Admit it: Your No. 1 reason for visiting the Windy City is the foods in Chicago. Believe me, you’re not the only one who loves Chicago cuisine.
The city has been a foodie haven since its inception. Publications like Condé Nast Traveler, Bon Appétit, and USA Today have all praised our culinary scene. With over 8,000 restaurants, hundreds of food festivals, a smattering of food trucks, and at least one legendary tamale guy, it can be hard to choose where your next meal will be. After all, you want to make sure you take a big bite out of the most famous dishes in Chicago, right?
There’s no reason to fear: The city is known for certain iconic Chicago foods no visitor can pass up. We’re here to help you focus on the true taste of the city and show you where locals go to satisfy their cravings. In this guide, we’ll give you a list of 20 Chicago food staples you must try when you’re eating your way through the city.
Hungry? Let’s dive into these must have foods in Chicago.
Photo Credit: Chicago Food & City Tours
Let’s kick things off right with THE most famous Chicago dish of all time. This is why you came to the city! To finally sink your teeth into a thick wedge of melted cheese, personalized toppings, and zesty tomato sauce.
While there are many competitors, Lou Malnati’s is the crown jewel of this Chicago style food. Its unique butter crust sets it apart, and every single inch of the aluminum pan is covered in high-quality ingredients.
Insider Tip: There’s often a long wait here, but you can skip the line by joining us on our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour, where you'll get the VIP treatment and a taste of the city's legendary deep dish.
Photo Source: Al's Beef
There may be debates about pizza, but there’s no argument over who makes the best classic Chicago foods like Italian beef. Al's Beef specializes in this Chicago staple, which features slices of roasted sirloin cooked in a seasoned broth are stuffed inside an Italian-style roll thick enough to soak up the meat’s juices.
Diners can order it “dry,” “wet,” or “dipped” (soaked). You can also top it off with hot giardiniera for an extra kick. This is a true, must-try Chicago food staple.
Insider Tip: This sandwich is one of the many famous Chicago dishes you can try on our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour. Our expert guides at Chicago Food & City Tours share the history behind these flavors while crossing items off your foodie wish list.
Photo Source: Stu Spivack
Harold’s Chicken is such a local legend it’s been referenced in hip-hop hits by Lupe Fiasco and Common. For a real taste of what food is Chicago famous for on the South Side, head to Harold's for a chicken dinner with a side of fries, coleslaw, and white bread to scoop up their tangy hot sauce.
Photo Source: @thebitesizedbaker
When the doughnut craze hit, Do-Rite Donuts provided the ring to rule them all. This is the one thing folks always leave our Buildings and Bites Tour raving about. Crunchy on the outside and pillowy on the inside, it’s a masterclass in Chicago cuisine.
Photo Source: WGLT.org
You’ve seen them on posters and t-shirts, and they've been admired by the late Anthony Bourdain. The Chicago-style hot dog is the dish that captures the hearts of locals. At Portillo's, you get the quintessential example of this famous food in Chicago: an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun, "dragged through the garden" with mustard, relish, celery salt, onions, tomatoes, sport peppers, and a pickle.
Remember: Always squeeze mustard (never ketchup) on your Chicago-style hot dog, a highlight of our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour.
Photo Source: Chicago Food & City Tours
Only in Chicago could a joint that blasts heavy metal be a world-class destination. Kuma's Corner crafts some of the best burgers in all of Chicago, including the Famous Kuma is an imposing 10-ounce patty topped with applewood smoked bacon, cheddar, and a fried egg. It’s an epic entry in the world of iconic Chicago foods.
Photo Source: Papas Cache Sabroso
The jibarito is a uniquely Chicago style food created by our Puerto Rican community. There’s no bread! Instead, crispy fried plantains hold together steak, cheese, lettuce, and garlic mayo.
Photo Source: The Fudge Pot
Make your visit sweeter at The Fudge Pot, an Old Town mainstay for over 50 years. Their Butter Toffee is a legendary treat.
Insider Tip: If you're looking for the perfect gift, Chicago Food & City Tours offers gift certificates so your loved ones can experience these flavors themselves!
Photo Source: Groupon
For those searching for the best street foods in Chicago, the Malbec Beef empanada from 5411 Empanadas is a must. It’s portable, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with their chimichurri sauce.
Chicago’s Mexican population is one of the largest in the country. In the Pilsen neighborhood, Chef Alfonso Sotelo at 5 Rabanitos serves a green chicken tamal that puts all others to shame.
Want to try it yourself? Join us on our Street Foods of Pilsen to explore authentic Mexican flavors and even try your hand at rolling a tamal.
Photo Source: Miko’s Italian Ice
Nothing says summer like Miko’s. This dairy-free, sorbet-like dessert is made from crushed fresh fruit. It’s one of those must have foods in Chicago during a hot July night.
Photo Source: LA Weekly
Chinatown is a city within a city. Chef Tony Hu’s dry chili chicken is a famous Chicago dish for those who love a spicy kick. Try it yourself at Lao Sze Chuan.
Insider Tip: Explore the hidden gems of this neighborhood on The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour. You’ll try Szechuan specialties, Hong Kong Dim Sum, and delicious bubble tea.
Photo Source: The Smoke Daddy
Long before you see this Wicker Park staple, you’ll smell the wood smoke. Smoke Daddy's slow-cooked pulled pork is absolutely heavenly and a staple of the local BBQ scene.
Photo Source: 10Best
If you’ve ever yelled “Opa!” over flaming cheese, you have Chicago to thank. Saganaki was invented right here! Greek Islands in Greektown keeps the tradition alive with their gooey, lemon-smothered version.
Photo Source: Business Insider
For a modern take on what food is Chicago famous for, look to Alinea. This Michelin-starred spot redefined fine dining with its edible green apple taffy balloon.
Photo Source: Chicago Food & City Tours
A South Side treasure, Brown Sugar Bakery serves up classic, comforting cakes that earned a James Beard nomination. Their caramel cake is a decadent piece of Chicago cuisine.
Photo Source: Garrett Popcorn
Since 1949, Garrett Popcorn has been a local obsession. The "Garrett Mix" blends savory cheddar with sweet caramel. This is an iconic flavor profile we often share with guests on our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour.
Photo Source: Yelp
What pizza is to New York, tacos are to many locals in Chicago. L’Patron in Logan Square offers arguably the best carne asada tacos in the city, using a secret family seasoning.
On The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour, we tell guests the egg custards at Saint Anna Bakery & Cafe are non-negotiable. They are the perfect blend of European pastry and Chinese dessert.
Photo Source: Eater Chicago
Appearing late at night in neighborhood dive bars, the Tamale Guy is a local hero. His steamed corn tamales are the ultimate late-night foods in Chicago, perfect for soaking up a night of barhopping.
Whether you are a local or a first-time visitor, Chicago Food & City Tours is here to help you navigate these classic Chicago foods. Join us on a food tour to taste the very best of what this city has to offer!
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