Chicago, the windy city, and the home to not only the Cubs and “Da Bears”, but to some of the best eats in the country. On the top of every Chicago dining guide is deep dish pizza, but what you’ll also find when living in Chicago are unique local spots serving specialties beloved by all native Chicagoans. If you’re planning a move to Chicago, here are a few “must eat” destinations we recommend.
1. Lou Malnati’s
Of course, we have to start our list of ultimate Chicago eats with a Chicago deep dish pizza favorite. Starting his pizza career in Chicago’s first deep dish style pizzeria in the 1940’s, Lou Malnati is considered one of the oldest names in Chicago pizza. Since the opening of the first Lou Malnati’s location in 1971, Chicagoans have flocked to his pizzerias for the last 50 years to enjoy the fresh ingredients that comprise the beloved deep dish pizza. With 10 locations throughout Chicago, you’ll have many opportunities to grab a pie. If moving to Chicago, this should be one of the first stops you make to get a true taste of the Windy City.
2. Ricobenes
Not only a great location for Chicago style pizza, Ricobenes has also been unofficially awarded the title of serving the world’s best breaded steak sandwich by both locals and visitors who frequent this establishment. Located in the Armour Square neighborhood, Ricobenes has been a Chicago staple since opening its doors in 1946. The menu features a wide range of beloved local favorites, including the Sicilian beef sandwich and Chicago style hot dogs. If you are living in Chicago and haven’t tried the cuisine at Ricobenes, we suggest you get to it!
3. The Art of Pizza
The name of this Chicago establishment quite literally speaks for itself. After all, Chicago is known for the art of the deep dish pizza, and what you’ll find here is no exception. Located in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, The Art of Pizza has been slinging deep dish pan, thin crust, and stuffed pizza since 2017 and has continued to gain popularity among Chicago locals and visitors alike. With daily specials and a wide variety of other Italian and American fare, place The Art of Pizza on your list of Chicago eats ASAP.
4. 80 Proof
Located in Old Town, 80 Proof is a trendy gastropub and a celebrated establishment for vegan fare. The menu features vegan specialties including the bahn mi mushroom sandwich and non carne asada tacos. In addition to a wide selection of vegan eats, this venue houses 3 bars, house DJ’s, and an inviting outdoor patio, making this spot a great destination for both quality eats and fun.
5. Pequod’s Pizza
Since the opening of the first location of Pequod’s Pizza in 1970, the deep dish pan style pizza served here has been well known and loved for its caramelized crust edges. Referred to as the best kept pizza secret in the northwest suburbs, Pequod’s opened its location in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago in 1992. Parquod’s is considered Chicago’s most awarded and recognized pizza in the city, and included on multiple “best pizza” lists and publications, further securing its place as a must eat in Chicago dining. Planning a move to Chicago and want a taste of the city before you arrive? Pequod’s is also available for national delivery through Goldbelly.
6. Little Goat Diner
If you’re living in Chicago and brunch is your favorite meal of the day, then you have to get to Little Goat Diner. Located in Chicago’s West Loop, chef Stephanie Izard’s has curated an upscale take on classic comfort food. Unique brunch servings include the Paratha Burrito, made with Indian flatbread, chili pepper sauce, avocado-bean salad, sunny side eggs, and mont amore cheese. The Bull’s Eye French Toast is also a menu favorite, consisting of eggs, crispy chicken, sweet onion brioche, and bbq maple syrup. Of course no brunch is complete without mimosas, and Little Goat has you covered with not only the traditional, but other unique house cocktails to enjoy with your meal.
7. Gino’s East
Gino’s took to the Chicago food scene in 1966 when two taxi drivers, Sam Levine and Fred Bartoli, conceptualized the need for a pizzeria on the Magnificent Mile section of Chicago’s Michigan Avenue. Now located on 162 E Superior Street, Gino’s is the prime location for deep dish within steps of some of Chicago’s best entertainment and popular points of interest including the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art and Northwestern University. The real star of Gino’s East is Alice Mae Redmond, the talented black woman and pizza chef who developed a special dough recipe that changed the game for the pizza at Gino’s. Gino’s is also the first to make Chicago thin crust and deep dish pizza vegan friendly. The vegan options are not only dairy free, but nut free, gluten free, egg free, and sustainably sourced.
There you have it, our recommendations for the best locally celebrated eats in the Windy City. When moving to Chicago you will have endless options for cuisine. When you’re ready to start living life as a Chicagoan, begin your apartment search and decide which neighborhood in Chicago will allow you the best access to the tastes of the city.
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