Came all the way from Orange County, CA to try one of these. Did it live up to the hype??? You better believe it did....these sandwiches are what I call SIM sandwiches. That stands for Sex In Mouth cause that is what it is...sex for your mouth. Got me a italian beef with the hot peppers and dunked in the awesomeness. Beef was so tender, peppers gave it a great kick...There really isn't anything new that I can add to this that has not already been said. If your gonna visit Chicago...I think this is a must visit. This one is the original location so I wanted to come to this one. There is others in town but I think you should hit this one as original is usually the best....CHEERS!!! read more

Service- the staff was low energy and lacked people skills altogether. The owner was watching baseball and commenting on the game to us while in line while his staff underperformed. I asked for a restroom and the girl pointed to Subway across the street and said to go there, no sorry or anything. I asked for ketchup and they said it was outside, but it wasn't. I came back in and they were very stingy with the packets. Food- The combo #2 with Italian Beef and sausage was okay- a B- The sausage was old and drying out. The fries are good. B+. They also don't take ATM or credit cards and are rude when you ask. Conclusion- I learned about this place from Man vs Food and have always wanted to try it. They have many celebrity endorsements on the walls and many awards. It seems like the attention has gotten to their heads and have stopped trying to please customers. They should train their staff on customer service and build a restroom. read more

PROLOGUE: Recently I was on Taylor Street for the first time and noticed the famous Al's Italian Beef across the street from Mario's Italian Lemonade, which had been in my bookmarks for several weeks. We did hit up Mario's that night, but I made a mental note to come back and treat myself to the uno-due punch of beef and ice Italian. Then, doing some research on the eve of my visit, I kept seeing review references to some place called Carm's a couple of blocks away, and apparently Carm's does both Italian beef AND Italian ice. Hmm. So my genius mind (or rather, my genius stomach, who is the real boss of the operation) came up with the idea to take a little mini culinary tour pitting the Taylor Street combo of Al's and Mario's against the double threat outfit on Polk Street, Carm's. Failed first impression: When I walked up to Al's, there was a tour bus parked outside. A tour bus?? Yes. And swarming all over the shop were about fifty geriatrics, half in line, half outside eating. Waiting for twenty minutes was bad enough, but hearing these people screw up the ordering process time after time after time made me want to shake the shit out of them. There are TWO signs right by the register explaining that a "combo" is beef + sausage, not a sandwich with fries and drink. NO, fries do not "come with" the sandwich. NO they do not take credit cards. And for Pete's sake--"Sweet or hot peppers?" means "Do you want sweet or hot peppers on your beef?" NOT some bizarre foreign concept that should cause you to babble and stammer. This has nothing to do with where you are from or whether you have ever eaten Italian beef. It is just common sense and basic human communication skills, and these people HAD NONE. And if these tour buses make regular stops at Al's, that might be reason enough to avoid the place. God bless the patient young guy manning the register during all of this. Actually, all the people working in the shop were generally very pleasant. My other main sore spot was the lack of seating, just three tables outside (what do people do in the cold-weather months?) and ten feet of stand-up counter along the front windows. I'm not asking for much, just a flat ass-surface and a flat eating-surface. Especially when the sandwich is going to soil my face, both of my hands, and probably most of my torso. Anyway, I came for the beef and was not disappointed. Although it was not the best that I have had, it was very good and I preferred it to the one that I ate at Carm's an hour later. Al's had tangy, savory meat, with enough juice to keep the thing wet but not so much that it collapsed the entire bun. Peppers are thick green ones, very simple and barely cooked, but do their job. I would give this beef a B+. read more

I came due to all the hype surrounding this place. When looking over the menu I was a little surprised by the prices. I got the Italian beef and sausage combo with peppers and it was a little over $9. I thought the sandwich itself was pretty good at the time, but afterwards my stomach started to feel terrible. I went yesterday during lunch, and I was sick all of yesterday, and I am still sick today. My stomach is normally pretty strong, but I guess the grease was too much for me. I really wanted to love this place, but instead it put a damper on my birthday weekend. read more

So this was my first visit to Al's Taylor location and had sky high expectations coming in...i've been to the one off Ontario many times but always heard that this original Taylor locale was the best. No. I'd take the Ontario store over it. It wasn't bad, mind, but I asked for my standard regular beef, dipped, with hot peppers and it was actually waaay too wet...if possible. I mean it was like they soaked it in the juice for a few minutes. And it had a very subtle "odd" aftertaste to it that, while not bad, was just a little hmm?? Excellent fries though. It's pretty expensive too as the beef + fries and a pop was over $11, woah! read more

