Friday, August 17, 2012

Al's #1 Italian Beef

Location: 1079 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607
                  and multiple other locations throughout the city and America.
Al's #1 Italian Beef on Urbanspoon Al's #1 Italian Beef on Urbanspoon
(I've linked a few of the locations I have been to... the experience has always been the same) 

A Quick Word:
After trying Al's for the first time, you will see why it has become one of Chicago's legendary eats.  People come from far and wide to try this sandwich... and it has recently been named Midwest's Best Sandwich according to Travel Channel's show, Best Sandwich in America.  The seasoning on the beef is ridiculously amazing and the sandwich as a whole is unreal.  The only reason it doesn't get a perfect rating is because the fries are disappointing and the inconvenience of not taking credit cards (at least at the Taylor St. location).

What I Ate:

Al's Big Beef

I suggest ordering the Big Beef... this sandwich is significantly larger than the simple italian beef.  Make sure to order the sandwich wet and with hot peppers.  This is the exact way I like my italian beef and whenever friends come for the first time, they are always satisfied with the order.  The beef has been stewing for hours in the juices and has become extremely tender.  The beef honestly falls apart and can be eaten plain.  The bread has a nice crust but is soft on the interior.  It is a great vessel for all the meat Al's stuffs into the sandwich.  It even holds up to those natural juices.

The DOs/DON'Ts:
DO:
- Do bring cash!  The location on W. Taylor St. doesn't take credit card.
- Ask for your italian beef "wet"... this means they dip the sandwich in the au jus or natural juices of the beef which is extremely well seasoned.
- Do get the Hot Peppers or Giardinera.  The nice spice actually cuts some of the saltiness from the au jus.

DON'T:
- I honestly wouldn't order the fries.  Whenever I get them, they are not freshly made and a couple of the times they were cold.  Sorry for no picture.

How far would I walk for this food?


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