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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 Deep-Dish Pizza

$18–$35

A thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce, baked in a deep pan. It's a hearty, knife-and-fork affair that's a quintessential Chicago experience.

Where to try: Pizzerias throughout the city, particularly in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and the Near North Side.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

$3.5–$7

An all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun, 'dragged through the garden' with mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt. Crucially, no ketchup.

Where to try: Hot dog stands and casual eateries across the city, especially in areas like the Loop and Lincoln Square.

Italian Beef Sandwich

$9–$15

Thinly sliced roasted beef, simmered in its own juices and served on a French roll, often dipped in 'gravy' (au jus) and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera. It's messy, flavorful, and iconic.

Where to try: Deli counters and sandwich shops in neighborhoods such as Bridgeport and the West Side.

Maxwell Street Polish Sausage

$5–$10

A grilled or fried kielbasa sausage, often served on a bun with grilled onions and yellow mustard. This hearty, smoky sandwich is a staple of Chicago's street food scene.

Where to try: Street vendors and casual diners, particularly around the historic Maxwell Street Market area.

Jibarito

$10–$18

A Puerto Rican-inspired sandwich that replaces bread with deep-fried, smashed plantains, filled with meat (often steak), lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. It offers a unique sweet and savory crunch.

Where to try: Puerto Rican restaurants in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.

Where locals eat — best neighborhoods

West Loop

Trendy and industrial-chic, packed with acclaimed restaurants and bars.

Fine diningDate nightsCraft cocktails

Pilsen

Vibrant and artistic, with a strong Mexican-American heritage and a burgeoning food scene.

Authentic MexicanStreet artCasual eats

Uptown

Diverse and historic, offering a wide range of international cuisines and a lively music scene.

Global cuisineLive musicIndependent shops

Argyle Street (Uptown)

Known as 'Asia on Argyle', this street is a concentrated hub of Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese eateries.

Vietnamese phoThai curriesAuthentic Asian flavors

Dietary notes

While many restaurants offer vegetarian options, Chicago's signature dishes are often meat-heavy. Vegan and gluten-free availability is increasing, particularly in newer establishments and health-conscious cafes, but requires careful selection.

Local etiquette

•Tipping is customary in restaurants, typically 18-20% for good service.
•Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash can be useful for smaller vendors or food trucks.
•Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
•Dress codes vary; casual attire is common, but some upscale establishments may have a smart-casual requirement.

Plan the rest of your Chicago trip

Full itinerary →Budget Day trips

Food guides elsewhere

Food guides for similar destinations

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