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Chicago-based chain known for overstuffed Italian beef sandwiches & hot dogs in a bare-bones space.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 548 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 943-3222
Website: http://www.alsbeef.com/
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Al’s Beef | Chicago | #1 Italian Beef Since 1938
Al’s #1 Italian Beef has been the sandwich of Chicago for over 80 years, a true food icon, winner of over 150 culinary & critic awards, and has become a …
548 N Wells St Chicago, IL | Al’s #1 Italian Beef
This is a Chicago classic. CERTIFIED. One of my absolute favorite places to eat in this city. Don’t settle for anything else.
LOCATIONS | Al’s #1 Italian Beef
locations: Chicago, Avondale, Wrigleyville, River North, Little Italy; Burbs, Tinley Park. Untitled design (2).png SWEET HOME Chicago, Illinois
Reviews
Jesse Kitchen
I had heard that this was one of the best places to get an Italian Beef in Chicago, and I was not disappointed. I haven’t had many chances to have an Italian Beef over the years despite visiting Chicago fairly regularly, but I didn’t listen to the tourist outlets and cave to the masses of Portillo’s fans.
It’s my belief (I don’t live in Chicago so take this with a grain of salt) that Al’s certainly has earned their #1 status. The sandwich was just moist enough to make a mess of my hands but not too soggy to fall apart while I ate it. Juicy, flavorful, and I got the hot peppers so it was a little spicy, too. I also got one of their Depression Dogs, which was perfect for me as I’m not a huge fan of tomato and pickle on my dog. As is standard in Chicago, the dog was snappy and fresh and the condiments were delicious and a good contrast. All in all, this was a fantastic experience and some of the best food I’ve ever had in Chicago, bar none!
Also, just as an aside, this place is of course near the center of Chicago and I’m not sure how easy it would be to get parking but this is greatly accessible by public transit, I took the bus to get over here but I would have been fine using the L as well I think. So, consider taking public transit or maybe an Uber over here to save yourself from needing to park.
… moreIt’s my belief (I don’t live in Chicago so take this with a grain of salt) that Al’s certainly has earned their #1 status. The sandwich was just moist enough to make a mess of my hands but not too soggy to fall apart while I ate it. Juicy, flavorful, and I got the hot peppers so it was a little spicy, too. I also got one of their Depression Dogs, which was perfect for me as I’m not a huge fan of tomato and pickle on my dog. As is standard in Chicago, the dog was snappy and fresh and the condiments were delicious and a good contrast. All in all, this was a fantastic experience and some of the best food I’ve ever had in Chicago, bar none!
Also, just as an aside, this place is of course near the center of Chicago and I’m not sure how easy it would be to get parking but this is greatly accessible by public transit, I took the bus to get over here but I would have been fine using the L as well I think. So, consider taking public transit or maybe an Uber over here to save yourself from needing to park.
Gareth
We’ve just come back from Al’s #1 Italian Beef on N Wells Street and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
We both went for the wet Italian beef with sweet peppers and a side of fries. The service was incredibly quick and the ambiance had that classic, no-nonsense Chicago feel, relaxed but buzzing, with a real sense of history behind it.
The sandwich was everything we expected and more. Perfectly soaked without falling apart, packed with flavour, and exactly what you want when you’re chasing an authentic Chicago experience. And the fries? Definitely not just a side show. Skin on, seasoned beautifully, with that proper homemade vibe, crisp outside, fluffy inside.
We’re so glad we made Al’s part of our Chicago trip. Another absolute winner!
… moreWe both went for the wet Italian beef with sweet peppers and a side of fries. The service was incredibly quick and the ambiance had that classic, no-nonsense Chicago feel, relaxed but buzzing, with a real sense of history behind it.
The sandwich was everything we expected and more. Perfectly soaked without falling apart, packed with flavour, and exactly what you want when you’re chasing an authentic Chicago experience. And the fries? Definitely not just a side show. Skin on, seasoned beautifully, with that proper homemade vibe, crisp outside, fluffy inside.
We’re so glad we made Al’s part of our Chicago trip. Another absolute winner!
Conrad Zbikowski
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.
… moreDavid Florowitz
Ordered via Uber Eats. First time in Chicago and first time having an Italian Beef. We ordered the regular beef and the big beef. I WISELY chose to order my sandwich dipped. Dipped is absolutely the play. You can taste the seasoning of the au jous in the roll when it’s dipped. The beef itself is finely chopped and seasoned to perfection. The spicy Giardiniera has a bit of a kick and was the perfect compliment. As a longtime proponent of excellent cheesesteak sandwiches, I find myself conflicted. I’m not sure where my allegiance now lies.
What I am sure about is that THIS SANDWICH is something I can see myself eating for the rest of my life. It’s that good
Kudos to the Al’s lineage. Time well spent
… moreWhat I am sure about is that THIS SANDWICH is something I can see myself eating for the rest of my life. It’s that good
Kudos to the Al’s lineage. Time well spent
John Csukor
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!
… moreTristan Laughton
There are 3 different sizes to choose from. I got the regular (five inch) and it was delicious. I got it wet (which for them is dry and not dipped). The fries are good too. They also give you a small cup to get some water if you don’t order a beverage. The staff there is very sweet. Overall recommended dining in. It s a great vibe in there.
… moreJ M
Had the beef dipped with hot peppers and provolone that turned out to be one of the BEST Italian beef I’ve had ever. Beef is thinly sliced, tender, moist. Just an amazing sandwich all around. 5 stars!!
… moreVoudouLounge
Nice Als Beef location overall but somehow I still recall the food at the original location being better. Still gets you a good Chicago Style Italian Beef Fix here.
… moreSRFUSCG
Visiting Chicago for the first time and wanted to try some of their famous foods. This one in my opinion is a little overrated. It was good and glad we tried it but I would take a good Philly cheesesteak over one of these any day. I got both spicy and sweet on my big sandwich which cost an extra $1.80 the another $.90 for a few half slices of provolone which I couldn’t taste on the sandwich. This put my big sandwich to around $18. My wife got a regular and only ate a few bites of hers and I ate that one too. So for anyone with a healthy appetite you probably need to jumbo sandwich which is gonna cost around $20.
… moreMidwest Wanderer
When in Chicago ta gotta have a Chicago Italian Beef sandwich, right? This place was conveniently located near our downtown hotel. It feels a tad like a chain but folks were coming in regularly on a late Thursday night. I had a wet Italian beef with mixed sweet and hot giardniera which was the right choice. We also had some loaded frys which hit the spot after a night of drinking. While I have had a better Chicago Italian beef in the past,this still hit the spot!
… more