As of 2026, this Chicago food guide covers 22 restaurants by category — including Alinea, Smyth, Oriole. See prices, locations and must-try dishes below.
Chicago is America's deep dish pizza capital + architecture-and-blues city. Chicago invented deep dish pizza (Pizzeria Uno, 1943) + Chicago Blues (Muddy Waters + Buddy Guy at Chess Records) + the modern skyscraper (Home Insurance Building, 1885). Below the tourist trinity (deep dish + hot dog + Italian beef): Alinea (3-Michelin, World's 50 Best multiple #1 winner — Chef Grant Achatz's theatrical tasting menu), Sushi Kashiba in the Loop, The Walnut Room (1907 inside Macy's — first US department-store restaurant), and 36 Michelin-starred restaurants total. The Saturday Architecture River Cruise + Cubs games at 1914 Wrigley Field shape the everyday culture. We've organized 22 restaurants across 8 categories. Each entry includes prices, hours, local tips, and a Google Maps link so you can plan straight from the page.
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Click pins to see restaurant info · 22 restaurants
Chef Grant Achatz's three-Michelin-star restaurant — multiple appearances on World's 50 Best Restaurants #1 lists. Each course is a theatrical performance: edible helium balloons, dishes constructed on the table, scents released on schedule. 18 seats, 3-4 hour tasting menu. Among the most-acclaimed restaurants in the world.
$400-600 per person
($400-600 per person)
Tue-Sat 17:30-22:00
Local tip: Book 6+ weeks ahead via Tock. Smart casual minimum (jacket strongly recommended). Released exactly 90 days in advance, sells out in minutes. The Gallery (bar) sometimes has same-night cancellation seats.
Wood-fire tasting menu with farm-driven ingredients from chef's own farm
Chef John Shields's two-Michelin-star restaurant. The menu draws on Shields's own 20-acre Door County, Wisconsin farm — vegetables, herbs, and meat raised specifically for the restaurant. Wood-fire cooking centerpiece. Open kitchen, 30 seats.
$300-400 per person
($300-400 per person)
Tue-Sat 17:30-22:00
Local tip: Book 4-6 weeks ahead via Tock. Counter seats over tables — the open kitchen is the show.
Seasonal modern American tasting menu, signature scallop course
Chef Noah Sandoval's two-Michelin-star restaurant. Modern American tasting menu in a small West Loop loft space. 28 seats, no à la carte. Sandoval also runs the casual sibling Kumiko (Japanese cocktail bar) downstairs.
$250-400 per person
($250-400 per person)
Tue-Sat 17:30-21:30
Local tip: Book 4 weeks ahead. The downstairs Kumiko has walk-in seats + a cocktail program among the city's best.
Invented at Pizzeria Uno (1943). Lou Malnati's (the locals' #1 since 1971), Giordano's (stuffed deep dish), Pequod's (caramelized cheese pan pizza)
Pizzeria Uno (the original)
Pizzeria Uno · River North (Ohio Street)
4
#1
MUST TRY
Original deep dish (the recipe that started the style), Number 1 special
Founded 1943 — the birthplace of Chicago deep dish pizza. Ric Riccardo and Ike Sewell developed the recipe; the original Ohio Street location still operates. The crust is cornmeal-buttery, cheese on bottom, sauce on top, 3-4 inches deep.
$20-30 per person
($20-30 per person)
11:30-22:00 daily
Local tip: 30-60 min queue at peak. Make a reservation. Eat with knife + fork. One pizza feeds 2-3.
Lou Malnati's · Multiple locations (River North flagship)
5
#2
MUST TRY
The Malnati Chicago Classic (with sausage), butter crust, Lou Malnati's salad
Founded 1971 by Lou Malnati (whose father worked at Pizzeria Uno). The locals' consensus #1 deep dish — the butter crust is the signature distinction. 75+ locations across Illinois and beyond. River North flagship is the experience.
