Al's Char-house Steak House

My family was there this past weekend and it was the worst dining experience ever. We waited for over an... more

My family was there this past weekend and it was the worst dining experience ever. We waited for over an hour. I am not complaining about that. ... more

The food was good and it came in very very big portions. One entre could easily feed 2+ people. The atmosphere was a little strange...it's in a basement with no cell service. Service was good, but with some wait time. Overall, not bad, you definately get your money's worth and more as far as the food goes, but not necesserily somewhere I would go back. more

I had the WORST experience at Al's Charhouse. My husband and I had a coupon out of the Entertainment Book:\r Al's Char-House Inc. - Al's Char-House Coupon Detail\r ""Enjoy one complimentary DINNER ENTREE when a second DINNER ENTREE of equal or greater value and TWO BEVERAGES minimum are purchased .""\r \r My husband and I each ordered a dinner entree and drinks so we could use our coupon. At the end of the meal, we gave our waitress the coupon and she came back with the bill, but there was only $10 taken off. We asked her why we didn't get our COMPLIMENTARY meal, and she said oh I don't know... I've never seen this coupon. So she got her manager, her manager comes over and says "" I understand what the coupon SAYS but I can't do that. I can only give you $10 off, the coupon is only supposed to be up to a $10 value."" \r That is false advertising! If the coupon had a misprint, he should honor the coupon for us, and then solve the issue with the entertainment book after. He REFUSED to give us our complimentary meal. \r \r On top of that, we spent more money than we normally would have, because we purchased drinks. We usually get water, but we wanted to be able to use the coupon. \r \r The worst part was the food wasn't good, and our service was TERRIBLE. My steak was supposed to be cooked medium, and it was dark red, and cold in the center. My husband's was ordered to be medium rare, and his was just rare, barely cooked at all. He also ordered crab legs and they were horrible. They were extremely fishy tasting. \r \r Our waitress took 40 minutes to give us our SALADS! She was never around, and we had to eventually ask another waitress to get our waitress for us. There was no excuse for this, because we ate at 7:30 on a week night, and there was barely anyone in the restaurant. \r \r The whole experience was awful, and I will NEVER go back! more

McDonald's is well aware of a direct link between the consumption of fast food and heart disease, yet they ignore it. In our evolutionary history, fat reservoirs were not readily available in our environment, and the body stored fat to sustain the species when food was not easily accessible. Times are different today, we have lipids available in our food sources. We don't need to store all this excess fat that Americans are carrying around, which contributes to billions of dollars in lost productivity in our economy, health problems, and ultimatelyearly death. But fatty foods actually stimulate glands and the secretion of hormones which makes them particularly addictive. Business capitalizes on this evolutionary heritage, ignoring how terribly damaging it is for the emotional, physical health of human beings. The same way a Metlife insurance agent sells you a whole life policy with an attractive cash value feature (whole life is a terrible pproduct) or a mortgage seller sells you on scheduled (bad) versus simple interest. Ultimately, it is a hustle. They are not concerned with your best interest, they are concerned with separating you from your money. many think this is all fine and dandy, but if you look at it clearly, it really is wrong. I noticed at Al's when i went (and i haven't been in a long time) that many of the patrons are of African American descent, and they are genetically predisposed to heart disease.It is really sad to see. In europe, they don't consume large portions like Americans do. They eat smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day. Their steaks are much, much smaller than the portions sold at Al's. consequently they are much healthier, energetic, and happy. Because we Americans have gotten so used to the supersize culture, we think nothing of it. We think it's normal. But nothing could be farther from the truth. We are only beginning to see that exorbitant health costs to families and society because of our terrible eating habits. I used to know an 80 year old woman who worked in a bomb factory, actually assembling small addictions.parts that would be assimillated into a nuclear warhead. She was a sweet old lady, but she was part of what Eisenhower coined as the very dangerous ""military industrial complex."" The people at Al's, like you say, may be good people, but they are part of something larger that is truly, as you call it, ""monstrousproduct) or a mortgage seller sells you on scheduled (bad) versus simple interest. Ultimately, it is a hustle. They are not concerned with your best interest, they are concerned with separating you from your money. many think this is all fine and dandy, but if you look at it clearly, it really is wrong. I noticed at Al's when i went (and i haven't been in a long time) that many of the patrons are of African American descent, and they are genetically predisposed to heart disease.It is really sad to see. In europe, they don't consume large portions like Americans do. They eat smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day. Their steaks are much, much smaller than the portions sold at Al's. consequently they are much healthier, energetic, and happy. Because we Americans have gotten so used to the supersize culture, we think nothing of it. We think it's normal. But nothing could be farther from the truth. We are only beginning to see that exorbitant health costs to families and society because of our terrible eating habits. I used to know an 80 year old woman who worked in a bomb factory, actually assembling small addictions.parts that would be assimillated into a nuclear warhead. She was a sweet old lady, but she was part of what Eisenhower coined as the very dangerous ""military industrial complex."" The people at Al's, like you say, may be good people, but they are part of something larger that is truly, as you call it, ""monstrous Cons: food more

