The 21 most famous and iconic Chicago restaurants

What is it? An old-school Jewish deli.

Why we love it: The most prominent Jewish deli in Chicago has operated for eight decades and though it received a facelift in 2016, little else about the experience has changed. Grab a tray and get in line, because the food is served cafeteria-style. The reason to come here is the famous corned beef, generously piled high on rye bread, but other standouts include the pastrami, potato pancakes and matzah ball soup. No matter what you order, you’re certain to leave full and satisfied.

Time Out tip: Even half a sandwich is generously portioned, so save room for sides or a black-and-white cookie.

Address: 1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 8am-7:30pm; Sun 8am-3:30pm

What is it? A longstanding restaurant inside Macy's on State Street.

Why we love it: Although Marshall Field’s is long gone, the wood-paneled restaurant inside the iconic local department store lives on. It’s one of the oldest eateries in Chicago, having been established in 1907, and also a popular destination once the holiday season rolls around. No visit to the Walnut Room would be complete without trying Mrs. Hering’s chicken pot pie, a recipe named after a former sales clerk that dates back to 1890.

Time Out tip: Holiday reservations go fast, so be ready to book as soon as they become available.

Address: 111 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Sun 11am-3pm; Wed-Sat 11am-7pm

What is it? One of the few remaining seafood smokehouses in Chicago.

Why we love it: Chicagoans head to this revered smoke shack next to the Calumet River on the far South Side for some of the city’s finest seafood. Whether it’s smoked salmon and trout or fried shrimp and scallops, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The James Beard Foundation deemed the shack an American Classic in 2010. Bring money as it’s cash only. 

Time Out tip: There's no indoor seating be ready to eat on the sidewalk or in the car.

Address: 3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 10am-8pm; Fri, Sat 10am-9pm

What is it? The city's oldest beef stand.

Why we love it: The history of the humble Italian beef sandwich is murky but its popularity can be traced back to Al’s on Taylor Street. Though there are outposts all around Chicagoland, the original location—opened in 1938—remains a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike. The classic recipe calls for simmering thin slices of heavily seasoned roast beef in gravy and then loading it onto French bread, preferably alongside sweet or hot peppers. Eat it in the proper upright position while leaning over a counter to avoid getting messy.

Time Out tip: Order the combo to get both Italian beef and sausage in one sandwich.

Address: 1079 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-11pm; Sat 10am-11pm

What is it? A timeless diner.

Why we love it: Service with a smile and complimentary doughnut holes and Milk Duds attract folks to one of the oldest restaurants in Chicago. This greasy spoon is on the National Register of Historic Places, as it's in close proximity to the starting point of Route 66. The kitchen turns out reliable diner fare like jumbo omelets, fluffy pancakes and house-made baked goods.

Time Out tip: Weekends are especially busy so plan on arriving early to avoid a wait.

Address: 565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 6am-2pm; Sat, Sun 7am-2pm

What is it? A legendary burger joint steeped in local history.

Why we love it: It may not be home to Chicago’s best burger (we’ll leave that open to debate), but there’s no denying the fact that the Billy Goat Tavern is a world-renowned restaurant, thanks in part to an appearance on Saturday Night Live as well as owner Billy Sianis placing a supposed Curse of the Billy Goat on the Chicago Cubs back in 1945. Today, it remains a reliable spot to get a no-frills “Cheezborger,” dressed with the toppings you want from the condiment station, plus a cold beer. 

Time Out tip: The flagship Michigan Avenue outpost is a bit of a hidden secret, tucked away in an underpass beneath the Mag Mile.

Address: Lower 430 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 7am-midnight; Thu, Fri 7am-1:30am; Sat 9am-1:30am; Sun 9am-midnight

What is it? A century-old ice cream shop.

Why we love it: Now in its 100th year, the Original Rainbow Cone has delighted generations upon generations of Chicagoans. The Beverly scoop shop—with locations around the city and suburbs—is a requisite visit in the summertime. Pull over when you spot the bright pink building on Western Avenue and head inside to discover the city’s most Instagram-friendly frozen treat. The namesake Rainbow Cone is a kaleidoscope of colors, containing slices of chocolate, strawberry, pistachio and Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts) ice cream plus orange sherbet.

Time Out tip: Visit before 3pm on weekdays to score a small Rainbow Cone for $5.

