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Al's #1 Italian Beef - River North
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Al's #1 Italian Beef - River North
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Al's has been serving Italian beef since 1938, and the River North location pairs its Big Beef sandwiches with fries that are crisp enough to stand up to jus and peppers. Open late most nights, it’s a go-to for fast, filling beef-and-fries orders before or after downtown plans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Beef sandwich with fries, Italian sausage and beef combo with fries, Chicago-style hot dog with fries
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Historic Italian beef brand where late-night beefs and fries stay fast and consistent.
Who should go: Budget-minded diners craving classic beef and crispy fries.
When to visit: Lunch, early dinner, or late night after nearby bars.
What to order: Big Beef with fries, combo sandwich, hot dog and fries.
Insider tip: Split a Big Beef and an order of fries if you’re sampling multiple spots.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby with paid garages within a few blocks; spots can be tighter during evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Very casual — counter-service setting where jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are normal.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during rushes; easy conversation at off-hours but more cafeteria-style energy late night.
Weekend wait: Usually a short counter line; expect 5–15 minutes during peak late-night surges.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a brief line that moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — fries and a few sides are the main options; sandwiches are beef-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited — fries may be the only practical option and cross-contact is possible.
Gluten-free options: Limited — beef without bread is possible but kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something casual and fast — it’s more of a grab-and-go counter spot than a sit-down date environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations; order at the counter and grab an available table or take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, quick service, and fries make it approachable for kids, though seating is basic and space can feel busy during rushes.
Best For
Better for: Classic Chicago beef-and-fries orders that are fast, affordable, and consistent — especially late night.
Skip if: You want a quieter dine-in meal, broader dietary flexibility, or a large menu with salads and entrée alternatives.
Al's #1 Italian Beef - River North
8.3
The River North branch of Al’s #1 Italian Beef brings the 1938-founded Chicago brand’s dipped beef sandwiches and classic dogs to Wells and Ohio. Open late with counter service and fries piled right into the bag, it’s a dependable under-$15 stop steps from the nightlife strip.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Beef Sandwich with Sweet Peppers, Beef and Sausage Combo Sandwich, Chicago Dog with Fries
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Downtown outpost of a classic Chicago beef stand serving late-night sandwiches.
Who should go: Night owls craving iconic beef and dogs.
When to visit: Late evening after drinks or a game nearby.
What to order: Dipped beef, combo sandwich, and a Chicago dog.
Insider tip: Order online for pickup to skip the line at peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare, especially at night.
Dress code: Very casual — walk-in counter service; jeans, hoodies, and game-day gear are common.
Noise level: Lively during late-night rushes; generally conversational at off-hours.
Weekend wait: Usually 5–15 minutes, but can spike later at night when nearby bars let out.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with short lines that move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — fries and a few sides only; core menu is meat-focused.
Vegan options: Minimal — fries may be the only workable option; confirm prep if strict.
Gluten-free options: Limited — sandwiches are on bread and there is no dedicated gluten-free bun; some meats without bread may be workable but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a low-key, grab-and-go Chicago classic — it’s counter service, casual, and can get messy with dipped sandwiches.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only with counter ordering; seating is first-come and turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, casual meals — simple menu and counter seating; best earlier in the day rather than late-night crowds.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable, authentic Chicago beef sandwiches near the River North nightlife strip — especially for late-night takeout.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, broader vegetarian/vegan options, or a quieter atmosphere.