Chicago, a city celebrated as a culinary capital, boasts a vibrant food scene deeply rooted in its rich history. The waves of immigrants who arrived in the 19th century brought with them a treasure trove of culinary traditions. Today, downtown Chicago stands as a testament to this diverse heritage, offering an incredible array of dining experiences. If you’re looking to taste the true flavors of the city, downtown Chicago is the perfect place to start. Get ready to explore iconic dishes and discover the best food places this dynamic area has to offer.
Iconic Chicago Foods You Must Try Downtown
Downtown Chicago is a culinary playground where you can indulge in the city’s most famous foods. From savory hot dogs to decadent deep-dish pizza, here are some must-try dishes and the best places to find them in the heart of Chicago.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog: Downtown Destinations
The world-famous Chicago-style hot dog is a culinary icon, and downtown Chicago offers several prime spots to savor this treat. A true “Chicago dog” starts with an all-beef frankfurter nestled in a poppy seed bun. It’s then generously topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Ketchup is strictly forbidden!
For a classic Chicago-style hot dog experience downtown, head to Portillo’s. Conveniently located in the Loop and South Loop, Portillo’s is a Chicago institution known for its authentic dogs. Another great option, easily accessible from downtown, is Downtown Dogs. They offer a no-frills, classic version that perfectly captures the essence of this Chicago staple.
Deep Dish Pizza: Downtown Delights
While the Chicago-style hot dog is iconic, deep dish pizza might be the city’s most passionately debated food. Downtown Chicago is a battleground for deep dish supremacy, with numerous pizzerias vying for the title of best in the city. Unlike traditional thin-crust pizzas, deep dish features a tall, buttery crust that forms a bowl, filled with generous amounts of mozzarella cheese and topped with a chunky, tangy tomato sauce.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill, located in River North, just a short walk from downtown, claims to be the birthplace of deep dish and has been serving its renowned version since 1943. For other fantastic downtown deep dish options, check out Lou Malnati’s in the Loop, a local favorite known for its buttery crust and quality ingredients. Giordano’s, with multiple downtown locations, is another popular choice, famous for its stuffed pizza, a variation of deep dish.
Italian Beef: Downtown Bites
Italian beef sandwiches are another Chicago original, with roots in the city’s Italian immigrant community. Created in the early 20th century, this sandwich features thinly sliced beef, slow-cooked and simmered in flavorful juices, served on a crusty Italian roll. You can customize it “wet” (extra juice), “dry” (less juice), or “dipped” (the whole sandwich dunked in juice). “Hot” or “sweet” peppers are also common additions.
While Al’s Italian Beef, a Chicago institution, is located slightly outside the immediate downtown area in River North, it’s easily accessible and a must-visit for any Italian beef enthusiast exploring food places near downtown Chicago. Another excellent option in River North is Mr. Beef on Orleans, a no-frills eatery that has gained national attention, including a feature in the TV show The Bear.
Garrett Mix Popcorn: Downtown Treats
For a quintessential Chicago snack, you can’t miss Garrett Mix popcorn. Garrett Popcorn Shops has multiple locations downtown, making it easy to grab a bag of their famous blend. Since 1949, Garrett Popcorn has been handcrafted in copper kettles, using recipes passed down through generations. While they offer various flavors, the Garrett Mix, a delicious combination of cheddar and caramel popcorn, is their best-selling and most iconic offering.
Steakhouse Fare: Downtown Steakhouses
Chicago’s history as a meatpacking hub has cemented its reputation for exceptional steakhouses. Downtown Chicago boasts some of the city’s most renowned and historic steakhouses, perfect for a classic and upscale dining experience.
Gene & Georgetti, located in River North, is Chicago’s oldest steakhouse, offering an old-school, elegant atmosphere and perfectly cooked steaks. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, also in River North, is another Chicago classic, known for its lively ambiance and generous portions. For a more modern steakhouse experience downtown, consider RPM Steak in River North, known for its stylish setting and high-quality cuts.
Eli’s Cheesecake: Downtown Dessert
No culinary tour of downtown Chicago is complete without indulging in Eli’s Cheesecake. Eli’s Cheesecake Bakery Cafe, while located just north of downtown on the Magnificent Mile, is easily accessible and worth the short trip. This family-owned bakery has been crafting cheesecakes since 1980, and their original plain cheesecake debuted at the very first Taste of Chicago festival. With over 40 flavors, Eli’s offers a cheesecake for every palate, but the original plain, chocolate chip, and strawberry topped are perennial favorites.
Polish Sausage: Downtown Classic
For a taste of Chicago’s working-class culinary history, try a Maxwell Street Polish Sausage. Jim’s Original, located near downtown, has been serving its iconic “Original Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Sandwich” since 1943. This simple yet satisfying sandwich features a grilled Polish sausage on a bun with mustard and grilled onions. It’s a flavorful and affordable taste of Chicago history easily found near Food Places Downtown Chicago.
Burgers: Downtown Burger Joints
Sometimes, you just crave a classic cheeseburger. Downtown Chicago has you covered with several excellent burger joints. Billy Goat Tavern, with a few downtown locations, is a Chicago institution famous for its “Cheezborger.” For a more gourmet burger experience easily accessible from downtown, head to Au Cheval in the West Loop. Known for being named the best burger in America by Food Network, Au Cheval is worth the wait for its exceptional cheeseburgers.
Chicken Vesuvio: Downtown Italian
Italian cuisine is deeply intertwined with Chicago’s culinary identity, and Chicken Vesuvio is a prime example. This uniquely Chicago dish features bone-in chicken roasted with potatoes, peas, garlic, and white wine. For what the Chicago Tribune calls the “best Chicken Vesuvio in the city,” visit Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in River North, a short distance from downtown. While great Italian food can be found throughout the city, exploring restaurants in River North near downtown is a great starting point.
Corned Beef: Downtown Deli
Corned beef holds a special place in Chicago’s food scene, thanks to the city’s large Irish immigrant population. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen, located in the South Loop, adjacent to downtown, is a Chicago institution since 1942, famous for its piled-high corned beef sandwiches. Manny’s offers a taste of classic Chicago deli fare and is a must-visit for corned beef lovers exploring food places near downtown Chicago.
Exploring Downtown Chicago’s Diverse Food Scene
Beyond these iconic dishes, downtown Chicago’s food scene is incredibly diverse. You can find everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual eateries serving global cuisines. Explore the River North neighborhood for trendy restaurants, the Loop for quick lunch spots and classic diners, and nearby neighborhoods like West Loop and South Loop for even more culinary adventures. Whether you’re craving tacos, sushi, or international flavors, downtown Chicago and its surrounding areas offer endless dining possibilities.
Conclusion
Downtown Chicago is a true food lover’s paradise. From iconic Chicago dishes to diverse culinary experiences, this vibrant area has something to satisfy every taste. Start your culinary adventure in downtown Chicago and discover why this city is celebrated as one of the nation’s top food destinations. Explore these food places downtown chicago and embark on a delicious journey through the heart of the city’s culinary scene.
