Good Eats in Chicago – Favorite Windy City Food for Tourists and Locals
As a roaming gnome, I’ve been to cities big and small, but I call Chicago my home away from home. The Second City offers culture, art, history, family-friendly fun, adult indulgences, and food. Ah, the food. There are so many good eats in Chicago, and these are favorite Windy City food spots for tourists and locals alike.
Pizza
In the great pie wars, Chicago is the thick, cheesy, indulgent contender to New York’s thin-crust offering. All of these food spots are easily arguable, but the best deep dish Chicago style pizza has so many interpretations and hubs that offer the thick-crust smothered in toppings, cheese, and sauce, it’s impossible to name just one “the best.” A favorite of locals and tourist is Lou Malnati’s. For a different, but equally tasty version of can’t-miss deep dish pizza, try Pequod’s Pizza for a layer of caramelized cheese that will make your taste buds sing. Pizano’s is another amazing option that keeps a classic touch on the north side.
Italian Lemonade
Think of granita and then envision it’s richer, fancier cousin…that’s Italian Lemonade. One of the best places in town is a easily overlooked and often discounted stand that makes these summer delights – Mario’s Italian Lemonade. You’ll find this hut open in the summers across from Al’s Italian Beef on Taylor St.
Big Baby
A Big Baby Chicago-favorite burger is topped with cheese, grilled onions, and magic. Get one. Get one now. Try Nicky’s Hot Dogs for a classic favorite.
Italian Beef
If Chicago had food-inspired mascot, Italian Beef sandwiches would be it. The city has loved the sandwich since the 30s and there’s a reason it’s still a staple in Chicago. There are so many joints that offer this tasty right of passage for every visitor and Windy City resident, but Johnnie’s Beef in Elmwood Park has lines of hungry customers for a reason.
Hot Dogs
Gene & Jude’s in River Grove is something of a hot dog chapel where hot dog fans worship. Jim’s Original is closer to the downtown area and has pure beef Vienna beef hot dogs ready to help you battle the hangover you’ve earned at one of the pubs. Also try the Vienna Beef Factory for a Spicy Ditka polish dog.
Chicken Wings
When you’ve had your fill of Chicago staples like pizza, hot dogs, and Italian Beef, take venture down flavor lane at Crisp. It’s must-try at least once, but I guarantee you will dream of their Korean flavored wings nightly. It’s one of those hyped restaurants that has the amazing food to back it up. Every time I visit, the staff is always incredibly friendly despite the lines out the door, and the phone ringing off the hook.
Donuts
It’s a ritual every time I visit Chicago to pick up a dozen donuts the moment I enter the city to get me through my weekend trips. There is something about waking up to a box full of donuts from every morning Glazed and Infused or The Doughnut Vault. Savvy tourists and locals will get the donut goods from Longman & Eagle’s Sunday pop-up donut shop.