Mr. Campagnola, I commend you for the comments concerning the desire of many people today to have places in their neighborhood that they can be proud of and that make them feel like their communities are special and have businesses with good services and products to offer. i completely agree that places like Al's ,C margarita, Yau's, etc. all offer food that is dull and overdone and has no nutritive value. Butsir, you are not addressing the underlying causes which result in restaurants that serve poorly prepared, ""uncreative"" and unhealthy food. Have you seen, sir, the movie ""Thank you for Smoking""? What's happening in our insurance industry today, or in the restaurant industry is the same. I worked in marketing at McDonald's Corp , and i learned that McDonald's is first and formost in the real estate business- their main purpose is to make profits, obscene ones at that. Every business needs to make a profit to stay in business, of course. predisposed to heart disease.It is really sad to see. In europe, they don't consume large portions like Americans do. They eat smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day. Their steaks are much, much smaller than the portions sold at Al's. consequently they are much healthier, energetic, and happy. Because we Americans have gotten so used to the supersize culture, we think nothing of it. We think it's normal. But nothing could be farther from the truth. We are only beginning to see that exorbitant health costs to families and society because of our terrible eating habits. I used to know an 80 year old woman who worked in a bomb factory, actually assembling small addictions.parts that would be assimillated into a nuclear warhead. She was a sweet old lady, but she was part of what Eisenhower coined as the very dangerous ""military industrial complex."" The people at Al's, like you say, may be good people, but they are part of something larger that is truly, as you call it, ""monstrous."" Until we as a society promote a culture than reinforces our mutual well-being ,we will continue to have companies and institutions that prey on people’s addictions Cons: the food more

I empathize with the person below who used to work at Al's Charhouse. First of all, working for any chain restaurant is sure to make for a lousy experience. If you're a waiter, you are basically is server purgatory if you're working for a restaurant that serves food that is as bad as what they offer at Al's. Being a server probably requires a lot of patience and kindness- and the only thing that could possibly make such a profession worthwhile is to know that the food you're serving is good! At Al's they served us really bad steaks and there was nothing really unique or interesting about their food. The basically just follow the fried food formula. Their salads are aweful. And today, we have the food channel and shows like Diners, Drivins. There's so much you can do with food. You can really be creative. Instead we got places like Al's which serve the same type of fare that has been clogging arteries and causing high lbood pressure and cholesterol for years- and occassionally it's ok to have food like that, but it's only worth it if it's really good. I live in La Grange like one of the previous people who posted a comment, and i don't like the fact that we have places like that in the neighborhood. Palmer's, next door, is a little better, but their food is pretty boring and fattening too. Then you got Casa margarita which serves the same low-end Mexican food that you can find in thousands of other taquerias or mexican joints in the state and around the country. You're right, Francesca's is a breath of fresh air, their food is good- not breathtaking, but at least they have a standard. Baccino's too has a standard, even though they ain't the greatest. I went to a place called Han202 last night, and their actually trying to do something different- they have a 5 course mean (and it is well done) for 20 bucks. They are being innovative! They are being pioneers for managing to serve quality at that price. All we have in this area that is any good is Vie, and it's really the only place worth going to for a good dining experience, but it is overpriced for what is delivered that's for sure. I used to live in California, and in our neighborhood we had great restaurants that strove to establish an original identity. Invariably, they were small restaurants, not monstrous entities like Al's. And they people in the restaurants didn't wear corporate attire and sing you a rehearsed birthday song like they did for my son, who thought it was stupid. You really don't get that feeling that ""this is your place, this is a special spot in your neighborhood."" Whoever the owners are (and i'm sure they're nice people), they just don't get it. They're running the place like some cheesy resort restaurant that underdelivers on food quality. The world doesn't need more corporate chain places that make food that has no uniqueness or freshness. La Grange deserves better! I get a plumber because he's better at fixing the toilet then i am. I go to a doctor because he understands medicine better than myself. I want to go to a restaurant to experience something i can't at home. My wife cooks way better than Al's, or Palmer's, or that Chinese place on Burlington, or Santiago's, or Via Bella. If you're doing something for a living, it should be something that somebody cannot do at home (or at least not that easily). I pray that somebody with some creativity and self respect as a restaurant owner, somebody who wants to offer something genuinely special opens up a restaurant in la Grange, and drives out Blueberry Hill, Santiago's, even Tipi Thai (though it's not that bad, actually it's DECENT). La Grange is beautiful, it has so much too offer- IT DESERVES BETTER RESTAURANTS. Cons: Bad food, lame service more

I've been dining at Al's Char-House for some time now and need to disagree with the reviewer below me. My drink of choice is usually a Greygoose martini and I have to say that it has always tasted like Greygoose. If I don't get the salad I always get the Black Bean soup and it's always been thick and awesome. We're always satisfied with the steaks (that I can assure you have no MSG because I'm allergic to it and have been eating them for years!!) or ribs; whichever we choose.. I've also taken larger groups from work here as well and have never had any complaints..... I'm sorry this person feels otherwise... I know we'll be back! more

