Al's Italian Beef

Doesn't Recommend

Users F.

Joined 11 months ago

The meal was very good but the people working there were slow and not helpful. Messy storefront location. Hard to park.

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Philly95

Joined 2 years ago

DO NOT LEAVE CHICAGO W/OUT TRYING THIS SANDWICH!!!!. TRUST ME!!!

I was in Chicago yesterday (2/11/11) for the car show, and my friends and I decided to try Al's for the first time. It was one of the best beef sandwiches that I have ever had... only second to my beloved, hometown cheesesteak. We were going to try Philly's Best and get cheesesteaks before we left Chicago, but all of the reviews concerning the chain's poor service gave us pause. I do not regret that decision one bit. I now wish that I had gotten a pound of beef, a couple loaves of bread, and some of the hot peppers, to go last night. I have made my mouth water after writing this review. I want me another sandwich!!!

All we kept saying in the van during our drive back to O'Fallon, IL (Metro-St. Louis, MO) is, "Man... That was a good sandwich!" We were all wishing that we had gotten the ingredients to go.

Doesn't Recommend

paris398

Joined 2 years ago

Totally over-rated & over priced!. My husband & I are originally from Chicago and were back for the day and decided to give Al's Italian Beef on Taylor Street a try since we heard so much about it. We were both very disappointed! First of all, to pay over $24 for 2 sandwiches, fries and pop at a fast food joint is insane. Secondly, to have to pay extra for peppers on the sandwiches is stupid, especially when they barely put any on. And lastly, when I order a Chicago beef sandwich, I don't expect the meat to be chopped so small and barely filling up the bun...but that is what we received! There are plenty of other places in the city to get a better beef sandwich so I am not sure what all the fuss is about!

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bigfrank75

Joined 4 years ago

one of the best in the city. i only went there once and id admit it was good the beef was juicy and they put mozz on it amen the cheese fries are great and if ur inside get the refills on soda it can get busy at times so be patient and enjoy

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KSLY

Joined 5 years ago

The best beef you can find. Al's serves the best beef I have ever had and probably will have. Great service, great food, and good prices make for one of the best dining experiences. Not full of memorabilia, and not a lot of ambiance, but still a must do if in Chicago.

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swampdawg

Joined 5 years ago

The Best.. No doubt about it, the beef and the giardiniera at the Taylor Street location are unlike anything else, and you will probably either love it or hate it. Get the sandwich dipped. It's spicy and wonderful. The italian sausage is charcoal grilled and tender. The fries are natural cut and the best I've ever had. Service is generally fast.

On the minus side, the place is a dive, and you might well wonder about cleanliness. No seats save for some newly added outdoor picnic benches. Not the cheapest in town, and portion control can be a problem, so sometimes the sandwich can be skimpy, but order the regular size combo with fries, and you won't go away hungry.

Step up and order like this: "Regular combo, hot, dipped, with fries and a diet coke", then snag a spot on the counter. You're in for a real Chicago tradition...

I've been a regular since 1979. Mr Beef and the others are all good, but there's nothing distinctive about them. Even the other Al's location aren't the same... which must have something to do with the years of accumulated "ambiance" at the original. Go to Taylor Street and get the real thing.

Doesn't Recommend

patrickhayes

Joined 6 years ago

Is it suposed to taste like that?. Is it cinnamon? someone said chilly. I don't know but when I had it I had to ask. "Is it supposed to taste like that?" Now, I know people who like this place. And those who do must not have had a beef anywhere else since Al's is the only beef to them. Well, to me I will take a generic beef (A generic beef is one that has the same basic ingredients that you will find at any pizza/beef shop that chooses to drop some beef in ajue. Giardiniera is store bought. And the bread is the same.)

over theirs any day.

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organs

Joined 6 years ago

Ehhh....... It's above average, I'll give it that. Most hot dog and burger places that offer Italian beef don't do the beef justice. They make it taste packaged and bland. I'll give Al's credit in that they actually do something with their sandwiches. But I'm not sure chili powder in the gravy is the best way to go. Not to mention the portions are indeed small for the cost. For my tastes in the same area, I'd rather get Carm's on Polk St. Freddie's in Bridgeport is good, too. The two best I've had, though, were the Carm's on Wolf Rd. in Hillside (right by the cemetery) and Mr. Beef on 666 N. Orleans. I don't know which one is better, but I've yet to have any that beat either of those places' beef sandwiches.

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shellamy311

Joined 7 years ago

Best Italian Beef Ever!. Wow.. I was amazed at how excellent this Italian beef was. It was tender and juicy. The fries are great, but do need a little salt. This is the best Italian beef I have ever had.

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lmd6204

Joined 7 years ago

Better and cheaper beef at Freddie's in Bridgeport. Al's beefs are undersized and overpriced and don't have a real beef tasting sandwich. People who created the other reviews haven't had a real Freddie's Beef on 31st St. in Bridgeport! I tried Al's the other day after reading the reviews and was very disappointed at the taste and high price of Al's. Go to Freddie's. Your review will change!