Chicago stands out as a culinary powerhouse in the United States, renowned for a distinctive and diverse food scene. When people ask “What Is Chicago Famous For Food?”, a plethora of iconic dishes come to mind, each telling a story of the city’s rich cultural tapestry and innovative spirit. From deep-dish pizza to unique takes on street food, Chicago’s culinary contributions are both comforting and adventurous.
One of the first things that comes to mind when considering “what is Chicago famous for food?” is undoubtedly its pizza. However, in Chicago, pizza is not just pizza; it’s an experience, often sparking passionate debates between deep-dish devotees and tavern-style enthusiasts. Beyond pizza, the city’s culinary landscape is dotted with handheld delights like the Chicago hot dog, the Italian beef sandwich, and the jibarito, each a testament to Chicago’s unique food identity.
To truly understand “what is Chicago famous for food?”, one must explore beyond the well-trodden paths and discover the hidden culinary gems scattered throughout the city. From world-famous creations to secret menu items cherished by locals, Chicago offers a gastronomic journey that is both extensive and deeply satisfying.
1. Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
When exploring “what is Chicago famous for food?”, deep-dish pizza immediately claims the spotlight. This iconic dish is characterized by its remarkably thick crust, generous layer of cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and a medley of customizable toppings. Unlike traditional pizzas, the Chicago deep-dish is built more like a pie, with the crust forming high sides to contain the abundant fillings.
Among the many establishments vying for the title of best deep-dish in the city, Lou Malnati’s consistently rises to the top. Their deep-dish is celebrated for its buttery crust, vine-ripened tomato sauce, and a harmonious blend of cheese, creating a flavor profile that is both rich and comforting. For anyone seeking to answer “what is Chicago famous for food?”, experiencing a deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s is essential.
Lou Malnati’s | Multiple Locations | $$
2. Chicago Style Hot Dog
Another key element in understanding “what is Chicago famous for food?” is the Chicago-style hot dog. This isn’t just any hot dog; it’s a meticulously constructed masterpiece with a specific set of ingredients. A true Chicago hot dog starts with a Vienna beef hot dog, prepared in hot water rather than boiled, nestled in a steamed poppy seed bun. It’s then loaded with yellow mustard, vibrant green relish, freshly chopped white onions, spicy sport peppers, slices of ripe tomato, a dill pickle spear, and a sprinkle of celery salt. Ketchup, notably, is strictly prohibited.
For an authentic taste of this Chicago culinary icon, Portillo’s is the go-to destination. They perfectly execute the Chicago hot dog, offering a quintessential example of this famous Chicago food that answers the question “what is Chicago famous for food?” with every bite.
Portillo’s | Multiple Locations | $
3. Chicago Style Popcorn
When discussing “what is Chicago famous for food?”, even snacks get a distinctive Chicago twist, and Chicago-style popcorn is a prime example. Garrett Popcorn Shops are synonymous with this local favorite, particularly their signature Garrett Mix. This famous Chicago popcorn combines the sweet indulgence of CaramelCrisp and the savory delight of CheeseCorn, both made using secret family recipes in traditional copper kettles.
Since its inception in 1949, Garrett Mix has been a beloved Chicago food. With multiple locations across Chicago and even internationally, the aroma of Garrett Popcorn is a familiar and welcoming scent. The long lines outside their shops are a testament to the enduring popularity of this answer to “what is Chicago famous for food?”.
Garrett Popcorn | Multiple Locations | $$
4. Italian Beef Sandwich
The Italian beef sandwich stands as another pillar in the narrative of “what is Chicago famous for food?”. This hearty sandwich features thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef piled high on a crusty Italian roll, customizable with your choice of peppers and a flavorful au jus, often referred to as “gravy” locally.
The debate over who serves the best Italian beef in Chicago is ongoing, but Al’s Italian Beef is a strong contender, claiming to be the originator of this iconic Chicago food. Since 1938, Al’s has been serving up award-winning Italian beef, allowing customers to order it “dry,” “wet,” or “dipped” depending on their gravy preference, and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera. For those exploring “what is Chicago famous for food?”, an Italian beef from Al’s is a must-try.
