Chicago's Best Italian Beef: Al's Italian Beef

The Italian Beef Sandwich is a Chicago Original and Elliott Bambrough is headed out to show you where it all started.

[@MakoRuu]

I need to stop watching these at 4 AM when I'm starving.

[@TheSexyConan]

Starveing don't be so dramatic.

[@yolomofosic]

i feel the same just like my fam watching the food channel

[@discovr4me]

Lol. I hear ya!

[@sbenjamin00]

Haha

[@teem1653]

Keep on watching and when you wake up eat something healthy shows how strong you are I'm not a healthy person I'm going through lots of pain right now from my eating habits ...I commend and respect the people who eat healthy they earned my respect more and more

[@kingkol]

Mannn, I’d snitch for one of those, maybe with a Pepsi on the side, then we reached a deal.😂🤣

[@noname-nd2uc]

😂😂 I knew these comments were coming.

[@noname-nd2uc]

Lil jay lowkey promoted this sandwich if ya mans is willing to snitch for it 😂

[@TGRgrimreaper209]

@@noname-nd2uc you know he did

[@foulgd4980]

Lil jay brought me here 😂

[@christopherkilian9763]

You would snitch for one? I have lime and a shovel if we ever meet up

[@LN.2233]

the butta special, on GD.

[@r.x.m.215]

Don't forget the pack of squares too

[@00RussellSlimerson]

@@r.x.m.215 and a Pepsi

[@Curtoonstv]

😭

[@da6ko1]

iykyk 😂

[@MrWayno1]

My buddy lived on Taylor street a stones throw from there. He moved in at 185 lbs and moved out at 225 lbs. this is no bs. When he moved from Taylor within 6 months was back to 185lbs. This place is awesome and I suggest if you go, get the combo which is Italian beef and sausage.

[@scottbrandon9390]

I like it when Chris whips out the switch blade and says use the "Italian letter opener."

[@jeanitasykescoaching]

I use to work at Al's in the late 80's! In Atlanta now and cant wait to come back at visit Al's!

[@nikitaflournoy5284]

Jeanita Sykes take me with you

[@tb9489]

You still got the Varsity in ATL Which I miss being back in Dallas. Vasrsity= 2 chili slaw dogs and an order of Onion rings.. Whada ya have Whada ya have!!!

[@corysexton3970]

101 Dalmatians

[@boogitybear2283]

@@tb9489 don’t forget their orange drink they serve!

[@charlesandrews2360]

I used to live on Carpenter Street in the 1980s. I went to Al's just a couple of weeks ago and one of the ladies behind the counter has been there since at least the 1980s.

[@ICEGOD2]

About 6 years ago, the corporate chefs I work for sent me to Chicago to a food expo on business. While in Chicago, my co workers and I had Al's Italian Beef. Holy fuck, that dipped sandwich was the one. The giardiane was better than my better than my grandma's(she'd be mad hearing that). Now on these business trips, I look forward to Al's and Portillos.

[@tremainsmith527]

Portillos no I got food posion from there Al's Beef only

[@toms4020]

Portillos.. better then fast food but not that great

[@richcalhoun6050]

Tonys on the south side on Pulaski is better than both combined. I promise

[@FISHONAJ]

My Grandmother lived in Chicago and i remember her taking me to Al's and i liked it so much i bought a shirt. I go to visit my parents in California and go out on a party boat fishing wearing said shirt. All i can say is lots of people go to Chicago and have opinions on who has the best beef ~ AJ in Ohio :)

[@ramencurry6672]

The Chicago Italian beef stands out as one of the best sandwiches or at least one of the most unique sandwiches in America. It’s actually one of the biggest reasons why I travel almost a 1000 miles to Chicago

[@CGJUGO80]

I’m from the east coast and love Philly cheesesteak. But I don’t know how it can compare to this majestic Italian beef sandwich. Can’t wait to try it one day.

[@noname-nd2uc]

The FBG Butta

[@Lott0Jay]

😂

[@johnnyroastbeef3048]

I lived in Chicago all my life till 16 years ago I went to South Florida. Three things I miss number1 Al's Beef on Taylor Street. FYI right across the street is Mario's Italian Ice. Number 2 Chicago hot dogs. Any corner Chicago Number 3 Lou Malnati's pizza.

[@locolopez75]

What about Jim original or pizzeria uno

[@johnnyroastbeef3048]

@@locolopez75 Lou Malnati's pizza is my favorite.

[@msr1116]

You'd think with all the Chicago ex-pats in Florida, that SOMEBODY would have thought to introduce the foods to the locals by opening a restaurant, like Joe Mantegna did in L.A.

