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Al's Beef - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants Fast Food Restaurants Hot Dogs Restaurants Burgers Restaurants Sandwiches Fast Food, Hot Dogs, Burgers, Sandwiches [Edit]
622 Davis St(between Chicago Ave & Orrington Ave)
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 424-9704
- Nearest Transit:
-
Davis (Purple Line)
Dempster (Purple Line)
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
The Waffle Gourmet is the newest restaurant offering at the Deer Park Town Center. This unique eatery specializes in sweet and savory waffles. Sweet… read more »
37 reviews for Al's Beef
Review Highlights
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"Highly recommend this place for Italian beef." In 20 reviews -
"I am a HUGE fan of the blue cheese fries." In 5 reviews -
"...try a famous WunderBar, dipped cheesecake on a stick." In 9 reviews
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37 reviews in English
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Review from Eric F.
Evanston, IL
8/4/2010
You cannot go wrong if you order Al's Italian Beef sandwich. This is the number one attraction that has customers, like myself, coming back again and again. Do not even bother with the other items on the menu.
When they ask you if you would like your sandwich 'dipped', the answer is always YES. -
Review from Ken N.
Venice, CA
2/3/2009
Second day in Evanston, I decided to see if a Chicago-style hot dog was different in Chicagoland than, say, LA. I like as much junk on my hot dogs as possible, so tomatoes, onions, mustard, a dill pickle spear, and neon-green relish sounded like a culinary delight to me.
However, the steamed bun was kind of soggy by the time I got to it, and the whole messy delight started falling apart before my eyes, forcing me to sort of lean way over my wax paper wrapper and wolf the dog down before I ended up with a hill of tube steak and condiments that was more like a mescaline nightmare than a dog named after one of the greatest cities in the U.S.
I should probably give the Chicago-style dogs another chance, but that mess repulsed even me, though it did not stop me from wolfing the whole mess down.
Someone told me that you go to Al's for the Italian Beef sandwich, so I returned for a Big Al. OK, I'm going to have to duck and I'm glad no one from Al's is here in my room right now, because I'm pretty sure every single one of those guys behind the counter could kick my ass, but - bleah! Normally, I'm all for big sandwiches piled high with beef and dipped in some kind of au jus, but this was a big ol' greasy mess that made me feel kind of ill. I've got a cast-iron stomach (I have to, I've been eating my own cooking for almost two months now), and I can't remember the last time I ate something that was too greasy for ME. This was it.
I know the Chicagoans will think I'm just an effete Angeleno, and truth to tell, maybe 15 years in SoCal has made me soft. But I've been having a pretty good time sampling Chicago cuisine (this is a GREAT eating city), and this was not one of those good times. -
Review from David R.
11/17/2008
Nyet.
1. The fries had a funny taste and left a slick film on the inside of my mouth. Are these things deep-fried in silicone? Also, they were way underdone.
2. The ketchup is terrible. It's definitely not Heinz, which is the only ketchup worthy of acknowledgement. Their stuff has a very sweet taste and a sort of chemicaley undertone.
3. I asked for my food "for here" so why wrap up the hot dog in a papery straitjacket, thereby rendering the bun soggy. What is this, Wrigley Field?
4. The Italian beef was simply not good--not moist, not tender, not flavorful. To add insult to injury, they put only two pieces of green pepper on there.
At least the roll was decent. And they have Diet Pepsi instead of Diet Coke. Otherwise, this place fails.
They have quite a large space here, especially for downtown Evanston. Yet I never see it even close to busy. Maybe NU students come here if they're from other parts of the country and don't know any better. -
Review from Eric M.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2007
Al's is the premier Italian Beef joint, and it is nice to see them expanding from their original southwest Loop location. Their newer Evanston shop is an evolution in the Al's brand, I imagine. The Original Al's is small, packed with old photos of celebrities who's hands have been greased by Al's delicious Italian Beef. There are no tables, no chairs, and no quarter given to those who are unable to eat at the small counter that goes around the inside of the store or on the trunks of their cars. Plus, you have to wander across the street to wash it down with Mario's Italian Ice.
In Evanston, things are a bit more upscale. There are tables, chairs, even booths, at this location, and room seems clean and nice--but devoid of the greasy character of the Taylor Street original. The food is still great, I consider Al's Italian Beef to beef the best, but I'm sure many out there will consider me a madman and a traitor for saying so as allegiances run deep in this city. Their sandwich, which is piled high with their fantastic thin cut, slightly garlicky but still melts- in-your-mouth good beef is great topped with sweet peppers and dipped or double dipped. The fries are top notch, and a great way to seal the relationship between you and your cardiologist.