Al’s Italian Beef | Multiple Locations | $
5. Rainbow Cone
For dessert, when considering “what is Chicago famous for food?”, the Rainbow Cone offers a visually stunning and deliciously unique treat. This Chicago classic is constructed on a cake cone with perfectly stacked layers of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio, and orange sherbet, always in this specific order.
A summertime staple since 1926, the Rainbow Cone from the Original Rainbow Cone is an Instagram-worthy dessert that has remained virtually unchanged. Located in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood and at Navy Pier, the Original Rainbow Cone provides a sweet answer to “what is Chicago famous for food?”.
Original Rainbow Cone | Multiple Locations | $
6. Tamales From The Authentic Tamale Guy
While tamales might not be a Chicago invention, The Authentic Tamale Guy has made them an iconic part of “what is Chicago famous for food?”. Claudio Velez, known as the “Tamale Guy,” is famous for personally delivering his hand-rolled tamales in red coolers, often to bars and local gatherings, creating a unique and beloved Chicago food experience.
The Tamale Guy’s presence and the quality of his tamales have cemented his place in Chicago’s food culture. For a taste of local flavor and to understand “what is Chicago famous for food?”, seeking out the Tamale Guy is a worthwhile endeavor.
Tamale Guy | 1209 N. Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60622 | $
7. Cinnamon Rolls at Ann Sather
For breakfast or a sweet treat, Ann Sather’s cinnamon rolls are a key component of “what is Chicago famous for food?”. These aren’t just any cinnamon rolls; they are layers of cinnamon swirled into a chewy, buttery dough, generously drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. Ann Sather’s has been serving these comforting rolls, a true testament to “what is Chicago famous for food?”, for nearly 80 years.
While Ann Sather offers a full breakfast menu, it’s the oven-fresh, made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls that have drawn crowds since 1945, solidifying their place in Chicago’s culinary landscape and contributing to the answer to “what is Chicago famous for food?”.
Ann Sather | Multiple Locations | $
8. Rib Tips at Lem’s Bar-B-Q
In the realm of barbecue, when considering “what is Chicago famous for food?”, rib tips take center stage. While other regions might be known for brisket or pulled pork, Chicago’s barbecue scene is defined by rib tips, especially at institutions like Lem’s Bar-B-Q.
Lem’s Bar-B-Q, an old-school Chicago smoke shack, highlights rib tips as their main attraction. Cooked in a customized aquarium smoker, the largest in the city, and slathered in a signature sweet sauce, Lem’s rib tips are a definitive answer to “what is Chicago famous for food?” for barbecue lovers.
Lem’s Bar-B-Q | 311 E. 75th St., Chicago, IL 60619 | $$
9. Chorizo-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates at avec Restaurant
Moving towards more refined tastes in the exploration of “what is Chicago famous for food?”, avec Restaurant offers a dish that perfectly blends sophistication and bold flavors: chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates. This dish has become an iconic Chicago food, demonstrating the city’s capacity for culinary innovation.
Since 2003, avec Restaurant has been celebrated for its approachable elegance and this inventive appetizer. Plump Medjool dates are stuffed with spiced chorizo, wrapped in thick bacon, and then crisped to perfection before being drizzled with a warm piquillo pepper tomato sauce. For those wondering “what is Chicago famous for food?” beyond the classics, avec’s dates are a revelation.
avec Restaurant | 615 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661 | $$$
10. Jibarito at Jibaritos y Más
The jibarito is a unique sandwich that firmly places itself in the discussion of “what is Chicago famous for food?”. This Puerto Rican-inspired creation is a culinary innovation featuring shredded beef or thin-cut steak, topped with tomatoes, lettuce, and garlic mayonnaise, all sandwiched between two fried and flattened green plantains instead of bread.
Jibaritos y Más is a prime spot to experience this legendary Chicago food in its traditional form. They offer variations with chicken, pork, and octopus, but the classic jibarito remains a definitive answer to “what is Chicago famous for food?” for sandwich aficionados.
