Chicago, a city that combines industrial power and cultural atmosphere, not only has amazing skyscrapers and a deep jazz tradition, but is also recognized as one of the food meccas in the United States. The food culture here is not only rich and diverse, but also full of tolerance, carrying the stories of different ethnic groups and immigrant communities.
From the unique and rich Chicago deep dish pizza to the fragrant and sauce-rich classic Italian beef sandwich, each dish is not only a taste bud enjoyment, but also a microcosm of the city’s history and human feelings.
Whether it is a Michelin-starred restaurant that pursues a luxurious experience, or a century-old street restaurant that still adheres to traditional craftsmanship, Chicago’s food has long surpassed the scope of “eating” and has become an excellent entry point to explore the city.
1. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria: The legendary starting point of deep dish pizza
Restaurant history
Founded in 1971, Lou Malnati’s is a representative brand of Chicago deep dish pizza. It was founded by Lou Malnati, a legendary figure in the pizza industry. Adhering to the concept of “handmade and adhering to tradition”, it has become the first choice of pizza in the hearts of countless tourists and local residents.
Food characteristics and taste
This signature deep dish pizza is known for its rich cheese, fragrant tomato sauce and thick buttery crispy bottom. Take a bite, the stacked fillings form a perfect contrast with the crispy edges, and the stringy texture of the cheese and the sweet and sour blend of the sauce are irresistible. Recommend “Malnati Chicago Classic” – the perfect combination of beef sausage, chopped tomatoes and cheese, is a great choice to experience the authentic Chicago flavor.
Personal experience
I ate at the Gold Coast branch, and the aroma that hit my nose the moment the pizza was served was mouth-watering. Paired with a glass of locally brewed light beer, it is a great match.
Location and reservation platform
The Gold Coast store is located at 1120 N State St, conveniently close to the Red Line subway station. Reservations are supported through OpenTable, Grubhub or the restaurant’s own App.
Cost
About $25-35 per person, very cost-effective.
2. Portillo’s: An authentic example of Chicago Italian beef sandwich
Restaurant history
Portillo’s was founded in 1963. It was originally just a hot dog stand. Now it has developed into a well-known fast food brand in the United States, famous for its Chicago hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.
Food characteristics and taste
The Italian beef sandwich uses slow-cooked beef slices, sandwiched in soft French bread, and then drizzled with gravy essence, which tastes fresh and juicy. Add some spicy Giardiniera pickles for more flavor. Chicago hot dogs are mainly eaten in an authentic way of “seven ingredients without ketchup”, with rich taste and unique flavor.
Personal experience
I chose to dine in at the Downtown branch and ordered a “dipped” Italian beef sandwich. The bread was full of soup and melted in the mouth. Paired with milkshakes and fries, it was very satisfying.
Location and booking platform
100 W Ontario St is the busiest store, which can be booked and delivered through DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Cost
About $15-20 per person, suitable for mass consumption.
3. The Berghoff: The intersection of German tradition and American classics
Restaurant history
Founded in 1898, The Berghoff is one of the oldest restaurants in Chicago. It has been serving authentic German cuisine and family-brewed beer for more than a hundred years.
Food features and taste
Recommended German sausage platter (Sausage Plate), including pork, beef and spice sausage, paired with German sauerkraut and mustard sauce, sour and fragrant. The side dish German potato salad is also a highlight. The home-brewed Berghoff Lager is refreshing and greasy.
Personal experience
I visited on a holiday afternoon. The classic wooden decoration and retro beer bar in the store made people feel like traveling through time and space. The waiter was enthusiastic and the recommended dark beer was rich in flavor, which was a perfect match with the sausage.
Location and booking platform
17 W Adams St, within walking distance of the Art Museum. OpenTable reservations are supported.
Cost
About $30-45 per person, which is a mid-to-high-end price.
4. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse: The Hall of Fame of American Steaks
Restaurant History
Since 1989, Gibsons has been known as one of Chicago’s most popular steakhouses. As the only restaurant with USDA custom-graded beef, it represents Chicago’s luxurious dinner experience.
