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Al's Deli
Categories: Restaurants Delis Restaurants American (Traditional) Restaurants Sandwiches Delis, American (Traditional), Sandwiches [Edit]
914 Noyes St(at Maple Ave)
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 475-9400
- Nearest Transit:
-
Noyes (Purple Line)
Foster (Purple Line)
Central-purple (Purple Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun 11 am - 4 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Come on in and try the best Deli in Chicago! We offer a wide selection of signature sandwiches including our Philly cheese steak, Italian hoagie and… read more »
101 reviews for Al's Deli
Review Highlights
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"The butter cookies are mouth watering." In 11 reviews -
"Going to try a soup with my roast beef next time." In 18 reviews -
"Soup - Cream of tomato, Potato and Leek, Lentil." In 5 reviews
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101 reviews in English
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Review from Anthony N.
Washington, DC
2/28/2012
Transcendently delicious neighborhood joint. The roast beef on baguette with blue cheese is a decadent monstrosity, which you will struggle to finish. Once, I ate half a Blue Cheese and Roast Beef Baguette, wrapped the other half up, put it in my bag, got on a plane, and ate the other half in Korea. It was so delicious I couldn't bear to not finish it. Last time I visited they had a pate sandwich which probably should be illegal. The butter cookies are incredible also.
The staff is also wonderful, and doing a great thing keeping their family business going. -
Review from Helen S.
Came back and tried the duck liver pate :( I'm not a fan, and I don't think I will ever eat pate again.
Also, gave their macarons another shot. This time, I got the butter cookie macaron. Still bleh. I don't know what Serious Eats was talking about, because these were definitely not there in terms of taste nor texture: http://chicago.serious...Listed in: Macarons are the new cupcake
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/30/2012
Al's deli is literally a 2 minute walk away from my apartment. And yet, even though I've lived there… Read more »
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Review from David L.
Food: 3
Decor: 2
Service: 3
My gf and I came here for lunch Saturday around noon. Wait was about 10 min, with about another 10 min for the food.
1. Duck live pate with brie, 11
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
So-so. Huge chunk of duck liver pate, which I didn't like.
2. Turkey club with brie on 7 grain, 8 http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Okay. Simple, although the rind on the brie was quite bitter.
3. Cream of tomato soup http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Pretty good, very rich.
Limited seating for about 8-10 people inside. -
Review from A.J. M.
Chicago, IL
4/24/2012
I hate admitting this, but I grew up in Evanston, lived there 18 damn years, and I never went to Al's. I'm a terrible person, but I have been making it up to myself. Al's is a five minute drive from work, and I'm there two-three times a week for lunch. The half-sandwich, half-soup special? Yes, sir! The smoked turkey with aioli is my personal favorite, but the ham on rye, and the croissant sandwiches ain't too shabby themselves. To top it all off, the place is charming as hell. I'll probably stop in for lunch today, because writing this makes me think of how awesome a sandwich from Al's sounds right about now.
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Review from Jessica V.
Des Plaines, IL
Hmm... should I wait for a super duper good sammie?
Idk... (R. Kelly voice in my head) .....
my mind is telling me NOOOOOO but my body...
my body... is telling me yessss!
( I dont see nothing wrong with turkey suuuub)
So, I wait. There are about 4 people ahead of me. No biggie. There are two people behind the counter taking their delicate time and my precious time to make some precious little babies behind that counter. Now, I am not complaining. I would rather have them do me right the first time... ***it** Do IT**. So I wait about 15 minutes. Like I said NO BIGGIE. I have my high hopes. I ordered one smoked turkey on french, one smoked turkey with some special garlic mayo idk it sounded like heaven... and it totally was. I also got a cup of tomato soup which was creamy & good. After that sandwhich and soup I had a food-gasm. Yes, a food-gasm.
Food-gasm= Orgasm over food.
:: It is rare for me to have a food-gasm, but I am sure glad it was with Al. I have Al's number and he can surely have mine anytime. This thing is totally mutual, but definately not a one-night stand for me. I will be back for my gasms in my near future.
hmmmmmm yeaaaaah ;) -
Review from Jenny F.
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is one of those places that you'd love to keep a secret from yelp so that it'll stay a local treasure! Expect long lines and a reasonable wait to put your order in.
