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Al's Beef
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Fast Food Sandwiches, Fast Food
14740 N Northsight BlvdScottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 948-5550
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10:30 am - 8 pm
Sun 11 am - 7 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
50 reviews for Al's Beef
Review Highlights
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"...in Chicago and truly love a great Italian beef sandwich." In 17 reviews -
"They have a great menu selection of Hot Dogs (ALL beef too." In 6 reviews -
"...getting an Italian beef dipped with hot and sweet peppers." In 5 reviews
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50 reviews in English
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Review from Tom E.
I should have known better that since the Cubs have spring training in Arizona, there must be a Chicago eatery around. And there is one- one that I actually saw on tv once!
Thankfully it was Al's beef.
Go up, order, and they call your order when it's ready. I got a Big Al, w/cheese and hot peppers- dipped. Also got a side of chili-chese fries.
The place was big and clean, and of course, had the classic "Welcome to Chicago" slogan on the front door. I couldn't imagine it any other way.
The sandwich was literally the best I have had. The bread was soaked but still held up as I chomped it. The peppers were finely chopped and gave it a great flavor that I cannot compare it too.
The only thing that prevented me from giving this place 5 stars was the huge Pepsi machine they had...
I think too for the price, you get a great deal.
The place isn't limited to beef, so keep that in mind if you are looking for something else to chomp on!Listed in: I'm gaining weight just…
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Review from Micah B.
Tempe, AZ
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
When I lived near Chicago I only ate at an Al's once. Not particular reason. I just chose to buy my beef at Portillo's. But I was happy to see a place to buy Italian beef at a location closer to me than Dazzo's.
I ordered a regular beef with hot peppers, provolone and had it dipped (an absolute must). The beef was pretty good. I'm not too picky with my Italian beef and feel it's difficult to mess up (I went to a Rosati's in Queen Creek and the sandwich was baked! WTF!). In my humble opinion, when folks talk about who has the best beef it's typically the place they grew up eating. I never found much of a difference between beef options in Chicago.
The restaurant was clean and orderly. Service was blase and one worker was a bit rude with a guy asking where his order was.
I was eating with a Chicago native and a guy that spent time in the burbs. They ordered the Chicago dogs and neither were impressed. The toppings were skimpy and not messy enough for their taste. I'm not a fan of the Chicago dog myself as I feel there's too much vegetation on it. If you could trick a PETA person into eating the dog because the veggies overpower the dog, that's not a real hot dog. Just saying. They both referred to the dogs as "terrible" but try it out for yourself if the Chicago dog is your thing.
Dazzo's is still my pick for Italian beef in the Phoenix area but Al's is still good and worth a visit. -
Review from Richard R.
Phoenix, AZ
1/31/2012
The food and service is good, but what ruins this place is its high price and lack of authenticity. Nothing about this franchise location reminds me of Al's #1 Italian Beef in Chicago. It's a good Italian beef, just not what I think of when I think of Al's.
The beef is good quality and delicious, but it's just missing the correct flavor that you get in Chicago. The giardiniera (hot peppers) are perfectly spicy and the sweet peppers offer a wonderful additional flavor to the sandwich. I paid $8.00 for a regular sandwich (with tax). Not expensive for Italian Beef, especially since it was quite filling, but it still felt a little steep considering it would be at least another $3 or $4 for fries and a drink.
I think the biggest problem with this location is space. The dining room is huge, although there really aren't that many tables. The middle is wide open as if there's going to be a massive lunch rush. However, at 12:30 on a Monday afternoon, the place was dead. I haven't been to the real Al's since I was a kid, but I remember it as being a little dive. It would've been a lot smarter for Al's to be in a much smaller spot, maybe they could charge less for their beef if they didn't have to pay so much for their square-footage.
Unfortunately for Al's, there's already a few Chicago hotdog/Italian beef joints in the Raintree area. Name recognition to Chicagoans is the best thing Al's has going for it. But, that's what has me the most disappointed because my expectations were way too high going in.
**TIP**
If you're not from Chicago, order your sandwich dipped. This means dunked in au jus after its assembled. It's messy but wonderful. The only real way to eat an Italian beef. -
Review from Fran D.
Scottsdale, AZ
5/20/2012
Al's new owner in Scottsdale is doing an excellent job. The beefs are excellent. They are juicy, flavorful, great bread, and perfect with the hot peppers or even without. I like my sandwich super dipped. The french fries are excellent too. They are fresh and crispy. I'm hungry now I think I will head on over :-) Thank you for hearing my opinion.
