If you ask someone what food Chicago is known for you’ll primarily hear three answers: deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef. While this is technically correct, Chicago’s food scene is much bigger than these three famous dishes alone.
Want to experience some of the most famous Chicago foods for yourself? At Chicago Food & City Tours, we offer a variety of tours featuring the best foods of Chicago including our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour, our Street Foods of Pilsen tour, and The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour.
Chicago was shaped by generations of immigrant communities that have defined the city’s food culture, creating everything from Puerto Rican jibaritos and Mexican tamales to Greek sagnaki, Polish sausage and some seriously iconic desserts.
With thousands of restaurants and neighborhoods filled with their own culinary traditions, you could spend years eating your way through Chicago and still find something new.
So what food is Chicago known for? We recommend starting with these 20 iconic Chicago foods.
Let’s start with the obvious one, one of the best foods in Chicago has got to be the deep dish pizza. The construction is completely different from a traditional “thick crust” pizza. A high-sided crust holds layers of cheese and toppings, with chunky tomato sauce traditionally layered over the top.
Deep-dish pizza became a Chicago institution in the 1940s, with Pizzeria Uno widely associated with its beginnings and while Chicagoans may debate which pizzeria makes the best version, few would argue that deep-dish pizza belongs at the top of any Chicago food bucket list.
Where to try it: Lou Malnati's is a classic choice, particularly if you want to try its signature buttery crust. 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 (and yes, eating it with a fork is completely acceptable).
Here's where Chicago's pizza conversation gets a little more complicated. While deep-dish pizza might be the food Chicago is most famous for, many locals grew up eating tavern-style pizza.
This ultra-thin, crispy pizza is typically topped all the way to the edge and cut into small squares rather than traditional wedges. The result is crispy, easy to share and very different from deep dish.
What is the best Chicago tavern-style pizza? There are many to choose from, but we love Vito & Nick's Pizzeria on Chicago’s Southwest Side. This is a must-visit spot for those looking for authentic tavern-style pizza with an old school vibe and rich history.
One of the best foods in Chicago is the Italian beef sandwich. This authentic dish features thinly sliced roast beef piled onto a sturdy French roll and topped with sweet peppers, spicy giardiniera or both. Then comes the most important question:
How wet do you want it?
Want some heat? Add giardiniera. Want even more meat? Order a combo with Italian sausage.
Where to try it: Al's Beef is one of Chicago's longtime Italian beef institutions and the sandwich is one of the many famous Chicago dishes you can try on our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour.
#4 The Chicago-Style Hot Dog
A proper Chicago-style hot dog starts with an all-beef frankfurter in a poppy-seed bun and gets loaded with yellow mustard, chopped onions, bright green relish, tomato, a pickle spear, sport peppers and celery salt. This is often described as being "dragged through the garden."
And there's one ingredient noticeably missing: Ketchup. Chicagoans have strong feelings about this one. If you're trying this famous Chicago dog for the first time, go traditional and skip the ketchup.
Where to try it: Portillo's is home to one of Chicago’s best hot dogs and it is always a highlight of our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour. Remember to always squeeze mustard (never ketchup) on your Chicago-style hot dog for the authentic experience.
For a taste of Chicago that takes you beyond downtown, head to the South Side for a true local tradition.
Harold's Chicken Shack has been a Chicago institution for decades. A typical order comes served over a bed of crinkle-cut fries, topped with white bread, and drenched in the restaurant's legendary, tangy mild sauce. Far more than just fried chicken, Harold's is a cornerstone of the city's Black culture and neighborhood history, even earning shoutouts from Chicago music legends.
One of Chicago's most famous foods for showcasing the city’s rich multicultural roots originates from the city's Puerto Rican community. A jibarito replaces bread with flattened, fried plantains and typically combines them with steak, cheese, lettuce and garlicky sauce. The result is crispy, savory and completely unique. The jibarito is also a reminder that the best food in Chicago is about much more than just pizza and hot dogs.
Where to try it: Papa's Cache Sabroso in Humboldt Park is a longtime favorite for this Chicago-born sandwich. Make sure to get it with traditional garlicky steak (filete) or roast pork (pernil), and pair it with a side of yellow rice with pigeon peas (arroz con gandules).
#7 Caramel Corn and Cheese Popcorn Mix
Is the best food in Chicago sweet or salty? Luckily, when it comes to Chicago food, you don’t have to choose! Garrett Mix from Garrett Popcorn combines sweet caramel popcorn with savory cheese popcorn, creating one of the city's most recognizable snacks.
Garrett Popcorn has been part of Chicago's food culture since 1949, and the combination remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This is an iconic flavor profile we often share with guests on our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour.
#8 Street Polish Sausage
Chicago's immigrant history shows up in plenty of its most famous foods, and the Maxwell Street Polish is a perfect example. This Polish sausage is traditionally served with grilled onions and yellow mustard. Jim's Original has been serving its famous Maxwell Street Polish since 1943, making it one of the city's classic street-food experiences.
Chicago barbecue deserves much more attention than it gets. For many, this is one of the best food traditions in Chicago. The city's barbecue culture is especially known for rib tips, hot links and slow-cooked meats, with distinctive aquarium smokers found at many longtime barbecue spots.
You can also find plenty of pulled pork throughout the city, including at Chicago barbecue institutions like Smoke Daddy.
While Chicago is famous for its street food, Chicken Vesuvio is the king of the city’s Italian-American dining rooms. Chicken Vesuvio is one of those dishes that visitors don't necessarily associate with Chicago until someone who lives here tells them about it.
This classic dish combines roasted chicken, potatoes, garlic, herbs, white wine and often peas into a hearty Italian-American meal.