Address: 9233 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-10pm; Fri, Sat 11am-11pm

What is it? The gold standard for tavern-style pizza.

Why we love it: Locals know this beloved Ashburn pizzeria serves the city's best cracker-thin pizzas. The pies come with a perfectly crisp crust, tangy red sauce and just the right amount of cheese, plus toppings like fennel sausage and spicy giardiniera. Pair them with a pitcher of Old Style for a quintessential Chicago dining experience.

Time Out tip: Stop at an ATM because it's cash only.

Address: 8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-8:30pm; Fri, Sat 11am-9:30pm; Sun noon-8pm

What is it? A Polish sausage stand that dates back to the '30s.

Why we love it: A staple for late-night eats and hungry UIC students, Jim’s is beloved for its budget-friendly prices. The stand claims to be where the Maxwell Street Polish was born and you’ll find countless customers at all hours of the day enjoying the iconic sausage topped with mustard, grilled onions and hot peppers. Another must-try is the pork chop sandwich, which is unique because the meat is served bone-in on the bun—be careful where you bite!

Time Out tip: Jim's opened a North Side location in Bucktown in 2022.

Address: 1250 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Daily 6am-1am

What is it? Chicago's iconic fried chicken chain.

Why we love it: When you think of fried chicken in Chicago, the first place that usually comes to mind is Harold’s. Though the quality may vary between locations, the local chain is one of the city’s most famous institutions, with celebs, athletes and even President Obama among its countless fans. The food’s made to order, so you can expect the meat to turn out juicy, tender and enveloped by perfectly crisp skin every time. 

Time Out tip: The chicken’s not complete without a dousing of mild sauce—a vinegary hot sauce that adds a bit of acidic zip and helps cut through the grease.

Address: 124 E 35th St, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Mon 11am-10pm; Tue, Wed 10:30am-9pm; Thu 10:30am-midnight; Fri 10:30am-11pm; Sat 10am-11pm; Sun 11am-9pm

What is it? A classic ice cream parlor.

Why we love it: Opened in 1921, this old-school ice cream parlor is a charming time warp back to yesteryear. Nostalgic photos and Beatles memorabilia line the shelves, while the surprisingly lengthy menu boasts a variety of sundaes, banana splits, ice cream floats and more. 

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for an experience you won’t soon forget, bring a group and order the 15-scoop Terrapin sundae—you may need to be rolled out afterwards.

Address: 1960 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 10am-midnight; Fri, Sat 10am-1am

What is it? A beloved drive-in restaurant famous for its namesake hot dogs

Why we love it: Twelve-foot hot dog mascots, named after the original owners Maurie and Flaurie Berman, sit atop this legendary stand to welcome passersby in for a quick bite. Drive-in restaurants may be a relic of yesteryear but Superdawg has been around since 1948 and shows no signs of slowing down. Pull into an open space and place an order through the intercom; carhops will bring the food out so you don’t have to leave your vehicle. The signature item is, of course, the Superdawg, a pure beef hot dog dressed with mustard, green relish, Spanish onions, hot peppers, dill pickle spear and a wedge of pickled green tomato. 

Time Out tip: While dining in your car is part of the Superdawg experience, there is limited indoor seating as well.

Address: 6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-1am; Fri, Sat 11am-2am

What is it? A South Side barbecue smokehouse celebrated for its rib tips.

Why we love it: Chicago isn’t exactly best known for barbecue, but the city’s South Side certainly has an identity of its own when it comes to smoking meats. At Lem’s, rib tips—a preferred cut in Chicago for its flavor and value—cooked in a custom glass smoker that looks like an aquarium is the specialty. Just follow the smells coming out of the smokestack and prepare to wait in line—the reward is worth it.

Time Out tip: The rib tips are the star, but don't sleep on the hot links.

Address: 311 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun noon-10pm; Fri, Sat noon-11pm

What is it? A world-renowned temple of molecular gastronomy.

Why we love it: Grant Achatz’s fine-dining destination has been one of the city’s biggest culinary attractions since opening in 2005. The two-Michelin-starred restaurant draws guests from around the world for a total sensory experience, complete with dry ice, exotic ingredients and playful servingware. Though the tasting menus will set you back a pretty penny, a meal at Alinea is like sitting down to a theatrical masterpiece delivered with flawless execution.