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Review from Pamela R.
Scottsdale, AZ
Updated - 4/9/2012
I went in the other day for a burger and was not impressed. While i'm still a fan I will stick with the Italian beefs. Five Guys makes a much better burger, in my opinion.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/17/2012
Al's make a very tasty beef and sausage combo. Dipped with hot peppers is the only way to go. As a… Read more »
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Review from Georgie M.
Scottsdale, AZ
This review is for the "NEW" Al's Beef restaurant which opened on December 19, 2011 under a new management team.
One of my fellow Yelper's and I came here for lunch this past week and we were both very impressed. Under the new owners, they have improved on the old food service by doing away with the smaller Hot Dog (almost kid's size) and went with the regular sized Vienna Beef. One of my previous complaints.
Also improved, is their signature Beef sandwich which is now tastier and what you expect a Chicago Beef sandwich to be!
The old owners served a very mushy, too thinly slided version of the sandwich which was hard to like no matter how you asked them to make it. The new sandwich is very much like Al's Beef in Chicago. It might even be as good as Portillo's.
I had the Italian Beef Combo "dry", which means it came with an Italian grilled sausage in the middle, with juice on the side. It was delicious!
The new owners came around and handed out frequent dinners cards and introduced his wife and himself. The old restaurant didn't seem to have owners on the premises. Go figure why they had a problems, huh?
Enjoy!2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/11/2010
Okay, so I visited Al's again for the first time since they opened. Whoa, where to begin.
We ordered… Read more »
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Review from Marvin A.
Scottsdale, AZ
1/9/2012
************Left Disappointed ---- Just As I Expected ***********
Was hopping to be impressed............ little has changed.
Same-O Same-O with New Ownership......... won't survive either.
I'LL CONTINUE........going to Taste Of Chicago.....where $5.68 + tax gets you a dog fries and drink.
Better yet ...... the Valleys best ..... for Italian beef and Hot Dogs
is CHICAGO HAMBURGER COMPANY on Indian School
This place is just........not up to the COMPETITIONListed in: Arizona, Nightmares in Arizona
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Review from Adam B.
Chicago, IL
1/6/2012
WOW!!
The new owners of the Al's on Northsight have it down pat! My beef was perfect, as authentic Chicago as it gets (and that's coming from a REAL Chicagoan). My wife loved the fact that they've added salads and wraps. Now I can bring her more often. We were surrounded by great people, great service, and smiling faces. Kudos to the new owners.
Great job!! -
Review from s j.
Tempe, AZ
Updated - 1/27/2012
Time for another review...my first visit to the NEW Al's wasent so great.....but in my review I did say I would be back to try the beef.
Let me start by saying...I am a VERY tough critic....I know what I like and if you advertise anything Chicago...that is what I compare to...not other local business.....
I stopped by at 11am ...(my thinking is everything will be fresh)...and I did order a regular size beef and small fry....
I was still not thrilled that it cost over $10.00 for a beef and small fry...however... I dont mind paying more if I feel its worth it...and in this girls opinion....the beef was TERRIFIC!
I did order the beef wet...with au jus and their homemade peppers on the side.
The beef (as previously reviewed by someone else) was dry and a bit bland...however...once I poured the au jus and peppers over it.....BAM!!!!
The flavors EXPLODED!
The sandwich was ample and two of us shared it and we were both very satisfied.
I like a beef sandwich that is NOT thick pieces of beef...and this was exactly that...
Lots of beef and the bread was nicely saturated in the yummy juices....
When I was in the restaurant I had the pleasure of speaking to Michelle...one of the owners who was very interested in my opinion....so much so that she asked me to call her and let her know what I think...
I did just that....so Michelle....this review is for you....and for all of you Chicagoians out there who enjoy a really hefty and flavorful Italian beef.
If you went to Al's once....my suggestion is.....give it another try and order something different to get the true experience.
I will DEFINATELY be back for the Beef
I realize food is really personal preference....
Some think Lukes is good....to me Lukes is BAD food at EXTREMELY high prices...I tried it once and wont ever go back....so bad I went against my rule of always trying a restaurant at least twice...just to make sure....
So, if you are comparing Al's to Luke...NO COMPARISON!!!
Al's WINS any day of the week....
