Al's Under the L — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

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...

Update: the fries are a little bit too greasy and soggy; =( The skin on the polish sausage is a little tough but still delicious. The peppers are yummy. I wish I could give 4.5 stars rather than just 4 stars. original review: (5 stars) I ordered the grilled chicken, which comes in a pita. They asked if I wanted everything on it, to which I replied with a big happy nod. The "everything" includes grilled onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and American cheese; all smothered over a ridiculously generous heap of juicy chunks of grilled chicken.The pita bread was pillowy and toasty. It came with fries, which were a little soggy. They're medium-cut, home-fry style, and seasoned to absolute perfection. Everything was delicious beyond expectation. For $7, it's a steal. The place was pretty busy; expect it to be packed at peak hours. I went at 1pm, a little bit after lunch rush, so I can only imagine the line one would experience at noon. It's a humble little place, with very simple ordering. Go to the window on the right and tell the cashier your order, she'll give you a receipt (credit cards accepted), the cooks whip up your order on the grill, bag it, and call your order. Great value, great taste, fast service; I definitely recommend AL's under the "L" and will go...

I was very much disappointed in Al's I'm going to tell you a little about me I'm 68 years old and the 1st time I ate a Als Polish I was 5 years old my My older sister and her boyfriend took me there when I was 5 years old and now they are married they've been married for 61 years now, but they were always delicious to me and the Polish i remembered, these wasn't it. I don't know if they're buying cheaper Polish because they certainly weren't Vienna Polish because I buy beef Vienna polish and beef Vienna hot dogs, so I know the real thing when I taste it. The prices are ridiculous I bought 2 supposedly beef polish, and 1 supposedly beef hot dog, and 2 can pops my total including tax was $20.49. Now I was mad after paying that much for fake Als food they should change the name to whatever they want and stop ruing the name of a tradition that was at one time the real Als Polish and hot dogs that people like myself who's been going to the real Als for...