[@starababa1985]

Oh, Mario's Italian watermelon ice with a beef sandwich from Al's, eaten while sitting on the hood of your car. Heaven!

[@TheAirplanewoman]

highly entertaining video. I will be sure to try Al's when I am back in Chicago this December.

[@ljsneets7037]

By no means do i hold myself out to be an expert, but I have had a sandwich or two over the years. This place was the best beef sandwich I’ve ever had.

[@ramencurry6672]

You are correct. I’m a food snob and I agree. In my opinion it’s one of the most interesting sandwiches in America

[@bigsweep3603]

I haven’t been to Al’s in 12 years and I’m pretty sure the combo is still the best sandwich I’ve ever had

[@mrpankau]

This vid needs to be submitted to the Library of Congress for an accurate depiction of a Taylor Street accent.

[@gnomevoyeur]

I've watched so many editions of this show on youtube from Australia. I'm hoping to get there soon and try some of the places out (once the pandemic is under control, of course). Al's Beef seems like an icon - I don't know how it took so long for you to cover it. PS Marley is lovely but Brittney mad the show iconic, being part of the Sweetness family.

[@elusivetilborg3011]

Skip Al's, its terrible. Go to Mr.Beef if you're downtown, or Johnnie's Beef in the subburbs.

[@Midnight_Rider96]

It may surprise you how these places look very old and nothing special, but have great food. The suburbs also have great food, Johnnie's beef and Gene&Judes hot dogs

[@Midnight_Rider96]

Chicago also has the best Mexican burritos! Giant burritos the size of a man's arm!

[@ukanduet3209]

We ate at the Al's restaurant that was on Ontario and Wells nearly every day when we were couriers in Chicago. Best Italian beef in Chicago.

[@Viva-Persia]

the crazy laughter at the end is phenomenal..

[@Lee-ed4zu]

I'd snitch for one of these.

[@ChiCity50245]

Facts

[@cartman8814]

They opened a location in my home town here in SoCal several years back. Didn't last long tho. One of the best sandwiches. Still miss it.

[@kvosstuff4350]

I LOVE this place! I live in TN and we don't have anything to compare...

[@davidmnaba3117]

I like your down to earth casual let the wind blow character. I like the show

[@mallswordislaw5723]

Al’s beef is most definitely #1 in Chicago hands down 💯

[@jamesgand828]

I love sandwiches where the sandwich itself is dipped in a sauce and it makes everything juicy :O

[@matthewdavis3921]

Oh im jealous im hungry now lol. Love your show

[@larooskidominique2528]

Trenches news brought me here shoutout Italian beef and Pepsi #63

[@timothyjohnson7841]

Great show!!!

[@4mturne]

I LOVE All's. Beef and sausage dipped with hot peppers and those hand cut fries

[@MrSamer83]

When I visited Chicago back in August, I went to Al's but the one in Wrigleyville. I loved it a lot. I would love to try the original one in Little Italy on Taylor Street when I come back!! :-D

[@geeman215]

If you come, in the summer, go across the street for dessert, an Italian ice. You'll leave Taylor street, 1-hapoy human.

[@billymarino4452]

When I visited Chicago a month ago (first time), I ate at the original Al's on Taylor, and the one in Wrigleyville. Both were some of the best beef sandwiches I ever had.

[@ramencurry6672]

It’s food of the gods

[@wyuciswuget]

I ate these in Terre Haute, In, back then it was Sin City #2 back in the 50’s and 60’s. My nearest place to get one now is 4 hrs away.

[@donnadumont3506]

You guys are great ❤❤❤❤

[@chris2302]

Italian Beef made the right way is amazing!

[@x611b3]

dawg you forgot the pepsi

[@johnotto4931]

Funny I never had Als but Max’s on Roosevelt downtown has EXCELLENT italian beef

[@Teatee105]

I miss these sandwiches!! I had to learn to make them on my own because they don't sell them where I live.

[@tyrionlannister1628]

Sitting at Larry’s Giant Subs in Jacksonville Fl awaiting my Chicago’s Own Italian Beef with a side of Au Jus ❤️❤️❤️

[@paulpietschinski3282]

I have NEVER had one of these.....and i feel so incomplete.

[@fafalbala]

Does anyone know what kind of cut does he use on his sandwiches?

[@judichristopher4604]

EXCELLENT VIDEO... YUM

[@anderson8383]

They should have a channel like this for every city.

[@michaelmixon2479]

Al was a blast!!

