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Al's #1 Italian Beef
Sandwich Spot, American Restaurant, and Italian Restaurant$$$$
River North, Chicago
"The dipped Italian beef & peppers @alsitalianbeef is awesome!"(23 Tips)
"Portillos is cheaper, better and right down the street."(6 Tips)
"Get the big beef with hot & sweet peppers."(3 Tips)
"Smother it with sweet and hot peppers and enjoy the fries!"(11 Tips)
83 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- Italian beef
- french fries
- hot dogs
- portillo
- good for a late night
- (15 more)
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Michelle SMay 17, 2016Love this place! Beef is better than portillos although I slightly prefer portillos hot and sweet peppers and their roll. If you get dipped here it becomes a knife and fork meal. Fries are good too.
Upvoted Mar 17![Evan[Bu]](https://fastly.4sqi.net/img/user/32x32/1718914-0E4PXEUXZ2KFIAR4.jpg "Evan[Bu]")
Evan[Bu]November 28, 2011Al's fulfills the stereotype that Chicago has the best food in the United States! Go with an Original Beef, dipped, with peppers. Grab yourself some napkins and enjoy! Isn't Chicago tasty?!
Serious EatsMarch 17, 2016It's all in the title. Al's #1 Italian Beef serves mouth-watering meat roasts with a collection of spices to choose from. We recommend their classic dipped Italian beef sandwich! Read more
Tobias ReiperAugust 20, 2015The Italian Beef is the classic to have but make sure it is dipped because it's best wet and consider it with chilli peppers for a tasty extra kick!!!
- Jim AndersonNovember 16, 2015Try the Dipped Italian Beef Sandwich - Wow! The dipped Italian beef & peppers @alsitalianbeef is awesome! AND they're playing A-ha's "take on Me!" (via @Foodspotting)
Randy YounkerSeptember 1, 2013The italian beef is amazing! If you come to Chicago you have to try it also check out all the pictures with all the celebs that were here very awesome.plus super friendly staff
Jaime AguilarMay 1, 2019The Italian beef sandwich is outstanding. This place is a must if you’re in Chicago. The good point is that they have several locations
Alice FerrisNovember 16, 2015Try the Chicago-style Italian Beef - Stop 2 on the Chicago dine around. Chicago style Italian Beef with hot giardinara. (via @Foodspotting)
Tawfiq MominJune 2, 2013Of course the Italian Beef sandwich is nice (I usually get it dry instead of dipped), but another thing I like here is the Chipotle Chicken Wrap.
BradJuly 25, 2015It goes without saying that the food is delicious. Also impressed with the attentive service at the counter.
J ChapelaOctober 21, 2022Ohh yes.. sweet and hot peppers, provolone and don't forget to order dipped
What's Good HereApril 6, 2015Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich with Hot Giardiniera. Get it Submerged in Beef Au Jus
- Vladimir ValchevJuly 19, 2013I'd it's your first time here, definitely get the big beef. Dip it. Get it soggy. Smother it with sweet and hot peppers and enjoy the fries!
Lina GonzoSeptember 27, 2012Get the Italian Beef with Peppers, fries, and a drink. Sounds simple? It is. The taste is incredible!
Mike SallanderJune 11, 2011Good beef, but portilos is only a few blocks away, do yourself a favor and get a beef sandwich there instead. Again, good beef, but when Portillos is so close, it's hard to justify going to al's
Jenny L.September 23, 2012I try to come here every time I make a trip to the Windy City for beef sandwich (dipped and with hot peppers).
@MisterHirschAugust 27, 2011IF YOU ARE HAMMERED DRUNK, this location stays open late just for you. Enjoy one of the best beef sandwiches on the planet. Cheers!
SHAWNA PMarch 24, 2013A Chicago tradition!! Grab your food & eat right in the cozy parking lot or outdoor counter ;)
Arturo RinaldiJune 3, 2013You have to simply ask for the traditional al's italian beef with fries and coke. There is no better
Ghostly InternationalJuly 14, 2011Great set up for eating. Italian beef is delicious, try the spicier of the two. Not too hot and full of flavor.
Travel ChannelAugust 10, 2011Try one of the dipped beef sandwiches - they've been a Chicago staple for 70 years. As seen on Man v Food: Chicago.
Max HowellAugust 30, 2013Had two ounces of food at GT’s for $65 then still hungry came here and was fully satisfied for hardly any money. And it was so tasty. Moral: GT’s is run by crooks and tastes bad. Come here.
Kristin HannaAugust 16, 2012BEST Italian beef I've ever had! Will definitely be back on a return trip to Chicago!
Best beef in the city! A must have if you're from outta town. Always have specials and a friendly staff to serve you!
Gregory K.June 30, 2016Basically like Arby's but with real food. Very greasy. Great after a long night of drinking
Dan AndersonJune 20, 2011Italian with sweet, dipped and buffalo fries. Tell my cardiologist that I died happy and it was worth it.
The FeastJune 9, 2011Arguably some of Chicago's best Italian beef. Seriously, people argue constantly about this.
B GAugust 22, 2010If you are traveling with a sandwich, tell them and they will put the sauce on the side and wrap it in foil.
292 Photos
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Open until 3:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 10:00 AM–Midnight
- Fri–Sat
- 10:00 AM–3:00 AM
- Sun
- 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
(312) 943-3222
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
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"Italian Beef, Dipped with Sweet Peppers... best i've ever had. We need a Portillo's in St. Louis!"
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"Perfect for a family parking spot. Centrally located to many points, clean bathrooms, good changing location for the young ones and plenty of table space to feed the kids. Wagons are welcome!"
Thomas Tomchak - 8.6
"Ferris Wheel is great by night!! The fireworks show in the summer is a must see in Chicago!!..."
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