Had to try an Italian beef in Chicago and saw that this spot was rated the best beef sandwich in the city. We got the big beef dipped and hot and sweet with some provolone cheese which was enough for two people. Ordered at the counter and didn't have to wait too long for our food to be ready. This sandwich was really messy but so flavorful! It's a classic hearty sandwich and the peppers give it a nice crunch too. We devoured the whole thing and it was a really messy meal but very delicious! Very casual lunch spot and I would definitely come back. read more

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

We intended to go to Mr. beef as fans of the show The Bear but alas the line was 40 min long and we were pretty hungry. Walked here instead and there was no wait around 230pm on Saturday. I got the sweet wet combo (beef + sausage) and my husband got the hot dipped beef, as well as chili cheese fries. We both liked the flavor of the hot beef although the dipped was surprisingly wetter than "wet" which is misleading. Dipped is too wet for us. The hot was spicy for me so the chili cheese fries were good to cut the heat. We also liked the Italian beef more than the combo as the sausage doesn't add much in my opinion and makes the sandwich harder to eat. In the future, my order likely would be sweet wet beef with a side of hot. Plenty of seating inside too. We needed a nap after eating this meal! read more

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Classic Chicago beef sandwich spot. Sandwich comes pretty wet but tastes delicious. Get some extra jus on the side for dipping! read more

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

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My partner was so excited to try Chicago Italian beef and so was I. We came on a suuuuper hot and humid day so unfortunately my appetite was on the lower end. I got mine with sweet peppers and giardiniera and my partner got just giardiniera. He loved his, I thought it was too oily for my taste, but could also have been the heat and humidity affecting it. Dont get me wrong it was definitely oily, as in drenched thru two wrappers, but tasted pretty good. Overall would I go out of my way to come back here? No, but I do think it's still worth checking out if you've never tried it. read more

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

Very good Italian beef sandwich. Not too wet and the quality of beef was just fine. Loved the spicy gardianara. It is not a large sandwich so consider getting the one bigger than the regular read more

solid beef sandwich, cheap, very messy but tasty. orders are ready very quickly. grab a ton of napkins and dip as much as you can read more

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

Regular beef, hot, dipped is the way to go. Grab plenty of napkins and be sure to wash your hands after dinner. read more

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

Get the Italian beef. We added peppers and topped with gravy. Delicious. I'll come back for that. The hot dogs just aren't for me. Just get the beef, fries and cheese sauce. Spot on. read more

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

Had to get it. Absolutely worth it. The fries were stellar. The bread was soft and the meat was flavorful and tender. I got the gravy on the side because I'm a slow eater and a side of sweet peppers. I made a mistake in not getting the bite giardiniera but I won't make that again the next time. Solid. read more

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

I got a regular beef (wet style) and a large side of fries. The sandwich was plenty to split between 2 people and the fries we split between 4. I added provolone and sweet peppers (basically green bell pepper) to my sandwich for an additional cost but they did not add much, if you're paying then they should add quite a bit. I wish the provolone was melted. The sandwich was good but honestly tasted like something I could make at home so probably would not order again. The fries were some of the best I've had though! Fast service and a good amount of seating. read more

Al's Beef - 1/2 Regular Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Incredible Italian beef is plentiful in Chicago, but Al's Beef may have perfected the recipe. I've been going here for years and the quality can't be beat. When I was binge watching The Bear I swear I was having to visit Al's every other day because my cravings for a good Italian beef sandwich were so great! read more

I'm a huge Italian Beef fan and finally got to try Al's beef. Honestly it's not a bad sandwich. The peppers were good and the bread was soft. Now when it comes to the meat, I think it could be a bit more juicy. The price is a bit much for an Italian beef of this size. Fries were nothing special and you won't miss them. As for the inside of the restaurant it looks clean. I had a takeout order so I can't say much about that. Overall it's not a bad spot for a quick Italian Beef if you're in the area. read more

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

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I get it wet with hot giardineira and it's RIDICULOUS. But dipped is even better...as is when you add provolone. The sausages are great too! I got a Polish Maxwell St style and that came with fries which are PHENOMENAL. Like uber crispy even when round and thin (which would normally be soggy). read more

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

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Made it over to Al's for the first time and they didn't disappoint. We were here around noon on a Saturday and surprisingly it was quite. Looks like they moved here from another location or recently renovated. We ordered a Regular Beef and a Regular Combo (Italian Sausage makes it a combo)- both dipped. Also, with Hot Giardiniera (not really spicy but lots of flavor) which is a must. Paired with Cheddar cheese fries cause why not? Beef was tender and that Giardinera takes it over the top. As I've mentioned, will go with Beef only from now on-added Sausage/Combo is a bit much and distracts from the Italian Beef-star of the show. Service was friendly and engaged. One of the must stops when visiting Chi Town! read more

