Yeah! I'm a fan! Checked it out as a place I could take my dog. Had a really nice lunch here on the patio. Big area in front of the restaurant, and they've put up a couple canvas "EZ Up" type structures that cover a 30 x 30 area with plenty of shade. Really nice area for you and your dog. Promptly brought out a dog bowl with water. Nice! For lunch I had the soup of the day (White clam chowder), and an open faced deli sandwich with a dill tuna salad. The soup just wasn't good, seemed like it was right out a can. I think if you are going to have special soups of the day, you need to make them from scratch. This one was jut not good. The sandwich however was fantastic. A nice dill tuna, Colby cheese, sprouts, avocado, tomato, served open face on a piece of pumpernickel. Instead of standard fries, they offered it with chips and fruit (slice of pineapple). I didn't try one of the authentic malts, but I saw several go by. They look REALLY good, so maybe next time! read more

Great rooms, nice menu. Came for dinner and got seated upstairs. Vintage building decorated with old photos, original looking woodwork and old photos. Upstairs feels like a turn-of-the-century lawyers office. Service was above average. Two of us for dinner each has entree's and we shared a dessert. This was an accidental encounter. We were in Elgin to eat somewhere else, but they were closed. I'm sure I'll be back to Al's. read more

Fir-Git-About-IT. This is a must go. Food, Famous Malt Recipe, Nostalgia & Great Service with a Smile. Take your best friend, take your boss, take your mom, go by yourself just GO! Then head over and win some money at The Boat. read more

Food is good. The service is alright. It's a nice little cafe. I have tried the shakes and they're great.

I think everyone needs to visit this spot and try a malt! They have tons of different flavors I personally enjoy the butterscotch. They do have a big menu selection but I usually default to the southwest chicken salad it's tasty and huge. This restaurant definitely gives off old world vibes and the owner often comes out and talks to guests (he cooks). read more

I've only been here a few times and only for dessert. The desserts are alright. The interior is gorgeous. Beautifully representing the building's history. The old bank vault upstairs is an amazing feature and fun talking point. I'd give this place more stars, but the staff working here need some work. One two separate occasions, my husband and I have attempted to go here with friends who are of other ethnicities (were an interracial purple, white and Hispanic), and when we've gone we've been told there was no seating -- despite clearly open seating just behind the host booth on the first floor. As we walked away, an owner/manager came running out saying the host was incorrect and there was seating. Unfortunately our fiends were already humiliated and we were shocked--so we politely declined and went elsewhere. A similar situation occurred some 2 years later with my husband and his friends. Disappointing that such bigotry is still alive today. read more

When I was a little girl I was invited to a birthday party at a drugstore called "Burns". These days if a kid had a birthday party in a drugstore it probably wouldn't be very popular, but Burns Pharmacy was different. They had a soda fountain and they made the best malts on Earth. Burn's Pharmacy is no longer with us, but Burn's Malts are: At Al's Cafe and Creamery. Admittedly, I've not been to Al's very much -- and when I do I usually am in a hurry to finish whatever I've ordered to get to the main reason I'm at Al's: the chocolate malts. But I do know that everything I've eaten at Al's is wonderful. Their staff is wonderful. The decor is wonderful. The patrons are wonderful. Back to the malts: Until June of this year I'd only eaten the chocolate malts, (Did I mention they are the best on Earth?) but because a friend suggested it, I tried the Oreo malt. Wow! Nearly as good as the chocolate. If you're in Elgin (even just to gamble on that blasted boat) stop by Al's and have lunch. And save room for a malt (and don't give me the excuse that you're lactose intolerant. I am too and the malt is worth it!) read more

Al's Cafe & Creamery - Al's Sign - Diners Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

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Hosted my daughter's bridal shower there yesterday. Maggie and the food were amazing. The staff had the space in the tent set up prior to our arrival and couldn't have been more attentive. My guests loved the food and shared that they will be coming back. Thank You to all the staff. read more

Al's Cafe & Creamery - Diners Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

We have been going to Al's for over 20 years. We love their ice cream. Always a special treat!

Great food and great people. Best Ice cream in elgin give it a try! Chef Tony is phenomenal

Went here for the first time yesterday for lunch. I ordered the soup of the day which was chicken tortilla and it was absolutely delicious. I also tried a burger which was cooked just how I wanted it. On top of all that good food, the decor reflects the history of the building very well. Both charming and entertaining. Loved all the attention to details. All around very good experience. read more

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I've been there multiple times and each time is never a disappointment. I always have the Shrimp Arrabbiata pasta which is delicious. I would definitely recommend if you're looking for a great dinner in the downtown area! read more

Amazing food service and people. This place has never lets us down. We love the monthly specials and atmosphere here at Al's.

