Introduction
Chicago is one of the most vibrant cities in the US, boasting a plethora of cultural attractions, iconic landmarks and, of course, an incredible food scene. From its classic deep dish pizza to its unique street food offerings, this Midwestern metropolis has something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here’s a comprehensive guide to all the must-eats in Chicago.
A Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Guide to the Best Food in Chicago
When it comes to food, there are so many options in Chicago that it can be hard to decide where to begin. To help narrow down your choices, here’s a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide of the best places to eat in the Windy City.
The Loop
The Loop is the heart of downtown Chicago and home to some of the city’s most iconic restaurants. From classic American fare to upscale global cuisine, this area has something for everyone. Popular spots include The Berghoff, a German restaurant established in 1898; The Signature Room at the 95th, an upscale lounge with stunning views of the city skyline; and Girl & the Goat, a contemporary American eatery with a wide selection of small plates.
Near North Side
The Near North Side is an up-and-coming area known for its trendy restaurants and lively nightlife. Notable spots include Au Cheval, a popular burger joint serving up delicious patties; Publican Quality Meats, a butcher shop-meets-restaurant serving locally sourced meats; and Alinea, a world-renowned temple of modern gastronomy.
West Loop
The West Loop is the epicenter of Chicago’s dining scene, boasting some of the city’s hottest restaurants. Must-visit spots include Girl & the Goat, a lively spot featuring inventive takes on classic American dishes; The Publican, a casual seafood-focused eatery; and The Aviary, an ultra-luxe cocktail bar with a menu of creative drinks.
South Loop
The South Loop is a bustling neighborhood known for its historic architecture and diverse culinary offerings. Popular spots include The Gage, a gastropub serving hearty comfort food; The Dearborn, a cozy tavern offering classic cocktails; and The Dawson, an upscale eatery specializing in seasonal American dishes.
Wicker Park
Wicker Park is a hipster haven known for its trendy bars and eclectic eateries. Highlights include Big Star, a popular taqueria serving up delicious tacos; The Violet Hour, a chic cocktail bar with craft drinks; and Bang Bang Pie Shop, a cozy bakery serving up sweet and savory pies.
Logan Square
Logan Square is a vibrant neighborhood known for its funky boutiques and eclectic restaurants. Notable spots include Lula Café, a farm-to-table eatery serving up seasonal dishes; Longman & Eagle, a cozy gastropub offering classic pub grub; and Revolution Brewing, a craft brewery with a wide selection of beers.
A Comprehensive List of Iconic Foods and Dishes to Try in Chicago
No trip to Chicago would be complete without sampling some of the city’s iconic dishes. Here’s a comprehensive list of must-try foods and dishes in the Windy City:
Deep Dish Pizza
No visit to Chicago is complete without trying a slice of deep dish pizza. This iconic dish is characterized by its thick crust and generous topping of cheese, tomatoes and other toppings. Popular spots for deep dish include Pizzeria Uno, Gino’s East and Lou Malnati’s.
Italian Beef
Chicago’s beloved Italian beef sandwich is a staple of the city’s food scene. This classic dish features thinly sliced roast beef served on a French roll and topped with giardiniera, a mix of pickled vegetables. Popular spots for Italian beef include Al’s Beef and Mr. Beef.
Hot Dogs
Chicago-style hot dogs are a must-try for any visitor to the city. These iconic dogs are served on a poppyseed bun and topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, sport peppers and a pickle spear. Popular spots for hot dogs include Portillo’s and Superdawg.
Jibarito
The jibarito is a unique Chicago sandwich made with plantains instead of bread. It’s typically filled with steak, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise. Popular spots for jibaritos include La Bomba and El Jibarito.
Chicago-Style Popcorn
Chicago-style popcorn is a unique take on the classic snack. This version is flavored with garlic, cheese, caramel and other seasonings. Popular spots for Chicago-style popcorn include Garrett Popcorn Shops and The Popcorn Factory.
Exploring Ethnic Eats: The Must-Try Cuisines in Chicago
Chicago is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and there’s no better way to explore the city’s diverse culinary scene than by trying out its ethnic eats. Here’s a look at some of the must-try cuisines in the Windy City:
Mexican
For Mexican food, head to Little Village, a vibrant neighborhood filled with authentic taquerias, pupuserías and cantinas. Popular spots include La Pasadita, a tiny taco stand serving up delicious tacos; Birrieria Zaragoza, a family-run restaurant specializing in birria; and El Nuevo Mexicano, a cozy cantina serving up traditional Mexican dishes.
