Al's #1 Italian Beef

"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

"Like politics, Malort, and choosing which Lollapalooza headliner to see, Italian beef allegiances can easily ruin friendships. We’re here to fuel the debate—the Al’s in University Village makes the best in the city. The fluffy bread perfectly soaks up everything—the meat juices from the tender slices of beef marinated with a decades-old secret spice recipe and their robust jus. Make sure to order some of that liquid gold on the side for mandatory dunking." - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor

"Legend has it that Al’s invented the original Italian beef in 1938, and while that legend might have been started by Al’s, it’s still a perfect sandwich. It will come on fluffy bread packed with slices of beef marinated in more than just the usual pepper and garlic. The secret spice recipe is definitely hidden in a tungsten safe, and probably surrounded by a moat of their bright orange jus. Order a cup of this liquid gold (a must for dunking), so you can control the structural integrity of your sandwich. Don’t bother with the other locations—go to the one on Taylor Street. That’s where they marinate and roast their beef, and we believe in getting Al’s straight from the source." - Veda Kilaru