Al's Drive In
Nick Conrad · 91 Google reviewsAl's Drive In — neighborhood american in Forest Park. A holdout in the best possible way, and cash only. Tony Barnes: "Their fried rice is the best I have ever had and I have had a LOT of fried rice from all over the US" [$]
What 598 diners keep saying
What 598 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Nice little joint. Stopped by for lunch today. Very friendly staff and good quality food”
“We have driven past this place many times. Al's Drive-in American and Chinese is such so random pairing. "Come as you are or eat in your car" is a strange slogan. This place did not disappoint; hot dogs, hamburgers, fried catfish on the American side. Fried rice and stir fry on the Chinese side. I found the fried catfish excellent. It has a cornmeal breading, and it was tender. The hot dog was boiled and has a natural casing. The stir fry was sauce was tasty but was a bit on the runny side. I would frequent this place if I lived near by. The only dinning choices are the picnic benches or the fore mentioned eating in your car.”
“Got here to grab a bite so it's a cash-only joint but they have an ATM on location that charges $3 to get some bread. I went with an Italian Beef w/ nacho cheese, dipped w/ hot peppers. Two chicken egg rolls and small beef fried rice. Started with egg rolls they were cool 7.2 decent flavor but just okay. Next, the beef fried rice again was alright tbh not great but mid not sure they using a wok back there cuz some was a little off with the rice 7.3. The star of the show was the Italian Beef which is a certified banger 🔥🔥🔥🔥 9.7. It was a juicy mess and loved it... the beef with nacho cheese plus peppers was delicious. Wish they put a little more beef on the sandwich but minus that it was on point. Overall the spot is an 8.5, I'll only come back for the Italian Beef and can get better Chinese food elsewhere in the city.”
“Place was alrightlooking found it online since I had an operation at Loyola medical center and read about it thought it really was gonna be that good ✅ hot dog was mediocre and overdressed with relish, honestly one of the worst burgers I’ve had McDonald’s probably better or Burger King and that’s heinous shit but American there was an absolute 👎 like gene and Jude is a hot dog place and Vienna certified for a reason this dog didn’t even snap. Still have yet to try the Chinese expect the crab Rangoon were very mid and bland and I’ll leave that for a part two review but definitely not worth American fast food not good at all plus overcharged for some reason if it was me that would’ve picked it up I would gave the run down. Not good American don’t go here for it!!!!!! Didn’t let me put a second review but onto the Chinese food the rice is actually so mediocre this isn’t funny any the broccoli/beef beef/rice both just mush do not go to this place at all save it for a corner Chinese place. Panda is even better!!”
“Hoison sauce was cooked 2 perfection. Meals may be simple but the beef on rice is a hidden gem.”
“I grew up in this area and ate here all the time after school. So happy to eat here every time I’m in town visiting. The pizza puff and fries with mild sauce is always my go to!”
“Als Drive is amazing. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. Owner Art is very nice. The restaurant is in good condition. Amazing Chinese food and American food. Never seen American food combined with Chinese food. Must come back. 10/10.”
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