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Al's Italian Beef
Categories: Restaurants Fast Food Restaurants Sandwiches Fast Food, Sandwiches [Edit]
601 W Adams St(between Jefferson St & Desplaines St)
Chicago, IL 60661
Neighborhood: Near West Side
(312) 559-2333
- Nearest Transit:
-
Clinton-blue (Blue Line)
Clinton-green (Green Line, Pink Line)
Uic-halsted (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 8 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
51 reviews for Al's Italian Beef
Review Highlights
-
"I always get mine with extra sweet peppers." In 7 reviews -
"I also recommend some cheese fries." In 5 reviews -
"stuffed well, well seasoned, dipped perfectly." In 8 reviews
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50 reviews in English
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Review from Sterling S.
St Paul, MN
4/2/2012
Awesome....the beef sandwich of the gods.
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Review from Matt C.
Rochester, NY
12/18/2011
I'm torn because the taste was good, for the most part - the fries were horrible. But, the sandwich itself was not what I expected. To be honest, after awhile it got sort of bland tasting after tasting the same thing. I know that sounds weird, but it's weird to explain my problems with this sandwich. I got a regular Italian beef with sweet peppers and onions thinking that'd be enough to make it tasty. It wasn't.
The service is another story. I had roughly 5 seconds to decide what I wanted here. I told the woman working that this was my first time here and she kind of shrugged it off and made me feel incredibly uncomfortable. So bad service for me too.
It's a disappointment because after hearing rave reviews for this place on food tv shows, I expected better. -
Review from Dylan H.
Chicago, IL
11/29/2011
My coworkers were trying to persuade me to go to this place for over 3 months. Since it's just 5 mins from my work I decided to finally have my lunch here.
"Meh. I've experienced better" is the perfect name for this place. Nothing special. My soggy beef sandwich tasted like some medicine. Will not be coming back.
I hope they had Buona Beef near my place... -Sadface-Listed in: Meh
-
Review from M G.
Chicago, IL
4/18/2012
Italian Beef: 2/5 stars. It has been a while since I've eaten one of these, so I can't recall specifics about the beef, the bread, or the peppers. However, I have been left with the very distinct impression that the au jus tastes like cleaning fluid. I've never been to the original location on Taylor street, but based on my experiences at this location, I caution all who read this to not be fooled by the claim that this is the best Italian beef in Chicago.
Fries: 0/5 stars. At best, their fries are far below average. At worst, they are completely inedible. I do not exaggerate when it comes to food. If I say something is inedible, I mean it.
Polish Sausage: 4/5 stars. The only reason that I eat here at least once a week (that and the fact that it is across the street from my school). Good sausage, love the grilled onions and hot peppers.
Service: 2/5 stars. None of the employees are particularly friendly or welcoming. I'm a regular and I never get so much as a "welcome back." There's also none of the old-school Chicago kind of charm to be found here, just a bunch of people who seem like they would rather be somewhere else. They get an extra star for being quick.
TL; DR
Beef sucks, fries are inedible, Polish is good, service is quick but unfriendly. Go to Portillo's, they have the best of everything. -
Review from C. H.
San Mateo, CA
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's hard not to get excited about "local food" that has everyone else buzzing with madness. I have to to admit that this was one great dog while I was eating, but it didn't treat my sensitive CA stomach the rest of the day or the flight home. All in all, I'd eat it again, but only after a few late night rounds at the local bars.
-
Review from Brad F.
Ixonia, WI
8/9/2011
Only OK. I had the "Regular Al's Italian Beef". I ordered it dipped and with hot peppers. I am not sure if I went on a bad day, but the bread felt and tasted cheap, I was not impressed by the mushy, almost pasty, texture of the meat, and half way through, I realized they forgot the peppers.
I am not going to count out Al's all together, I will try their original location on 1070 W Taylor St. and get the Char-Grilled Italian Sausage. -
Review from Mike E.
Phoenix, AZ
7/2/2011
Saw Al's on Man Vs. Food, so had to give it a try.