For true Chicago cuisine bliss, head to Al's for some artery clogging goodness. But if you can, I still recommend taking the trek to the original location on Taylor Street just the enjoy the sights, scenes, and post-meal Italian Ice. But do that in the summer, at least the Evanston location has a heated area you can sit and eat in.Listed in: The country's best cheap 'n'…
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Review from Dee W.
10/31/2006 ROTD 11/20/2006
Not bad for fast food - prices are about right and their food was great! Passed by during my lunch hour and when I thought of Italian beef, my stomach just growled at me.
Like..
GRRRRRRROWL - GO GET SOME BEEF!
Service was very friendly and the guy was smiling and actually looked happy. I got the little Al (4") Famous Italian Beef and YUM!!! :) My stomach thanks me now but my work for the rest of this afternoon post-lunch will hate me for it.
I really eyed their chedder chili cheese fries and then, I saw the bleu cheese fries - french fries covered with gorgonzola cheese and drizzled with chunky bleu cheese dressing - mmm...
I think that I just gained 5lbs of fat from lunch.Listed in: Evanston Cheap Lunch
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Review from Shaun T.
Downers Grove, IL
4/3/2007
Sometimes you just want to eat something unhealthy, wholly unhealthy, disastrously artery-clogging and simultaneously delicious. Al's is all this, and more.
Al's has become something of a running gag at my office. Often, a crude stick-figure will appear and proclaim "Jim needs more data!" Only, someone will scratch out "data" and write in "Al's Beef." This caricature will persist for days, sometimes weeks, as more colorful phrases get thrown into the mixture.
From their messy tamale-boat, a soupy mass of chili, cheese, and onions dousing an otherwise unassuming pair of tamales, to hotdogs where everything may mean the inclusion of a kitchen sink, this is almost the exact opposite of health food. What is everything, you ask? Onions, a pickle, a bevy of whole peppers, relish, ketchup, mustard, and somewhere in that swimming mass, a hotdog. Word to the wise, don't order a cheese-dog with everything, it could get messy.
Take friends here to enjoy the food, take enemies here to hasten their death. Everyone wins! -
Review from Gerald F.
Chicago, IL
11/3/2007 3 photos
When it comes to Chicago's famous Italian beef, quality is hard to find! I know! I've run up and down Chicagoland trying to find the best Italian beef sandwich and nothing compares! Al's Beef is top-notch and can't be beat. I'm a traditionalist so I go for a Big Al Italian Beef sandwich drenched in hot beef juice with sweet peppers on top with an order of fresh-cut fries on the side. If you're the type that likes add-ons, you can top that with cheese and other heart-wrenching clog-your-arteries goodness!
If you don't like Italian beef, I'm sorry but we can't be friends. It's okay! Not everyone's perfect. There are some awesome salads and char-broiled burgers, too. For dessert, try a famous WunderBar, dipped cheesecake on a stick! Everything tastes great on a stick!
If you're a real Chicagoan, you'll eat this sandwich standing up at the bar or at the bar tables, knees bent, biceps flexed, gripped on both sides like a football at Soldier Field, hot beef juice dripping down to the elbows. If you're a delicate Boystown queer like me, choose a nice old wooden booth and have a go with the fork and knife.
The ambience is great compared to the other Al's Beef in the city. Its got to be the cleanest! It's got an upscale, sophisticated flair without losing its blue-collar Chicago street-food charm. The manager's awesome and the boys in the back are some of the friendliest hosts you'll ever encounter.
Wanna meet a new friend? Take me with you!Listed in: What's for dinner? I'm hungry!
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Review from John H.
Chicago, IL
5/23/2008
Did the rest of youz guyz walk into a different Italian beef joint? I thought this place sucked so hard I'm going to have to break it down to mulitple levels for everyone.
Food: I ordered the #1 which is the regular size sandwich, fries, and a drink. The sandwich was about the size of a jumbo hotdog... in other words, about 1/3 the size most places serve. Beef was dry despite being dipped. The fries were excellent and the only reason they are getting two stars.
Service: 15 minutes for a beef sandwich. My buddy ordered two dogs, that took them 20 minutes.
Cost: My number one cost me just under 9 bucks. They charge you 45 cents extra for some shitty giardiniera. Who charges for giardiniera on a beef sandwich? Sacrilege, I tell you.