$20-30 per person
($20-30 per person)
11:00-22:00 daily
Local tip: Reservations accepted (a rarity for Chicago deep-dish). 30-min queue at peak without reservation. Order the pizza when you arrive — 45 min baking time.
Founded 1974 by the Apostolous brothers. The 'stuffed' variant — two crusts with cheese sealed between, sauce on top — is Giordano's distinction vs traditional deep dish. Popular with tourists; locals are split.
$20-30 per person
($20-30 per person)
11:00-23:00 daily
Local tip: 60-90 min queue + 45 min bake time = 2-hour commitment at peak. Make reservations. The Magnificent Mile location is the most-visited.
Pan pizza with caramelized cheese edge (the signature), pepperoni + sausage
Founded 1971 — locals' alternative pick to Lou Malnati's. The pan pizza style has cheese pressed against the pan edge until it caramelizes into a crunchy ring. Different from classic deep dish; some Chicagoans prefer it.
$20-30 per person
($20-30 per person)
11:00-02:00 daily
Local tip: 30-60 min queue at peak. Cash + card. Bar seats sometimes faster. Pair with their local beer list.
Chicago hot dog (Portillo's, Superdawg 1948 — Vienna beef + 8 toppings, never ketchup), Italian beef (Al's Beef 1938)
Portillo's
Portillo's · Multiple locations (River North)
8
#1
MUST TRY
Chicago hot dog (Vienna beef + 8 toppings, no ketchup), Italian beef sandwich, chocolate cake shake
Founded 1963 by Dick Portillo — the chain that brought Chicago hot dogs and Italian beef to a wider audience. Reliable + consistent; the River North location is the convenient downtown stop. Cash + card; quick-counter service.
$8-15 per person
($8-15 per person)
10:30-24:00 daily
Local tip: 30-min queue at peak. Order both hot dog + Italian beef + cheese fries to sample. Chocolate cake shake is the sweet finish.
Al's #1 Italian Beef · Little Italy (Taylor Street)
9
#2
MUST TRY
Italian beef sandwich (order 'wet' = au-jus-dipped), hot peppers (giardiniera), sweet peppers
Founded 1938 by Al Ferreri — the original Italian beef sandwich. Slow-roasted beef + spicy giardiniera (pickled peppers) + au jus on Italian bread. Tiny counter, cash-preferred. The Bear TV show drove a national resurgence.
$6-10 per person
($6-10 per person)
10:00-24:00 daily
Local tip: Counter-order. 'Wet' (broth-dipped) is the proper order; 'dipped' is even wetter. Bring napkins. Hot peppers vs sweet peppers is the only customization that matters.
Superdawg Drive-In · North side (Devon + Milwaukee)
10
#3
MUST TRY
Superdawg (whole-beef hot dog), Whoopskidawg, Frenchy fries, malted shakes
Founded 1948 — Chicago's classic drive-in with carhop service. The two enormous lit hot-dog statues atop the building are landmarks. The Superdawg itself uses a special whole-beef hot dog made for them. Drive-in service or sit at picnic tables.
$8-15 per person
($8-15 per person)
11:00-01:00 daily
Local tip: North side — Uber 20-30 min from downtown. The carhop drive-in service is the experience (turn on your headlights to summon). Best for a unique Chicago lunch outing.
Garrett Popcorn 'Chicago Mix' (1949) — caramel + cheddar in one bag. Eli's Cheesecake (1980 Chicago institution)
Garrett Popcorn (Chicago Mix)
Garrett Popcorn · Magnificent Mile (multiple)
11
#1
MUST TRY
Chicago Mix (CaramelCrisp + CheeseCorn mixed), small Garrett tin (souvenir)
Founded 1949 — Chicago's signature popcorn. The 'Chicago Mix' (caramel-glazed + cheddar cheese mixed in one bag) is the iconic order. 7 downtown locations + airport stand. The metal tin (collectible) is the souvenir.
$8-20 per person
($8-20 per person)
10:00-21:00 daily
Local tip: 5-15 min queue at peak. The decorative tin (held by an arm) is the gift-home format. Magnificent Mile flagship at 625 N Michigan is the busiest. Airport stand if you forgot.
