Chicago’s Famous Food Spots: A Must-Visit Guide for Food Lovers
Chicago is a paradise for food lovers! The city is known for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, Italian beef, and much more. If you are visiting Chicago or even live here and want to try the best food, this guide will help you explore the most famous food spots in the city. We have included the locations, ratings, and the best dishes loved by people.
1. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria :
- Location: Multiple locations across Chicago (Downtown, Lincoln Park, River North, etc.)
- Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5
- Best Food: Deep-Dish Pizza (Malnati’s Chicago Classic)
One of the most iconic deep-dish pizza places in Chicago, Lou Malnati’s is known for its buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and generous cheese. Locals and tourists both love their famous “Chicago Classic” pizza with sausage, mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce. Be ready for a wait during peak hours!
2. Portillo’s :
- Location: 100 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654
- Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5
- Best Food: Chicago-Style Hot Dog, Italian Beef Sandwich
Portillo’s is the place to go for a classic Chicago-style hot dog. Their hot dogs come with mustard, relish, onions, tomato, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt—all on a steamed poppy seed bun. Another must-try is their Italian Beef Sandwich, dipped in flavorful au jus sauce.
3. The Purple Pig :
- Location: 444 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- Rating: ⭐ 4.7/5
- Best Food: Milk-Braised Pork Shoulder, Crispy Pig’s Ear
If you love Mediterranean flavors, The Purple Pig is a must-visit. It has a mix of Italian, Greek, and Spanish influences. Their milk-braised pork shoulder is a crowd favorite, and adventurous eaters can try the crispy pig’s ear!
4. Al’s #1 Italian Beef :
- Location: 169 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654
- Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5
- Best Food: Italian Beef Sandwich (Dipped with Hot Peppers)
Chicagoans take their Italian beef sandwiches seriously, and Al’s #1 Italian Beef is one of the best places to get one. Their juicy, thin-sliced beef with giardiniera (spicy pickled vegetables) is a must-try. Order it “dipped” for extra flavor!
5. Giordano’s :
- Location: Multiple locations across Chicago
- Rating: ⭐ 4.4/5
- Best Food: Stuffed Deep-Dish Pizza
Another famous deep-dish pizza spot, Giordano’s is known for its cheesy, stuffed pizza. The crust is thick, crispy, and buttery, with layers of cheese and toppings inside. It’s a true Chicago classic!
6. Au Cheval :
- Location: 800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
- Rating: ⭐ 4.7/5
- Best Food: Double Cheeseburger with Fried Egg
Regarded as one of the best burgers in America, Au Cheval’s cheeseburger is simple but legendary. The meat is juicy, the cheese is perfectly melted, and adding a fried egg makes it even better.
7. Superdawg Drive-In :
- Location: 6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
- Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5
- Best Food: Superdawg Hot Dog
This retro drive-in is a fun and delicious experience. Their Superdawg hot dog is different from a regular Chicago-style dog—served in a box with crinkle-cut fries and topped with a pickle, mustard, and other tasty toppings.
8. Johnnie’s Beef :
- Location: 7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707
- Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5
- Best Food: Italian Beef Sandwich
Johnnie’s Beef is a small, no-frills joint that serves one of the best Italian beef sandwiches in the city. Their beef is seasoned perfectly, and the sandwich is best enjoyed dipped in their delicious gravy.
9. Gene & Georgetti :
- Location: 500 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60654
- Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5
- Best Food: Bone-In Ribeye Steak
If you’re looking for a great steakhouse, Gene & Georgetti is a legendary spot. Their bone-in ribeye is cooked to perfection, and the old-school atmosphere makes it a great place for a classic Chicago dining experience.
10. Pequod’s Pizza :
- Location: 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
- Rating: ⭐ 4.7/5
- Best Food: Caramelized Crust Deep-Dish Pizza
Pequod’s is a local favorite known for its caramelized cheese crust on their deep-dish pizzas. The crust is crispy, cheesy, and perfectly golden brown, making their pizzas truly unique.
Final Thoughts :
Chicago’s food scene is full of legendary spots that serve some of the best food in the country. Whether you’re craving deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, Italian beef, or an award-winning burger, the city has something to offer every food lover.
If you’re visiting Chicago, be sure to try a few (or all!) of these famous food spots. Each of them has a unique history and flavors that make Chicago one of the best food cities in the world.
Enjoy your food adventure in Chicago!