I ordered an Italian Beef Sandwich and cheese frys and have to say that I was dissapointed. It definitely wasn't the worst thing I've ever eaten, but it was far from impressive. I think I went into the place having high expectations that were not met.
The beef had a decent flavor to it, but was pretty dry. The bread was pretty good, which helped to make up for the meat. The cheese frys were probably the best thing about the meal, which makes the sandwich performance even more dissapointing.
The place has decent prices but unfortunately has a fast food feel to it.
I won't be going back to Al's again next time I'm in Chicago, there are to many other great places to eat. -
Review from Doug S.
Chicago, IL
1/25/2012
Not sure how this place has only three stars if being compared to other Chicago places, because there is no comparision for the italian beef; Al's is the best, hands down. Now, the fries are really greasy as other have stated which is a significant portion of a sandwich/fies lunch and knock it down a star. The burgers are also very good, but you come to Al's for the beef, wet with peppers. BTW - thank you for the closer and MUCH larger location so I know I can always get a table.
-
Review from Warren C.
6/12/2011
Good but way too greasy to be enjoyed. Honestly, I would've gone somewhere else to eat if it weren't for that pouring rain.
Italian beef is good like a lot of these reviews say, but it's pretty much drenched in oil, and after a few bites, it's hard to eat. The fries were the same way. Do yourself a favor and get some better food. -
Review from Michelle M.
Chicago, IL
6/6/2011
Hey sometimes a gal wants a hot dog with fries or even cheese fries. Depending on the weather I walk over to get me a hot dog with YES I GET ketchup and mustard on mine...totally not a Chicago dog but shoot me for liking my hot dog with ketchup and mustard.
This is a Chicago place everyone needs to experience at least once. Staff is cool. Prices are OK. Place is clean. -
Review from Kenneth G.
DeLand, FL
11/23/2011
Ate at Al's downtown Chicago yesterday because it was close to where I was going. Super big dissapointment. Beef sandwich was small and tasted not too good. Fries were disgusting and tasted like they were adding au jus to the fry oil or the oil was old. Torre and Lukes out in the burbs much better. Next time I go the Mr. Beefs.
-
Review from Jennifer M.
Eau Claire, WI
5/3/2011
How does this only have 3 stars???? This place is fantastic. Complete your visit to Chicago by visiting the same restaurant than many of the rich and famous people have frequented such as Hilary Clinton, Gary Sinise, and Adam Richman (Man V Food Host).
The sandwiches are fantastic because they have a great blend of flavors from the meat, sweet peppers if you desire, and is dipped in the juices of the meat. At first I was hesitant about this, but it does NOT make the bread soggy. Instead, it creates a chewy mess of deliciousness. Can I say Yum? -
Review from Cat C.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome eats! Husband and I tried to stop at another location but they were closed on Sundays, so we quickly googled and GPSd our way to another location so we could get our hands on the beef sandwich.
We both got the 4" beef sandwich -- his with peppers, mine plain -- and shared a large order of fries. Yum!!! Just enough tasty food to fill us up and hold us over until we got to the Cubs game later that evening.
If I were to visit Chicago again, I'd definitely stop in for a bite! -
Review from Jonathan H.
Chicago, IL
8/1/2011
Just went here for lunch and expected an explosion of flavors because of the reviews I've heard about italian beef in Chicago. Well, I thought it was mediocre. I had the 6 inch beef sandwich with sausage. Didn't want to get the fries because being in here already made me feel 10 lbs heavier. Plus, the fries didn't look that entirely good. The sandwich was tasty but nothing I'd come back for. The beef was thinly sliced, which I can appreciate but the sausage tasted like something I can pick up from a supermarket - not much flavor here. Also, I asked for spicy peppers and when I opened my sandwich, no peppers were there. So minus 1 star for messing up my order.
Honestly, I prefer the taste of Arbys sliced beef sandwiches. The bread at Al's is already soaked in au jous so when you bite into it, the sandwich is a bit soggy. Keep this in mind if you order to-go or want to eat it later in the day...no bueno.
