Al's #1 Italian Beef
Sandwich shop · River North
548 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
Highlights
Iconic Italian beef sandwiches & hot dogs, a Chicago classic
Iconic Italian beef sandwiches & hot dogs, a Chicago classic
"A benchmark for Chicago Italian beef, praised for delivering the sandwich's essential elements: thinly sliced, juicy roast beef, a highly flavorful jus for dipping, sturdy yet yielding bread, and well‑balanced giardiniera and peppers — executed in a way many consider 'legit.'" - Pamela Vachon
"The purported origins of the Italian beef sandwich can be traced back to this Taylor Street stand in Little Italy. That’s where Al Ferrari and his sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Chris Pacelli Sr., set up shop in 1938 and started popularizing what would become one of the city’s iconic foods. Today, the original location is still in business and the beef remains unchanged — marinated in secret spices and dipped in gravy. So stop in, assume the proper upright eating stance, and savor a bit of Chicago history. Online ordering is available here." - Eater Staff
"Year Opened: 1938 What To Get: Hot and sweet with a side of jus (so you can control the structural integrity of the beef) The Old-School Factor: They call it “number one” for a reason. It’s the best and possibly the first (legend has it that Al’s invented the original Italian beef). Head to the original Taylor Street location to get them straight from the source. " - john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen
"Legend has it that Al’s invented the Italian beef in 1938, and while that legend might have been started by Al’s, we don't care. This perfect specimen has fluffy bread fortified with beef cooked using a secret recipe—one that’s probably hidden in a tungsten safe, surrounded by a moat of bright orange gravy brimming with fat. Don’t bother with the other locations, just go to the original spot in Little Italy. That’s where they marinate and roast all the beef, and we believe in getting our Al’s straight from the source." - veda kilaru
"Legend has it that Al’s invented the Italian beef in 1938, and while that legend might have been started by Al’s, we don't care. This perfect specimen has fluffy bread fortified with beef cooked using a secret recipe. Yes, there are other locations around the city, but the food never seems to live up to the quality at the original on Taylor Street. It’s where they marinate and roast all the beef, and we believe in getting our Al’s straight from the source. " - veda kilaru, adrian kane
