The sandwich came wrapped in paper that was already losing the fight. The beef was thin and wet and tasted of salt, garlic, and long practice. It had been cooked by men who understood there was no point arguing with hunger. You ate it standing because sitting would have seemed too civilized.
The bread held for as long as bread can hold against a flood. Then it surrendered with dignity. The peppers were sharp. The gravy ran down your wrists. You did not mind. There are meals that ask for manners, and there are meals that ask only that you finish them.
When it was over, there was nothing left but stained paper and the feeling that something honest had happened. The sandwich did not pretend to be refined. It was made for workers, for travelers, for men who had spent the day carrying things heavier than opinions.
It was a good sandwich. The best food usually has no interest in convincing you of that.
T
Tasha J
5 contributions
Loved
• 3/12/25
• DoorDash review
I have not yet found a better Italian beef then Al's. This is the best beef yet. I have been eating at Al's beef for over 20 years, the taste never changes, the quantity doesn't change, and the texture of the meat hasn't changed. I will forever be an Al's beef fan.
K
Kenneth S
Emerging Expert • 11 contributions
Didn't like
• 3/8/23
• DoorDash order
I wanted a large big beef sandwich ot a mini-sandwich and even the $4 fry was a small fry! What is going on?
S
scott r
1 contributions
Liked
• 5/16/25
• DoorDash order
Beef and Sausage combos were awesome . The order came with no napkins or ketchup for the fries. And we asked for the stuff in the order so other than that it was great . Al's is a unique beef and never disappoints .
A
Ashley B
3 contributions
Didn't like
• 5/19/26
• DoorDash order
I got the Regular Beef Sandwich Special and it was dipped with sweet peppers. There barely were peppers and the sandwich was so dry even though it was dipped. I haven't been to Chicago in years and wanted an Italian beef. It was so sad I couldn't finish it
