New Orleans In Chicago: Ina Mae Tavern
Chef Brian Jupiter has the soul of the bayou running through his blood. Unlike any cook before him, he has somehow found a way to bring a taste of The Big Easy to Chicago at Ina Mae Tavern. Chargrilled oysters can bubble with butter, while fried crawfish tails can be as addictive like popcorn shrimp. Po’ Boy-style sandwiches stuffed between crusty bread channels the best of New Orleanss stalwarts like Parkway Bakery and Domilises.
Tonys Dry Chili Chicken At Lao Sze Chuan
Chicagos Chinatown neighborhood is like a city within itself, bustling with enough food courts, restaurants, noodle shops, bakeries, and teashops to keep us fed for days. Lao Sze Chuan stands out by providing elevated Szechuan dishes that raise the diners expectations of what Chinese food can be
Case in point:
Chef Tony Hus dry chili chicken is a must-eat, especially if you prefer your stir-fries with a kick.
Tender bites of chicken are tossed in a savory blend of ginger, garlic, green onion, Szechuan peppercorns, and a generous handful of dried chilies for a kind of spicy that hurts so good.
Insider Tip: Interested in learning more about traditional Chinese cuisine but dont know where to start? Chicago Food Planets Chinatown Adventure Food Tour explores the hidden gems of one of the citys most enigmatic neighborhoods. In addition to Szechuan specialties, youll try Hong Kong Dim Sum, sweet milk egg tarts, delicious bubble tea, and more.
Single Cheeseburger At Au Cheval
The legendary cheeseburger at Au Cheval has repeatedly been dubbed not only an iconic Chicago food, but one of the best burgers in America and Au Cheval has earned its stripes as one of the best restaurants in Chicago.
This West Loop haunts multi-award-winning cheeseburger is a scrumptiously sloppy pile of prime W.W. Johnson Farms beef griddled to greasy perfection, goopy Kraft American cheese, housemade pickles, onions, a runny fried egg, thick-cut bacon and a dollop of tangy Dijonnaise spread stuffed into a buttery double-toasted bun. When ordering this iconic Chicago food, know that the “single” is actually a double, and the “double” is a triple.
When youre finished here, swing by Au Chevals offshoot eatery Small Cheval, one of the best Wicker Park restaurants.
Au Cheval | 800 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$
via Au Cheval
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Hours Of Eating In Chicago
Howdy, yall! I cant believe October is almost over. So far, Ive spent every weekend of the month away from home.. two trips to visit my alma mater in Tuscaloosa, AL , a trip to Chicago and a weekend house sitting! Its been insane, so I am more than ready for a quiet weekend at home. In the meantime, I wanted to share my visit to Chicago with you, including everything I ate! We managed to fit a lot in just 36 hours
My parents and I went to visit my little sister, who is in school at DePaul. My family is pretty big on food, so basically our only plans for the weekend were dining reservations. We started off with dinner at Bottlefork, a trendy bar/restaurant in River North, on Friday night. I had read about Bottlefork as having the best burger in Chicago by multiple sources, so definitely was on the top of my list of places to try. The menu consists of elevated pub-style food like Wagyu beef jerky and a Rich Man Po Boy with Lobster and Foie. Our favorites were Tots smothered in a pimento cheese sauce, the Burger, which is a bacon blend loaded with blue cheese, shoe string potatoes and special sauce, Gnocchi with Duck Confit and the Pastrami Poutine. All in all, a great meal with good service and a cool atmosphere.
Biscuits & Blessings,
What To Eat In Chicago: 20 Must
Chicago has earned a reputation as one of our nations top culinary capitals. And, no wonder food is an integral part of our citys rich history.
The first major influxes of immigrants came to Chicago in the mid-1800s, bringing with them not only their hopes and dreams, but their culinary traditions. Today, these diverse contributions have made Chicagos dining scene into a rich tapestry of culinary cultures.
So what should you eat while youre here? The answer is a little bit of everything. Dont miss trying a true taste of our city with these iconic bites that represent the best food in Chicago.
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Chicago’s Italian Beef Was Created Out Of The Necessity For Cheap Food To Serve At Weddings
Although many people claim to be the original inventor of Italian beef, it was likely introduced in the early 1900s by Italians who immigrated to Chicago. Because new immigrants didn’t have a lot of money, they relied on cheap venues and cheap food for weddings, known as “peanut weddings.” To stretch the amount of beef served at weddings, someone came up with the idea to slice it thinner to serve more people, and thus Italian beef was born. The thinner cut became hugely popular and eventually came to be what is now known as Italian beef today.
A traditional Italian beef sandwich is made of thin slices of roast beef seasoned with dry herbs and spices and bathed in broth and cooking juices, otherwise known as au jus. The soaked beef sits inside a fresh, French bread roll, and is topped with either sweet or spicy peppers. A few places serving top-notch Italian beef include Al’s Beef, Johnnie’s Beef, and The Original Mr. Beef.
