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

[@nathanpetronzio6919]

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.

[@eduardomartinez-oh6bn]

i have to agree, luckily its walking distance from me

[@hiball2966]

This!!!

[@GioFranco-dj3hm]

The one in Clark is excellent

[@nathanpetronzio6919]

@@GioFranco-dj3hm compared to Taylor St? Nah. Don’t get me wrong. Use to live off Sheffield & Rosco. I would hit that Al’s up regularly. But no way was ever as good as Taylor St.

[@jasonwills29]

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.

[@clubmogambo3214]

Hey, if you're ever visiting Vegas, there are several spots that offer these sandwiches, as well as the famous hot dogs and even pizza. My favorite, Windy City in particular really does a great job of duplicating these great eats. There's one in the NW section of the city, as well as a location in Henderson - the latter even offers both thin crust and deep dish pizza as well.

[@uaeats]

I'm back on the East Coast now and I miss it now too :(

[@wizzer88]

I'm from Chicago and living in the OC now. There is a Portillo's in Buena Park. It's not the same but still not bad.

[@chiraqallday7434]

@@clubmogambo3214 I lived in Arizona for a few years if you ever have the time or really want a good Italian beef there are some places there I can recommend

[@brojelio1518]

I was missing it too after my ex showed me the glory that is Portillo’s. But, we have one in Buena Park!! Found out a year after moving to SoCal haha

[@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.

[@ramencurry6672]

If you like face expression, check out Mark Weins. He will close his eyes if it’s delicious

[@uaeats]

Haha shoot, I gotta work on making more graceful faces while eating

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

You are unique and that’s why you have a following in a tough space, keep up the good work and authenticity!

[@rnonrnon1322]

Oh WOW.... Mmmmm!!! (scrunchy face) lol

[@LauranChilds]

😁

[@pji1979]

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!

[@thefareplayer2254]

It’s amazing seeing a Philadelphian eat an Italian Beef for a first time. The American cities with the two best beef sandwiches acknowledging each other.

[@lia53233]

Oh yeah. I am from Chicago and I love an Italian beef, but I also love a Philly cheesesteak. There's a place on the north side called Monti's that has authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks. The guys there are from Philly.

[@LatinScribe1]

Isn’t UA from Jersey?

[@wizzer88]

Nice!! I'm from Chicago, I prefer Mr. Beef's and next time go to the Al's original location in Little Italy, it taste better there. Giardiniera, is like saying jardinera. The first "i" is very short. so when you say it fast Giar sounds like Jar.

[@mrwonderful2081]

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

[@uaeats]

Haha I can't help it, I'm very expressive when I eat

[@athf2k10]

Als does taste different than pretty much all the other beef joints. Their giardinera is also mostly red chili flake and celery. Other places will have carrots, cauliflower etc

[@jjoebus]

Going to Chicago this week. I'll have to check out Al's. UA knows his stuff!

[@butkusfan23]

How was it?

[@ChicagoSince80s]

AL’s on Taylor is my favorite but I grew up on Chickies Beef which is slightly below AL’s, my 1st beef was in 1983

[@Galuex24]

Adam Richman had the same reaction on Man vs Food when he tried one. Gotta make my way up to Chicago. Lol

[@BigDiesel1989]

Somewhere in Chicago there is a musician who is willing to tell for something delicious as this.

[@robbielohman9767]

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

[@uaeats]

Wow thanks for the kind words!

[@Matys1975]

Good thing Al’s beef doesn’t come at those crazy Katz in NYC prices 😂

[@jimoliver535]

Pastrami costs more to make than Italian beef... and regardless, Katz puts more meat on their sandwiches. A fairer comparison would be between Katz's and Chicago's Manny's Deli. Pastrami and corned beef sandwich prices are similar in size aren't that much different in price. Plus NYC is more expensive in any case. Different cities.

[@davidbrothers3788]

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

[@jcm6630]

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!