Original Plain Cheesecake, Espresso Caramel, Vanilla Bean — sampler plate
Founded 1980 by Eli Schulman — Chicago's signature dessert maker. The bakery + café is at the production facility (Forest Glen), with a downtown café at the Crain Communications Building (Magnificent Mile). Cheesecakes ship nationally.
$10-25 per person
($10-25 per person)
Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00
Local tip: The downtown café is the easier visit. Daily samples free at the bakery if you tour. Pickup at the airport gift shop for souvenirs.
Buddy Guy's Legends, Kingston Mines, Andy's Jazz Club (1951), Green Mill (1907 Al Capone speakeasy) — Chicago's defining music venues
Buddy Guy's Legends
Buddy Guy's Legends · South Loop
13
#1
MUST TRY
Live blues + Cajun gumbo + jambalaya, monthly Buddy Guy residency (January)
Buddy Guy's own blues club, opened 1989. Nightly live blues from local + touring acts. Buddy Guy himself headlines for the entire month of January each year — the city's most coveted residency. Cajun + Creole food alongside.
$20-50 per person
($20-50 per person)
11:30-02:00 daily
Local tip: Book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekends. January Buddy Guy shows require 2+ months ahead. Dinner reservation = early seating before show.
Live blues every night (two stages alternating, no gaps), Southern soul food kitchen
Chicago's oldest blues club, since 1968. Two stages alternate live blues with no breaks until 02:00. Authentic + grimy + locals + tourists mixed. Southern soul-food kitchen serves all night.
$15-25 per person
($15-25 per person)
19:00-04:00 daily
Local tip: Sunday nights are locals' favorite. Cover $15-25 + 2-drink minimum. No reservations — show up. Most authentic Chicago Blues experience.
Live jazz nightly, dinner + show combo, classic cocktails
Founded 1951 — Chicago's longest-running jazz club. Daily live jazz from straight-ahead to contemporary. American + Italian dinner menu. Located in River North walking distance to most downtown hotels.
$15-35 per person
($15-35 per person)
16:00-01:00 daily
Local tip: Book 1 week ahead for dinner + show combo. Cover $10-15 + dinner separate. Dress code: casual to smart casual.
Live jazz nightly, Uptown Poetry Slam (Sundays — invented here), classic cocktails
Founded 1907 — Chicago's most-famous jazz speakeasy. Al Capone reportedly had a regular booth (still preserved). Original art deco interior, no phones on the dance floor, no-photo policy. Uptown Poetry Slam (Sundays) was invented here in 1986.
$15-25 per person
($15-25 per person)
16:00-04:00 (Sun Poetry Slam 19:00)
Local tip: Red Line to Lawrence; 5-min walk. ID required (21+). Cash + card. The Sunday Poetry Slam is its own iconic Chicago experience.
Founded 1971 — Greek Town's defining restaurant. Saganaki (Greek cheese set on fire tableside with 'Opa!') is the must-order theatrical dish. Family-style platters, multi-generational service.
$25-45 per person
($25-45 per person)
11:00-24:00 daily
Local tip: Book ahead for weekends. Order Saganaki for the tableside flames. Greek Town clusters multiple Greek restaurants — easy to wander between for drinks.
Founded 1975 — Pilsen's most-respected Mexican restaurant. The carnitas (slow-roasted pork) are the signature; meat sold by the pound + you build tacos with their handmade tortillas. Cash + card. Authentic Mexican-immigrant experience.
$8-15 per person
($8-15 per person)
07:00-21:00 daily
Local tip: Order pork by the half-pound + tortillas + salsa + lime. Sunday mornings have lines out the door. Combine with Pilsen mural walk (Mexican-American street art capital).