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Al's did not disappoint. This was a delicious sandwich. A little messy with the fully dipped with the sweet and spicy peppers. I also had provolone cheese . This was amazing. Very flavorful. I loved it and will definitely go back. The service was really fast and the restaurant was small, nice, and clean. I had the choice Chicago dog or Al's. I am glad I chose Al's. read more

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Al's #1 beef offers some of the best beef sandwiches you can find in Chicago. The sandwiches were tasty filled with plenty of meat and other fixings. Service was great and the staff gave us a great rundown on the menu and what to expect. A must visit for Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago. read more

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Got the big beef with every thing on it. Wet. The fries were amazing and it exceeded all expectations. Best dip ive hade in 20 years.

The first day of the new year and I wanted to write about this old-school classic called Al's Beef. Everyone says when you are in Chicago one of the most important food items to try is a beef sandwich. When I saw this I was very intrigued because I didn't understand what that meant. So I started to google and Yelp beef sandwiches and well Al's beef was one of the places that I found and it was pretty close to the hotel we stayed at. We got to the place and ordered their big beef sandwich instead of the regular beef. One has more meat than the other. But I am so glad we did because that was amazing! I kind of wished we had ordered a few because that's one of the items I now crave while back in Los Angeles. If you are ever here this is just a must! Add this to your list! read more

Al's Beef - Big beef for sure - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very fast service and great taste! Sandwich was well dipped, sausage was nicely cooked, and the fries accompanied both perfectly! read more

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

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This place is said to have legendary dips. It did not disappoint! Arrived in Chicago in a late afternoon in November and took a stroll over to this location. I asked the cashier for recommendations and he delivered with his sandwich pick! The Italian beef dip was drenched in sauce and probably the most intensely juicy sandwiche I've had in a very long time! You can literally tell by the photo and dip drip left on the tray while eating this thing. Definitely overall I was very impressed and would go back again if I ever head to Chicago again! read more

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

Got the supposedly most famous beef sandwich in Chicago and was not enthralled. To each it's own I guess on this review. Shops are few and in between. Good thing we found surprisingly good other places around it read more

Al's Beef - Fries are especially a NO go for me - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The order had multiple errors including missing one hotdog, missing the extra order of fries and promoting provolone cheese on one beef sandwich. 2 employees came to my self serve table and inspected even the delivery bag as if we were hiding the missing food. The manager dismissed the whole thing as if I was lying and show complete disrespect for us as customers. Essentially after my complaint about the messed up order, he said have a great day, his way of saying "get out and I don't give a _____! " Mr Beef is a few blocks away. The food is better and they treat their customers with respect. read more

Chicago staple. Place was small but clean. I wanted to see what all the hype was about with the Chicago Italian beef sandwich. We also ordered a Chicago dog and Polish. Food was tasty and messy. Be ready with plenty of napkins. read more

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Family trip to Chicago and we had to have Italian beef. This did NOT disappoint!! All tables were full at 3pm on a Saturday. Service was quick and sandwiches were outstanding. read more

Delicious, not one of a kind but unique in its own way and highly enjoyable. It's not a must visit for Chicago but you will not regret going here. My favorite and recommended go to order would be the Italian beef (no Italian sausage) with spicy peppers and provolone cheese. The sweet peppers are a nice add but not necessary (they're just sweet unmarinated bell peppers). The spicy peppers are kind of like a light marinated pepper relish. An absolute must get. Make sure you get the gravy to go on the side so your bread stays crispy! * wet = they drizzle the sauce on the meat * Gravy = they Runk your entire sandwich in so the bread gets entirely soaked and you'd have to eat this with a fork and knife * on the side = it's not on the menu but you can ask for the sauce in a side cup so you can dunk it at your own speed Service was phenomenal, waiter at the cash register went above and beyond - really wish the best for her. Ambiance was like a local diner. Casual, family style. read more

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Last time I saw in Chicago I went here for dinner one night, words can't even begin to describe how good the food was. The service and ambiance was good too, next time you're in Chicago I'd HIGHLY recommend going here. read more

Ordered a regular Polish sausage. Told the manager the bun, which was sopping wet for some reason, fell apart before I even took a bite and was told that's how it's served. Um. Sorry. This wasn't a hotdog eating contest where it needs to be dipped in water. Ya'll should be ashamed. Used to love this place. read more

Empty on a Wednesday night and had me confused given the hype. I think I just got lucky though because the original beef sandwich was divine and the meat was thinly sliced and melted your your mouth. I got it with hot peppers and provolone which did not disappoint. Good quick fast foodie joint! read more

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

The Italian beef sandwich with fries was delicious that is worth trying at least once since it's a Chicago classic. Also, the service was relatively fast since I got my food almost immediately after ordering. read more

