Chicago has earned a worldwide reputation for such hearty fare as deep-dish pizza, prime aged steak and the nation's best hot dogs. A visit would not be complete without sampling these Chicago classics.
Breakfast Spots
Bongo Room - Located in trendy Wicker Park, the Bongo Room is known for its sinful pancakes, including the version made with crushed Oreo cookies and warm vanilla bean sauce. Also open for lunch and brunch.
Eleven City Diner - Breakfast is served all day at this traditional delicatessen that features staples like brisket and matzo ball soup. An in-house soda jerk makes old-fashioned phosphates and other fountain treats.
Ina's - Chef Ina Pinkney is the creative force behind this charming American café known for its great breakfasts (lunch and dinner are also served). Don’t miss Ina’s original vegetable hash and tasty pasta frittata.
Steak, Ribs & Seafood
Gene & Georgetti - A Chicago steakhouse tradition since 1941, and an old favourite of Frank Sinatra’s (you’ll find his photos on the walls throughout the restaurant). Besides steaks and chops, the kitchen serves up a number of authentic Italian specialties.
Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse - This Gold Coast neighbourhood hotspot is a favourite among locals and visiting celebrities alike. Start your evening at the bar with a famous onion-garnished Gibson martini, then dig into one of the best steaks in the city.
Morton's The Steakhouse - The original Morton’s The Steakhouse in Chicago is housed in a clubby restaurant with crisp white tablecloths, exposed brick walls and a discreet below-street locale in the bustling Rush Street district. In addition to a second downtown Chicago location, Morton’s also has three suburban restaurants, plus other locations around the world.
Blue Water Grill - The imaginative menu at this stylish spot is a seafood lover's dream, featuring everything from fresh catch entrees to sushi to a raw bar. After dinner, head upstairs to the second floor jazz bar.
Harry Caray's - Named for the late Hall of Fame baseball announcer, this acclaimed Italian steakhouse serves the finest steaks and chops. The combination of mahogany panelling, white tablecloths and a veritable museum of baseball history creates a warm and casual elegance.
Joe's Seafood Prime Steak and Stone Crab - It may be best known for its cracked stone crab claws, but the prime steaks deserve equal praise. The crisp white tablecloths and dark wood create a classically elegant setting.
Mike Ditka's Restaurant - The former coach of Chicago's American football team, the Bears, is the namesake behind this restaurant. Check out the sports memorabilia before digging into the famed pork chops or bone-in rotisserie prime rib. After dinner enjoy a primo cigar and live music in the restaurant's clubby cigar bar.
Shaw's - This popular seafood destination prides itself on its famously fresh fish, flown in daily from all coasts. The casual oyster bar offers a menu of regional oysters and cocktails, while the more formal dining room features over 40 fresh seafood entrees.
Wildfire - Wildfire is a sleek steakhouse that recalls a 1940s supper club, complete with a cosy martini lounge. Try the steak (you'll hear them sizzling in the brick oven) or a seafood dish like the popular cedar-planked salmon.
N9ne - This modern steakhouse features prime aged steaks, as well as succulent seafood. See and be seen at the circular granite champagne and caviar bar in the center of the dining room, or at the groovy upstairs Ghostbar.
RL - Dine amidst Ralph Lauren décor at this stylish restaurant located adjacent to the world’s largest Polo store. Like Lauren’s signature design, the menu is inspired by American classics such as Maine lobster and steak Diane (prepared tableside).
Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern - A favorite in the city’s Old Town neighborhood since 1932, Twin Anchors is known for its lip-smacking barbecued ribs. The music of Frank Sinatra, a long-time customer, often plays on the jukebox.
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
Giordano's - For more than 30 years Giordano's has been serving up its own version of deep-dish pizza, stuffed with loads of cheese and topped with a tangy tomato sauce. The authentic taste comes from the owners' closely guarded family recipe, developed generations ago in Torino, Italy.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - This family-run pizzeria offers a huge variety of pizza concoctions, though it's hard to beat its namesake Lou: a hearty combo of tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms and three cheeses layered in a deep, flaky crust.
Pizzeria Uno - Pizzeria Uno is the home of Chicago's original deep-dish pizza, invented by owner Ike Sewell back in 1943. Read the entertaining graffiti on the walls while you wait for your freshly made tomato-topped pie, filled with cheese and a choice of veggies and meat.
Chicago-Style Hot Dogs
Portillo’s - What started in as a simple hot dog stand in 1963 is today 42 restaurants serving all the Chicago food favourites, including hot dogs, Italian beef, Polish sausage, pizza and ribs. The downtown Ontario Street location has a fun display of Chicago memorabilia from the '30s and '40s.
Superdawg Drive-In - It's hard to miss this modest standjust look for the towering boy and girl hot dog mascots winking from the roof. Order a plump Superdawg with french fries and wait for a carhop to bring it out to your car. Don't leave without a milkshake or creamy root beer Blackkow!
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