Al's is tiny. Literally 5 small tables--you'll most likely be elbow to elbow with the people next to you and behind you, but they're probably your neighbors. The people in line will also be all up in your personal space, and the line runs the length of the old world-european style-small family run-can't find these kind of places anymore-deli. This place has character, charm, and a dash of quirk. Where else can you find old Chicago Symphony orchestra posters sharing the same space as european chocolate and cans of vegetarian haggis (not to mention haggis flavored chips)?
They have about a dozen different sandwiches and a soup of the day, all made fresh just for you. Their sandwiches are overflowing with fresh ingredients, and their soup and sandwich deal is great--plenty of food for under $8. I had half a brie and smoked salmon sandwich with generous cuts of brie and salmon hanging out the sides. It came out on toasted bread with a cup (literally styrofoam cup) of homemade vegetable soup with garlic. Perfect for a cold Chicago day, and so delicious!
If only they used paper cups instead of styrofoam, it'd be perfect. And more tables so you could spend the day there.
I absolutely love this place. Neighborhood good old days atmosphere with personal service and homemade cookies to boot. I'd say you need to go here, but that means one less seat for me! So uh...don't go eat their delicious sandwiches or drink their soups that warm your soul! Or at least, if you do, save me a seat. :) -
Review from Matt T.
10/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Al's Deli is one of the best hidden treasures in the Chicago area. A small little sandwich shop just beyond the Noyes St. El stop in Evanston, two francophone brothers run this gem six days a week for lovers of delicious soups, sandwiches and cookies. Locals and Northwestern students flock here on the daily for such delights as roast beef with homemade blue cheese dressing on seven grain (or baguette) to smoked turkey with homemade Bearnaise on croissant. I just came back to Al's after a couple years (I used to walk over for lunch once a week, but changed jobs to downtown Chicago) and noticed some new sandwich varieties including duck liver pate!
The deli is fresh and of the highest quality and so are the fixings. Roast beef is rare and delicious and the homemade blue cheese is out of this world. Be prepared for the rareness of the roast beef to drip off and have blue cheese exuding from all sides. You may want to ask for easy dressing. The turkey is cut thick but it's not lick that butterball crap. This is real turkey y'all. No preservatives here.
If the 10 or so suggested sandwiches on the chalkboards or on the menu (paper usually by the register) are not to your liking, make up your own from the great selection of deli meats, veggies and cheeses from around the world. You can choose from a variety of breads, condiments and sauces as well.
Each day Al's is open (closed on Wednesdays) a new soup of the day is featured, which you should always partake. Last week was a vegetable soup cooked with garlic and tomato. It was fantastic and with the half sandwich deal I couldn't resist.
Al's has plenty of other goodies to have with your sandwich including a variety of chips, drinks (from pop to juice), deli sides (coleslaw, macaroni salad, etc), candy and snacks from France and Scotland, and the best of all, freshly baked cookies. Please save room for the ridiculous butter cream or chocolate chip cookies. The butter cream cookies are so good, so rich and so huge you will not finish an entire one.
Now, some people complain about the prices of the sandwiches, but you must know that you are paying for top quality ingredients that are fresh and prepared daily. Yes, you can get cheaper sammies at Cosi or Subway but you just can't compare the two. Treat yourself once in a while and appreciate the delicacies of Al's. This is a long-time small business that these brothers own and they put their heart and soul into it.
Also remember, Al's is a tiny place with about five tables. There will be long lines during weekday lunch but the line goes quickly. Usually, there is a student who is wrapping sandwiches and bagging them and walking them over to waiting customers. Al's is pretty efficient so be patient.
Al's is a institution in Evanston and stands out amongst the pretenders. -
Review from Randall B.
Chicago, IL
3/21/2012
After a hiatus of about three years, I stopped in recently for a sandwich and soup. Bob and John remembered me--as I suspect they do for the hundreds (thousands?) of loyal customers they've had over the years.
Those loyal customers are well-deserved. Al's serves the best Franco-inspired deli sandwiches, soups, and cookies I've ever had. I and everyone I know have had lots of great memories at Al's; here's to Bob and John for all of them. -
Review from David Z.
