Chicago is a foodie’s paradise, but the city is known for being a bit particular about its food. Order the wrong topping on your hot dog or the wrong style of pizza, and Chicagoans might give you a bit of attitude.
Fear not, families! The next time your tummies are rumbling, follow this foodie guide for an approachable and delicious crash course to some of the city’s most iconic dishes.
Chicago-style hot dog
- Order from: Devil Dawgs, Gene & Jude’s, The Original Maxwell Street, Portillo’s, Red Hot Ranch, or Superdawg Drive-In
Nine ingredients make up a true Chicago-style hot dog: an all-beef frankfurter (bonus points if it’s a Vienna Beef frank) on a poppy seed bun topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, sweet relish, tomato slices, sport peppers, a pickle spear and mouthwatering celery salt. Pair your dog with a refreshing RC Cola and a side of fresh, (slightly soggy) fries covered in sea salt for a true Chicagoan meal.
Deep dish pizza
- Order from: Lou Malnati’s, Pequod’s, Nancy’s Pizzeria or Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company
While the Chicagoan in me wants to proclaim that true Chicago-style pizza is tavern cut pizza, you can’t deny that deep dish is truly an iconic Chicagoan delicacy. Fans of crispy edges need to try the crispy, caramelized crust from Pequod’s. Enjoyers of ooey gooey pizza can dig into a Pizza Pot Pie, a unique take on deep dish from Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company.
Italian beef sandwich
- Order from: Al’s #1 Italian Beef, Johnnie’s Beef, Mr. Beef, Odge’s or Portillo’s
There are as many ways to eat an Italian beef sandwich as there are restaurants that tout the best Italian beef in Chicago. Try it plain or dunk it in gravy for extra flavor. Top it with sweet sport peppers, or eat it with hot peppers and Chicago-style giardiniera.
Garrett Popcorn
- Try the signature Garrett Mix
For the perfect sweet and savory snack, munch on the delectable popcorn from Garrett’s. The beloved popcorn shop’s iconic Garrett Mix combines gourmet cheddar and caramel popcorn for a snack that’s sugary, salty, soft and crunchy in every bite.
While a trip to a Garrett Popcorn Shop is tons of fun (and offers certain snack selections that are only available in stores) you can find their most popular flavors, including the signature cheese-and-caramel Garrett Mix, in grocery stores, at baseball games and other attractions across Chicagoland.
The Original Rainbow Cone
- Try the sliced Rainbow Cone
Finish off this family foodie challenge with dessert from The Original Rainbow Cone. This South Side institution has expanded to include locations across Chicagoland. The signature Rainbow Cone packs five slices — yes, slices! — of ice cream onto a cone. The original flavors are chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio almond, and orange sherbet, but other sliced ice cream variations as well as shakes, sundaes, donuts and traditional scoops are available, too.
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