I had driven past this place a bunch of times and always wanted to stop in. Coworker always said they had good hotdogs. Today was the day. But instead of a hot dog I got the Turkey Burger. W fries. It was FIRE . Good flavor and came out nice and hot. I ordered it with Cheese, grilled onions and lettuce. Fries no salt. The burger wasn't huge but the taste made up for that. Fries were good, not greasy or anything. I coulda gone for another burger is was so good. The woman who took my order was friendly. A couple things about the restaurant parking would have to be on Lake Street or on the cross street, which I think is Francisco. It's kind of hard to find parking on lake, so Francisco might have to be your best bet. I got lucky on Lake. On the restaurant menu, it says they don't serve any pork products which means that they're hot dogs and polishes are probably All beef. Which is good. Cause I don't need much pork anyway. The ordering area is kind of small. I could see it getting full really quick. But all in all "AL's UNDER THE L" was awesome. I'll definitely be returning and you guys should too. If you haven't yet. Next time I think I'll get a hotdog or Polish. Thanks AL. read more

Al's Under the L - Turkey Burger w grilled onions, cheese and lettuce. - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Came here for lunch with my boyfriend on our way to the Garfield park conservatory and we both loved this spot. I got the hot dog combo and it did not disappoint! Even though this isn't a traditional Chicago dog I would argue that this is better than the Chicago dogs I had this weekend. So much flavor and the peppers that they use here are perfect. The fries were also great. I love a soft French fry but I know not everyone does, so if you like yours crispy make sure to ask for them to cook them longer. These fries were perfectly salty and oily though. You don't even need ketchup or sauce to enjoy them. The service here was just fine and the restaurant itself is nothing special. It's super small and the workers and just trying to do their job but we absolutely loved this cute little spot. Definitely come check it out! read more

Al's Under the L - Hot Dog Combo - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Super super tasty fries, good hot dog. Don't expect linens on the table service here, that's ok tho because the food is amazing. There was no line when I walked in but after I ordered a steady stream of people came in to get food as I ate, so I could tell this was a favorite place of the neighborhood. They take cash and cards, only seem to have Pepsi cans not Coke, and there is a small parking lot outside so you shouldn't need to fight for parking on lake street. If you only get one thing here make sure it's the largest order of fries you can get them to serve you. It'll be worth it! read more

Great food,great experience every time I stop there for the polish and fries. I go there whenever I'm out west.

Charged me For extra Just For Them Not to Give Me Anything Like If You are Going To Charge For It At Least Make Sure I get It and charging extra and not Deliver is bad work read more

I felt that me visiting Al's Under the L has been long overdue being that I have lived in the area for over 2 years now and I typically go for restaurants like Al's. Google Maps caught that and gave me a 100% capability match with Al's based off of restaurants I have visited and reviewed in the past. After contemplating for a while I eventually gave in after getting off of work one evening. Al's has this slight retro appeal that comes from its plain, yet eye catching yellow outline exterior with red lettering. Its restaurant placement which is under the L has an urban vibe as well as when the CTA green line train passes by. What is unique about the parking for the majority of the businesses and restaurants on Lake St is that parking is along the elevated railway. Al's does have parking space of its own that is fitting to the amount of customers served at a time. There is nothing fancy about the interior, just a menu plastered up on each side of the walls. And behind the counter are its employees grinding it out at a satisfying pace. What caught my eye on their menu is that there are no pork products used which feels comforting to know especially if you wish to abstain from eating pork. Another thing I took notice of is Al's ice cream selections which isn't advertised on the menu, but I imagine is acknowledged by its regulars and community. Out of a variety of choices on their menu I ordered a hot dog w/ fresh cut fries and a canned soda. For future orders I imagine that I will continue ordering either their hot dogs or polish (beef or turkey) because it is typically something I go for. I really loved the fresh cut fries! They are definitely something I could get addicted to; cooked fresh and seasoned the way I like. I had a pleasant ordering experience at Al's Under the L even though there was not that welcoming feeling due to the fast pace environment. My food was completed at a satisfying pace, and good, which is all I can ask for. What will keep me returning is the fact that I get to support this neighborhood business. ~Blessings~ Thomas G read more

