Chicago

iconic foods of chicago

diy food tour

Introduction

Chicago, Illinois

Settled c. 1780
Incorporated (town) August 12, 1833
Incorporated (city) March 4, 1837

Facts

  • 2,746,388 residents in the 2020 census
  • 8 major league sports teams, including two MLB teams
    • Chicago Cubs – baseball
    • Chicago Bears – football
    • Chicago Bulls – basketball
    • Chicago White Sox – baseball
    • Chicago Blackhawks – hockey
    • Chicago Fire – soccer
    • Chicago Sky – basketball
    • Chicago Red Stars – soccer 

Foodie

  • More than 7,300 restaurants
  • 7 AAA Diamond-rated restaurants
  • 26 Michelin-starred restaurants
  • 40 James Beard Award-winning restaurants, and host of the annual James Beard Awards
  • 54 Bib Gourmand winners
  • 144 dog-friendly restaurants

DIY Tour details

Number of stops: 11
Number of tastings: 11
Tastings: Italian Beef Sandwich (Classic Italian beef sandwich, dipped in aus jus, and served on French Bread), Shrimp DeJonghe, Breaded Steak Sandwich, Chicago style hot dog (Chicago-style hot dog with everything, which includes mustard, relish, celery salt, freshly chopped onions, sliced red ripe tomatoes, kosher pickle and sport peppers piled onto a perfectly steamed poppy seed bun), Fried chicken wings, Rainbow cone, Rib Tips, Flaming Saganaki (The finest imported Greek cheese is flambéed table side), Garrett mix popcorn (blend of our famous CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn recipes), Jibarito, Deep Dish Malnati Chicago Classic (made with Lou’s lean sausage, some extra mozzarella cheese and vine-ripened tomato sauce on Buttercrust)

Chicago Factoids

LOCAL Specialities

Chicago is a city with a rich culinary history, and it’s home to some of the most iconic foods in the country. Here are a few of the dishes that you should try when you’re in town:

Deep dish pizza, Chicago Deep dish pizza: Deep dish pizza is a Chicago institution, and it’s a must-try for any visitor to the city. This thick, hearty pizza is made with a buttery crust and a generous amount of cheese and sauce. There are many different places to get deep dish pizza in Chicago, but some of the most popular spots include Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and Pequod’s.

Chicago-style hot dog, Chicago Chicago-style hot dog: The Chicago-style hot dog is another iconic Chicago food. This hot dog is topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, sweet pickle relish, tomato slices, sport peppers, a dill pickle spear, and celery salt. There are many different places to get Chicago-style hot dogs in Chicago, but some of the most popular spots include Portillo’s, Gene & Jude’s, and Superdawg.

Garrett Popcorn, Chicago Garrett Popcorn: Garrett Popcorn is a gourmet popcorn shop that’s been in business since 1949. The shop offers a variety of flavours, including cheddar cheese, caramel corn, and Chicago mix (a combination of caramel corn and cheese popcorn). Garrett Popcorn has several locations in Chicago, including one in the Magnificent Mile and one in the Willis Tower.

Italian beef sandwich, Chicago Italian beef: The Italian beef sandwich is a popular Chicago lunch option. This sandwich is made with thinly sliced, seasoned beef that is served on a hoagie roll and topped with giardiniera (a mix of pickled vegetables) and au jus. Some of the most popular places to get Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago include Al’s #1 Italian Beef, Johnnie’s Beef, and Portillo’s.

Rainbow Cone, Chicago Rainbow Cone: The Rainbow Cone is a three-cone ice cream sundae that is made with chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla ice cream and topped with rainbow sprinkles. The Rainbow Cone was invented in 1926 by Ernest Hansen, and it’s been a Chicago favorite ever since. You can get a Rainbow Cone at the original Rainbow Cone shop in Beverly, or at one of the many other locations around the city.

diy food tour

  • PICK THE DISHES YOU WANT TO TRY

    Pick the different tasting you want to experience. Some dishes may only be available on certain days, make sure the food you want to try is available on the day you choose.