It is my opinion...that if it a Beef sandwich you are looking for....no need to go any further than "Al's Italian Beef"!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/15/2012
My impression of the New Al's.....
I was thrilled to see Al's was open again and stopped for a hot… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer M.
Chandler, AZ
3/12/2012
My husband loves chicago beef sandwiches and has tried many around the valley. We found Al's and gave it a shot. The beef was delicious and so thinly sliced, their gravy has a strong spice that you'll either love or not (I love it). Their rolls are strong enough to withstand all the juices and their fries are real potatoes fried to crispy perfection. My husband loves the giardinera (it's HOT!) but I love the sweet peppers. The workers and owner are really nice. We stop in about once a week, it's so good!
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Review from Michael C.
Scottsdale, AZ
This is a solid economical choice for lunch and a great Italian Beef sandwich. Get yours "dipped" if you don't mind a little mess and want more flavor. The interior is also much nicer than you would ever expect from the facade. I will be back again soon...
UPDATE: I went back again this weekend - the Chicago Dog is wonderful. -
Review from Nader A.
Al's Beef in Chicago was never one of my regular places that I ventured to to grab an Italian beef. There are so many other small "ma & pa" places that I pretty much passed Al's up. That being said, I at least got to try it in Scottsdale!
I ordered a sausage and beef combo with hot giardiniera and some fries. The fries were decent - crispy and salty. The giardiniera was great, and definitely looked and tasted like it was taken out of a big pot in back rather than a big jar from a wholesale store. The beef was also tasty and definitely seemed like it had been marinating in its juices for a couple hours. Everything was pretty good until the sausage. The sausage was an alright link, but it wasn't hot; it was cooling off. From "order up" to table to mouth is all it took, seemingly. I really like my hot sandwiches piping hot, especially when that sandwich is an Italian beef (hybrid). Shite happens unfortunately though, and at least the flavors were pretty good.
I'd give Al's another go. It passes, but didn't win me over.Listed in: Places you'll find me during…, Hot Diggity Dogs
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Review from Kevin H.
12/20/2010
Admittedly it has been years since I have had an Al's beef in Chicago. I used to work very close to the original location and it was not a frequent stop for me, just not a fan.
For me Al's is an acquired taste, it is just spiced differently than the majority of beefs from the best spots in and around Chicago. Not to say it is bad necessarily, just different.
The bread. Ugh. I know they are baking it themselves, but I just don't think it fits the bill. Very small thing for most i suppose, but when you use the three foot french it is different. Many joints that I cut my teeth on will trim the ends off and use those for combos. Just as many will trim the ends as well. Why? Because it soaks up more juice that way. The crust on the bread I tasted today is more of a repellent. so while it was dipped the result was just wet crust.
Fries were the highlight. fresh cut, a bit soft, but they explode with potato flavor.
The giardiniera left much to be desired. It had a faint flavor of celery and although it was flecked with red peppers, very little heat, and more of a tepenade texture.
I did sample a combo at another visit, and while the sausage tasted first rate, the ratio of beef to sausage was not right, not enough beef.
A solid 2.5 for me, rounded up because it's better than nothing I suppose. -
Review from Teehee O.
Scottsdale, AZ
4/15/2011
Found this place on http://Groupon.com
The employees were all nice and friendly and chatted with me while they made our food. We got a 50's burger and a BBQ chicken sandwich with some blue cheese fries, DELISH! The fries especially were AWESOME with the nice hot sauce they put under the cheese. Would come back again :-) There will always be "Chicago style" snobs which is fine, they can go elsewhere and whine while I dine and enjoy myself. ;) -
Review from Amy B.
10/30/2010
I was up here today hanging out and was hungry for something different. I cruised past this place, slammed on my brakes, and whipped into the parking lot at a high rate of speed.
After throwing the car in park, I made a fast dash for the inside. Something you should know about me:I love a good hot dog, and this place has em!
They have a great menu selection of Hot Dogs (ALL beef too....tasty!) sandwiches and burgers...AND the prices are AWESOME! I got an all beef hot dog, with fries and a coke. Grand total? $5.34! Plus, you can get booze here if you like. They also have TV screens in here, and at the time, they had on some football games, which was nice.
It's a nice place because I feel like its relaxed enough to enjoy a nice meal with a friend here, yet not to barish or uptight that you can't relax and have a decent meal. Plus, the prices are great too! What a great way to spend a saturday afternon.
