Al's #1 Italian Beef

“Check out these beef curtains.”

Check out these beef curtains. Delicious!!

Sara June

Feb 2026

“Al’s #1 Italian Beef is a true Chicago classic and absolutely lives up to its legendary reputation.”

Al’s #1 Italian Beef is a true Chicago classic and absolutely lives up to its legendary reputation. From the moment you walk in, you can smell the rich aroma of slow-cooked beef and fresh Italian spices that sets the tone for the whole experience. The star of the show is, of course, the Italian beef sandwich. The meat is incredibly tender, thinly sliced, and packed with flavor. Whether you go sweet peppers, hot giardiniera, or fully dipped, every bite delivers that perfect balance of savory, juicy, and spicy that Chicagoans swear by. The bread holds up surprisingly well despite the juicy goodness, and the portion size is more than satisfying. Service is quick and efficient, exactly what you want from a classic counter-style spot. The staff keeps things moving even during busy times, and the energy of the place adds to the charm. If you’re visiting Chicago or even if you’ve lived here your whole life, Al’s is one of those must-have food experiences. It’s messy, it’s flavorful, and it’s unmistakably Chicago. Highly recommend stopping in for an authentic taste of the city.

Richard S

Nov 2025

“These Sammy’s are 🔥!”

These Sammy’s are 🔥!! Really good meat that’s well seasoned but not over the top. You’ve gotta go wild style with both hot and sweet peppers and don’t forget the cheese. Delicious!

J Imamura

Sep 2025

“A bit slow, but the incredible Italian chopped beef sandwich was worth the wait.”

A bit slow, but the incredible Italian chopped beef sandwich was worth the wait. It was game day for the Cubs, so the wait was understandable. I liked both the sweet and spicy peppers in it to cut through the beef. I didn’t get it dipped this time, but have had it before and personally prefer it dipped, but my gf prefers otherwise cos it gets messy.

Martin

Aug 2025

“It is one of the best places in Chicago to get an Italian beef sandwich and a Chicago hot dog.”

It is one of the best places in Chicago to get an Italian beef sandwich and a Chicago hot dog. The service was very quick and the staff was very nice and friendly. It's a small place, so seating is limited, but there was a counter area and a small patio area to sit as well. I personally think the small restaurants are the best places to go, they always have the best food. I will be back next time I am in town.

Jacqui

Jul 2025

“Amazing Italian beef, Chicago dogs, and fries.”

Amazing Italian beef, Chicago dogs, and fries! We actually got a second order of fries when leaving they were so good! The place is very small with limited seating. Definitely great for carry out!

Joann Kerschner

Jun 2025

“Stopped in around 2 AM on a Thursday, my order was quickly prepared.”

Stopped in around 2 AM on a Thursday, my order was quickly prepared. The Italian beef was delicious, topped with hot giardenera and soaked in au jous. The hand cut fries were salted to perfection. I do wish the combo serving size was a little bigger as the meal, while fantastic, seems a little pricey for what is traditionally a value food.

Kam Smash

Feb 2025

“Worth the hype The meat is delicious, the jus elevates everything, and the sweet peppers makes it perfect.”

Worth the hype The meat is delicious, the jus elevates everything, and the sweet peppers makes it perfect. Stopped by with a good appetite and didn't realize we would want to eat 2 or 3 of these in a row. What an addictive flavor set.

Daniel Sarmiento

Jan 2025

“Stopped by here after checking out Wrigley Field with the intention of trying a Chicago hot dog and...”

Stopped by here after checking out Wrigley Field with the intention of trying a Chicago hot dog and a hot Italian beef and cheese sandwich, ordered "wet". They were both good! The service was great and it was a good taste of Chicago.

Cece Adams

Dec 2024

“Had to try a wet beef sandwich before leaving Chicago.”

Had to try a wet beef sandwich before leaving Chicago. This did not disappoint! Easy to order online and pickup. Ate outside cus the weather was nice. Real tasty. Definitely not a sandwich to eat on the train or while driving though!

Tom Colban

Oct 2024

“The Italian beef was good.”

The Italian beef was good. I’m not sure if it was worth the hype tho. Good tasting sandwich. Not overly big with good fries. Got the large beef combos with sweet peppers and cheese and came out to close to $20 bucks. Wanted to really love it but it was okay. I did enjoy it but was left wanting a little more.

Josh Herrera

Sep 2024

“The Italian beef sandwich here is such a satisfying late night treat.”

The Italian beef sandwich here is such a satisfying late night treat. Savory as all get out from the roast beef juices smothering it, this is a sandwich to die for! You can ask to get your sandwich drenched with the juices, and it’s actually really good!!

Bill French

Sep 2024