I'm a true Chicago girl, born and bred on the Southside. That disclosure given, I'm a snob when it comes to Italian Beef and hot dogs.
Al's isn't bad, but it isn't great either. The ambiance made me homesick for sure...a definite positive, but the beef left much to be desired. It just didn't have that all day marinated sock you in the taste buds flavor. The Chicago dog wasn't bad, and they get points for the poppy seed buns and characteristic relish. If there was celery salt, I missed it and I wasn't even asked if I wanted spicy mustard.
It's a cute, affordable lunch spot and better than alot of places that claim Chicago authenticity. This version of Al's made me miss Maxwell Street and the real thing, my Chicagoans will understand.