Chicago is a food lover’s paradise, with iconic dishes and diverse flavors. Here are 10 must-try foods in the Windy City:
1. Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza 🍕
- Thick, buttery crust, lots of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce on top.
- Where to try: Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, or Pequod’s.
2. Chicago-Style Hot Dog 🌭
- All-beef dog on a poppy seed bun, topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. Never with ketchup!
- Where to try: Portillo’s or Superdawg.
3. Italian Beef Sandwich 🥩
- Thinly sliced roast beef on a roll, dipped in au jus, with sweet or hot peppers.
- Where to try: Al’s Beef or Johnnie’s Beef.
4. Jibarito Sandwich 🥪
- Puerto Rican-inspired sandwich using fried plantains instead of bread, filled with steak, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and garlic mayo.
- Where to try: Borinquen Lounge.
5. Garrett Popcorn (Chicago Mix) 🍿
- A mix of caramel and cheddar popcorn for a perfect sweet-salty combo.
- Where to try: Garrett Popcorn Shops.
6. Maxwell Street Polish Sausage 🌭
- Grilled Polish sausage on a bun with mustard, grilled onions, and sport peppers.
- Where to try: Jim’s Original or Maxwell Street Depot.
7. Flaming Saganaki 🔥🧀
- Greek dish of fried cheese set on fire tableside, usually served with a shout of “Opa!”
- Where to try: Greek Islands or Athena in Greektown.
8. Chicken Vesuvio 🍗
- Roasted chicken with garlic, white wine, oregano, and potatoes. A true Chicago classic!
- Where to try: Harry Caray’s or Gene & Georgetti.
9. Rainbow Cone 🍦
- Five flavors stacked high: chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries & walnuts), pistachio, and orange sherbet.
- Where to try: Original Rainbow Cone.
10. Chicago-Style Bloody Mary 🍅🍹
Often served with elaborate toppings like cheese, pickles, bacon, or even mini sliders. Try it at The Twisted Spoke!
