a food junkie's restaurant reviews

Chicago, IL: Al’s #1 Italian Beef | September 19, 2009

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!