Chinese
For Chinese food, head to Chinatown, a bustling neighborhood filled with authentic eateries. Popular spots include Triple Crown, a cozy restaurant serving up classic Cantonese dishes; Phoenix, a dim sum spot offering an array of dumplings and buns; and MingHin Cuisine, a modern restaurant with an extensive menu of regional specialties.
Italian
For Italian food, head to Little Italy, a charming neighborhood filled with old-world eateries. Popular spots include Rosebud, a cozy trattoria serving up rustic Italian fare; Spiaggia, an upscale spot offering contemporary Italian cuisine; and Quartino, a lively bistro specializing in regional Italian dishes.
Polish
For Polish food, head to the northwest side of the city, where you’ll find plenty of authentic Polish eateries. Popular spots include Smak Tak, a cozy spot serving up hearty pierogi and other traditional dishes; Staropolska, a family-run restaurant specializing in classic Polish fare; and Podhalanka, a homey spot offering a wide selection of Polish favorites.
Indian
For Indian food, head to Devon Avenue, a bustling stretch of street lined with authentic Indian restaurants. Popular spots include Uru Swati, a cozy spot serving up delicious curries; Masala Times, a modern restaurant offering an array of regional dishes; and Annapurna, a vegetarian spot specializing in South Indian cuisine.
An Insider’s Guide to the Hottest Restaurants in Chicago
Chicago is home to some of the hottest restaurants in the country. Here’s an insider’s guide to the city’s hottest spots:
Alinea
Alinea is a cutting-edge restaurant headed by chef Grant Achatz. This three-Michelin-starred temple of modern gastronomy offers a multi-course tasting menu of inventive dishes. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as tables fill up quickly.
Au Cheval
Au Cheval is a popular spot for burgers and other classic American fare. This cozy spot serves up delicious patties made with grass-fed beef, plus a wide selection of craft beers and signature cocktails. Be sure to arrive early, as lines often form before the restaurant opens.
Girl & the Goat
Girl & the Goat is a lively spot featuring inventive takes on classic American dishes. The menu features a wide selection of small plates, plus a rotating selection of craft beers and creative cocktails. Reservations are recommended, as the restaurant tends to get busy.
Topolobampo
Topolobampo is a sophisticated Mexican restaurant headed by chef Rick Bayless. This two-Michelin-starred spot serves up an array of regional dishes, plus an extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Publican Quality Meats
Publican Quality Meats is a butcher shop-meets-restaurant serving locally sourced meats. The menu features an array of sandwiches, charcuterie boards and other carnivorous delights, plus a selection of craft beers and wines. Reservations are recommended but not required.
A Tour of the Windy City Through its Street Food Scene
For a taste of the Windy City’s street food scene, check out these popular events and markets:
Maxwell Street Market
Maxwell Street Market is an open-air market held every Sunday in the University Village neighborhood. The market features an array of vendors selling fresh produce, handmade goods and street food from around the globe. Be sure to arrive early, as the market gets crowded quickly.
Taste of Chicago
Taste of Chicago is an annual event held in Grant Park. The event features a wide selection of vendors serving up an array of dishes from around the world. Be sure to come hungry, as the event offers plenty of delicious eats.
Chicago Food Truck Festival
The Chicago Food Truck Festival is an annual event held in Lincoln Park. The festival features an array of vendors serving up an array of dishes from around the world. Be sure to come early, as the event tends to get crowded quickly.
Chicago Gourmet
Chicago Gourmet is an annual event held in Millennium Park. The event features a wide selection of vendors serving up an array of dishes from around the world. Be sure to come early, as the event tends to get crowded quickly.
Conclusion
From deep dish pizza to classic Italian beef sandwiches and beyond, Chicago is a city known for its delicious eats. No trip to the Windy City would be complete without sampling some of its iconic dishes and exploring its vibrant culinary scene. With this guide in hand, you’ll have everything you need to experience the best of what Chicago has to offer.
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