10/18/2011
I went into Al's for the first time today around 1:30pm. I ordered a smoked turkey sandwich on French bread, to go. I was a little annoyed with the cramped space in line (the location is pretty small and you are standing practically on top of the people that are dining in). Then, I was even more annoyed that I paid $9.75 for a sandwich. I commented to my co-workers that you can get a 12-inch sub WITH chips and a drink from Subway or Jimmy John's for much less.
Then, I got back to work and ate the sandwich. It was totally worth the $9.75! The ingredients and bread are vastly superior to the chain locations. Plus, I feel much better about supporting a small local place, as opposed to the chains.
I couldn't go with 5 stars simply because the place is too small to dine in at lunch (all the six or seven tables were completely full when I was in there), along with the relatively high price. BUT, if you are looking for a high quality sandwich that is also high-priced (but still worth it), I would HIGHLY recommend doing the takeout from Al's. Definitely my favorite sandwich in the Evanston area. -
Review from Caity G.
10/5/2011
Love it! I have been 20-30 times in the past 2 years, and it is always right on point. I always get the same thing - the smoked turkey sandwich with garlic aioli on a baguette - and it is heaven. On weekends (Saturdays I think?) they have tomato soup which is always amazing. Super consistent, and I love the guys that work there. No matter how long the line is behind you, they will stop and chat if the opportunity presents itself.
Which brings me to the only two downsides of this place...
1. If there is any type of line, you will be waiting a while for your sandwich. As long as you walk in expecting a wait, you won't be disappointed. Stop in at off-peak hours if you want to run in and out. The service is attentive, but far from speedy.
2. Be prepared to get messy. I always like to take apart then reconstruct my sandwich to spread out all the ingredients and remove some of the excess, runny (but incredibly tasty) aioli. May just be me, but I make a mess whenever I eat here.
Personally, I'd be willing to wait a LONG time for a sandwich as good as Al's serves - LOVE. -
Review from Chad E.
Evanston, IL
11/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Every ingredient on these sandwiches is about as fresh as you can get. The homemade soups are also wonderful.
This place definitely has charm and character. Staff is warm and friendly, lots of UK/European imported products. Total neighborhood-casual-cozy mainstay.
It's tiny - you will feel crammed, everything comes in paper and styrofoam, and cash only. But you will not care. You'll be too busy nomming the fresh bread and licking the grainy french mustard off of your shameless knuckles. -
Review from Tom H.
Evanston, IL
8/7/2011
Al's Deli is a wonderful place.
My two favorite places in Europe are probably Scotland and France. And Al's is all about Scotland and France. Now this isn't as odd a pairing as you may think. There was a French-Scottish "Auld Alliance" from the 13th to the 16th Centuries against England ("the enemy of my enemy is my friend," as both the Arabs and Chinese say).
Anyway, Al's has Irn Bru, the national soda pop of Scotland. Few things signify "Scotland" as Irn Bru. Once you cross the border from England to Scotland, Irn Bru is everywhere, even the spigots at McDonald's. But you can't even buy Irn Bru in London, for crying out loud. And it's at Al's in Evanston! This is great!!
The place has an old fashioned general store feeling: it's a small storefront with a long L-shaped counter and a few small tables and chairs along the edge. It's cramped. It's slow getting your order. It could be cheaper. But the service is always friendly, and the food--the food!--is a terrific mix of fresh sandwiches with imaginative ingredients, good soups and wonderful home style cookies.
There are all manner of interesting European photos on the wall and an intriguing selection of food items to take home--this is a deli as well as sandwich shop. What more could one ask for? -
Review from Lee R.
Evanston, IL
11/1/2011
Absolutely wonderful. I've never had a miss at this place, which means five stars baby! If you like stinky cheese you will love this place. If you don't, well, I dunno because I've never ordered any of their other sandwiches! I really love the roast beef and homemade bleu cheese sauce with tomato, lettuce, and red onion.
Bring cash. They have always been kind enough to bail people out with a debit card reader but when I went today there was a sticker on the reader that said it'd be a 99c charge. Yikes! It's still better than the ATM at D&D I guess. -
Review from Edzellou A.
