- Tavern-style suggestions because I do not have them.
- Write introduction
For pretty pictures, see my photodumps for previous trips: 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024
Chicago is a food town. Options range from a whopping 25 Michelin Stars to iconic pizza, hot dogs, and cheeseborgers, there's something for every palete and budget.
Now let's dive into those Chicago icons:
Most Chicagoans will tell you that deep dish isn't real Chicago pizza. They might even tell you "it's for tourists." Great news - you're a tourist! And you should definitely try some deep dish while you're in town!
Two warnings for your first Chicago Deep Dish experience: Pizzas this large take a long time to cook. Be ready to wait 20-40 minutes, even if the restaurant is empty. It's a lot of food and it's very heavy. Don't plan on going for a run after dinner!
Perhaps the two most famous purveyors of deep dish are Lou Malnati's and Gino's East. Giordano's is also among the most famous pizza joints in town, but pedants will point out that Giordnao's is a stuffed pizza, not a deep dish.
I would be remiss to not also mention Pequod's, which continually ranks m best pizza places in the country. However, their nearest location is quite a drive away.
Giordano's has a location just two blocks from The Fairmont and Lou Malnati's is just a ten minute walk across the river. All of these options are available for delivery either directly through the restaurant or on the various food delivery apps.
TODO: I NEED THINGS TO PUT HERE
The "real" Chicago pizza. Thin as a cracker, cruncy, cut into squares.
A traditional Chicago dog, "dragged through the garden" is an all-beef frank on a poppyseed bun topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, neon green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers, and celery salt. Usually, that frank will be Vienna Beef brand. After talking to many Chicagoans about where to get a hot dog, it seems to me that the primary differentiators between hot dog places are their other dishes, their history, and their environment (such as the abuse you'll famously experience at The Wiener's Circle). In general, the best hot dog place is the one closest to you. Universally, people I asked agreed that Portillo's is an acceptable dog. If you go choose Portillo's, be sure to also order a Cake Shake.
Take in America's past time at one of her signature venues conveniently located just a block off of the Red Line. This week is an especially good week to see the Cubs as they're in the middle of a long home stand, including day games on Friday before the con and Sunday after the con. Be sure to grab a drink before and after in Wrigleyville and don't miss Nisei Longue, perhaps the most famous place on Earth to enjoy a Chicago Handshake! If you've never had one, be sure someone captures your #MalortFace!
Partially-housed in one of only two buildings left from the 1893 World's Fair, The Art Institute is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the US. I could easily spend days on end here. If you don't have that kind of time, they've got a guide on what to see in an hour. There's also paper guides at the museum for what to see in 90 minutes that are a bit easier to read.
The Chicago River winds through some of the finest architecture in the world. Spend an hour and a half learning some history of the city and the design decisions that have shaped it.
If you can only do one tourist activity in Chicago, this is the one to do.
There are a variety of operators offering these tours. Between my experiences and reviews online, I recommend Shoreline Sightseeing. It is certainly the most touristy option, but also the most consistent.
If you can swing it, I also recommend choosing a tour at sunset. It may cost extra but you'll be departing in daylight, experience sunset over the skyline, and finish your tour just as dusk has fallen.
- Museum of Science and Industry and when you're done, go for a walk through the adjancet Japanese Garden
- Shedd Aquarium
- Field Museum
- Chicago Cultural Center especially the Tiffany Dome
- Art on the Mart - note distance to hotel and time: 9-930p
- Buckingham Fountain - 20 minute displays start at the top of the hour.
- Sunday in the Park with Lyric - There’s nothing like Sunday in the Park with Lyric, as artists from The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center perform a variety of selections conducted by Music Director Enrique Mazzola with members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra. Grab your favorite music-loving friends, a blanket or lawn chair, some delicious snacks, and join us for this free, fun, friendly, can't miss delight under the stars that always signals that a new cultural season is just around the corner. Seating is first-come, first-served for this free event and no tickets are required.