The 1938 Little Italy original that claims to have invented the Italian beef sandwich. Thin-sliced beef, dipped in jus, topped with spicy giardiniera, eaten standing at a counter. Cheap, messy, and deeply Chicago. Open Monday-Saturday; closed Sunday.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Tue 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Wed 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Thu 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Fri 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Sat 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Sun Closed |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | CTA Pink Line to Polk (7-min walk); bus 7 Harrison, 12 Roosevelt |
| Time needed | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time to go | Weekday lunch; avoid the late-night bar rush if you want a seat |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.2/10- Value8.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.3
- excellence8.0
- Crowd level7.5
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility6.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is this the original location?
- Yes, 1079 W Taylor St in Little Italy is the original Al's, dating to 1938. There are other Al's Beef locations around Chicagoland, but this is the flagship.
- Is there parking in Little Italy?
- Street parking is tight but doable, and the Pink Line Polk stop is a short walk. Little Italy is compact, so pair it with a cannoli up the block.
- What does 'the Italian stance' mean?
- There's little seating, so you eat leaning over the counter, feet planted, elbows out, to keep the drippy jus off your clothes. Lean forward and commit.
- Did Al's really invent the Italian beef?
- Al's claims to have created it in 1938 during the Depression, stretching beef to feed crowds. The origin is debated, but this Taylor Street stand is the acknowledged original and a Chicago institution either way.
- How much is a sandwich?
- An Italian beef runs roughly $8-$11, making it one of the best cheap, filling meals in the city. Add fries and a drink and you're still under $20.
- Should I get the sausage or the beef?
- The beef is the signature, but the char-grilled Italian sausage is excellent too. Get a combo to have both in one sandwich if you can't decide.
- How do I order it like a local?
- Ask for it 'dipped' (the whole roll in jus) or 'wet,' and 'hot' means spicy giardiniera. A classic order is a beef, dipped, hot, with a side of cheese fries.
- Are they open on Sunday?
- No, the Taylor Street original is closed Sundays. It's open Monday-Saturday, opening at 9am weekdays and 10am Saturday, and staying open late.
Nearby in Ask Chicago
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- Girl & the GoatRestaurant1.71 km · 21 min walk
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- AvecRestaurant1.86 km · 23 min walk
Where to stay near Al's #1 Italian Beef
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