A few Chicago favorites across different neighborhoods and price points:

Casual & classic

Lou Malnati’s (South Loop)
A classic choice for deep dish pizza, with good vegetarian options too. Close to the venue and easy for guests staying nearby.

Portillo’s (River North)
A Chicago staple for hot dogs, Italian beef, fries, and shakes. A fun stop for anyone wanting the full hometown-food experience.

Great mid-range options

Handlebar (Wicker Park)
A favorite for casual comfort food with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. An especially good pick for any plant-inclined guests.

The Chicago Diner (Lakeview)
One of the city’s most iconic vegetarian restaurants and well worth the trip for brunch, lunch, or casual dinner.

MingHin Cuisine
A solid option for dim sum, Cantonese dishes, and group-friendly dining.

Nice dinner / special occasion

avec (West Loop)
A longtime Chicago favorite for Mediterranean-inspired small plates and a warm, lively atmosphere.

Girl & the Goat (West Loop)
One of Chicago’s best-known restaurants and a popular choice for guests planning a memorable night out.

Cindy’s Rooftop (Downtown)
Great for brunch, cocktails, or dinner with beautiful views over Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.

Chicago specialties to try

If you want the full Chicago food tour, we recommend trying:

• Deep dish pizza

• Italian beef

• Chicago-style hot dogs

And for vegetarian guests, Chicago does this better than people expect: Handlebar, The Chicago Diner, and veggie-friendly deep dish are all excellent options.

Reservation tip

For popular places like Girl & the Goat, Avec, and Cindy’s, reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Chicago is friendly, but not so friendly that it will magically seat a large group at 7:30 on a Saturday.