I would gladly return to this place...prices are awesome, food is great, and the place is not typical pretentious Scottsdale! wooohoooo! -
Review from Cedar C.
Phoenix, AZ
5/27/2011 16 Check-ins Here
I'm not a fan of roast beef or its many derivative dishes, but from what I see this is the place to get one. Personally I stick to the Chicago dogs and polish sausages and dang they are good and at a good price.
My only beef (har!) is that they aren't a TRUE chicago dog, as they are missing the cucumber and tomato, but regardless still a tasty dog at a great price! -
Review from Donald S.
7/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
Allrighty then...
It's time to poke the pig I like to call "Controversy"!
I know it's going to sound like heresy, but I'm just going to come out with it...I like Italian Beef Sandwiches better than Philly Cheesesteaks!
I'll give you a minute to clean up the spit on your screen...there you go...there's still a little to your right...no, right...good, all bright and shiny again!
It's true, I really do!
Not that I don't like cheesesteaks, I just like the full dip Italian Beef (made the right way...the Chicago, stand up at the counter and lean over to keep from getting the drippings on your shoes way), better!
And Al's delivers on the better Italian Beef!
Huge sandwiches, made in every conceivable manner (maybe too many options on the menu, but I suppose someone likes some the of the more esoteric choices), but really, there is only one way to make this sandwich for me...Full Dip, Provolone and hot Giardiniera...chock full of beefy, cheesy, spicy, peppery goodness!
The kind of goodness that mere napkins can't remove...oh sure, they can soak up some of the greasy drips...smear things around on your hands and face a little bit, that sort of thing...but you're going to need a shower after lunch at Al's Beef.
And that's how it should be!
My buddy and I met for lunch last week and we tried the new Al's franchise for the first time.
For first time franchisers (from Chicago, BTW, so they know how these things are supposed to look and taste), they do a nice job...And I should note how nice everyone is at Al's...so...noted!
The service was reasonably good, and while they did forget to put Giardiniera on my sandwich, they were quick to give me a couple of cups of their house blend to fork over onto my sandwich...you just aren't getting the entire experience without the pickled peppers!
My buddy and I sat and talked and the sandwiches quickly disappeared, along with a pretty decently made, tasty side of fries...I know, I know...I can't eat that way every day (or really, every week) if I want to live to a ripe old age of 149...but I'm not sure that I want to live that long if I can't get my Italian Beef sandwich from time to time!
So my new strategy is to extend my life by forgoing the cheesesteaks and replacing them with Italian Beef, now that we have a couple of decent places in town (sorry DeFalco's...you know I love you, but, for the love of Jebus, dip my sandwich...don't just give me a little plastic "sample cup" of au jus).
Of course, that life extension strategy will only work if the mob doesn't come after me with torches and pitchforks for writing that a good Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich is better than a Philly Cheesesteak! -
Review from Alexander C.
Scottsdale, AZ
There's just something in a restaurant's name that will lure me for a visit. Like Al's Beef. Those words together conjure up fantastical images of hunky blue collared workers. You know the ones; they work hard and play harder, each one starving, looking to get his fill of Al's thick juicy Italian Beef sandwiches.
In 1938, Al's Beef opened as a food stand in Chicago's Little Italy. The idea for the Italian Beef sandwich came during the Depression when meat was scarce. So, in order to help stretch the meat to feed more people, the roasted beef was shaved extremely thin, then made into sandwiches.
Over the years, Al's flourished, earning accolades such as Best Sandwich in America from Esquire, Playboy and others. They were even featured earlier this year on one of my favorite TV shows, Man vs. Food, in an episode titled "Da Italian Stance."
In Chicago, there's an art to eating an Al's Italian Beef sandwich. In the "Italian Stance," the diner's knees are slightly bent, posterior slightly up and out and elbows on the counter. This technique helps to avoid getting Al's gravy on your shoes. It's not the traditional gravy you might think of putting on mashed potatoes, but more like the pan drippings from the roasted beef they dunk the entire sandwich in, bread and all.
Unfortunately, all of this amazing history and media attention doesn't seem to matter to the new franchised location in North Scottsdale. The concept here is fast casual, order from the counter, then getting your number called a few minutes later to pick up your food.
The interior was spotlessly clean, the staff relatively friendly and the concept easy, what's not to like? Unfortunately, the food.
