John and I are quite the foodies, I mean a pizza pie is what started the ball rolling for the entire trip so you know it’s going to be a food heavy holiday. It’s safe to say we ate our way round the city. Here’s some of what Chicago has to offer..
Giordanos Pizza
Let’s start here because if you didn’t eat a pizza pie in Chicago did you even go? Firstly go small, even for 2 of you it’s too much. Do not eat the boneless chicken wings to start even though they are so good. If you can eat more than 2 slices then I wanna know who you are. It’s literally a pie style pizza bread crust that most people seemed to leave but I really liked, especially dipped into sauce. Anyone else love a pizza crust and garlic dip?? We can thank Dominos. Is it the best pizza I’ve every eaten, no because Napoli on the bay will forever be the best pizza. But yeah It was good I enjoyed every bite and would 100% recommend and go again. It does take 50-60 mins to cook so be prepared for a wait.
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
Really great breakfast, in true American style it was massive and far too much. Breakfast comes with a side of pancakes. I rejected mine to try and avoid being a piggy but they were too good and helped John eat his. I had some kind of Mexican bowl thing and it was just yum.
Esme
I’m not going to write too much on this one here because it’s getting its own post. All I have to say is insane. The food was brilliant. The experience was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced when it comes to dining and apart from the cost (it’s a little insane on that front too) I can’t really fault it. Wine pairings and cocktails were spot on too.
Henrickx
Nothing will ever beat the croissants at Sources De Caudalie but there are some in the world that will try and give them a run for their money. I went pistachio, John went almond and we weren’t disappointed. Mine was stuffed with an incredible pistachio filling and the pastry is light crisp and buttery. Yum.
Lukes Lobsters
We found this one via instagram and although they seem quite a big company the location in Chicago is pretty nondescript and almost felt hidden. The Lobster rolls however were up there with some of the best I’ve ever had. I went for the smaller size and It was really more than enough. Delicious brioche roll and the tastiest lobster. They have other locations in New York, Boston etc and are worth hunting down if you’re a lobster roll kinda person.
Velvet Taco
So good we went twice and I’d of kept going had we been there longer. Tacos are my kinda food and they have a whole board jam packed full of options. Neither visit disappointed. It is a more fast food vibe of place, nothing fancy but it’s all about the tacos anyway.
Levain
We never made it to Levain NYC so I was a little excited to see one in Chicago. If you’re into that gooey cookie dough, giant New York style cookie then you’ll love it. It’s so good you’ll want to keep going back for more.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
I know we went for chicken but the Mac and cheese is the most insane Mac and cheese I’ve ever had. Just go for a pot of that. The chicken was really tasty however plastic cutlery which didn’t really cut through it, there was a slight toughness to it making it a little tricky to eat.
Cindy’s Roof bar
Book if you want a table or food, just turn up if you’re happy standing. Standing on the terrace is where the best views are so seats aren’t essential. We didn’t eat but the Margaritas were delicious. The views are mostly of the Bean, the park and the water.
Three Arts Club at RH
Went for brunch and ended up with toasties and fries. I’m sure they are filthy but Americans know how to make a cheese toastie. Lots of different options and a beautiful court yard to sit and enjoy. Wander round the furniture after. There’s also a roof terrace (part of the store no food or drink) that has some nice city views to enjoy.
Doughnut Vault
Go early to avoid disappointment, once they’re gone they’re gone. It’s literally a little hole in the wall style shop. Nice doughnuts but I’ve had better.
Signature Lounge at the 96th Floor, John Hancock
Go for the view, the wine was nice, service was appalling. It’s cheaper to buy 2 drinks than spend $30 per person to go up to the viewing deck and lets be honest 96th floor is high enough. Also don’t mind a cheeky vino with my view. Be prepared to wait for a window seat and also be prepared for rubbish slow service. Worth it for some incredible views though.
Starbucks Reserve
There are only a handful of these but they are like Disney Land for Starbucks lovers. They have some great food choices and have enlisted a chef whose name I can’t remember. Lots to experience on different floors and some nice views from the roof terrace. Don’t bother with a coffee tasting you don’t really taste much coffee and it’s over priced. Our guide did however supply lots of foodie bits so not all bad. The food and drinks are great and so much better than a standard Starbucks.
Ralph Lauren
I thought this would be a little gimmicky but we actually really enjoyed. It was packed so booking is a must. Really nice food, average service, cute setting. We went lobster bisque which was delicious and caesar salad with shrimp, let me tell you the biggest prawns you’ve ever eaten. Oh and fries on the side because they looked too good not to.
Panda Express
I mention it every time we go to America, it’s Husbands favourite and it never lets you down. Orange chicken rice and maybe some shrimp if you’re feeling hungry (I mean as if we were hungry)
A lot of food was consumed in a week, I’m stuffed just thinking about it. We didn’t really have any bad food but we searched google, instagram, blogs and that little travel book high and low to try and find the best food in Chicago. I think we did pretty well. Have you been to Chicago? What were your favourite food spots?
Rach xx
