If Chicago is known for anything, its foods and drinks. Even if you aren’t from here, you can probably name at least one of our great, iconic eats. These 13 things to consume are local favorites you must try.
You don’t want to miss out on these epic eating experiences. Keep scrolling to see if you’ve tried all these foods.
- Pan Pizza
Facebook/Pequod’s Pizza While we may be famous for our deep-dish pizza, pan pizza has also won the heart of most Chicagoans. One of the best places to get a fluffy, pan pie is at Pequod’s. Locals love it for the caramelized crust.
- Pizza Puff
Nizel A./Yelp The pizza puff is an invention native to Chicago, and locals can’t get enough. It’s basically just a folded over pizza, but it eats like a whole new meal.
- Rainbow Cone
Facebook/Original Rainbow Cone You can’t leave the city without trying one of these flavorful cones. This Chicago mix of gourmet flavors will send your tastebuds on a whirlwind they’ll never want to come down from.
- Jibarito
Wikimedia Commons/Minah Even if you haven’t tried this delectable sandwich yet, you’ve probably heard about it. The bun is made from fried plantains, and you can get various meats and veggie inside.
- Goose Island Beer
Facebook/Goose Island Chicagoans love their local breweries, and this is a definite favorite. All across bars and festivals in the city, you can get this tasty brew on tap, in a bottle, or canned.
- Hot Dogs
WikipediaArnold Gatilao We’re not known for just any hot dog. A Chicago-style dog is topped with yellow mustard, onions, tomato slices, a pickle spear, sweet pickle relish, pickled peppers, and celery salt. We call it “dragged through the garden” and never mention ketchup.
- Egg-Topped Burgers
Flickr/Sean Biehle These delicious burgers are just as messy as they seem. A runny egg on top of a cheesy burger makes for a tasty and napkin-worthy eating experience. Try them at Kuma’s Corner or Au Cheval.
- Churros
Facebook/Churro Factory No one can resist warm, cinnamon goodness. Chitown has several places to get these Mexican sweets, and locals can’t get enough. Xurro likes to fill theirs with creams and jellies.
- Italian Lemonade
Flickr/p_kam For a sweet, cold drink you can enjoy anytime of day, try one of these fruity concoctions. Locals line up down the block for Mario’s Italian Lemonade, which is icy and full of flavor.
- Corned Beef Sandwich
Facebook/Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen This is what you get when you order corned beef at Manny’s in Chicago. This deli isn’t messing around when it comes to getting you your daily dose of protein. It’s obvious why this place is popular.
- Malort
Flickr/star5112 This locally-made liquor is another favorite because it’s made in Chicago. While some may drink it straight, most prefer it mixed in a cocktail. You can find it at most bars in the city.
- Breaded Steak
Facebook/Ricobene’s Thin, tender steak fried in a delicious breading is placed in a bun and topped with cheese and other toppings. Ricobene’s is the inventor of this epic meal.
- Cheddar and Caramel Popcorn
Flickr/Wesley Fryer Don’t knock this combination until you try it. Giving you a whole new take on sweet and savory, this incredibly flavorful snack is iconic for a reason - it’s addictive.
If we had you at pizza, check out these 10 pizzerias in Chicago that are so good your mouth with explode.
Facebook/Pequod’s Pizza
While we may be famous for our deep-dish pizza, pan pizza has also won the heart of most Chicagoans. One of the best places to get a fluffy, pan pie is at Pequod’s. Locals love it for the caramelized crust.
Nizel A./Yelp
The pizza puff is an invention native to Chicago, and locals can’t get enough. It’s basically just a folded over pizza, but it eats like a whole new meal.
Facebook/Original Rainbow Cone
You can’t leave the city without trying one of these flavorful cones. This Chicago mix of gourmet flavors will send your tastebuds on a whirlwind they’ll never want to come down from.
Wikimedia Commons/Minah
Even if you haven’t tried this delectable sandwich yet, you’ve probably heard about it. The bun is made from fried plantains, and you can get various meats and veggie inside.
Facebook/Goose Island
Chicagoans love their local breweries, and this is a definite favorite. All across bars and festivals in the city, you can get this tasty brew on tap, in a bottle, or canned.
WikipediaArnold Gatilao
We’re not known for just any hot dog. A Chicago-style dog is topped with yellow mustard, onions, tomato slices, a pickle spear, sweet pickle relish, pickled peppers, and celery salt. We call it “dragged through the garden” and never mention ketchup.
Flickr/Sean Biehle
These delicious burgers are just as messy as they seem. A runny egg on top of a cheesy burger makes for a tasty and napkin-worthy eating experience. Try them at Kuma’s Corner or Au Cheval.
Facebook/Churro Factory
No one can resist warm, cinnamon goodness. Chitown has several places to get these Mexican sweets, and locals can’t get enough. Xurro likes to fill theirs with creams and jellies.
Flickr/p_kam
For a sweet, cold drink you can enjoy anytime of day, try one of these fruity concoctions. Locals line up down the block for Mario’s Italian Lemonade, which is icy and full of flavor.
Facebook/Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen
This is what you get when you order corned beef at Manny’s in Chicago. This deli isn’t messing around when it comes to getting you your daily dose of protein. It’s obvious why this place is popular.
Flickr/star5112
This locally-made liquor is another favorite because it’s made in Chicago. While some may drink it straight, most prefer it mixed in a cocktail. You can find it at most bars in the city.
Facebook/Ricobene’s
Thin, tender steak fried in a delicious breading is placed in a bun and topped with cheese and other toppings. Ricobene’s is the inventor of this epic meal.
Flickr/Wesley Fryer
Don’t knock this combination until you try it. Giving you a whole new take on sweet and savory, this incredibly flavorful snack is iconic for a reason - it’s addictive.
How many of these iconic foods and drinks have you tried? Share your favorites with us!
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