Chicago, IL
11/20/2011
Must be the best sandwich place I've been to so far. They make not only fresh gourmet sandwiches but also delicious soup and cookies! The baguette sandwiches we ordered were much larger than expected, they would great to share or if you want to take half away for later. If you have room after the sandwich, especially recommend the chocolate chip cookies, these are big, chewy and irresistible :)
Would have given it a 5 star rating; however the service couldn't keep up with the line of hungry customers, so it was a bit of a wait to get our lunch. Also, sitting by the door was quite cold and drafty. Despite being flat out busy their service was still really good though.
We visited Al's on a Saturday lunchtime, other times of the week might be less busy, but doubt it given how popular they appear to be! -
Review from Allison M.
Palo Alto, CA
6/27/2011
This place seems completely overrated, reading the reviews below.
The sandwiches are good, no doubt. And they offer several vegetarian options (albeit, almost all but one with mustard-- which I personally don't like).
But it's very confusing when you enter. They seem to have a full menu of suggested sandwiches, combinations of bread, sauces, meats, veggies, and cheeses with flavor profiles they recommend. But it seems much more standard to put together your own sandwich. Too bad the breads, sauces, meats, and other toppings aren't listed anywhere. Plus, there are arbitrary signs saying that "brie is 50 cents more," and that "red onion is also available." 50 cents more than what? Available in addition to what? It remains unclear.
Then you order your incredibly overpriced sandwich (averaging about 9 dollars for a sandwich), and you can either pay in cash or with a debit card. Without being told, you are charged an additional dollar to use your debit card; it's your responsibility to see the miniscule sign next to the card-swiper. For me it was too late, I was already being charged the extra buck.
The sandwiches are certainly tasty (although the aioli on mine made it quite drippy), and the soups incredible (I highly recommend the lentil soup, and my boyfriend very much enjoyed his cream of tomato). As you enjoy your food, you are free to gaze in consternation at the half-French, half-Scottish decor surrounding you, at one of the four tables available for seating.
Long story short: confusing and preposterously overpriced little soup-and-sandwich nook. -
Review from Eliza Z.
5/11/2011
I discovered this place after having gone to France. I like the food here better.
It might be that the owners speak English and are extremely friendly and engaging. A conversation about a new sandwich on offer led to one of the brothers who runs the shop pulling out a cookbook to show me pictures and recipes from the bakery where he tried the bread that inspired the sandwich. They consult with a local bakery and actually have input in how all the bread they use is made, so it's special and you can only get it at Al's Deli.
And soup? Awesome. I've had soup here that I would never consider eating anywhere else, just because I've never had a bad soup here. I had a cream of cauliflower with saffron once (I detest cauliflower) that blew my mind. My favorite soups - potato and leek (Fridays!) and cream of tomato (Saturdays!). Don't even bother asking how much cream is in the soup, just enjoy it. It's also nice having a little neighborhood place where you know you can get your favorite soup on a certain day of the week.
Their sandwiches are all very good too. My personal favorites are the meatloaf with garlic aoli (meatloaf is made in-house), turkey with garlic aoli, and the roast beef with bleu cheese (they mean it with that bleu cheese dressing!).
And you should not ever go to Al's Deli without purchasing a macaron. They always have the chocolate ones, and other varieties pop up occasionally. They are so amazingly delicious. There is a limit per customer - that should indicate just how good they are.
It is a small shop, so it tends to get crowded during "normal" lunch hours (12-1:30pm). I try to either come before or after the rush in order to get a table, but with the nice weather, come anyway and eat in the park across the street :) -
Review from David R.
Updated - 2/11/2011
Rice pudding!--another feather in the cap of Al's Deli.
So not only is their turkey sandwich the best in the world, and not only is their Belgian chocolate cookie the most decadent sugary treat on the North Shore, but they also sell the staple dessert of my youth? Is it possible to re-re-fall in love?
They set a very high bar for themselves between the sandwiches and the cookies, and if the rice pudding doesn't quite measure up to that standard, it's still very good. It is less sweet than typical and has a slight butterscotchy taste to it. The pudding component is very creamy and a little heavier than most rice puddings. The rice is cooked perfectly, which is rare, and the stuff eats well whether warm, cold, or room temperature, which is VERY rare. So I will give this a strong A-.
I'll get the rice pudding again, but it's the sandwiches which bring me back. Simply and sublimely, the best anywhere. Repeat after me:
Roasted turkey on baguette, hold the mayo and tomato, add red onion, and swap out the swiss for gruyere.