Verdict: OK sandwich but nothing I'd bring my out of town friends to check out. For 8 bucks (sandwich + drink), I consider a little pricey for the quality, but it's decent if you need a quick bite and are in the area. -
Review from Mike K.
Chicago, IL
12/14/2010
After being rudely awoken the day after TBOX by noises that sounded like a cross between a Santa Claus laugh and a dying duck, downing a few cups of tea, reviewing the kitchen contents several times to only discover frozen Potatoes O'Brien each time and then taking in the schooling of the Bears by the Pats in the first half to the tune of 33-0, I decided I would have to leave the house in the middle of the season's first blizzard for sustenance. I knew I didn't want to drive in that mess, so that left only two options within reasonable distance: 7-11 and Al's. So I got on a few layers, some boots and my goofy Elmer Fudd hat and had the huskies pull the sled over to Al's on a cold, snowy and blustery Sunday.
Like Old St. Pat's and Greek Town (Dugan's notwithstanding), I've walked past Al's hundreds of times. My excuse for walking past all of Greek Town apart from Dugan's is that I don't like Greek food (too heavy). My excuse for walking past Al's without ever trying it was that I usually go for Portillo's, which has always been king, when I want that type of food. I have no excuse for not going to mass at Old St. Pat's every Sunday, if not even daily. The authorities wouldn't be very happy. It's a good thing they forgive you.
This particular Al's would seem, based on its exterior, to either be some sort of import of a Pittsburgh fast food icon, as it's festooned in the colors of the Pirates, Penguins and Steelers, or maybe a Peoria, Illinois, import with its Caterpillar like color scheme. Neither is the case though. Al's is all Chicago.
I went with a Big Beef and a hot dog, which comes with fries. I figured I'd have some now and then the rest sometime after the Bears were done getting torn up.
I found the Big Beef to be a skinny beef. Long? Yes. But skinny all the same. As to the flavor, there was just too much of some particular spice I can't put my finger on. It almost tasted like too much basil. My unsophisticated palate strikes again. I've had a better beef from Aurelio's. And Portillo's retains its crown as Beef King.
The hot dog was better. I'll certainly be back for another one. And it comes with fries, which were excellent. (By the way, fries are the Achilles heel of Portillo's. So weak!).
Service was lightning fast. I was in and out in five minutes' time. It probably helped that it was during a Bears game and a big snowstorm. I imagine these guys are just as quick and efficient though at peak hour.
I'll be back sometime soon (for a dog), although the last time I was at Old St. Pat's I also said I'd be back soon and haven't. Mayor Daley must be very upset with me for being such a bad Chicagoan and bad Catholic. I hope he doesn't send a Caterpillar tractor over to "X" me out.
Three stars. -
Review from Stephanie G.
Chicago, IL
7/13/2011
This place is definitely over-rated. I only eat there because I take short lunches and this restaurant happens to be on my block.
Their Italian Beef is ok, but certainly not the best in the city by any means. The flavor isn't delicious and it tastes like they add cleaning solution to the au jus.
Today I got 2 tamales... I was not expecting them to be great, but I certainly was not expecting them to be so bad. Ok, so they don't make them from scratch, thats fine. But they served them with the original packaging still on! Thanks, but I could have 'heated and served' this tamale for about 50 cents. And I'm pretty sure the filling was half cornmeal and half mystery beef...
The service is almost always poor when I go in there.
After this tamale incident, I won't be going back to Al's. -
Review from Andy B.
1/5/2011
Had an absolute craving for Italian Beef while commuting into downtown on my way to a Bulls game. Since I had a "lay over" at Union Station, I whipped out my phone and figured out there was an Al's around the corner. . .
This is obviously a new location - nothing wrong with that just a little jarring to get something as messy as an Italian Beef sandwich at a shiny, clean place with granite countertops.
Service was fast and efficient - your typical order and wait deal. I got the standard size Beef, double-dipped with hot and sweet peppers. Also got an order of the BBQ fries. Took less than 5 minutes for the order.
