Beef for a first-time visitor near Art Institute

I'm helping a coworker plan a whirlwind layover/first visit to Chicago, all of which must (due to timing) take place within a few blocks of the Art Institute. She is, much to her credit, interested in trying an Italian beef.

My first thought was Max's Take Out on Adams, but then I read that there is now an Al's franchise on Jackson. That said, I've also seen extremely mixed reviews of non-mothership Al's locations on LTH and elsewhere. Thoughts? Anything I'm missing (given that I've been out of Chicago for over 5 years now )

Thanks!

Call me a purist, but I would not (and do not) just get Italian beef from anywhere. Rather, I would only ever consider maybe 4-5 places (with the original Al's and Johnny's at the top of that list) to ever get it. Italian beef is one of the most consistently poorly-done items throughout Chicago with almost nowhere taking the time to do it correctly.

As far as I can think, there is nowhere in the loop I would really want to get Italian beef from. But, if your partner is dead set on IB and will not step foot out of the loop (consequences be damned!) then I would suggest Luke's Italian Beef at Jackson and Wells. Its a local place, nearby to where you'll be, not a chain like the franchised Al's (which I hate) and the IB ranges from acceptable to pretty good.


Luke's Italian Beef
215 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 939-4204

I am obviously not a purist, and I think the Italian beef at Jackson and Wabash is pretty good. And very convenient to the Art Institute.

Judy H wrote:I am obviously not a purist, and I think the Italian beef at Jackson and Wabash is pretty good. And very convenient to the Art Institute.

FWIW, the new location of Al's Beef at 28 East Jackson is two blocks walk from the Art Institute's main entrance. Luke's is seven blocks walk.

I hope you are schooling her on dry/wet, toppings, etc. Wet with sweet peppers is my fave.

PortPkPaul wrote:I hope you are schooling her on dry/wet, toppings, etc. Wet with sweet peppers is my fave.

As well as the proper way to eat one. Or hope she brings a change of clothes!

Rick T. wrote:

PortPkPaul wrote:I hope you are schooling her on dry/wet, toppings, etc. Wet with sweet peppers is my fave.

As well as the proper way to eat one. Or hope she brings a change of clothes!

The Italian Stance is a must.

1. Elbows on the counter
2. Feet shoulder width apart
3. Walk feet backwards two steps
4. Shove beef in face

DClose wrote:

Rick T. wrote:

PortPkPaul wrote:I hope you are schooling her on dry/wet, toppings, etc. Wet with sweet peppers is my fave.

As well as the proper way to eat one. Or hope she brings a change of clothes!

The Italian Stance is a must.

1. Elbows on the counter
2. Feet shoulder width apart
3. Walk feet backwards two steps
4. Shove beef in face

Of course - you can't just tell someone it's a beef sandwich. Even after proper warnings, she's going for wet. No word on toppings (for my personal taste, it need not be hot but it has to be giardiniera rather than plain peppers).