Roasted turkey on baguette, hold the mayo and tomato, add red onion, and swap out the swiss for gruyere.
Roasted turkey on baguette, hold the mayo and tomato, add red onion, and swap out the swiss for gruyere.
Roasted turkey on baguette, hold the mayo and tomato, add red onion, and swap out the swiss for gruyere.
And a Belgian chocolate cookie...or two.Listed in: Dessert!, Lunch in Evanston, Yes! I will pay more than $6…, My Very Favorite Things in the…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/18/2009
Al's cookies have always been famous, but they have a new one--Belgian chocolate. Chocolate cookie… Read more »
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Review from M R.
Chicago, IL
1/20/2012
Great food, amazing really. Just wish prices were cheaper.
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Review from Jamie B.
7/19/2011
I give 5+ stars for the food here, but I've got to knock off a star for how slow this place is. If you go between 12 and 1:30 you could wait in line between 15-30 minutes (and it's not because the line is ridiculously long, they are just that slow). But the wait is really worth it.
The baguettes they use are probably the best quality I've seen in the Chicago area, and their soups are amazing. The soup is always home made and I particularly like the varieties that include beans or lentils. My favorite thing at Al's though is their iced spice cookies. Oh dear lord. Every time I bite into these I forget just how good they are. They don't make these all days though, so the iced butter cookies are a very close 2nd in my opinion.
Their sandwiches are very good but definitely pricey. My perfect meal there is a demi baguette, bowl of soup and an iced spice cookie, which comes out to just under $7 (and all this will leave you quite full and extremely satisfied). I would take it to go because there only 3 tables, and it can get pretty cramped with all the people waiting in line and for their food. -
Review from Emil T.
Evanston, IL
1/15/2012 13 Check-ins Here
Al's deli is one of Chicago's best sandwich places. Their menu is fairly simple: homestyle sandwiches with fresh, tasty ingredients and breads, plus a few different soups, salads and awesome cookies and macarons.
My favorite lunch here is a cup of soup (the cream of tomato and the au pistou are both very good), a half sandwich (which is actually quite large and filling), and a Valrhona macaron or a Belgian chocolate cookie for dessert. You can also get a half pint of salad instead of the soup. The whole meal will cost you just $9. If you're in a decadent mood you really cannot skip the rich Belgian chocolate cookie...
As for the sandwiches, my favorites are, in order:
- the smoked turkey & aioli on a rosemary olive bread
- the duck liver pate & brie (the massive slab of pate has a good slightly bitter taste which pairs well with the brie)
- the classic smoked salmon & brie combo
The only downside to Al's is that there can be quite a wait at peak lunch times on weekdays. The sandwiches and sweets are definitely worth it though. Also, bring cash or be willing to pay a surcharge to use a debit card (no credit cards). -
Review from Alejandra Ines R.
Chicago, IL
12/20/2011
I just called to place a catering order for my job. In introduced myself and my company and the manager said that he was busy and told me I would have to call back some other time. I will never give my money to these people and I suggest going to Rolling To Go where they have manners aside from yummy sandwiches.
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Review from Mike K.
Chicago, IL
1/10/2011
Gave this place 2 tries; average at best. First trip I got the roast beef with blue cheese; it was put together with so much blue cheese that it overwhelemed the sandwich. Yesterday I tried the turkey with mayo on baguette and the meat loaf. Turkey with mayo was a disaster; I had to deconstruct and make it in to something eatable. Stay far away from the meatloaf, tasted like two shoe insoles between tomatos and bread. Soup and cookies are the highlights!!
I think they are lazy and don't care about what they give to their customers. -
Review from Mac F.
Evanston, IL
12/27/2010
Never been to Al's Deli before and I will never go back.
I was on my way to check out "Rollin' to Go" because I have heard great things about the sandwiches. Unfortunately it was closed for the holidays. Seeing that Al's Deli was right next door I decided to give it a shot.
I walked in and there was two people sitting while a young lady ignored me and a mans voice told me someone would be with me in a few minutes. I sat down for five minutes, patiently waiting to be helped. Two people walked in and another gentleman walked out from the back and immediately took their order without bothering to ask if I had been helped.
I made eye contact with the young lady and she looked as if she wasn't allowed to speak. Odd. This place is grim and dim.
