Top 10 Iconic Chicago Foods You MUST Try Before You DIE

Chicago is one of food capitals of the world - The Windy City has Michelin recommended restaurants and cuisine from every region of the globe...
HOWEVER, this video is all about the 10 Most Iconic Chicago Foods You Must Try Before You Die...
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I hope you enjoyed this Chicago Vlog!
#chicagofoods #chicagorestaurants #chicagotravel #gustofilms

[@LuisGustoComedy]

What's good #GustonNation -- we now have a SEQUEL to this ICONIC Foods Film 👉🏼 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZycp5augdytl9k

[@strangebru50]

As a born & raised Chicagoan for over 70 years, I would like to offer kudos on your review of iconic Chicago food places. I've eaten all the foods mentioned and have my own favorites, but you did a wonderful job of identifying many of the foods Chicagoans really enjoy. Your passion for the windy city comes through on your videos, keep up the great job!

[@hardworkhenry]

Accurate

[@charigardiner2012]

Taking notes for my next visit!

[@LuisGustoComedy]

📝📝📝

[@HereBeBarr]

I’ll give Chicago the hot dog 🌭 crown 👑

[@thinkstoomuch4445]

And the Pizza War continues……

[@fredricardo3272]

Likewise

[@SlavicCelery]

So glad you called out Tavern style as the "Daily Driver Pizza" of Chicagoans. As a style, it has not gotten the love it deserves. Side note: if you are getting a deep dish/stuffed pizza, combine some genres. Top it with Italian beef and Hot Peppers. It's basically a beef inside of a deep dish. Underrated approach.

[@tomclarke436]

YES - thank you so much for this, and especially for using Vito & Nick's as your example.

[@havenas1020yt]

Hey Luis!!! Just left Chicago yesterday and followed some of your food tips and went to Budlongs and Burger Bar. I absolutely love your city, cant wait to return. Be safe and keep up the amazing work brother 💪❤️

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Glad to hear! Appreciate the love 😎💯

[@kgballa]

Chicago pizza is dinner... NY Style Pizza is lunch... Anyone having a New York slice for dinner is a loser... melted cheese between bread(cause you gotta fold it) a NYC Slice is a glorified grilled cheese sandwich..

[@ntatenarin]

I wanted to say thank you for all your videos. I'm a Chicagoan, but I'm embarrassed to say I don't know much when it comes to eating out. I don't make much money so I cook more at home. I'm definitely trying out these places in the future! Thanks again!

[@obthree2830]

There’re a ton of cheap eats in Chicago that are fantastic!

[@jeannydaniel2022]

Cooking is the best!

[@tresorctout8211]

​@@jeannydaniel2022I agree 👍

[@robertkumaki4321]

Great piece. Would love to see part 2. Mother-in-law, Rainbow cone, Italian lemonade, shrimp dejhonge, saganaki, etc. BTW, everyone I know believes that the meat topping of choice on a pizza is always sausage, not pepperoni.

[@robertlee6781]

Totally with you on the sausage call.

[@hueso5071]

As a native of the windy city, You can never go wrong with Chicago Mexican food and the Italian beef. Would definitely love to see a pt. 2!

[@jabbawookeez01]

lou malnatis and pequods are top teir chicago style.

[@bigmusclebeef]

As a native Chicagoan, I stumbled upon your videos recently. I am so impressed with your knowledge of the city. You’re a good resource.

[@robo60616]

You defiantly forgot the Ricobene’s famous Breaded steak sandwich ! Since 1946 . Garrets could be classified as a snack not a event like the others .great video

[@genwilson7741]

I love that you guys mentioned that we chicagoans eat tavern style more often. Every time I go somewhere, people say that deep dish is too think etc. And praise NYC pizza, but I’m like honestly we don’t eat that too often. The tavern thin crust is our favorite. Deep dish is just a comercialized staple to be different and rival NYC.

[@miked6036]

You included Vito and Nick's so you're alright in my book. Slow service, but that's ok gives me more time to demolish a pizza solo.

[@johnnicpon5783]

A real Chicago pizza is made with Sausage NOT Pepperoni. Because that's what New Yorkers put on their pizza. By the way, do you know why New Yorkers fold over their "Slice". It's to pour out the grease! You did good with Vito & Nicks!