Cindy's Rooftop (Cloud Gate view), The Purple Pig, RPM Italian — chef-driven Mag Mile restaurants
Cindy's Rooftop
Cindy's Rooftop · Loop (Chicago Athletic Association Hotel)
19
#1
MUST TRY
Sunset cocktails with Cloud Gate + Millennium Park view, oysters, modern American small plates
12th-floor rooftop bar + restaurant atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (1893 building). Direct view of Cloud Gate ('The Bean') + Millennium Park + Lake Michigan. The defining Chicago skyline cocktail experience.
$35-80 per person
($35-80 per person)
11:00-24:00 daily
Local tip: Book sunset slot 1+ week ahead. Window seats look directly at The Bean. Happy hour 16:00-18:00 + dinner program. Smart casual dress.
Charcuterie + cheese board, milk-braised pork shoulder, octopus a la plancha, wine flight
Chef Jimmy Bannos Jr.'s Mediterranean small-plates restaurant on Michigan Avenue. James Beard 'Best New Restaurant' nominee. Long-format wine list + sharing-friendly plates. Walk-in + counter culture (no reservations except for groups).
$25-50 per person
($25-50 per person)
Daily 11:30-23:00
Local tip: Arrive 17:00-17:30 for first seating (no wait). Sit at the counter for kitchen view. The wine flight is the way in.
The Walnut Room (1907, oldest department-store restaurant), The Berghoff (1898 German), Park Hyatt NoMI, Pump Room — Chicago's historic-restaurant tier
The Walnut Room (since 1907)
The Walnut Room · The Loop (Macy's State Street)
21
#1
MUST TRY
Christmas tree dining (Nov-Jan), Mrs. Hering's chicken pot pie, Marshall Field's signature salad
Founded 1907 inside what's now Macy's (formerly Marshall Field's flagship). The first restaurant in any American department store. The Walnut Room's Christmas tree dining (under a 14m decorated tree, Nov-Jan) is a Chicago tradition. 7th floor — walk past the cosmetics.
$30-60 per person
($30-60 per person)
Mon-Sat 11:00-15:00
Local tip: November-December books months ahead for Christmas tree dining. Off-season is a quieter heritage lunch. Marshall Field's signature chicken pot pie is the order.
Wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten, house-brewed Berghoff beer, apple strudel
Founded 1898 — Chicago's oldest continuously operating restaurant. German-American food + own brewery (the Berghoff family received Liquor License #1 after Prohibition ended). Original dining room from 1898 preserved.
$25-50 per person
($25-50 per person)
Mon-Sat 11:00-21:00
Local tip: Lunch counter is faster than dining room. Sample the Berghoff brewery flight. Adams Street location is the original.
Pike Place Chowder... wait, that's Seattle. Chicago: Pizzeria Uno deep dish slice + Portillo's hot dog + Garrett popcorn + Al's Italian beef. Use Lou Malnati's, Portillo's, Al's #1, Garrett Popcorn, Pequod's.
Mid-Range
$50-100/day
Greek Islands Saganaki + Cindy's Rooftop sunset cocktails + Andy's Jazz Club dinner + The Berghoff German lunch. Hit the heritage + Loop + River North circuit.
Luxury
$400+/day
Alinea (3-Michelin Grant Achatz tasting $400-600 — book 6+ weeks) + Smyth (2-Michelin $300-400) + Sushi Kashiba ($200-400). Chicago's flagship culinary tier rivals any US city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about food and restaurants in Chicago.
What's Chicago's signature dish?
Deep dish pizza + Chicago hot dog + Italian beef are the trinity. Deep dish: invented at Pizzeria Uno (1943), 3-4 inches thick, eat with knife + fork — Lou Malnati's (1971) is the locals' #1. Chicago hot dog: Vienna beef on a poppy seed bun + 8 toppings (mustard, onion, tomato, neon relish, sport peppers, pickle, celery salt). Never put ketchup on a Chicago hot dog — it's the cardinal sin. Italian beef: invented at Al's #1 (1938) — slow-roasted beef + au jus + giardiniera on Italian roll.
Is Chicago food expensive?