I slowly unwrapped the package of glorious meat, bread and peppers - the first thing that hit me was the sweet smell of slow cooked roast beef and the accompanying italian spices (nothing like it). Once I'd laid out my "nest" I dug in. HEAVEN ON A BUN. Utterly and completely hit the spot - this is not fine dining, but "stick to your ribs" goodness and just the thing to take the chill away.
The surprise was the BBQ fries - didn't have high hopes but I love BBQ sauce so I thought I'd give it a shot. They were awesome - solid spuds fried to a golden crisp and perfectly salted. The sauce was your classic Chicago style sweet tomato-based BBQ sauce, but it perfectly complimented the fries.
Overall a fine meal - no complaints whatever. -
Review from Melissa M.
Chicago, IL
5/3/2011
I was in the area, so in my quest to venture to new places, I decided to hit Big Al's. Italian Beef is honestly something I would not usually order, but after asking for suggestions, of course, it was the recommendation.
I have to say that this place looks more exciting and unique from the outside than the inside. Inside it was just another fast food type of place. Nothing really stood out as unique. The order taker/cashier was less than thrilled to make a recommendation and it was hard to tell where to place my order.
I ended up ordering Italian Beef and fries and I must say the Italian Beef itself was definitely extraordinary. The bun was another matter. Unfortunately, the bun was soggy and terrible. I ended up just eating the insides out of the sandwich. Fries were awesome and crisp. I must admit I love a good french fry.
All in all, this place was ok. It didn't stand out as a place to go back to or a place to bash to bits. I think the bun of the sandwich and just the a staff with personality could help this place in the short term. -
Review from Italo C.
Chicago, IL
11/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This is the nicest looking and most spacious Al's I've been to. Also, they deliver which is a plus. Their delivery range covers the entire loop and they also cater. Best thing about Al's is you can purchase the beef to take home and make it yourself! I also recommend Al's as the world's best hangover cure.
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Review from Chrissy N.
Chicago, IL
9/8/2010 1 photo
Popped in here on a Wednesday night about 6pm. There were 3 of us in here- awesome. (I realize this place is a huge lunch crowd establishment.)
B and I got Italian beef sandwiches, mine plain just provalone, B's with green peppers, peppers, and provalone. We also got fries and drinks. All ready in about 3 minutes.
There is a big back room with probably seating for about 50. Again, ... place to ourselves. Clean. High tables, booths, tables, comfy really. There was some music playing. Cute music- but was a bit loud, and even though we weren't competing with other patrons, we still had to kid of shout to each other cross the table. But nobody was ther eto mind, so no biggie.
The sandwich was tasty. Bread not too tough, meat heaping and delicious. The fries were gooood, and crispy, but not too thick. A tad on the salty side- which I almost never say- but they were. And the drinks are continually re-fillable, just walk your cup back up to the fountain drink bar.
Together, for the 2 sandwiches, 2 fries, 2 drinks, we paid about $20 + some change. It was good. I'll go back here- and especially in the evening when you can own the place! -
Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
3/11/2010
A Shrine to American Obesity and Mediocrity
Darn. I was hoping an interesting food joint would open up here, next door to my office. But alas, Al's Fat Asses seems to be the only type of establishment that can open across the street from a law school and a major office building during a recession. Sign of the times.
The food: I did try it (just so I could write this review).
Blech. I tried a breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs and Italian sausage. It took forever, I dumped the fries I didn't order, it was cumbersome to eat, and the taste: average.
The garish black and yellow decor, the giant size yellow soda cup jutting out above the front door, and the constant smell of beef and fast food grease wafting all around my neck of the woods:
Nauseating.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
A Shrine to American Obesity and Mediocrity. -
Review from Nana G.
Chicago, IL
7/9/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Go for the beef. I always get mine with extra sweet peppers. Its juicy, heavenly and makes you happy. Its the best. However I'm a little disappointed that their Chicago dog isn't really a Chicago dog i.e. no tomatoes, pickles. I would've added another star if they had a complete Chi dog. Their french fries are just so-so too. So unless you're here for the beef, I wouldn't really recommend anything else.
