Al's #1 Italian Beef coming to San Jose, CA

This is pretty exciting!  I didn't realize Al's was franchising, but it looks like they're on an expansion drive.  When they open, I probably will be expanding, too.
 
https://www.facebook.com/...JoseCA/255641201153103

I hope it's good and everything you want.
 
I finally had Portillo's Italian Beef the day after Thanksgiving and it just didn't do it for me. 
 
Either did my daily Prilosec.

holy smoke............. that's only 5 min. from my home. My cardiologist is not going to like this....... but I will 

Wouldn't that be Al's #2 Italian Beef?  ;)

If it is as good as the outlet on Taylor Street in Chicago, then it is the food that dreams are made of.  I don't think I've ever had a meal that topped it yet--and that was about four years ago.
 

Great, now I have to put Al's on my list.

who will make the hot-dog that will be served in the new San Jose restaurant? ....anyone know?

Haha--looking at Al's Web page, it should probably be #15 or something, since they have so many in Illinois already.  They're also building one in Las Vegas.  (Sigh...everybody is...)
 
Good question about the hot dog--won't they just bring in the ones they use now?  They can ship frozen or overnight.  That's the only way they can replicate the Chicago experience.  Ditto the buns.
 
sizz--maybe we should do a meet up with RF people in our area!

Al's is good, Mar. Hope you like it. Beats Portillo's by a mile.

A mile is worth a try.  Thanks!

If you want to try their guardiniera, get it on the side.I always ask for extra au jus, as well.

ann peeples


Al's is good, Mar. Hope you like it. Beats Portillo's by a mile.

Them's fighting words, Ann! I started going to Portillo's original location when a Villa Park cop friend directed me there in 1970. Dick Portillo ran the place.  I have since tried just about every beef joint around Chicago, including Al's and I'd take Portillo's any day yet. Lucky for me I have one a mile away! Curious though, Portillo's is pretty consistent around Chicago but I wonder how they do outside of their local distribution center.

This "Italian Beef Chicago-thing":  I've seen it featured by Richman, Fieri, "Food Wars", and even Bourdain; my mouth waters each time.  I'm sure it will be coming to the Metroplex soon.  Everything else does!
 
Economically speaking, the Republic of Texas is sitting in the "cat bird's seat".

I find Portillo's the worst of all. Just my opinion!
 

Can't agree with you about Portillo's, Ann. Their Italian beef is one of my favorites, topped only by Al's and Mr. Beef. Surprisingly, there's some really great beefs to be found outside of the Chicago area; remember how pleased I was with my combo at Dr. Dawg's in Milwaukee? And I've found a place just south of downtown Indianapolis, called South of Chicago, that does Italian beef so good it'll put a great big grin on the face of a hungry Chicagoan.

Vienna beef is the company that will be handling the hot dogs, italian sausage, etc. Seen a reply about the same question on their sj fb page.
 
But i lived in Chicago for 15 years and moved to sj in 99. and to this day still havent had the chicago authenticity and the love they put into there food. i passed by the plant center and looked inside. they are almost ready!!!!
 
San Jose is ready for some chocago love... Italian beef , dipped, sweet pepers and gairdineir on the side!!!

i almost forgot... The als cheese fries.... omg

I guess I kind of mis stated - compared to Al's and Mr. Beef, I find Portillo's average at best. Bob ad I were disappointed the last couple of times. And yes, Bob, I too had the Italian beef sandwich at Dr.Dawg, and was very pleased.Will definately be returning there.....

No comments on Johnnie's?  I went to the one in Elmwood Park this past Spring and loved it.  (Had it dipped with sweet peppers.)
 

Gotta line up with the Portillo's fans on this one. Al's beef is good, but I don't like their hot giardiniera. There's no hot peppers in it -- it's just a bunch of celery with some crushed red.

Oh, I agree, Jim. Portillos giardiniera is top notch. My opinion is  their  was beef rubbery. Perhaps a location situation? Possibly the beef was kept too long?( In my neck of the woods, food should only be kept for 20 minutes to insure freshness). Perhaps their take out is different than what is served in the restaurant? Bob picked up meat, au jus( weak at best) and giardiniera. Very disappointing.

ann peeples


Oh, I agree, Jim. Portillos giardiniera is top notch. My opinion is  their  was beef rubbery. Perhaps a location situation? Possibly the beef was kept too long?( In my neck of the woods, food should only be kept for 20 minutes to insure freshness). Perhaps their take out is different than what is served in the restaurant? Bob picked up meat, au jus( weak at best) and giardiniera. Very disappointing.

 
Very strange -- I've been eating at Portillo's for years and have never had rubbery beef. Can't recall ever having a bad meal there -- though I usually only ever order hot dogs or beef (and an occasional combo). Perhaps you waited too long before eating your take-out ... ?

Perhaps.

In the Naperville area it was always Portillo's vs Buona Beef. My wife's workplace preferred Buona....I liked them both, but we usually went to the Fox River mall area Portillo's. Never had a bad beef, loved the hot giardinara, and my wife and daughter loved the chocolate cake.

Al's doesn't have a consistent record handling their franchisees. Hopefully, the SD location will get it right. I assume SD has been chosen because there have always been a fair amount of Chicago transplants. I wish they would open a location in jersey or NYC.

SD's about 500 miles away from SJ.

Whoa? I just looked at their locations and saw there's one in Scottsdale. That's awesome!
 
I guess I know the first place I'm eating at next time I head to Phoenix.

Latest news is that their build-out is 96% complete, and they've done well on hiring employees. 
As I get updates I'll keep you posted!

Ha!!!  Four months later they've FINALLY gotten all of their permits!  What an ordeal. 
 
They're now hiring new staff and will begin training shortly.  They still don't have an opening date yet, but when they do, I'll also post a meet and greet and see who wants to try this place.  I know I do.