Al's #1 Italian Beef
Sandwich Shop
$
4.5
(2632)
Al's #1 Italian Beef is a Chicago staple that prides itself on serving authentic Italian beef sandwiches. Most customers rave about the flavorful and tender beef, which is complemented by fresh ingredients and the option for both sweet and hot giardiniera. While there are occasional discrepancies in portion sizes and atmosphere, the overall consistency of quality and the dedication to authenticity make it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a true taste of Chicago.
Restaurant website: Website
Phone number: (312) 943-3222
Address: 548 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Opening hours
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Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)
**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**
" Let me just say this: if you are in Chicago and planning to skip Al's for some other sandwich place, do yourself a favor and change those plans! I tried their Italian beef sandwich with sweet and hot peppers and the flavors were phenomenal. The beef was tender and juicy while the bread was perfectly dipped without falling apart. Truly authentic Chicago food at its best! The only downside was the size of the place could accommodate more diners. Will definitely be returning for more. " (*Curated Review*)
" The experience at Al's was nothing short of excellent! The Italian beef sandwich fully lived up to my expectations. I had mine dipped with hot peppers. The flavors were spot on, and the sandwich was generously packed with tender beef. The staff really knew how to take care of customers—super friendly and efficient. The only area for improvement might be seating, as it can feel quite cramped during busy hours. Regardless, I'll definitely be coming back for more of that deliciousness. " (*Curated Review*)
" Good Italian beef, but I wasn’t blown away as I expected. It was nice and juicy, but I've had better elsewhere. The dip just made the bread too soggy for me, although I expected a bit of messiness. Service was friendly, but it did take longer than anticipated to get my order, which was frustrating. Overall, it was decent, but I'm not sure I would return when there are so many other great options in Chicago. I guess sometimes the hype doesn’t live up to reality. " (*Curated Review*)
" Al's #1 Italian Beef is a fantastic place to eat for anyone craving authentic Chicago-style beef sandwiches. The dipping option truly makes the sandwich an experience; it was glorious to taste that combination of flavors. Each bite of the Italian beef sandwich was a blend of perfectly seasoned meat and crisp peppers. The only minor detail I found lacking was the seating area, which can get crowded quickly, but the real treasure was the food. I would recommend visiting on off-peak hours if you can. Overall, enjoy the journey as you indulge in this culinary delight. " (*Curated Review*)
" Al's #1 Italian Beef surely has its reputation for a good reason! The beef sandwich I had was flavorful and the wet option I chose made for an enjoyable experience. The friendly atmosphere and quick service made the visit worthwhile. I found the portion size to be a good value. I am eager to visit again to try the Chicago dog next time! " (*Curated Review*)
Archived Reviews (2107)
" My long-time friend finally took me to Al's #1 Italian Beef when I was visiting Chicago, and I can confidently say that I understand the hype now! I ordered their signature Italian beef sandwich with both sweet and hot peppers, and it was a delightful mess. The beef was unbelievably tender, seasoned perfectly, and the bread was appropriately soaked in the delicious gravy. They really nailed the authenticity of the dish, making it a true Chicago classic. The staff was helpful, guiding me through the ordering process. However, I felt the place could do with a bit more seating as finding a place to sit was somewhat tricky. If you're looking for a real Italian beef experience, add Al's to your list. " (*Curated Review*)
" I was so excited to try Al's after all the great reviews I've seen, and I can confidently say it’s well-deserving! Despite a slightly crowded dining area, the Italian beef sandwich is a must-try. The exquisite color of the beef and presentation won me over before the first bite. I ordered it wet, and the blend of flavors just worked so well together. I would recommend it specifically for those looking for authentic Chicago eats. " (*Curated Review*)
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