We checked the website, which said open 10 til 10, took a long hot walk across town and the place is boarded up. Definitely not serving. Save your legs and try elsewhere.
It's the best place for a burger in Chicago. Their Hotdogs are the best in the nation. If you ever visit Chicago and want to try some real cheese burger, this should be your spot.
My first Italian beef sandwich! And it was excellent! I bellied up to the Big Beef Sandwich (Chicago's #1 roasted Italian beef sliced in house daily and served on freshly baked French bread, $10.29), wet style with sweet peppers (+$0.65) and hot giardiniera (+$0.65) with a side of small hand-cut fries ($2.70). The Big Beef comes with a lot more meat than the Reg, if you like the goods you’re gonna want this one. It was a messy meal. But soooo good. The dip drenched the entirety of the sandwich - sounds like this isn't how everyone likes it, but I absolutely loved each juicy bite. The peppers and giardiniera were a hit. Fantastic addition to an already delicious sandwich. The beef was beautifully flavored, my taste buds are still raving over it. This is something I would buy a plane ticket for. And only for. That's how much I loved it.Keep in mind, this review is written from a tourist who has never eaten one of these so I am not a very good judge. If you're on the fence about visiting look at the reviews from locals. But from me, Al’s gets a new fan and fat five stars.
As authentic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches go, Al's has to be the best in the city. This location is a no-frills joint with easy ordering, including a self order kiosk. Everything was made to order fresh. Our fries were steaming, so was the beef.Al's beef has some interesting seasonings to it that taste like cloves. As a Rochester native, the flavor is reminiscent of Rochester-style meat hot sauce, but not quite.The phenomenon that is a dipped beef is incredible. It doesn't fall apart.You can order your beef dry, wet or entirely dipped; with or without peppers or cheese. Al's also offers burgers, chicken sandwiches, tamales and Chicago-style hot dogs.
Needed to try an an authentic Chicago Italian beef. Tried wet and dry... the wet had so much flavor. Cheese fries were yummy
The hots are spicy! Beef is thin, delicious, & flavorful. This place checks out
Can't miss- saw this place on Netflix Which inspired me to go to Chicago in the first place! This did not disappoint! Stunning food, fantastic staff, clean establishment- the dipped Italian beef sandwich was just out of this world good! Such amazing value too!
When you are in Chicago its close to a fixed duty to also have an Italian Beef Sandwich. And while there are dozens and dozens of good little shops in and around Chicago, Al’s #1 Italian Beef is a bigger chain which also claims to have invented the sandwich in 1938.The restaurant we visited is in the heart of Chicago. Extremely friendly staff took our order and prepared the food superfast. We got the Big Combo (with Italian Sausage), large fries and also the loaded fries. Everything was delicious. The beef is thin sliced, wonderfully soggy and a joy. I could have needed some more spices in the Italian Sausage, as I always expect a connection to a traditional Salsiccia with a strong fennel taste. The fries were supercross and amazing - so overall a great dinner and a nice experience. If you are in the heart of Chicago, get a quick, friendly and good bite while exploring the best city of the USA.
When you are in Chicago its close to a fixed duty to also have an Italian Beef Sandwich. And while there are dozens and dozens of good little shops in and around Chicago, Al’s #1 Italian Beef is a bigger chain which also claims to have invented the sandwich in 1938. The restaurant we visited is in the heart of Chicago. Extremely friendly staff took our order and prepared the food superfast. We got the Big Combo (with Italian Sausage), large fries and also the loaded fries. Everything was delicious. The beef is thin sliced, wonderfully soggy and a joy. I could have needed some more spices in the Italian Sausage, as I always expect a connection to a traditional Salsiccia with a strong fennel taste. The fries were supercross and amazing - so overall a great dinner and a nice experience. If you are in the heart of Chicago, get a quick, friendly and good bite while exploring the best city of the USA.
The best tasting messy meal you'll ever eat. Their fries are some of my favorites. This location was super clean.