[@Dcvillnz]

Wow that looks great 👍

[@sweettoxicz7053]

Gosh, the Facebook sound at 1:04 got me confused.

[@markjurczyk]

Original Al's on Taylor is the best, period !!!

[@nunyabizznizz7326]

those look amazing......

[@OoohUSuk]

I miss you Al’s!

[@kevinhullinger8743]

The dipped is awesome get the sweet and hot peppers. 🙌

[@codyduncan195]

Can confirm. Amazing.

[@Scythesyn]

Felt sick eating here once no lie

[@rontaviussnipes3021]

I had a dipped sandwich last time I visited but the spot was called Portillos and I wasn’t impressed. I’ll try this next time I’m in Chicago

[@frank78855]

Portillos is over rated. Als is solid. Johnny’s in elmwood park on north ave is one of the best.

[@Alien_Nukes]

Portillos is the McDonald's of Italian beef. It's like trying a hamburger for the first time and basing it on McDonald's

[@laffybaby2153]

Aye foe run me my Pepsi😂

[@bbqsmokernc7252]

Say hello to my little friend. 😂😂😂

[@davidbrothers3788]

Italian letter opener similar to the Chicago typewriter both handy when needed

[@chiraqallday7434]

Yup bugs Moran and his crew remember the typewriter very well

[@davidbrothers3788]

@Chiraq All day oh yeah especially one valentines day around 1929

[@davidbrothers3788]

@Chiraq All day why hasn't any band especially one from Chicago put out an album called Chicago Typewriter

[@bobrakow3067]

Do they still have that bookie in the back?

[@ericmontero1337]

its superb.

[@michaeljdauben]

I used to go to U of I campus near there. I'd stop at Al's at least once a week for an Italian beef.

[@jonathanbristow3208]

Beautiful!

[@tremainsmith6352]

Al's Beef is Chicago's Best Ever

[@crysjumar1]

Jim's on Rosecrans in Gardena, CA. their motto, "you don't need teeth to eat my beef."

[@rawstatustv2358]

Man the dip in the gravy made my stomach growl.

[@bingevintage8124]

Restaurant owner was the real life Santa Claus 🎅 jolly ole saint chris 👌

[@googelle7555]

Would be cool if they showed address and map screenshot at the beginning or end of each vid

[@lordot8665]

Goog Elle don’t be lazy just google it

[@michaelandrew4812]

@@lordot8665 Exactly my thoughts should be easy to find on google

[@ih8myfriends]

I’m excited to try it. Luke’s is my favorite rn.

[@lordot8665]

Try out mr beefs on Harlem too

[@hotenhitonokoe2848]

looks delicious

[@Divine_R]

It's funny how they used Scarface lines but Scarface is Cuban...

[@jimmyb3311]

glad I wasn't the only one who caught that

[@goodfella2400]

You understand that the “Cubans” in Scarface were criollos from Italy, no?

[@Divine_R]

Goodfella Sorry bud, I meant to say that the character Tony Montana (who they quoted in the video) is Cuban himself

[@joeyo4163]

yea only the character..but Al Pacino is Italian.

[@timmcdermott9110]

scarface was another name for Al Capone show had a scare across his cheek.

[@tims.5085]

I want to visit Chicago!

[@geeman215]

Come in the summer. It's so much to do. You'll gain a few pounds & marvel at what our city has to offer.

[@BradYaeger]

We just don't really have many places like this on the west coast. I'd fly there just to have one

[@RedRoseGold3080]

Mouth watering .... mmmm 😋

[@nishalpawar5170]

Wish I had one in my city ....🌭🌮😍🌭🌮😍🌭🌮😍

[@jameswilliams9738]

When I go back to Chicago I'm going to Al's beef.😛😛

[@JustAThought155]

Bro, you don’t “have a belly!!!” 😂😂😂!!!

[@buffalobill3504]

Grew up two blocks from St Williams, worked near the U of I Circle, ate at Al's and Johnnies many times. Manny's too.Combo, sweet and dipped with large lemon ice at Johnnie's with the smoke drifting to the line outside was the best! Cannoli from the bakeries on Harlem and Caputo's Market. This was when Tony Accardo and Sam Giancanna lived in Elmwood Park and they drag raced on North Ave. on an unincororated stretch on Saturday night till the state police showed up. Midwest American Graffiti! While I'm at it, became a DePaul area uppie and once told the kid who made my hot dog at Wiener Circle he was an artist. Also grew up eating dogs from the pushcart guy by Polk Brothers on Central. Dates me huh. Retired in Wyoming where there are no lines, no traffic jams, everyone has a firearm or many firearms and NO ONE gets shot on Saturday night. Betcha all love Lightfoot, Foxx and Smollet. Makes Richie Daley seem this a sainted genius now.