Most Delicious Salmon ever. They are currently running a summer special On a variety of salmon dinners. I ordered the Tandori Salmon which was marinated in Tandori spices and yogurt, served with a cold yogurt sauce on top and roasted veggies and potato. Fish was cooked to perfection. Can't wait to go back and try another salmon before summer salmon run is over. read more

Al's Cafe & Creamery - Tandori Salmon dinner - Diners Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

Not gonna lie, I've only ever gotten the bruschetta chicken sandwich from here but its so good I can't ever get anything else. The service is great and it's such a cute location. Love sitting outside in the summer. Anyways, get the bruschetta chicken sandwich! read more

The food is generally good and we love the atmosphere more than anything, but the service is so extremely slow. You have to plan about 2.5 hours for dinner if you have some place to go afterwards, which isn't ideal. Our steaks were lukewarm and the chef offered to buy us dessert which was nice, but then the dessert itself took 30 minutes to get out to us. We had to take our dessert to go.....overall a disappointing experience from one we thought would be more positive. read more

Best milkshakes ever! Fast and efficient. Located in the heart of downtown Elgin in a historic setting.

Loved this place, the food is always good, the setting is lovely in an old building in the Downtown Historic District, the waitstaff are great, I can't get enough of their chocolate malts! Even though I love the space indoors, their outdoor patio is so nice! read more

Wonderful staff, great food and the best ice cream. The chef is meticulous and the food is homemade. Not many options like this around anymore! read more

It was a nice Saturday afternoon snack! The sundaes are great! The staff is super friendly. And the building is super cool!

Great food. Great service. When in doubt, we go to Al's. Highly recommend the steak salad and any specials. I have never had anything there I did not love. And save room for a milkshake. Best ones around the Elgin area. read more

We did take out and the person that helped us and brought our food out was very pleasant and energetic. She really brightened our day. We had the ribs and tried four different kinds. We loved them all and everyone ate all of theirs which usually never happens. They gave us a lot of fries and salad too. They did not ask us about dressing so we needed up with what ever they gave us but it was not that great. We will do it again soon. read more

They use to be a great little place to stop at for a ice cream soda or a milkshake. Not sure who they have working the soda fountain but they need to replace him or her. I won't be back. read more

Good variety, taste, High quality food! Always received great service and always LOVED my food.

An Elgin staple with a wonderful vibe, wide food selection with gluten free options, expert chef on staff cooking up fantastic dishes, cute outdoor seating in warmer months, and great service!! It's the number one place I recommend in downtown Elgin and have been coming for years. read more

Al's is one of Elgin's great culinary gems. Famous locally for its time-tested, out of this world delicious shakes and malts, the rest of the menu is as delicious as it is eclectic. The best and tastiest cheeseburger in all of Elgin leads the way followed by the best barbecue chicken sandwich I have ever had, anywhere. The garlic shrimp appetizer is simply amazing. Service can be hit or miss here, and food prep times a little in the high side, but the food is well worth the wait. My favorite Elgin restaurant - bar none. Al's offers an outdoor seating area in season that is dog friendly. Don't forget they are closed on Mondays. read more

Al's Cafe is one of my favorite places. I go a little more than once in a blue moon but every time I do I'm in love all over again. Their peppermint ice cream is delicious. Everything I've ever had is good!! I go out of my way to take family & friends who are visiting to Al's and they've all enjoyed this wonderful establishment as well. read more

Al's is a wonderful place with a lovely, homey ambiance, whether you're going out for lunch or dinner. I love the variety on the menu. I'm a big fan of the chicken teriyaki sandwich. And they have Warsteiner beer, or at least they did the last time I was there...that's hard to come by! read more

Great food and amazing malts . Nice atmosphere, friendly people and did I say amazing malts .

First time here and it was very good! Cute patio outside and it was a perfect day to sit out there. We all just ordered sandwiches, 2 burgers and I had a teriyaki chicken sandwich with grilled pineapple that was really good. Waitress was very nice and attentive, will definitely com back again read more

This place is delicious. Decided to try it for lunch and I will be back again soon. I split the schnitzel and roast beef sandwiches with my dad, as well as a chocolate snickers malt and wow... Just really solid comfort food. The decor and atmosphere were also great. Can't wait to come back and have a couple of drinks with dinner later this summer. read more

Our second visit and it keeps getting better. Soups are in the top 5 soups I've ever had in my life (and I'm old!). Ribs fell off the bone with a delicious tangy original sauce (they offer several types too). Chocolate malt fresh and tasty. Super friendly and efficient staff, amazing chef. Love, love, love this place. read more