Time Out tip: Reservations open on the 15th of each month, two months in advance.

Address: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Daily 5-10pm

What is it? A classic Chicago steakhouse.

Why we love it: In a city filled to the brim with amazing steakhouses, Gibsons is still practically a rite of passage. The Gold Coast restaurant is a place to be seen, and the food’s solid, too. Sidle up to the bar for a mean martini or Manhattan before sitting down to loaded wedge salads, juicy oysters and saucy baby back ribs. Of course, the star of the show is the beef—especially the Australian grass-fed steaks.

Time Out tip: Make sure to save room for a slice of massive macadamia turtle pie. It's big enough for several people to share.

Address: 1028 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Daily 11am-midnight

What is it? A late-night stand that's just as famous for its char dogs as its unapologetic attitude.

Why we love it: The folks behind the counter at this classic hot dog stand have had enough of drunk yuppies' crap. So much so that they’ve developed their own brand of smack-talking that’s now synonymous with a late-night food run here. Get your Chicago red hot with the traditional fixings—mustard, onion, neon-green relish, pickle spear, tomato, celery salt and sport peppers—an order of thick-cut fries, a big, fat lemonade and some verbal abuse. And don't forget the chocolate shake.

Time Out tip: Don't take the insults personally. Trading barbs with the staff is part of the experience.

Address: 2622 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-2am; Fri, Sat 11am-4am

What is it? The birthplace of deep-dish pizza.

Why we love it: The city’s most iconic food, deep-dish pizza, was invented in 1943 at this River North restaurant. Founders Ike Sewell and Richard Riccardo, along with chef Rudy Malnati (of Lou Malnati’s fame), have all been credited with developing the recipe, and diners looking for a taste of history can stop in for a hearty, cheesy pie.

Time Out tip: Want to learn how to make it at home? Pizzeria Uno also offers cooking classes, where pros will give you the 101.

Address: 29 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Daily 11am-11pm

What is it? A historic neighborhood tavern.

Why we love it: Nothing’s changed much in the nine decades since this Old Town rib institution started packing in the crowds, and that’s okay with us. Once in a while, we’ll still cram our way into the old tavern to wait among the masses for the falling-off-the-bone, baked-then-grilled baby backs with a side of the “zesty” (really tangy) sauce. Add a side of the pork-flecked baked beans and an Old Style, and it’s a perfect Chicago meal.

Time Out tip: Twin Anchors doesn't take reservations, so arrive early to avoid a wait.

Address: 1655 N Sedgwick St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 4:30-10pm; Sat, Sun noon-10pm

What is it? A downtown Italian institution with multiple concepts under one roof.

Why we love it: Stepping into Italian Village feels like a trip back in time. The family-owned restaurant serves comforting dishes like fettuccine alfredo and chicken vesuvio in a variety of unique settings, making it a memorable spot for everything from a casual dinner to a special occasion.

Time Out tip: While Italian Village offers several distinct experiences, The Village is the go-to for classic Italian fare and old-world charm.

Address: 71 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-8:30pm; Fri, Sat 11am-9pm

What is it? Chicago's oldest steakhouse.

Why we love it: Meat and potatoes are a Midwesterner’s best friends and there’s an abundance of steakhouses in the city to cut into prime beef. None, however, have been doing it longer than Gene & Georgetti. Opened in 1941, the timeless eatery still ranks among the quintessential Chicago experiences. The steaks are wet-aged for at least three weeks and then simply broiled before being served in a classic, white-tablecloth setting.

Time Out tip: The steaks are the headliners, but don't overlook the chicken alla Joe or the house-made pastas.

Address: 500 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sun 11am-10pm

What is it? A landmark German restaurant in the Loop.

Why we love it: There are old-school spots, and then there’s the Berghoff. Family-owned and run for over 120 years, the German restaurant is notable for having secured the city’s first two liquor licenses after the repeal of prohibition and operating a mens-only bar until 1969. Today, the 45,000-square-foot space not only houses a restaurant, but a bar and a microbrewery as well. Downtown office workers and those interested in a bit of Chicago history stop in regularly for cold pints and hearty plates of wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten and sausages.

Time Out tip: Order the Berghoff root beer, which has been made from the same family recipe for generations.

Address: 17 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am-8pm