I love Chicago's Italian beef, and I had high hopes for Al's as I had heard this place was legendary. The service was rude, the order taker literally asked me "What do you want?" with a bad attitude. Definitely no hospitality here, and it seems like the workers are proud of it. The beef sandwich was okay, definitely nothing special, and was very heavy on the cinnamon. Peppers were scant and not very spicy. Truthfully, I prefer Fat Dan's back in Indy over this place. I won't be back, and I don't recommend you go here. read more

I always heard about al's beef from other people, but then when It came time for me to try it I couldn't understand at all the hype that this place had recieved. Their food wasnt expensive nor flavorful at all. The prices were way more then what I would usually pay elsewhere, besides maybe portillos (but atleast their food is good). In my opinion, you would be much better off going some where else. read more

Al's is way overrated and overpriced. If you're looking for a value go some place else. I ordered a "Big" Combo (Italian Beef/Sausage) sandwich and it cost me 9.85 (including tax). Keep in mind this is just for the sandwich only!! It just isn't right that you spend that much and don't even get fries and a drink. The Big looked like a regular sized sandwich. This had me perplexed so I googled the site, and the Big is only 8" just 2 inches longer than the 6" regular but at almost double the price. What a total rip off. The sandwich was good, but nothing special when compared to Ricobene's or Mr. Beef. Pros: - Close to Mario's Italian Ice Cons: - Over-priced - Out door patio had flies all over. - Don't take credit card. Cash only. read more

I was expecting more. Not that it was bad, but it just left me yearning for more. I had the biggest beef sandwich they offer, and I wasn't all that impressed with the meat that was on it. It wasn't even that much meat. I'm not complaining, it was excellent to have had dinner there. Lots of history, and I am happy to have been there. It's an institution, and it was ok. Just wasn't what I thought the hype made it to be. The fries I had was very small, broken fries that I could barely dip in the side of cheese I got to dip them in without dipping my fingers in it too. I'm not sure I will be back when I am in the area. read more

Been going here for years, usually after a music gig. Question to Management: Have you paid attention to the economy? $11 plus, for a beef, fry & a coke? Give us a break! read more

On our Great Beef Excursion ! Yeah.. all planned out we are to hit up he famous Al ' s Beef and see why Mr. Beef was voted #1 over Al's. We got the Gypsy Fries, 3 Italian Beefs (1) of them Large and a Big Beef Combo. $47.00 . The fries had their awesome beef gravy , spicy peppers, beef and cheese. Yummy!! The beef also drenched in their super , yummy gravy and the bread roll soaks up well, just how we like it! Big Beef combo wasn't big .. but delish none the less. In comparison to Mr Beef =Al's Beef gardenia mix has an extra spicy kick. You can choose American Cheese, Provolone or Cheese sauce on your Beef for an added delight! I was very satisfied with my order. Traveling from Mishawaka , it was worth the trip read more

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I went here for the first time and I was surprised with their wonderful menu. The staff in here was so nice and when I had a pretty hard time choosing which should I order and after she knows that it was my first time she then recommended their Italian beef sandwich. The sandwich looks pretty good has a nice portion but I think it was a little bit pricey given its size. I seated on their outdoor seating and first bite in the sandwich and it was just so good. It was flavorful and I seriously ate it in just two minutes. I had a great time but even if the food was great I still think that it was a little bit pricey. I'll be back and will surely try something new from their menu. read more

Good beef, crappy service. I worked for an Italian Beef place in high school and through college. That place is still better than Al's but Al's is pretty decent beef. At least better than that bland stuff that Portillo's serves. On the other hand, the service is sooooo bad that it pretty much takes away anything good from the food. How hard is it to get good workers in a hot dog place? I felt like I was causing the cashier physical pain as he took my order. You ingrate! Don't you know I'm paying your bills? Or at least indirectly paying your bills? I don't need a warm fuzzy experience, but at least don't stare me down. In any event, the beef itself is the right combo of saltiness and a juicy beef creates a happy Justin --- even if the sauce could use some more garlic. Overall, a three. The service merits a 2, the food merits a 4. Average it out and you get an average experience. read more

