Al's Italian Beef is a must have when visiting Chicago. I know it's a popular sandwich for the city with many offering their version but Al's is consistently delicious. The beef is so tender and practically melts in your mouth especially when dipped. This was our first time at this particular location and it's spacious and roomy inside. I've been in some older buildings like in the loop that was very cramped. Friendly service, well lit, clean and roomy made this an extra pleasant visit. Get the sweet and spicy peppers with the sandwich dipped.
Highly recommend if you are visiting the city! I had high expectations and Als did not disappoint. The sandwich was juicy and flavourful. Good portion sizing. The best beef sandwich I’ve had. Just be prepared if you get gravy, it will be messy.
Visiting from our of town and decided to check them out. (My mom used to come here when she was younger.)
Loved the atmosphere and friendly/helpful staff. Whole family loved their food! (Even the picky ones 🤣.)
Food was delicious and served within a reasonable time. (Faster than I anticipated with 7 people ordering in the group.) I highly recommend them and will try again when I'm back in town.
Jermain Anderson (Jermain Allen)
+4
*** Italian Beef Part I ***
I waited until I left Chicago before writing this review because they probably would have kicked me out anyway. Not because the review is bad, but because I have to admit that I've been to Chicago more times than I can count and never had an Italian Beef sandwich 😬.
It would be unfair for me to write a review without having another reference, so Portillo's is the second part of this experience. Yeah, I know, a lot of people only do the hot dogs, but a Chicago-lifer I know swears by it. Let's get to it.
For anyone else who's never had an Italian Beef sandwich, here's the gist. This ain't Philly... That's about it. There are no Philly Cheese Steaks here, instead, it's thinly shaved beef with your choice of sweet or spicy peppers. Similar, but never, ever, call it the same.
With that said, I miss the cheese. The beef was delicious, the peppers had just the right amount of spice, but I realized I really like the flavor of certain cheeses. Being this was my first time, I can only comment on the flavor of the sandwich itself, and not how it compares.
The service was unbelievable. You can tell this is all they do. Before I could fill my fountain drink, my order was ready. I sat and watched while customer after customer was served with the exact same ruthless efficiency, it was very big city (reference for southerners).
All-in-all it was a great experience, but you'll have to read my review on Portillo's to figure out if I have a favorite.
Great job!
First of all I have to tell you as a tourist from San Francisco, when I was flying from SFO to ORD 4 hours flight, all I was thinking of is --What I am going to eat later is --Al's Italian Beef.
& yes, I tried Mr. Beef.
& yes, I watched The Bear season 1 plus season 2.
& I have to say, OMG, even though Al's Italian Beef is a chain with 5 stores. This place is equally amazing.
& the even better part is
1. Mobile payment.
2. clean toilet
3. Modern decorations & seats.
Food is equally amazing, that is really rare for a chain fast food restaurant to maintain the quality & consistency.
So I equally love Al's Italian Beef & I love to dine at this bright & clean environment with great music.
Absolutely a solid beef sandwich. I was visiting the area and I have no regrets coming to this restaurant for the sandwich and hotdog. I HIGHLY recommend it!!!
I think I forgot my red beanie here :( so I hope it goes to someone who needs it.
Got lunch and had a tamale boat, which was just fantastic. I haven’t had a tamale in years and for an international visit I was very happy to see them on the menu. Great space and great service that was very quick and friendly.
WOW. This was excellent!!!! I saw ads for another local spot that gets a lot more press but I wasn't convinced. I searched some local blogs/articles and set my sights on Al's. I certainly was not disappointed! Excellent service, wonderful location, and amazing food. This will be my stop every time I'm in town!
![5]( "Recensione")
Best Italian Beef like a Heavyweight Fight!
Opener -- just gotta put it out there first: choosing Al's over Mr. Beef as best Italian Beef is like being forced to choose between Kobe or LeBron (MJ of course is #1), Hank Aaron or Babe Ruth, or Walter Payton or Jim Brown.....ts almost impossible. But if forced to choose, Al's take top spot.
Food -- just heaven. Everything we had was amazing and if we weren't so full, we'd gone back for seconds and thirds. Super excited to compare the two heavyweights in Al's vs. Mr. Beef. Tried MB first and it was amazing. Came here second and, oh budders! Got Italian Beef double dipped and what out it over the top was how well it held the sauce and the spice compared MB. I was literally about to eat the paper because it was so Fn good!!!
Also got the Chicago Dog and fries and it was also fantastic. One of the best we had in Chicago even if slight below Portillos. The fries seemed to be homemade and cooked just right. Would like to have tried other items, but we're stuffed.... especially after eating the paper 🤣
Drinks -- standard soda & tea options, but doesn't serve beer, which I understand in terms of owning the concept, but if they served beer I may never leave.
Scene & Vibe -- certainly more corporate with a franchise feel. Perfectly fine given the concept, but a fast food feel that doesn't give any Chicago authenticity.
Service -- super quick and friendly counter service.
Overall -- if I lived in Chicago, I would eat here at least once a week! Their Italian Beef was probably my favorite food of the city, and Chicago is the second best food city I've experienced (New Orleans is the King.....and I say that as. Falcons fan 😁)
Their iconic sub is shown below with the sweet 😋 peppers 🌶. Well cooked, seasoned, and very filling. You can taste the true flavor of the meat 🍖. Lean and healthy. I had an opportunity to talk with the staff. There is a positive attitude there, and they want you to enjoy the experience. A relaxing, pub like experience.
Great meat, very fresh. Tried it served 'wet'
I wished there was a creamy sauce but if you're looking for an authentic sandwich it's a great choice. Super fast service and good seating.
Had the original beef with provolone, side of friies. Beef was very good. I do prefer my beef rare but it was a tasty sandwich. Counter service, place your order and pick up when ready.
Needed to get something in my stomach before going out. I walk in like 10 -20 minutes before they close. The manager or owner was so nice. He said no problem take your time as he locked the front door behind me. Boy was it a delicious hot dog and fries. Definitely check this place out, when in Chicago, and heading to soundbar.
This place is an absolute must try if you're visiting Chicago. You can smell the aroma coming from the spices even before you've tasted anything. I got the regular beef with sweet peppers and provolone cheese. I absolutely devoured my sandwich. It's perfection.
Big beef, add hot peppers, provolone cheese and get it dipped. Grab a bunch of napkins cause you'll need them. I got a sausage as well which was delicious.
Amazing Italian beef! I recommend the hot peppers. They are not that hot but way more delicious than the sweet. The fries are also amazing!
Very friendly manager and the sandwich was good. The fries were outstanding.
If you don't like pickles, it might not be for you. Otherwise, you can try this must-eat sandwich in Chicago.
This was my first time at Al’s and so I ordered a classic. It was delicious! Tender beef, delicious gravy, just the right soft kick of spice. Yum!
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