Fail.... I walked out.
Poor service, dirty environment and rude staff. -
Review from Caroline H.
East Dundee, IL
12/30/2011
fascinating little "local gem", with great sandwiches.
PRO:
-*super* fresh ingredients.
-it seemed like every customer knew the staff personally... great local atmosphere.
-parking lot right across the street.
-the cookies!
-delicious sandwiches and soups.
CON:
-*extremely* limited seating. take it to go, if you possibly can! only 4 or 5 small tables available inside.
-the prices can be a little steep; 8 or 9 dollars for a sandwich.
-tiny storefront, so it can be hard to spot from the street.
-lines can build up quick, and the staff doesn't always keep up. don't bother going on a weekend, and try to avoid the lunch rush.
WHAT I ATE:
-Smoked Turkey Sandwich: delicious! a little cumbersome to eat, but altogether a great gourmet sandwich. (the sandwiches can be a little big, so get the half-sandwich and soup deal!)
-American Potato Salad: i'm not a huge potato salad fan, but my Aunt absolutely loved it! much, much better than their German Potato Salad.
-Butter Cookie: DELICIOUS. get one, you will not regret it! the Belgian Chocolate Cookie was great too!
-Onion Soup: interesting. different, but give it a try! the broth was really sweet (compared to the more common french onion soup), but tasted good! the Cup of Soup was the perfect size. -
Review from Olivia L.
Chicago, IL
5/27/2011
Now that I am moving away from Evanston, IL-- I realize how much I'm really going to miss having Al's right down the street!
They absolutely make the perfect sandwiches-- with fresh ingredients, especially the cheese, assortment of meat and bread! Their best all-time favorite is, of course, the turkey with aioli on rosemary olive with brie (instead of swiss)! It is such a wonderfully refreshing sandwich. Their newest choices on the menu-- duck-liver pate with brie on toasted Parisian boule AND the smoked salmon with brie on toasted Parisian boule-- are absolutely my favorites after the turkey sandwich.
And, you simply can't get a sandwich without a cookie (butter or Belgian chocolate!!) or a cup of soup. Their sandwiches are humongous-- so I usually get half-a-sandwich, and I usually can't even finish that.
Of course, due to it's hours (11 AM- 4 PM)-- there's almost always a line! But it's such a quaint little place with great service and food-- even if the wait is long-- it is sooo worth it!
I'm really going to miss being so close to Al's. Whenever I make a stop at Evanston, I will make sure to make a stop at Al's! :) -
Review from Richard H.
Chicago, IL
4/20/2011
Food is A+. Not that I'm a deli connoisseur, but the ingredients seem to be of particularly high quality.
There is very limited seating in the somewhat cramped space. You may experience a little wait, but they payoff is worth it.
This place also features a minuscule grocery selection of specialty items from Europe. -
Review from Samuel L.
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY
9/4/2010
I was recommending Al's to a friend visiting Chicago when it occurred to me to write a review for them.
I went to Northwestern from 97-01, so apart from a stop by on 04 I haven't really been there in almost a decade, but I still try to get everybody who visits Chicago to take a trip. It is a small unassuming deli near the Noyes Street El train (purple line). They have a lot of classic candy, some old baseball stuff, posters from productions of Byrne Piven's (RIP) theater company across the street, and the greatest butter cookies in existence.
First the food: extremely fatty, in the best way possible. I can't swear that they are still doing things the same way...but I would bet money on it. They make the Russian Dressing fresh when you ask for it; I would suggest getting your sandwich on a croissant; I was introduced to both Gruyere (have some in the fridge) and Havarti cheese here; they make each sandwich to order and they take their time so if there's a line and you're in the back of it just wait your turn.
the butter cookies I dream about: they have to be kept in the fridge or the rumor is they will melt. They have a light lemon frosting and the other rumor is that they have a stick of butter in each cookie. I would suggest you face the wall while you consume them, so that others don't see your eyes roll back in your head.
I can see the place as clearly in my head as if I'm there right right now, ten years ago and halfway across the country...there are not many delis you can say that about. As an NYC Jew I have some authority on that subject. -
Review from Danielle V.