Food Features and Taste
The “Gibsons Prime Angus” series of steaks are first recommended. They are tender and juicy, cooked to the right temperature, and paired with your choice of sauces such as Bearnaise or blue cheese sauce to add flavor. Side dishes such as lobster tails and creamed spinach are also very popular.
Personal Experience
I ordered a 22-ounce bone-in ribeye steak, which was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and full of meaty aroma. The creamy mashed potatoes are smooth and rich, which is an ultimate taste bud enjoyment.
Location and Booking Platform
1028 N Rush St, near the Oak Street shopping district, is suitable for a luxurious dinner experience. Reservations can be easily made through OpenTable or Resy.
Cost
The average per capita consumption is about $80-120, which is suitable for anniversaries, business banquets or high-end dinners.
5. Girl & The Goat: A representative of modern creative dining in Chicago
Restaurant history
Founded by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard, this creative restaurant that combines global flavors has become one of Chicago’s food landmarks since its opening in 2010.
Food characteristics and taste
Most of the restaurant’s dishes are designed for sharing. Recommended dishes include grilled goat shoulder, caramelized zucchini, and charcoal-grilled octopus. Combining Asian, Latin American and Mediterranean flavors, each dish is rich in layers and very creative.
Personal experience
I booked a dinner table two weeks in advance and tasted caramelized pork belly and goat milk desserts, which tasted exquisite and surprising. The environment is relaxed and modern, ideal for young people to get together or couples to date.
Location and booking platform
Located at 809 W Randolph St in West Loop. It is recommended to make reservations in advance through the Tock platform.
Cost
About $60-90 per person, slightly higher but worth it.
6. Old Town Al’s Beef: Inheriting the local flavor for more than 70 years
Restaurant history
Al’s Beef has been in business since 1938. It adheres to the classic method and is the “authentic source” of Chicago-style beef sandwiches. It is praised by Chicagoans as a “flavor landmark”.
Food characteristics and taste
Beef slices are dipped in rich gravy, stuffed into special baguettes, and served with chili or sweet peppers. One bite, the sauce is full of flavor, the meat is tender, and has a strong spice flavor.
Personal experience
I have visited this restaurant no less than three times, and each time I was fascinated by the “dipped” version. The warmth brought by the rich soup is one of the most healing foods in Chicago in winter.
Location and reservation platform
169 W Ontario St, supports Uber Eats and Grubhub orders, and can also pick up in the store.
Cost
The average consumption per person is 12-18 US dollars, which is very cost-effective.
7. Chicago Food Tour Tips: Make Your Dining Experience Smoother
Make reservations in advance is key
Chicago’s popular restaurants are often hard to get, especially on weekends or holidays. If you plan to go to popular restaurants such as Girl & The Goat or Gibsons, it is recommended to make reservations through platforms such as OpenTable, Tock or Resy at least one to two weeks in advance. Some places such as Lou Malnati’s also offer limited-time reservation services to avoid waiting on site.
Pay attention to dress code and dining etiquette
Some high-end restaurants (such as Gibsons) may have basic dress requirements. It is recommended to avoid wearing sportswear or slippers. In addition, American service culture emphasizes tipping, and it is usually recommended to pay a service charge of 15%-20% of the total bill.
The location of the restaurant branch needs to be confirmed in advance
Many classic restaurants have multiple branches in Chicago, such as Lou Malnati’s or Portillo’s. It is recommended to choose a branch with convenient transportation or close to your travel route to avoid delaying your trip due to finding the wrong store.
With careful planning and advance arrangements, your Chicago food trip will definitely be more perfect!
Chicago’s classic restaurants not only carry the history and culture of the city, but also represent the diversity and tolerance of the city. From traditional German flavors to authentic American steaks, from innovative restaurants to century-old snacks, every meal is a cultural exploration.
The Windy City is not only a beautiful city, but also an “edible” city. Next time you step into Chicago, you might as well start with these restaurants and start a journey of taste buds and memories.
