Al’s Beef

We popped into Al’s on the way over to Wrigley on a whim. Generally I am a Portillo’s loyalist, but I’ve certainly heard a lot about Al’s, so we thought we’d give it a go. Plus, honestly, probably better and cheaper than what you could get in the ballpark. Overall, it was pretty solid. The beef was flavorful and was shaved really thinly. It kind of reminded me of the shave on cheesesteaks back home. The bun was fresh and dipped perfectly. Expert dipping. Sweet peppers were good too. The sandwich was messy, but in the very best way. The fries were also good, nice and crispy. The restaurant was clean and had some entertaining signs and stuff on the walls. I guess it’s just a personal preference thing, but I still prefer Portillo’s. But in a pinch I’d definitely take Al’s. It was a very solid beef.

Sadly, I ordered food to be delivered and the wrong sandwich was delivered and without a receipt or order number. So I called to let them know and they said they couldn’t help me without an order number. The order number that Al’s used (not Grub Hub) was not on the order. I had a Grub Hub order number but that was meaningless. They hung up on me and then when I called them back I got «oh yeah». They did send me a new sandwich after I complained aggressively. They were not going to do anything mind you without the order number. I will never go to this Al’s Beef again. Terrible treatment of a customer. Oh and the fries were cold too!

Good beef, hot peppers added just enough flavor to the slightly bland beef. Fries are fresh cut which is a plus. But expensive, but this is the city.

Always a solid choice for getting beef sandwichs before the Cubs game. A little more expensive then the other Al’s around town, but a lot cheaper than food at the ballpark.
Bonus for «greeter/​bouncer’ at this place, which is an older (in his 60’s/70’s) Italian gentleman sitting in a chair out front, probably there more for socializing and good luck than anything else. Makes it feel a little bit like home.

This is as Chicago as it gets a big Al’s Italian Beef Sandwich near Wrigley Field the good thing about it is if your near the stadium you can make it into two or three bars before you get to this place!
That’s bbq french fries with that massive piece of work nothing made it I ate that whole thing!

The order was incorrect. Felt like it was rushed and the staff did not pay attention to detail. Being a grown and raised person in Chicago, we know what we like when it comes to food. Missing items is just not acceptable on a simple order. One order wrong maybe can get by but multiple orders in not acceptable. Employees need to step their game up. Working in this industry, money relies on superior service. First time ordering and I will not again.

You should not advertise «beanless» chili when there are, in fact, beans in the chili. I ordered this chili because I am allergic to beans. This is ridiculous.
Also, your beef tastes like soap. Although, that may be due to the allergic reaction I am currently experiencing.

Al’s has an amazing Italian Beef. I know a lot of people like to say Portillo’s is the best, but I’m telling you they’re wrong. Get it with hot peppers, and pair it with a beer or a coke. Trust me, you’re good to go! Every bite was amazing, and when friends were in town, I’d always have them grab a sandwich on their last day. It was the perfect «Head to the Airport,» last taste of Chicago. Put it this way… friends in town: Al’s. Stuck at home sick? Order Al’s. In a rush, and need something awesome to go: Al’s. Renting a movie for the night? Order Al’s. Get the point?

This was one of the top ten stops on out list of restaurants to try since it has gotten so much hype. We decided to try the Big Al’s dipped Beef Sandwich with the hot peppers of course and it was as good as other Unilocalers have said. To some people it may seem too messy since after it’s dipped it gets a little «soggy» but I like it that way. You can also ask for the au jus on the side and you can dip as you go if that is more your style.
The service was very friendly and fast! Would recommend before or after a game if you are in the are.

This was my first visit at this location, but my second time at an Al’s location. For the life of me, I don’t understand what makes this place the classic Italian beef sandwich. The bread is very soft, but doesn’t have much character or flavor to it. The sandwich comes with a big portion of beef, which tastes decent, but not the best I’ve ever had. The sweet peppers are ok, but don’t add a whole lot. The giardiniera is what I cannot wrap my head around. Every other one I had is a mix of vegetables like peppers, carrots, celery, and cauliflower in oil. This one is almost all celery with a ton of heat and I just didn’t care for it. Sorry Al’s, but I’m sticking with Portillo’s.

Holy crap is this beef good! And. and. wait for it. THEY DELIVER! There really is not much I can say about this beef other than it is all the goodness that is Chicago food rolled into a sandwich and then dipped in the greatest juice you have ever tasted.
Don’t make the mistake I did and order just one. Get two right off the bat. Have a heart defibrillator standing by just in case you eat too fast. Love, LOVE this beef!

Even after a game, this place has quick service and places to sit.

