United States · tool
Chicago food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Chicago.
Photo by Miguel Ángel Sanz on Unsplash
What to eat in Chicago
5 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza
$18–$35
A thick, buttery crust baked in a deep pan, layered with cheese, toppings, and a chunky tomato sauce on top. It's a hearty, decadent meal unlike any other pizza.
Where to try: Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (various locations)
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
$4–$7
An all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun, 'dragged through the garden' with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Absolutely no ketchup allowed.
Where to try: Portillo's (various locations)
Italian Beef Sandwich
$9–$15
Thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef simmered in au jus, piled high on a French roll, and often dipped in the gravy. Get it 'hot' with giardiniera for a spicy kick.
Where to try: Al's Italian Beef (various locations)
Jibarito
$12–$18
A Puerto Rican-inspired sandwich that replaces bread with fried plantains, filled with steak, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and garlic mayonnaise. It's a delicious gluten-free alternative.
Where to try: Papa's Cache Pot (Pilsen)
Garrett Popcorn Mix
$5–$15
The iconic 'Garrett Mix' combines their buttery caramel crisp with their savory cheese corn for a sweet and salty addiction. It's a quintessential Chicago snack.
Where to try: Garrett Popcorn Shops (various locations)
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
West Loop
Trendy and industrial-chic, packed with acclaimed restaurants and bars.
Fine DiningDate NightCocktail Bars
Pilsen
Vibrant and historically Mexican-American, known for authentic eateries and colorful street art.
Authentic MexicanCasual EatsArt Galleries
Lincoln Park
Lively and diverse, offering everything from classic diners to upscale bistros and bustling pubs.
BrunchPeople WatchingFamily-Friendly
Argyle Street (Uptown)
Known as 'Asia on Argyle,' this strip boasts a high concentration of authentic Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese restaurants.
Vietnamese PhoAsian Street FoodUnique Cuisine
Dietary notes
Chicago's classic dishes are very meat and dairy-centric, particularly the deep-dish pizza and hot dogs. However, with its diverse population, you can find excellent vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, especially in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and the West Loop, though they may require specific searching.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is customary for service staff; 18-20% is standard for restaurant servers and bartenders.
- •Reservations are highly recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekend evenings.
- •While many places accept cards, carrying some cash can be convenient for smaller vendors or dive bars.
- •Dress code is generally casual to smart-casual, even at many upscale establishments. Unless it's a very formal event, you're unlikely to need a suit or fancy dress.
Plan the rest of your Chicago trip
Food guides elsewhere