Al's #1 Italian Beef

“My husband is a foodie and wanted authentic Chicago Italian Beef.”

My husband is a foodie and wanted authentic Chicago Italian Beef. I liked the food, it was good, but he loved it. There is limited seating but adds to the experience. If you are looking for a real food experience this might be it. Fun to see the history on their walls.

Samantha Jones

Jan 2026

“OMG THE BEST BEEF SANDWICH I EVER HAD!!!”

OMG THE BEST BEEF SANDWICH I EVER HAD!!!! They deserve the title as the best, because they are. I didn’t know about this place, was walking through little Italy that I spotted it and as I was hungry I was like “let try it” OMG why didn’t I hear about this place on instagram? I ordered the traditional dip with cheese, and now I have to travel from Florida to Chicago frequently so I can have that taste again. The staff are nice, polite and kind. The place it’s just how It’s supposed to be, not a fancy establishment but it feels like home and there’s warm in it. I just love it, with that sandwich they don’t need anything else on the menu. I highly recommend this gem hidden in Chicago.

Bianca Patrício

Dec 2025

“Had to try this Chicago gem.”

Had to try this Chicago gem! I ordered online and picked it up. Parking was close a food was so amazing! I will be back again!

Tera Mejia

Dec 2025

“Al's Beef is one of many Chicago staple's the originator of the Italian beef sandwich, a must try when visiting the CHI.”

Al's Beef is one of many Chicago staple's the originator of the Italian beef sandwich, a must try when visiting the CHI! If you ever get the chance to have a Chicago Italian Beef sandwich Al's is one of the places to go. The beef has some of the best flavor with just the right amount of spice to it. They pack on the beef and it was cooked to perfection. I add both types of peppers sweet and hot. You also want to make sure to tell them to dip it so that it is juicy. It's hard for me it's a toss up between Johnnie's beef in Elmwood Park and the original Al's Beef both amazing!! 100% recommend!

Hagz

Oct 2025

“I was on a cross country roadtrip and part of the experience was to seek out establishments that...”

I was on a cross country roadtrip and part of the experience was to seek out establishments that had a storied history or was credited as the creator of a new food item. I knew Al’s #1 Beef met both criteria. I arrived just after opening and there was no line, in fact I was the only customer, which was awesome. I had my order pre-planned so the ordering process went fairly smoothly. I went with an original beef sandwich (regular sized) combo. It included an order of fries and a soda. I am not an Italian Beef connoisseur so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had ordered my sandwich wet vs. dipped. I’m glad I did because I imagine the dipped version would have been hard to handle, considering how juicy my wet sandwich was. The flavor of the sandwich, while not what I anticipated in my imagination, was amazing. The juice was complex and full of bold, savory seasonings. It permeated the meat as well with the same luxurious flavors. The spicy gardineria peppers were a nice accompaniment to the sandwich. The fries were prepared perfectly. The soda was a nice finish to wash everything down. I sat outside next to the sidewalk on a beautiful and quiet weekend morning. Only a few college students milled about, up and down the sidewalk. I would imagine I was there at a most perfect time. Al’s gave me a taste of true Chicago. I drove away, back towards the interstate with a glowing smile of satisfaction and I wasn’t hungry again for the rest of the day.

snoboardz1972

Oct 2025

“What is Chicago? Legend, fantastic beef wonderful gravy delicious sandwich.”

What is Chicago? Legend, fantastic beef wonderful gravy delicious sandwich. Reasonably priced Fantastic atmosphere

william hoffmann

Oct 2025

“What's there to really say? Al's is a landmark, a national treasure.”

What's there to really say? Al's is a landmark, a national treasure. I drove more than 8 hours to get here for their sandwich. And I'd do it again. If Anthony Bourdain and Phil Rosenthal both recommend it as the best Italian beef sandwich in the world, who am I to argue? Don't take the word of some idiot like me, look this place up. Make the trip. You'll thank me later.

Michael Johnson

Sep 2025

“Al’s is on every best Italian beef in Chicago list and it deserves to be.”

Al’s is on every best Italian beef in Chicago list and it deserves to be. I had been to the downtown one in the past and the sandwich was great but the atmosphere was fine. The original Al’s #1? Place is amazing. One of the better sandwiches of my life. Staff seemed like they’ve been there for years but were friendly and patient. The line moved extremely quick and it was a blast to lean over the counter as the sandwich dripped. Absolutely worth the hype and the awards.

Andy Holmaas

Aug 2025

“Lives up to the hype as far as taste and thr sandwich didn't disintegrate after being dipped in the jus.”

Lives up to the hype as far as taste and thr sandwich didn't disintegrate after being dipped in the jus. BIG beef flavor. Only bad part is I ordered a #2 Combo thinking the "combo" was the sammich, fries, and a drink. But the "combo" is beef and sausage. It was all really good, just not what I thought i ordered, so that part of the menu could be clearer.

Oak Metcalfe

Aug 2025

“I've been wanting to try Al's dipped beef sandwich for 25 years.”

I've been wanting to try Al's dipped beef sandwich for 25 years. I saw a show about the best sandwich shops many years ago on the Food Network and I finally was able to try it. It didn't disappoint! I loved the the dipped beef sandwich as did my wife and 2 adult kids. I went to the little Italy location which is located outside of the bustling down town of Chicago in a nice, quiet neighborhood. There are a few stools to eat at inside but no major seating. There are picnic tables located outside. Would I go back, absolutely, yes. I'm actually planning on going again when I return to Chicago in 3 months. You gotta stop by any location and remember to get it dipped.

Steve S

Aug 2025

“I came early 10:30am so not too busy.”

I came early 10:30am so not too busy. Service was great food was quick and I sat outside to enjoy. It hit the spot!! I paired it with the Italian ice across the street, I do not regret it!

Sijuwola Agboola

Jul 2025

“Best Italian beef in the city.”

Best Italian beef in the city. Hot peppers and dipped is the way to go every time. Al's on Taylor St is the original, and I have been coming here for over 30 years.

Brandon Bailey

Jul 2025