[@musik2233]

Awesome video. I grew up in Chicago on the south side and you hit the best. Harold chicken is my favorite. I live I Wisconsin now. I drive two hours to get it. Jim’s original is a classic. I have to have both Jim’s and Harolds whenever I am in the chi. Thank you bro.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thanks bro..Harold’s is so 🔥

[@bordaz1]

Hey Luis, are you a Pilsen or Blue Island Guy? My Top 8 "So Chicago it Hurts" foods: 1) Mostaccioli - this penne pasta dish is an insult even to the term 'Italian-American cuisine' 2) Ribs - they come from the South and yes they're everywhere, but family gatherings will often pair them with Mostaccioli, so there you go. And in Chicago the saucier the better. 3) Atomic Cake - damn is it good; chocolate, strawberry, and banana sponges + filling 4) Breaded Steak sandwich - you think you want it with mozzarella, but you actually want it with marinara and peppers. 5) Gyros Plate - just heap together all of the gyros meat and pita you can find, on top of a bedrock of french fries barely contained in a cheap styrofoam package 6) Chili Cheese Polish - now yes these other food items are a bit embarrassing and I understand why only we will like them. But NOT the Maxwell Street Polish, the best hot dog in the world. The chili cheese polish is its slow, fat cousin. 7) Italian Beef + Sausage combo sandwich - thanks, I hate it. This MegaZord of Chicago foods is too dry and heavy. 8) Pepper & egg sandwich - Lent is big here

[@beauar1]

As a lifelong Chicagoan. This list is absolutely on point. It's a prefect run down of all the places we love.

[@hardworkhenry]

I said the same thing

[@richrod0122]

You need to go to Ricobenes for the breaded steak sandwich

[@sheawhitey5009]

He needs to go there. Hopefully he does a second part because that sandwich is unreal(order it on garlic bread hot giardiniera some roasted peppers and the cheese that's good eating Chicago style

[@chrisleone1035]

Jersey here, home of the dirty water dog, and I agree if you put ketchup on a hot dog you are not welcome 🤮

[@charlieramz3126]

Ha ha my three-year-old will tell you that he doesn’t put ketchup on his hotdog. If you ask him why he will tell you: because we’re from Chicago!

[@tjjaros]

Definitely need to hit Gene and Jude’s for a hot dog next time you are in town. Technically not Chicago, but a classic Chicago dog that doesn’t disappoint. Good choices. Great video. Made me hungry.

[@bluecollarscholarmelrosepa5673]

Absolutely....i am in Melrose Park Illinois and i go to gene and judes ....in river grove Illinois😉😉😉

[@robsancho3978]

We got Phil's pizza, ricobenes, Connie's pizza, Kathy D's , happiness Chinese food, just in Bridgeport alone. You forgot all those.

[@IndianaMallard]

You killed it with this list, all gem spots in the city. No disrespect to anyone but thanks for doing Bryons and not Portillos like so many other videos. Subscribed!

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thanks Andrew! We love hot dog stands like Byron's - they're super friendly too!

[@DanteeArias1]

You need to include the porkchop sandwich from Jim's Original as well! It's so unique to eat a porkchop with the bone between two buns.

[@davidstraub593]

You nailed it, especially with Vito and Nick's. That is the kind of tavern style pie that Chicagoans prefer.

[@geedavia1785]

We definitely need a part 2. I try to tell folks. We indulge Deep Dish occasionally & much prefer thin-crust Tavern style. I'm recommending Leon's B-BQ, Top Notch for burgers. Then slide over to Rainbow for ice cream. White Palace for Brunch. Chinatown for Chinese & Roeser's for baked goods. Good stuff bro👍🏿

[@sewcraftylion]

Not Leons, Lem's on 75th. It's older as is I. One of the old smokehouse pit type bldgs

[@thomasbrown3356]

Alice's for Rib tips.

[@geedavia1785]

@@thomasbrown3356 You might wanna look at the reviews? Not that good...🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️

[@dannenjohnson2645]

Fat Johnnies

[@larrymccleton3635]

He really from Chicago he got the pizza right and the polish

[@terrancesimmons8056]

I’m from the south side of chicago. Came here to hate but u actually did a go job bro. I’m mad you ain’t talk about pizza puffs but u good lol

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Appreciate it bro...keep it locked for part 2

[@patriciakrakowiak1442]

I've lived in Chicago my whole life and agree with this. Tavern style pizza is the best. I've had all of these foods except the cinnamon rolls, I will have to try those. I just had a bag of Garrets popcorn and couple of days ago. You forgot Polish Pierogies, Elis Cheesecake and Portillos. Gyros are also a Chicago staple.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

What’s good #GustoGang, what are your favorite local spots to grab these ICONIC foods? Also, let us know if you want to see a Part II

[@BurnedJello]

I'll gladly take a part 2!

[@ericdeguzman1758]

Ummmm let’s not forget about Ricobene’s Breaded Steak Sandwiches!!!!