[@uaeats]

Wow thanks so much for the kind words! I'm glad you like my content. I'll keep trying my best!

[@geoffreyreeves7213]

Keep going man you’re going to win

[@brianshaw373]

Yep, that look on your face after the first bites… exactly like mine the few times I was lucky enough to eat a Chicago Italian Beef sandwich. Hot and dipped is really yummy.

[@annek1226]

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!

[@moonbeamskies3346]

Al's used to be in Scottsdale, AZ and I enjoyed it. On the other hand there are other Chicago sandwiches available in the area and I really can't say it's better than others.

[@Frank-bq4mg]

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

[@uaeats]

It's great! Wow moving from Arizona to Chicago during winter must have been a tough transition though!

[@lesliesawyer4640]

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.

[@fkblahblah]

Chicago knows blue collar food

[@Iampatrix]

I haven't had this but if the "secret" spice taste is so hard to define and mimics several other potential spices...it's probably allspice. It's amazing with slow roasted or braised meats and hard to pin down the exact flavor because it really does taste like so many other spices at once.

[@milehighboost5521]

As a Chicagoan now living in the Denver area, I make it a point to order up some Italian beef sandwiches along with some Chicago style hot dog kits from online. They are shipped frozen and taste just the same if you follow the cooking instructions. Worth it if you’re missing a taste of home.

[@sirscroddy2105]

It’s the hot peppers that carry the cinnamon-type flavor you detected. Al’s giardiniera (pronounced “jardinare”) isn’t like what you find at most places. The others’ places are probably better. But Al’s beef has the heartiest, beefiest flavor around. And you were right to dip it. The bread acts as a flavor sponge.

[@henryhill6637]

I wish they had one in NY . That sandwich looks freaking amazing!!!!!!

[@uaeats]

They actually opened an Italian beef joint in Brooklyn not long ago. I may try it sometime

[@henryhill6637]

@@uaeats sweet . I live up north from NYC about 2 hours away

[@bbailey459]

I always get mine double dipped with extra giardinara. Love going to Al's and their burgers are good too.

[@ramencurry6672]

The extra giardinara is a good idea. In my opinion it should be spicy.

[@uaeats]

Whoa double dipped! I will try extra giardiniera next time. I liked the subtle taste but I would have welcomed a little more heat

[@susansprouse1023]

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

[@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.

[@uaeats]

Glad you liked the vid! Primanti Brothers is a great idea, I'll hit up Pittsburgh one of these days for a vid!

[@FoodFiend]

@@uaeats awesome!

[@TJ-fm5gi]

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!

[@caroln835]

Years ago I was at my fav Italian beef restaurant and I remember having a cheese bomber. An Italian sausage goes on first, then piled high with Italian beef and mozzarella cheese on top. Goes into the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese. I've never seen this combination anywhere else but it is unforgettable!

[@narghora]

You got it done right way bro. Dip that bad boy always 👍👍👍

[@hanktherapper]

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

[@anthonyperrone6008]

Agreed!!!!

[@uaeats]

Wow this was the nicest thing I've heard ever since I started this channel. Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@redrstr1]

Love Love Love me some Al's I went there there three days in a row the last time I was in town.

[@uaeats]

Wow 3 days in a row! I agree it's very tasty

[@shadowpapito]

Wow it's a Big World! I am from Chicago and I have never heard of them, but Chicago is huge! I will check them out when I go back. I think it's because back in the days there was so many Fantastic mom and pop places that we wouldn't even miss never going to a famous spot! Bon Appetito

[@ramencurry6672]

If you live in Chicago, check out Portillos. Local people love them. They got good hotdogs and beef sandwiches. I’m from Philly but I fell in love with Chicago local foods. Chicago has excellent Italian sausages too.

