Austrian-Hungarian immigrants established the Vienna Beef company and introduced their product at the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893. The Chicago Dog is often found at hot dog stands, but did you know that a real Chicago Dog is an all beef dog? The concept originated with Jewish settlers whose Kosher produced beef dog was seen as a cleaner, more safely produced product. There are several Garrett shops and stands at stadiums and even O’Hare airport. They have been mailing out beautiful gift tins of popcorn since the early 1990s and are going strong seventy plus years later as Chicago’s favorite popcorn. The company boasts many long-time employees. In 1977, they created the now famous Chicago Mix (caramel and cheese corn). There are a lot of popcorn shops across the country, but Garrett’s Popcorn, has been producing multiple flavors of delicious popcorn since 1949. Having eaten many of these, my best suggestion is to take a look at their websites and see what makes you drool. There are so many other great pizzerias and if you ask a local, you’ll surely hear of more than this list. Of the thin crust variety, the favorites include Vito & Nick’s (pizza since 1945), Candlelite (pizza since 1950), Pizano’s, Piece Brewery and Pizzeria, and Marie’s Pizza and Liquors (since 1950s). Deep dish favorites often include Lou Malnati’s (since 1971), Pizzeria Uno (the original, since 1943), Gino’s East (since 1966), Pequod’s, Bartolli’s (grandson of Gino’s proprietor), and Giordano’s.
Choosing who has the best is a very person choice in either variety. They are essentially two completely different eating experiences.
Chicago is best known for the deep dish style, but there is a great tradition of “tavern style” cracker crust pizza. The pizza debate runs deep in Chicago, no pun intended.
I’ve written many articles about how to enjoy the less obvious tourist destinations and neighborhoods ( Spring Break Chicago, Neighborhoods Chicago, Fall Visit), but if you’re visiting for food, there are a couple items you absolutely must include: Pizza, Popcorn, Chicago Dogs, and Italian Beef Sandwiches. Whether you are starting, ending or both with Chicago, food is only the beginning of how you can be entertained. Optional: Urban Bourbon Trail Destination 1: Chicago