Service is fast. Only problem is there isn't much space to sit and eat so I always just go for take out. -
Review from Kevin D.
Chicago, IL
6/17/2010
The Fullerton & Central location has CLOSED.
No surprise there.
WAY overpriced.
Best beef? Not a chance.
Bland meat.
This is basically a tourist attraction. (Like Superdawg)
If you want a good beef, Jay's or Johnnie's are the way to go.
Sorry Al, but we won't be back to buy your $8 sandwiches anymore.... -
Review from Ashley C.
Chicago, IL
2/17/2010
The location at Adams and Jefferson has had a variety of diners and I was pleased when something new (that I had heard of) was coming to the spot. Enter Al's Italian Beef. I had never had one before, but learned that it was definitely a Chicago item.
Considering they are known for the Italian Beef, we all get that. I got the regular sized portion which was perfect and also reasonably priced. As a side note, I must say I don't get why the "Big Al" guy is so much more expensive. I also have to mention that I didn't feel like the menu here was widely diverse (beef, hotdogs, etc), but I realize that this location just opened this week. [Supposedly they will start delivery later too which is a plus.]
It was tender and juicy, but mine wasn't soaked - the way I prefer it. For those of you who love it dripping and juicy, don't worry - you can get it that way. It was good (3 to 3.5 stars) but what eventually bumped it up were the cheese fries. :-) They were SO good. Real potato fries with a generous, but not overwhelming, amount of cheese. That is the stuff. I'll stop in on lunch again. -
Review from Chris R.
Chicago, IL
6/5/2010
This was my first foray into Chicago's Italian Beef's and so far not so impressive. I will be trying additional places just to see how other places execute this "classic".
We got 2 beef's one with sweet peppers and the other with hot giardenera, 2 beverages, and a large fry The beef is cooked to "well" and is rather dry and basically lacks flavor. The only flavor comes from the giardenera which is solid but frankly I like the stuff I get bottled from Jewel as it has more celery / carrots yielding more crunch. Why not just put it on shredded news print as it basically yields the same result?
The fries were good being skin on fresh cut fries and they were well done (not burnt but nice and brown) as I like em. But again this is Al's Beef not Al's French Fries so it is hardly a saving grace.
All and all for $18.00 I would expect much better. Personally I would take about $10 and get to really good Vietnamese Banh Mi's from Uptown over this any day of the week. -
Review from Colleen R.
Chicago, IL
5/14/2010
A vegetarian's NIGHTMARE.
The only things to eat are: 1) mediocre french fries, and 2) pepper and egg sandwiches. The sandwiches are tasty, but they're served for breakfast. Unless you stop in on a Friday during lunch, they won't serve a P&E sandwich after "breakfast" is over.
So veggies of Chicago, dine elsewhere if you desire a meal consisting of more than potatoes and oil. -
Review from Jeffrey H.
Chicago, IL
6/19/2010
This is not the original Al's Beef in case you didn't know. It's a good attempt. There's a bigger menu, with great french fry options. They attempt to do as much extras that the original can't do. Though in fact, the original has a better Chicago Beef. I like the beef, but not a big fan about the hot peppers. They are different than most places in Chicago. It's their original recipe.
Do not come here if you're a vegetarian or looking for something healthy. I have no clue why people would try. -
Review from Chris C.
Chicago, IL
2/25/2010
Visited the newly opened Al's Beef in the West Loop today. Its occupying the location that was previously the West Loop Cafe.
I've been to another Al's Beef location before so I knew what to expect and this location didn't disappoint.
I ordered the combo beef / sausage sandwich, and the friends I was with ordered some of the buffalo blue cheese fries, which were very good. Service was a little slow but I think they are just working out the kinks that a new business inevitably will face.
I don't really have any major gripes. I can't quite give it four stars because I just don't think the actual sandwiches are anything remarkable. I'm a big fan of Johnnys out in Elmwood Park, and this sandwich just doesn't offer any unique flavors like my Johnnys does.