I was really hoping for a flavorful, delicious sandwich.
I got a sandwich «wet» with an additional side of au jus which they call «gravy».
Frankly, I was disappointed. The meat was dry and bland even with a bunch of au jus poured on it. The bread was soggy on the first bite. This is to be expected near the end, but Al’s doesn’t toast their rolls so they get soggy instantly.
Service was very friendly.
Overall, this was okay. Not what I had hoped for in Chicago beef. I will continue my search!

Had the Italian Beef sandwich, told them to make it the way it’s supposed to be served, which means with sweet and hot peppers and dipped in au jus. Wow. Throw in the fresh cut fries, not good for the waistline but super tasty!

One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. This was an «authentic» italian beef. Messy and delicious! I ordered dipped with giardiniera. If ever I find myself in Chicago again Al’s will be one of my first stops!

Al’s beef, in my mind, is iconic. I love it. But I wish I had never ordered a hot dog from there. It’s Al’s beef, not Al’s red hots. Anyway, that’s one star gone, and let me elaborate — the dog was:
1. Not straight beef. Go ahead, taste it.
2. Not grilled. Sorry, chi dogs are best charred.
3. Hardly loaded. Couple dabs of mustard, three small peppers, a little tomato.
I mean come on, have some standards.
I’m taking another star off for the actual beef. It was good, but not as good as I’m used to. Maybe it’s just the location, and judging by the state of my hotdog, either the staff is slacking, or the management doesn’t care. The best way I can describe the beef in comparison with those of their other locations is — watered down. I don’t know if that makes sense but it fits.

Now, I must admit that Wrigleyville is not one of my favorite
destinations basically for anything, and this might have something
to do with the visions I keep having of seeing a young 20 something
person puking in the street after a Cubs game.
Hey, I’m almost 54, give me a break here…
And yesterday I had a Groupon for Al’s which was due to expire
today so you know I needed to use that sucker.
And, gotta say, yesterday was my very first Al’s visit and, I had
heard various opinions on their Beef Sandwiches from good to bad.
But once again, I never follow others opinions because I’ve never
been a follower, I’m a woman who always makes up her own mind.
So, upon entering Al’s I was welcomed by a very great young man
person who showed me the wall with all the specials that were
available, good looking out!
And, I explained to him that I had my Groupon and he told me
that Groupon covers everything but taxes which was fine with me.
And yes, I ordered a Big Al’s dipped Beef Sandwich and a Chicago
style Dog which came with fries, and I will honestly say that the
fries were the only thing I didn’t like even if they were of the
hand cut variety.
However, I took the Beef and Hot Dog to go and traveled back
up to East Rogers Park where I reside and I unwrapped my beef
and the smell of spices from that sandwich was so perfect.
The Beef was tender and juicy, and okay my sandwich was what
some would call soggy but I like it soggy and it was so very good!
The Chicago Dog was another great choice.
Now, some may say Al’s prices are a tad high, and honestly as
I perused their menu I thought the same for an instant.
But, honestly, I will say Al’s Beef was one of the best sandwiches
I have had so there is no way I will fault these guys on their
menu prices.
So, to Al’s here’s a 4 star rating for you, nicely done!
And even if I don’t like Wrigleyville I do like you!
And, I Like your neighbor down the street, Strange Cargo!
And, if another Groupon comes up for you I will be visiting
you once again!
You have impressed me enough to make me want to return
to Wrigleyville!
Good Job Guys…

The Polish dog was really great but I wasn’t a big fan of the Italian Beef sandwich (it drips everywhere!).

I figured I’d use my 15%-off GrubHub coupon before it expired, so why not on Italian beef? Unfortunately, I’ll be exploring other options or perhaps just sticking to Portillo’s after this experience.
I did like the moist and well-​seasoned beef better than Portillo’s, and the interestingly spiced gravy was just fine. But something about the bread turned me off … I think I prefer something a little heartier. The house giardiniera needed way more flavor and heat.
The fries, though freshly cut, were saturated in oil, likely due to only a singular frying. And the Caesar dressing seemed to be of the cheap, bottled variety. Boo.

Did it live up to all that Man vs Food hype? Sorta.
Let me tell you why: I really can’t stand soggy bread… it’s personal preference. So while each sandwich is delivered piping hot piled high with the thinly sliced an jus soaked beef then topped with a fair amount of giardiniera, it just bothered me so much that the bread pretty much «melted» all over my hand. But flavor profile-​wise, this sandwich was spot on. It was sweet, spicy, and meaty. Yum. But if I could redo my Al’s Beef experience, I would request the sandwich to be dry with an jus on the side. Why? I want the full flavor experience without the mushy factor.
My brother, on the other hand, loved the drippy juices all over his hands. He relished in his Italian beef scented hands for a good while post lunch — yeah.
And just to add some variety, we also ordered a Chicago hot dog. I totally dug the fresh cut fries and the toasted bun. But it was hardly the best Chicago dog I had during my trip.