Chicago: Eating

Chicago's cosmopolitan makeup is reflected in its plethora of ethnic restaurants. Italian food, ranging from hearty deep-dish pizza (developed in 1953 at Pizzeria Uno ) to delicately crafted creations presented at stylish trattorias, continues to dominate a very dynamic scene. In recent years there's been a surge of popularity for New American cuisine. Thai restaurants still thrive, as do ones with a broad Mediterranean slant, many of which serve tapas; and there are still plenty of opportunities to sample more longstanding Chicago cuisines - Eastern European, German, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, even Burmese and Ethiopian. Of course, a number of establishments serve good old-fashioned barbecue ribs , a legacy of Chicago's days as the nation's meatpacker. And no visit is complete without sampling a messy Italian beef sandwich, or a Chicago-style hot dog, laden with tomatoes, onions, hot peppers and a pickle.

The largest concentration of restaurants is found north and west of the Loop . To the west, Greektown , around Halsted Street at Jackson Boulevard, and Little Italy , on and around Taylor Street, are worth a look. The Near North and River North areas harbor a good number of upscale places. Chinatown , though not pretty, is a predictably good neighborhood for Cantonese and Szechuan food. Many bars and cafés listed in the "Nightlife and Entertainment" section also serve snacks and light meals, and dozens of places in the Loop offer great breakfast and lunch specials.

More about Eating:

Downtown
Greektown and Little Italy
Chinatown
Near North Side and River North
Old Town
Lincoln Park and around
Wicker Park
The South Side: Hyde Park

Chicago

Chicago
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• Eating
Downtown
Greektown and Little Italy
Chinatown
Near North Side and River North
Old Town
Lincoln Park and around
Wicker Park
The South Side: Hyde Park
Nightlife and entertainment
Best Of Chicago
Guided tours

Explore Chicago

Chicago River
Chinatown
Downtown Chicago: The Loop
Gold Coast and Old Town
Grant Park
Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville
Near North Side
South Michigan Avenue
South Side
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