  • Check opening and closing times

    Some places open up later, some earlier, design your tour when the places you want to visit will be open.

  • Tell the restaurant you are on a food tour AND YOU are there to try a specific dish

    As the title says, let the restaurant know that you are trying a specific dish because it has been recommended for inclusion on a food tour. This will let owners know that a dish they prepare is being highlighted and appreciated.

  • snacks, not meals

    The idea is to try a bunch of different foods in an afternoon or evening. Therefore, you only want to try a portion of each dish. To assist with planning, portion amounts per person have been suggested for each tasting.

  • What to bring

    You will want to have good walking shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather.

  • GO BACK TO THE FOOD SHOPS

    If you enjoyed your tasting, at a later date, please go back to the restaurant to order the dish again and try other dishes they serve.

Tasting Types

There are 6 different tasting types. The first is a Must Try tasting, which means the dish provides a sense of pleasure, leaves an everlasting impression, evokes something exceptional, and will be remembered. The second is a Tasting Hack, that is for example, a tasting that is combined with another tasting on the tour, that together, create a better tasting experience. A Seasonal tasting is only available during certain times of the year. A Vegetarian tasting does not contain meat (only verified vegetarian tasting are identified). A Best-In-Class tasting is an identification of a top tasting destination. A Cook At Home tasting is where you purchase in store, but cook at home.

Must try

Must try food tasting

Tasting Hack

Special manitpulated tasting

Seasonal

Seasonal tasting

Vegetarian

Vegetarian tasting

Best-in-class

Top tasting destination

Cook At Home

Tasting you purchase in store, but cook at home

Tasting Locations

Tasting menu

Italian Beef Sandwich from Mr. Beef on Orleans

photo credit @mrbeefonorleans

Mr. Beef On Orleans

Sandwich shop

Must try: Italian Beef Sandwich (Classic Italian beef sandwich, dipped in aus jus, and served on French Bread)

“An Italian beef sandwich, originating in Chicago, is composed of thin slices of seasoned roast beef, simmered and served au jus on a long French roll. The sandwich’s history dates back at least to the 1930s. The bread itself is, at the diner’s preference, often dipped (or double-dipped) into the juice the meat is cooked in, and the sandwich is typically topped off with Chicago-style giardiniera (called “hot”) or sauteed, with green Italian sweet peppers (called “sweet”)” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_beef)

How to portion: One order can provide up to 4 tastings
Address: 666 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654
Hours: Saturday 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 10 AM–4 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–4 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–4 PM
Thursday 10 AM–4 PM
Friday 10 AM–4 PM
Website: http://places.singleplatform.com/mr-beef/menu?ref=google
Instagram: @mrbeefonorleans

Shrimp DeJonghe from Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House

photo credit @hugosfrogbar

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House

Restaurant

Must try: Shrimp DeJonghe

“Shrimp DeJonghe, a specialty of Chicago, is a casserole of whole peeled shrimp blanketed in soft, garlicky, sherry-laced bread crumbs. It can be served as an appetizer or a main course… It has the oldest pedigree of Chicagoan cuisine, having originated in the late 19th or early 20th century at DeJonghe’s Hotel and Restaurant, 12 E. Monroe St. (1899–1923). The recipe has been attributed to the owners, brothers Henri, Pierre and Charles DeJonghe, Belgian immigrants who came to Chicago to run a restaurant at the World’s Columbian Exposition, or their chef, Emil Zehr” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrimp_DeJonghe)

How to portion: One order can provide up to 4 tastings
Address: 1024 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
Hours: Saturday 3 PM–12 AM
Sunday Closed
Monday 3–10 PM
Tuesday 3–10 PM
Wednesday 3–10 PM
Thursday 3–10 PM
Friday 3 PM–12 AM
Website: https://www.hugosfrogbar.com/
Instagram: @hugosfrogbar