I started with the Big Al ($7.45), the 8-inch version of their Italian Beef sandwiches. I want to eat it like Chicagoans do, so I ordered the sandwich dipped, then covered with hot giardiniera, a relish of pickled peppers and vegetables. Taking my position, with my butt in the air and my elbows on the counter top, I took the first bite. First I was amazed just how juicy the sandwich was. Then another surprise hit me -- the meat was almost flavorless.
I was so disappointed that after a few bites I decided to try a Chicago Dog ($3.10). But the hot dog was so small and shriveled I wasn't sure you could call it a hot dog; more like a hot mess.
There were a few highlights, including the delicious Bleu Cheese Fries ($4.50), perfectly cooked French fries covered with bleu cheese crumbles and dressing. Another treat was the Tamale Boat ($5.80), two Chicago-style tamales covered with chili, cheddar cheese and onions.
When one of the employees decided that it was time for Headbangers Ball, playing thrash metal over the restaurant's loudspeakers, I took it as my cue to leave.
Maybe this place should be renamed Al's French Fried Tamale Mosh Pit? Rock on man, rock on. -
Review from Sonny M.
Scottsdale, AZ
2/5/2012
Wow! I'm so glad Al's Beef is back and it is waaaaaaay better! This time the beef portion is much better for the $$ and the service was truly a great experience coming from the fast food joints! I'm definatley coming back soon and I will bring my family and friends as well! Thanks for re-opening Al's Beef!
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Review from Tabitha T.
Cave Creek, AZ
11/28/2010
We visited Al's last summer, excited that they opened a place nearby. I have had Italian Beef in Chicago at several places and locally, too. I'm not a connoisseur, per se, but I am a foodie and I've tasted enough Italian Beef to know what's fresh and what isn't.
The beef sandwich at this location was just really not that tasty and the fries were very limp and greasy! I was so disappointed. Maybe I will try it again, but with Joey's of Chicago near my home, I'll likely just stick with their more reliably fresh food. -
Review from Nikki R.
Scottsdale, AZ
12/30/2011
New owners are awesome!!!!! Good people, earnest in providing a great product with great service. The restaurant is beautiful too. My mouth starts watering right when I walk in the door. Go check them out!!!!
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Review from Joe E.
Phoenix, AZ
6/10/2010
Italian beef is apparently pretty popular in north Scottsdale - there are three Chicago-style beef places within 2 miles of my work - this one, Luke's, and Taste of Chicago, all three with good Italian beef and other Chicago classics.
Al's just opened recently, and I think I'd have to call it my favorite of the three. The shaved beef is excellent, very flavorful and seasoned perfectly. I usually add provolone cheese and grilled onions, which go perfectly with the sandwich. I would definitely recommend getting your sandwich "dipped" (the entire sandwich, including bread, gets dipped in the meat juice), to infuse the bread with flavor, otherwise the bread does tend to be slightly dry and hard - not bad, but just not as good as when it's dipped.
The fries are very good - freshly cooked and well seasoned, with a home-cooked flavor that beats out the fries at most places.
I'm interested in trying some of the other menu items, like the hot dogs, chicken, and burgers, but with Italian beef this good, it's hard to pick something different. -
Review from Scott D.
3/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
I had a late lunch at Al's today. Ordered the italian sausage with red sauce and a large drink. I got a funny look because they didn't know what red sauce was. For the uninitiated, red sauce is mariana sauce in Chicago; I improvised and had them put mustard and grilled onions on my sausage samich (sandwich is pronounced samich in some parts of Chicago.
The food was outstanding and the bun was fresh. And I have to agree with Yelper Dave O. that this place was better than the Al's that I used to go to in Chicago (Addison, IL). Another big plus is that this place has free refills on soda, unlike the Al's in Chicago (probably why they went out of business). I do not like going to any place that doesn't have refills.
Al's has a fairly large outdoor patio on the side of the restaurant and plenty of parking. Note to Restaurant owner, please turn down the outdoor music a few notches, it's way too loud.
I will be a regular customer and up my rating once that outdoor music situation is fixed. -
Review from Dave M.
Phoenix, AZ
5/26/2010
Al's Beef lived up to its billing.
I've been a Luke's fan while living here - it's the closest beef sandwich experience I've had to get close to my Chicago growin' up days. But Al's was super perfect today - my first visit and everything was right.
