Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Chicago, Illinois, United States
1. Chicago-style Hot Dog
A classic Chicago street food, served on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onions, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, celery salt, and sport pepper.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the unique flavor combination that sets Chicago-style hot dogs apart from other regional styles.
- Street Food Origin: Savor a dish with roots deeply entrenched in Chicago's street food culture.
- Iconic Snack: Indulge in a local delicacy that is synonymous with the Windy City.
2. Deep-dish Pizza at Lou Malnati's
A famous Chicago pizza spot known for its buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and gooey cheese layered deep in a pan.
- Rich Flavor Profile: Savor the rich flavors and textures that make Lou Malnati's deep-dish pizza unique.
- Iconic Restaurant: Dine at a Chicago institution, serving up one of the city's most famous dishes since 1971.
- Deep-dish Tradition: Experience the original deep-dish pizza that put this style on the map.
3. Gibsons Steakhouse's Gibson Burger
A gourmet burger made with prime Midwestern beef, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a secret sauce served on a toasted bun.
- Quality Ingredients: Savor the flavors of high-quality ingredients sourced from Midwestern farms.
- Steakhouse Burger: Indulge in a burger that rivals the steaks at this historic Chicago steakhouse.
- Iconic Steakhouse: Dine at a Chicago landmark known for its steaks and classic cocktails since 1926.
4. Chicago-style Italian Beef Sandwich
A juicy roast beef sandwich dipped in gravy and topped with sweet peppers and Provolone cheese.
- Unique Gravy: Experience the signature Italian-beef gravy that sets Chicago apart.
- Local Tradition: Savor a dish with deep roots in Chicago's Italian-American community.
- Delicious Combo: Indulge in the savory and sweet flavors that make this sandwich iconic.
5. The Purple Pig's Mussels Marinara
Steamed mussels cooked in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, chili flakes, and oregano served with grilled ciabatta.
- Flavorful Sauce: Savor the bold flavors of garlic, chili flakes, and oregano in every bite.
- Wine Bar Atmosphere: Enjoy a sophisticated wine bar atmosphere while savoring delicious mussels.
- Chef-driven Cuisine: Experience the culinary expertise of renowned chefs at this popular Chicago restaurant.
6. Frontera Grill's Carne Asada Tacos
Grilled skirt steak served in soft corn tortillas with guacamole, pico de gallo, and lime.
- High-quality Ingredients: Savor the flavors of freshly grilled skirt steak and homemade salsas.
- Celebrity Chef Experience: Dine at a restaurant by famous chef Rick Bayless, known for his expertise in Mexican cuisine.
- Taco Variety: Experience a wide variety of tacos, all prepared with a focus on authentic flavors.
7. Girl & the Goat's Wood-grilled Octopus
Grilled octopus served with fregola sarda, green olives, capers, and herbs.
- Creative Cuisine: Indulge in a creative and innovative dish prepared by renowned chef Stephanie Izard.
- High-end Dining Experience: Experience fine dining at this Michelin-starred restaurant in the West Loop.
- Unusual Ingredient: Taste a unique ingredient like wood-grilled octopus, not commonly found on menus.
8. Brown Sugar Bakery's Southern Comfort Food
Indulge in delicious Southern comfort food classics like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and peach cobbler.
- Soul-warming Comfort Food: Savor rich, comforting flavors that will remind you of home.
- Unique Southern Take: Experience a unique twist on traditional Southern cuisine in the heart of Chicago.
- Homemade Desserts: Indulge in homemade desserts like peach cobbler, banana pudding, and sweet potato pie.
9. Alinea's Tasting Menu
An 18-course tasting menu featuring inventive, modernist cuisine prepared by Grant Achatz and his team.
- Creative Cuisine: Indulge in a culinary experience that pushes the boundaries of gastronomy.
- High-end Dining Experience: Experience fine dining at its finest, with an ever-evolving tasting menu.
- Michelin 3-star Restaurant: Dine at a restaurant that has earned the prestigious title of a Michelin 3-star restaurant.
10. The Signature Room's Lakeview Dining
Enjoy contemporary American cuisine with stunning views of the Chicago skyline at this iconic restaurant.
- Stunning Views: Dine while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
- Fine Dining Experience: Experience a refined, elegant dining experience in an iconic Chicago setting.
- Signature Dishes: Savor signature dishes like the Signature Room Burger or the Seafood Paella.
11. Morton's The Steakhouse's Porterhouse for Two
A generous serving of a large T-bone steak, perfect for sharing with friends or loved ones.
- Quality Ingredients: Savor the flavors of high-quality Midwestern beef cooked to perfection.
- Iconic Steakhouse Experience: Experience the ambiance and hospitality of one of Chicago's most iconic steakhouses.
- Sharing Experience: Share a memorable dining experience with friends or loved ones over a generous porterhouse for two.
12. Tortas Frontera's Tortas
Mexican sandwiches filled with a variety of ingredients like carnitas, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
- Authentic Mexican Sandwich: Savor the flavors of authentic Mexican street food in Chicago.
- Chef-driven Cuisine: Experience the culinary expertise of renowned chef Rick Bayless at this fast-casual spot.
- Wide Variety: Choose from a variety of fillings to create your perfect torta.
13. Summerdale's Fried Chicken and Donuts
Crispy fried chicken served with freshly made donuts for dessert in this cozy neighborhood spot.
- Comforting Classics: Indulge in a comfort food classic like Southern-style fried chicken.
- Neighborhood Gem: Discover a hidden gem in the heart of Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood.
- Sweet and Savory Combo: Pair savory fried chicken with sweet, freshly made donuts for a unique dining experience.
14. The Purple Pig's Cheese Platter
A selection of artisanal cheeses served with accompaniments like fruit, nuts, and bread.
- High-quality Cheeses: Savor the flavors of carefully selected artisanal cheeses.
- Wine Bar Atmosphere: Enjoy a cheese platter in a sophisticated wine bar atmosphere.
- Unique Pairings: Experience unique pairings with the cheeses, like olives, fruit, and nuts.
15. Alinea's Olive Oil Poached Lobster
Tender lobster poached in olive oil served with cauliflower puree and mushroom consommé.
- Creative Cuisine: Indulge in a creative, inventive dish prepared by renowned chef Grant Achatz.
- High-end Dining Experience: Experience fine dining at its finest with an ever-evolving tasting menu.
- Unusual Preparation: Taste a unique preparation of lobster, olive oil poached, that sets this dish apart.