Al’s Beef

With hopes of opening hundreds of franchises in the next few years, Al’s has expanded its presence to the heart of the Loop, where De Paul students and office drudges line up to fulfill their daily sodium intake. Skin-on fries are cut fresh, Polish sausages get a good char from the grill and the menu even includes an oddball pre-wrapped tamale. But what you’re here for is the famous Italian beef sandwich, best ordered with hot pepper to counter the sweet, aromatic roast beef and soft, jus-soaked bread.