[@resb8748]

Hey Luis is there any place near downtown that has that tavern style pizza?

[@DanteeArias1]

Part 2, please!

[@bt6699]

Luis, love the channel! What about Chicago Burgers? Bad Apple, Small Cheval, Bear & Belly, Mini Mott, etc. Also, an all thin crust/tavern style video? Spacca Napoli, Michael's, Munno's, Coalifre, Piece, etc. Keep up the good work!

[@Johnnyrivera-azurdia27]

A Chicago style hotdog is by far one of my favorites as a Chicagoan it is so deliciously delicious!

[@fredricardo3272]

Absolutely

[@tofu_golem]

I tried a Chicago style hot dog on my first day in Chicago, and I knew right then that I would never leave. Best way to eat Italian beef: order it wet with a side salad instead of fries. Eat it directly over the salad. Whatever falls or drips into the salad will make it taste better. To anyone not from Chicago: he's right about the pizza. I only eat deep dish one to three times a year, mostly when entertaining people from out of town. I've never heard it called tavern pizza, but that is what most of us eat most of the time. It generally has extra sauce, so the cheese slides right off, but you get extra tomato flavor that way, so it's worth it.

[@CHINUXXL120]

Finally someone did Chicago food justice

[@LuisGustoComedy]

💯

[@af7119]

Listen up people. The best pizza in the world is chicago thin crust aka tavern style. Squares always. No triangles. Deep dish is for once in a while!

[@LuisGustoComedy]

No lies detected

[@zwynika]

Hi Luis, you DEFINITELY hit the top 10 foods!!!!! You can't beat Chicago foods! We need a part II

[@ChiSoul]

I'm currently living in NYC and looking to transition to Chicago next year. Glad I found your channel! I dig it! 🤘🏾

[@Cedsoncole]

You’re gonna love it

[@ginalee1010]

Great Chicago food tribute video! 👍🏽

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thanks Gina!

[@JoseFlores-kl6jm]

Hey Luis my favorite places to go for Deep Dish pizza are Lou Malnati's and Gino's East. However, I prefer Tavern style pizza over Deep Dish pizza.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Same, Tavern Style is the best!

[@demonspitfire7023]

Nice video bro but I gotta disagree on that Italian beef spot I've had many from different restaurants but I'm going to tell you a secret... the best Italian beef isn't in Chicago... it's by my house in the south suburbs Calumet city. Its called riveroak's gyros they make it fat and fresh 10/10 every time HIGHLY RECOMMENDED it's out the way but it's my hidden gem

[@rail_bender5205]

Yo yo! Chicago has the best Gyro!

[@frankgonzalez222]

Great video. You can add breaded steak sandwiches in part 2! Ricobenes on the south side or Luke's up on the NW side.

[@samanthagarcia1398]

basically, add some pepper, onion, and meat to make it chicago style chicago when traced back to the original word and the original meaning of that word is "wild onion" so it ties in pretty nicely

[@fuertegurl]

Or skunk

[@mikedeveau3200]

Thank you so so much for not going to the over rated restaurants there really not good. I look forward to going back to Chicago to visit your pick I love you city one of the best in the world.

[@harrymarquez5931]

The best taco joint I gotta say is on Chicago and Grand . Taco El Jalisciense.

[@williamromero4445]

But I think my personal favorite is huentitan taco and the best burritos in the world 🤗 on north ave and Pulaski 💯

[@jr13227]

Los tres panchos on Racine is awesome. Owners are super cool too

[@williamromero4445]

@@jr13227 yes they are I had them a few times really good 👍

[@amymalone3995]

I'll be in Chicago next week, looking forward to some new places to check out. Love Garrett's!! Hit up Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder for part 2. Come do a Detroit version of places to eat! 🌮🍕🌭🍱🍣🥠🦀

[@sergiocamacho3915]

Rico benes steak sandwich and wings

[@cristinazo698]

Just came back from Chicago last week. Thank you for your helpful videos! Yes, please do a part 2 and 3 if need be lol 😂

[@hkral11]

Chicago may be one of the last places I’d associate with Mexican food or tacos 😋

[@cordelllongstreath741]

The Mexicans say it's some of the most authentic Mexican in the US

[@larrystevens9308]

Ricobene steak sandwich Red sauce cheese sweet and hot peppers with fries The best

[@black86coop]

Thank you for repping Tavern Style / Thin Crust. I love deep dish (though prefer Giordano's); but square cut thin crust is what I try to tell folks is "real" Chicago style -- it doesn't help that I live in NY and everyone wants to reference John Stewart. No hate to NY slice either, but Tavern Style has no competition.