If you are going to come here, don't come here in business attire becuase chances are very high you'll get dirty from the food. Al's beef sandwiches aren't just "dipped" but rather "soaked". Very good. A little on the pricey side if you ask me, but damn good. Fries are OK. I've had better, but they're not bad. No seating inside, but there are some large tables outside. read more

I am not a fan of the overly seasoned beef of Al's (not #1 beef). Tasted like a Chinese Dan Dan Noodle dish with hints of star anise, maybe allspice, and others. Not sure, but it wasn't pleasant to me. I tried and didn't fall for the hype. I definitely prefer the cleaner, peppery flavor of Johnnie's, Jay's and the greatly missed Carms!! read more

As reviewed by the Travel Channel people! Although it's probably meant to be a hole in the wall with pictures and dollar bills plastered to the walls, the staff actually keeps the place very clean, and sweep often as patrons leave. Got the original Italian beef sandwich. Never had one before so I didn't know what to expect. From the pictures, it looked like roast beef-esque, half philly cheesesteak. Ordered a side of fries too. The sandwich was juicy. They drench the sandwich in the beef's juices/oils, and it just makes it soooo flavorful! The beef is also thinly sliced so that you don't feel the overload of meat or too bloated from the heaviness. One sandwich is about $5-$6. The fries are pretty good too. On a Monday afternoon, there was absolutely no line. Got our food quick. After coming here, I mean, it just makes me want to live the guidette life even more! read more

I ordered the Al's Big Beef ($8.00) and added sweet peppers. To be honest, I figured my hopes were so high that the sandwich would end up being disappointing. I thought, "Could it really be that good? It's just beef on french bread." Uhhh...yep. It sure can be that good. The beef is tender and has incredible flavor and the bread is fresh and soft but the best part about the sandwich is the amazing juice from the meat. I'm not sure if the juice comes only from the beef or if they also dip the sandwich in the juice, but it's like your bread has been covered in the most incredible au jus. It makes the bread a little bit soggy, which I love, and it marries the flavors together perfectly. The juice also provided sweetness and spiciness that really brought out the depth of the flavors. Because the juices continued to marinate, I felt like each bite tasted better and better. It was a good sandwich when I started eating it. It was an incredible sandwich by the time I finished eating it. I only wish it were a little more photo-friendly. The Al's Big Beef truly lived up to the reputation of being one of the best sandwiches in America. I thought about that sandwich for the rest of our trip and considered getting another one any time we walked past an Al's Beef. read more

I've been in Chicago for almost two years now, and decided it was time to complete the holy trinity of Chicago food by trying an italian beef sandwich. I had Al's orginial, and found the beef to be juicy and the hot peppers (extra charge) added a nice kick. The whole thing was swimming in...sauce? Grease? DELICIOUSNESS. The best part, though, was the freshly cut, crispy fries. Man oh man oh man those were some good, good fries. I would definitely come back for the fries, but I just don't think I'm an italian beef type of girl. Maybe I need to compare it to another italian beef sandwich to truly appreciate it. And yes, I would agree with other reviews that Al's seemed a bit overpriced... -Cash only -Limited seating (outdoor), standing indoor -PARKING LOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

This is my favorite place for an Italian beef. It get's no better than Al's! The other guys try, but this is by far my favorite. Anytime guests are in town I always take them here if they want an italia beef. I love mine with sweet&hot peppers, provolone, and dipped. Their fries are great too. I can't help myself and alway get them with a cup of cheese. I know they have several locations, but you have to come to this one, it's a part of Chicago History! Just make sure to bring cash! read more

Tried the beef and sausage combo today. I got the bread dipped. It was NOT good. I mean...it didn't taste good at all. Not to mention that it tasted like a heart attack on a plate but that was pretty much expected. I really don't get the hype. As a big meat eater, I was really disappointed. read more

they make good beef sandwiches and the service is quick; only three stars because the Regular size ($7 and something ) is only a half of a bun, and should be called "small" in my opinion, and they only take cash, which is inconvenient. read more

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I wanted to try this famous place and it was pretty good. Its a nice thing for Chicago to have to compare with the Philly Cheesesteak. Its greasy as hell but the beef with peppers on the hoagie roll was pretty good. I got the "combo" with the sausage in it, but i ended up taking the sausage out because it tasted like beef jerky, but the beef was good One thing though, this place is stingy! They keep the ketchup & napkins behind the counter so you have to ask for it. They charge for anything extra. I guess thats how they stay in business, but it came off as really grimey to me read more

