So you’re visiting Chicago and a meal at just any American food chain won’t do? Okay, here are five of the most unique restaurants Chicago offers.
Deep-Dish Pizza
There’s no going to Chicago without a deep-dish pizza. Every Chicagoan has their favourite, but you can’t go wrong with these classic spots: Pizzeria Uno or Due, Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s Pizza, Pequod’s Pizza or Gino’s East. Be prepared to wait in line during peak times or order ahead for pickup. Dinner for two: $30-40 with drinks.
Publican Restaurant
One of the hippest new spots in Chicago, is an ode to local foods. It’s busy day and night — offering a great drinks menu, daily specials and staples such as spicy pork rinds served in a giant cone; a plate of aged ham with samples from Spain, Iowa and Virginia; creamy, crispy fried sweetbreads; or a pig’s head. Order a lot and share with friends. Dinner for two: $100 with drinks.
Hot Doug’s
This is no regular hot dog place. Any time during opening hours, there’s a one-hour lineup around the building. The menu offers more than a dozen of the wildest hot dogs — such as a foie gras and sauternes duck sausage dog; a spicy Thai chicken sausage; blue cheese pork sausage; smoked shrimp and pork sausage; or the Game of the Week dog with meats like crocodile and ostrich. Meal for two: $30 with drinks.
Frontera Grill
One of the city’s best-loved restaurants for its creamy guacamoles, refreshing ceviches and grilled meats. Meal for two: $100 with drinks.
Vie Restaurant
It is in the small town of Western Springs, a 30-minute train ride from downtown. Chef Paul Virant uses ingredients from local farms to create some of the most inventive dishes in the Chicago area. A meal here is around $150 for dinner for two — but its a steal because of the quality of the food.
