Cancel

Open app

Search

Al's Under the L

3.9 (42 reviews)
InexpensiveBurgers, Hot Dogs
Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Order Al's Under the L Takeout or Delivery

Al's Under the L Photos

AL'S UNDER THE L ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Good for kids

You might also consider

More like Al's Under the L

Recommended Reviews - Al's Under the L

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Thomas G.

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

Meme W.

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.

I love the atmosphere. The employees were dancing and enjoying the music while they work.
Jackie B.

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.

Tiffany L.

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

Chopsteak
Rozalynn B.

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.

So affordable-- and all the sandwiches come with fries.
Pat D.

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!!!

Whatchu get
Dan H.

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.

this right right here is the legendary Al's. dbl  wit everything!!!..
Phil P.

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!!!

Al's Under the "L"

See all

Photo of Al M.
40
11
0

11 years ago

I go here often as it is close to work, good crew, good food. The polish are great!!

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 2 of 2

Ask the Community - Al's Under the L

You might also consider

Au Cheval

Au Cheval

4.4(9.5k reviews)
2.7 miWest Loop, Near West Side
$$

so glad we tried this place! we actually only waited about 15 mins to get seated at the bar on a…read morewednesday night around 7pm. we came here for my boyfriends birthday and we were so happy we chose to celebrate here. the two people that helped us was antonio and issa and they made the experience 10x better. they were very attentive and friendly and just easy to talk to. gave us good recommendations and good vibes. we both really liked our drinks and were happy with the spread the food came out. we got to eat the bone marrow first which also came with this really good sauce it was almost like a meat jam but was so good on the bread and then put some of the bone marrow on for the perfect bite. now the burger, you just have to try it because it really is that good. the sauce in it was so good and it just had a really good flavor. it was just an elevated burger. we got fries as well and we shared the burger so it we were really full after. the server brought out ice cream with a candle and some sort of chocolate sauce too which just made the overall experience. we were really happy with the service and food and it just made my bfs bday that much more special and memorable.

Despite all the hype, it's really an average smash burger. This is a place that has capitalized on…read moresocial media hype and people wanting to say they've been here and thus are cool and trendy. But it is seriously just a greasy smash burger. Their fries are good, and actually stand out more than the burger. Everything is overpriced. I don't know why people complain about the wait; do some research like a responsible adult. I never just walk into a place and expect to be immediately seated, I call first - like anyone who has some sense. If they tell you the wait is 2 hours and you have 2 hours to kill, there are a bunch of bars in the area where you can have some drinks and an appetizer (and not feel like you're stiffing Au Cheval; they're the ones with the 2 hour wait, what do they expect people to do?) Not much to say about the decor or ambience; it's a typically loud West Loop bar with mostly 20 - 30 somethings all trying to one-up each other with their trendiness that instead makes them all basically clones of each other. It is crowded, and you're a moron if you think any place like this is suitable for your 5 year old. That's not the restaurant's fault - it's not Chuck E Cheese. Often I wish Yelp offered a 1/2 star option, because there are places that are a 4.5 or a 3.5. Not in this case. 3 stars is spot-on.

Photos
Au Cheval - The cooks were very attentive!

The cooks were very attentive!

Au Cheval - Crispy Fries & Potato Hash

Crispy Fries & Potato Hash

Au Cheval - Wings (very sticky so they come with hot towels)

See all

Wings (very sticky so they come with hot towels)

Little Bad Wolf - Bad Burger and a side of mac and cheese

Little Bad Wolf

4.4(2.6k reviews)
7.0 miAndersonville, Edgewater
$$

There's just something about a burger that actually lives up to the hype--and Little Bad Wolf does…read moreexactly that. Stacked unapologetically high, this burger is everything you want and more: juicy, perfectly seared patties layered with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and those golden, crunchy fried onions that take it completely over the top. Every bite is rich, savory, and just messy enough to remind you you're eating something seriously good. The toasted bun somehow holds it all together (barely), soaking up every bit of flavor without getting lost in the chaos. And then... the shoestring fries. Thin, crispy, golden perfection--light but addictive, with that ideal crunch that makes it impossible to stop at just one (or ten). They're the kind of fries you keep reaching for without even realizing it, especially dipped in that creamy, tangy sauce on the side. And let's not forget the drinks--just as good as the food. Refreshing, perfectly balanced, and the kind you sip slow while taking it all in (but somehow they disappear way too fast). It's not just a burger--it's one of Chicago's most iconic bites for a reason. Bold, indulgent, and absolutely worth every single napkin you'll need after. The ambiance inside is GORGEOUS!

My husband and I walked in on a Sunday evening for dinner and were able to be seated right away…read more The atmosphere is dark and moody, and it made sense once I realized it was the same owners as Gretel. Loved the 90s female R&B playlist they had going! Little Bad Wolf has been on my list FOR YEARS to try the burger! My husband got the burger with fried onions and I got some Bao because those also looked delicious and were a popular menu item. Honestly the 3 stars are only that high because of the service. Our server was friendly and attentive + the food came out hot and quick. Unfortunately, the food was pretty disappointing. The burger was swimming in a puddle of grease and just picking it up made your hands greasy + was dripping grease. The fries that came with it were floppy, soggy, and sad...but at least warm? I personally wouldn't order this again. The Bao were better, but small for the price and honestly were just okay? It was nice they gave you sauces you could add, but I found the Bao's to already have enough sauce so I didn't need them. Overall I left feeling confused and disappointed. I don't feel the need to come back here - Little Bad Will was a one and done experience for me.

Photos
Little Bad Wolf - Fresh flowers

Fresh flowers

Little Bad Wolf - Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Tacos

Little Bad Wolf - Bad Burger with fried onion strings

See all

Bad Burger with fried onion strings

NADC Burger - Beast Mode Fries

NADC Burger

3.6(118 reviews)
2.8 miRiver West, West Loop, Near West Side, West Town

I have heard good things about NADC and have been interested to try the burger. I thought there…read morewould be a lot of people so I was surprised that I walked in for lunch on Sunday and it wasn't busy, which was nice. My friend and I each ordered a burger and fries for ourselves. The NADC burger ($16) was decent, but it didn't blow my mind like people have raved about. I know it's not the original location which can play a part as well. What I really enjoyed and even finished my friend's were the fries. I love some good fries and these were top quality. You could taste the difference of the oil these fries were made in. They were nice and crispy and very good! I could keep eating them and would rather get the fries than the burger next time. I'd probably still get a burger since I need some meat and savory.

I have gotten this to go a few times but this was my first time eating there! My bf and I sat at…read morethe bar and had the best time! They have a ton of cocktails and they are very cool! We were able to chat with the general manager a bit and hear NADC story, it made me love this spot even more! I got a passion fruit drink with boba this was great! As we were chatting they mentioned an eggnog drink! I love eggnog so this was for me, and it was perfect! Such cool cocktails here, I had no idea!! We split the burger which was phenomenal. Even better eating it in person! I learned this is a pressed patty and not a smash burger. This is my favorite burger in the city! Such a cool vibe in here, very fun music and decor. I'm obsessed!

Photos
NADC Burger
NADC Burger - NADC Burger

NADC Burger

NADC Burger

See all

Al's Under the L - burgers - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...