Al's #1 Italian Beef
Al's #1 Italian Beef — reliable italian in River North. The kind of spot that earns loyalty, not hype, and priced right. Parker Green: "The fries were also perfectly crispy/crunchy on the outside and deliciously hot, mushy, and soft inside" [$]
What 3,349 diners keep saying
What 3,349 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Casual spot with counter service, the most delicious beef sandwich. Messy but so worth it. Get it with pepper relish. Come hungry so you can get a hot dog too.”

“Sooo I've earlier said Genos East was the best Italian beef. Well this is the best however Genos is a close second”

“Chose to stop here and get an Italian beef on our last night in Chicago and it was truly incredible. Everything is fresh, and came out piping hot. Whether you’re bar hopping in the area or need a late night fix this is the place. Locals and tourists alike were all rubbing elbows in here. And I’ll be thinking of this sandwich forever now, thanks.”

“Wow Chicago! Very happy we tried this spot while on our trip. Didn’t even know this was something you were known for!! My husband and I decided to come here to try the gravy soaked Italian beef sandwich and we weeent disappointed. My husband had the combo which has sausage and beef and I had the regular beef, just wet. I also had a side of auju… thank you Monica for the absolute best customer service and explanation of everything! We highly recommend and will be back!”

“Ordered via Uber Eats. First time in Chicago and first time having an Italian Beef. We ordered the regular beef and the big beef. I WISELY chose to order my sandwich dipped. Dipped is absolutely the play. You can taste the seasoning of the au jous in the roll when it’s dipped. The beef itself is finely chopped and seasoned to perfection. The spicy Giardiniera has a bit of a kick and was the perfect compliment. As a longtime proponent of excellent cheesesteak sandwiches, I find myself conflicted. I’m not sure where my allegiance now lies. What I am sure about is that THIS SANDWICH is something I can see myself eating for the rest of my life. It’s that good 🥇 Kudos to the Al’s lineage. Time well spent 🙏”

“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.”

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

“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!!”

“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!”
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