There are many rules to living in Chicago, and the way we eat is one of them. you don’t want to get caught making these food mistakes in the city. People might look at you funny, and they’ll definitely know you’re not a true Chicagoan. From dinner to dessert, this list of food faux-pas will keep you on the straight and narrow as well as prevent you from eating anything icky. Scroll on for more details.
- Not dipping your Italian beef sammich.
Wikimedia Commons/jeffreyw It’s tradition in Chicago to have your sandwich dipped in the juices that cooked off from the meat. This flavorful stew is a delicacy to many people here, so don’t pass it up.
- Putting ketchup on a hot dog.
Public Domain Images/Circe Denyer This is an easy one to get right. Everyone knows the only condiment that is allowed on a Chicago hot dog is mustard. You can also get it “dragged through the garden,” a classic Chicago way of getting your veggies.
- A hot dog that doesn’t snap.
Flickr/Luis Tamayo If you don’t feel that bite when you chow down, it’s not a Chicago-style hot dog. There should be an audible snap when you sink your teeth in.
- Never trying a Rainbow Cone.
Flickr/julie corsi Found at festivals (and at its Western Avenue creamery) this iconic Chicago ice cream is what dreams are made of. It features five incredible flavors that are amazing on their own and dynamite when eaten together.
- Not mixing sweet n’ salty popcorn.
Wikipedia/Evan-Amos Cheddar popcorn plus caramel corn equals the best snack in the city. It is definitely one of the biggest food mistakes you can make if you neglect to even try this magical combination. Remember, they thought peanut butter and jelly was crazy at first too.
- Eating frozen seafood.
Wikimedia Commons/Flixtey Chicago is an oasis of fresh seafood, so eating at a place that doesn’t serve it up fresh is just a waste. There are also many stores that sell seafood fresh by the pound, so why would you ever by it like this?
- Pizza with cheese that doesn’t stretch to the ceiling.
Facebok/Giordano’s Pizza It’s for sure a food faux-pas in Chicago to make or eat a pizza that doesn’t have the max amount of cheese. Places like Gioradno’s know what’s up, and that’s why their deep-dish pies are made with so much cheese, you could stretch it the length of your wingspan.
- Hesitating to trust our local fast-food.
Flickr/odonata98 (Kimberly Reinhart) If it started in Chicago, then it must be good. While you may think you only want to eat at little hole-in-the-wall restaurants, places like Superdawg and Portillo’s are true gems in this city. This one of those food mistakes you’ll definitely regret.
- Not trying something new at Taste of Chicago.
Flickr/Peter F. The whole point of this festival is to feature restaurants you may not be able to get to in your neighborhood. If you go here and only order from the vendors whose restaurants you’ve eaten at before, you’re missing out on a great opportunity.
Now that you know how to eat like a Chicagoan, you need somewhere to try out your skills. Check out these eight amazing restaurants in Chicago loaded with history.
Wikimedia Commons/jeffreyw
It’s tradition in Chicago to have your sandwich dipped in the juices that cooked off from the meat. This flavorful stew is a delicacy to many people here, so don’t pass it up.
Public Domain Images/Circe Denyer
This is an easy one to get right. Everyone knows the only condiment that is allowed on a Chicago hot dog is mustard. You can also get it “dragged through the garden,” a classic Chicago way of getting your veggies.
Flickr/Luis Tamayo
If you don’t feel that bite when you chow down, it’s not a Chicago-style hot dog. There should be an audible snap when you sink your teeth in.
Flickr/julie corsi
Found at festivals (and at its Western Avenue creamery) this iconic Chicago ice cream is what dreams are made of. It features five incredible flavors that are amazing on their own and dynamite when eaten together.
Wikipedia/Evan-Amos
Cheddar popcorn plus caramel corn equals the best snack in the city. It is definitely one of the biggest food mistakes you can make if you neglect to even try this magical combination. Remember, they thought peanut butter and jelly was crazy at first too.
Wikimedia Commons/Flixtey
Chicago is an oasis of fresh seafood, so eating at a place that doesn’t serve it up fresh is just a waste. There are also many stores that sell seafood fresh by the pound, so why would you ever by it like this?
Facebok/Giordano’s Pizza
It’s for sure a food faux-pas in Chicago to make or eat a pizza that doesn’t have the max amount of cheese. Places like Gioradno’s know what’s up, and that’s why their deep-dish pies are made with so much cheese, you could stretch it the length of your wingspan.
Flickr/odonata98 (Kimberly Reinhart)
If it started in Chicago, then it must be good. While you may think you only want to eat at little hole-in-the-wall restaurants, places like Superdawg and Portillo’s are true gems in this city. This one of those food mistakes you’ll definitely regret.
Flickr/Peter F.
The whole point of this festival is to feature restaurants you may not be able to get to in your neighborhood. If you go here and only order from the vendors whose restaurants you’ve eaten at before, you’re missing out on a great opportunity.
What other food mistakes do you see people make in Chicago? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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