Chicago: what to eat and where

The city's signature dishes and the best places for each.

12 places in Chicago · by Chef Amazing · updated October 20, 2026
Photo: giordanos.com

1. 1

   Mr. Beef

   Italian beef · River North

   Get: An Italian beef, dipped, with hot giardiniera

   Order: Classic beef

   Also on the list: Long lines in Chicago.

   666 N Orleans St, Chicago · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Giordano's

   Deep-dish pizza · Magnificent Mile

   Order: Stuffed deep dish

   730 N Rush St, Chicago · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   Portillo's

   Chicago classics · River North

   Order: Charbroiled Maxwell Street Polish with crinkle fries

   100 W Ontario St, Chicago · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   Gino's East

   Streeterville

   Order: Deep dish with cornmeal-style golden crust

   162 E Superior St, Chicago · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
5. 5

   Chilam Balam

   Chicago

   Order: Mexican

   3023 North Broadway, 60657 Chicago · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
6. 6

   Home Run Inn

   Archer Avenue area

   Order: One tavern-style, one deep dish

   6221 South Archer Avenue, 60638 Chicago · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
7. 7

   Pizzeria Uno

   Deep-dish pizza · River North

   Order: Sausage deep dish

   29 E Ohio St, Chicago · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
8. 8

   Lou Malnati's

   Deep-dish pizza · River North

   Order: Sausage deep dish

   439 N Wells St, Chicago · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
9. 9

   Pequod's Pizza

   Deep dish pizza · Lincoln Park

   Get: Pan pizza with the caramelized cheese crust

   Order: Pan pizza with caramelized cheese edge

   Also on these lists: Long lines in Chicago, Where locals eat in Chicago.

   2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
10. 10

    Fatso's Last Stand

    Chicago hot dogs · Ukrainian Village

    Order: Char dog

    2258 W Chicago Ave, Chicago · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
11. 11

    Mi Tocaya Antojería

    Chicago

    Order: Antojitos

    Also on the list: Where locals eat in Chicago.

    2800 West Logan Boulevard, 60647 Chicago · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
12. 12

    The Wiener's Circle

    Chicago hot dogs · Lincoln Park

    Order: Char dog with everything

    2622 N Clark St, Chicago · Map · Add to Chef Amazing