The hubs and I went on a #foodnetworkroadtrip for our 10th anniversary. Our midway point was a conference in Chicago and we knew we had to stop here! Delicious! Will never be able to eat fast food beef again!
Been coming here since I was in diapers. Now I bring my own kid here. 36 years and counting! Best damn beef you’ll ever have!
OMG, best sandwiches in Chicago. Al's big beef, hot peppers, extra provolone cheese & dunked in gravy. It will melt in your mouth. You have to eat it at the restaurant if you get it dunked to get maximum potential. Try it, you won't regret it.
Al's #1 Italian Beef was the top food tourism stop on my list for this long Chicago weekend, and it did not disappoint! I always order mine dry with the gravy and hot giardiniera on the side. Doing this here got me a whole cup of gravy to dip/drizzle as I saw fit. I don't eat plants but I LOVE drizzling the hot oil into these sandwiches and dipping the perfect fries in it. My friend's combo sandwich (with polish sausage added) was reported to be equally satisfying.
I used to beeline for Portillo's every time I visit Chicago, but Al's has them beat on fries and giardiniera oil sure, while the beef I would say is pretty equivalent. Especially since we got two Portillo's locations in Florida recently, that opens up many more new Chicago food trials each visit. Highly recommend you swing by here!
After more than 30 years since a kid visiting chi finally got hand on a Italian beef... hot and sweet peppers, dipped greatness. So sloppy. Peppery, nice amount of heat from it all and/or the hot peppers. The cheese cup got on the side didn't add much or any to the roll, was better without but fine with. Saw someone get whatever their loaded fries are called and looked killer too...
As a Chicago native I’m almost embarrassed to admit it took me 30+ years to try this place and I’m glad I did. Service was good and fast and the sandwich was divine. The beef was well flavored and melted in my mouth.
I’ll admit I grew up with the other beef spot that’s red and white but this might be my new favorite when I’m in town.
First time I had Al’s and it was great! Beef was seasoned well and got the bread just wet enough. We got it with sweet and hot peppers, definitely a must! A fantastic sandwich. We also tried the Chicago dog, that was great as well! Love all the toppings and just mustard is the only way to eat a hotdog! Don’t sleep on the fries either! Crispy and soft inside, great fries! They’re cash only but don’t let that stop you. Just great all around! Must try!
Had to have a Chicago OG at the Famous Al's #1 Italian Beef for my first trip to the Windy City. Stellar sandwich for anyone who enjoys a French dip but taken up a couple notches with spices and the spicy giardiniera.
It feels exactly like you'd want it to back in 1938. You walk into a small deli counter, order your Italian beef and sausage sandwich and fries with a soda. Pretty quickly I was in possession of the best sandwich I've had at a restaurant. Absolutely delicious and the fries were a pleasant surprise!
Seriously This place has it’s own ratings. No one does beef like Al’s The prep and the giardiniera wow. Yes it’s a greasy spoon or fast serve place. But it’s what I expect. Also fresh cut fries!!
I’ve been wanting to come to this place for years and it didn’t disappoint after finally having it. While the hot peppers (giardiniera) was less spicy than expected the flavor of the gravy was amazing. Lots of herbal notes and juicy fat (in a good way!). Want to try more to compare now.
Deliciously, perfectly messy in the most spectacular way! Always a stop when I'm back in Chicago!
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