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Al's Beef
Categories: Restaurants Fast Food Restaurants Hot Dogs Restaurants Burgers Food Fast Food, Hot Dogs, Burgers, Food [Edit]
169 W Ontario StChicago, IL 60654
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River North
(312) 943-3222
- Nearest Transit:
-
Chicago-brown (Brown Line, Purple Line)
Merchandise Mart (Brown Line, Purple Line)
Grand-red (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 10 am - 3 am
Sun 11 am - 10 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
255 reviews for Al's Beef
Review Highlights
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"Al's makes my favorite Italian beef in Chicago." In 117 reviews -
"His suggestion was Dipped with Sweet Peppers." In 13 reviews -
"And the cheese fries are da bomb." In 18 reviews
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255 reviews in English
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Review from David K.
Chicago, IL
5/10/2012
Al's Beef is the best place to get a Chicago Italian beef sandwich, and it's been that way for me since I was a kid.
A few suggestions (take them or leave them):
1. If you go, make sure you order your Italian beef sandwich with hot peppers, not sweet, as I have always found the sweet peppers to be rather tasteless.
2. Have it dipped in the juice. Yes, it makes for an incredibly sloppy sandwich, and I confess to sometimes using a fork, but it is really so, so good.
3. Don't worry about getting messy (because you will); just be sure to stock up on napkins.
4. Forget about your diet for the time being, because you know you already cheated on your diet the moment you stepped inside. You don't go to a fast-food restaurant and order a salad. Who does that?! Just enjoy! -
Review from LoudMouth M.
Chicago, IL
5/10/2012
Al's Beef is the best damn beef you can get in this country.
No disrespect to Portillos or Mr. Beef, but Al's is the best.
I have nothing else to add other than... A+ -
Review from Erich D.
4/26/2012
3.5 stars.
Had to try an Italian beef sandwich while in Chi -- Al's serves a satisfying one. Tons of thinly sliced juicy beef that is drenched in a tub of oily beef broth goodness. I ordered one with both hot and sweet peppers. Get plenty of napkins because you'll need them, this sandwich gets messy. Unfortunately they don't have any public bathroom here so you can wash your hands afterwards. -
Review from Evan M.
Chicago, IL
5/17/2012
Like everyone else says, get your beef with hot peppers & dipped or go home. It's a magical foodgasm hot & dipped, but just meh without peppers and undipped.
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Review from Q M.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2012
The sandwiches are great. We know this. See all the reviews below.
What we need to talk about are the fries. The incredible, gooey, oh-so-yummy blue cheese fries. Mmm. See, we talked about them. Now go get them. And bring me some, please. Thx. -
Review from Ken C.
3/28/2012
I honestly didn't expect too much from this place. I wondered....how good could a roast beef sandwich possibly be?
But the sandwich was probably one of the best surprises of my trip. When you get their 9" Al's beef, you get a ton of meat piled upon a hoagie with provolone cheese. They dip it into a vat of beef broth for awesome flavor. They give you a choice of hot or sweet peppers. If you can..get both. The spicy peppers give a nice depth that separates it from a French dip sandwich.
You could also ask to add an Italian sausage to your sandwich, but I don't feel like this adds anything to the flavor. Don't expect a gourmet sandwich. This is just great dirty food. Make no mistake: this is the best post-bar eats. -
Review from steven l.
Los Angeles, CA
3/13/2012
This is a pretty interesting spot. The local is great since it's close to majority of spots in Downtown Chi town. The interior has more left ot be desired but the food is what really counts here. The beef is really really tender. The hot peppers are definately interesting. It comprises more on celery than peppers imo. The bread is good to. After eating the italian beef sandwhich I wished it had a little more salt and a tad less oil.
It goes down really smooth for that fact though and is easy to eat. It's definitely a little on the messy side but it is overall a great sandwhich and something I could only find in Chicago compared to Los angeles.
