With just seven days left until Global Security Exchange (GSX), you may be wondering what can’t-miss food destinations our host city of Chicago has to offer. Don’t worry–we’ve got you covered with this list of Chicago’s seven best eats.
1. Giordano’s Pizza
While you’re in Chicago for GSX, you can’t go home without having your fill of traditional, Chicago style, deep-dish pizza. There are hundreds of places in the city to go, but you will find the best at Giordano’s Pizza. This pizza has evolved over 200 years, originally being created by Mama Giordano herself in a small town near Torino, Italy. It wasn’t until immigrant brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio moved to the south side of Chicago in 1974, that the legendary Giordano’s Pizza was born.
2. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen
Whether you’re traveling from The Big Apple, or anywhere else in the world, you’ll be able to get your taste of a New York deli in The Windy City at Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen. Manny’s prides itself on being your “home away from home,” having passed its authentic recipes down for generations. After you bump elbows at the counter to get your corned beef sandwich and other assortments of “Jewish comfort food”, you’ll get all the ~feels~ of being right at home.
3. Portillo’s
If you’ve had your fill of deep-dish and you’re ready for your next Chicago food quest, Portillo’s is the place to go (and you’ll probably leave obsessed!). Chicagoans are crazy about this restaurant for good reason – they have the best Chicago style hot dog and have been serving them since 1963. The original Portillo’s in Chicago can be found at the intersection of Clark and Ontario Street, and there you’ll be able to sink your teeth into their famous fare.
4. Gene and Jude’s
Ever found yourself wanting fries and a hot dog? Sounds like an innocent request. But have you ever found yourself putting your fries ON your hot dog? When you travel just outside of downtown Chicago, you’ll discover you’re not the only one that’s thought of this genius invention. Since 1946, Gene & Jude’s has been putting fries on their dogs (hot dogs, that is), and has rightfully earned their title as “America’s #1 Hot Dog.”
5. Au Cheval
After you’ve spent the day on your feet over at McCormick Place and you’re ready to sit down an indulge, Au Cheval will be calling your name. This elevated diner-style bar and restaurant features mouthwatering recipes that have caught the attention of food bloggers everywhere. Along with an extensive list of signature cocktails draft beers, their signature cheeseburger is topped with a fried egg, melty cheese and crispy, juicy thick cut bacon…need I say more?
6. Gene and Georgetti’s Steak House
If a burger isn’t your idea of fine dining, Gene & Georgetti is ready to accommodate you. Founded in 1941 by Gene Michelotti and Alfredo Federighi (nicknamed Georgetti), the partners worked tirelessly to establish their steakhouse as the finest in Chicago (and Chicago’s finest would agree!). To this day, you can expect unparalleled service and quality to your meal, and you might even see a few celebrities. Everyone from Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball to Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell has dined at this Chicago institution.
7. Garrett Popcorn Shops
If you’re looking for something other than the lifelong friendships and valuable connections you’ve made at GSX to bring home with you, look no further than Garrett popcorn. Available around the city, their world-famous cheddar and caramel popcorn mix will knock your (white) sox off. It might be tempting but try to resist eating it all before you go!