Eat & drink · Tapas/local
Al's #1 Italian Beef
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Images provided by Google Places
Chicago-based chain known for overstuffed Italian beef sandwiches & hot dogs in a bare-bones space.via Google
The birthplace of the wet, spiced beef sandwich, serving locals since 1938.
- Signature
- Italian beef sandwich, 'dipped' with hot giardiniera
Reviews from Google
Very good Italian beef in a good location. We got one sandwich wet and the other dipped. You can get sweet or hot peppers, I preferred the hot. Fries were also tasty. Once you order you pick up and sit at the tables. It's busy but people come and go pretty quickly.
I visited Al’s Italian Hot Beef on a Thursday at 4:45 pm. Like other establishments in River North, the main entrance had a few steps. There was an accessible ramp out the back door. I ordered three “Diet Beefs” (e.g. Italian Beef without bread). The portion size of a Diet Beef ($8.50 October 2025) is about the same portion of Italian Beef as the Regular Beef ($9.25, October 2025). I did add both Sweet Peppers and Spicy Peppers. The sweet peppers were Green Bell Peppers and the Spicy Peppers looked to be pickled Banana Peppers. I also ordered an Original Depression Polish sausage sandwich with hot dog bun ($8.99, October 2025). The Italian Beef was delicious and well seasoned. The fat had rendered and I recommend the “Diet Beef” to enjoy that au jus beef flavor. The Polish sausage was fried and this dried it out a little. As a big guy, two Diet Beefs and the Polish and fries was very filling. I am settling down a little and then will finish that third Diet Beef later. It’s now 5:21 pm and there are three tables of guests. This is a Pepsi establishment.
Absolute Perfection — A True Chicago Icon! If u are looking for the definitive Chicago food experience, this is it. I stopped by the downtown location, and Al's completely blew me away. The Italian Beef is phenomenal—perfectly seasoned, incredibly tender, shaved thin, and piled high on fresh bread. I got it "dipped" with hot giardiniera, and the juice-soaked bread combined with that spicy kick is literal perfection. But the absolute game-changer? The Beefy Fries. Taking their fresh, hand-cut french fries and loading them up with melted cheddar cheese sauce, a ladle of that savory beef gravy, and more hot giardiniera is pure genius. They are messy, decadent, and worth every single calorie. Do not leave Chicago without eating here. Fantastic service, legendary food, and a true local staple. I can't wait to go back
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!
A friend recommended Al’s and I’m happy he did. This is my first meal in Chicago and it set the bar high. I got the Chicago Polish and a regular beef. All the food was so good. I couldn’t put it down. If I’m ever in Chicago again I’ll definitely be stopping by Al’s #1 Italian beef again!