Where the Locals Eat Rating
Best Italian Beef
Top 100 Restaurant, Chicago
"From its humble beginning back in 1938, brother Al Ferreri, sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Chris Pacelli Sr., began experimenting with what is known today as Chicago's No. 1 Italian beef sandwich, an honor bestowed upon it by Chicago magazine."
– Al's Beef website
"Unwrap your Italian beef sandwich (you ordered peppers on it, right?) and spread out the paper like a tablecloth. Grab your sandwich with both hands and hold it in front of you, keeping your elbows on the table. To take a bite, lean toward the sandwich; do not, under any circumstances, move the sandwich toward you. Doing so will only spill juices onto your clothes – and if you're simultaneously working on a messy side of cheese fries (which you should be), you don't need the added risk."
– TimeOut Chicago magazine
No alcohol available. Serving lunch and dinner daily, until late-night Mon–Sat. Hours may vary by location.
How others rate Al's Beef
Zagat 2009
21 Food Rating (Very Good to Excellent)
Travel & Leisure magazine
One of America's Top 10 Sandwich Spots