Jibaritos y Más | Multiple Locations | $
11. Tavern-Style Pizza at Vito and Nick’s
Beyond deep-dish, when considering “what is Chicago famous for food?”, tavern-style pizza is the other pizza format that defines Chicago’s pizza scene. This cracker-thin, square-cut pizza was originally served in taverns as a cheap snack to encourage drink sales, hence the name.
Vito & Nick’s, a South Side institution since 1923, has been perfecting this iconic Chicago food for decades. Many Chicagoans prefer tavern-style pizza for its crispy crust and easy-to-share square slices, making it an integral part of “what is Chicago famous for food?”.
Vito and Nick’s | 8433 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL 60652 | $
12. Fried Chicken With Mild Sauce at Harold’s Chicken Shack
Harold’s Chicken Shack is synonymous with fried chicken in Chicago and is essential to understanding “what is Chicago famous for food?”. Considered by many to serve the best fried chicken in the city, Harold’s is a local favorite known for its distinctive cooking process and signature mild sauce.
With numerous locations, primarily on the South Side, Harold’s Chicken Shack cooks its chicken to order in vegetable oil and beef tallow, resulting in a unique flavor. Their mild sauce, a tomato-tinged, sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy concoction, is another Chicago food icon, crucial to the answer of “what is Chicago famous for food?”.
Harold’s Chicken Shack | Multiple Locations | $$
13. Mapo Tofu at Lao Sze Chuan
For a taste of global cuisine that has become intrinsically linked to “what is Chicago famous for food?”, Lao Sze Chuan offers an exceptional mapo tofu. This restaurant, spearheaded by chef Tony Hu, is a standard-bearer for Sichuan cuisine in Chicago.
Lao Sze Chuan’s mapo tofu is molten, silky, and intensely flavorful, swimming in a broth charged with Sichuan pepper. This dish has propelled Lao Sze Chuan from a small Chinatown eatery to a Midwestern empire and is a must-try for anyone exploring “what is Chicago famous for food?”.
Lao Sze Chuan | Multiple Locations | $$
14. Smoked Shrimp at Calumet Fisheries
Calumet Fisheries, a humble fish shack on the Far South Side, has been smoking seafood over oak logs since 1948, contributing significantly to “what is Chicago famous for food?”. Recognized by the James Beard Foundation as an America’s Classic, Calumet Fisheries is beloved for its timeless appeal and quality food.
While their menu is extensive, the smoked shrimp stands out as one of the best Chicago foods. Tender, briny, and bursting with smoky flavor, the smoked shrimp from Calumet Fisheries is a quintessential answer to “what is Chicago famous for food?” for seafood lovers.
Calumet Fisheries | 3259 E. 95th St., Chicago, IL 60617 | $$
15. Off-Menu Beijing Duck Dinner at Sun Wah BBQ
Sun Wah BBQ offers a not-so-secret, off-menu Beijing duck dinner that is a true testament to “what is Chicago famous for food?”. This multi-course feast is a signature dish and one of the best culinary experiences in the city.
The Beijing duck dinner at Sun Wah BBQ begins with a whole duck, roasted and carved tableside. It’s served with steamed bao buns, garnishes, and house-blended hoisin sauce. The remaining duck is then transformed into duck fried rice for the second course, and finally, a duck bone broth soup completes the meal. This off-menu item is a sophisticated answer to “what is Chicago famous for food?”.
Sun Wah BBQ | 5039 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640 | $
16. Pierogi at Kasia’s Deli
For those seeking Eastern European flavors in the context of “what is Chicago famous for food?”, Kasia’s Deli is the destination for pierogi. Famous for its rotating selection of delicious dumplings, Kasia’s Deli offers both classic and contemporary fillings.
From potato and cheese to beef goulash and sauerkraut with Polish sausage, Kasia’s pierogi are flavor-packed. Sweet options like strawberry and plum are also available. While pierogi aren’t a Chicago invention, Kasia’s pierogi have become an iconic Chicago food, making this deli a unique answer to “what is Chicago famous for food?”.