Evanston, IL
1/10/2009
Love, love the olive bread. And the butter cookies. Make sure you wait until after eating your sandwich to eat the butter cookie. The frosting will have melted just enough to be creamy and delicious. I don't know how it works out that way, but it is divine.
One warning. The cheese portions on the sandwiches are very, very generous. If you are not a huge fan of blue cheese, you may want to get them to put a bit less than the standard portion on the roast beef. -
Review from Ehow C.
Maybe my review will push Al's to the top? Let's try.
If you love sandwiches, then you owe it to yourself to come here. Their baguettes are baked especially for their business (a French recipe, if I recall) and their vegetables are especially fresh. Each sandwich is carefully crafted by one of the two brothers, who are owners of this fine establishment.
Their soups are also fabulous, vegetarian, and have made magazines and newspapers for years.
In addition to their excellent homemade cookie selection, they offer fresh macaroons, made with the best chocolate from France (or so I'm told). How good are the macaroons? People complain that they can't buy the whole rack. That's how good.
Recommendations:
Sandwich - Smoked turkey with aioli on a baguette, Smoked turkey with bernaisse on a croissant, meatloaf with aioli on 7-grain bread
Soup - Cream of tomato, Potato and Leek, Lentil
Sweets - Pumpkin spice, Belgium chocolate, any macaroon -
Review from Jason P.
3/1/2010
I found out a while ago that there is a difference between Al's Deli and the Italian beef place that shares the Al's moniker. Since learning this, I had been meaning to give this place a shot as I love sandwiches.
As I walked it, I couldn't help but overhear the girl behind the counter telling the man that was making the sandwiches about this website that allows you to rate businesses. Being the Yelp addict that I am, I almost got worried that someone was trying to punk me on some hidden camera show. Random coincidence, though the girl did mention that she wasn't sure if this Yelp thing was for her.
I ordered a sandwich on a wheat baguette with some cheddar cheese and mayo and vegetables that was really good. The ingredients were fresh and the bread was great. The soup lacked a little salt, but I would for sure try their soups again, since they are all vegetarian, which the guy pointed out to me. That day's soup was a French green lentil.
I will go back here for sure, but the hours aren't exactly ideal. I think I still prefer Bat 17's sandwiches, but they are trying to go for a different kind of feel at Al's which is still very good. -
Review from Sveta W.
Washington, DC
10/16/2008
Love, love this place! The sandwiches are amazing, and I just love sitting by myself at a table and digging in. I've been here quite a few times, and it can get a little crowded during lunch time because the store is small.
A couple of things to keep in mind:
1.They do take debit cards, but they can charge in multiples of $10 only. So, if your meal is $11, they will charge your card $20 and give you the difference in cash. They do take euros as payment though! I had a friend who paid them in euros all the time instead of changing her currency at the bank after living abroad.
2. Al's is also not open as late as bigger restaurants would be, so it would be wise to double check the hours if you're driving from outside of Evanston. It took me a while to finally grab a sandwich here because I always kept going there when the deli was closed. Apparently, they have a Web site now - http://www.alsdeli.net/. So, double check that for the hours before you go! Al's Deli is totally worth this extra effort. -
Review from Mike F.
Chicago, IL
10/31/2007
The breads alone are worth the trip, they're always fresh and amazing. The service is a little slow but everything is made to order and with great care and pride. And the cookies are certainly worth a purple line train north.
This is a cute neighborhood joint with a definite European feel and the smells that come out of this place will make you drool. To reinforce my feelings for Al's I need to remind you that I live in Edgewater and I take CTA up to Evanston just to go to Al's then come home. This is a family run business and is the antithesis of the 'fast food' mentality under which we live today. Why do we need to go to a deli and demand a sandwich in 30 seconds? Chill out, take a breath, sip on an Orangina and just be in the moment here and while you're in that moment it's quite possible you'll enjoy the best sandwich you've ever had.
Dang, if they were open at 8:30 at night I'd hi-tail it up there right now! -
Review from Robin W.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2008
I'm from the South side of Chicago. Al's Deli is way up North.
This does no deter me from driving over an hour to get THE PERFECT corned beef sandwich on rye, with German potato salad, and a butter cookie.
Just LOOK at the butter cookies!
You'll be driving a lot more!
If only they weren't committed to their early hours and many days off! -
Review from steve l.
