Hearty comfort food, prohibition-era speakeasies, and world class fine dining, Chicago is one of America’s top food and drink destinations. Home to game-changers like Grant Achatz and other Michelin-starred chefs, The Windy City is still the meatpacking capital of the world. You’ll find America’s best steaks, Chicago style deep-dish pizza, local hot dogs, and stellar cocktail bars.
Eat
Chicago is the American food capital and Chicago-Style hot dogs is a city staple. The famous deep-dish pizza is not for the faint of heart and is so thick it must be eaten with a fork and knife. Steakhouses are in abundance but if you prefer a Michelin-starred dining experience, 3-starred Alinea is an unforgettable, experimental option.
Drink
There is no shortage of drink options in Chicago, the city where the legendary Al Capone once ran over 20,000 speakeasies during prohibition. Most of the hidden “backroom bars” have long disappeared but some still remain. Wine bars, though there are some, are less favored than the avant-garde bars with creative mixologists and beer halls, popular for Chicago’s craft beer scene.
Experience
Chicago is made up of neighborhoods each with a unique draw. Don’t be afraid to go outside the center to find classic Chicago specialties like The Italian Beef . Unique to the city, a high end liquor store / bar concept is a local tradition, a revival of the dive bar/liquor store combos that were characteristic of the city at one time.