[@BurnedJello]

My wife, brother, his girlfriend and I are coming at the end of January. Wound up making impromptu plans after we were talking about wanting to go to The Weiner's Circle haha

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Nice, the Wieners Circle reopens later this month!

[@BurnedJello]

Don't think we'll be able to swing a tour but would be more than happy to take you and Narissa out for a meal if you want. We'll be in town 1/28 - 1/30

[@BurnedJello]

@@LuisGustoComedy Don't think we'll be able to swing a tour but would be more than happy to take you and Narissa out for a meal if you want. We'll be in town 1/28 - 1/30

[@bpwalsh2]

I like deep dish/pan pizza like Pequod's, but Vito & Nick's is where it's at.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Yes Pequod's is phenomenal - tavern style will always have my ❤️

[@Incuensuocha]

The jibarito is such a good sandwich. I personally like it the best with lechón (roast pork). But it’s great with any type of meat.

[@mrbiashd8868]

Yes please pt 2. Taurus flavors Italian Fiesta Pizza Home run inn Pizza Carson Ribs Nicky's Chinese Hog Wild Restaurant

[@82leegary]

I live in Chicago now! I want to try that beef sammich and those tacos.

[@joemancini2988]

I went to school on the South Side and I surely do miss the great food. Thanks Luis! You have been subbed.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

With videos like these we aim to preserve the culture of great Chicago food so we can enjoy for years to come!

[@Oscubasteve]

Go to 62nd. I hear theres good food there.

[@PEKUMBU]

Please review Dock's fish fillet sandwich. Great list. Please do another.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Sounds good, thanks for the suggestion!

[@johnlandeck6648]

Hey Luis, I really appreciate your videos. My wife and I just took a long weekend to Chicago (four nights) and I probably watched a dozen of your videos beforehand and definitely got some help. From using public transportation easier to enjoying some local restaurants, you helped us get a lot more out of our vacation. We stayed in an Air B&B in Little Italy and we went to Conte di Sovia, Jim’s Original, Ann Sather, Little Branch Cafe, and Mr. Beef - all of which we would not have known about if not for your videos. Thanks for the solid information and recommendations!

[@michelleabad1874]

Sorry but I always preferred Home Run Inn or Connie's pizza to vito & nicks.

[@Cedsoncole]

What about beggars

[@renatachlopecki7921]

I'm from Chicago and we have the best food. And I'm new to your channel and I love Chicago style hot dogs and pizza deep dish pizza the best Italian beef is from freddie from Bridgeport on 31st street

[@gqfiend]

Vito n Nicks ALL DAMN DAY.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Most definitely

[@geedavia1785]

When I moved out South from Beverly. I was told to try Vito & Nick's. I had trouble finding the🤬 place. I gave up and had a pizza sent to the Jewels down the street on 95th it was worth it.😋

[@danitapia8881]

@@geedavia1785 How, if they don't deliver?

[@francinedrake6487]

I just subscribed. I live here in Chicago and I really appreciate and like your video. I was wondering where a good place to get a hiberito. Thank you 🙏

[@Snappyck]

Jimmy's hot dogs on grand Pulaski.latin fusion on fullerton.jibaritos y mas

[@lizzjordan9582]

Jibaroto y made up north makes the best jibaritos hands down !

[@Patrickjohnphotography]

A tear formed in my eyes. I lived across the street from that Byron's at the 2:00 mark, Ann Sather's on Belmont - Ummmmm!

[@dianeshea4192]

Just-a-Pizza is another great place. Their pizzas are delicious.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

What's up with all their bad reviews online?

[@dianeshea4192]

@@LuisGustoComedy I didn't know that they had any bad reviews. Every time we ordered pizza from there, everything was fine with our orders.

[@bluecollarscholarmelrosepa5673]

Who has the best Jamaican Food in the chicago illinois area??😊

[@fredricardo3272]

Aunty Joy’s gets my vote.

[@bluecollarscholarmelrosepa5673]

@@fredricardo3272 address......,☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️

[@coldweather4066]

👀👍🏻♥️IT 💯😁Luis 😘

[@LuisGustoComedy]

💯💯 Thank you 😎😎

[@LondonWalkbyLondonSocialite]

Interesting, will try all of them if I visit Chicago one day 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Sweet! Tell em Luis Gusto sent you!

[@coconina5360]

You hit all my favorite Chicago spots 🔥

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Haha nice 👍✅

[@joeh6236]

Mine as well !!

[@alexandramonaco5499]

Gene and judes ?

[@pablomoreno1204]

Portillos hotdogs are way better

[@davidmanke794]

South Side Gym Shoe Sandwich AKA Jim Shoe Sandwich. Maggie's on East 47th near South Martin Luther King Drive

[@rauldiaz7309]

...hmmm, might have to make a trip for that. Thanks.