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Today when ordering the lady charged me for a large order of fries when I asked for a small order. When I brought it to her attention, she told me WE only have one size. I pointed it out on their displayed menu that there were 2 sizes and a $1.25 difference. she said " well we only have one size ".The fries are served in wrapped paper so making it a small or large order is possible and the norm for what they do. She went on to comment about how I'm making such a big deal about it to the staff cooking the food, they were laughing and then she commented "at this point I really don't give a damn!". Right before me, a man was standing there waiting on his change. She rudely said "can I help you?", he stated that he was waiting on his change. She loudly said "its only 2 cent, here's your 2 cent sir". Is there something wrong with her? She doesn't get to decide how much money people will be spending and she definitely doesn't get to decide whether their change is significant enough to collect or leave. Her attitude is TERRIBLE, get her out before folks stop putting up with the rudeness. I'm sure you all have camera's, check them because she surely won't tell the truth of what occurred. read more

Saw Al's on Chicago Fire (TV show) and thought about how good it was when I was last there!

A lot of people rave about this place. I've only tried their chicken sandwich which was ok. I've had better but still I appreciate them offering this. Their home cut fries was absolutely too greasy and not crispy at all. But the rest of my family ordered burgers and fries which they all loved. So that means a lot because my 8 year old is a burger snob. Her burger was gone in less than 10 minutes. The customer service in this tiny neighborhood joint was impressive like a 5 star type of place. One customer argued with the staff about hoping his food wasn't cold since he saw the preparer get his already made bag off the warmer. The preparer explained he put half the food in the bag and was waiting on the rest of the order which did not make the customer happy so the preparer offered to cook a replacement. No problem. No eye rolling. No mumbling under his breath. Just cool about cooking another meal for the man. I could tel the staff sincerely cared about preparing customers food just the way they want it and they took their time about it. But not too much time. We were in and out of this place in less than 15 minutes. Would I go back? I would like to try a cheeseburger next time. read more

Al's Under the L - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hotdogs are good I wish I can say the same for the cheeseburgers meat has no flavor at all not sure how I feel about a cheeseburger with relish the relish over powering for the cheeseburger read more

Al's is located right under the L just like the name indicates. I love the atmosphere. The employees were dancing and enjoying the music while they work. read more

Al's Under the L - I love the atmosphere. The employees were dancing and enjoying the music while they work. - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Never let me down my favorite place for a Double dog with cheese Or chicken on Peta an the home Fries are the best

My family has been a fan of Al's for over 50 years! Love this place! Best fresh cut fries ever! read more

Al's Under the L - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Face value, what you'd probably expect when looking in: a neighborhood hot dog/burger joint for to-go orders. The off-character menu items like their chicken pita and multiple flavors of ice cream are a pleasant addition. Fries are included with most items on the menu, all nestled in a brown paper bag. Unexpectedly for me, they accept credit card payments - a huge plus. My (slight) issues include some inconsistency on the preparation of the orders, depending on who's working, and the wait time is a variable - whether many patrons or few, it seems the timing is more dependent on who's working behind the counter. read more

It was pretty good. I ordered a deep fried polish well done and a chop steak sandwich. The polish was pretty good, it could've been more well done. I like my polish burned. I should've gotten it slit open or something. The chop steak wasnt good. I didn't order it well done and it was thick and chewy. Ewwwwwwww Fries were a bomb!!!! The ordering process was a little irritating w/that glass in between us I think I repeated my order 5xs no bullshit. I'd go back for the polish and maybe try a burger. read more

Al's Under the L - Chopsteak - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Al's Under the L has to be one of the best burgers and fries I've ever had-- the burger is simple, yet so darn good and the home cut fries are the bomb.com!! Do yourself a huge favor and check them out when you're in the Chicago area. You wont be disappointed!!! read more

