Unearth The Voyage
Chicago has earned its reputation as one of America’s greatest food cities, and nowhere is that more obvious than in its iconic trio of comfort foods: pizza, Italian beef, and hot dogs. These aren’t just meals; they’re traditions passed down through generations of families who perfected recipes and built loyal followings one bite at a time. Whether you’re craving deep-dish pies with caramelized edges, drippy beef sandwiches piled high with giardiniera, or classic char dogs loaded with the works, the Windy City delivers unforgettable flavors at every turn.
1. Pequod’s Pizza (Lincoln Park & Morton Grove)
Few things in Chicago pizza lore inspire as much devotion as the caramelized cheese crust at Pequod’s. When the cheese meets the edge of the cast-iron pan, it transforms into a crispy, golden halo that adds a sweet, crunchy contrast to every slice.
Sausage and pepperoni are the go-to toppings here, layered generously over tangy tomato sauce. Expect a wait, especially on weekends, because word has spread far beyond the neighborhood.
The Lincoln Park and Morton Grove locations both deliver the same stellar experience. Bring patience and an appetite, and you’ll understand why locals guard this spot fiercely.
2. Lou Malnati’s (multiple city locations)
Lou Malnati’s has been a Chicago staple for more than half a century, and its butter crust remains the gold standard for deep-dish lovers. That flaky, rich base pairs beautifully with whole-tomato sauce that tastes bright and fresh, never overly sweet.
Multiple locations across the city make it easy to grab a pie no matter where you’re exploring. The South Loop spot is especially convenient if you’re visiting Grant Park or catching a game at Soldier Field.
Order a classic cheese or load it up with sausage for the full Chicago experience. Either way, you’re tasting a piece of the city’s culinary history.
3. Giordano’s (citywide)
Giordano’s takes deep dish to the next level with its stuffed pizza, a towering creation that sandwiches mozzarella and toppings between two layers of dough. It’s messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth the fork-and-knife approach.
Born in Chicago, Giordano’s has expanded to other cities, but the hometown locations still draw crowds who know the original is unbeatable. Citywide availability means you’re never far from a slice.
Plan for a longer wait time since stuffed pies take extra minutes to bake through. But once that first gooey, cheesy bite hits your taste buds, you’ll forget all about the clock.
4. Gino’s East (Mag Mile & South Loop)
Walking into Gino’s East feels like stepping into a Chicago museum, except the walls are covered in decades of customer graffiti instead of paintings. That cornmeal-leaning crust gives each slice a slightly gritty texture that sets it apart from the competition.
Multiple Chicago locations, including spots on the Magnificent Mile and in the South Loop, make it a convenient stop for tourists and locals alike. The deep-dish recipe hasn’t changed much since the 1960s, and that’s exactly how fans like it.
Grab a marker, sign your name on the wall, and settle in for a true Chicago icon experience.
5. Pizzano’s Pizza & Pasta (Loop & neighborhoods)
Pizzano’s shares DNA with Lou Malnati’s, thanks to its roots in the same family tree, and that buttery crust is proof of the connection. The sauce here strikes a perfect balance, neither too acidic nor too sweet, letting the cheese and toppings shine.
The Loop location is a lifesaver for downtown workers and visitors, staying open late most nights when cravings hit after hours. Neighborhood spots offer the same quality with a more relaxed, local vibe.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or sitting down for dinner, Pizzano’s delivers consistent, satisfying deep-dish every single time.
6. Labriola / The Pizza Joint (Michigan Ave & Washington Hall)
Labriola earned praise from the Chicago Tribune for its deep-dish prowess, and rightfully so. The crust is sturdy yet tender, and the toppings are layered with care, creating a pie that holds together beautifully with each slice.
At The Pizza Joint inside Washington Hall, you can grab a handheld mini deep-dish, perfect for eating on the go without sacrificing flavor. It’s a clever twist on tradition that fits modern, fast-paced dining.
Michigan Avenue shoppers and food hall fans alike flock here for quality pizza that doesn’t require a sit-down commitment.
7. Milly’s Pizza in the Pan (Noble Square)
Milly’s has achieved cult status in Chicago, with pan pies that routinely sell out before the day is done. The secret lies in the perfectly crisp bottom crust, achieved through a hot pan and careful timing, paired with generous toppings and gooey cheese.
Located at 925 N. Ashland Ave., the shop operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so ordering early is your best bet. Once they’re gone, they’re gone, and you’ll have to wait until the next batch.
Fans plan their schedules around Milly’s availability, and after one bite, you’ll understand the obsession completely.
8. Bartoli’s Pizzeria (Roscoe Village & West Town)
Bartoli’s flies under the radar compared to some of the bigger names, but locals know it as a family-run gem serving excellent pan and tavern-style pizzas. The deep-dish here is what insiders call a sleeper hit, delivering all the gooey, cheesy goodness without the hype.
Roscoe Village and West Town locations offer cozy neighborhood vibes where you can relax and enjoy a meal that feels homemade. The crust is hearty, the sauce is well-seasoned, and the portions are generous.
Skip the tourist traps and head to Bartoli’s for an authentic, unpretentious Chicago pizza experience.
9. Al’s #1 Italian Beef (Taylor Street, Little Italy)
Al’s #1 Italian Beef is often credited with inventing the Italian beef sandwich, and stepping up to the counter here feels like visiting the birthplace of a legend. Thinly sliced, seasoned beef is piled high on a soft roll and dipped in flavorful gravy until it’s gloriously messy.
