Poll: One of the top 5 Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago, Al’s ‘tastes like heaven’

When WGN News Now asked where is the Chicago area’s best Italian beef sandwich, we received nearly 200 recommendations. After narrowing down the list of potentials, and putting those to a vote, you decided Al’s #1 Italian Beef has one of the best beefs in the area.

[robinblackmoor]

How would it be possible to not like this guy? He is making love, not sandwiches. You have to love what you do, to make quality. Just watching, you can tell this is a great sandwich.

[muthergoose]

I lived across the street from Al's on Taylor street for 2 years. I was there almost weekly. In fact, I am going to get into my car and head there

[drjekelmrhyde]

I like Al's and Michael's for their hot girdeinrea, but Johnnie's beef is the best to me. I wouldn't even be shocked if people would go to Al's or Michael's just for the girdeinrea and put it on a Johnnie's beef. It sounds crazy, but people do that for Uncle Remus and Harold's over mild sauce.

[greggpaucek]

Id drive from Milwaukee just to have one of these and meet

[soxbearshwks]

growing up in Elmwood Park 50s-60s, we always went to Johnnies on North Ave. for their great beef sandwiches, and on Fridays we would get their pepper and egg sandwich..

[SuperSnakePlissken]

Business 101. Give the customer WHAT THEY WANT. This owner is doing exactly that. People want the nastalgia and he gives it to them too. Excellent video.

[jeffb]

This guy is the epitome of a Chicago accent. I moved to Wisconsin when I was 13. I didn’t understand when people said I had an accent. I don’t have it until I visit relatives.

[spinningbacksidekick]

Mr. Beef is #1 in my book, but Al's and Johnnie's are close. I love how Al's owner doesn't care who's got the best Italian beef.

[cariannette]

The owner is adorable!💕 and I'm a Philly girl! 😅

[Erich-sxye]

I need to have this experience at least one time.

[troyforbes]

Al’s is the best, super super close 2nd is Johnnie’s. Can’t go wrong with either, both are outstanding.

[bruceaskew]

You definitely hit the right spot Al's 🔥🔥💯

[msr]

Al is spot on about assuming the Italian Stance....otherwise the front of your garment will have drippings on it.
A Beef is a fun, messy meal like barbecued ribs slathered in sauce, but you gotta be careful or everyone will know you just ate.

[thomasmartin]

This is how a damn legend talks what a don!

[IsraelGonzalez-xver]

Serrellis finer food's on North ave. Over 85+years in making the best Italian beef.

[rickdiaz]

Please don’t give me wrong no offense, but I do not like LB beef like Portillos beef. Patel is better. I always like Portillos the best hotdog sandwiches.

[jjzendejas]

God bless you sir you and your family lots of good food and lot's and lot's of work 💪🤗👍🤠

[Flamadiddle]

Funny guy, he must be a real hoot after a few beers. Love that the menu reads "Pops", which is what we call drinks like Coke and Pepsi in Chicago.

[Whatamidoinghere]

Take the trip west and go to Johnnie’s in Elmwood Park. That’s the place for beef.

[bonnietoney]

A few days ago I ordered Al’s Italian beef. The flavor was off, there was noticeably less meat and if that wasn’t bad enough Al’s has made some changes unbeknownst to the customer. The Big Beef is now served on the Regular sized bread and the Regular beef is now half of the regular sized bread. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the price. So you will pay for a Big Beef price for a Regular Beef sandwich and so on. Initially I thought there had to be some kind of mistake with my order so I checked into it and no there was no mistake. To be clear I understand a restaurant can make changes to their menu or prices as they choose but, to not let the customers know and continue to charge Big prices for Regular sandwiches is deceptive. I mean after all it’s Al’s Beef. People would probably continue to buy it if they had raised the prices rather than switch the sizes. The standard rule of thumb is a regular Italian beef, hoagie, or Philly steak is 6” and a large, big or footlong is 12”.