Al's Under the L - So affordable-- and all the sandwiches come with fries. - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If you want meat cooked on a grill two feet from your face, this is the place! The burgers come off so sizzling hot that they practically eat themselves. The Vienna Beef dogs are practically barking from the buns! It is take-out only and parking is everywhere, so come here and experience a throw back in time to when food was food and frills were not what eating was all about. This experience is raw life with food as the portal. Believe it or not I am a vegan so I can only get a "sleeve of fries" which are made by Junior from actual potatoes (no 15 ingredients), while everyone around me feasts on their tube steaks with big grins on their faces. I highly recommend this lost piece of authentic neighborhood dining. read more

Al's Under the L - Whatchu get - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My favorite restaurant They are friendly and professional with great fresh food. They are definitely following the CDC 6 foot separation.

definitely not for the weak heart......but ohmygoodness!!! this is heart attack that shudda happened hours ago.....but it's sooooooooo good......yall get the point!!! read more

Al's Under the L - this right right here is the legendary Al's. dbl wit everything!!!.. - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The original Al's Hot Dogs had been an institution on Chicago's west side since the 1953. After the passing of its owner the family eventually sold the store which in the late 2000 went through several transitions. It finally became "Al's under the L" and the food is (90%) what out was on its hey day. Specializing in hot dogs, polish sausages, and burgers is what Al's is known for (that includes high calories). They've added turkey burgers and sausage to their line up but why would I go to a neighborhood "grease spot" for that? Al's is what it is, great Chicago-style fast food that satisfies your unhealthy food urge. read more

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I've driven from Detroit to Chicago just for Als. Swanky, this place ain't. But the best damned hot dogs you'll ever have, hands down. Polish's are great too. Man those home fries wrapped up with the hot dog--my mouth is watering just thinking about it!! Worth the trip. Just call to make sure they're open! read more

I really love this place. I have been eating here since 8th grade. I was so happy when they reopened. When ever I am in the area,. I go for my polish with everything! read more

Wow I'm stuffed. Great conversation with real people and awesome food. For real, find me a better steak burger than Al's! This place is great for a quick greasy bite. read more

The woman who helped me at Al's Under the L was very nice and friendly. One of the men seemed to glare at me the whole time. The place's interior needs work. The ceiling is dirty, there is nowhere to sit, and it is not clear where to order and where to pay. The food service area were clean so I ordered anyway. I got a cheeseburger combo which comes with fries and a soda can. They wrapped the fries and burger together into a messy blob (see photo). The burger patties were from frozen and gray and unappetizing. They dress the burger the same as hotdogs: mustard, relish, onion, sport peppers. The fries were squishy with no crispness, though admittedly not entirely unpleasant tasting. I would not return. read more

Al's Under the L - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great service. Friendly peeps. Try the polish. Parking free and attached. Really. Even in Chicago. Yelp is wrong. Open 10-10 Monday thru Saturday. read more

Stand in front of the mob at the counter until one of five random cooks asks you what you want. Since they write nothing down, they will have to pick you out again amongst the crowd to ask what you want on your dog/burger, etc. If you are lucky, they will pay enough attention to hear it without shifting their attention to another patron who wants to add food to their now finished order, argue about whether they ordered the turkey Italian sausage or turkey Italian beef, or review the full details of the combo meal pricing structure. At some point, you will need to visit the cash register. Despite being moved 4 times in the past 15 years, including last month, it always manages to stay inconveniently located. This is the time to straighten out your order and remind them to start cooking the items they forgot about. "Everything" on a burger is about the same as on a hot dog: mustard, raw onion and pickle relish?! I guess this is convenient... for them.. If you want ketchup, you can peel apart your burger and apply it yourself... not that they provide you extra packets. More streamlining, I guess. The fries are great quality, but under-cooked and served limp. Don't bother to ask for them crispy, they don't care enough to remember. Fries are wrapped up with your dog/burger, ensuring everything comes out uniformly soggy. But hey, they saved $0.02 worth of packaging, right? Question: "Can I get grilled onions on that?" Answer: "I have to cook them." Answer Translation: "I apologize sir, but I have not properly stocked my supply of par-cooked grilled onions and to prepare them from scratch would take more time than I assume you are willing to wait." This place epitomizes the West Side fast food experience: mediocre food, prepared poorly, in utter chaos, by lackadaisical workers with bad attitudes. My advice? A) Head north or east and spend a few bucks more for quality food and service or B) head south or west and save yourself a few bucks for the same shit. read more