I only had a regular beef and small fries, but the beef was tasty and juicy. It also had a bit of a spice thing happening that I don;t remember tasting in beef sandwiches before.
The fries were awesome. Literally awesome. Next time a medium Fries.
Hungry? Hit Al's next time up near 101 and Raintree. -
Review from Joseph P.
Phoenix, AZ
4/24/2011 1 photo
I kept hearing about how great Al's beef was so I knew I had to try it for myself. I looked over the menu and ordered the regular Al (6") and an order of the buffalo blue fries (Real potatoes drizzled with chunky blue cheese and tangy hot sauce. I would say the Italian beef had a unique taste not sure if that was a good thing. The fries on the other hand kicked ass I would order them again for sure.
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Review from carla c.
Scottsdale, AZ
4/7/2010 1 photo
Chicago's #1 Italian Beef since 1938 (in the old Prickly Pear).
It was actually quite yummy! Just make sure you order your sandwich wet or dipped, do NOT go plain! And, don't forget the sweet peppers (loved 'em) or the hot giardiniera. Also, don't waste your time on Little Al! The sandwich was really good, it wasn't too heavy or greasy. Though, the fries were soggy, not a fan, maybe better next time?
Looking forward to going back and trying everything else! -
Review from Jazmine S.
Berkeley, CA
7/11/2010
Love it! Love it! Love it!
It reminds me of home (Chicago) and I am soooooo happy to have one here in Phoenix.
I recommend getting an Italian beef dipped with hot and sweet peppers. And, NO, the hot peppers really aren't all that hot. The peppers, both hot and sweet, are an essential part of the sandwich. They add so much delectable flavor to an already delicious sandwich.
Don't forget the dip. Yes, it's messy. But when it tastes this good...who really cares? -
Review from Marsha L.
Scottsdale, AZ
3/16/2010
Thank You Al !!! We finally have REAL Chicago Food---Awesome Italian Beef and Hot Peppers!
For us transplanted Chicagoans... this is fast food nirvana!
After watching Food Wars on Travel Channel, I regretted the fact that I lived in an area with NO Portillos, Buona Beef, Al's Beef or Mr. Beef around. I don't care that Al's came in 2nd to Mr Beef on Food Wars-- I prefer Al's flavor.
We have a real contender in Al's...The place is brand spanking new, cool graphics on the walls (for us native Chicaaaahhhgoans), and the menu goes far beyond standard Italian beef. It's tough to make choices when the REAL Vienna hot dog bun packages are staring me in the face.
We will go back...and often... to check out the burgers, dogs and chicken too. And oh yeah... the BEST fries anywhere! -
Review from Chris R.
Phoenix, AZ
3/17/2010
Loved the fries! The Al's Beef sandwich was also good. The atmosphere was cool and from what I hear they will soon be selling beer so that's a good thing. They were a little slow but it was the second day open so I can understand it being a little hectic.
All in all the food was good and I'm looking forward to going back and trying more stuff on the menu. -
Review from Jamie F.
Plano, TX
10/27/2010
This place rocks. I have been a handfiul of times now since living here.
I was born in Chicago and truly love a great Italian beef sandwich.
Great authentic sandwich. To back up the sandwich they have incredible french fries too.
Friendly staff and comfy setting.
The only gripe would be that it lacks the rough and grungy feel of a true Chicago joint on the street corner.
After all it is Scottsdale and appearances need to be regulated to be popular with the folks spending dough in the town.
I accept the Scottsdale appearance and plan to visit again and again -
Review from Mike S.
Scottsdale, AZ
12/5/2011
Just Spoke with the New Owner's who by the way are extremely nice and was told that they will reopen December 19th 2011. As far as I'm concerned the best Beef in the Valley. There will be new menu items such as Gourmet Salads & Wraps. Be sure to stop in once they reopen.
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Review from Michael J.
Scottsdale, AZ
1/22/2011
Tried this place on opening day because of the freebies on behalf of my father. We have always gone to Luke's (yes, the 16th Street location too) and needless to say, I was disappointed. Had I not been to Luke's before, I'm sure my experience would have been better. Too commercialized, mid range tasting food. I won't be back on my own that's for sure.
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Review from Samantha C.