[@ramencurry6672]

An interesting thing about Chicago is that even though it’s a famous city, there’s so much that’s un known about it in the outside world

[@benjaminstarks4071]

I'm from Chicago and my preferred spot for Italian Beef is Freddie's in Bridgeport! Great review UA👍

[@shadowpapito]

@@ramencurry6672 TX placed on my list

[@shadowpapito]

@@ramencurry6672 True

[@acrovader]

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

[@maureencora1]

I Love Chicago Italian Beef Subs, Good Show.

[@GBraidi78]

Yummy, I love Italian Beef, although I never tried it at Al's but I had the Buena Beef and some other restaurant here in Chicago and both are great!

[@uaeats]

I need to try more Italian beef spots next time I'm in Chicago. Try Al's though! I really liked it!

[@MrHir2012]

Anything Italian is splendid.

[@LatinScribe1]

Thanks for another great review, UA!

[@staatsnoobNr1]

Who else found this dude randomly now binging it ? good stuff man

[@MKRCinema]

Me lol

[@MrPaulPhan]

Mark my words this channel will blow up.

[@uaeats]

I hope you're right! Appreciate the kind words!

[@HarjinderSingh-fh9gj]

awsome! new subscriber

[@andresmatos59223]

As a Chicagoan you definitely selling yourself short by going to Al’s Beef Jhonnies beef >>>

[@andresmatos59223]

@@chrissygerwitz520 I guess your ass as illiterate as me cause it’s “johnnie’s beef “

[@uaeats]

Yep I wanted to go to Johnnie's really badly, but it was far and I only had a few hours of free time before flying back home. Johnnie's is at the top of my list next time I'm in town though. I plan to set aside time to film a video there!

[@guzzopinc1646]

@@uaeats I doubt Johnnies will live up to expectations. I say that as someone who love Johnnies... Johnnies doesn't blow you away at first. It is more subtle than Al's imo.

[@assurhex1449]

That one spice you can't put your finger on is MSG. It enhances the other flavors. That's why you get the Asian feel. Ask for a nutrition fact sheet and it'll be on there. Hot Gardinera is basically pickled peppers etc. Ask for extra gravy on the side next time to dip your fries in.

[@uaeats]

Good hypothesis that MSG was potentially in it. I think there was another (or a few more) savory spices though. It had a very Chinese bbq flavor, such as the seasoning used in Chinese meat skewers and roast pork

[@mikeymutual5489]

That's wrong. It has a long list of spices in it, the kind that are also in Cincinnati chili. And also, salt is not a spice.

[@assurhex1449]

@@mikeymutual5489 Ask for a nutrient facts sheet. It's on there. Portillo's puts msg in their beef gravy as well.

[@mikeymutual5489]

@@assurhex1449 That's fine, maybe it has MSG. But he was asking about what spices he was tasting, and salt (and MSG) are still not spices. So why are we debating this?

[@theinudemon]

Oh yeah, I dip my fries in the gravy or sometimes even just may dump it on the fries lol

[@user-ut8ls7qp1j]

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

[@joevolpini137]

The manager from Johnnie's where it all began. Like it wet with sweet and hot peppers. I think the managers got it right.

[@darrenharkin1421]

Fennel seed is probably the mystery spice

[@dramma1295]

Wow UA that looked delicious, u crushed it. Will definitely try whenever I get the chance

[@tomrizzo1554]

You really give thorough reviews fun to watch

[@mlewis6892]

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

[@uaeats]

Thanks! Let me know what you think if you try any of them!

[@mrobertson188]

I love these sandwiches Ive never had a real chicago one.

[@egzonshehu8022]

The goat food reviewer, keep up the great work man!

[@uaeats]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@trollzone1]

@@uaeats definitely deserves more views. Try Mr. Beef or Johnnies beef in elmwood park. Those are significantly better.

[@williamkelly6319]

Of course the meat and the process of cooking. It is very important. The bread which never gets mentioned is extremely important and you can only get it in Chicago. It's not the same in other CDs and if you don't get rolls that are made in Chicago for Italian beef sandwiches, it is just not the same. It's close but not the same

[@100185261]

love your videos UA!!!

