Al's #1 Italian Beef

“Just order the Regular Beef, hot and dipped, with an order of fries.”

Just order the Regular Beef, hot and dipped, with an order of fries. Then grab a couple fistfuls of napkins. You’ll thank me later.

Chris Erickson

Feb 2026

“This was our first stop in Chicago and it did not disappoint.”

This was our first stop in Chicago and it did not disappoint. Food was excellent, service was fast.

Anthony

Jan 2026

“Had the beef dipped with hot peppers and provolone that turned out to be one of the BEST Italian beef I’ve had ever.”

Had the beef dipped with hot peppers and provolone that turned out to be one of the BEST Italian beef I’ve had ever. Beef is thinly sliced, tender, moist. Just an amazing sandwich all around. 5 stars!!

J M

Jan 2026

“A great Beef. That's how we Chicagoans say it. I visit about 4 times a year to tend my parents...”

A great Beef. That's how we Chicagoans say it. I visit about 4 times a year to tend my parents grave. I always have to stop for a Beef. Al's is flavorful, perfectly cooked, crisp fries and lively location and atmosphere filled with locals! Always enjoy this Chicago spot!

John Csukor

Jan 2026

“First time coming back since the remodeling.”

First time coming back since the remodeling. Love it. Fresh cut fries and that beef sandwich takes me back. Brought my wife for the first time and she loved it. Still my fav beef sandwich.

Adam Boland

Nov 2025

“Dipped Beef sandwich with hot peppers were fire!!”

Dipped Beef sandwich with hot peppers were fire!!! Loaded with meat!!! The Chicago dog was flavorful with peppers pickles and mustard and no ketchup jajaja

Jeff B

Oct 2025

“As incredibly deliciously tasty and greasy as I remember from college days and just as good as at...”

As incredibly deliciously tasty and greasy as I remember from college days and just as good as at the original on Taylor St. Fond memories of many years of studying and working fuelled by Al's!! Get the regular combo (beef and sausage) for the best experience. The wet is good enough to already make the bread fall apart, dipped will get you a soggy mess without a fork in sight! Keep many napkins handy and your shirt protected! Oh and get the giardiniera, hot preferred for the best pigout experience. The handcut fries are very good, though I remember at the original they were a tad more greasy if that can even be imagined!!

Family Movva

Oct 2025

“I visited Al’s Italian Hot Beef on a Thursday at 4:45 pm.”

I visited Al’s Italian Hot Beef on a Thursday at 4:45 pm. Like other establishments in River North, the main entrance had a few steps. There was an accessible ramp out the back door. I ordered three “Diet Beefs” (e.g. Italian Beef without bread). The portion size of a Diet Beef ($8.50 October 2025) is about the same portion of Italian Beef as the Regular Beef ($9.25, October 2025). I did add both Sweet Peppers and Spicy Peppers. The sweet peppers were Green Bell Peppers and the Spicy Peppers looked to be pickled Banana Peppers. I also ordered an Original Depression Polish sausage sandwich with hot dog bun ($8.99, October 2025). The Italian Beef was delicious and well seasoned. The fat had rendered and I recommend the “Diet Beef” to enjoy that au jus beef flavor. The Polish sausage was fried and this dried it out a little. As a big guy, two Diet Beefs and the Polish and fries was very filling. I am settling down a little and then will finish that third Diet Beef later. It’s now 5:21 pm and there are three tables of guests. This is a Pepsi establishment.

Conrad Zbikowski

Oct 2025

“This was our first stop after arriving in Chicago and it did not disappoint.”

This was our first stop after arriving in Chicago and it did not disappoint. We went to a couple other places that have similar menus, and Al’s was far superior. We got the Chicago dog with everything, fries, a beef sandwich dipped, and also a tamale. All excellent. Service is fast and efficient. Don’t miss this place!

Sophie

Oct 2025

“When in Chicago ta gotta have a Chicago Italian Beef sandwich, right? This place was conveniently...”

When in Chicago ta gotta have a Chicago Italian Beef sandwich, right? This place was conveniently located near our downtown hotel. It feels a tad like a chain but folks were coming in regularly on a late Thursday night. I had a wet Italian beef with mixed sweet and hot giardniera which was the right choice. We also had some loaded frys which hit the spot after a night of drinking. While I have had a better Chicago Italian beef in the past,this still hit the spot!

Patrick John

Sep 2025

“A must do when in Chicago.”

A must do when in Chicago. Couldn’t make it out to Johnnies so settled on downtown Al’s. Ordered “big beef, wet, provolone and sweet peppers” for the Mrs “Chicago dog with everything and fries” Simply the best final lunch of a memorable trip!

David Holdcroft

Sep 2025

“My wife and I had to try another Chicago institution and it didn’t disappoint.”

My wife and I had to try another Chicago institution and it didn’t disappoint! We got the monster beef, double burger, double sausage, and a chicago dog and everything was hot fresh and tasty! Definitely better than your run of the mill fast food

Big Dan

Sep 2025