I ate italian beef in portillos and they are better than Al's My review on Al's is based on just one visit and the two italian beef sandwiches we ordered and I am pissed off . Why isn't Als in Nashville. Why do I have to eat cold subs in Nashville. I am not big on cold subs and hot subs are my thing. Nashville sucks at hot subs. The sandwhich in Als is so juicy and it is a bit spicy too if you order it with the hot pickle. They sure know how to get the beef done perfectly.For me its a perfect sandwhich and I am yet to eat a better sandwhich and until I do Al's will get a 5 on 5 from me. read more

Al's Beef is high on my Chicago junk food favorites. I typically get the regular beef, dipped, hot peppers, a soda and cheese fries. They have excellent french fries. This is the Al's location I frequent the most. Pro's are it has parking in a pretty dense area. Con's are it is cash only. No seats inside (picnic tables outside), they have other good Chicago fast food fare as well. read more

Great food, awful prices and the absolute worst customer service I've ever had. They messed up my order, chastised me for throwing out my receipt and almost made me dig through the trash to get it. There's this redheaded girl who works there, has been for a while, who precipitated all of this. She ruined my night with her disrespect and does a terrible job representing this otherwise classic Chicago franchise. I hope she gets fired. Been treated shitty by her twice. If she's there next time I come, I'm leaving. Management I hope you're reading this. read more

Ok Do Not I repeat do not waste your money here I could have paid less money at the store to make my own sandwiches with 2x amount of beef this is just absolutely ridiculous! I bite into my sandwich 2x only tasting bread and open it to find this. Seriously people?? NOT WORTH THE MOENY DO NOT WASTE YOUT INE OR MONEY GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!!!!! read more

Al's Beef - Way to much money!! - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great beef sandwiches but the prices are a little high. The peppers added a lot of flavor to the sandwich. I came here during the summer and there is outdoor seating, but not much. Inside has only counter seating. read more

Beef sweet and wet." Porno movie? No--just my lunch. Being from MN I was promised "the real Chicago beef sandwich." Since this is the only Chicago beef sandwich I have eaten to date, I have little on which to base my comparison. I can say the beef itself was flavorfull and tender. The gravy was OK but next time I may pass on the "wet." Sweet peppers were cooked to the point that they offered little more than texture to the sandwich. Still, the entire sandwich is clearly more than the sum of it's parts--taken as a whole I found it satisfying. Fries were a high point. Skin on, fried crispy and not overly greasy. I suspect hitting the place at the height of the noon rush insures fresh, hot fries. Price was a bit high for the whole experience, but I've been staying downtown this week and EVERYTHING seems expensive there, so I wasn't overly shocked. Overall, I agree with the bulk of reviews here--good not great. Next time, Portillos. read more

A gift certificate is post on the door All year but they always not available for 365 days. Cash only business which is horrible. It takes the owner forever to get back to us. Their beef is good. The everything need to add money on. Their fries are to greasy like soaking in oil read more

My boyfriend and I tried to come here before without knowing they were cash only. So, I made sure the next time we were close by, we'd have cash to stop here and get lunch. They have a small little parking lot which is nice since the street is metered parking. The first time we were here, we paid for the meter parking before we knew they had the little lot. Oh well, not the end of the world. The lot is small and people love to park their huge SUV's making it hard to park my tiny little hatchback. But the food is worth it in my opinion. We came on a saturday around lunch time and barely had to wait. I'm sure they get busy but we got lucky this day. We both got Italian Beef sandwiches with hot peppers and split an order of fries. Definitely try the fries! They were handcut potatoes, the real deal! My boyfriend is Italian and from Chicago, so he loves and swears by Italian Beefs. When he did live out of state, he went into a restaurant and tried to order an italian beef without knowing that it was a Chicago thing. In his opinion, this wasn't the best Italian Beef he's ever had. But I felt it was the best or at the very least, one of the best. I also like mine dipped and he doesn't. Personally, I'd recommend every come here and try for themselves. The fries were definitely top notch and the Italian beef tasted homemade and had great flavor. Just remember to bring cash or plan to hit the ATM because it is worth it! read more

After a year off from eating red meat the first place I came was naturally, Al's Beef. So I moseyed on in and dropped my 10 spot on the big Al and fries and grabbed a spot in the corner. I wasted no time and dug right in. AND...HERE...WE...GO....1st bite: pretty juicy, tasty 2nd bite: alright still waiting 3rd bite: it's not gonna happen is it. The sandwich failed to deliver the flavor explosion I had envisioned and left me feeling, well, underwhelmed. The hot giardiniera wasn't that spicy(I've had hotter at Potbelly's) and the meat didn't seem to be anything special. Maybe I set my expectations too high or maybe this place is just over-hyped but overall I thought it was just good, not great. read more