Carnitas At Carnitas Don Pedro
PilsenTo claim that Don Pedros carnitasknuckle-sized chunks of luscious pork, rife with crunchy chicharrón morsels, ambrosial caramelized fat, and pulpy shredded meatstands as Chicagos most coveted taco filling would be a grave understatement. Pick up a pound of the good stuff on your way to the park and prepare to be the most popular guest at the socially-distanced picnic.How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order takeout online.
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The Famous Kuma Burger At Kumas Corner
Only in Chicago could a joint that blasts heavy metal music, refuses to carry Budweiser, and stirs a controversy with the Catholic Church, be adored. Kumas Corner has become a destination in every food lovers pilgrimage.
Depending on what you order, your burger may include bourbon poached pear, roasted poblano peppers, avocado mash and other inventive ingredients.
Still, the one that most people return to is The Famous Kuma: 10 ounces of prime ground beef served with applewood smoked bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and red onion. A fried egg crowns this imposing patty, securing its epic status.
It gets better:
Though Kumas may have an edgy attitude, their heart is pure gold. They make sure to have a selection of vegetarian offerings, including an Impossible Burger. Every month, they pick a different charity to donate to. They also support local, homegrown producers and breweries, making it an extremely Chicago experience we love to share with our food tour guests.
The Best Food To Try In Chicago
Wendy Altschuler
With nearly three million residents, its no surprise that Chicago would have a wide range of delectable food to sample. From thoughtful gourmet fare to mouth-watering street chow thats so good youd have to eat it to believe it, this metropolis is an amalgam of tasty eats. Chicago is known for much more than our deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian Beef although, you should try all of those. Here are a few of the must-have dishes at restaurants around the city.
Eating at avec is a bit like eating inside of a Finnish sauna light wood panels line the walls, ceiling and floors and there are long, wide wooden tables that extend front to back. It feels like youre dining with friends, even when theyre strangers. Originally designed as a wine bar, avec now has a lovely dining menu, yet it holds true to offering good wines with every dish. In addition to libations, try the wood oven roasted salmon with marinated red tomatoes, mint and smoked almonds, a new dish added to the menu.
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The 25 Most Unique Restaurant Concepts In Chicago
The most unique restaurant concepts in Chicago can be difficult to pin down, given the city is home to more than 7,000 restaurants. So if youre looking for inspiration for your own restaurant concept, youll find no shortage of ideas within Windy City walls.
But no one wants to scour a list of 7,000. So weve narrowed down the list to the 25 most unique restaurant concepts in Chicago, so you can either refine your own restaurant startup idea or modify your current concept to remain on trend.
People Wait For Hours To Eat At Au Cheval But The City Has Plenty Of Other Burger Options
Although it’s not the origin city of the burger, Chicago has still embraced this food as its own. There is no shortage of burgers with its many fast-food restaurants, as well as upscale restaurants serving up this American delicacy.
Au Cheval is one of the most popular burger spots in Chicago, having been crowned America’s best burger by the Food Network. Expect to wait three to four hours to get a table here. If you don’t have the time, the Loyalist and Owen and Engine are other excellent options.
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Chicagoans Old Vacation And Party Films Get Their Moment On The Big Screen: I Always Cry At Home Movie Day
Home movies take center stage at Chicago Home Movie Day at the Chicago History Museum this Saturday, a free event where viewers can relive their own memories or those of strangers, along with free PB& J sandwiches keeping with the homey vibe, Tribune reporter Chris Borrelli writes. Read his story here.
The Top 11 Foods To Try In Chicago In 2023
Colin DombrowskiLast Updated: September 14, 2022
If youve never visited Chicago, you might not know how incredible the food scene is here. But major food sites frequently rave about the delicious food and flavors found only here in Chicago. Ok, so there are crossovers everywhere, but really, there is nothing like a Chicago deep-dish pizza or an Italian beef sandwich. Once youve tasted them, youll never want to leave. So keep reading to discover the top foods to try in Chicago this year!
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Tamales From The Tamale Guy
Tamales may not have been invented in Chicago, but the Tamale Guys tamales are certainly some of the most iconic Chicago foods. Claudio Velez, otherwise known as the “Tamale Guy” himself, is known to stroll through the doors toting his famous red coolers packed to the brim with hand-rolled tamales, eliciting a cheer from the locals.
Nowadays, bar fliers can also visit the Tamale Guys brick-and-mortar shop in West Town and get their perfectly seasoned chicken, pork, or cheese and pepper fix.
Tamale Guy | 2018 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 | $
via The Tamale Guy
South Side Season 3 Will Have Chance The Rapper Lollapalooza And A Scene With Lower Wackers Auto Pound As Mordor
South Side, the HBO Max comedy filmed on the Near West Side, wrapped up filming its third season in August. This season will feature a homage to Christopher Nolan movies and a Kwanzaa holiday special, as well as Chance the Rappers reprisal of the currency exchange employee Herbert, who starred in the season 2 finale. Read the full preview here.
