Chicago's LEGENDARY Italian Beef Sandwich | Al's Italian beef

Out of all Chicago staple comfort foods, the Chicago Italian beef sandwich is perhaps the greatest. It's not just famous because of The Bear, even before everyone was exposed to The Bear Italian beef sandwich, the Italian Beef sandwich was legendary. While many places do a great Italian Beef Sandwich, many people say the best Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich is from Al's Italian Beef. Al's #1 Italian Beef is the oldest Italian Beef restaurant in Chicago and it started the sandwich craze in 1938. Many people remember the man vs food Al's Italian Beef episode, when Adam Richman ate the amazing sandwich. Al's makes a very special Italian beef sandwich with a very unique taste. So unique that many people wonder what the Al's Italian Beef recipe is or the Al's Italian Beef secret spice is. There are many opinions on which place has the best Italian beef sandwich. Some people prefer Portillo's. Others prefer Johnnie's. From what I hear though, when it comes to Al's Italian Beef vs Portillo's, Al's is the clear winner. When it comes to Al's Italian Beef vs Johnnie's, Johnnie's is supposedly as good if not better, but it is technically not within the city limits of Chicago so I did not include it this time. I may hit it up on a future trip though.

Is this giardiniera laden Chicago delight as legendary of a sandwich as people say? Or is it just a tourist trap? Find out in the latest episode of UA Eats! As always, expect lots of eating noises and funny faces, so I hope you enjoy this Chicago Italian beef mukbang. I overall had a great weekend in Chicago eating and trying all sorts of Chicago food and all the best Chicago restaurants. There are too many Chicago must eats to fit into one video, or even a couple of videos, so stay tuned for a future food vlog that focuses on Chicago food reviews and a Chicago food tour!

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Restaurant Deets:
Al's #1 Italian Beef (Multiple Locations)
548 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654

[nathanpetronzio]

I’ll speak as a Chicagoan…

Al’s flagship location in Little Italy is the only one that still remains top tier.
All locations are decent, but the original definitely hits different.

[jasonwills]

As a Chicagoan now living in LA I dearly miss a good Italian Beef. Thanks for taking us along and enjoying this sandwich for all of us.

[pji]

The Italian beef sandwich looks simple from afar, but there are a lot of complex flavors happening there. It has a lot of depth. It's fantastic!

[jcm]

The content you are putting out UA, is damn good quality. When I first clicked on your channel and watched a video, I thought you had over half a million subscribers, and you will if you keep churning out content like this. Keep up the good work!

[MrWonderful]

Your faces when you take a bite makes your videos 10x better 💯

[jnaralee]

I love how UA's face scrunched up and looks more disgusted the more he enjoys the food. That's how you know it's good.

[robbielohman]

Put this guy on your list. He makes me happy! He is extremely good at this!

[Frank-bqmg]

I moved from Phoenix to Chi in the wintertime Al’s was amazing! Must try any foodie

[TJ-fmgi]

Of all your videos, I think this reaction was the most instant, overwhelming positive one I've seen- it made me chuckle seeing your face! Dipped is the only way to go!

[FoodFiend]

Great video UA! That sandwich looked yummy and huge. I love the way you edit and describe the food. I'd love to see your reaction to the Primanti Brothers in Pittsburgh.

[davidbrothers]

Those are really good ive had the ones from portillo's with the gardenaria and sweet peppers very good

[mlewis]

Great Channel. Can't wait to try all the NYC places you have reviewed.

[frankcarone]

great review that sandwich looked great and the fries, thank you very much

[acrovader]

You should’ve got it with giardiniera. Great stuff. I love Italian beef. I’m glad you really liked it.

[hanktherapper]

A good food reviewer should make you want to drop everything and eat there. You are a great food reviewer. Subscribed.

[annek]

While it is a popular sandwich place in Chicago, they have yet to expand but there is a place that has expanded in the last 10 years across the country is Portillo’s, another Chicago favorite! They also sell Italian beef sandwiches that are a close second! Try looking for one near you to give it a try!

[lesliesawyer]

Oh I loved this video. Some say the best Al's is the original (the location shown is not an imitation) further downtown, but my husband and I have eaten at a location near LaSalle street or somewhere and I agree having it dipped like that it is very messy (I thought too messy but hubby who grew up in Chicago insisted I have it that way) but absolutely true, the beefy flavor is as much as you will encounter anywhere, certainly among food accessible to people without expense accounts or private banking. One of the best lunches I can imagine.

[susansprouse]

I used to live in the Chicago area. I miss the Italian beef sandwiches.

[soxbearshwks]

growing up in Elmwood Park 50s-60s, we always went to Johnnies on North Ave. for beef sandwiches, never been to Als, so i can't compare them...

[bluefish]

Yo! We used to work together back around 2017-18 (keeping it vague to protect your identity). Somehow the youtube algorithm suggested this to me and I couldn't believe to see it's you. I'm so glad to see you're doing well and growing a youtube channel - your personality is perfect for this kind of stuff. Keep it up!