It's something I would definately come back for again and again. An overall great italian sandwhich spot. -
Review from Justin V.
4/17/2012
Good spot for a quick and easy beef sandwich, though you are much better off going to Portillo's.
-
Review from Anthony M.
Chicago, IL
1/17/2012 7 Check-ins Here
I was always a Mister Beef Guy...that is where my parents always took me. In fact, I never got beef sandwiches anywhere else.
I remember introducing my wife to Mister Beef and she wasn't impressed. Then I remember a night of drinking and us splitting an Al's large Beef with hot giardinera on it. As we ate it I think we both fell in love...with Al and his amazing sandwich.
Living here my whole life I have many experiences but this is one thing I will always share with my wife. In fact, we have split a few more. I am never taking her here sober because I don't want to lose the magic.
This place is open late and delivers when you need to fill that void in your stomach.
I'm sorry Mister Beef...I had no idea AL was so good. I've officially broken up with you. We had some good times and you were good for me in my younger years but I'm all grown up now. Al don't ever change!
Oh yeah they also have a drive thru here too...I think it might have been the first drive thru that was every created. Just kidding! If you live in Chicago or are just visiting then make sure you swing by for an incredible sandwich...your heart will thank you...again I am just kidding...please consult with a doctor before eating such yummy food!!! -
Review from Nataliya A.
Wheeling, IL
2/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was here but did not personally eat..the bf did. He had a hotdog and really really liked it. It was flavorful!
This place is super convenient when you are going the clubs near by...whether hungry beforehand or after you can come in fill up on yummy beef to soak up the booziness ;-). Don't get me wrong people of all ages were here, and everyone obviously enjoying the food!
The place has a cool location, on a corner, and it is very very small, but has a cool atmosphere inside (kind of like a college town late night eatery)
My only complaints: no bathroom, and I felt like I left smelling like fried beef (bad ventilation)...not a sexy smell to come to a club with hehehe. -
Review from Celestina P.
Villa Park, IL
2/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love this place! I absolutely must eat this after a crazy night out. Make that Italian beef spicy please! I have to pay extra for that? No problem. Drool.... Ever since discovering this place, I have not touched a single Italian beef sandwich from Portillos.
I generally don't like my food GREASY, but this is irresistible. The very first time I came here, my boyfriend and I decided to share one. Lets say there wasn't much sharing going on. I think I ate the whole thing. OOPS. =p
Must try! -
Review from Anna E.
4/3/2012
SO. MUCH. JUICY. MEAT. I love this place. I get my sammich wet with hot and sweet peppers and provolone. It's deliciously messy. The decor is a dive, but they make up for it in flavor. Good fries too. So good for a hangover!
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Review from TheGodfather S.
Beverly Hills, CA
2/20/2012
Here's another place I went to because I saw it on Man vs Food. Got the beef sandwich with both sweet and spicy peppers and giardiniera, including the optional au jus full dip, and holy shit I was in heaven! BUT then, I also had the SUPER GREASY but DELICISOU fries with it, and took a year off of my lifespan. But it was worth it, believe me!
This particular location is small, so if it's packed, good luck.
Damn that sandwich was off the hinges son! -
Review from PingPing N.
Houston, TX
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
This particular Al's Beef was on the smaller, dive-y side but who cares, it DELIVERED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We dont care for sandwiches but Al's Beef Italian Beef with sweet and spicy peppers was To Die For. We only had sample ( the 4in) to share, lol, but that sample mesmerized the both of us. $4.50. Sooooo freakin' flavorful it couldnt contain itself, it was literally busting and dripping out of its bread.
We HAD to give it a try bc a friend spoke so highly of it. Im so glad we trekked the hop and skip here (from Portillos).
It was like....thit tai (eye of round) on a bun but with more flavor. -
Review from Karl H.