This was my first time dining at Al's Cafe & Creamery and I was THOROUGHLY satisfied. The decor of Al's Cafe is similar to dining at someone's home, especially the upstairs dining area. The seating is an eclectic arrangement of chairs and dining tables. There are several bookcases filled with old books, inviting you to pause for a moment to gleam their titles. The ambiance is cozy and welcoming. The staff was friendly and attentive. There was never a moment in which I was waiting for my beverage to be refilled. The timing of the food to be brought to the table was perfect. For dinner, I ordered from their seasonal Oktoberfest menu. I selected the sauerbraten. It was SENSATIONAL! The meat was fork-tender and I didn't need my knife at all. The red wine gravy was luxurious. The mashed potatoes were perfectly seasoned and slightly lumpy, which I loved! The red cabbage had a delightful zing to it. The fresh vegetables were carrots and asparagus, perfectly cooked. The overall presentation of the plate was beautiful. All-in-all, my dining experience was top notch and I will definitely be returning to Al's Cafe in the near future. I highly recommend! read more

OK, so fair warning - cafe is in the name, but DO NOT ORDER THE COFFEE! Tastes like Maxwell House and made me sad :( Otherwise, this restaurant is great :) The burgers were top notch, with some oddball variations. I had the Bruschetta chicken sandwhich. The bun is described as 'deluxe', which I thought was pretty silly, but when it came out it did indeed sit on a fancy bun! Great meal, all in all. Probably should have had icecream instead of coffee, but I'd never been here before. Cool building, friendly staff, I like the comfy ambiance. Right by the Elgin riverfront. What's not to love? read more

Had a great experience. I had one of the pork tenderloins and I think it was larger than the plate! The soup was excellent and for dessert of course a butter pecan milkshake. I will definitely go back read more

I am in LOVE with this place. I have yet to try everything I wanted to, but I sure made a concerted effort my first time!! The first time we came, our waitress was Gosia, and she was amazing. She guided us toward her favorite things on the menu and was SO attentive throughout the meal. We liked the food and Gosia so much that we returned a week later hoping she was working--alas, she was not! Our server was really nice and attentive, though. I am just keeping my fingers crossed that Gosia is working next time! I am also not ashamed to admit that we were back once throughout the week, but for takeout. Don't you judge me!! The whole place is really cozy and has a "homey" feel. We sat downstairs the first time, and upstairs the second--by the bay window, so it was GORGEOUS. What a view!! But anyway, my kids ordered the chicken nuggets meal--it comes with a HEARTY portion of chicken nuggets and fries. The kids really loved them! I had the minty spiked martini--SO amazing. It goes down so smoothly...maybe a little TOO smoothly ;) I also had the split pea soup with ham (special on Saturdays). Let me say. I megaloathe peas, but this was AWESOME! It was so different and tasted amazing! My husband had the grownup grilled cheese sandwich and thought it was one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches he's ever had. This is high praise for him because he loves those little suckers! I had a bacon burger with fries and it was REALLY good. I also ordered a side salad, and their ranch dressing is to die for! Not from a bottle, nosiree!! When we ordered dessert (of COURSE we got dessert, duh!) it was reminiscent of my childhood! I recreated a dish that my family used to have in Missouri when we visited my grandmother. It's chocolate ice cream, marshmallow topping and malt on the side. Yeah, it sounds strange but it's delicious! Now that I have been talking about this, I really want to go back! I am already figuring out when a good time would be!! LOL! I highly reccommend anything from here, and I can't wait to try it all! read more

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We came here on Mother's Day in the mid-afternoon and were seated immediately. They do take reservations though. I like Al's. The location has a nostalgic feel with wood floors that go CLUNK CLUNK when you walk on them, and the booths are made from old church pews. The tables are crammed together, which made for awkward and uncomfortable seating. We had to move the table forward so we could sit. Then we had to move it backward so others could sit. It is loud in here; there was a lot of commotion behind the bar area, if they were using a blender it sounded a lot more like a belt sander. The malts are to die for though. I had a chocolate malt with marshmallow, which was whipped together. The smaller malt is the perfect size, as the richness of the chocolate got sickeningly sweet during the last bite. My mom had a caramel sundae which also looked really good. Service was great; our server was friendly and attentive. At the end of our visit, she gave my mom a small box of complimentary truffles. How sweet! For whatever reason, I also got a box! The desserts are decadent, but I would only recommend stopping by if the patio is open. It's too noisy and congested inside to fully enjoy your visit. read more

I frequently find myself in Elgin thanks to a diabolical employer. I really have no love loss for the place but I try to make the best of it. Well to date, Al's is the best of it that I have found. I enjoyed my lunch; delicious soup, fresh and tasty ruben, and cute room. I also got to eavesdrop on some local politicos talking business and that spiced up my solo lunch! When in Elgin, if in Elgin, why in Elgin......well try Al's. read more

What a great find on a really dreary day in November. I searched for a place that made the old fashioned malteds so I could take my 85 year old mom for her birthday and Al's did not disappoint. We had the soup and sandwich combos for lunch and the soup of the day was called Poule I think-it was a South American soup that I had never heard of but will be going back for. The ham sandwich was real ham off the bone and so tasty. Service was wonderful and most importantly mom had a great birthday! read more

Been a fan of Al's for years! One of my all time favorites- love getting my dessert first & very pleased with their rotating selection of specials! read more