The fries are nice and everything is tasty enough, but I can't quite bump this up to four stars. I feel bad starting them off this way, but I know others will quickly bump them up to the 3.5ish range that I'd like to see it in.
Anyway, you won't be disappointed after a trip here, you just wont wake up in a cold sweat dreaming about it. -
Review from Gareth D.
Chicago, IL
7/27/2010
I've yet to visit the original; let's all make a pact to do that, but I like the proximity of this one to the financial district.
Al's giard is very celery-y--it's not my favorite vegetable, and the heat is delivered from dried red pepper (pimenta calabresa--at least in my Brazilianized Italian)... I prefer my hot peppers more like Potbelly's delivers -- maybe there's no purity or adherence to the classics, but it's a bouquet of peppers, veg, olives, etc... definite heat, and definitely from slices of real peppers.
Though initially a little confusing, I am digging the option of customizing the size and girth of your sandwich. It's not so intuitive as Portillo's "beef" and "big beef," however. Maybe someday I will drag one of these bad boys to Portillo's and compare them side by side. You really don't get to select the size or girth of the clientele, which makes me save this lunch option for rarer occasions. -
Review from Robyn T.
4/1/2010
I've lived in Chicago for almost 9 years now and I have never been to an Al's Italian Beef. What?! You're shocked? So was I. I've enjoyed the sandwiches at catered events and thought I got the true experience but I guess I was wrong.
Waiting in line during the lunch rush at Al's downtown is in and of itself an experience. Lots of good people watching from the patrons down to the service staff hurriedly preparing your order. I knew I wanted to the Italian beef and though I have big eyes, my belly isn't always as accommodating. Lucky for me they actually have a "lil beef" sandwich which is just my size. Same great moist, hot beef (insert joke here) but half the size. You want fries with that? Good thing because in addition to their fresh cut options there were nacho cheese fries, chili fries, buffalo fries and Gorgonzola cheese fries. Filling? Aboslutely.
For just under $10 I walked away with my mini beef, small specialty fries and a drink. I wouldn't spend that much every day for an unhealthy lunch but it sure is a treat. -
Review from Bob W.
San Ramon, CA
8/9/2011
As usual, I was lost while driving in a city. As luck would have it, we just happen to drive by Al's Italian Beef which we had seen on the food channel.
The sandwiches were exceptional. -
Review from Emily K.
Chicago, IL
6/17/2010
2 stars for food, 3 stars for overall experience. Line moved quick and employees were friendly. The restaurant is clean and it's easy to find somewhere to eat. Music was irritatingly loud one time I ate here.
Food: eh. My "Little Al" sandwich was $4.30 for 4" of sandwich and didn't taste like much. Very bland. I don't think you should have to rely on cheese and peppers for flavor in an italian beef sandwich. A well seasoned beef sandwich can make my heart soar.
I'll probably be back. Because it's fine. And it's within walking distance of work. But if a better tasting beef joint opened up around there I'd jet over there so fast. -
Review from Ariel L.
4/27/2011
Al's beef blows chunks. For anyone looking for a traditional, quality, Chicago Italian Beef sandwich, this is NOT the place to come. Mr. Beef wipes the floor with this place frankly, as well as do another dozen Beef places in Chicago. If you like tasteless beef, soggy fries, and no character, go to Al's!
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Review from Roman M.
Dallas, TX
5/1/2010
I left full.
For me, the Italian Beef sandwich I ate at Al's had very little flavor to it. I guess the best way to describe it was boring.
The peppers were bland and you could feel them more than test them. Next time, I'll have to go spicy to see if that helps. However, I really expected the meat to stand on it's own.
Nice concept... friendly people... fast service. It's just OK overall.
I'll be back Al's! I'm not done with you yet. -
Review from Megan A.
Chicago, IL
3/22/2010
Meh.
I distinctly remember my first Italian Beef. I had moved to Chicago, and a friend from out of town came in determined to take me to the "best italian beef in Chicago". I didn't know what Italian beef was, but I adventured down to the river north location (off the chicago ave brown line stop) with her and
OH MY GOD.