Atmosphere: The place was clean, i'll give them that. This is most likely because no one actually eats at this place. It reminded me of what Walmart would have designed if they were going into the Chicago Style Beef buisness. Cooke cutter and with no personality.
This place is to Chicago Style Beef as Taco Bell is to Mexican Food. It's just not the real deal. If your visiting from out of town and want to experience some beef bliss, don't look here. Drive a bit further South to Edgewater and stop at Patio Beef. For that matter, look for any mom and pop place with a Vienna beef sign and I bet you'll find a better sandwich. -
Review from Karen C.
3/30/2009
I'm not a beef eater (I don't eat beef, nor do I guard the Tower of London), but I find myself craving Al's at least once a week. The cheese fries here must have some kind of euphoria-inducing drug in them... they are SO freaking delicious! If you're hungover or just craving some greasy goodness, go get these bad boys.
I want to give 3.5 stars, but I can't bring myself to round up to the solid 4... reason being, they don't have much on the menu besides the cheese fries for a gal like me (but I expect this, it is called Al's BEEF, after all...), and if I get a turkey sandwich or something to go with my fries o' delicousness, I end up dropping about $12. That's craziness.
But, I keep going back, and I will continue to do so... just. can't. resist. cheese fries.Listed in: Evanslunch
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Review from Tom R.
7/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
Portillo's who?
I'm sorry, but I have a hard time putting Portillo's beef in the same category as Al's. I've had both places plenty of times and to compare the flavor of the two is just downright wrong. I can't compare it to the other popular beef places in the Chicago-land area (Johnnie's, Mr. Beef, etc.), but this is hands down the best beef I've experienced so far.
The "gravy" that they use to soak the beef in is just full of flavors I can't even describe. If I had to pick a flavor I could only assume it tastes like a unicorn, only because I imagine that unicorns taste delicious. It's like a rainbow threw up in my mouth... just thinking about it makes me want to go get one after work.
Do yourself a favor, if you're in Evanston and looking for somewhere quick to eat, stop in at Al's Beef, you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Danny M.
Chicago, IL
6/12/2009 1 Check-in Here
I have considered proposing to Al's Italian Beef. I would be in a seriously relationship (at least on Facebook) with Al. This is truly god's gift to the world, and a taste of heaven in each bite. Hands down one of my favorite spots in Chicago.
I always get the Regular Al with diced onions. As a heads up, they trick you when they ask if you want peppers. They cost extra! I always get onions and it is delish. I get mine lightly dipped because I like the flavor and crunchiness of the bread. However, my friend would take a bath in that au jus if he could, so he lets it rest in that sauce for quite some time. Just a matter of personal taste, but it needs to be somewhat dipped! I have tried the beef and sausage combo, but it took away from the taste of the beef.
I am a HUGE fan of the blue cheese fries. I mean what is not to love about fresh fries, loaded with blue cheese dressing and gorgonzola chunks. I can hear the ambulance en route every time I order this. Sometimes when I am alone, they let me just add a side of dressing and cheese for a $1 so I can make my own (instead of spending $3.50 for just myself).
Their Chicago dogs are pretty on point as well, and you can get it grilled or steamed. I dig the options!
The guys who runs the counter is really nice and will help out! You also get a 10% Wildcard discount!
FYI - If you dont wash your hands after the beefing experience, you can savor the glory of Al's all day long. Something to STRONGLY consider.
Thank you Al's. You are a man amongst boys. -
Review from Casia J.
Evanston, IL
11/2/2009
Fries with a number of a tasty, fatty, spicy sauces.
Nice workers.
Loud 80s music.
Icy fountain drinks.
Comfy booths.
Nowthat'sa lunch for me! -
Review from Shun F.
Satellite Beach, FL
5/11/2009
Just thinking about their Italian beef makes me want one right now. My favorite part is the greasy goodness that soaks the bread and makes the sandwich just perfect. The icing on the cake are their peppers. They use real peppers on top that are cooked to perfection. A great combination of hot and sweet. Their combo is also quite delicious where they stick a hot dog and top it off with Italian beef.
I can't think of a better fast food option than Al's. I could eat these sandwiches everyday. Every time I'm back in Chicago, I always make a stop. When in Chicago, the Italian beef is just as important to try along with Chicago style deep dish pizza and hot dogs. -
Review from Kel C.
12/1/2008
We came here last month to learn what the fuss is all about with italian beef. Well, now we know! We don't mean to be blasphemous, but it tasted like a Philly cheesesteak with soggy bread. But it's DARN GOOD cheesebeef with soggy bread.
