Taste of Chicago Grill

4/9/2024 in the entire years that I've lived in San Diego I've never even knew this place existed. I was working in the area and I was really hungry. Happened to turn around and noticed this spot made a U-turn and stop for lunch lol I was honored to meet JJ the owner and they have some specials going on. I order the shrimp with fries combo that also comes with a soda for $10.99 and I was craving a hotdog but ended up getting the Chicago dog with french fries. Oh my goodness! It's the best hotdog I've ever ate lol! This will definitely not be my last time. I'm definitely gonna invite my friends and I'm gonna tell my adult children they have to try it. JJ you gonna see me more often. You just made yourself a customer and a friend for life. unfortunately the shrimp and the fries pic didn't make it lol. It's that delicious people you definitely have to stop by this spot and try JJ's Chicago food. The food was not the only great thing. Great customer service.

Had a bizarre experience here. This place is always dead but I used to come here like 4 years ago because the food was solid and I believe in supporting small businesses. I live in LA now but was back in town so decided to swing by. I used to have good conversations with the owner about the food here, how he sources ingredients and how people overlook Chicago style food, etc. I walk in and was like, yo, what's up bother, not sure if you remember me. It's been a few years." He responded, "no and I don't want to remember." I was like, "Long day or what?" He said, "no, it's just not important." I was like, "no worries man, I'll just go eat somewhere else" and walked out.To the owner: Your business is way too slow to be treating people like that. I hope it gets slower.

Just a heads up, the guy that works here said he is no longer getting his shipment in from Chicago, he has no hot dogs, gyros, pizza puffs or Italian beef's. Came here to try some food from my home town but they didn't have anything so we left.

Great place! Went hungry, left happy. Bright, clean, cool (fresh air circulation...love it on a hot San Diego summer day!). We had the Chicago Cheese steak and Pastrami Sandwich. Both were delicious! The cheese and sauerkraut were cut into the pastrami. So good! The rye wasn't overpowering. The peppers, onion, and cheese were also cut into the meat...yum. The gentleman who took care of us was super friendly and very proud of his food. "No microwave!" he exclaimed. So glad we made the drive down here.

Lived in chicago for 8 years. The last 3years was within walking distance of the original Al's #1 which I ate at once a week. This is the best I've had west of chicago. They even made my absolute fave (off menu request) which is a beef n sausage. OMG if you never had one, you are in for a glorious taste explosion.

Visited 9/27/2023Years ago I spent some time in Chicago and fell in love with Al's Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches.When I got back to San Diego I searched everywhere trying to find somthing close to this fabulous Sandwich but never found anything near as good as The Original.It was brought to my attention that this little hole in the wall joint might just be a good match.I decided to give it a shot for lunch Wednesday and must say it's not bad.I ordered A Original Chicago Dog Combo that turned out Very Good right down to The Bright Neon Green Relish. It Is a Keeper.The Fries were nice and crispy and well seasoned.Next and the reason I drove all the way down there I had to Try,This Original Recipe Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich with The Spicy House Made Giadiniera Peppers and fully Dipped in The House Italian Beef Gravy.I must say it is a good Italian Beef Sandwich only next time I'll order it with Gravy on the side for dipping.Was it as good as I remembered The Original at Al's in Chicago?Not quite but Very Close. For San Diego it worth checking out.This is a plain no frills Sandwich, Burgers and Dogs shop with seating inside and nothing Fancy. There is a Great Menu to choose from and I'll be back again to try more.I met and got to know the owner a little and he was very pleasant to talk to telling me the history of his father and how he brought The Family Recipes to San Diego form Chicago. This is a one man show so if you get a chance to give it a try be sure to say hi to him. He will treat you right.I give this place a 3 1/2 to 4 StarsA special thanks to Alan Dominguez for turning me onto this spot.Sorry you couldn't make it to join me. Another time for sure.

Nice owner, amazing quality, fresh and delicious. Best Chicago dog outside of Chicago

Please try this place! Cute shop, very Chicago. Fast and friendly service. If you want a Chicago dog call first, they go quick!

I've been in San Diego for 3yrs now and this is the closest thing I've tasted to home, they represent Chicago well . My new spot Thank you

Always a great place to grab lunch. One day, hopefully soon I'll make it in time for an Italian beefOwner is super friendly