Chicago Dining: Restaurants, Pizza, Hot Dogs, Gyros And Italian

Chicago dining is one of the most diverse culinary experiences in the Midwest. The city of  Chicago provides a wide range of ethnic foods including Jamaican, Italian, German, Mediterranean, Spanish, and many others. In fact, parts of Chicago are dedicated to separate ethnic groups, where corresponding foods can be found.

Although there is a wide range of food options in Chicago, there is one food in particular that has become synonymous with Chicago dining: deep dish pizza. Every out-of-towner that visits Chicago for a weekend shopping extravaganza wants to know one thing: where's the best place to get Chicago pizza? Depending on who is asked, the answer is different. But it all boils down to a few hot spots around the city.

One of the first suggestions will probably be Giordano's on Rush Street. It 's  known as a great place to dine with the family. This Chicago dining establishment can be found downtown and in surrounding suburbs. Some of the most popular locations are found on Superior Street, Sheridan Road, and in Evanston, Ill. The meals at Giordano's are reasonably priced, and the most popular item, Chicago pizza, can be purchased for $12-$26 depending on the size and toppings. Pizzas can be ordered online or in house.

A more experienced Chicagoan will suggest Uno's on Ohio Street for original Chicago pizza. Although the restaurant has now expanded across the country, it can only be truly appreciated as a Chicago dining experience. Uno's is best known as the original place for deep dish pizza. Like other Chicago pizza restaurants, Uno's offers pasta, chicken dishes, and sandwiches. But the most popular item is, of course, deep dish pizza. It can be ordered online or in house for $5-$22, depending on the size and toppings.

Both Giordano's and Uno's are also known for being excellent Italian restaurants. Along with Lou Malnati's Pizzeria on N Wells Street, all the Chicago dining establishments offer pasta, salad, Chicago pizza, and delicious desserts like cannolis and cheesecake.

Another Chicago dining favorite is Chicago gyros (pronounced: heroes). Again, it depends on who is asked, but most people will suggest Greektown Gyros on Halsted. The restaurant is open 24 hours a day and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While the breakfast and lunch specials are especially delicious, the gyros are the best sellers. A heaping gyro plate can be purchased and enjoyed for $6.25. Other Chicago restaurants that specialize in Greek and Mediaterranean foods are Andie's on Clark Street, J.J.'s Gyros on North Avenue, and Nikos Gyros on Elston Avenue. Chicago gyros can be purchased between $6-$11.

The third most popular food for a Chicago dining experience are Chicago hot dogs. Anybody will suggest Wrigley Field or US Cellular Field for the best, most authentic Chicago hot dogs. There's something about the combination of sports and hot dogs that just works. If a game doesn't fit the schedule, there are a multitude of Chicago dining options to fulfill a hot dog craving. Portillo's Hot Dogs on W Ontario Street is known for its cheap, great tasting Chicago hot dogs. They run about $2-$3 depending on the size. Portillo's can be found downtown and on the North Shore.

Chicago dining can be a great, cultural event for the whole family or for individuals flying solo. Chicago dining can satisfy any craving with it's most popular dishes of gyros, hot dogs, or deep dish pizza. So don't be afraid to try new and exotic foods in a variety of different Chicago restaurants. Get out there and get tasting!


Sources:
Google maps. Google Inc. 2007. 1 Feb. 2007 <http://maps.google.com>
Giordano's. Giordano's Inc. 2007. 1 Feb. 2007 <http://www.giordanos.com>
Uno's. Pizzeria Uno Corp. 2006. 1 Feb. 2007. <http://www.unos.com >
Portillo's. Portillos Hot Dog Inc. 2006. 1 Feb. 2007. <http://www.portillos.com>