If cities were menus, Chicago would be a feast. The Windy City isn’t just about skyscrapers and Lake Michigan breezes—it’s a culinary playground that blends iconic comfort foods, multicultural gems, and some upscale surprises. This guide covers the must try foods in Chicago that every foodie needs to experience. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, get ready to eat your way through Chi-Town like a seasoned pro.

Deep-Dish Dreams: Lou Malnati’s

No trip to Chicago is complete without sinking your fork into a true deep-dish pizza—and Lou Malnati’s is where legends are made. With its buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and generous blanket of mozzarella, this pizza is a whole event. Be patient—it takes time to bake perfection, but trust me, it’s worth every minute.

While you’re waiting, start off with their fresh bruschetta—a bright and flavorful mix of vine-ripened tomatoes, basil, and garlic served on crisp, toasted garlic bread. It’s the perfect warm-up act before the main pizza performance.

👉 Want to taste even more Chicago classics? Join a Classic Food Walking Tour and sample the city’s most iconic eats

Chicago Mix Popcorn: Garrett Popcorn

Sweet meets savory in Garrett’s famous Chicago-style popcorn called Garrett Mix—half cheddar, half caramel, 100% addictive. It sounds strange until you try it. Then it becomes your new guilty pleasure. The smell alone will lure you in from half a block away.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog: Portillo’s

Chicagoans take their hot dogs seriously—no ketchup allowed. Portillo’s serves up this iconic snack in its purest form: an all-beef dog nestled in a poppy seed bun and “dragged through the garden” with mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt. It’s a party in your mouth—and a tradition on your plate.

And don’t even think about leaving without trying their famous Chocolate Cake Shake. Yes, they blend an actual slice of rich, moist chocolate cake into the shake. It’s indulgent, over-the-top, and absolutely unforgettable.

Italian Beef Sandwich: Mr. Beef

Made famous (again) by The Bear, Mr. Beef on Orleans is pure, messy, Chicago magic. Thinly sliced roast beef piled on classic French bread, soaked in aus jus, and optionally topped with giardiniera—if you’re not eating it with two hands and a dozen napkins, you’re doing it wrong.

The Donut Drop: Firecakes Donuts

Firecakes isn’t just about donuts; it’s about donut artistry. From classic buttermilk old fashioneds to maple-glazed long johns stuffed with bacon, these are the kind of treats you’ll want to post before you bite—if you can resist.

But the real showstopper? Their Donut Ice Cream Sandwich. Imagine a fresh, warm donut sliced in half and filled with a scoop of creamy, dreamy ice cream. It’s the ultimate sweet-meets-sweet combo and the kind of dessert you’ll be dreaming about long after the last bite.

👉 Craving more donut bliss? Take your taste buds on a sugar-fueled adventure with a Chicago Donut Tour

Chicken Vesuvio: Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse

One of Chicago’s most under-the-radar specialties, Chicken Vesuvio is a rustic dish of roasted chicken, garlicky potatoes, peas, and white wine. You’ll find it at classic Italian joints like Harry Caray’s. It’s old-school, comforting, and unmistakably Chicago.

Jibarito: Jibaritos y Más

Plantains instead of bread? Welcome to the jibarito—a crispy, garlic-loaded Puerto Rican sandwich packed with steak, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. A bite of this and you’ll forget all about traditional buns.

Rooftop Vibes: London House

For sweeping views of the Chicago River and skyline, grab a cocktail at London House’s rooftop bar. Whether it’s a summer or a fall, this spot delivers on scenery and sips. It’s upscale but still lively—perfect for photos with the city as your backdrop.

After your rooftop moment, keep the day going by checking out some of Chicago’s hippest craft breweries—from small-batch taprooms to experimental brew labs.

👉 Thirsty for more? Book a Chicago Brewery Tour and explore the city’s boldest flavors, one pint at a time. 

Ramen Fix: Ramen-San

Modern, vibey, and soul-warming—Ramen-San is a go-to for ramen lovers. The tonkotsu broth is rich and silky, the noodles have bite, and the vibe is equal parts Tokyo and River North cool. Don’t skip the spicy kimchi & fried chicken Ramen.

Start things off right with their roasted edamame, tossed in sea salt and sesame oil for the perfect savory snack. And if you’re in the mood to share (or not), the chicken and vegetable gyoza are crispy, juicy, and totally crave-worthy—ideal companions to your steamy bowl of ramen.

Fried Chicken Burger: Budlong Southern Chicken

If you like your chicken crispy, juicy, and unapologetically spicy, Budlong is your place. Their hot chicken sandwich is Nashville-inspired but uniquely Chicago, served with pickles, slaw, and attitude. Grab a side of pickled veggies to cool it down—or level up with their “X- Hot” if you dare.

Sushi Craving: Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge

Niu blends sleek ambiance with a robust sushi menu that fuses traditional techniques and creative twists. Fresh, flavorful, and aesthetically plated—ideal for date night or a solo sushi splurge. Elevate your experience with the Chef’s Special Lobster Fried Rice—rich and packed with flavor. Their specialty sushi rolls are where creativity meets craftsmanship, with bold flavor combos and gorgeous presentation. And don’t sleep on the craft cocktails—each one designed to complement your meal with a fusion flair of its own.

Coffee Heaven: Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Even if you’ve been to Starbucks a thousand times, the four-story Reserve Roastery on Michigan Ave is a whole new world. Sip small-batch brews, try whiskey barrel-aged coffee, and watch the beans get roasted right in front of you. The vibe is luxury café meets Willy Wonka for coffee lovers.

Vegan Delight: Planta Queen

Plant-based doesn’t have to be boring. Planta Queen shows off bold, creative flavors with dishes like spicy tuna (without the tuna) and truffle fried rice. Plus, the vibe is just as impressive—imagine jungle glam combined with modern zen.

Thin Crust Perfection: Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company

For those who prefer foldable slices to pies you eat with a fork, Robert’s is a dream. Crispy, chewy crusts topped with gourmet ingredients and inventive combos make this a standout in Chicago’s pizza universe.

Breakfast Bites: Yolk or Wildberry Pancakes

Early risers, rejoice. Yolk is a local favorite for hearty, creative breakfasts. But if pancakes are your love language, seek out pancakes at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe—fluffy, fruity, and absolutely Instagram-worthy.

Explore Chicago’s Food Scene on a Guided Tour

If you really want to get to the heart (and stomach) of Chicago, a guided food tour is the way to go. These curated experiences let you skip the guesswork and head straight for the city’s best bites—with local stories, hidden gems, and behind-the-scenes insights included.

Whether you’re walking through Chinatown’s bustling streets, hopping between award-winning craft breweries, snacking your way through a donut crawl, or tasting your way across the city’s most iconic dishes, there’s a tour tailored to your taste.

Pro Tip: Booking a food tour early in your trip helps you get your bearings—and your cravings—sorted from day one.

Final Thoughts

Chicago isn’t just a city—it’s a food pilgrimage. Every bite tells a story, from the immigrant roots of the Italian beef to the bold innovation of a plantain sandwich. So come hungry, bring stretchy pants, and prepare to fall in love—one forkful at a time.

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