Famous Chicago Dishes: 10 Must-Try Foods in the Windy City

Chicago’s famous dishes go beyond the deep-dish pizza and hot dogs. Like New York and Los Angeles, Chicago’s food scene is diverse and rich, thanks to its rich cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity.

Whether a first-time visitor or a local eager to explore your city’s cuisine, diving into Chicago’s best dishes will give you a new look into the Windy City’s history and traditions. Read on to discover what to eat in Chicago and where.

What kind of food does Chicago do best?

The Windy City excels in comfort food, blending hearty flavors with high-quality ingredients. Whether you're craving classic American dishes or looking for a fusion of flavors, you'll find some of the best dishes in Chicago across its many neighborhoods.

Chicago’s food culture is deeply influenced by its rich history of immigration and innovation. The city is best known for its deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches, but it also offers a wide range of international cuisines.

10 Must-try food in Chicago

So, what to eat in Chicago? Here is a complete list of their best dishes:

1. Italian Beef Sandwich at Al’s Italian Beef

A Chicago original from the 1900s, this famous food was created by the Italian immigrant community. The well-known backstory states that Anthony Ferrari initiated this dish to feed large wedding crowds, which was later popularized by his son Al.

Al’s version features crusty French bread with thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef, along with your choice of peppers and au jus sauce. For added flavor, you can request your sandwich dipped in gravy drippings.

2. Deep-Dish Pizza at Giordano’s

Many people believe that Giordano’s serves the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago. Its iconic combination of flavor and texture sets it apart from the competition. The crust is thin and crispy, with deeper fillings. The generous cheese and creamy sweet sauce create a perfect harmony of sweet and salty.

Tip: Arrive on time to secure a bite at Giordano’s since the place is always crowded! If you want to enjoy this iconic dish comfortably during your stay, hire a private chef in Chicago.

3. Mix Popcorn at Garrett Popcorn

Chicago-style popcorn, or Mix popcorn, offers a blend of Garrett’s cheddar and caramel flavors. If you’re ready to dive into popcorn heaven, there are even more recipes to try: Spicy Cheese, Pecan, Macadamia, Cashew, and Almond. Like most Chicago famous dishes, this popcorn is one of a kind.

4. Chicago-Style Hot Dog at Portillo’s

The Chicago hot dog, or simply “Chicago dog”, is widely known for its tastiness: a poppy seed bun filled with a Vienna beef hot dog, topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, a sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. And remember, don’t ask for ketchup if you want to enjoy it the right way!

5. Jibarito at Jibarito y Mas

A Puerto Rican community creation that is also regarded as a Chicago original dish. It is a sandwich made with two sliced and fried green plantains instead of bread, filled with your choice of protein (seafood or meat), and topped with lettuce, mayo, and cheese.

Jibarito y Mas is regarded as the original restaurant serving this Chicago cuisine and is famous for its varied menu, which includes vegetarian options.

6. Rib tips at Lem’s Bar-B-Q

When exploring traditional Chicago cuisine, ribs cannot be overlooked. Lem’s is renowned for its exceptional barbecue technique, using the largest aquarium smoker to prepare the meats. Each dish—including ribs—is finished with a secret sweet sauce that imparts an iconic flavor.

Hire a private BBQ chef if you want to explore more of Chicago BBQ specialties.

7. Maxwell Street Polish Sausage at Jim’s Original

You can’t miss the Polish sausage when diving into famous Chicago dishes. This sandwich may look similar to hot dogs, but it offers lighter toppings: mustard, grilled onions, and sports peppers. It's your best option for a filling, delicious dish that’s still affordable.

8. Flaming Saganaki at Greek Islands

A wonderful example of Greek cuisine is showcased in the Flaming Saganaki, a long-standing favorite dish in Chicago! This appetizer features a dramatic presentation where servers ignite a platter of Kasseri or white cheese with brandy at the tableside while shouting, “Opa!”

9. Chicken Vesuvio at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse

This well-known Italian-inspired food offers a half-bone-in roasted chicken with quartered potatoes, sweet peas, garlic, and white wine sauce. To try this famous Chicago food, rush up to Harry Caray’s; its version has been rated the best in the Windy City.

10. Fried Chicken with Mild Sauce at Harold’s Chicken Shack

As a famous dish in Chicago, Harold’s fried chicken shines with its strong flavor, which results from its detailed cooking process: first using vegetable oil and then beef tallow. The mild sauce creates an outstanding combination with its sweet and tangy taste.

What else can you eat in Chicago?

Although these 10 dishes are must-tries, Chicago has many more amazing food choices. The city features Michelin-starred restaurants, hidden neighborhood gems, and centers for international cuisine.

If you're looking for something different, here are more iconic foods to try in Chicago:

Fusion Foods and International Flavors

• Korean BBQ Tacos: A tasty combination of Korean flavors and Mexican-style tacos, often seen in food trucks across Chicago.
• Al Pastor Pizzas: A Mexican take on classic pizza, topped with marinated pork and fresh pineapple.
• Sushi Burritos: Large, handheld sushi rolls wrapped in seaweed and filled with fresh ingredients.
• Ethiopian Tibs: Savory, spicy sautéed meat accompanied by injera, a soft flatbread ideal for scooping up the meal.

Seafood Specialties

• Lake Michigan Whitefish: Freshly caught and often grilled or fried, served in top seafood spots.
• Charred Octopus: A favorite at many high-end restaurants, featuring tender octopus with bold Mediterranean flavors.
• Lobster Rolls: A Chicago-style take on this East Coast favorite, often found in the city’s seafood joints.

Famous Desserts

• Brownies A Chicago original food you can’t miss on your visit.
• Rainbow Cone: A multi-layered ice cream cone with flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House vanilla, pistachio, and orange sherbet.
• Peach Cobbler: A staple of soul food in many Southern-inspired restaurants across Chicago.

Far away from Chicago? Bring Chicago to you!

• For Deep-Dish Pizza: High-gluten flour, mozzarella cheese, crushed San Marzano tomatoes, and a deep-dish pan.
• For Italian Beef Sandwiches: Thinly sliced roast beef, giardiniera, beef au jus, and a soft French roll.
• For Chicago-Style Hot Dogs: Vienna beef hot dogs, poppy seed buns, mustard, neon green relish, sport peppers, and celery salt.
• For BBQ Ribs: Baby back ribs, seasoned with a Chicago-style BBQ dry rub and accompanied by a smoky tomato-based sauce.

Understanding BBQ Styles: Chicago vs. Texas vs. Memphis

• Texas BBQ emphasizes smoked beef brisket seasoned with a dry rub and a spicy bark.
• Memphis BBQ is all about pork ribs, either dry-rubbed or basted in a sweet, tomato-based sauce.
• Kansas City BBQ highlights a thick, molasses-based sauce that covers everything from ribs to burnt ends.

Hire a private chef

Recreating the subtle regional differences at home can be challenging, as mastering the nuances of smoke, spice rubs, and cooking times requires skill. That’s where a private chef comes in.

A professional chef can introduce the authentic flavors of Chicago barbecue and other classic dishes to your home, ensuring the right techniques and seasonings capture the true essence of the Windy City’s food culture.

Book a private chef with us to savor authentic Chicago cuisine in the comfort of your home!