Los Angeles, CA
I have no doubt that Al's is the best Italian Beef in Chicago. Why do I say this? Because I've actually attempted to make a "gourmet" version of the sandwich, with USDA Prime roast beef, artisan rolls, gardiniera and jus straight from the oven. And as you might expect, Al's was better.
I don't think you can approximate the flavor of a rich au jus, simmering in pounds of tender, thinly sliced beef. Their hot giardiniera is packed with heat and leaves your lips tingling. For all the drippings, it's a lean sandwich with no gristle or sinew. Somehow the wet, chewy roll is able to hold it all in.
I know there's other items on the menu, but why order anything else? I hope their new Las Vegas chain keeps up the standards, because I'm in driving distance of another fleshy catharsis. -
Review from Tony G.
Chicago, IL
4/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Spicy and dipped please!! Amazing. The fries are also freaking ridiculous!
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Review from Brian B.
New York, NY
3/16/2012
Stroll in here after you've had about 15 beers and get a number 7. You come for the great Italian beef and Chicago style dogs, but you really stay for Janice and Karen.
-
Review from Molly M.
Manhattan, NY
3/30/2012
It breaks my heart that I can't find Italian Beef sandwiches in New York City, but when I'm in Chicago I go here for a fix.
-
Review from Leah B.
12/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A Chicago classic.
Al's has awesome old school Itallian Beef and one of the best fries in the city. Their beef gravy is seasoned perfectly and has great flavor. The beef is lean and shaved into small pieces. Together the beef and fries satisfies any meat and potato craving. For about $10 you get an awesome, consistently good quality meal.
And the guys that work here are very nice. -
Review from Tim Y.
Manhattan, NY
12/29/2011
After having Portillos when I last visited Chicago over a year ago, I decided to try somewhere different in the vicinity that was a little less of a tourist trap. Fail.
1 Little Al (4" sandwich) + Small Cheese Fries + Small Drink = 10 bucks! Really?!
Cheese fries weren't' bad, and the italian beef was okay, although could have used more flavor. But if I'm paying 10 bucks, I would like to be able to use an adjective better than "not bad". If you're looking for a legit Italian beef, neither this nor Portillo's are the real deal. -
Review from Amy G.
11/19/2011
Perfectly tasty outpost of the Taylor St. original in River North. Populated by working professionals and tourists, this little spot is positioned to compete with Mr. Beef down the street and does a fine job at it.
Simply, go for the Italian beef sandwich. Hell, forgo the fries and go for the BIG Italian beef sandwich. Soft Italian roll, flavorful beef, and all that beef juice-- perfect. It doesn't need the peppers or any other kind of frills-- it's really quite perfect.
If you do opt for the fries? They're totally solid. Crispy, hand cut, and none-too-greasy or salty.
Overall, a tasty spot to grab lunch if you want to mix it up from well, uh, Hooters down the block. And definitely a place to take a newcomer-to-town for their first Italian beef.
As others said, they offer seating, unlike the original Al's, as well as some outdoor dining space for the two months per year with serviceable weather. -
Review from Steve S.
Norwalk, CA
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great beef sandwich, but totally plastic interior that reminds me of the west coast staple Church's Chicken. Hated the interior of this place, but the sandwich was great. Juicy, sopping bread, but soft and great tasting beef.
I will be back, but possibly to a different location to see if I can get more of that old "sandwich shop" feel. -
Review from Rachel F.
Santa Clarita, CA
9/28/2011
Thank you to the man working behind the counter at this location for making my first Chicago "Italian Beef Experience" a fantastic one. I met up with a friend that had just moved into the city while I was there on business (we're both from the L.A. area) and neither of us knew the amazingness we had been missing out on.
We asked the guy taking our order what he suggested since we had no idea how to order... dipped?...sweet peppers or hot pepper? His suggestion was Dipped with Sweet Peppers. It was crazy delicious. I will be visiting an Al's Beef location every time I am in Chicago! Yummy!!!
Also - this location is great. You can tell it has been around for a while and has a modest dining area. Great for people watching too :) -
Review from Val B.