The menu is simple. They have all of the meat and grill staples. However, you don't come to Al's for a burget. You come for some beef, some grade-A beefness.
The fries are good too. They make it fresh... a nice plus. Three very solid stars. -
Review from David Z.
3/5/2010
DISCLAIMER: I am not a fan of Italian Beef at all. I've had it before from various places, but I've never really gotten what all the fuss is about. That having been said, I have never been to Al's before, so I figured that if I am going to go to a place that specializes in Italian Beef, I'd better get the Italian Beef!
I got pretty much what I expected. If you like Italian Beef, you'll probably LOVE the beef at Al's. It's not really my thing. I went with the hot peppers (no cheese or sport peppers) along with a non-dipped version. Even without the dipping, the sandwich was pretty thoroughly soaked and very messy to handle. I can't even imagine what it would have been like if it were dipped (maybe you'd have to eat with a fork).
Okay, so I've established that I don't really like their most popular meal. Why 4 stars then? Like I said, I'm sure if you like the Italian Beef you will love this place. Also, the fries were very good. They were big and crispy. The only bad thing I can say about them is I ordered a large, while my fiancee ordered a medium, and she somehow got more fries than I did despite paying less. That was kind of lame.
My "large" version of the Italian Beef combo (with fries and a drink) came out to just under $10. A little pricey, but they DO have a different $5 meal deal each day of the week, so that's pretty good.
I also really liked the interior of the location. I have walked past the location in Little Italy and noticed that they don't even have anywhere to sit in there, but this place has plenty of comfy seating. Also, the walls are decorated with Chicago things and the bathrooms have funny signs ("If this dispenser is out of paper towels, use your clothes). This particular location was also very clean.
The service was quick and friendly, and I'd definitely go back here if I wanted some quick and cheap for lunch. I'm a fan (just not of the namesake menu item)! Next time I'll try a cheeseburger or hot dog though :) -
Review from Lois A.
Chicago, IL
5/29/2010
I love this place. I love the fries and the no-bean chili is amazing! Once I had the flu and after eating the layer of onions on top of the chili I could actually breathe again...thanks Al's! Dare I say this is the best chili I've ever had in Chicago even though it's in Evanston? It is!!
I'm also a big fan of the BLTC. A BLT wrap with cheese. It's not too big, the perfect size for a lunch that's yummy but not overly filling. Very nice staff! Of all the Al's I've gone to this one is the best. -
Review from Jolie R.
Chicago, IL
12/26/2008
So, I'm not a big Italian beef sandwich fan....but I wanted to see what all the hoopla was about and ordered the l'il Al while my 1/2 Italian hubby ordered the Big Al. We shared fries and a drink.
The L'il Al was ok as far as beef sandwiches go....Hubby chomped into his own torpedo sized sandwich, replete with peppers, dipped and looked up with is messy smile and gave it a thumbs-up. He's an Al's fan now.
Next time we go, I'm trying something different - grilled hamburger's still beef, right?? -
Review from munira n.
Evanston, IL
8/5/2009
I love Al's Italian beef dipped in some kinda thing i don't know. Amazing ! if you ever been there and never had the cheese fries, you better check it out. Fresh cut fries with Cheddar cheese.
The people who work there are nice. It is clean. The only complain, it is a little bit pricey. -
Review from Ngoc H.
Skokie, IL
1/25/2011
I'd pass on the Italian beef here in a heartbeat. I don't know if it was just an off day for them but oh-em-gee, not so good. I'd opt for the hot dog and fries, three stars for that. Place is somewhat clean and service is quick. Parking is a pain if you want to be right in front. Sad to say, bad experience with the Italian Beef.
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Review from Larz F.
Evanston, IL
6/18/2008
Found Al's to be nothing special. Fries are good, beef was bland and tough, no reason to go back when there are so many non-chain restaurants nearby. Skip it.
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Review from Nastassia J.
Chicago, IL
11/21/2008
Your standard Al's. If you've been to one, nothing new to find here. I do enjoy the food....though I eat here only occasionally. Don who is usually at the front taking orders is very friendly. Oh yah, and prices have gone up by about 30cents at the Evanston location. Sad but necessary I suppose with these economic times.
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Review from Kathryn M.
Portland, OR
7/11/2008
Solid fast food that hits the spot when you're super duper hungry. The boy and I stopped in here while apartment hunting. I had a cheddar chicken sandwich and cheddar fries, the fries were great and the sandwich was good. My boyfriend had hot dogs, he liked them. The restaurant itself is clean and the staff is friendly. It was a little pricey, but overall it was a pleasant experience.
