Whether you’re new to the area or a long time resident, there are some great places to eat in Chicago. Some of these are great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and all of them will have you coming back for more.
Vito & Nick’s Chicken Shack
Located on the far Southwest Side of Chicago, Vito & Nick’s is a classic tavern, but it also happens to be the oldest of its kind. If you’re looking for an authentic Chicago-style burger, this is the place to go. The tavern ain’t cheap, but you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
In addition to the requisite sausages and burgers, you can sample the Doghouse’s gourmet sausages and mac & cheese. While you’re at it, why not try the cheesecake from Eli’s Cheesecake?
The event may be a little less eventful this year, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot to see and do. Aside from the expected live musical performances, you’ll also get a dose of the city’s grit and some fun family activities. You can even find a few good beers, if you’re in the mood.
Tamale Guy’s tamales
Known as “The Tamale Guy” by Chicagoans, Claudio Velez has been traveling the city selling tamales for more than 20 years. As a mobile tamale vendor, Velez has gotten a cult following, visiting at least 20 bars each night. Now, Velez has established a new family business. He is opening a restaurant in Ukrainian Village.
Claudio Velez is a Mexican who has been serving tamales in Chicago for over twenty years. He started out peddling tamales from signature red coolers in bars. He has gained a cult following and was named a celebrity in the nightlife community.
Chicken Vesuvio
Known as a signature Chicago dish, Chicken Vesuvio is a must try at least once in your life. The recipe is easy to make, and has the potential to become a quick weeknight dinner option. The ingredients include bone-in chicken thighs, potato wedges, garlic, white wine, lemon juice and parsley. The resulting dish is a tasty 30-minute meal.
Depending on your preferences, you can either serve Chicken Vesuvio over crusty bread or a salad. While it can be eaten on its own, the combination of chicken and potatoes is a Chicago food technique that is often used for other dishes as well.
Lao Sze Chuan
Founded in 1998 by Sichuan-born Chef Tony Hu, Lao Sze Chuan is a leading Chinese restaurant in Chicago. The restaurant has gained international recognition and is known for its authentic Sichuan food. It is also committed to promoting Chinese food culture, and helping to build Chinese communities in the U.S.
Lao Sze Chuan has 10 locations in Illinois. In addition, it has two locations in Connecticut, and has opened a location in Katy, Texas. The company has plans to expand to three more Texas locations, in Austin and Dallas.
jibarito
Founded in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago in the 1990s, jibaritos are a popular sandwich that’s been embraced by the Puerto Rican community. They’re also popular among Chicago visitors who come from the region. The sandwich is filled with protein and mayonnaise, and is served on a plantain, which is a staple in Latin American cooking.
The jibarito is a sandwich made from fried plantains. Instead of bread, it’s layered with meat, lettuce, and tomato, and is served with a side of aioli. It’s a unique sandwich that isn’t usually served outside of the city. Several local eateries offer the sandwich.
Bing bread
During the Taste of Chicago event, there will be a lot of food to choose from. There will also be live music, dancing, family activities, and more. This year, the Taste of Chicago is partnering with John Deere for the event.
Bing bread is a popular Chicago food. It is also a good example of how chefs can take a traditional food and put their own spin on it. Bing bread is a fusion of a Chinese bing and a Midwestern baked potato.
The bing bread at Parachute in Chicago has become a signature food for the restaurant. It uses yeast instead of baking powder to make a round, fluffy loaf. Then, the chef stuffs it with scallions, bacon, potatoes, and cheese. It’s served with whipped sour cream butter.
Eli’s Cheesecake
During Taste of Chicago, Eli’s Cheesecake is a sponsor of the 1,000 lb birthday cake presented to Bonnie Hunt. During the first Taste of Chicago in 1980, Eli Rubinstein served cheesecake at the booth in front of the Tribune Tower. The cheesecake was so popular that Mayor Washington decided to serve it during the Super Bowl in New Orleans in 1986.
Eli’s Cheesecake is now one of the largest dessert bakeries in the country. In addition to their traditional cheesecakes, Eli’s has also developed products for special dietary needs. They are sold in bars and coffeehouses and shipped coast to coast. They also distribute their cakes through Lou Malnati’s Tastes of Chicago.