Breaded steack sandwich from Ricobene’s

photo credit @ricobenes

Ricobene's

Pizza restaurant

Must try: Breaded Steak Sandwich

“A steak sandwich is a sandwich prepared with steak that has been broiled, fried, grilled, barbecued or seared using steel grates or gridirons, then served on bread or a roll. Steak sandwiches are sometimes served with toppings of cheese, onions, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, and in some instances fried eggs, coleslaw, and french fries…  A cheesesteak, or steak and cheese, is made from thinly sliced pieces of steak and melted cheese in a long roll. The cheesesteak is one of the favorite foods of the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It can be found in most parts of the U.S. outside the Philadelphia area, often sold as a “Philadelphia” or “Philly Cheesesteak”, even when prepared in a manner different from that customary in the city. Variations include the type of condiments, including grilled onions and peppers, the type of cheese used, or the type of roll”  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steak_sandwich)

How to portion: One order (regular size) can provide up to 4 tastings, King size can provide up to 8 tastings
Address: 252 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60616
Hours: Saturday 10 AM–2 AM
Sunday 10 AM–12 AM
Monday 9 AM–12:30 AM
Tuesday 9 AM–12:30 AM
Wednesday 9 AM–12:30 AM
Thursday 9 AM–12:30 AM
Friday 9 AM–2 AM
Website: https://order.ricobenespizza.com/#/
Instagram: @ricobenes

Chicago style hot dog by Portillo’s

photo credit @portilloshotdogs

Portillo’s

Restaurant

Must try: Chicago style hot dog (Chicago-style hot dog with everything, which includes mustard, relish, celery salt, freshly chopped onions, sliced red ripe tomatoes, kosher pickle and sport peppers piled onto a perfectly steamed poppy seed bun)

“Portillo’s was founded in 1963 by Dick Portillo. After returning from serving in the Marines, Portillo gathered money from his savings and from an investment from his brother Frank to open a hot dog stand. They bought a 12-foot trailer that had no restroom and no running water. They named it “The Dog House”. The Dog House operated on North Avenue in Villa Park. At the beginning stages, the stand was losing money and Portillo needed to find a solution. Portillo went to do some research one day on how other competitors were operating and snuck into one of the back rooms of a competitor and wrote down where they were purchasing their product. He continued the process of learning by visiting different competitors. By 1967, The Dog House was in good standing, was upgraded to a larger trailer, and was renamed “Portillo’s”. In 1970, he partnered with Harold Reskin and opened up his second location in a shopping mall that Reskin owned. Between 1972 and 1989, he opened up a second restaurant under the name “Barney’s” that specialized in BBQ meals. In 1983 Portillo’s opened up its first drive thru in Downers Grove. In the 90’s Portillo’s had profited by more than $50 million with 25 stores around the Chicago area” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portillo%27s_Restaurants)

How to portion: One Jumbo order can provide up to 6 tastings, a regular will provide up to 4
Address: 100 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654
Hours: Monday 10 AM–12 AM
Tuesday 10 AM–12 AM
Wednesday 10 AM–12 AM
Thursday 10 AM–12 AM
Friday 10 AM–12 AM
Saturday 10 AM–12 AM
Sunday 10 AM–12 AM
Website: https://www.portillos.com/locations/chicago/
Instagram: @portilloshotdogs

Fried chicken wings by Harold’s Chicken Shack

photo credit @harolds_chicken_shack

Harold’s Chicken Shack

Classic fast-food joint

Must try: Fried chicken wings

“Harold’s Chicken Shack is a part of the culture of Chicago’s South Side. The restaurant is often referenced by Chicago’s hip hop community including Kanye West, Common, Rhymefest, Juice, G Herbo, Chance the Rapper, Freddie Gibbs, Lupe Fiasco and Dreezy. Rapper Wale stated in the song That Way, that Harold’s Chicken was overrated. Top Dawg Entertainment rapper Kendrick Lamar mentioned Harold’s Chicken in Fredo Santana’s song, “Jealous”, in which Lamar is featured, where he claimed he loved it so much he flew a private jet there straight from Rome” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold%27s_Chicken_Shack)