Chicago, IL
8/11/2011
Personally, I thought this sandwich was amazing. My boyfriend and I split a big one, with hot peppers, dipped (of course) - plus an order of fries. The fries were just OK, but the sandwich... my god. I f***ed that sandwich.
We sat outside with my little dog and marveled at our amazing existence, in this great little city. It's places like these that make me realize just how awesome my life is. -
Review from brad j.
Chicago, IL
3/25/2012
Extremely disappointed in this Al's beef franchise. Being a loyal customer for over three years at this location I received the worst customer service that I have ever had in any restaurant in Chicago. They could care less about any customer and the quality of food and only want to worry about collecting your money. My order was incorrect and missing an item. After calling the manager he could care less and said " too bad, I have too many customers and it does not matter". This is a terrible way to run a business and I will be going to Mr. Beef for now on.
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Review from Grace L.
St Peters, MO
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I don't like fast food and I don't like bread but this was very good! You have to get the beef sandwhich dipped. You can get it with spicy sauce and it's not terribly hot! Definitely recommend it!
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Review from J R.
Maitland, FL
4/17/2012
AMAZING!!!! I had the fully dipped Italian beef with spicy peppers and it tasted so so so good my mouth is watering right now. I suggest getting it fully dipped but some people don't like that style so go with what you like either way it is a really good sandwich!
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Review from Grace N.
8/26/2011
After living downtown for years and moving to the 'burbs recently, what I find myself missing the most about the city is....living 2 blocks away from Al's. AL'S! I drool for you!!! Who knew that I would dream about sinking my teeth into your made-to-order burger with chargrilled meat on a soft, squishy bun? And your hot and crispy bleu cheese or buffalo fries? While laughing at the late-night drive-through guy blasting "Savage Garden" from his porsche?
No fast food joint can equal the amount of satisfaction and entertainment you have provided over the years. Sigh. -
Review from Kenny O.
9/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I strolled on into this Al's Beef after watching South Side of Heaven at The Second City.
It was a bit more sketch than the other locations I've been to, but they served the standard Italian Beef affair, and that's all I asked for.
I ordered a #6 (Large Italian Beef combo) for $13 after tax and tip, and it hit the spot on a cold autumn night. I introduced Italian Beef to three friends from out-of-town, and they all loved it.
Seating in this location is limited and so is standing dining area. -
Review from Esther K.
7/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was not what i expected... but i guess i'm just not the soaked sandwich type of person. I prefer my bread in tact and dry... with a crunchy crust if possible.
That being said, I will give this place 3 starts because even though it's not my cup of tea, i can appreciate it for what it is. Very savory and flavorful beef topped with hot peppers.
I'm glad i got to try this while i was in chicago but not something i'm necessarily itching to have again. -
Review from gini r.
Friendswood, TX
7/12/2011
Visiting my old stomping grounds I had to take some texans to partake in a real chicago thing so stopped at Al's for Italian Beef.
While not the best in town (imho) certainly tasty! Sitting on the counter, scruffy surroundings, limited menu - all part of the experience.
Hit the spot of my italian beef cravings. -
Review from Boon K.
1/7/2012
i know people love this place and it is preference. I just think it is too greasy and I love to have my bun dipped which makes it even greasier. There is good favor but not enough for me to go back to.
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Review from John C.
Covington, GA
2/3/2012
It's a must do..nothing else to say..get the beef and the dog with fries...eat there and order a beef dry to go for later .
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Review from Karl K.
5/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a French Dip on steroids!
----------
I readily admit it. I go to places showcased on Man v Food, Food Network, etc. It's like the Oprah book club or something.
So I'm in town for a conference, and I decided to stop in. One bite later, I'm hooked!