Mid-tier for major US cities — ~30% cheaper than NYC, on par with Boston. Budget meals $8-20 (deep dish slice, hot dogs, Italian beef). Mid-range $30-80 (Mag Mile restaurants, Greek Town, Pilsen). High-end $250-600 (Alinea, Smyth, Oriole). Sales tax 10.25% + 18-22% tip add 28-32% to menu prices.
Which deep dish — Lou Malnati's, Pizzeria Uno, or Giordano's?
Lou Malnati's (since 1971) is the locals' consensus #1 — butter crust + Chicago Classic with sausage. Pizzeria Uno (1943) is the heritage stop — the original deep dish invented here. Giordano's is the 'stuffed' variant (double crust) — more tourist-driven, locals are split. Pequod's is the dark-horse alt with caramelized cheese edge. Order 1 Lou Malnati's + 1 Pequod's to compare styles.
How hard is it to book Alinea?
Among the hardest US restaurant reservations. Tock release at midnight Pacific exactly 90 days in advance — sells out in minutes for prime dates. Set Tock alerts. The Gallery (bar program with smaller tasting) is sometimes available same-day for cancellations. Smart casual minimum (jacket strongly recommended). $400-600 per person.
What's the deal with Italian beef + The Bear TV show?
The Bear (FX 2022-) drove a national surge in Italian beef sandwich demand. The show is set at a fictional Italian beef shop in River North. Al's #1 Italian Beef (1938 Taylor Street original) is the historical heritage stop. Mr. Beef (1979, River North) was the show's filming-location inspiration. Portillo's is the chain alternative — reliable + everywhere.
Where do locals go for jazz + blues?
Kingston Mines (since 1968, Lincoln Park, two stages alternating until 02:00 — most authentic blues experience). Green Mill (1907, Uptown, Al Capone speakeasy, jazz nightly + Sunday Poetry Slam). Buddy Guy's Legends (1989, South Loop, owned by Buddy Guy himself, Cajun dinner). Andy's Jazz Club (1951, River North, easiest for tourists). Sunday Kingston Mines or Green Mill Poetry Slam for the local experience.
Is the Chicago hot dog ketchup ban real?
Real and serious. Chicago hot dogs use 8 specific toppings (mustard, chopped onion, tomato wedges, neon green relish, sport peppers, dill pickle, celery salt, poppy seed bun). Ketchup is forbidden — Vienna Beef (the hot dog supplier) won't even stock it at Chicago locations. Locals will judge. Eat at Portillo's or Superdawg properly with the 8 traditional toppings.
What about Garrett Popcorn — worth the queue?
Yes — it's a real Chicago institution since 1949. The 'Chicago Mix' (CaramelCrisp + CheeseCorn in one bag) is the iconic order — sweet + salty contrast. The decorative tin (delivered by an arm to the counter) is the souvenir-home format. 5-15 min queue at peak. ORD airport has a stand if you forgot.
Where do locals eat in River North vs Loop vs Mag Mile?
River North is the chef-driven + Michelin neighborhood — Alinea (a few blocks north in Lincoln Park), Lou Malnati's, Andy's Jazz Club. Loop is the working-lunch + heritage circuit — The Walnut Room (1907 Macy's), Berghoff (1898), Cindy's Rooftop. Mag Mile is upscale tourist-friendly — Garrett Popcorn, The Purple Pig, RPM Italian, hotel restaurants. First-time visitors: spread across all three.
Must-try foods in 3 days?
Day 1: Lou Malnati's deep dish ($20-30) + Garrett Popcorn ($10-15) + Portillo's Chicago hot dog ($8). Day 2: Al's Italian beef ($8) + Cindy's Rooftop sunset cocktails ($35-50) + Buddy Guy's blues + dinner ($30-50). Day 3: The Walnut Room heritage lunch ($30-40) + Greek Islands Saganaki dinner ($35-50). Total food cost $190-300 per person across 3 days.
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Jimmy Kong
TripPick founder · Travel content creator
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.
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