Cave Creek, AZ
4/19/2010 2 photos
My boyfriend's family is from Chicago and coincidentally his name is also Al, short for Alex. We spotted this place yesterday coming back from shopping and put it on our to do list. It just so happened we had to drive near the area again earlier today and he wanted to stop in for a sandwich. We ordered the Big Al dipped, with both types of peppers. I took one bite and almost had to go order a drink! I can handle spicy but this jolted my taste buds into a frenzy. I enjoyed the decor inside and they have plenty of places to sit.
Major points for having Orange Crush in the soda fountain! The prices were also very customer friendly. We will be back again soon to try the rest of the menu. -
Review from Sharon H.
Mesa, AZ
4/11/2010
I am a huge fan of the Italian beef and of course everyone is going to have their favorite places and tastes. But this seemed like a place to satisfy a lot of different tastes. There are several sizes, extra meat is available and if you are getting it to go, I'd say go for it! Only order it regular if you are a fan of super dry sandwiches. I'd say go for wet if you are like lightly moist but if you are a big au ju fan like I am, definitely hook it up with the dipped!! They have american, cheddar and provolone cheese (pretty sad they didn't have the mozzarella). They giardiniera was pretty good as were the sweet peppers. It wasn't too greasy or hard to eat while driving.
They did have a variety of other things to eat so definitely check those out if you aren't up for a beef...but thats what they are known for!! -
Review from Patrick H.
Scottsdale, AZ
4/11/2010
This is the place to go in Scottsdale for an Italian beef. When I visit Chicago I usually go to Al's or Portillo's for Italian beef and having Al's here saves me the trip to the Windy City.
The decor here is nice with several motorcycles displayed throughout the restaurant for some reason. It's neat and clean and plenty of helpful employees provide relatively quick service.
I ordered the regular Al's beef with sweet peppers. I usually don't order my sandwiches "wet" because they come with plenty of juice already. Good flavor and just the right size. The fries were thick but a little greasy for my taste.
All in all, a good lunch and a place to keep in mind when I'm feeling like a taste of Chicago. -
Review from Brian S.
Mesa, AZ
2/18/2011
I had the italian beef from Al's and am not impressed at all. It seemed bland, even with the hot peppers and cheese added.
Top the medoicre food off with the fact that my credit card started having charges pop up on it from gas stations in Chicago days after I ate here (I don't travel there and don't even know anyone who lives there).
Contacted the credit card company, contacted the police, and will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER eat here again. I would prefer starvation. I won't mention the name of the other location, but there is another restaurant in the immediate area that serves italian beef that is infinitely better and won't steal your credit card number, go there instead. -
Review from Adam S.
Tempe, AZ
3/16/2010
I went to Al's today. The place is clean and the seating is good. The soda fountain is in a weird spot though. I ordered the Nacho fries and a Chicago dog with fries.
Chicago dog. I liked how it was made. There wasn't so much stuff in it that it all fell out every time you take a bite. I hate that when dogs are served that way. Also, I liked that the fries were stuffed in the dog bun along with some onions sport peppers and mustard. I didn't like they dog itself so much, It tasted alright but had a chewiness to it. I might have to try a couple more just to make sure. I give it a 4.
The Nacho fries. A lot of places make custom fries like this but I never had fries that had such a good taste to them. I don't know if my taste buds were playing tricks on me, but I could of sworn near the end of my nacho fries I tasted a sweet Bavarian cream donut taste. Kinda weird huh. I don't know how it got there but I want it again and again.
I give it a 5.
Tomorrow I'm going back to try the beef and maybe the Buffalo bleu fries. If the Beef turns out right I'll have to up the stars.
Ok I've been back like 30 times and have had 30 beefs. I thinks that about sums it up. I even like the smell it puts in my mustache. Sometimes I'll leave it in so a few hours later I can remember just how good lunch was today. -
Review from Anthony D.
Paradise Valley, AZ
4/10/2011
True Chicago beef sandwichs and hot dogs that taste sooo good that you won't care about failing your cholesterol test. Some of the best french fries in the valley, a friendly staff, and good beer selection.
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Review from Jami H.
Chicago, IL
4/6/2011
What a fabulous place! If only I lived closer!!!! Laura runs an excellent business!
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Review from Yvettee E.
Flower Mound, TX
3/3/2011
We first heard of Al's Beef on the Man vs Food and I was immediately interested. We first visited Al's in Chicago, at the original resturant. I was a mess...you could tell I was a rookie! I had the spicy beef sandwich and it was amazing!! I loved it!! I am going to try and recreate at home...
