When Al’s was named the #1 Italian Beef Sandwich in Chicago by Chicago Magazine back in 1980, the business (and the name) was forever changed for the better: as they went from Al’s Bar B-Q to Al’s #1 Italian Beef in the city of Chicago. The business was so successful that they opened a second location in the River North neighborhood in downtown Chicago.

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Many culinary honors have been awarded to Al’s, including Best Sandwich & Sandwich Shop in America, Most Iconic Dish in America, and Top Food to Eat in Chicago Before You Die to name a few. Al’s has received over 150 culinary and critic awards from places like the Food Network, TODAY Show, Travel Channel, Playboy, and Esquire to name a few. 

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People have traveled from all over the world to visit Al’s, including television and movie stars, late-night talk show hosts, athletes, news cooking show hosts, food critics, and even tour buses full of people. Once, an entire village in Italy made the trip to Chicago to sample Al’s #1 Italian Beef. 

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Al’s has shared its passion for Italian Beef sandwiches with Chicago and the rest of the world, serving the same great food that it did when it began its original operation over 80 years ago today.