Ordering it dipped is non-negotiable if you want the full experience, and adding hot giardiniera brings a spicy, tangy kick that cuts through the richness. Taylor Street in Little Italy is the perfect backdrop for this iconic meal.
Grab plenty of napkins and prepare for one of the most satisfying sandwiches you’ll ever eat.
10. Johnnie’s Beef (Elmwood Park)
Johnnie’s Beef doesn’t bother with fancy decor or comfortable seating. This bare-bones stand focuses entirely on flavor, and the result is some of the best Italian beef in the entire metro area.
The combo, which pairs juicy Italian sausage with tender beef, is a rite of passage for Chicago food lovers. The contrast between the two meats, combined with peppers and giardiniera, creates a symphony of savory, spicy, and tangy notes.
Elmwood Park might be a short drive from downtown, but locals know Johnnie’s is worth every mile for that first dripping, delicious bite.
11. Mr. Beef on Orleans (River North)
Mr. Beef on Orleans keeps things simple: order at the counter, grab your sandwich, and enjoy one of the most classic, drippy Italian beefs in the city. There’s no pretense here, just honest, delicious food served quickly and efficiently.
Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it’s a lunch-hour favorite for River North workers and tourists exploring nearby attractions. The beef is tender, the bread soaks up every drop of gravy, and the giardiniera adds just the right amount of heat.
It’s straightforward, no-nonsense, and exactly what a Chicago beef sandwich should be every single time.
12. Portillo’s (several city locations)
Portillo’s started as a small hot dog stand in the Chicago suburbs and has since grown into a beloved chain with locations across the city and beyond. Despite the expansion, the quality remains solid, with Italian beef sandwiches that hit all the right notes.
Recently, Portillo’s even tested breakfast offerings locally, proving they’re not afraid to innovate while staying true to their roots. The menu also includes hot dogs, burgers, and chocolate cake shakes that have earned their own fan clubs.
It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing choice whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Chicagoan craving a quick, satisfying meal.
13. Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage (Mount Greenwood & suburbs)
Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage has built a loyal following on Chicago’s South Side and in the suburbs, thanks to generous portions and consistently flavorful sandwiches. The beef is tender and well-seasoned, and the rolls hold up even when fully dipped.
Multiple Chicagoland locations make it easy to find a Pop’s near you, whether you’re running errands or planning a road trip. Classic sides like fries and onion rings round out the menu without stealing the spotlight.
It’s the kind of neighborhood spot where regulars know the staff by name and newcomers quickly become fans after their first visit.
14. Superdawg Drive-In (Norwood Park & Wheeling)
Superdawg Drive-In is a throwback to the golden age of American car culture, complete with carhop service and giant neon hot dogs perched on the roof. The Superdawg itself is a snappy, all-beef frank topped with mustard, relish, onions, pickles, and a signature pickled green tomato.
That tangy green tomato sets Superdawg apart from every other hot dog stand in the city, adding a unique burst of flavor. Norwood Park and Wheeling locations both deliver the same nostalgic, delicious experience.
Roll down your window, place your order, and enjoy a true slice of Chicago history under the glow of those iconic neon dogs.
15. Gene & Jude’s (River Grove)
Gene & Jude’s operates by one strict rule: no ketchup allowed. This purist’s hot dog stand in River Grove piles fresh-cut fries directly on top of the dog, creating a messy, delicious combination that defies convention.
The simplicity is part of the charm. A steamed bun, a snappy frank, mustard, onions, relish, sport peppers, and those crispy fries make for an unforgettable bite. Late hours on weekends mean you can satisfy cravings well after midnight.
It’s quirky, it’s iconic, and it’s a must-visit for anyone serious about understanding Chicago’s hot dog culture and traditions.
16. The Wiener’s Circle (Lincoln Park)
The Wiener’s Circle is famous for two things: perfectly charred hot dogs and its late-night, no-holds-barred atmosphere where staff and customers trade playful insults. It’s chaotic, loud, and absolutely essential to the Chicago experience.
A recent remodel added a bar to the space, but the char dogs remain as delicious as ever. The char adds a smoky, crispy layer to the snappy frank, and classic toppings complete the package.
Visit after midnight for the full spectacle, or stop by earlier if you prefer your hot dog with a side of relative calm instead of friendly chaos.
17. Redhot Ranch (Bucktown, Lakeview & 35th St.; plus Skokie)
Redhot Ranch serves depression-style hot dogs, a Chicago variation that includes all the classic toppings plus fresh-cut fries on the side. Multiple locations across Bucktown, Lakeview, 35th Street, and Skokie make it easy to grab a dog whenever the craving strikes.
Late hours at most spots mean Redhot Ranch is there for you after concerts, games, or long nights out. The dogs are snappy, the fries are crispy, and the prices are budget-friendly without sacrificing quality.
It’s the kind of reliable neighborhood spot that locals return to again and again, knowing exactly what they’ll get every time.
18. Byron’s Hot Dogs (Irving Park & Lawrence)
Byron’s Hot Dogs has been a North Side institution for 50 years, and that kind of longevity speaks volumes about quality and consistency. A classic Chicago dog here comes with the works: mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers, and celery salt on a poppy seed bun.
Irving Park and Lawrence locations serve up the same reliable, delicious dogs that have kept generations of customers coming back. The staff knows their regulars, and the atmosphere feels like a neighborhood gathering spot.
Order your dog with the works, grab a seat, and taste the kind of tradition that only five decades of dedication can deliver.
