A Culinary Guide to Chicago Beyond ‘The Bear’
Chicago, affectionately known as "the great American city," boasts a vibrant culinary scene that rivals any major metropolis. From its famed deep-dish pizza to innovative Michelin-starred dining experiences, Chicago offers a gastronomic adventure for every palate.
Farm-to-Table in the West Loop
Over the past two decades, Chicago's high-end restaurants have migrated from the central business district to the West Loop, transforming former industrial spaces into culinary hotspots. Randolph and Fulton Streets are now bustling with diners sampling cocktails while waiting for their tables at some of the city’s best eateries.
Neighborhood Gems
Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods house some of its most beloved restaurants, blending fine and casual dining. In West Town, Michelin-starred Kasama serves exquisite pastries and breakfasts by day and a Filipino-inspired tasting menu by night. Bronzeville’s Moody Tongue offers a unique dining experience as both an elegant restaurant and brewery.
Multicultural Influence
Chicago’s rich immigrant history is reflected in its culinary diversity. The city’s Mexican population in areas like Pilsen and Little Village offers mouth-watering birria, tacos, and carnitas. Humboldt Park’s Puerto Rican community created the jibarito sandwich, a local favorite featuring fried green plantains instead of bread. Greek Americans popularized gyros, while black migrants from the Deep South introduced 'mild sauce,' a delicious blend of barbecue, ketchup, and hot sauce, perfect with fried chicken from Harold’s or Uncle Remus.
Exploring Hyde Park
Hyde Park, located seven miles south of downtown, is a cultural and culinary hub on the South Side. Start your day at Plein Air Cafe with a hearty breakfast before exploring the University of Chicago's historic campus and nearby attractions like the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Robie House. Lunch at Medici on 57th offers cozy comfort, while an afternoon stroll along Lake Michigan’s Promontory Point provides stunning views. For dinner, head to Virtue Restaurant & Bar, where chef Erick Williams serves up Black American cuisine like blackened catfish and cornbread with honey butter.
Discovering Logan Square & Avondale
Logan Square, a Northwest Side enclave, is a food scene epicenter with urban farms, breweries, and a popular farmers’ market. Begin your culinary journey at Honey Butter Fried Chicken or TriBecca’s Sandwich Shop. Spend the afternoon kayaking on the Chicago River or browsing the eclectic shops on Milwaukee Avenue. Dinner at Mi Tocaya Antojería or Lula Café offers innovative Mexican dishes and farm-to-table fare. End the day with a sweet treat from Pretty Cool Ice Cream or live blues at Rosa’s Lounge.
Iconic Pizzerias
- Lou Malnati’s: Known for pioneering deep-dish pizza with a buttery crust and sausage patty.
- Pequod's: Famous for its pan pizza with a caramelized cheese crust.
- Vito & Nick's: Offers thin-crust pizza, a local favorite, cut into squares.
Hot Dog Stands
Chicago’s strict food-handling codes have moved hot dog stands indoors. An authentic Chicago dog features a Vienna beef frank topped with mustard, onions, pickle relish, dill pickle, tomatoes, sport peppers, and celery salt in a poppyseed bun. For the best experience, visit The Wiener’s Circle or Jim’s Original for Polish sausage. Superdawg drive-in offers a nostalgic twist with carhop service.
Top Drinking Spots
- Kumiko: Serves American cocktails with Japanese ingredients and unique non-alcoholic drinks.
- Nobody's Darling: A Black- and queer-owned LGBTQ+ bar known for its inventive cocktails.
- Maria’s: Combines a liquor store and bar, offering rare craft beers and bottled cocktails.
Exquisite Tasting Menus
- Alinea: Chicago’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, known for its immersive dining experience.
- Oriole: Hidden on an industrial street, offering changing menus with exquisite seafood.
- Jeong: Blends Korean and European ingredients in a minimalist setting, serving modern dishes.
Chicago’s culinary scene, deeply rooted in its multicultural heritage and innovative spirit, proves that this city is second to none for food lovers.
