Al's Under the L

Super super tasty fries, good hot dog.Don't expect linens on the table service here, that's ok tho because the food is amazing. There was no line when I walked in but after I ordered a steady stream of people came in to get food as I ate, so I could tell this was a favorite place of the neighborhood.They take cash and cards, only seem to have Pepsi cans not Coke, and there is a small parking lot outside so you shouldn't need to fight for parking on lake street.If you only get one thing here make sure it's the largest order of fries you can get them to serve you. It'll be worth it!

I stopped by this gem today and was thoroughly surprised. Tucked away under the L, it's easy to pass, so drive slow. The lobby is tiny, but it took about 5 minutes to place my order. The cashier quoted a 10-minute wait time. It took about 20, but no big deal. It was lunchtime, so it took a minute for me to navigate to the countertop to retrieve my order. The burger is incredibly flavorful and fresh. It was made to order, just as I requested. The fries, however, were soggy, as if they weren't allowed to cook thoroughly, so I had to throw them in the air fryer when I got home. The burger was def a 9.3/10. The fries were a 0/10 before cooking them. Overall, I will def be returning.

Saw Al's on Chicago Fire (TV show) and thought about how good it was when I was last there!

I felt that me visiting Al's Under the L has been long overdue being that I have lived in the area for over 2 years now and I typically go for restaurants like Al's. Google Maps caught that and gave me a 100% capability match with Al's based off of restaurants I have visited and reviewed in the past.After contemplating for a while I eventually gave in after getting off of work one evening. Al's has this slight retro appeal that comes from its plain, yet eye catching yellow outline exterior with red lettering. Its restaurant placement which is under the L has an urban vibe as well as when the CTA green line train passes by.What is unique about the parking for the majority of the businesses and restaurants on Lake St is that parking is along the elevated railway. Al's does have parking space of its own that is fitting to the amount of customers served at a time.There is nothing fancy about the interior, just a menu plastered up on each side of the walls. And behind the counter are its employees grinding it out at a satisfying pace. What caught my eye on their menu is that there are no pork products used which feels comforting to know especially if you wish to abstain from eating pork. Another thing I took notice of is Al's ice cream selections which isn't advertised on the menu, but I imagine is acknowledged by its regulars and community.Out of a variety of choices on their menu I ordered a hot dog w/ fresh cut fries and a canned soda. For future orders I imagine that I will continue ordering either their hot dogs or polish (beef or turkey) because it is typically something I go for. I really loved the fresh cut fries! They are definitely something I could get addicted to; cooked fresh and seasoned the way I like.I had a pleasant ordering experience at Al's Under the L even though there was not that welcoming feeling due to the fast pace environment. My food was completed at a satisfying pace, and good, which is all I can ask for. What will keep me returning is the fact that I get to support this neighborhood business.~Blessings~Thomas G

Al's is located right under the L just like the name indicates. I love the atmosphere. The employees were dancing and enjoying the music while they work.

A lot of people rave about this place. I've only tried their chicken sandwich which was ok. I've had better but still I appreciate them offering this. Their home cut fries was absolutely too greasy and not crispy at all. But the rest of my family ordered burgers and fries which they all loved. So that means a lot because my 8 year old is a burger snob. Her burger was gone in less than 10 minutes. The customer service in this tiny neighborhood joint was impressive like a 5 star type of place. One customer argued with the staff about hoping his food wasn't cold since he saw the preparer get his already made bag off the warmer. The preparer explained he put half the food in the bag and was waiting on the rest of the order which did not make the customer happy so the preparer offered to cook a replacement. No problem. No eye rolling. No mumbling under his breath. Just cool about cooking another meal for the man. I could tel the staff sincerely cared about preparing customers food just the way they want it and they took their time about it. But not too much time. We were in and out of this place in less than 15 minutes. Would I go back? I would like to try a cheeseburger next time.

My family has been a fan of Al's for over 50 years! Love this place! Best fresh cut fries ever!

Face value, what you'd probably expect when looking in: a neighborhood hot dog/burger joint for to-go orders. The off-character menu items like their chicken pita and multiple flavors of ice cream are a pleasant addition. Fries are included with most items on the menu, all nestled in a brown paper bag. Unexpectedly for me, they accept credit card payments - a huge plus.My (slight) issues include some inconsistency on the preparation of the orders, depending on who's working, and the wait time is a variable - whether many patrons or few, it seems the timing is more dependent on who's working behind the counter.

Never let me down my favorite place for a Double dog with cheese Or chicken on Peta an the home Fries are the best

Today when ordering the lady charged me for a large order of fries when I asked for a small order. When I brought it to her attention, she told me WE only have one size. I pointed it out on their displayed menu that there were 2 sizes and a $1.25 difference. she said " well we only have one size ".The fries are served in wrapped paper so making it a small or large order is possible and the norm for what they do. She went on to comment about how I'm making such a big deal about it to the staff cooking the food, they were laughing and then she commented "at this point I really don't give a damn!". Right before me, a man was standing there waiting on his change. She rudely said "can I help you?", he stated that he was waiting on his change. She loudly said "its only 2 cent, here's your 2 cent sir". Is there something wrong with her? She doesn't get to decide how much money people will be spending and she definitely doesn't get to decide whether their change is significant enough to collect or leave. Her attitude is TERRIBLE, get her out before folks stop putting up with the rudeness. I'm sure you all have camera's, check them because she surely won't tell the truth of what occurred.