Essential Chicago
Things to Do
Places to Eat
🍕 Deep Dish Pizza
Chicago is known for its deep dish pizza - my favorite is with sausage and spinach! Giordano's and Lou Malnati's are the two most famous chains and you find them around the city.
For a truly unique (albeit a little weird) pizza experience you can go to Pizza Oven Grinder that serves "pizzas" in a bowl. It's more similiar to a lasagna than a traditional pizza, but a very unique twist!
🌭 Hotdogs
Whatever you do: don't add ketchup! Note: Portillo's is known for their hotdogs, beef sandwiches, and my personal favorite is their chopped salad! If you go and want something sweet, get the chocolate cake milk shake!
Italian Beef
As popularized by the TV show "The Bear," Italian Beef sandwiches were a food I loved eating when I was growing up in Chicago! My order is a 6 inch beef, not dipped (the sandwich is dipped into beef sauce if not!), mozzarella, and red sauce. You can also get a combo that has sausage as well.
📸 Cute Places to Eat (Great for Pictures)
🍦 Sweets & Snacks
One classic from my neighborhood is "Rainbow Cone" - layers of strawberry, pistachio, chocolate, and orange ice cream. The original location is on the far Southside, but this one is located in a central part of the city.
Other Food Spots
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