, with mozzarella, dipped. Fries. Food 2/5 Environment 3/5 Service 3/5 read more

Screwed up my order twice over charge me twice and played stupid the whole time. I would NOT go there ever again! I would give the place stars if the app would let! read more

Al's in Tinley is a franchise of the original down on Taylor Street in Chicago (see mine on Al's No 1 Italian Beef). Because Al's is franchised, service can be spotty at the various locations ... but the Tinley Park spot was very nice. While the hot dogs and sausage and hamburgers are all nice - it is Al's Italian Beef, not Al's hot dogs. Go for the beef. You can get a Little Al (4"), or a regular (6"), or a Big Al (8") ... all very nice. The beef is mildly seasoned, so for those that want a bit more pizzazz you add sweet or hot peppers to spice it up. I get it dipped which makes it especially moist. The fries are a must do - freshly-cut with the peel left on and double-fried. read more

Delicious Italian beef with fries and cheese sauce. The prices aren't too bad, and the service was good. Not a bad place for an excellent bite to eat. read more

Let me preface this by saying that Fontanini Italian Beef is the basis (besides mom's Italian beef) from which I judge all equals. Portillo's is like fine dining compared to Al's. Well, when you take away one of the lines in the equal sign, you get a minus. Minus is how I rate this place. The staff, while I know they need jobs too, were all 16-18 olds who were talking very inappropriately and flirting when I walked in. The enthusiasm level was around my sole (that is referring to my shoe on the floor...low..low..low). The sandwich wasn't good. The flavor was strange. I can't quite describe it. The grease that soaked into the bun was funky. There was no au jus and they forgot the cheese on the sandwich. I guess when you walk into a place at lunch and no one is in there, which should be taken as a clue. Sorry....just not up to the standards of a Fontanini Italian Beef or mom's (love you mom)! read more

Even though this place is out of the way for me I am always sure to stop in whenever I am in the area. Ever since I have had their fries they taste horrible anywhere else. I spoke with the owner who told me they are hand cut fresh daily and they use a very high grade of beef for their sandwiches. The cheese sauce for the fries is awesome too... I usually ask for it on the side. Their beef sandwiches are great and you have the option of having tomato sauce, gardinara or cheese on it. I liked it with just cheese and dry as the beef tastes great. The only problem is I need to wait until I am back in the area to get my beef sandwich and fries fix. Aurgh.... I am already craving it again. read more

Oh how I miss my Italian Beefs. We were searching for a Portillo's when the stupid GPS directed us to a field where there was no restaurant. We promised our hosts that we would bring beefs for lunch so we did a search that led us to Al's. Now our experience is a bit different since we ordered a kind of "party" package to go. You get everything separate - the beef, the gravy, their home made hot giardiniera and then the french bread. We also got fries even though we had misgivings about what they would taste hours later. We got a munchie for the road, as we were starving and didn't know when we would get to our beefs. It was just a cheeseburger but man was it good. I was only going to take a bite, but ended up wrestling for the last crumbs. Anyway, we didn't get to eat for awhile, but our hosts were well versed on how to heat up the beef. They even used a pizza stone in the oven to heat up the fries. The end result was complete and total satisfaction. The fries tasted like they just came out of the basket, the meat was tender, the gravy was spiced just right, and the bread was the perfect vehicle to soak up the juices without falling apart. When I get back to the Windy City, Al's will be on my must do list. read more

Great place for Italian beef, fast service and good prices. Good location next to convention center where we were attending a seminar.

YUM! I was so happy to run into Al's Beef, still as delicious as ever, with the fresh cut yummy fries! The only thing I hated was it was very warm inside. I would still return based on the food quality. read more

I went there a few weeks ago and was really disappointed. The beef sandwich was really dry to me! And for that price I expected it to be a lot better. Also, we went on a Sunday evening and asked the girl at the counter what time they were open til and she said "I believe 7:30?!?". I'm sorry but if you work at a place you should know what time you're open til and not question the time. Only positives about this place is that it is clean and the fries were hot. read more

That was one satisfying Al's beef sandwich. There are about 8 toppings you can choose from and I suggest getting everything. 6" beef sandwich was light on the beef but the extra $$ toppings made up for this. Arrived about 5 minutes before closing and already the staff was placing all the seats on the tables. Could it hurt to wait until after all the customers leave so they can enjoy their meals without watching all the commotion? read more

So tonight my husband and I were discussing whether we've ever had Al's before (I say we have, the husband says we haven't) and we decided to end the debate definitively - by picking up some Al's for dinner. I had a regular Al with giardiniera and provolone and my husband had the sausage/beef combo. We also picked up some regular fries and some loaded fries. My beef sandwich was juicy and good, but it was hard to pick up the taste of the beef under the giardiniera. My husband says the combo was good, but not his favorite in the area. The fries were excellent, although I prefer the plain fries to the loaded. I'm sure we'll go back as Al's is right down the street from us and those fries might prove too hard to resist. read more

Maybe it's because I am not a Chicago native but I don't get the Italian beef thing. Wasn't sure what to get so I opted for the combo. First of all the beef lacks flavor. Very bland and no seasoning at all. Italian sausage was pretty good but nothing you can't get from your own local grocery chain. Would not go back. read more

Al's Beef - Italian beef over Italian sausage - Sandwiches Near Me - Tinley Park, Illinois

Best Italian Beef ANYWHERE!!! Don't waste your time looking for a better Italian Beef near Chicago. Al's does it quick but old school style! I dream about the flavor, seriously it's that good! read more

My favorite sandwich of all are the Italian Beef Sandwiches. I always order mine with extra beef, hot giardinara and dipped in gravy for about an hour. Al's Italian Beef makes it my favorite because of the above. I keep it simple. By the way, wear long sleeve shirts to sop up the juices that will run down your arms. Their hot peppers are hot and their Italian Beef are delicious! read more