How to portion: One order of 2 wings can provide up to 2 tastings
Address: 612 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Hours: Tuesday 10:30 AM–8:45 PM
Wednesday 10:30 AM–8:45 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM–8:45 PM
Friday 10:30 AM–10:45 PM
Saturday 10:30 AM–10:45 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM–7:45 PM
Monday 10:30 AM–8:45 PM
Website: https://m.haroldschickenscorp.com/
Instagram: @harolds_chicken_shack

Rainbow cone from Original Rainbow Cone

photo credit @theoriginalrainbowcone

Original Rainbow Cone

Ice cream shop

Must try: Rainbow cone

ONLY OPEN DURING THE SUMMER

“When Joe and his wife, Katherine, opened the first Rainbow Cone in 1926, their signature cone featured five delicious flavors. Chocolate, Strawberry, Palmer House, Pistachio, and Orange Sherbet were sliced (not scooped) into one smile-sparking cone… Little did Joe know, his creative combination of flavors would become a Chicago staple for decades and decades to come” (https://rainbowcone.com/original-rainbow-cone-chicago-story-famous-ice-cream-chicago/)

DIY Food Tour note: Palmer House flavour is vanilla with cherries and walnuts

How to portion: One order can provide up to 2 tastings
Address: 600 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Hours: Tuesday 11:30 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 11:30 AM–9 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM–9 PM
Friday 11:30 AM–9 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM–9 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM–9 PM
Monday 11:30 AM–9 PM
Website: https://rainbowcone.com/
Instagram: @theoriginalrainbowcone

 

Rib tips from Lem’s Bar-B-Q

photo credit @lemsbbq

Lem’s Bar-B-Q

Barbecue restaurant – Takeaway only

Must try: Rib Tips

“Lem’s, the famous Bar-B-Q House, is known for its rib tips and hot links. In 1954, two brothers, Bruce and Myles Lemons had a dream. A dream for their future, a dream of hope, a dream of destiny… It was a dream of entrepreneurship. With this dream, they opened their first store on the south side of Chicago. Myles, a formal chef created Lem’s original Bar-B-Q sauce and its magical spices. Once people had a taste of the secret sauce, they kept coming back for that unique flavor. And as a result, Lem’s Bar-B-Q House was a success!” (http://lemsque.com/about-lems/)

How to portion: One order (small size) can provide up to 6 tastings
Address: 311 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619
Hours: Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 12–10 PM
Thursday 12–10 PM
Friday 12–11 PM
Saturday 12–11 PM
Sunday 12–10 PM
Monday 12–10 PM
Website: http://lemsque.com/
Instagram: @lemsbbq

 

 

Flaming Saganaki from Greek Islands Restaurant

photo credit @greekislandsrestaurants

Greek Islands Restaurant

Greek restaurant

Must try: Flaming Saganaki (The finest imported Greek cheese is flambéed table side)

“In Greek cuisine, saganaki (Greek σαγανάκι) is any one of a variety of dishes prepared in a small frying pan, the best-known being an appetizer of fried cheese. It is commonly flambéed in North America… The cheese used in saganaki is usually graviera, kefalograviera, halloumi, kasseri, kefalotyri, or sheep’s milk feta cheese. Regional variations include the use of formaela cheese in Arachova, halloumi in Cyprus, and vlahotiri in Metsovo. The cheese is melted in a small frying pan until it is bubbling and generally served with lemon juice and pepper. It is eaten with bread” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saganaki)

How to portion: One order can provide up to 4 tastings
Address: 200 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661
Hours: Tuesday 11 AM–10 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–10 PM
Thursday 11 AM–10 PM
Friday 11 AM–11 PM
Saturday 11 AM–11 PM
Sunday 11 AM–10 PM
Monday Closed
Website: https://greekislands.net/
Instagram: @greekislandsrestaurants

