A city’s reputation can be based on any number of possible characteristics including its history, architecture, culture and, of course, food. While Chicago is known for its rich history, numerous art galleries, and high-rise buildings that make up the picturesque skyline, the cuisine plays a big part in defining the city. While it is considered a hub for gourmet dining, it’s food staples like Chicago’s deep dish pizza and craft beer that give visitors a true authentic experience worth remembering.
If you’re planning a trip to Chicago, you have to be prepared to make some tough choices. After you’ve hit all the attractions in Chicago you came to see, you have to decide where to eat. Like I said, tough choices. There are too many pizza places to count and (as of 2013) almost 2,500 craft breweries to choose from, so you are going to need a plan of action.
Here’s a quick guide to help you narrow in on the best deep dish pizza and breweries in the “Windy City;” so no matter where the wind takes you, you’ll be full and happy!
Pizza That Can’t Be Topped – Crust Me On This!
Unlike other deep dish pizzas, Pequod’s pies look a little different. Don’t worry! They burn the crust on purpose. The edges of the pizza are sprinkled with a thin layer of cheese which is caramelized when cooking to give the golden crust the famous blackened ring. And it gets better! They don’t skimp on the fresh and flavorful toppings that will have you begging for more. Definitely worth the dough!
Picture taken from TripAdvisor
Practice makes perfect (and Lou has had a lot of practice)! After working in Chicago’s first deep dish pizzeria in the 1940s, he and his wife opened the first Lou Malnati’s in 1971. Today there are almost 40 Lou Malnati locations in Chicago that pride themselves on making their pizza from scratch with vine-ripened tomatoes and other fresh ingredients. If that’s not enough to make your tastebuds water, without a doubt, the secret family recipe for flaky butter crust that has been passed down from generation to generation will!
Pizano’s
While Lou Malnati started his insanely popular pizza chain, his brother, Rudy Malnati became one of the founding owners of Pizzeria Uno in 1943. Almost 50 years later, his grandson, Rudy Malnati Jr., decided to branch off from those restaurants and create the beloved Pizano’s. Now, while their deep dish is similar in taste to Lou’s (according to customers), it is their addictive thin crust pizza, made from an old secret family recipe, that will satisfy all your kneads.
Where the Craft Beer is Hoppin’
Not only is this international café chock-full of maps (shocking, right?), but you may actually need a GPS to navigate this extensive menu! From over 36 countries, The Map Room has collected over 200 brews just for you. They even have gluten-free and cask-conditioned options. Just make sure to bring cash if you want to put that hop in your step!
For over 35 years, this place has maintained a working man’s vibe while acting as a watering hole for those seeking live music, great beer and vintage decor. Having started with a menu of six taps, Quencher’s is more prepared to quench your thirst with their expanded menu of 24 drafts and a consistent rotating 275 bottle selection. You can’t go wrong with a visit to this saloon, when you’re in the pursuit of hoppiness!
While it used to be hard to get a table here, a couple summers ago this beer haven expanded to allow more people a chance to kick back with their favorite brew. This warm, inviting and rustic gastropub also added more drafts and a kitchen five times larger than before for your dining and drinking pleasure. This is the place to be, especially if you are a fan of Belgian beer. Pair your pint with their mussels and frites for a taste you’ll experience only once in a Blue Moon!
There you have it! Of all the great attractions and things to do in Chicago, these six places have to make it onto your list. I mean, how can you expect to get the real Chicago experience without deep dish and beer? Just some food (and hops) for thought!
To check out out other things to do in Chicago, check out CityPASS for more ideas and attractions!
Disclosure: this is a sponsored post, although we love beer and pizza we have never been to Chicago.
When I was in Chicago in 2010, I went for deep dish with some friends, one of whom was living there at the time. We followed him to what he said was the best place for the pizza, but for the life of me I cannot remember where that place was or what it was called, which is a crying shame… maybe this post will come in handy whenever I am back in Chicago. Love that city. Also, YES to Blue Moon. My fave.
I hope you find it again some day and that it’s as good as you remember.
Hi Nat, You are such a great photographer as I saw your both of pic that is captured the best way. However, I’ve never been Chicago, I am very fond of buying the camera from Chicago as one of my friend brought from there so many times I thought that I’ll go for that. This time I will attempt to accomplish and I promise you that will be visiting in Blue Moon……..
Hi Seema, I haven’t been to Chicago either, this is a sponsored post ftp, CityPASS but still very informative.