9 Chicago Staples You Should Have Tried By Now
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Chicago is a paradise for food lovers. From inexpensive Chicago dogs to some of the world’s best steaks, the Windy City serves up some iconic foods. If you’ve been in the city for very long at all, you should have tried these 9 foods.
Garrett's Popcorn has been a Chicago institution since 1949, and the line down the street and around the corner attests to its deliciousness. Get the Caramel Crisp, or mix things up a bit with the Garrett Mix.
You'd have to be living under a rock not to know about Chicago's iconic deep-dish style pizza. There are numerous places to get this incredibly cheesy, wonderful pizza, but Lou Malnati's is one of the favorites (also try Uno Pizzeria & Grill, Giordano's or Gino's).
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Considering Chicago's history in the meat-packing industry, it makes perfect sense that the Windy City is THE place to get a delicious steak. Founded in 1941, family-owned Gene & Georgetti's is one of the most popular spots, though you'll find dozens of other steakhouses as well.
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The best way to get through a Chicago winter is with plenty of warm comfort food. Since 1890, the chicken pot pie at The Walnut Room in Macy's has been the go-to for frostbitten Chicagoans.
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You've never had a proper Chicago breakfast until you've dined on an Ann Sather's cinnamon roll. It's almost as big as your head, tender, flaky and covered with the most delicious frosting ever.
Remember what we said earlier about Chicago's meat-packing history? It comes into play again here at Al's Italian Beef. Since 1938, this shop has been serving up the most famous sandwich in the city. Piled high with tender sliced beef, then covered in sweet peppers and served with au jus. It's beyond compare.
You'll have to wait 'til summer for a Mario's Italian Lemonade, but dreams of this icy treat might just keep you going this winter. It's open May through September.
Here's another summer-only treat that's well worth waiting for. Original Rainbow Cone has been serving up its unique five-flavor layered cone for more than 90 years. The cone is layered with pistachio, orange sherbet, Palmer House vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate.
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No, all hot dogs are NOT created equal. A proper Chicago dog is piled high with onions, tomatoes, pickles, mustard, relish and peppers. It's imperative that the dog be served on a poppy seed bun. Get yours at Portillo's, Gene and Jude's, Hot Doug's or Wolfy's.
What’s your favorite Chicago food? Tell us in the comments!
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