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Visit South Side Social For A Taste Of Chicago
If youre looking for some of the best local eats during your trip to the Windy City, look no further than South Side Social Neighborhood Kitchen & Tap, located in the Oak Lawn Hilton Hotel in Chicagos Oak Lawn area. We offer an all-encompassing, authentic taste of Chicago like Italian beef sandwiches with giardiniera and sweet peppers, homemade pizza puff hand pies and our twist on the traditional chocolate brownie in a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
To learn about our specials and events, view our Events Page.
The South Side Social staff is excited to welcome you back. Our restaurant is committed to the health and safety of our guests and Ambassadors. To help ensure we are following rigorous guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting, were partnering with Ecolab, a global leader in cleaning and disinfection with decades of expertise in the science of cleaning, hygiene and public health. Through our partnership and our strong commitment to a higher level of cleanliness, we have earned the Ecolab Science Certified seal. These protocols will allow our Ambassadors to provide exceptional service in a safe environment. Our processes and procedures, follow the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , American Hotel and Lodging Association and local and/or federal mandates.
Reservations recommended
Famous Foods In Chicago You Must Try
There are lots of incredible hubs and food joints in the city that cook some of the finest foods of Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is an amiable city which is known for its bold architecture and fabulous skyline. But you might find it hard to choose as there are umpteen options of food which not only come from the city but are amalgamated into varieties of migrant food preparations, resulting in a great diversity of authentic as well as newly manufactured versions of classic foods in Chicago. The given below listings range from juiciest meaty burgers to finest dessert options in Chicago. I have curated a brief list of top 20 foods to eat in Chicago that are not only appetizing in flavor but possess a very affordable price range mentioned along with the famous places to find the best cuisines. So, Vamos an Empezar
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Don’t Underestimate The Barbecue In Chicago
It may not get the same recognition as places like Memphis or Kansas City, but Chicago deserves some credit when it comes to barbecue. Millions of African Americans migrated from the Mississippi Delta to the city’s South Side, bringing along with them a style of cooking that involved quickly smoking meats and covering them with sweet sauce. There’s also Chicago’s North Side barbecue, which was influenced by Eastern European immigrants who brought with them a technique of boiling meat, which makes ribs soft and tender.
Both types of barbecue styles still exist today but in their respective areas. Baobab BBQ and Smoque BBQ can be found on the North Side, while Lem’s BBQ House and Leon’s Barbecue can be found on Chicago’s South Side.
Bloom Plant Based Kitchen
Vegetarian | $$ | Website | | 363-3110
On warmer days, Blooms big open window gives the restaurant and indoor-outdoor feel
Gone are the days of vegetarian options being bland and boring. Bloom Plant Based Kitchen on N Milwaukee Ave in Wicker Park proves just that. Upon entry, the dining room is light and bright with lots of greenery.
The food is inspired by a variety of cuisines. The tacos and aguacate are especially tasty. Save room for dessert, too, and try the camote cheesecake. Vegetarian or not, the food here is fresh, flavorful, and just good.
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Get A Taste Of Famous Chicago Foods
Whether youre a local or visiting the Windy City for the first time, you’ll be able to discover some of the most iconic Chicago foods with food tours in Chicago on Cozymeal.
These guided culinary tours will lead you on an exploration of Chicago foods found at famed eateries, warm and cozy restaurants, hole-in-the-wall joints and more. Led by some of the best tour guides in town, youll have the opportunity to taste and see Chicago like a local as you dive into some of the most picturesque and palate-pleasing experiences the city has to offer. From Chicago pizza tours to hotdog hotspots and burger joints, there’s something for everyone.
Of course, if youd like to do your own exploring, you cant go wrong with any of the 23 iconic Chicago foods on this list.
via Cozymeal
Eat Watch Do Flawless Cambodian Food Pumpkin Patches Plus South Side Preview
Its Thursday, Chicago.
Were deep into fall and spooky season is well underway. Take advantage with our appropriately themed weekend activities these next few weeks pumpkin patch plundering, cemetery sightings and haunted house hopping included.
Or as the nights get longer, why not try out a new restaurant or bar in town? Weve got a review of Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining in Rogers Park and a first look at Clever Coyote, a new bar in Wicker Park. Or stay in and catch up on HBOs South Side, which just wrapped up filming for Season 3, or check out ABCs latest drama Alaska Daily, which both have write-ups from our staff this week.
And with cooler weather in town, its the perfect time to crank your oven back on and dig through family recipes because the Tribunes annual Holiday Cookie Contest is back. Enter your recipe by Oct. 16 for the chance to win a $250 cash prize and citywide bragging rights.
Enjoy the weekend, and well see you back here next week.
Lauryn Azu, deputy senior editor
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Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings
Chinese | $$ | Website | | 799-1118
Qing Xiang Yuan is considered by many to have the best dumplings in Chicago. Whether you like your dumplings steamed, boiled, or pan-fried, this restaurant offers them in a variety of fillings . There are even vegetarian and vegan options.
If youre visiting Chinatown, Qing Xiang Yuan is the perfect stop for lunch or dinner. I recommend bringing some friends so you can choose a variety of dumplings and sample them all.