Food was really good I had a deep fried polish with grilled. Unions relish an mustard very fresh an fries where good made to order with just the right amount of salt will definitely be going back !! read more

This restaurant has been here for years and for years I passed by it, but today I decided to stop by. I had the turkey burger of course and it was pretty good. Looking at the menu I see a variety of thing that I must try out like Turkey Polish, cajun chicken Polish, chicken cheese fries.. friendly people, especially the young lady at the register. I will most definitely go back. read more

Jackson terry was a student at willa cather elementary in 67&68 best place to go for a school kid if AL's can survive the riots of 68 and as long as Willa Cather elementary and neighboring schools will be around, Amen to it Long Live that ICON. And the boys club is around the corner at Washington and san Francisco. Long Live AL'S. read more

This is a great place for fast food made with love. The staff is friendly and professional. The fresh cut fries are the best. I love this place. I recommend the chicken pita sandwich and the rest of the menu. read more

Great Polish Fast service Very nice people every time. I work near by and go to Als all the time. read more

This restaurant was amazing the saur kruat was great the hot dogs were amazing also the cheese burger was great the the sandwiches were fresh the waiter was amazing he explained everything so well he served the food great he asked us if we needed any thing also the French fries were delicious the soda was good the way they put the ice it was just right not to much not to little the atmosphere was great I loved it I am definitely coming here again read more

Been going to Al's for 30 years! It's my favorite greasy hole!!! Get the double cheese burger or the polish! Yummy!

polish and a can baby this real chicago boy, big leagues !! nothing 2 play w get the onions smacked on that piece, cash ready and have that mind right-meditated when you walk in tha mf sto read more

Al's is the BEST. Been around since the 1950's when my Dad used to stop by on Fridays after his workday and bring home our dogs n' fries!

Greasy, floppy fries.... Disgustingly sloppy, dried out burgers. I know - what can you expect from a greasy spoon in the heart of the west side. However, they could offer healthier options for those of us that don't want to experience a heart attack after a meal... read more

I just moved around the corner from the establishment and I have ate here before the new management with no problems. Unfortunately I tried them out while waiting on my new stove to arrive and it made me violently ill. Will not be going back...beware! read more

After seeing this restaurant on the website, I decided to head over there for some burger's and hot dogs for lunch. I don't work to far from this place and really wanted to try this out, Until 2 male employees came at me the wrong way. all of this started because I took one more puff of my cigarette outside of the Establishment tossed it,and from that I entered the restaurant with smoke still remaining in my month. First of all I'm 58 years old and I thought I was respecting the establishment by putting out the cigarette before entering. they were really being a smart ass with me which now I don't want a damn thing to eat. and I left. I don't want to make this a black & white issue, but I always ask myself (Being Black) we don't have shit as it is, but when black folks make a name for them shelves, we just don't give a fuck about each other, and 2 unprofessional bottom of the barrel as dudes need some customer service skills or get rid of they ass. read more

Been coming here since I was a kid. It's good and the closest it's gonna get to the old Al's

Good food will NEVER replace good customer service! It's a shame when we are so prejudice towards ourselves. Come at 12pm on a weekday and get the "white face smile"... come at 5:00pm on a Saturday and get the "why you come to my house" treatment... I spend a lot of time out of the state & when I come back home, I over anticipate hitting certain Chicago spots.... Safe to say that I will not be returning! read more