So good. It is now my fave food, my fave place. So when I saw that a location was opening up LESS than a block from my office, I counted down the days until it's opening with anticipation.
So, to treat myself for my birthday, I went to Al's and got my favorite meal: regular sized al, large fries, dipped, sweet peppers. And, meh. The meat was tougher and more dried out than any I've ever had, the peppers barely tasted like peppers (more like squishy nothing), and it just did not taste like the delicious Al's I am used to.
I still swear by Al's, but from now on I'll save my money and grab dinner on my way home on the brown line to the river north location. -
Review from Sean L.
6/16/2010 7 photos
Fate brought me to Al's on my recent visit to Chicago. I was watching Man vs Food the night before my flight to the windy city and what do I see? A mountainous beef sandwich dripping with Al's love and spiciness. When I asked my friend if she had heard of this place, her reply was, "actually I live a block from there but haven't been". It was my responsibility to make sure we had visited before the weekend was out.
I'd like to point out a few of the reviews before mine and question their validity-
A vegetarian gave it a low rating because of their lack of meatless options. The place is called Al's BEEF! I am surprised they don't automatically smother everything they serve with cow.
Another low-rater points out the lack of healthy options on the menu. I bring to you the same argument- AL'S BEEF! I rest my case.
Now for my experience- The menu is rather simple, if you don't want beef, sausage, dogs, tamales (yeah, weird huh?), or fries, you might as well get the F out. I opted for 3 add-ons to my beef: hot giardiniera, sweet peppers and melted provolone. The sandwich was loaded with meat (note; there is still an option to add even MORE meat if it's already not enough), and the sweet & hot pepper combo was a delicious addition to the sandwich. As a second entree, a Chicago dog. This was my only complaint about Al's. I've had many Chicago dogs, and anyone who has ever put one together knows there are certain and specific ingredients. Al's lacked tomatoes, pickles and celery salt. I can handle it without the salt and pickles, but a bright red tomato is crucial to offset the other colors laced throughout the poppy-seed bun. What's up Al? Yes, they clearly state the ingredients on their menu, but who reads what they already know should rightly be included on a CHICAGO DOG? I have to imagine most Chicagoans would have a problem with this as well, unless you're one of those weirdos that don't like tomatoes. Then my question to you is,what's your deal? Anyway, I opted to add the buffalo fries. The fries are fresh cut, skins on (nice), and then covered in buffalo sauce and blue cheese. These were great! Anyone who is a fan of buffalo wings would gladly chomp down a side order.
Overall, my Al's experience was great. I'm sure I could add pickles and tomatoes to my dog if I asked nicely. I definitely won't pass up a chance to eat here again! -
Review from Nick F.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
There are certain places you go for certain kind's of food in Chicago...and this where you go for Italian Beef... hand's down! Generous portions for the price. I also recommend some cheese fries.
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Review from Will K.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2011
I love going to Al's Beef! This place is definitely a busy lunch crowd, so try to avoid Fridays at 12pm Lunch Rush. However, when i'm looking for a fix I definitely hit up Al's. It does not disappoint!
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Review from Denise R.
Midland, GA
4/28/2011
We ate at Al's after seeing the "Man vs. Food" episode that featured their Italian Beef sandwiches. They looked delicious on tv and totally lived up to their reputation! Everything was delicious...the beef, the toppings, the bread, and the fries! We'd absolutely eat here again.
The service was quick and friendly. They weren't rude while we tried to figure out exactly what to get and were helpful with information. The restaurant was clean and so were the restrooms. -
Review from Munchie N.
Manhattan, NY
7/10/2011
We were visiting from New York and Al's Beef was our first stop after getting off the plane. Maybe it was because we were starving but the Italian sandwiches were delicious!! I got the beef and sausage combo and the boyfriend got the beef sandwich and buffalo fries. Everything was great here. I thought his sandwich was so much better, probably because the bread was dipped. My sausage and beef combo was good, but the beef flavor was so much more prominent in his sandwich. I have to get the Al's sandwich next time. I would definitely come again if I were in Chicago.
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