To be honest I was a little skeptical about this place since I didn't know what an Italian beef sandwich was but basically imagine a something between a french dip and a philly cheese steak sandwich dipped in a delectable jus. It's messy as all hell but it tastes as good as it is messy so its ok! This was definitely a unique and delicious experience. I made the mistake of trying Italian beef elsewhere and it just didn't compare. Check out Al's and be prepared to scarf down the sandwich quickly and enjoy the free food comma heaven after. Enjoy! read more

Older Caucasian lady taking orders, horrible customer service. Very rude from the jump. Had a couple questions, didn't answer them straight, had an attitude. Couldn't tell if it was because she was racist, had a long day, or just old and mean. Either way, it wasn't professional and didn't make me feel happy to spend my money with the establishment. Don't know if I'll be coming back. Sad, just got the news they closed my favorite downtown location today. read more

Best Italian Beef in Chicago. .sweet and hot peppers a must! I always have it dipped to enhance the flavor. .and stand up while you eat it...that's why they have counters. Chedder cheese could be better..its only shredded. Fries are good read more

Al's Beef - Yeah baby - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Rude staff. Don't ask for anything extra because you'll get eye rolls and attitude. Staff members continued to make rude comments under their breath when a customer walked away. Besides that, the price I paid for the beef was a tad bit over-priced, but it was good. read more

It's mind boggling that this place has been in business for almost 80 yrs. I'm sure I've never had a beef sandwich this bad in my entire life. The counter guy (friendliness is just like the modernity of debit or credit card usage...not a part of Al's protocol) recommended to the customer in front of me that the sandwich be dipped. I did NOT request that mine also be dipped, but sadly, it was. This resulted in a soggy mess, impossible to eat neatly unless the creature eating it is a dog. Dreadful! The flavor was indescribable...leftover boiled be beef. The fries were also a soggy, greasy mess. Oh & the place smelled as bad as the beef tasted. I'd highly recommend not wasting your time or money on this Chicago 'tradition'. Saving up the money you save by not eating there & spending it on a trip to Philly where one can buy real fantastic beef sandwiches would be a wise idea. read more

Al's Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Rave rave rave.... as a freshmen in college in Chicago, people told me I had to get Al's. I came, ordered, ate, and thought... man, that was an expensive Italian Beef... my meal came out to $10 for lunch for a sandwich, fries, and drink. Fast forward 10+ years later to current day, and on a whim, decided to come try Al's once more. This time, small sandwich, no dip, no peppers (blasphemy, I know), and still $6. With my now more discerning palate for food, I will concede that the beef was juicy, and flavorful... but for $6, still not worth the price. This place is very hyped up... it's a good experience, but for the price, you can likely do better food. Verdict: Not any time soon will I be back... there are too many other places (even within walking distance) that have better quality to price ratio's for Italian beefs. It's a respectable beef, but the frugal side of me can't accept the quality/quantity of food here for how much is paid out. Sorry Al's! read more

Good but I've had better. Even from their franchise stores. Especially the Park Ridge one. The ladies behind the counter were nice, friendly and patient. I added cheese after the fact (paid for it, too) and I don't know if that made a difference but there didn't seem to be any cheese in the beef. And super wet...yes. But falling apart soaked through as I asked. No. Fries were good but too many butt, skin edge waste pieces. Which are basically garbage and filler. Weird that it's cash only when the franchises all offer cc service. So I basically paid an extra $2.75 fee to eat there and get enough cash to do fries with my sandwich. Also...original stand is so small, I didn't see a restroom anywhere so I won't be using it as a later night stop on my rounds driving. ;)~ read more

I'll be honest - never heard of Al's until we arrived in Chicago and my two Chicago loving friends would not shut up about this place. I ordered the Little Al - an Italian Beef sandwich slathered in provolone cheese and a side of cheese fries (TO DIE - all of it). I'm not a big lover of places like this but I was thoroughly impressed and the long hike through the pelting snow was worth it. The staff is real friendly and it gives you that authentic Chicago-Italian feel (if that's a real thing haha). Definitely would go here again! read more

I thought the food was great and parking is easy. The only negatives I have were space to sit is limited and they only take cash.