Al’s #1 Italian Beef, Lou Malnati’s (Chicago)

We went to Al’s the first night we got to Chicago. It was truly awesome and was perfectly satisfying. In fact I dont feel a need to try any other Italian Beef place – this would be a must stop for us the next time we are in the city.

Their finely chopped, almost mushy, giardiniera was perfect to eat on a sandwich. The more coarsely chopped giardiniera we encountered elsewhere seemed…wrong somehow lol. Those bug pieces would have just fallen off a sandwich. And as you all know already, the vinegar and spicy flavors are perfect with the beef.

Mr A also had to try a Chicago dog. He really needs to post about this. First rate hot dog but I didn’t realize how pickle-y a Chicago dog was. I am not much of a saurkraut/pickle girl but i could appreciate the flavor combination. Plus the poppy seed roll really glams it up for me. I know they don’t do it for Instagram flair, poppy seeds are old world and that poppy seed roll is how G-d intended it.

Then of course the 3rd leg of the Chicago foot stool, one being Italian Beef, second being a Chicago dog, third being deep dish pizza. Lou Malnati’s was exactly what we expected it to be…great sausage, lots of cheese, biscuity crust. Just like I remember it from my youth at the SoCal Pizzeria Uno. And here, in a dark underground location with few windows with a rainstorm raging outside. You know…classic Chicago!!