[@jdredwine7224]

Chocolate Cake Shake

[@The2econdcoming]

If your watching this before your trip to Chicago please listen to this man . Note : 1.Italian beef 2.polish/Chicago dog 3. Jibarito ! Bonus :Chicken wings with mild sauce

[@michellemarano2201]

Chicago deserves the crown for many of their different foods!💖👏👍🥂🍾🍽👑

[@kevinmccarthy1076]

Nancy's deep dish is the best! Chicago dog is second to none! Maxwell street kicks ass!

[@samarayasin2187]

Jim’s Original hotdogs are the best!

[@sanchezjean38]

Part 2!!! Or maybe top coffee, or you can also highlight unique Chicago business/brands. Because I am looking to travel to Chicago pretty soon and Id like to support local unique stores but idk where to go.

[@aubreyaragon988]

Greetings from Phoenix Arizona. Second home to all Chicagoans. Thank you for the cultural education of all things Chi-Town. I've never been to Illinois would love to visit there someday

[@mattc825]

There is no QUESTION Chicago has some massive food scene. Great video!!

[@jaysato]

i could be wrong but the byrons i went to was the one in sheridan red line. for me the go to harolds is the one by columbia college since that was the college i went to.

[@ttmoore4447]

What about the Billy Goat Tavern burger?

[@Love-zj5wg]

Great video as always. Looking forward to trying those places on my next visit.

[@LuisGustoComedy]

Thank you so much 😁

[@cathyg6811]

As an Italian, chicken vesuvio was an iconic dish that never caught on as much as it should have. It's Awesome crispy chicken and potatoes covered in a wonderful garlic wine sauce.

[@donc6781]

My Favorite!

[@sabrinaburton3466]

Born and raised in CHICAGO AND WHEN I SAY HAROLD'S CHICKEN WITH MILD SAUCE WILL ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE HANDS DOWN,I CAN EAT IT 7DAYS A WEEK

[@paulpence8895]

To each his own... My wife's college room mate has lived in CHI for almost 40 years, we lived on the N side of INDy... Visited a zillion times... Been in CO for 6 yrs and really miss visiting CHI... So ratings, CHI dogs 10, CHI Italian beef 10, CHI Cheese steaks 10, deep dish pizza,,,, uh, I cant stand it, absolutely cannot stand it... LOL!!!

[@LeahTackles]

Thank you for this video! I will never go to Chicago again without getting Ann Sather's!

[@xladydriver]

Mr. Beef is Da Bestest eye-talian beef!!!!! Garrett's Caramel Corn is sooo buttery your fingers are greasy, I don't do the Chicago mix. I didn't notice any poppy seeds on that hotdog bun 🤔 If you haven't done ethnic food in the neighborhoods. Polish (Jolly Inn Buffet), Little Italy, German, Jamaican, Filipino, Irish. You can pair it with the Christmas Around the World trees at MSI(Museum of Science & Industry).

[@88KUNGFUMAN]

👍 Not welcome in the city if you put ketchup on a Chicago dog? Good! Stay strong..it's blasphemy. Think of what a 🌭 is shaped like..then think of what ketchup resembles (blood). P.s.: I like Chicago deep dish pizza better and I'm a born and raised Noo yawka! :)

[@michikosmith3262]

I have never heard about tacos from Chicago. I’m from Southern California and we are pretty damn snobby about tacos. Gotta try them out when we visit Chicago.

[@Drizsa]

Do a episode on the best Mexican Restaurants in Chicago.

[@jennifermensah9474]

Yeah this was definitely made by a Chicagoan, everything was covered!

[@guzzopinc1646]

This is a real Chicago video. All these choices match up with my experience of being a Chicagoan. The only thing I would add would be Gyros, which I think is one of the most iconic Chicago foods.

[@luiscalderon8086]

Like the videos tocayo. Lou malnatis is definitely not it tho. Fried 🐔 from harold 🔥 but I grew up on hienie’s you should check it out with the hot (quality) (hienies) sauce. You will NOT be disappointed.

[@TomandAmyinthePI]

Yeah deep dish is for Tourists most Chicago folks like thin crust or Tavern style like You said-

[@CT-xx5nw]

Part 2 Please! Love the videos. Keep up the good work bro

[@bobvogel2412]

Hey Luis. The places you named are ALL classic Chicago eateries. Been to most of them. I wish I had your job. Eat eat eat. But maybe if you make another video how about Greek food, burgers, steaks and ribs. Keep on eatin'.