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

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Came in for a sandwich since I saw good reviews and it didn't disappoint at all. I ordered a regular dipped sandwich with cheese and giardiniera also a side of fries and a soda. Workers were very nice and my food was amazing although eating the sandwich was a bit sloppy since it was dipped it was delicious. I loved the spiciness of the guardiniera. read more

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

Overall a wonderful experience with great food. This is a great place to visit if you want something classically Chicagoan that is quick and easy. The ambiance is chill and relaxed. The service was exceptional and beyond what I expect. They went out of their way to accommodate dietary restrictions and were very kind and understanding. I would 100% recommend that you stop in. I personally ate the regular beef dipped and it was phenomenal. read more

Perfect Italian Beef served quickly and with a smile. Three beefs lasted maybe 5 minutes on our tray -- we simply destroyed them. The absorptive rolls really make the sandwich -- they hold just enough gravy to ensure you have extra fat in every delicious bite. The Chicago-style Polish was great, too. But you can get Polish anywhere, the beef is where it is at. This location was very clean and I will be back. read more

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

Tasty introduction to Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago style hot dogs! Full disclosure, tourist here, so I can't compare to other traditional Chicago food joints, but we were very happy with our meal at Al's. Atmosphere is fast casual. We ordered at the counter a Chicago style hot dog, a regular size Italian beef with gardiniera peppers and cheddar, and an order of chili cheese fries. The lady working the register was kind and asked her manager for us if the chili was all beef- she confirmed it is all beef. I liked everything we got equally. I will say a warning to fellow tourists: it does not matter whether you get the Italian beef dipped in the juices or not, your sandwich will be soggy fast. I have been told this is traditional and while it's something to get used to, in my opinion it is much better when hot. We did not have any left over but fyi this is not the kind of sandwich to try to save for later. If in Chicago again I would definitely come back. read more

Al's Beef - Chicago style dog, Italian beef sandwich (wrapped), and Chili Cheese Fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I absolutely love this place the food is awesome. The workers were not friendly or welcoming at all. They spoke Spanish and so do I and I know they were talking smack. I will still go eat the food when I come back read more

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

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Freakin' outstanding. Especially if you're visiting Chicago and don't get to experience Italian beef like this. We were in town for 4 days and went twice! read more

Overall, very happy with the dipped Italian beef. I didn't get much heat off the hot peppers, so maybe this is more of a sweet pepper situation. The dog was good, not too much celery salt. I was surprised that there was ketchup available. I would pass on the fries they were over fried that was a bit dry and pretty salty (I'm a salt fiend too). The Italian beef is the star and it's juicy and tender. There wasn't a wait and there is also an iPad ordering station in the back if you don't want any human interaction. I'll definitely come back and I would recommend Al's especially now with more and more restaurants seems to be in $$$ price range. Solid meal and you can be in and out if you're short on time. read more

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While it doesn't have all the fancy decor that Portillo's have... this by far has the better beef sandwich. The beef juice is succulent and the texture is superior. The hot peppers are spicy and add a lovely oil that accentuates the flavor of the meat. I've been here twice in the same day, and I would go again tomorrow if my itinerary would allow it. Stop here if you want something delicious! There's a seating area open during the day, at night it's take away only. read more

Al's Beef - Regular Beef with hot peppers - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Very bland roast beef. The peppers and veggies were okay, but it's a BEEF sandwich. And, the service was rude (maybe intentionally, I dunno). Overall, very disappointing. read more

First time back since before the pandemic and as wonderful as I remember. Easily the 2nd best Italian beef in the city (Johnnie's is the best but it's a hike as they're out of the city). Interestingly, my hometown Vegas had a single Al's location at Sahara/Rainbow a few years ago but folded after a short trial. So sad...they weren't the same as the Chicago locations in terms of quality and they weren't able to survive. While we wait for an Al's (or Portillos) to land in Vegas and do our city proud, it's nice to remind myself how great a well-made Italian Beef can be, not to mention the fantastic fresh cut fries that pair perfectly. Don't forget to add "hot" (not really spicy, just tasty) Giardinera to your sandwich...it adds the perfect finishing touch! So good! Check the pix! read more

Al's Beef - An amazing wet "big" beef with Hot Giardinera in all its glory! - Sandwiches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Occasion: Guys trip to Chicago. Party of 3. Restaurant: Visited the one in Little Italy. Kind of a hole in the wall with a counter to eat at and a few tables outside. The restaurant is just what we expected and added to the overall experience. Weather was great this fall afternoon and we sat outside. Food: We had 2 Big Beef combos and one regular combo. All of our sandwiches were dipped and packed full of meat. The sandwiches exceeded our expectations and were so filling we ate only a few of our french fries. However their fries were good. Overall: Met/exceeded our expectations and would definitely return next time I am in Chicago. read more