a food junkie's restaurant reviews
Chicago, IL: Al’s #1 Italian Beef
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I’ve been bugging the boyfriend to bring me to Al’s #1 Italian Beef since watching Man vs. Food a couple weeks back. Today was finally my lucky day! There are numerous locations but I believe the original one is located on W. Taylor (the one I went to and also where Man vs. Food was filmed) – right off of University of Illinois Chicago’s campus. Be on the lookout for a bright red awning as you drive down the street.
So this place offers the usual Chicago style hot dog but true to it’s name, it offers an Italian beef sandwich. Now mind you, this is no ordinary sandwich. Deeply marinated sliced/shredded beef encompasses a couple green bell peppers all wrapped into a soggy hot dog bun that’s been soaked in a special sauce. This is NOT the cleanest meal by any means but what do you expect from a soaked sandwich fast food joint? The taste is simply amazing – it’s like a whirlwind of flavors dancing on your taste buds as you quickly devour any remains of your sandwich. Very delicious. The place also offers cheese fries but, unless you’re craving more food, I’d pass on this (simple kind of soggy fries with a side of nacho cheese dip).
Price is about $7 for a regular size and $9 for a large size sandwich combo (and by combo, I mean a drink included). If you’re just going for the ride (and not much of a meat eater), you’ll be entertained by the vast amount of celebrity pictures posted to the walls – everybody from local newscasters to famous sports players.
http://chicago.menupages.com/restaurants/als-no-1-italian-beef-2/menu
Beware, this place is closed on Sunday’s!
Chicago, IL: Piece
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I bet you’ve heard all the hype about Chicago being famous for its pizza. From Georgio’s to Lou Malnati’s to any other deep dish establishment out there that is supposedly “Chicago’s best!” Now, I’m not much of a deep dish pizza fan. I have tried Lou Malnati’s three times and all three times the pizza has been too cheesy and watery…is your pizza supposed to drip liquid?
Because I’ve been missing NY so much, my friend thought it’d be a good idea to introduce me to a pizza establishment called Piece. Opened by a New Haven, CT guy (close enough to NY), this guy’s pizza is absolutely delicious. Thin crusted, right out of the hot oven, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I normally swing for the plain pizza which consists of an abundant amount of garlic cooked together with olive oil and parmesan cheese in a red tomato sauce…hold the mozzarella cheese, please. But you can choose a traditional red base or a white base and top it with anything from clams to mashed potatoes to standard tomatoes. The portions are HUGE (no joke, it’s quite the sight to see)…the medium portion can feed 2-3 people and put them all in a food coma. In addition to the pizza, this place also offers wacky desserts like chocolate pizza, one of THE best guacamole combinations, and a wide selection of beers (some of which they brew in house).
Price is about average – $14 for a medium pizza but look to increase that with additional toppings. Guacamole and chips is a bit pricey at $8 but so worth it after you taste the seasoned chunks of avocado melting in your mouth.
You can find, what I think, is the best pizza place in Chicago in Wicker Park (1927 W. North Ave). After you put yourself in a semi food coma, you can explore the boutique stores of Wicker Park and maybe grab another beer at the local beer. This place will always have a “piece” of my heart.
piecechicago.com
