The story
For those seeking an authentic taste of Chicago, Al’s #1 Italian Beef on Wells Street is an essential stop. This old-school institution captures the city’s culinary soul, offering a no-frills environment that feels perfectly characteristic of the local landscape. It is the kind of place that demands a visit for anyone serious about experiencing the city's most iconic flavors.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Italian beef sandwich. Creator Bertra, who visited the shop, described it as an "incredible, greasy" experience that is a true must-visit in Chicago—though he jokingly warned that you might need to "wash your hands for a week" afterward. Whether you order the regular Italian beef sandwich with provolone and peppers or keep it classic, Al’s remains a definitive destination for a quintessential Chicago meal.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2025.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 1 dish mentions say about the food
“This sandwich has thin slices of beef, provolone, cooked celery, and peppers, all dipped in gravy. The bread is soaked in the gravy — they don't just give you a cup, they dip the whole sandwich in it. The meat is phenomenal, really really good. It's a bit spicy and the soaked bread tastes like meat broth, so it feels like eating meat with spicy meat broth. It reminds me of winter, sitting in front of the TV with soup. It's one of the best things I've eaten on this trip. It's incredibly greasy — there's a layer of oil on top — but it's amazing. I'd eat two, but then I'd die. It's only oil, but it's incredible. You have to wash your hands for a week after, but it's 100% worth it.”
What creators say
1 creator has covered Al's #1 Italian Beef. Most active: Bertra
Al's #1 Italian Beef is a super characteristic, old-school spot that serves the most incredible, greasy Italian beef sandwich — a must-visit in Chicago, even if you'll need to wash your hands for a week.
Dishes mentioned
Regular Italian Beef Sandwich with Provolone and Peppers
This sandwich has thin slices of beef, provolone, cooked celery, and peppers, all dipped in gravy. The bread is soaked in the gravy — they don't just give you a cup, they dip the whole sandwich in it. The meat is phenomenal, really really good. It's a bit spicy and the soaked bread tastes like meat broth, so it feels like eating meat with spicy meat broth. It reminds me of winter, sitting in front of the TV with soup. It's one of the best things I've eaten on this trip. It's incredibly greasy — there's a layer of oil on top — but it's amazing. I'd eat two, but then I'd die. It's only oil, but it's incredible. You have to wash your hands for a week after, but it's 100% worth it.
