See all
160 photos

Al's Italian Beef

Sandwich Spot and Italian Restaurant$$$$

University Village - Little Italy, Chicago

Save

Al's Italian Beef

8.5^/10

149

ratings

Ranked #3 for Italian beef in Chicago
The experts at Serious Eats and Redeye Chicago recommend this place
"This is the original location, my favorite Italian beef in the city."(17 Tips)
"Great sandwich, remember to take the Italian stance to eat it."(2 Tips)
"Awesome combo sandwich."(2 Tips)
"Portillos is way better!"(2 Tips)

50 Tips and reviews

Filter:

Italian beef
sandwiches
french fries
hot dogs
great value
good for a quick meal
casual
good for singles
dips
peppers
juice
lunch
parking
giardiniera
mojos
stylists
relish
dinner
friendly staff
city
(15 more)

Sort:

Popular
Recent

Serious EatsMay 21, 2013
No other Italian beef in town tastes quite like the original Al's #1 Italian Beef. The meat roasts with a collection of spices, accentuating each bite while never overwhelming the beefy flavor.
Upvoted 2 weeks ago
Erik RowleyOctober 26, 2017
This is the original location, my favorite Italian beef in the city. Get it dipped and bring cash. I like to use the juice to dip my fries, heavenly deliciousness.
Redeye ChicagoAugust 3, 2014
Get the now-iconic Italian beef sandwich: thinly sliced, marinated beef, peppers and spicy giardiniera on a soak-it-all-up roll ($5.50 for a regular; $7.70 for a large) Read more
Travel ChannelAugust 10, 2011
Try one of the dipped beef sandwiches - they've been a Chicago staple for 70 years. As seen on Man v Food: Chicago.
Overlord LaharlFebruary 29, 2016
The beef recepies at all the different Al's is different. This location is the origonal and is the best.
Symone Rae' LewisApril 17, 2015
The Italian beef and french fries are very good. I loved it! I will definitely try to be back soon.
Joe CFebruary 18, 2022
Love the Beef sandwich. Disappointed that the lobby was closed and masks are still required.
Overlord LaharlFebruary 29, 2016
Its not a Italian beef unless you get it dipped. If you don't like it soggy ask for a light dip if you like it soggy just ask for it dipped. This Al's dosent skimp on the dip.
Overlord LaharlFebruary 29, 2016
Standing room only.If your looking for a place to sit. the only ones are outside at the picnic table.
TerrenceAugust 21, 2013
Friendly, clean, & inexpensive. Some of the words nobody would use to describe this place. Fries are soggy & gross. Also, no restrooms so enjoy having hands that smell like beef for a while.
Erik RowleyOctober 26, 2017
If you didn’t bring cash, no sweat they have an atm located inside the restaurant.
michelle jimenezAugust 1, 2015
One of the best Italian beefs you'll ever eat. Outside dining smells like garbage.
Alexander DunnMay 25, 2018
I ordered an Italian beef and some fries with cheese. Tasted a little generic but it was an experience.
Chris AquinoApril 23, 2023
Been here 5+ times
Credit cards are now allowed. 9ne of the few good things that happened in the past few years.
Keith PetersonSeptember 19, 2018
Cant go wrong with a classic beef with peppers!
GinaDecember 28, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Classic Italian beef and peppers sandwich, dipped of course.
Sonja HirasunaApril 1, 2013
I'd suggest calling ahead right before you go as for no apparent reason they like to close for the day.... Even when it's only 30 minutes after opening.
OdoOctober 13, 2013
Great sandwich, remember to take the Italian stance to eat it. Full review... Read more
Christopher SmithMarch 8, 2017
Get it Ditka's way... Dipped with hot and sweet peppers!!!!
Michael EasonJuly 21, 2013
Food is fye!!!!!! Italian beefs are the bomb next to portillos.
Nation's Restaurant NewsMay 2, 2012
One of the top Chicago dining picks to visit during the 2012 NRA Show from the Nation's Restaurant News editorial team! Read more
Joe CNovember 2, 2019
Italian beef sandwiches and hand cut fries.
MarcDecember 1, 2015
Food Network's Top Five - Sandwiches... #5: Al's Italian Beef
Cityvida MobileApril 30, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Delicious and juicy, get the beef dipped and do the 'Italian Stance'.
TV Food MapsAugust 26, 2014
Check out Al's Italian Beef as seen on Food Wars , Man vs Food , Adam Richman's Best Sandwich Read more
Steve KunkaOctober 18, 2013
Awesome combo sandwich. A little expensive though.
Johnny VasquezAugust 23, 2010
Get a combo sandwich wrapped with fries and an Italian lemonade from Marios across the street!
Mrs. LaktashApril 26, 2012
Get the giardinera on the side of your Italian beef. Delicious!
Shane MAugust 25, 2012
Just devoured their beef sandwich with peppers. Amazing
TeaBellySeptember 10, 2011
Good god. I ate the Itallian beef and had a religious experience. Best. Sandwich. Ever.
Danny CaccioppoMay 8, 2020
Gypsy Fries, Beefs. A mess in the bag though. Hopefully it didn’t get on my Uber driver’s seat.
michelle jimenezAugust 1, 2015
Italian beef is 1# in Chicago .
Polina WeitzJanuary 29, 2022
Great juicy sandwiches!
Pauly CapponeAugust 2, 2014
well what can you say still the best !
M & MNovember 2, 2013
It's been years since I've visited. Read an article praising Al's this week and dropped by. New impression....meh.
Bethany NyreeOctober 17, 2013
Cash only! No credit or debit!
Overlord LaharlFebruary 29, 2016
The fries are soggy be design. Even if you order them "fried hard" they will still be soggy and overcooked.
Mary Rose ASeptember 25, 2015
Best Italian Beef
Overlord LaharlFebruary 29, 2016
The Italian beef
Kevin LangeAugust 18, 2011
Here's a tip: go down the street to LuLu's and get a real beef! Had to try it,and its way overpriced and overhyped. Portillos,Mr Beef,LuLus are all way better!!!!
Rob StaufferJanuary 28, 2013
Amazingly good!
Chris GuillaumeSeptember 5, 2015
Beef was good but not worth the drive for us.
William BrandtMay 27, 2010
This is still the best Italian Beef.
David mcnelisDecember 5, 2009
Best Italian beef in chicago
Jerry EscamillaApril 13, 2011
Had better and cheaper
McQuadeApril 24, 2012
Its good but way overpriced
Jeff SOctober 22, 2010
Suckit
Jonquil BoydJanuary 9, 2011
Won't lie, I've had better :-/
Matthew MundayAugust 24, 2010
Portillos is way better!
Santiago DuarteOctober 28, 2014
Delicioso local de sandwiches al estilo italiano mojado en su propia salsa. La carne es muy suave y llena de sabor. Buenísimo

160 Photos

Planning a trip to Chicago?

Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.

Al's Italian Beef

Related Searches

You might also like

Places people like to go after Al's Italian Beef

Appears on 257 lists

Top places in the area

More from Al's Italian Beef

Is this your business? Claim it now.