What to EAT in Chicago
Calling all foodies! This city is for you! One of my favorite things about Chicago is its world-renowned cuisine (for any budget). Foodies will need more than 4 days to consume all of the savory and delicious treats Chicago has to offer (trust me I’ve tried!). But if you’re in a rush, there are plenty of food tours around the city to help you get a little bit of everything (look on sites like Groupon for discounted tickets!). Make sure to pack your comfy pants!
1) Deep Dish Pizza
My first stop on my Chicago food tour is always for deep dish pizza. Just the thought of that ooey gooey cheese makes my mouth water. Yes, I understand that my loyalty should lie with the rival thin crust pizza of New York, and it does…I think…but I reaaally love cheese! The famous Chicago Deep Dish comes with a thick crispy crust, then topped with loads of cheese, then toppings, and finished with flavorful tomato sauce (yes on top of the cheese! Also, slightly chunky FYI) and is ohhh sooo good! Something to note: There are three versions of this delicious treat:
Deep Dish-The original version: flaky crust, a ton of cheese, toppings (if you wish), and topped with slightly chunky sauce
Stuffed Pizza-More of a doughy crust, standing taller than other pies, and topped with a very think layer of dough just below the sauce layer (most people barely notice it!)
Pan Pizza- Back to the flakier crust, but this time there is a ring of that delicious carmelized cheese around the edge
Where to eat it:
As you can imagine there are a million places to try the famous Chicago Deep Dish, but these are my top 5!
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- Lou Malnati’s (deep dish with a buttery, flaky crust) *Pro tip: Get the Malnati salad to go with it!
- Giordano’s (deep dish)
- Pequod’s (pan deep dish, locals love it)
- Gino’s East (less greasy cornmeal crust and tangy sauce)
- Pizzeria Uno (original deep dish style)
2) Chicago-style Hot Dog
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all beef hot dog stuffed inside a poppyseed bun, then topped with mustard, relish, onions, sport peppers and sometimes french fries! It’s alot, I know, but it is good! (See intro for my story on these dogs)
Where to eat it:
3) Italian Beef
An Italian beef sandwich, which originated in Chicago, is made up of savory thin sliced roasted beef served on an Italian-style roll and served with a side of au jus. Order it the Chicago way: loaded with hot and sweet peppers and dipped in au jus.
Where to eat it:
4) Donuts
Donuts are big thing in Chicago! There are a million versions including baked, fried, glazed, with toppings like bacon, nuts, or sprinkles. But I personally recommend a simple glazed donut to start you off.
Where to eat it:
5) Fried Chicken
The Midwest is a great place to get good ol’ southern fried chicken. With its crispy crust and perfectly tender meat.
Where to eat it:
Try the Seoul sassy jumbo wings at Crisp or go to Harold’s Chicken Shack and get the hot sauce on the side for those that love a little heat.
6) Garrett’s Popcorn
A Chicago tradition since 1949, Garrett’s is one of the most iconic popcorn stores with handcrafted flavors of gourmet popcorn. It may sound strange at first, but you must try the infamous Garrett Mix which is a sweet and savory blend of caramel popcorn and cheese flavors.
Where to eat it:
Garrett’s, obviously
7) A Classic Cheeseburger
Known for serving up some of the best cheeseburgers, Chicago is a great spot to find this classic.
Where to eat it:
Au Cheval has been known to serve one of the best burgers in America. The single comes with house-made pickles, dijonnaise spread, thick bacon and a fried egg.
8) Polish Sausage
A staple since 1939, juicy Polish sausage on a hot dog bun, topped with grilled Spanish onions, sport peppers and yellow mustard.
Where to eat it:
Jim’s Original– you get free fries with any sandwich!