What is the Best Food in Chicago?

The Windy City of Chicago is known for its rich variety of culinary delights. Whether you’re looking for traditional choices, eclectic fare, modern interpretations, or ethnic dishes, you will find something to your taste in the vast gastronomic landscape that is the city of Chicago.

Chicago has been regarded as the best city for food in the USA since the early 1990s and continues to be a leader in American cuisine today. The second largest city in the US, it boasts an eye-opening array of offerings from fine dining restaurants in the heart of downtown to hidden gems tucked away in lesser-known neighborhoods.

From classic deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches to stuffed burgers, inventive hot dogs, and epic tacos, here are some of the best dishes the city has to offer.

Chicago Pizza

One of Chicago’s most beloved dishes is undoubtedly deep-dish pizza. This classic Italian-American dish has many variables in terms of ingredients, crust, and construction but is always characterized by a thick, bready crust filled with layers of cheese, meats, and vegetables and topped with flavorful tomato sauce. Deep-dish pizza traces its origins to 1940s Chicago and remains the iconic food of the city to this day.

Deep-dish pizza varies from restaurant to restaurant, but some classic Chicago pies include Lou Malnati’s, Uno’s, and Giordano’s. Because of the thick dough and long cooking time, deep-dish pizza can take as long as 45 minutes to arrive at your table, so be prepared to wait – it’s definitely worth it!

Italian Beef Sandwiches

The iconic Italian beef sandwich was created by Italian immigrants in Chicago. It’s made from a slow-roasted beef roast that’s been thinly sliced and simmered in its own au jus (or gravy), then served on a long sandwich roll with pepperoncini peppers, provolone cheese, and giardiniera (chopped vegetables pickled in vinegar). Depending on the restaurant, Italian beef sandwiches can be ordered simply with just au jus and giardiniera or can be customized with a range of ingredients.

Because of its popularity in Chicago, Italian beef sandwiches have now become popular throughout America. When in town, stop by places like Portillo’s or Al’s Beef to get an authentic Italian beef experience.

Stuffed Burgers

Another classic Chicago dish is the stuffed burger. This is a patty of ground beef stuffed with (often) cheese and other ingredients such as bacon or jalapenos. The burger is then seared on a hot skillet or griddle to seal in all the flavors of the stuffing while still delivering a juicy burger bite. Unlike most other burgers which are composed of two patties with empty space between them, stuffed burgers have their filling on the inside making them especially enjoyable.

Stuffed burgers are usually small and served on a large kaiser roll or sesame bun. From cheese-filled patties served up at Kuma’s Corner to the delectable Mushroom & Swiss burger at Butcher & The Burger, Chicago is full of options for stuffed burgers.

Inventive Hot Dogs

Chicago has a long history with hot dogs and even has its own style known as “Chicago-style” served up on steamed buns topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, bright green relish, dill pickle spears, tomato slices, and celery salt or sport peppers. While this classic style continues to be the most popular version found throughout the city, inventive chefs and cooks continue to offer unique twists on this beloved sandwich.

From chili-cheese hot dogs to fusion-style varieties embedded with kimchi and other exotic ingredients, Chicago hot dogs offer something for everyone. A few places around town serving up new takes on hot dogs include Hot G Dog & Fries and Hot Doug’s Sausage Superstore & Encased Meat Emporium.

Epic Tacos

Chicago has seen an explosion of taco options over the past few years with chefs, cooks, and restaurateurs creating a range of styles from traditional Mexican tacos to fusion-style takes incorporating everything from Korean BBQ flavors to Thai curries. Usually served on soft corn tortillas with house made salsas, tacos are becoming one of the city’s favorite small dishes.

Taco joint Big Star offers unique takes on classic Mexican street tacos while Taqueria Los Comales serves up authentic favorites such as carnitas tacos topped with cilantro and onions. Other taco spots around town include Bien Trucha and Antique Taco.

As you can see, there is no shortage of great food in Chicago! From classic dishes like deep dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches to inventive takes on hot dogs and tacos, you are sure to find something to your taste when visiting this great city. If you’d like to explore some of the city’s culinary gems up close and personal, why not join us for our Chicago Private Speakeasy Pub Crawl! Our experienced guides will take you on a unique guided tour of some of Chicago’s top restaurants and pubs where you will sample some of the best dishes the city has to offer. Book now for a wonderfully delicious introduction to one of America’s premier foodie cities!