Garrett popcorn from Garrett Popcorn

photo credit @garrettpopcorn

Garrett Popcorn

Popcorn store

Must try: Garrett mix popcorn (blend of our famous CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn recipes)

“Our Shops cook Garrett Popcorn in small batches throughout each day and our ecommerce kitchen is no different. Cooked on the day we ship your order, each recipe is made with simple ingredients, never with preservatives, and always by cooks using the same secret family recipes handed across generations. Our quality ingredients, welcoming experience, and (almost) addictive taste has made us the Chicago-style gourmet popcorn for over 70 years” (https://www.garrettpopcorn.com/about-us-garrett/)

How to portion: One order of “classic” can provide up to 8 tastings
Address: 27 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Hours: Tuesday 10 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–8 PM
Thursday 10 AM–8 PM
Friday 10 AM–8 PM
Saturday 10 AM–7 PM
Sunday 10 AM–7 PM
Monday 10 AM–8 PM
Website: https://www.garrettpopcorn.com/
Instagram: @garrettpopcorn

Jibarito from Cafe Central

photo credit @cafecentralchicago

Cafe Central

Puerto Rican restaurant

Must try: Jibarito

“The jibarito (Spanish: [xiβaˈɾito]), is a sandwich made with flattened, fried green plantains instead of bread, aioli or garlic-flavored mayonnaise, and a filling that typically includes meat, cheese, lettuce and tomato. The original jibarito had a steak filling, and that remains the usual variety, but other ingredients, such as chicken and pork, are common… The Daily Meal included the jibarito in their article “12 Life-Changing Sandwiches You’ve Never Heard Of”” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jibarito)

How to portion: One order can provide up to 4 tastings
Address: 1437 W Chicago Ave #1, Chicago, IL 60642
Hours: Wednesday 11 AM–7 PM
Thursday 11 AM–7 PM
Friday 11 AM–7 PM
Saturday 11 AM–7 PM
Sunday 11 AM–7 PM
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11 AM–7 PM
Website: NA
Instagram: @cafecentralchicago

Deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

photo credit @loumalnatis

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Pizza restaurant

Must try: Deep Dish Malnati Chicago Classic (made with Lou’s lean sausage, some extra mozzarella cheese and vine-ripened tomato sauce on Buttercrust)

“According to Tim Samuelson, Chicago’s official cultural historian, there is not enough documentation to determine with certainty who invented Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. It is often reported that Chicago-style deep-dish pizza was invented at Pizzeria Uno in Chicago, in 1943, by Uno’s founder Ike Sewell. However, a 1956 article from the Chicago Daily News asserts that Uno’s original pizza chef Rudy Malnati developed the recipe, and Michele Mohr from the Chicago Tribune reports that the menu at Rosati’s Authentic Chicago Pizza has included deep-dish since it opened in 1926, according to the descendants of Saverio Rosati” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago-style_pizza)

How to portion: One small order can provide up to 8 tastings
Address: 439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
Hours: Wednesday 11 AM–11 PM
Thursday 11 AM–11 PM
Friday 11 AM–12 AM
Saturday 11 AM–12 AM
Sunday 11 AM–11 PM
Monday 11 AM–11 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–11 PM
Website: https://www.loumalnatis.com/chicago-river-north
Instagram: @loumalnatis

Notable Nearby

photo credit @alsbeef

Al's #1 Italian Beef

Chicago-based chain known for overstuffed Italian beef sandwiches & hot dogs in a bare-bones space