Haven't been here in a while because live in New Lenox but family had a taste for it. It did not disappoint, beef was great, sausage great, burgers as well. And of course those hand cut fries are the best. read more

Dirty 12.56 for a lunch. Embarrassed, disquieting, disguiting, place. Needs to be inspected. If they clean the back as bad as the front, I think I will be sick before I get home. read more

Al's Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Tinley Park, Illinois

One of the best beefs in the Chicago area been going to the Taylor street location since I was little now have them In my neighborhood can't complain about that. All the food is really good and fresh. read more

I always get the combo when I eat here. The sandwiches are stuffed and I feel I'm getting good value. Speaking of value, seems like you get more value if you order the meal. My wife and Mother In Law ordered sandwiches separately from drinks and fries. I wasn't listening when they ordered or I would've told them to order the meals. 3 sandwiches, 3 drinks and 3 fries came out to $42. Should have saved a few if they ordered combos. Most places, the employee will tell you this, but they did not here. Service was quick, much improved from previous visits. read more

Al's Beef - A Chicago classic: Italian beef combo with hot peppers. - Sandwiches Near Me - Tinley Park, Illinois

Not worth $9.07 for a Big Al. Much better Beef joints to go to. You are better off going to Rubinos and getting a huge as well as tasty beef sandwich for half the price. It's right down the street. The beef is good but not for the portion size and price. Tony's off 70 th and Pulaski and Johnnies in Elmwood Park are hands down the best places for Italian Beefs. read more

Al's Beef - Where's the beef?!?!? - Sandwiches Near Me - Tinley Park, Illinois

I'm sitting here after finishing my sandwich and I must say I'm a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong the service was fine, the food was hot, and the prices were ok it's just that IMO getting some kind of designation that you are #1 in Italian Beef it almost gives you a disadvantage when the customer walks in. I've seen this place on tv and I happened to be driving by around lunchtime so I stopped in. #1 Italian Beef! Mmmmmmmmm I can't wait. I'm sure the Taylor Street location back in the day was probably a must stop. I even remember Jay Leno bringing a bag of them to Johnny Carson on TV he loved them so much. But what I ate today was a pretty average beef sandwich. I would eat here again but I wouldn't bring my friends out to have them experience the best beef sandwich in the area. Fresh cut fries were ok, beef w/ peppers, fries, and drink about 12.50 read more

I've been a huge fan of Al's Beef for many years, especially the store on Taylor Street. I wanted to post a review of my recent activity with the Tinley Park location. I serve Al's Beef at my annual lake party every year, a tradition that is likely to continue for many years. I might switch around every once in awhile, had Portillo's a few years ago, but will always come back to Al's. Due to logistics I had a friend pick up 8 lbs of beef w/ bread at this location, the women that helped with the order was very helpful. Everything went smoothly and of course the beef was a hit at the party. My party is in Indiana and just like many folks outside of the Chicago area most folks in this area are not familiar with an Italian Beef sandwich. A few local restaurants do offer what they refer to as an Italian Beef but I've not found one that compares to a real Chicago Italian Beef sandwich. From a practical standpoint, serving beef at a party is a no-brainer, add some heat with a sterno and you are set, everyone serves themselves. I also serve Kroger's Fried Chicken, used to cook hamburgers and hot dogs, found cooking to be problematic at my party. Al's is a little on the expensive side, 8 lbs w/ bread and some peppers was just under $200, but the quality is outstanding. read more

One is the smallest rating I could give. I am currently dining-in at ALs Beef where I ordered a Chicago polish which came with fries. I ordered a drink separately. This is my first time at this location, however, I'm no stranger to the food as I have visited other locations. First, as I sat waiting on my food I watched other customers dining-in with their fries in a separate container which I am accustomed to. I could easily see how hot and fresh they were. When I received my polish the fries were wrapped together with the Polish which was wrapped individually. I immediately noticed that the fries had been refried. I actually could not believe the small amount of reheated fries I received. As I unwrapped my sandwich it was sloppily made. I noticed as others who were dining -in received the freshly cooked fries in a separate container. Again, I have always received my fries hot and fresh in a separeate container and let me add there would be a nice amount to enjoy with any sandwich I ordered. It might not matter to the owner or manager, but I will not visit this location again nor would I recommend it. I have family and friends who reside in Tinley Park and the surrounding area. It was very clear I was treated differently than the other customers who dined in. The moral of this unsatisfactory situation is I couldn't enjoy my food, so I threw it away. read more

Horrible service they didn't offer a cup holder even though they knew i had bought 6 drinks. They were rude, terrible attitude never going back . read more

Got a chance to visit Al's Beef and try one of their Italian beef sandwiches. I ordered a regular size sandwich with provolone cheese and the giardinara relish along with their fresh cut fries. The sandwich was very good. The giardinara added a nice spice but was not too spicey. A lot of meat in the sandwich. The fresh cut fries were very good. Sandwich, fries, and a soft drink ended up costing about $12. A good lunch. I would return. They even have a photo on the wall showing newbies how to do the "Italian stance" to avoid getting stuff all over your pants. read more

This is the absolute best place to get a great beef. Everyone is friendly. Especially Miché...shes so cheerful and polite. I am a forever customer. read more

I love this place. The food is great and they are always friendly and inviting. Through some discussion I found that have a gem of an off menu item called gypsy fries. It is having their French fries covered in meat and gravy with cheese sauce and hot pepper mix. I travel an hour from Indiana to this location on a semi regular basis. Wish I had a picture to share. read more

Rudest customer service I've ever experienced. Plus they didn't have chipotle fries- but someone told me that might only be available at the downtown location. Regardless, not coming back here even if you paid me. read more