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312 Eats
River North · Italian · $

Al's #1 Italian Beef

4.53,349 reviews ·Opentil 12AM tonight
The cashier was friendly, and she gave great descriptions of the beef sandwiches and sizes
naijayemmnaijayemm · 144 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

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

Great valueFast serviceNeighborhood institutionCozyOld schoolFamily friendly
Plan your visit
548 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
River North
Today10:30AM-12AM
Sun10:30AM-8PM
Mon–Sat10:30AM-12AM
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What 3,349 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by R (Kleft)
Jul 2026

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.

R (Kleft)

R (Kleft)

53 reviews on Google

Review photo by Robert Esposito
Jul 2026

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

Robert Esposito

Robert Esposito

199 reviews on Google

Review photo by Deja Rodriguez
Jul 2026

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.

Deja Rodriguez

Deja Rodriguez

85 reviews on Google

Review photo by Brent Hamby
Jun 2026

Amazing beef sandwiches and worth stopping by!

Brent Hamby

Brent Hamby

12 reviews on Google

Review photo by Erica Warfield
Jun 2026

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!

Erica Warfield

Erica Warfield

159 reviews on Google

Review photo by David Florowitz
Feb 2026

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 🙏

David Florowitz

David Florowitz

27 reviews on Google

Review photo by Israel Vinton
Feb 2026

Amazing flavorful Italian beef And Chicago Dog!!!

Israel Vinton

Israel Vinton

15 reviews on Google

Review photo by Chris Erickson
Feb 2026

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

Chris Erickson

160 reviews on Google

Review photo by Anthony
Jan 2026

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

Anthony

Anthony

74 reviews on Google

Review photo by J M
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. Beef is thinly sliced, tender, moist. Just an amazing sandwich all around. 5 stars!!

J M

J M

28 reviews on Google

Review photo by steve oker
Jan 2026

Amazing sandwich. Make sure you get it dipped.

steve oker

steve oker

59 reviews on Google

Review photo by John Csukor
Jan 2026

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

John Csukor

39 reviews on Google

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