What food is Chicago famous for? While Chicago isn’t always considered the food capital of the US, it should be.
Chicago has been greatly influenced by its immigrants who brought over their own foods or adapted well-known recipes to create something new.
Many foods were invented in Chicago (like the forever-lasting Twinkies!) and tasting some of the city’s best cuisines should be in your Chicago itinerary. So to help you out, here are the most iconic Chicago foods you need to try.
Best Chicago Foods
1. Deep-Dish Pizza
With a crust that is at least 1” thick, the Chicago deep dish pizza has plenty of room for piling on the toppings, creating a delicious spin on the Italian classic.
If you’ve never seen a proper deep-dish pizza before, you’ll likely be surprised at just how tick these things are. It’s cooked in a pie or casserole dish instead of a pizza tray!
2. Chicago Dog
When walking the city streets you will are almost guaranteed to come across a food truck or stand selling the classic Chicago Dog.
This beef frankfurter is topped with mustard, relish, onions, and a whole lot of vegetables inside of a steamed poppy seed bun. It may sound pretty standard however the Chicago Dog is nearly a religion here and the number one rule is that you cannot add ketchup.
So embrace the culture and try one for yourself (without ketchup)!
3. Chicago Popcorn
While it’s probably not the first combination that comes to mind when thinking of your favorite popcorn toppings, Chicago Popcorn is topped with a mix of cheese and caramel to create a unique blend that somehow just works.
Originally this special popcorn was called the Chicago Mix and was made famous by Garret’s Popcorn. So if you want to go straight to the source, head to one of their shops to try the original Chicago Style Popcorn.
4. Au Cheval Cheeseburger
Au Cheval translates to “on a horse” and in France is used to describe runny eggs on a steak or burger. But in Chicago, the popular restaurant of the same name created what some call one of the best burgers in the country.
The Au Cheval Cheeseburger is now a staple Chicago food which consists of a prime beef patty, cheese, bacon, pickles, and onions all topped with a runny egg. The casual restaurant doesn’t take reservations and is first come, first served, so try to arrive outside of peak hours for quick seating.
5. Ann Sather Cinnamon Rolls
Another famous Chicago immigrant who brought their favorite food from home and made it a city-wide favorite was Ann Sather from Sweden. The Ann Sather restaurant is a popular breakfast spot that mixes Swedish/American cuisine to create a delicious experience for any visitor.
But the restaurant is most famous for its gooey cinnamon rolls that come lathered in icing and are sold as a side to any dish, or in half dozen to-go packs. Today there are 3 locations where you can try this iconic sweet for breakfast or lunch.
6. Jibarito Sandwich
This incredibly unique sandwich uses flattened and fried plantains to replace the bread of a typical sandwich. The Jibarito Sandwich can contain practically any ingredient but it’s typically made with meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and garlic aioli creating an interesting blend of fresh flavors.
This Puerto Rican inspired food was first introduced to Chicago in 1996 and quickly became a favorite amongst Chicagoans, now most Puerto Rican restaurants plus some Cuban and Mexican cafes sell this delicious lunch.
7. Rainbow Cone
Forget Italian Gelato, in Chicago, you have the iconic Rainbow Cone! Born from a young boy’s dream to have more than one flavor at a time, the Rainbow Cone consists of a stack of 5 different flavors of ice cream slices; Orange Sherbet, Pistachio, Palmer House, Strawberry, and Chocolate.
Being nearly 100 years old, the family-run business is now a Chicago staple with multiple shops and food trucks spread across the state.
8. Harold’s Fried Chicken
Some say Harold’s Fried Chicken in Chicago is some of the best-fried chicken in the world. While that statement might be a bit of a stretch, it’s undeniable that this deliciously crispy, golden fried chicken puts KFC to shame.
Harold’s Fried Chicken is cooked to order making a fresher alternative to other popular fast food chains, however, the biggest difference is in the oil. Cooked in a blend of vegetable and beef tallow oil, Harold’s Fried Chicken has a close resemblance to traditional fried chicken from the southern states of America.
9. Maxwell Street Polish Sausage
Not to be confused with the Chicago Dog, the Maxwell Street Polish Sausage is another Chicago twist on the classic sausage in a bun.
This version consists of a Polish sausage with caramelized onions and sport peppers topped with yellow mustard. As you may have guessed, the famous sausage originated in the market district on Maxwell St, Chicago where humble stand won over local hearts to become the staple it is today.
10. Pierogi
Another Polish staple that made its way into Chicagoans’ hearts is the humble pierogi. Brought over by the multiple waves of Polish immigrants to Chicago, pierogis haven’t changed too much from their delicious origins and typically consist of dough pockets stuffed with meat, potatoes, cheese, and/or vegetables.
Pierogi can be steamed or fried and are usually dipped in sour cream or any sauce that is complimentary to the filling. Today there is a huge range of pierogi choices in Chicago with everything from sauerkraut to mac and cheese to explore.
11. Rib Tips at Lem’s Bar-B-Q
Once a humble dream of two brothers, Lem’s BarBQ quickly became the city’s go-to place for some iconic Rib Tips. Lem’s Rib Tips are smoked and fired before being topped with their special tangy sauce that makes them, unlike any others.
Generally, Rib tips contain a bit more cartilage than regular ribs however the slow cooking process softens it up making it a delicious treat for any meat lover.
12. Chicken Vesuvio
Last but not least, this beautiful Italian-American dish was made popular right here in Chicago at Vesuvio Restaurant.
It consists of sauteed potato wedges and chicken on the bone in a white wine, garlic, and oregano sauce which is baked until crispy creating an irresistible blend of flavours and textures.