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By Alix Farr, Editor
The Classics
Chicago is a city of classics, and top among them are pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef. Even snooty foodies can’t resist these perfectly greasy treats.
Deep-Dish Pizza
by: jonapark flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
The competition for the best Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is tough, but Gogobot Foodies have Giordano’s edging out Lou Malnati’s. Frankly, though, either spot is a perfect intro to this hearty dish, piled high with giant layers of sauce, cheese, and the toppings of your choice. If you love caramelized cheese (and who doesn’t?), you’ll also want to plan a stop at Pequod’s.
Hot Dogs
by: star5112 flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
We have the Great Depression to thank for the Chicago hot dog tradition (and here we thought we’d never thank the Great Depression for anything). And this is no ordinary hot dog. To go traditional, you’ll need an all-beef dog, a poppy seed bun, and just the right combo of toppings: mustard, relish, peppers, tomato, onion, a pickle, and a dash of celery salt. Portillo’s is a tourist favorite, but also a Foodie favorite, because it’s just that good.
Italian Beef
by: _Tony_B flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Thinly sliced, well seasoned roast beef in an Italian roll, sometimes topped with peppers and always oozing with juices, is Chicago’s favorite sandwich. Try it at the place that claims to have invented it: Al’s Italian Beef.
The Trendy
Not everything in Chicago is old-school. Top chefs from around the country have been opening up restaurants here, serving up hip food and drinks in sleek, atmospheric venues — perfect for gratifying your inner epicure.
Girl & The Goat
by: star5112 flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Former Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard does creative small plates out of this West Loop spot. Like what you taste? She just opened up a new venture, Duck Duck Goat, with upscale Chinese cuisine.
The Purple Pig
by: Edsel L flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Mediterranean small plates and lots of top-quality wine are the hallmarks of one of the most-loved Chicago restaurants on Gogobot. And you can’t leave without trying the pigs ears.
Au Cheval
by: Sam Howzit flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Do what we say and thank us later: try the burger.
Alinea
by: Edsel L flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
This three-Michelin-Star joint will take a heavy toll on your wallet (it’s generally considered one of the best restaurants in the world, after all), but Gogobot Foodies agree: it’s worth it.
Avec
by: eekim flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Avec has been around for a decade, but it still manages to stay super trendy (and we’re guessing the stuffed bacon-wrapped dates have a lot to do with that).
Mindy’s Hot Chocolate
by: stu_spivack flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Got foodie kiddos? Bring them to Mindy’s. Yes, there is outstanding hot chocolate, but there’s also a menu full of adult-friendly food as well. (And, who are we kidding, you should get the hot chocolate, too.)
The Publican
by: quinn.anya flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Can’t have dinner without a trendy beer to wash it down? The Publican is your spot. Dine on seafood and pork while sipping global and local brews.
Gogobot’s mission is to help people find places to stay, eat, and play that are perfect for them. Find more Foodie spots — in Chicago or anywhere else in the world — on the Gogobot app.
Source: gogobot.com