Kasia’s Deli | 2101 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 | $
17. Buttermilk Old-Fashioned Doughnut at Do-Rite Donuts
When doughnuts became a city-wide craze, Do-Rite Donuts’ Buttermilk Old-Fashioned doughnut emerged as a champion, contributing to “what is Chicago famous for food?” in the realm of sweets.
Craggy on the outside, yet soft and delicate inside, and coated in a vanilla bean glaze, this doughnut is a classic Chicago food that excels in its simplicity. While Do-Rite offers a variety of flavors, the Buttermilk Old-Fashioned is a standout answer to “what is Chicago famous for food?” for doughnut lovers.
Do-Rite Donuts | Multiple Locations | $
18. Bing Bread at Parachute
Michelin-starred Parachute is celebrated for its modern Korean cuisine, and their bing bread has become an iconic Chicago food, essential to understanding “what is Chicago famous for food?” in the fine dining category.
The bing bread at Parachute, a menu mainstay since 2014, is the restaurant’s most-ordered dish. Made with potato, bacon, cheese, and scallions, this appetizer is a must-try, representing a contemporary and innovative answer to “what is Chicago famous for food?”.
Parachute | 3472 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 | $$$
19. Single Cheeseburger at Au Cheval
Au Cheval’s cheeseburger is not just iconic in Chicago; it’s often hailed as one of the best burgers in America, making it a significant part of “what is Chicago famous for food?”. This West Loop spot has earned accolades for its scrumptiously sloppy cheeseburger.
Featuring prime W.W. Johnson Farms beef griddled to perfection, gooey Kraft American cheese, housemade pickles, onions, a runny fried egg, thick-cut bacon, and Dijonnaise, all in a buttery toasted bun, the “single” (which is actually a double patty) at Au Cheval is a definitive answer to “what is Chicago famous for food?”.
Au Cheval | 800 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$
20. Steak at Gene & Georgetti
Chicago’s history as a meat-and-potatoes town means steakhouses are crucial to “what is Chicago famous for food?”. Gene & Georgetti, opened in 1941, represents the classic Chicago steakhouse experience perfectly.
Sourcing top-quality American beef, wet-aging their steaks, and broiling them to perfection, Gene & Georgetti delivers a steak that is a quintessential Chicago food experience. For those exploring “what is Chicago famous for food?” in terms of classic dining, Gene & Georgetti is essential.
Gene & Georgetti | 500 N. Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60654 | $$$
21. Chicken Vesuvio at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse
Chicken Vesuvio is a uniquely Chicago dish, adding another layer to “what is Chicago famous for food?”. This roast chicken dish with potato wedges and peas in a white wine sauce is believed to have originated in Chicago in the 1930s.
While its exact origins are debated, Chicken Vesuvio is claimed by Chicagoans as their own. Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse offers a version that is frequently rated as the best in town, making it a solid introduction to this Chicago food for anyone asking “what is Chicago famous for food?”.
Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse | 33 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, IL 60654 | $$$
22. Gym Shoe at Stony Sub
The Gym Shoe sandwich is a culinary phenomenon and a must-explore when understanding “what is Chicago famous for food?”. This towering sandwich at Stony Sub is piled high with roast beef, corned beef, and gyro meat, shredded and mixed with sweet peppers, onions, and giardiniera, topped with tzatziki and tomatoes, and served on a grilled Italian roll with Swiss cheese and mayonnaise.
Stony Sub in Avalon Park has mastered this overstuffed feast of a sandwich. When considering “what is Chicago famous for food?” in terms of over-the-top sandwiches, the Gym Shoe is a prime example.
Stony Sub | 8440 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago, IL 60617 | $
With over 8,000 restaurants and a vibrant culinary scene, these 22 Chicago foods offer a comprehensive answer to “what is Chicago famous for food?”. From iconic dishes to local favorites, this list provides a flavorful guide to the Windy City’s most storied meals.
