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    Al's Under the L

    3.9 (42 reviews)
    InexpensiveBurgers, Hot Dogs
    Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Order Al's Under the L Takeout or Delivery

    Al's Under the L Photos

    AL'S UNDER THE L ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Good for kids

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    Thomas G.

    I felt that me visiting Al's Under the L has been long overdue being that I have lived in the area for over 2 years now and I typically go for restaurants like Al's. Google Maps caught that and gave me a 100% capability match with Al's based off of restaurants I have visited and reviewed in the past. After contemplating for a while I eventually gave in after getting off of work one evening. Al's has this slight retro appeal that comes from its plain, yet eye catching yellow outline exterior with red lettering. Its restaurant placement which is under the L has an urban vibe as well as when the CTA green line train passes by. What is unique about the parking for the majority of the businesses and restaurants on Lake St is that parking is along the elevated railway. Al's does have parking space of its own that is fitting to the amount of customers served at a time. There is nothing fancy about the interior, just a menu plastered up on each side of the walls. And behind the counter are its employees grinding it out at a satisfying pace. What caught my eye on their menu is that there are no pork products used which feels comforting to know especially if you wish to abstain from eating pork. Another thing I took notice of is Al's ice cream selections which isn't advertised on the menu, but I imagine is acknowledged by its regulars and community. Out of a variety of choices on their menu I ordered a hot dog w/ fresh cut fries and a canned soda. For future orders I imagine that I will continue ordering either their hot dogs or polish (beef or turkey) because it is typically something I go for. I really loved the fresh cut fries! They are definitely something I could get addicted to; cooked fresh and seasoned the way I like. I had a pleasant ordering experience at Al's Under the L even though there was not that welcoming feeling due to the fast pace environment. My food was completed at a satisfying pace, and good, which is all I can ask for. What will keep me returning is the fact that I get to support this neighborhood business. ~Blessings~ Thomas G

    Meme W.

    A lot of people rave about this place. I've only tried their chicken sandwich which was ok. I've had better but still I appreciate them offering this. Their home cut fries was absolutely too greasy and not crispy at all. But the rest of my family ordered burgers and fries which they all loved. So that means a lot because my 8 year old is a burger snob. Her burger was gone in less than 10 minutes. The customer service in this tiny neighborhood joint was impressive like a 5 star type of place. One customer argued with the staff about hoping his food wasn't cold since he saw the preparer get his already made bag off the warmer. The preparer explained he put half the food in the bag and was waiting on the rest of the order which did not make the customer happy so the preparer offered to cook a replacement. No problem. No eye rolling. No mumbling under his breath. Just cool about cooking another meal for the man. I could tel the staff sincerely cared about preparing customers food just the way they want it and they took their time about it. But not too much time. We were in and out of this place in less than 15 minutes. Would I go back? I would like to try a cheeseburger next time.

    I love the atmosphere. The employees were dancing and enjoying the music while they work.
    Jackie B.

    Al's is located right under the L just like the name indicates. I love the atmosphere. The employees were dancing and enjoying the music while they work.

    Tiffany L.

    My family has been a fan of Al's for over 50 years! Love this place! Best fresh cut fries ever!

    Chopsteak
    Rozalynn B.

    It was pretty good. I ordered a deep fried polish well done and a chop steak sandwich. The polish was pretty good, it could've been more well done. I like my polish burned. I should've gotten it slit open or something. The chop steak wasnt good. I didn't order it well done and it was thick and chewy. Ewwwwwwww Fries were a bomb!!!! The ordering process was a little irritating w/that glass in between us I think I repeated my order 5xs no bullshit. I'd go back for the polish and maybe try a burger.

    So affordable-- and all the sandwiches come with fries.
    Pat D.

    Al's Under the L has to be one of the best burgers and fries I've ever had-- the burger is simple, yet so darn good and the home cut fries are the bomb.com!! Do yourself a huge favor and check them out when you're in the Chicago area. You wont be disappointed!!!

    Whatchu get
    Dan H.

    If you want meat cooked on a grill two feet from your face, this is the place! The burgers come off so sizzling hot that they practically eat themselves. The Vienna Beef dogs are practically barking from the buns! It is take-out only and parking is everywhere, so come here and experience a throw back in time to when food was food and frills were not what eating was all about. This experience is raw life with food as the portal. Believe it or not I am a vegan so I can only get a "sleeve of fries" which are made by Junior from actual potatoes (no 15 ingredients), while everyone around me feasts on their tube steaks with big grins on their faces. I highly recommend this lost piece of authentic neighborhood dining.

    this right right here is the legendary Al's. dbl  wit everything!!!..
    Phil P.

    definitely not for the weak heart......but ohmygoodness!!! this is heart attack that shudda happened hours ago.....but it's sooooooooo good......yall get the point!!!

    Al's Under the "L"

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    Photo of Al M.
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    11 years ago

    I go here often as it is close to work, good crew, good food. The polish are great!!

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    10 years ago

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    I'll be thinking about my experience at The Dearborn for a long time! This past Sunday morning, I…read morehad wanted to grab a quick coffee before seeing some sights. As it happened, the cafe I wanted to check out was mobbed with a line down the street, and my boyfriend expressed wanting a full meal. A quick look at the map confirmed we were close to The Dearborn, and they were opening in about 10 minutes. Perfect. We detoured to view the Chicago Picasso and waited until open to walk in. Upon arrival, there were already several parties waiting to be seated, which is a clear indicator of the restaurant's popularity. We were seated not long after along the row of seated half booths in the room behind the bar. Our server, Melissa, was soooo friendly and lovely. She gave us some suggestions on other spots to visit too. We were both planning on starting with the horchata carajillo cocktail, but Melissa sold me with their brunch punch of the day - pineapple gin, yuzu, raspberry syrup, lemon, and soda water. Both cocktails were incredible, and my boyfriend and I were both buzzing before 11 am haha. *We did also order coffees - their cappuccino was delightful. In terms of food, we decided to start with the croissant monkey bread. As you can see, I took a bite before we even put the sauce on top - it was that irresistible. For potentially the first time ever, my boyfriend and I equally shared a dish. Typically, he eats faster and more than me, but I made sure to keep up - it was way too good to miss out. For my meal, I ordered the four cheese tavern-style pizza (fontina, gruyere, gouda, mozzarella, chives, garlic butter), and my boyfriend selected the fried perch benedict. I tried a bite of his, and it was lovely, but I was more focused on my pizza. To be clear, the pizza is 14 inches and easily could have been shared by both of us. In fact, he did indeed eat all of the leftovers later that night. This was hands down our favorite dining experience during our long weekend in Chicago, and I need to revisit on a future trip to try their famous fish & chips.

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    Al's Under the L - burgers - Updated September 2026

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