I decided on the small (4 inch) with jardine (hot peppers) for $4.82. It was a savory, juicy mess. Loaded with a special pickle blend of crunchy celery, sweet peppers, and Italian hot peppers (I think they call it jardines) and moist roast beef, I dare say this was better than Philippe's in LA. The spice added a perfect amount of "ma la" (a bit like Szechuan) to the whole experience.
Cost: $4.82, for a small sandwich with the pepper blend, plus $5 for the cab. Totally worth it. -
Review from Andy L.
Hart, MI
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Best food in Chicago by far!
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Review from Keith R.
7/22/2011
Al's Beef is my #3 spot to get a Chicago Style Hot Dog during my weekend of searching for the best dog Chicago has to offer.
The service was fast and friendly, the hot dog had everything a Chicago style should contain except there just a little too much celery salt. It was salty enough to induce a coughing a fit. The other item that marked down Al's was that we got our dogs to go, and they failed to put any napkins in the bag. -
Review from Sebastian Y.
Chicago, IL
8/31/2011
After coming here I found out I don't really like Italian beef. Which is too bad because it seems like it's very popular around these parts. I'm just not a fan of super greasy and soggy sandwiches.
Kind of expensive, but the sandwich was literally 100% beef, so I guess that's why its 10 bucks for a combo. -
Review from Chuck M.
Chicago, IL
4/24/2011
A conversion took place yesterday....
Not the religious kind...or even a metric conversion...a full on ITALIAN BEEF conversion.
For a year and a half now, I been trying to get my girl Mary to eat at Al's. Every-time we drive by the one on Taylor Street... I'd say lets get a beef, but I was met with ewwwwww its Al's its soooo greasy, or NO way...its Al's they dont have good BEEF! Blah blah blah is better...or will have to go to Blah blah blah's they have the best. Now mind you again this tug of war took place for almost a year and a half! ( shes alil obstinate at times).
Saturday after a round of golf, we decided to Beef it up...she was going to take me to her Blah blah blah...place for the "best beef" in the city. Well it was closed! Closed on a Saturday???? the best beef place in the city is Closed...your kidding me right???
So NOWWwwwww...shes is on the run...pulled over in the car and thinking...she has a slight smile on her face and guess where she decides to take ME...you got it!!! AL's Beef.
The rest is history...we both got them dipped...She got hers plain. Mine with the hot hot giardiniera, and cheese. We grab a seat peel the wet wrappers back...I can smell the great smell of true Chicago Italian Beef and I have a monent to myself...and jus kinda laff. Then
I look up....Let me tell you this...once she got into the beef, forgetabouit....it was OVER....No talking..nonutting but dip...dip....dip after dip of beef into her cup of ajue.
She had hers done before mine, thats unreal??? Shes only 5 foot 2 and a half! a buck 40??? and she downed that thing like it was nothing!
Now she "claims" I was talking alot while I was eating...and trust me I have never been accused of "talking" to much, Im one of the fastest eaters I know!
I asked her if she liked it...and I quote..." It was good, it wasnt like it was 20 years ago????? 20??? twenty years ago she tells me???" I just laffed...20 years she was in high school?
Al's beef #1....Mary zero
Til next time -
Review from Elizabeth P.
Mission, KS
3/11/2011
I think that Yelp! says it best when they say Meh.
I don't know. Maybe it just wasn't for me, but the sandwich left me cold -- mushy bread and meat just aren't my thing. My mom and I split a meal, and I was happy I didn't have the whole thing. The fries were pretty yummy, which redeemed the place by a star.
It should also be noted that four of the six of us who went LOVED their sandwiches. To each their own... -
Review from Lisa T.
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
YUM, YUM, YUM! Go there for the DIPPED Italian beef sandwich w/ the HOT peppers (or sweet for you wimps). No need to waste your time with anything else on the menu. It's all about the sandwich. Also...eat it right then and there...especially if you get it dipped. It literally won't last long if you get it to go...the bread will get too soggy.
Oh, that first bite. Flavorful, spicy, tender beef...a perfect combo!
