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Chicago's LEGENDARY Italian Beef Sandwich | Al's Italian beef
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- čas přidán 15. 11. 2022
- 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!
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Restaurant Deets:
Al's #1 Italian Beef (Multiple Locations)
548 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
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.
i have to agree, luckily its walking distance from me
This!!!
The one in Clark is excellent
@@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.
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!
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.
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.
I'm back on the East Coast now and I miss it now too :(
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.
@@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
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
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.
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.
Isn’t UA from Jersey?
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.
If you like face expression, check out Mark Weins. He will close his eyes if it’s delicious
Haha shoot, I gotta work on making more graceful faces while eating
You are unique and that’s why you have a following in a tough space, keep up the good work and authenticity!
Oh WOW.... Mmmmm!!! (scrunchy face) lol
😁
Your faces when you take a bite makes your videos 10x better 💯
Haha I can't help it, I'm very expressive when I eat
Thanks for another great review, UA!
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!
Wow thanks so much for the kind words! I'm glad you like my content. I'll keep trying my best!
Keep going man you’re going to win
great review that sandwich looked great and the fries ,thank you very much
Going to Chicago this week. I'll have to check out Al's. UA knows his stuff!
How was it?
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!
Somewhere in Chicago there is a musician who is willing to tell for something delicious as this.
Put this guy on your list. He makes me happy! He is extremely good at this!
Wow thanks for the kind words!
Good review , well done !
You really give thorough reviews fun to watch
Love your videos!!
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.
love your videos UA!!!
Great Channel. Can't wait to try all the NYC places you have reviewed.
Thanks! Let me know what you think if you try any of them!
Love your channel man 🤙
Those are really good ive had the ones from portillo's with the gardenaria and sweet peppers very good
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.
Glad you liked the vid! Primanti Brothers is a great idea, I'll hit up Pittsburgh one of these days for a vid!
@@uaeats awesome!
Great episode, i subbed right away. great to see someone try one of chicago great eats
Thanks so much! I can't wait to go back to Chicago for more food videos someday!
Adam Richman had the same reaction on Man vs Food when he tried one. Gotta make my way up to Chicago. Lol
Dude you're a natural! Great content, great commentary! That sandwich looks 🔥🔥🔥!! Next time you're in Flushing let's do a food tour!
Thanks man! Yes the sandwich was very good. Can't wait to eat one of these again!
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!
Oh wow! I wanna try it! Thanks
I love the passion u have ... Gonna recomand you buddy
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
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!
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 uaeatsofficial@gmail.com
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
Good thing Al’s beef doesn’t come at those crazy Katz in NYC prices 😂
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mark my words this channel will blow up.
I hope you're right! Appreciate the kind words!
I moved from Phoenix to Chi in the wintertime Al’s was amazing! Must try any foodie
It's great! Wow moving from Arizona to Chicago during winter must have been a tough transition though!
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.
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!
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!
Shoot why didn't I think of that?
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!
I need to try more Italian beef spots next time I'm in Chicago. Try Al's though! I really liked it!
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!
You got it done right way bro. Dip that bad boy always 👍👍👍
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. 🍻
A good food reviewer should make you want to drop everything and eat there. You are a great food reviewer. Subscribed.
Agreed!!!!
Wow this was the nicest thing I've heard ever since I started this channel. Thanks so much for the kind words!
Wow UA that looked delicious, u crushed it. Will definitely try whenever I get the chance
You should’ve got it with giardiniera. Great stuff. I love Italian beef. I’m glad you really liked it.
Chicago knows blue collar food
Who else found this dude randomly now binging it ? good stuff man
Me lol
awsome! new subscriber
Enjoy your videos !! New subscriber
I Love Chicago Italian Beef Subs, Good Show.
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.
That looks amazing! Yum
It was!
The roast beef sammy looks amazing!!! 👏🏻
I always get mine double dipped with extra giardinara. Love going to Al's and their burgers are good too.
The extra giardinara is a good idea. In my opinion it should be spicy.
Whoa double dipped! I will try extra giardiniera next time. I liked the subtle taste but I would have welcomed a little more heat
hey here before you transform into a bigger food blogger, wishing you success!
Thank you! I hope you're right. We'll see!
I wish they had one in NY . That sandwich looks freaking amazing!!!!!!
They actually opened an Italian beef joint in Brooklyn not long ago. I may try it sometime
@@uaeats sweet . I live up north from NYC about 2 hours away
Love Love Love me some Al's I went there there three days in a row the last time I was in town.