Evanston, IL
5/3/2010
This place is the antithesis of a chain. The food is great ---homemade soups, the roast beef and blue cheese on baguette is terrific and as noted, the butter cookies are sublime. No corners are cut when it comes to quality.
I was waiting in line about 5 years ago and a customer frustrated with the wait suggested they take phone orders. Response: We don't have anyone to answer the phone when we are busy. A fax machine was suggested. Response: that would not be fair to the customers waiting in line. Somewhat flabbergasted, they exclaimed, But you could make a lot more money! I forget the exact response, but it was something along the lines of Maybe making a lot more money is not the most important thing to us. -
Review from Kate S.
Chicago, IL
3/13/2007
Everything that you have heard about this place is true...it's such a cute little place, Al's a sweetheart, and the cookies are to die for! My friend ordered a sandwich which was huge and very tasty as well. They also sell cute little French candies and drinks, which is a unique aspect about this place.
I just wish they were open past 3pm! -
Review from Jason M.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2008
I had a dream about a roast beef baguette with homemade blue cheese dressing last. It was inspired by an Al's lunch which left me satiated and happy.
For those who have yet to experience Al's, you have yet to live.
Amazing ingredients, tasty treats and a small business atmosphere help make Al's a true Evanston landmark.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Andrew D.
9/17/2010
When I was 11, me and Ted Grober set up a little stand and sold donuts across the street, at the entrance to the Noyes St. El station.
Sara Camastro's dad was one of the owners, and he came and questioned us for our Health Dept. credentials (we were siphoning off some of his morning business).
We kept it going a few more weeks, and he didn't call the fuzz on us, that was cool.
And everyone's right, it's good. Great little block in Evanston too. -
Review from Sarah B.
Chicago, IL
12/8/2009
At a first glance of the menu, this deli doesn't seem like anything special. Just rather simple sandwiches, with simple ingredients. And that's true....
... but what makes this place so special is the how fresh and delicious all those ingredients are. Although it is pretty expensive for a deli, it is ALWAYS worth the money (plus, for me, the extra trip if I'm near Evanston). I usually get the smoked turkey sandwich on french bread, which may sound mundane, but tastes the exact opposite. The bread is fresh and crunchy. The meat, the cheese, even the tomato slices are thick, fresh and melt-in-your mouth. If they have it that day, the cream of tomato soup is delicious, as is some of their pasta salads (I especially like the macaroni pasta salad, that has these big cubes of cheddar cheese).
The portions are incredibly generous, which helps to offset the price. I remember many a Sunday morning when I'd go to Al's as soon as it opened, grab my sandwich, and take it to the NU library, where I'd spend the whole day studying. That sandwich was my lunch AND dinner!
The brothers who work there are wonderful and kind, if not a little bit awkward. But the atmosphere is such a throwback and the food so delicious, that I'm having a hankering right now!
Remember that they do have strange hours, from 11am to 4pm and closed on Wednesdays. If you go at the noon lunch hour, be prepared to wait half an hour. But you will be glad you did! -
Review from Amanda M.
Chicago, IL
1/31/2010
Yum!
This is a great deli. The food is simple, yet amazingly delicious. The Bearnaise sauce is fantastic and the tomato soup is the best in town. Finish off with a Belgium chocolate cookie (let it warm up a bit) and you have yourself a lovely lunch. My mom would eat here 3 times a day when she comes to visit, if they didn't close so early!
To note:
-Cash only, unless you want an ATM charge
-Not a lot of seating, and it gets really crowded.
-Although delicious, the sandwiches are sometimes a bit unwieldy to eat, for example they put a lot of the delicious Bearnaise or Blue cheese on the sandwich, which can make it quite messy. -
Review from Aaron B.
Chicago, IL
6/19/2010
Where else can you get a French style smoked turkey with seeded mustard on a flour heavy baguette with an Orangina, sugar laden cookie all while reading from their library of French travel guides and examining the French art on the walls...why Evanston of course!
Al's Deli is a little gem hidden on Noyes right next to the Purple line.
If ever in the need for a great sandwich due to a upcoming picnic, date or just because you are hungry due to finishing a 40 mile bike ride and swim in Lake Michigan, come here and get a nice sandwich - you won't be disappointed.
I love it...