We had not been to Al's for over a year but in the last two weeks we had occasion to dine there twice. The quality of the food has gone down. The steaks we had were very poor quality and I suspect laced with MSG and tenderizer. Even the Black Bean soup which was one of the best in the area was watered down.\r I requested a martini made with a brand of gin I normally drink and I believe they substituted with a house gin but charged for the brand name.\r Our more recent visit was with a group of 15 people and I heard several comments from others that the price/quality was certainly out of line.\r Sorry to say we will probably not return to Al's. more

I had a terrible time with my boyfriend at Al's. Our server screwed up our order and brought out salads with the wrong dressing. We ignored it because we aren't fussy diners. But this place had terrible steaks that were nothing like the steaks you get at a nice steakhouse. They give good portions, but the quality of the steaks is terrible. more

For the last reviews that stated Al's has bad customer service and was not classy enough, I can understand that because the place is always busy and it looks kind of like a barn. However If you are looking for a classy place like Wildfire or Morton's, do not go to Al's. Al's is for the person that thinks $60 for a steak is way too expensive, and a meal should come with everything. This place has the best steaks north of Texas and the best drink specials around! Pros: Huge portions Cons: wait staff can get overloaded with customers more

Al's lures in their customers under false pretenses. Last visit there I attempted to use a coupon they offered and was subsequently denied usage as I paid. Coupon stated ""good for purches of any two entrees and two beverages."" Fine print did not state any rules in regards to this, customer only needed to purchase items during dinner time. They later claimed $16 sandwiches were not considered entrees when I attempted to submit the coupon. I asked to speak with a manager and she was not helpful, very ignorant and rude stating ""those are Al's rules."" I asked to speak with Al and she stated he was gone for the day. She wrote down my number so he could call me and I also wrote down Al's number. I never received a call from him or any other manager . Every time I attempt to call ""Al has left for the evening."" VERY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND RELATIONS!!!!!! Pros: Portion Size Cons: Customer Service and Management more

Went with my family to al's charhouse last weekend- and everything, i mean, everything was terrible. There steaks were so bad, i can hardly even call them a steakhouse! The steaks were not at all tasty. When i think of the term steakhouse, i think of a classy place with refined service. The staff seemed like a bunch of hicks, you say things like ""y'all need anything else?"" or ""how you folks doing?"" And our salads were so messy on our plates, we had cheeese that looked like it was thrown carelessly on the plate- they didn't even try to make the salad look nice. I can't believe i took my family to this low-class joint. I won't make the same mistake again. At the end of the evening i felt like i'd been force fed like some cow. they load you up on everything, the baked potato had WAY TOO MUCH SOUR CREAM! this restaurant is pathetic. Pros: Nothing pros Cons: everything was horrible more

Where do i take my family when we have a hankering for steak? Why, al's charhouse in la grange, of course! The have the quality AND the value! Service is impeccable and the drink specials are to die for!\r Hoorah for Al's Charhouse! Pros: Best steaks in Illinois more

al's charhouse in lagrange was a great stop for us on the way to my mother in law's house over in belvedere, illinois. We live in the city, and were treated to a wonderful evening of great food in a delightful atmosphere over the 4th of July weekend. I ordered a fifty- plus ounce steak that was just delicious. And the appetizers and drinks were just great too. This was a great place to dine! Pros: Great Food in A fun atmosphere more

Al's Charhouse rules! It 's got big old steaks that melt in your mouth. Their specialty drinks are the best, and they never let you leave hungry. This one is for the ages! The best restaurant in the suburbs! Thanks, guys! Pros: Great Value, Great quality more

Where can you get a delicious 3 pound steak for under 35 bucks? I thought nowhere, til i went to Al's in Lagrange. They have the best steaks at the best prices. I loved everything i tried there. The filet blue sandwich is delicious. I used to live in Lagrange, but now i'm in the city, and it was a real treat to eat at Al's last week with old buddies. It brought back a lot of great memories. Keep up the Great Work! more

I love Al's Charhouse. they food is really good- great potato skins, and steaks so big and mouth watering, you'll be more than satisfied. this place rocks! Pros: big steaks! more

I love this phony review by ""Jerry."" If one person can accuse every 5 star review of being written by someone with an interest in Al's Char-House then one can also assume that EVERY negative review is written by the same person. All the negative reviews have some retarded poetic ring to them and always use the same descriptive words. Well anyways I love Al's Char-House and have been going there for years and years. Also, I love Chipotle and Noodles Company as well. They're not full service restaurants but a great place for a quck lunch! Pros: Fresh Food, Rich and Hardy Soups, Great Drinks! Cons: Nada more

i've been going to al's for 10 years, and alway have a really great time. i love their extra large drinks, their apetizers are really delicioius, and so is the entrees. the steaks are very reasonable at the prices they're sold at. The only weird thing about our last visit was that they charged us 18 percent gratuity on our party of 9. That was definitily not cool. But, thees days a lot of restarants do that, even red lobster, our other favorite place. That is realy unfortunate, because the gratuity is not a right, it is a privilege! Pros: great drinks, great steaks, great appetizers Cons: gratuity policy more