Visitors to Chicago often arrive with a culinary checklist: deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches. These three delicacies, along with other local specialties, have defined the city’s culinary identity and shaped a food landscape as diverse as the city’s heritage.
From the Italian immigrants who brought their deep-dish pizza recipes to the Windy City, to the Mexican communities who introduced the vibrant flavors of carnitas, Chicago’s food scene is a testament to the city’s multicultural heritage.
And it’s not just about the food, but also the unique locations – vintage drive-ins, neighborhood corner shops, and bustling food districts – that add to the city’s culinary charm. Chicago’s food is its history told through flavor, it’s the stories of generations and the influence of different cultures coming together. It’s the heart and soul of a city served on a plate or in a deep-dish pan.
Let’s embark on a culinary adventure that traverses this fascinating city and uncover some of the best food experiences it has to offer.
Deep-Dish Pizza: The Heart of Chicago’s Culinary Scene
First on our list is the celebrated deep-dish pizza. For the uninitiated, this isn’t just pizza; it’s a culinary marvel. With its high, buttery crust cradling a generous layer of cheese, topped with a robust tomato sauce, this inverted pizza is nothing short of extraordinary. One of the oldest and most revered establishments serving this delicacy is Lou Malnati’s.
Operating since 1971, they use a secret recipe that includes vine-ripened tomatoes from California and an exclusive sausage blend. Their loyal patrons claim it to be the quintessential deep-dish pizza experience. Another crowd favorite, Pequod’s Pizza, offers a unique caramelized crust, setting them apart in the deep-dish world.
Beyond Pizza: Chicago-Style Hot Dogs and Italian Beef Sandwiches
If you want to explore beyond pizza, Chicago won’t disappoint. Enter the Chicago-style hot dog. The embodiment of the saying, “less is not more,” it’s an all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun, loaded with yellow mustard, bright green relish, onions, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. No ketchup, ever.
Superdawg Drive-In, a vintage-style drive-in restaurant, is a go-to for this local gem. Serving hot dogs since 1948, they’ve perfected the recipe, ensuring every bite is a blast of flavor. As for the Italian beef sandwich, Al’s Beef has held the crown since 1938.
Thinly sliced roast beef, simmered in a flavorful broth and served on an Italian-style roll, it’s a sandwich that’s messy, juicy, and utterly delicious. For the full experience, order it “dipped” — the sandwich is dunked in the gravy, making it even more decadent.
From Polish Pierogis to Mexican Tacos
Chicago’s culinary scene is also known for its diverse ethnic food neighborhoods. The city’s Polish influence has resulted in some of the best pierogi outside of Warsaw. Head to Pierogi Heaven in the Loop, where they serve a dizzying array of these dumplings, filled with everything from classic cheese to more adventurous options like spinach and feta.
The Mexican cuisine in Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods is a must-try. Don’t miss the tacos at Carnitas Uruapan, where they’ve been serving Michoacán-style carnitas—tender, slow-cooked pork—since 1975.
Sweet Treats: The Original Rainbow Cone
To cure a case of sweet tooth, a trip to the Original Rainbow Cone in Beverly is a must. This multi-layered ice cream treat features chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio, and orange sherbet, all stacked on a cone. It’s an iconic Chicago dessert that’s been pleasing patrons since 1926.
Thirst Quenchers: The Chicago Drinks Scene
After a day of feasting on the city’s culinary offerings, it’s time to unwind with a drink or two, and Chicago’s burgeoning drinks scene is sure to impress. The city is not just a foodie’s paradise, but also a haven for those who appreciate craft beers, unique cocktails, and fine wines.
Craft Scene
Chicago’s craft beer scene is one of the most vibrant in the country, with breweries like Half Acre and Revolution Brewing offering a diverse array of locally brewed beers. But if cocktails are more to your taste, you’re in for a treat. Some of the best neighborhood cocktail bars in Chicago are redefining the way we enjoy these mixed-drink wonders.
Cocktails
For an unforgettable cocktail experience, The Aviary is a must-visit. Spearheaded by Grant Achatz, a name synonymous with avant-garde cuisine and mixology, The Aviary is renowned for its inventive and visually stunning cocktails. This establishment is often on the top of the list when discussing the due to its innovative approach and extraordinary drink presentation.
Another exceptional spot is the award-winning Violet Hour in Wicker Park. Known for its sophisticated, handcrafted cocktails and an ambiance that harks back to the prohibition era, it further solidifies Chicago’s reputation for excellent cocktail bars. It’s the perfect place to wind down with a well-balanced drink in a chic setting.
Spirits and Wine
If you’re in the mood for a truly Chicago experience, don’t miss the opportunity to try the city’s local spirit, Malört. Known for its bold, bitter flavor, it’s a drink that truly embodies the city’s no-nonsense attitude.
Wine lovers will also find plenty to appreciate in Chicago, with wine bars like Webster’s Wine Bar offering an excellent selection of wines from around the world, and D.O.C. Wine Bar, known for its cozy atmosphere and impressive wine list.
So whether you prefer a frothy craft beer, an artfully mixed cocktail from one of the best cocktail bars in Chicago, or a glass of fine wine, Chicago’s drinks scene offers something for every palate. Remember, the city’s culinary adventures don’t end with food, so be sure to explore the myriad of drink options that add another dimension to the city’s rich gastronomic landscape.
The Tapestry of Chicago’s Culinary Landscape
Exploring Chicago’s culinary landscape is more than just indulging in delightful dishes. It’s a journey through the city’s history, its diverse communities, and the rich tapestry of traditions that have been passed down through generations. Each bite of deep-dish pizza, each forkful of pierogi, each lick of a Rainbow Cone, connects you with the hard-working people who crafted these dishes with pride and passion.
So next time you’re in Chicago, remember to come with an appetite. There are deep-dish pizzas to be devoured, hot dogs to be enjoyed, Italian beef sandwiches to be savored, pierogis to be relished, tacos to be tasted, and Rainbow Cones to be delighted in. The city’s culinary delights are waiting to be discovered, each one offering a unique, flavorful adventure that goes beyond the plate. Because in Chicago, food is not just about sustenance, it’s about experiencing the city’s culture, one bite at a time.
