Deep-dish dreams and Windy City cuisines: Chicago restaurants serving classics

Chicago, the jewel of the Midwest, is not only famed for its architectural wonders but also for its iconic cuisine. From deep-dish pizza to Italian beef, Chicago is the birthplace of some of today’s favorite comfort foods, capturing the hearts and palates of locals and tourists. Check out five of Chicago's best restaurants (voted by us) to savor these classic city flavors.

Best hot dog: Gene & Jude’s

The classic Chicago dog is a staple at over 1,000 stands across the city, yet none compare to Gene & Jude’s. This joint has been around since 1946 and has been named America’s #1 hotdog by many (even Rachel Ray). Their unique hotdog comes with fries inside every bun, with the potatoes cut and fried right before you. Just don’t ask for ketchup.

• Location: 2720 North River Road, River Grove

Best pizza: Lou Malnati’s 

There’s no better city to have pizza in than in the birthplace of deep dish. Although which restaurant makes the best pie is a controversial topic for any Chicagoan, Lou Malnati’s is a top choice. People from all over the country come to try out their famous flakey butter crust, passed down from generation to generation, accompanied by the freshest ingredients.

• Original location: 6649 Lincoln Avenue, Lincolnwood

Best Italian beef: Al’s #1 Italian Beef

Named the #1 Italian beef sandwich in Chicago since 1980 by Chicago Magazine, Al’s was another Chicago food originator. They were the first stand in Chicago to make and sell the Italian beef sandwich. What started as a front for a bookie joint has grown into much more. Al's has received over 150 culinary and critic awards, influencing people worldwide to check out their delicious beef sandwich.

• Original location: 1079 West Taylor Street, Chicago  

Best Maxwell Street Polish: The Original Maxwell Street

The Maxwell Street Polish Sausage came to be in Chicago on Maxwell Street almost seven decades ago. During this time, immigrants started opening hotdog stands on the corner of Halsted and Maxwell Street. The fame of the food started when they began piling Polish sausages with caramelized onions and a dab of mustard. Although this stand is not the originator, The Original Maxwell Street's polish is one to try!

• Location: 3801 West Harrison Street, Chicago
  

Best steak house: Chicago Chop House 

For over a century, Chicago was the center of America's meatpacking industry, changing how livestock was sold, processed, transported, and consumed. Chicago truly defined the steakhouse experience. Chicago Chop House opened its doors in 1986 and became one of Chicago’s original steakhouses. 

• Location: 60 West Ontario Street, Chicago