Top Ten Chicago Eateries

Julia Trowbridge

Any visitor to the Chicago culinary scene must try one single food. If you eat nothing else your entire stay in the city save this single item, consider it a visit well spent. If you visit Chicago without partaking of a piece of this delight, then many Chicagoans will likely deem your visit a failure.

This food is deep dish pizza. Chicago created it, made it popular, and perfected it. Chicagoans continue to love and eat this pizza today and as a result there are countless restaurants offering this scrumptious pie throughout the city. Besides this city specialty, the Chicago culinary scene offers a varied and colorful culinary scene with everything from Thai to Lebanese to Russian fare.  Below are ten of the best places to eat in the city.

1. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – This old Chicago favorite is famous throughout the city for its flaky, buttery crust and California-tomato sauce. With six locations in the downtown area and many others throughout the suburbs, there’s never a Lou Malnati’s far away.

2. Giordano’s – Perhaps the most famous of all Chicago pizzerias, Giordano’s has been in operation in Chicago since 1974. Giordano’s loads its pizza up with quality cheese and sauces and pairs it with a thick, flaky crust.

3. Billy Goat Tavern – The Billy Goat Tavern is home to the famous “Curse of the Billy Goat”, also known as the Cubs Curse, first invoked when William “Billy Goat” Sianis attempted to bring his pet goat into a Cubs game with him. Upon hearing that the goat would not be allowed to enter with him, he promptly declared “The Cubs ain’t gonna win no more” and since then, the Cubs haven’t. Besides its colorful history, the Billy Goat Tavern is a purveyor of one of the best burgers in the city, called affectionately, “Cheezeborger! Cheezeborger!”

4. The Walnut Room – A longtime beloved favorite of Chicagoans, The Walnut Room is situated in the grand hall of Macy’s (nee Marshall Field’s) amidst the prime shopping area on State Street. The eatery offers an upscale grill fare.  Their food as well as warm treats and snacks are perfect during the cold winters.

5. Taste of Chicago – Every Fourth of July week, the Taste of Chicago comes to Chicago. The best eateries from the city and suburbs gather at the event to boast and attract new customers in the beautiful Grant Park.

6. Landshark Beer Garden – Situated at the end of a pier right on the water at famous Navy Pier, Landshark is the only real Beer Garden in the city and offers classic beers and snacks with an excellent view over the lake.

7. China Town – A short ride on the El’s red line away from the loop, Chicago’s China Town is home to every manner of fine Chinese food. Cantonese, Sichuan, and other popular Chinese cuisine are both well-represented here, and the area is a favorite of the Chicago area’s Chinese population.

8. Frontera Grill – Specializing in regional Mexican cuisine, this casual restaurant is a favorite of Chicagoans looking for something a little more exotic.

9. Poag Mahone’s – This Irish pub serves up both delicious Irish cuisine as well as good American food. Be sure to try the beer on tap!

10. Portillo’s Hot Dogs – Situated all over the city proper and suburbs, Portillo’s is known for its burgers, hot dogs, and chocolate cake. It serves up classic American food with the best fries you’ll ever find and delicious shakes to boot.