Wow 3 days in a row! I agree it's very tasty
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.
I used to live in the Chicago area. I miss the Italian beef sandwiches.
Good place to visit been there done that. The Chop shop when in Chicago is worth a visit too.
Have absolutely loved your content for some time!!
Went to this exact location on a recent trip to Chicago. Had to try the Italian Beef and sadly was disappointed. The people were super nice, the fries were bomb, but the sandwich was meh. I got it just like you did and I think it was that touch of cinnamon that threw me.
Next time I’ll stick with the hot dogs and popcorn 😂
Looks delicious, interesting that it's remained mostly a Chicago thing (unlike the "Philly cheesesteak"). Great review!
Thanks Andrew! My guess is it's probably too messy for a lot of people to have become as mainstream as the cheesesteak
The goat food reviewer, keep up the great work man!
Thanks for the kind words!
@@uaeats definitely deserves more views. Try Mr. Beef or Johnnies beef in elmwood park. Those are significantly better.
great video!!
i am from Chicago and I love Italian beef sandwich... but best sandwich I had is roast pork sandwich from Philly
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
Yes the Philly roast pork sandwich is amazing!
Looks goods, prices seem reasonable for a sandwich that size. I bet the fries dipped in the beef gravy is really good.
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!
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!
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
The manager from Johnnie's where it all began. Like it wet with sweet and hot peppers. I think the managers got it right.
Omgawd yesssssss, yummmmmmmmmmmm, looks sooooooooo delicious
A "slightly" different reaction than what you displayed at "Elway's" at the Denver airport, LOL!
Anything Italian is splendid.
I finally subbed. I thought I was already LOL.
I love these sandwiches
Ive never had a real chicago one.
Fennel seed is probably the mystery spice
8:04 you made me so happy with this 😭🤣
Can't waste delicious food!
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!
Lol he looks like he's not enjoying it. Cool review 👌
The tray drop… the culinary equivalent of a Mike drop. Classic!!!
Damn it UA got me starving here 😂! I Might have to take a trip to Chicago and try it.Looks goooood.
It's very tasty!
Flights to Chicago can be cheap if you keep checking.
Curious to know if you came here for that beef yet.... get mozzarella on it with sweet and hot peppers dipped if you haven't yet..... and hear me out, look up portillos chocolate cake shake on here, trust me it's worth it. Yes you can get a beef there as well... might as well get a chicago dog while you're at it... yes I'm a fatty, i mean foodie
Nice, I love Italian roast beef,
Great review UA. Wish they had one in jersey.
I’ve had a version outside of the Midwest and it wasn’t good. But it might ok if in the NYC area since food standards tend to be higher
I wish there were more of these outside of Chicago too!
As a Chicagoan you definitely selling yourself short by going to Al’s Beef
Jhonnies beef >>>
@@chrissygerwitz520 I guess your ass as illiterate as me cause it’s “johnnie’s beef “
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!
@@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.
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 ;-)
Love it
What was the size of sandwich that you purchased?
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.
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
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.
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
I'm from Chicago and my preferred spot for Italian Beef is Freddie's in Bridgeport! Great review UA👍
@@ramencurry6672 TX placed on my list
@@ramencurry6672 True
Do Pequods in Chicago
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.
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
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.
@@mikeymutual5489 Ask for a nutrient facts sheet. It's on there. Portillo's puts msg in their beef gravy as well.
@@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?
Oh yeah, I dip my fries in the gravy or sometimes even just may dump it on the fries lol
This guy loves this sandwich.
A solid sandwich for sure.
Johnnies Beef on the North side is my favorite. A lot of Chicagoans will argue that it’s better than Al’s. Good content and review my man!
THIS.
The best dipped hot gard also sausage beef combo great to 😋😁✌️
UA! Could you enjoy a sandwich more?? Lol
Keep up the great videos
🙌🙌🙌 love it
Thanks Jeremy!
You have to go to the Original I’ve known Al’s that have closed gotta go to Taylor St location
Looks great but could someone from the Windy City let me know if that sandwich was accidentally served wet not dipped? I thought dip was a quick flip either side into the juice but that thing went full submarine.
Dipped is dipped. It's not complex.
Wet means the beef is pulled directly out the jus before being placed onto the bread.
Dry means the beef is allowed to drip most of the jus off before being placed onto the bread.
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.
Guy deserves a million subscribers. Great content, very informative.