[@nickmastro6870]

You should try Johnnies in Elmwood Park, it's probably better than Al's (and way better than Portillos)

[@uaeats]

I wanted to go to Johnnie's but it was very far away and I had limited time. It's also technically not within city limits. It's top of my list next time though!

[@nickmastro6870]

@@uaeats Totally understandable, next time you're in chicago for a while definitely give it a try if you can. And Gene and Jude's has the best hot dogs (pretty close location to Johnnies)

[@ramencurry6672]

My first visit to Johnnies was a few years ago at night in the middle of January. The deep freeze cold was insane and the whole area was like an empty ghost town. I returned last summer in June and it was crazy busy. A totally different planet with winter and summer.

[@nickmastro6870]

@@ramencurry6672 Definitely. Also wanted to add, my friends and I agree that the quality has gone a little down and price has gone up in the last couple years which is disappointing. But I still recommend going to try the Italian beef and lemon ice. Hot dogs there are average

[@ChicagoTRS]

@@nickmastro6870 Johnnies fries are mediocre...no problem...hold the fries give me a beef hot dipped and a combo hot dipped

[@shawnachettu2540]

Do Pequods in Chicago

[@tony_25or6to4]

They didn't put enough giardinera on it. Giardinera has never been super-spicy. It's a condiment. Not meant to blow out your taste buds. It was created long before the hot sauce craze.

[@danielschear556]

A "slightly" different reaction than what you displayed at "Elway's" at the Denver airport, LOL!

[@brianshaw373]

The tray drop… the culinary equivalent of a Mike drop. Classic!!!

[@MRRVADrums]

The roast beef sammy looks amazing!!! 👏🏻

[@andrewsaraceni]

Looks delicious, interesting that it's remained mostly a Chicago thing (unlike the "Philly cheesesteak"). Great review!

[@uaeats]

Thanks Andrew! My guess is it's probably too messy for a lot of people to have become as mainstream as the cheesesteak

[@bluefish537]

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!

[@uaeats]

Thanks for reaching out! Kinda cool that my content is being recommended to more people. Awesome though to hear from a former coworker! Send me an email at [e-mail]

[@ojibwa1994]

I love the passion u have ... Gonna recomand you buddy

[@doomsday4004]

great video!! i am from Chicago and I love Italian beef sandwich... but best sandwich I had is roast pork sandwich from Philly

[@ramencurry6672]

That’s fascinating. I’m from Philly but I prefer Chicago sandwiches…..That said, if it’s a good version, Philly sandwiches have better quality bread than the Chicagos if you like crunchy and chewy textures

[@uaeats]

Yes the Philly roast pork sandwich is amazing!

[@richardsisk1770]

Oh wow! I wanna try it! Thanks

[@waynepreston542]

Looks goods, prices seem reasonable for a sandwich that size. I bet the fries dipped in the beef gravy is really good.

[@uaeats]

Apparently other Italian beef spots can be much cheaper but I found it very reasonable compared to what nyc prices are typically like. Dipping the fries in the jus would've been a good idea!

[@2Wheels_NYC]

Dude you're a natural! Great content, great commentary! That sandwich looks 🔥🔥🔥!! Next time you're in Flushing let's do a food tour!

[@uaeats]

Thanks man! Yes the sandwich was very good. Can't wait to eat one of these again!

[@georgesershen7016]

You have to go to the Original I’ve known Al’s that have closed gotta go to Taylor St location

[@drjekelmrhyde]

No! You go to Johnnie's for Italian beef

[@stevevenn1]

You know what time it is!

[@dspiffy]

Always get it dipped, hot. Combo (Italian sausage) and cheese recommended but not necessary.

[@ricodog3652]

A solid sandwich for sure.

[@robertcampbell5355]

Nice, I love Italian roast beef,

[@patrickgaynor8730]

Good place to visit been there done that. The Chop shop when in Chicago is worth a visit too.

[@WilliamKShank]

Dipped is the only way to go with Italian Beef!!! 😋😋😋😋😋 Safe Journey! CHOLULA!!!

