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Al's #1

Item: Al's #1
Author: Jamie Bartosch

Cuisine: American

Price: $

10Best Says

Spots to sample a Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich abound, but no place holds a candle to the Little Italy original, which has been around since the late 30s. Steak spiced with garlic and oregano, grilled onions and peppers and a soggy loaf of white bread roll; this is what a sandwich is supposed to be! And it's also probably why napkins were invented. In addition to the signature sandwich, they also offer hotdogs and burgers. Nobody comes here for the decor, or if they're counting calories. But they'll leave with a happy full feeling, and the quintesential Chicago dining experience.

Address:

1079 W Taylor St
Chicago, IL 60607
312-226-4017

Hours:

Mon-Thu: 9am-11pm
Fri: 9am-Midnight
Sat: 10am-Midnight

Website:

alsbeef.com

EXPERT TIPS BY: Jamie Bartosch
Chicago Local Expert

Best Value, Lunch: "Grab plenty of napkins and lean forward when you take a bite, so the beef juice doesn't drip on our shirt."

Recommended as Best Value Because: It's THE place for an Italian beef sandwich in Chicago. Don't be fooled by the no-frills interior. The beef sandwiches are delicious.
Best for Lunch Because: Solid food, attentive service, and a more upscale atmosphere than most Mediterranean restaurants, you always leave here full without having spent too much money.

EXPERT TIPS BY: Megy Karydes
Chicago Local Expert

Restaurants near UIC Pavilion: "Grab plenty of napkins and lean forward when you take a bite, so the beef juice doesn't drip on our shirt."

Best for Restaurants near UIC Pavilion Because: It's THE place for an Italian beef sandwich in Chicago. Don't be fooled by the no-frills interior. The beef sandwiches are delicious.

Menu
- Beverages
  
  Bottled Water
  
  ($1.95)
  
  Canned Soda
  
  Choose a soda: Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew. ($1.60)
- Sandwiches
  
  Al's Big Beef Sandwich
  
  Choose a style: Dipped, Dry. ($9.10)
  
  Al's Big Beef Combo Sandwich
  
  Beef and sausage combo. Choose a style: Dipped, Dry. ($10.70)
  
  Italian Sausage Sandwich
  
  ($4.60)
  
  Hot Dog with Fries
  
  ($3.75)
- Sides
  
  Tamales
  
  ($2.40)
  
  Gypsy Fries
  
  Fries with beef, gravy, hot peppers and cheddar cheese. ($7.99)
  
  Fries
  
  ($2.75)
  
  Cup of Cheese
  
  ($1.50)

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