[@eduardoc5007]

es la.versión de la torta ahogada( Guadalajara) italiana!?

[@GibsonArtola]

Al's on Taylor Street is the best Italian beef sandwich I have ever tasted! I have even tried them in Italy....but no, Al's is the best. Could live off this stuff for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

[@ramencurry6672]

The Chicago Italian beef sandwich is one of the most interesting sandwiches in America. I’ve been all over and I have to say that there is a uniqueness to it. I’m a fan.

[@cactusdanman]

Jay's Beef of Harwood Heights is the best beef in Chicago! 💯

[@brooklyndan11206]

They were featured in the tv show Man Vs Food !!

[@albertmartinez3368]

been goin here forever !!! best in da city !!!

[@tati0201]

Love this place been going since I was a child. Will be grabbing me one this week.

[@joelsimms4636]

Jesus!! That made me hungry!!!

[@quantummath]

1:29 ... Say elllo too ma leedel fren .. :-))))) Dude that was awesome!

[@theviewer102]

I wish they didn’t close the restaurant by Chino Hills, CA. I gotta go to Portillo’s by Moreno Valley, CA to get my Chicago beef sandwich fix.

[@sebastianbobik6671]

Are you delivery this sandwich to England

[@nestani443]

Doubt it

[@roypalmer1585]

in KCNever tasted it, but a combo of sausage w/ Italian beef @ Rosati’s (KC) is great. College Ave .

[@tommysoprano1441]

Please come to open an Al's Beef in Canada Preferably Toronto or Hamilton

[@erica.3852]

I walk by here everyday when I go to work

[@neilyaremchuk6798]

What’s the cut of beef? Clod?

[@lykon666]

What’s the relish toppings called on the Italian beef?

[@driftlesstroutdude7100]

Giardiniera

[@bhawthorne5654]

I like Al..I wish he was my uncle lmao 😂😂

[@audreyogorman2923]

Uncle al forgwet about it

[@andresmith6591]

Yes Sir, I truly miss indulging in these incredible sandwiches. Living in North Texas has presented some generic Restaurants attempting to offer the Italian Beef Sandwich. I grew up eating Al's when I went to Jew Town in the early 1970's.

[@ramencurry6672]

In most places in America, airline flights or greyhound bus tickets to Chicago are relatively affordable. So I think it’s travel possible as long as your family and job allows the time.

[@jimmypcordova10]

When you've been working all day and forgot lunch...i don't recommend you watch this 😪🤤🤤🤤

[@Lejen.]

“Your forking excellent”

[@sabrikussan5729]

NBR Glizzy peaky blinders

[@7wiiskate]

How much?

[@alaboutfood2326]

Now I know where the movie "Johnny Dangerously" got the idea for their script.

[@zaggaona]

When you eat an Italian beef you must get it dipped!! Having it dry is just wrong!

[@msr1116]

A dry beef sandwich becomes a choking hazard. No joke.

[@elusivetilborg3011]

Always get extra napkins.

[@paulevans6066]

Hot peppers too not sport

[@ramencurry6672]

I agree. A medium dry would probably be ok if it was on a high quality artisanal roll though. The dipped version is unique though and the quintessential Chicago experience

[@smithairrion1476]

What happened in texas,??? Why did they close??? Anybody?

[@energyefficientbuilders8627]

Used to be great, but now it's too expensive and smaller portions. I guess that what fame will do to you. Sorry, won't come back. The beef is seasoned well but now there are so many other places that will give you a better deal.

[@Shellybellyboy]

Energy Efficient Builders Tony’s is better

[@mickdavis2385]

I went 6 months ago and the meat was grissly (crunchy with tendons and something that wasn't meat).

[@Mari000]

Johnnie’s in Elmwood Park

[@tiotisdale]

Mouth watering

[@ilovememememeplssubme832]

1:28 say hello to my little friend

[@XMattingly]

Al is crazy. 🇮🇹🗡 That’s how you know his stuff is probably the best in town! 😅🌭

[@charlesandrews2360]

I knew the original Al. He was a fence and a degenerate gambler. He had already been squeezed out of the business by the time I met him in the 1980s. He opened up a beef stand on Van Buren called the original Al's. That was the best Italian beef ever. Nothing comes close.

[@cookingsingle4887]

That fork is a classic.

[@gabegood8989]

i nearly died when they dunked it in the juice..omfg