[@jamesr141]

This guy loves this sandwich.

[@johnygsh]

The only way you get that sandwich is if you snitched so who snitched?

[@lia53233]

I like Portillo's beef and cheddar croissant. It's the same sandwich, but it's on a massive croissant. You don't need to get that one dipped. That croissant would fall apart.

[@jean-paulf.3932]

You have to get to reno pizza at the Logan Square blue line. A real must go. Burrata on a wood fired pie. Cool neighborhood cool park better people. Check it out! And welcome to the city of the big wind!

[@genebigs1749]

Great video! You and I have at least one thing in common. We both LOVE to eat! That's very apparent by the videos you put out, and I must say they are very enjoyable. That sandwich looked delicious. I have to find a Chicago Beef Sandwich place in New York!

[@timvibes]

I compare this more to the roast pork sandwich in Philly than a cheesesteak. Both are braised and sliced thin in its own juice.

[@uaeats]

The Philly roast pork sandwich is amazing and needs to be more well known!

[@ceciliaandrews5494]

Native Chicagoan here - love me some Italian beef from Portillos and Al's, but gotta add Phillipe (Los Angeles original downtown store) beef sandwich and their lamb also in the mix for best of all. Gotta get to Philly to try a real cheesesteak soon.❤

[@Kells5024]

Have to go to the original one on taylor st. Huge difference

[@uaeats]

Yeah my original plan was to go to the original Taylor street location but unfortunately they were closed on Sunday and I only had time to film this right before my flight home that day. I do hear the original location is the best one though!

[@ssgtslick]

Jar-di-nere. Now, go to Philly for a roast pork sammich.

[@jccepicfamilyfun438]

Getting the beef dipped when you're eating in is a pro move. Getting a dipped beef to go can be tricky as the longer it's in the wrapper, the more bread decides to turn into a mess. Get you beef wet if it's to go ;-)

[@Efinem3787]

Great episode, i subbed right away. great to see someone try one of chicago great eats

[@uaeats]

Thanks so much! I can't wait to go back to Chicago for more food videos someday!

[@tremainsmith527]

number 1 dipped very well with hot peppers

[@user-yh3uk4xl8j]

The best dipped hot gard also sausage beef combo great to 😋😁✌️

[@JoshLasto]

This reminds me of my first trip to Chicago and having an Italian Beef. I had no clue what it was but it’s my absolute favorite sandwich ever. Great Video! If you ever come to Tucson you need to try a Sonoran Dog and/or the original chimichanga from where it was invented at El Charro. 🍻

[@__PJ__]

Good review , well done !

[@technum1]

My friend I suggest you go to the little Italy location on Taylor Street. That’s the original location.

[@omoney172]

I loved it so much that even after I ate the sandwich I ordered the beef in a cup to go hahaha. great channel bro!

[@uaeats]

Shoot why didn't I think of that?

[@SparkzMxzXZ]

8:04 you made me so happy with this 😭🤣

[@uaeats]

Can't waste delicious food!

[@PurpleGoddess24]

Love your videos!!

[@burski23]

You gotta do cheesesteaks in philly, the tourist ones Pats and Genos, and then real ones like johns roast pork and angelos. Also keep up the great work, you’re definitely gonna make it big!

[@uaeats]

Thanks so much! Yes Philly is on my list. I wanna show people my favorite cheesesteak spots there. Perhaps I'll do a tourist trap exposed video for Pats and Geno's while there too

[@natepepper9357]

Love your channel man 🤙

[@michaelad48]

Omgawd yesssssss, yummmmmmmmmmmm, looks sooooooooo delicious

[@richardgarcia406]

Next time you have to try beef/sausage combo with hit and sweet peppers.

[@tinafatbottom8069]

chicago my home my love miss being there best italian beef

[@Sh00terMcGavinXL]

Portillos

[@phantomblindsight907]

This guy kicks ass