Where to try it: For a classic, old-school red-sauce joint vibe, check out Franco’s Ristorante in Bridgeport or Tufano's Vernon Park Tap near Little Italy.
Chicago's Mexican food scene deserves a place on any list of the city's best foods. Neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village are filled with taquerias, bakeries and restaurants representing the city's vibrant Mexican and Mexican American communities.
A carne asada taco is a great place to start: grilled beef, fresh toppings and warm tortillas come together in a simple but incredibly satisfying combination.
Where to try them: L'Patron is one Chicago option for carne asada tacos. Want to try more of the best tacos in Chicago? Join us on our Street Foods of Pilsen Tour.
Tamales are another important part of Chicago's Mexican food culture. From neighborhood restaurants to late-night street food stops, Chicago has plenty of places to find these steamed corn-dough creations filled with meat, cheese or other savory ingredients. For a more specific Chicago experience, seek out a green chicken tamal in Pilsen, such as the version served at the original 5 Rabanitos.
And then of course, there's the legendary Tamale Guy, whose steamed corn tamales have become a Chicago late-night tradition.
Want to try authentic Chicago tamales yourself? Join us on our Street Foods of Pilsen to explore authentic Mexican flavors and even try your hand at rolling a tamale.
If you've ever yelled "Opa!" over flaming cheese, you may have experienced one of Chicago's most entertaining food traditions. Saganaki is a Greek appetizer featuring cheese that is flambéed tableside and finished with lemon. Greek Islands in Greektown keeps the tradition alive with their gooey, lemon-smothered version.
Where to try it: For a slightly modern take in a vibrant atmosphere, check out Taxim in Wicker Park, or visit Athens Greek Restaurant in Lombard for a classic neighborhood vibe.
Yes, Chicago can claim the brownie. The story goes back to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, when Bertha Palmer wanted a portable dessert suitable for ladies attending the fair. The result was the chocolate brownie. You can still find the original-style brownie at the Palmer House, where the kitchen continues to use the historic recipe.
Nothing says summer in Chicago quite like a cup of Italian ice. This dairy-free, fruit-forward frozen dessert is especially popular during the warmer months and has become a neighborhood tradition. Miko's Italian Ice is one local favorite, with flavors made for cooling down on a hot Chicago summer night.
Where to try it: In addition to Miko’s, we recommend Annette’s Italian Ice in the Lincoln Park neighborhood which features a walk-up window with dozens of rotating flavors.
The Original Rainbow Cone traditionally stacks five flavors into one colorful cone: chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with walnuts and maraschino cherries), pistachio and orange sherbet. The Chicago-born treat dates back to 1926 and has become one of the city's most recognizable desserts.
The secret to its success is the contrast: the rich, nutty, and creamy chocolate and nut layers are perfectly cut by the bright, citrusy punch of the orange sherbet at the top.
Where to try it: Aside from the Original Rainbow Cone location, you can find permanent stands at Navy Pier and several mobile trucks stationed around city parks and festivals throughout the summer.
Chicago has plenty of famous desserts, but Eli's Cheesecake has earned a special place in the city's food history. Eli's Cheesecake debuted at the first Taste of Chicago and went on to become one of the city's best-known dessert brands.
Unlike dense New York cheesecake or light Italian ricotta versions, Chicago-style cheesecake is famous for its rich, velvety, and pillow-soft interior paired with a firm, golden-baked exterior. Instead of a standard graham cracker crust, a true Chicago slice sits atop a shortbread cookie base, giving it a buttery crunch that perfectly holds up the rich cream cheese center.
Caramel cake holds a legendary spot in Chicago’s culinary history, tied directly to the Great Migration when millions of Black Americans brought Southern baking traditions to the city’s South Side. Over the decades, these multi-layered, scratch-made cakes evolved into a cherished Chicago holiday and celebration staple.
A proper Chicago caramel cake features layers of tender, fluffy yellow sponge completely coated in a thick, cooked-down caramel icing. Making the glaze requires precise temperature control so it sets into a soft, fudge-like shell without becoming brittle.
Where to try it: Brown Sugar Bakery in Greater Grand Crossing makes the city's most famous version. This melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece draws fans from around the world.
Long before it was famous for pizza, Chicago was known as the "Candy Capital of the World," producing a massive percentage of America's sweet treats throughout the 20th century. Rich, buttery hard candies were a specialty of the city's master confectioners, and artisanal butter toffee remains one of Chicago's finest sweet traditions.
Authentic Chicago-style butter toffee features slow-cooked butter and sugar caramelized into a crunchy, golden core, enveloped in rich milk chocolate, and rolled in finely crushed roasted almonds or pecans.
Where to try it: If you’re in Old town, try The Fudge Pot which has been in operation since 1963 using recipes passed down for decades. There’s also Fannie May Chocolates which was founded in 1920 and known as Chicago’s hometown candy empire Their trademarked "Pixies" and butter crunch toffees are classic local souvenirs.
Chicago is serious about its beef, and while the city built its reputation on hot dogs and Italian beef, its burger scene is legendary. From classic pub-style smash burgers with crispy lace edges to over-the-top gourmet builds stacked high on pretzel buns, the Chicago-style burger is all about high-quality beef and bold, unapologetic flavors.
In the mid-2000s, Chicago ignited a nationwide trend of elevated, pub-style craft burgers led by loud, neighborhood destinations that turned burger-making into an art form.
Where to try it: For a great burger with a unique, heavy metal-inspired atmosphere, try Kuma’s Corner. If you want to try one of the country's best double cheeseburgers, then you definitely need to make a stop at Au Cheval. If a smash burger with a French-inspired twist sounds like your kind of meal, then you have to try The Loyalist
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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