Listed in: Cheese Fries Bitches!
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Review from Laura P.
Chicago, IL
8/4/2008
I guess I was expecting more. The sandwich lacked flavor except for salt and the fries were limp. For the real deal go to Al's on Taylor not the franchises.
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Review from Laila C.
6/1/2010
Portillos has better italian beef although you'd have to drive to Skokie for that. The cheese on the cheese fries congeal to a really, really unpleasant texture. Ugh, gross overall.
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Review from Ashley D.
Chicago, IL
4/1/2008
Yum, but I wish they had meals. The fries are separate from the sandwich. The lil Al feels me up and I love their fries, but just don't like spending about $8 a meal.
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Review from Sarah L.
Chicago, IL
8/2/2009
Al's is a great place to get a cheap, tasty Italian beef sandwich. As someone who easily gets sick of this sandwich, I also appreciate the wrap selection. I had the buffalo chicken wrap the other day and was pleasantly surprised. Usually places who promote and depend on one menu item for the majority of their revenue leave the other menu items to the wayside. Not here. The wrap was about $4.50 and exactly what I wanted in a quick lunch.
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Review from Jason P.
11/10/2008
My exact thoughts were exactly what yelp uses to describe the 2 star rating "Meh. I've experienced better." Meh was actually the word I would use. I like to think of myself as an expert on 2 major food groups: pizza and fries. They hyped the fries as award winning and so I had to try them. I was pretty disappointed as they were soggy and medicore at best. Come on Al, don't hype your fries if they are not up to par.
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Review from Chris W.
Minneapolis, MN
8/9/2009
I have not tried the other Al's locations but, I was un-impressed with this one. I had an 8" Italian Beef which was 'okay', the fry's were not good and oily (but, fresh cut!), the Italian sausage was okay. Also, the sweet peppers you get two slices of green peppers? And they really were not cooked very well. My date ordered a wrap that did not list cheese as one of the items on the sandwich but, it came with shredded cheese. She would have ordered it without had she know. Turns out the recipe in back that they have does have cheese while the board out front does not. Having sampled the wrap it was pretty good.
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Review from Misty H.
Evanston, IL
11/13/2009
Im givin this place 4 stars for the fries-very yummy. Idaho potatoes fresh cut w just the right amount of salt. I dont eat meat normally so did not try als beef but the fries are swell, eben though mines are betta.
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Review from M Y.
Evanston, IL
1/26/2011
This closed in Evanston. 1.26.2011
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Review from Maria G.
Chicago, IL
9/25/2007
Love da Beef!!!
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Review from Ben W.
Evanston, IL
3/16/2008
Everything here is pretty good. In particular I like the italian beef sandwich, fries, hot dog, and Wunder bar. Pretty cheap too. The employees are extremely friendly and helpful.
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Review from Tim O.
Evanston, IL
3/24/2008
The food is great when you can get it, but the service is pretty terrible. I've seen people wait 20 to 30 minutes for a simple sandwich. This place is pretty badly understaffed.
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Review from Emerie W.
Dayton, OH
11/30/2009
for a cheap and delicious hot dog, super fast service and great atmosphere, this is your place. good for families, too. Also, they deliver and they never mess up, even to an office of 12 people.
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Review from Matt M.
Glenview, IL
1/16/2010
Awesome fries and big beef. The only drawback is the price. Highly recommend this place for Italian beef!
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Review from Jerry U.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2010
What a HUGE disappointment in what was supposed to be #1 Beef sandwich. Maybe it's just this franchise, but this was probably the most disappointing Italian Beef sandwich I've ever had. Why do you ask? Start with the very sparse serving of beef. Most other noteworthy beef places you get more beef than bread - not here. Add to it, a very scant serving of hot peppers - that aren't even hot. Forget that they charge extra for the peppers - it would be nice if there was a more than a few small slices on the sandwich. And the juice - hmmm......just not sure what to make of the greasy, red juice. For you Italian Beef fans - Portillo's is hands down 100 times better than this. Overstuffed sandwich with lots of great flavors. This was my first and last experience at Al's.
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Review from Jill k.
9/24/2008
it's not top dog, but i still enjoyed my chicago-style dog here. yeah, it is a little pricey for a hot dog, but seeing that i was on vacation (as opposed to being a student, which i imagine most people around here are), and i was starving, the price tag had little affect.
