Chicago is the backdrop of many popular on-screen moments, from the classic films Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Home Alone to the modern, Emmy-winning show The Bear. But, as foodies, we have to ask, what restaurants and meals tell the story of the real Windy City? Here is a list of five iconic settings that make up the restaurant scene to us, as a local (Ana) and a visitor (Stella).
Of Beef and Bears
Mr. Beef serves up delectable Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, but today, it’s more famous to tourists as the setting of the hit Hulu show The Bear. While recently surging into mainstream popularity, Mr. Beef has been serving customers since 1979. Italian Beef itself originates from Italian immigrants who landed in Chicago and needed a cost-efficient, delicious meal. Since the 1900s, the juicy sandwich has taken over the city, and it’s one that Ana always make sure to grab a taste of when back in her hometown. “The sandwiches aren’t overly complex… But they don’t need to be—just bask in the comforting simplicity of Mr. Beef’s version of a Chicago classic,” says John Ringor, Chicago staff writer for Infatuation Magazine. Tip: Make sure to order your sandwich dipped in broth so it melts right in your mouth and pair it with the sweet and spicy giardiniera peppers! Trust us, this takes it to the next level.
To Deep Dish or Not, that is the Real question
Keeping it Italian, we have all heard of the iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza, but what if I told you there’s a style of pizza that is even more authentic to the Windy City? In her childhood, Ana would wait at the window of her apartment in North Park for the delivery car from La Villa’s pizza. Its thin-crust, square-cut style is much less overwhelming compared to the deep dish and, in our opinion, ten times more delicious! This tavern style originated at the end of the Prohibition era and made for the perfect way to serve pizza on napkins instead of wasting plates and silverware! If you want to get a taste of what locals are eating, this is the spot to go to. If you opt to dine in, they have tons of space, and you’ll often find a live band playing inside that you can jam out to with the friendly staff. On r/chicagofood, one Reddit user went as far as to call La Villa “the GOAT” when they tried their food during Chicago’s Independent Restaurant Week.
Smokin’ Selection
An unexpected delicacy of Chicago is their BBQ. Smoque, a classic BBQ spot is hosts Chicagoians at their Northwest Chi Town storefront. Our favorite is their brisket. The meat is unbelievably tender and packed with a mouthful of flavors that can only be described as mouthwatering. Chicago is a hub and place of opportunity for people all over the US to introduce their unique flavors. Every town does its BBQ uniquely, and those flavors come together to make Chicago BBQ. Daniel Vaughn, an editor at Texas Monthly, even said, “After having the best of what Texas has to offer, I normally cringe at the thought of brisket in any other state…This brisket changed my mind.” There is even a BBQ festival entitled the “Windy City Smokeout” that hosts major country artists and BBQ trucks from cities across the USA, including Smoque.
Historic Bar Scene
The Berghoff Bar has occupied their W. Adams location since 1913. Their menu consists of Polish cuisine and an extensive beer list. They were even the first establishment in Chicago to obtain a liquor license. Inside, their setup remains very similar to what it once was, giving it a vintage, warm, and inviting atmosphere. “The rich history of the building is fascinating, with much remaining from the 1800s; the bar room and recently refurbished bar, paintings, murals, stained glass, fixtures, and the floor to name a few.” A large Polish community settled in Chicago in the 1850s, The Berghoff is located in the west side area called “Old Polina,” which had a high concentration of Polish immigrants. One of our favorite Polish meals is a classic bratwurst, which Berghoff serves in a pretzel roll with kraut. It represents the Poles in Chicago and gives a nod to the hot dogs Chicago is known for.
Get creped Out
Finally, head to La Creperie, the oldest creperie in the United States. Founded in 1972, you’ll find this small, intimate spot in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.
Ana first “discovered” this place two years ago with a friend while Christmas shopping in the neighborhood, and loves to bring everyone to this spot to indulge in their perfect sweet or savory crepes. The best one, according to Ana’s thorough research: the La Classique with warm banana and Nutella stuffed inside the pillowy, thin dough.
Although they have minimal seating indoors and out, the dimly lit room, wine wall, and French music make for the perfect atmosphere to relax after a long day, no matter the season. On a brutal winter day, the cozy interior is warm and welcoming and on warm summer evenings a spot on their patio makes even a long day feel better. A writer for the Chicago Bar Project went as far as to call La Creperie a “hidden gem you don’t want others knowing about.” But we love it so much we couldn’t help but share!
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