Chicago has officially reopened to the public, and there is an entire program of exciting events, exhibits, and activities scheduled around the city. Most events in Chicago generally include a wide variety of food options. Whether you visit the WingOut event or the AppleFest, we are sure you'll find something to your liking. If you are a foodie, Chicago is the city for you. You could feel overwhelmed by the city's two dozen Michelin-starred eateries. But you shouldn't! Make more local food choices and let Chicago's infinite options for satisfying your cravings do the talking. Here is our list of the 6 best foods to eat in Chicago.
- Chicago-style deep-dish pizza
Pizza is always an excellent choice in Chicago. There are many different types to choose from. However, deep-dish pizza is one of the most well-known ones. Tourists from different parts of the globe queue for hours for a piece of this wonderful delicacy. Luckily, many different places make it - Uno Pizzeria, Giordano's Pizzeria, and Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, to name a few.
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza has a thick crust, is filled with cheese, and can be topped with anything. What is there not to like? Probably the waiting time. This type of pizza requires the most amount of time to cook to perfection. This is why you should always order beforehand and take a stroll through Chicago's beautiful streets. You might be planning a move to Chicago, and exploring your new neighborhood could be helpful. Golans Moving and Storage can assure you'll have the easiest time if you plan to move to Chicago. However, do not forget to go back to the restaurant to get your worth-the-wait Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.
- Unique Chicago hot dog
Treat yourself to a Chicago hot dog if you need a quick bite to eat before continuing your stroll. As with the deep-dish pizza, there are many places where you can get it. You could drop by a more traditional street food vendor or dine in a gourmet establishment. Most places opt for Vienna Beef when it comes to their meat, while the toppings usually include onions, tomatoes, green relish, celery salt, yellow mustard, and peppers. As for the buns, they differ from place to place.
You may want to sample all of Chicago's many hot dogs. The most famous eateries that offer this dish are Superdawg Drive-In, Portillo's, and Byron's hot dogs. Whatever you choose, be sure to take mouthwatering food shots to show your friends and family. Superdawg Drive-in is one of the most famous establishments for its beef hotdog in a poppy seed bun. However, Portillo's is a close second with its unique version of a Chicago hot dog. Pay a visit to these restaurants and leave with a satisfied and full stomach.
- Italian beef sandwich
Having an Italian beef sandwich can be quite an experience while visiting Chicago. Most people have eaten their fair share of beef sandwiches over the years, but none of them come close to what your taste buds can enjoy in Chicago. Shaved beef in a hoagie roll with peppers on top is not what you might call a healthy meal, but it sure will satiate all of your cravings. Not only this, but you can opt for the "wet" version where they dip your sandwich in its own juices from cooking. This will make the Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich that much more enjoyable to eat.
There is a hot debate in Chicago about who serves the best beef sandwiches. Most often, Al's the answer to this question. With its long tradition of serving delicious, mouthwatering Italian beef sandwiches, it is not surprising it often gets picked as the best place for this. However, there are other places, such as Johnnie's beef or Mr. Beef, for example.
- Chicago's must-try barbecue
Next on the list is Chicago's barbecue. Although Chicago is not in the South, its people are well-versed in the art of barbecuing. Chicagoans have come close to mastering a variety of smoked meats, from Texas brisket to St. Louis ribs. This is why it belongs on the list of the 6 best foods to eat in Chicago. One of the best options in the city is the Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern that offers perfect and luscious baby back ribs. If you are looking for the most beloved barbecue eatery, look no further than the Smoque BBQ. Since its debut in 2006, it has garnered critical acclaim as well as a large number of loyal customers who guarantee you'll not be disappointed if you taste their various takes on Chicago's barbecue.
- Garret Popcorn
If you have a sweet tooth, you might've been disappointed by the previous best foods to eat in Chicago. However, do not worry. There are plenty of options when it comes to desserts in Chicago. One such example is Garret's popcorn. This is a traditional popcorn place in Chicago, and it offers various mixes and types of flavors. However, we highly suggest trying their Garret mix that includes cheddar cheese popcorn mixed in with caramel popcorn. Although the combination might seem odd, your taste buds will feel grateful.
Because of its popularity, Garret's Popcorn can be found in multiple neighborhoods in Chicago. Expats from Europe love Chicago because of its fantastic food scene. Some of the most popular Chicago neighborhoods for expats like Lincoln Park and Logan Square are lucky enough to be situated nearby Garret's Popcorn. So, do not worry - you will be able to treat yourself to all kinds of different popcorn flavors while in Chicago.
- One-of-a-kind cake shake
Do you like cakes and milkshakes? Well, if so, we have the perfect dessert for you. Portillo's might be famous for their hotdogs. However, most Chicagoans know that its best-kept secret is the cake shake they offer. Of course, this is not an ideal dessert if you want to control your calorie intake. Besides that, it is one of the best foods to eat in Chicago. After trying this one-of-a-kind cake shake, you will surely agree. The cakes are baked fresh on-site, making them very moist, fresh, and filled with chocolate. When combined into a cake shake, there is nothing you'll want more than to grab another one.
