Al’s Beef working hours start at 10:30 AM at most locations, with the flagship River North shop open until midnight Monday through Saturday.
Al’s Italian Beef Working Hours 2026
Al’s Italian Beef working hours start at 10:30 AM at most locations, with the flagship River North spot in Chicago staying open until midnight Monday through Saturday and closing at 8 PM on Sundays. Hours vary quite a bit by location, though, so your neighborhood Al’s might keep different times.
Here’s the thing about Al’s: it’s a Chicago institution that’s been slinging beefs since 1938, and each shop sets its own rhythm. I looked into the official site listings to pull the real hours for every current location, so you don’t have to guess. If you’re planning a beef run, pair this guide with the full Al’s Italian Beef menu with prices to know exactly what you’re walking into.
What Are Al’s Italian Beef’s Daily Opening Hours?
Most Al’s Italian Beef locations open at 10:30 AM sharp every day, and closing times are where things get interesting. The downtown Chicago shops keep long hours to catch the dinner and late-night crowds, while suburban spots wind down earlier in the evening. Here’s the full breakdown by location, straight from Al’s official site.
| Location | Mon – Fri | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| River North 548 N Wells St, Chicago | 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM | 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM | 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Lakeview / Wrigleyville 3420 N Clark St, Chicago | 10:30 AM – 1:00 AM (Mon-Wed) | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM (Thu-Sat) | 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Avondale / Logan Square 2804 N Western Ave, Chicago | 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Thu) | 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM (Fri-Sat) | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Little Italy 1079 W Taylor St, Chicago | 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Closed |
| Tinley Park 7132 W 183rd St | 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
Al’s Italian Beef opening hours can shift during bad weather or local events, so when in doubt, check the location page on alsbeef.com before you head out.
The 10:30 AM Rule of Thumb
Notice the pattern? Almost every Al’s opens at 10:30 AM. That’s the one constant you can count on. Closing time is the variable, and it swings anywhere from 7:30 PM in the suburbs to 3:00 AM at the Clark Street spot near Wrigleyville. If you remember nothing else, remember 10:30 AM, then look up your specific shop for the closing time.
Is Al’s Italian Beef Open on Sundays?
Mostly yes, but Sundays are the quirky day in the Al’s world. River North runs 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, the Lakeview shop stays open until 9:00 PM, and Tinley Park closes at 7:30 PM. The Avondale location doesn’t even open until 11:00 AM on Sundays. And the Little Italy shop on Taylor Street? Completely closed on Sundays, which catches people off guard every week.
If Sunday beef is your plan, River North is your safest bet in the city. It’s the flagship, it has the longest Sunday stretch, and it’s easy to reach. Just don’t stroll up to Taylor Street on a Sunday expecting a dipped beef, because you’ll be staring at a locked door. Plan around it and you’ll be fine.
What Are Al’s Italian Beef Holiday Hours?
Al’s Italian Beef holiday hours vary by location and by holiday, and the company itself notes that holiday hours may differ from the regular schedule. This is one of those “call first” situations, honestly. Here’s what to expect for the big ones.
Major Holidays: What Usually Happens
Thanksgiving: most locations close early or stay closed entirely. Beef and turkey don’t mix on this particular Thursday.
Christmas Eve: many shops close early in the afternoon. If you want beef before the holiday dinner, go at lunch.
Christmas Day: expect closures across nearly all locations. This is the one day of the year Al’s reliably takes off.
New Year’s Eve / New Year’s Day: hours are often shortened, and the late-night city spots may adjust their schedules. Check the specific location.
Independence Day: typically open with reduced hours, though suburban shops are more likely to close than the downtown ones.
The safest move is to check Al’s official site or call the shop directly on any holiday. Franchise locations especially can march to their own drummer on holidays.
Which Al’s Italian Beef Locations Stay Open the Latest?
If you’re chasing a late-night beef, the Lakeview shop at 3420 N Clark St is the champion: Thursday through Saturday it stays open until 3:00 AM, and Monday through Wednesday until 1:00 AM. It’s near Wrigleyville, so those hours make perfect sense. River North is the runner-up, open until midnight Monday through Saturday.
Here’s a wrinkle worth knowing: the Avondale location on Western Ave closes its doors at 10:00 PM on weeknights, but keeps delivery running until 2:00 AM, and until 2:30 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. So the kitchen is technically still working even when the storefront is dark. Al’s Beef late night hours like these are exactly why the chain has such a loyal after-hours following.
Delivery vs. Dine-In Hours
Delivery hours don’t always match the storefront hours. As the Avondale example shows, delivery can run an hour or more past closing. Al’s partners with delivery apps, and you can also order ahead through their site. If the dining room is closed, check the app anyway, you might still get your beef fix.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Al’s Italian Beef open?
Almost every Al’s Italian Beef location opens at 10:30 AM. The one exception is the Little Italy shop on Taylor Street, which opens at 9:00 AM on weekdays and 10:00 AM on Saturdays.
Is Al’s Italian Beef open on Christmas Day?
Expect closures on Christmas Day across nearly all Al’s Italian Beef locations. Christmas Eve usually means early closing, and New Year’s hours are often shortened, so call your local shop on any holiday before visiting.
What time does Al’s Beef close on Fridays?
It depends on the location. River North closes at midnight, Lakeview at 3:00 AM, Avondale at 11:00 PM with delivery-only service until 2:30 AM, and Tinley Park at 9:00 PM.
Does Al’s Italian Beef have a drive-thru?
The current flagship River North location does not have a drive-thru, though a previous nearby location did. Most Al’s shops are walk-in counter service with online ordering and delivery available.
Hours last verified: October 15, 2026 · Source of truth: the official Al’s #1 Italian Beef website (alsbeef.com) location pages. Hours vary by location and may change on holidays.