“When Al’s was named the #1 Italian Beef Sandwich in Chicago by Chicago Magazine back in 1980, the business (and the name) was forever changed for the better: as they went from Al’s Bar B-Q to Al’s #1 Italian Beef in the city of Chicago. The business was so successful that they opened a second location in the River North neighborhood in downtown Chicago… Many culinary honors have been awarded to Al’s, including Best Sandwich & Sandwich Shop in America, Most Iconic Dish in America, and Top Food to Eat in Chicago Before You Die to name a few. Al’s has received over 150 culinary and critic awards from places like the Food Network, TODAY Show, Travel Channel, Playboy, and Esquire to name a few… People have traveled from all over the world to visit Al’s, including television and movie stars, late-night talk show hosts, athletes, news cooking show hosts, food critics, and even tour buses full of people. Once, an entire village in Italy made the trip to Chicago to sample Al’s #1 Italian Beef” (https://www.alsbeef.com/about)

Address: 548 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
Hours: Wednesday 10:30 AM–12 AM
Thursday 10:30 AM–12 AM
Friday 10:30 AM–12 AM
Saturday 10:30 AM–12 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM–8 PM
Monday 10:30 AM–12 AM
Tuesday 10:30 AM–12 AM
Website: https://www.alsbeef.com/

photo credit @mannysdeli

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

Deli

“Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen, commonly known as Manny’s Deli and sometimes known as Manny’s Coffee Shop & Deli, is a delicatessen in Chicago, Illinois, United States, located in the Near West Side community area. It has been described as “the biggest, best-known, and oldest deli in the city”. The deli has long been a meeting place for Chicago politicians and became the subject of national interest because of its popularity with President Barack Obama. One writer called Manny’s “the second-most-likely place to see local politicians, after City Hall”, and former governor George Ryan referred to it in his memoir as “one of my favorite places to eat lunch in Chicago” and reminisced about once receiving a phone call from Nelson Mandela while eating a corned beef sandwich there… Manny’s is self-described as a “Jewish-style cafeteria”, although it is not kosher. Among the foods it is known for are corned beef sandwiches, pastrami sandwiches, potato pancakes, and matzo ball soup” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manny%27s_Deli)

Address: 1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Wednesday 9:30 AM–8 PM
Thursday 9:30 AM–8 PM
Friday 9:30 AM–8 PM
Saturday 9:30 AM–8 PM
Sunday 9:30 AM–3:30 PM
Monday 9:30 AM–3:30 PM
Tuesday 9:30 AM–8 PM
Website: https://www.mannysdeli.com/

photo credit @jimsoriginal

Jim's Original

Old-school 24/7 hotdog stand (started in 1939) boasting the original Maxwell Street Polish sausage.

“A Maxwell Street Polish consists of a grilled or fried length of Polish sausage topped with grilled onions and yellow mustard and optional pickled whole, green sport peppers, served on a bun. The sandwich traces its origins to Chicago’s Maxwell Street market, and has been called one of “the classic foods synonymous with Chicago”… This sandwich is widely said to have been created by Jimmy Stefanovic, a Macedonian immigrant who took over his aunt and uncle’s hot dog stand in 1939 (now called Jim’s Original) located at Maxwell and Halsted in Chicago’s old Maxwell Street market district. The Express Grill, which is located right next door to Jim’s, advertises itself as the “Original Maxwell St. Polish” on its marquee, although it arrived after Jim’s and serves almost an identical menu. Due to their virtually undivided storefronts and 24-hour service at the original Halsted Street location of both stands, Jim’s Original and Express Grill had an added element of confusion for the casual observer not attentive to the change in signage a matter of feet in distance. Despite the competition, the Maxwell Polish sausage sandwich soon grew to be one of Chicago’s most popular local offerings, along with the Chicago-style hot dog and the Italian beef sandwich” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell_Street_Polish)

Address: 1250 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Wednesday 6 AM–1 AM
Thursday 6 AM–1 AM
Friday 6 AM–1 AM
Saturday 6 AM–1 AM
Sunday 6 AM–1 AM
Monday 6 AM–1 AM
Tuesday 6 AM–1 AM
Website: http://jimsoriginal.com/

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS/UPDATES

Email: Matt@diyfoodtours.com