The best birria in Chicago -- slow-braised goat served in a tiny South Side storefront that Michelin inspectors discovered and the rest of the city followed. The consomme is deeply flavored, the torti...
92
2
Johnnie's Beef
Italian Beef · Elmwood Park
The Italian beef that serious Chicagoans argue is the best in the city -- and it might be right. Thin-sliced beef piled on fresh Italian bread, dipped in jus with hot giardiniera. No seats, no frills,...
91
3
J.P. Graziano
Italian Sandwiches · West Loop / Fulton Market
A 100-year-old Italian grocery making some of the best sandwiches in Chicago from a tiny counter. The Mr. G sub with house-made giardiniera is legendary, the capicola is sliced thin, and the bread is ...
91
4
Al's #1 Italian Beef
Italian Beef · West Loop / Fulton Market
The original Italian beef since 1938 -- thin-sliced roast beef piled on Italian bread, dipped in jus, with sweet or hot peppers. Order it dipped (the bread soaked in gravy) with hot giardiniera and ea...
89
5
Carnitas Don Pedro
Mexican / Carnitas · Pilsen
Pilsen carnitas institution for over 40 years serving pork that is braised to falling-apart perfection. Order by the pound with handmade tortillas, pickled onions, and salsa verde. The chicharrones ar...
89
6
Gene & Jude's
Hot Dogs · River Grove
The legendary Chicago hot dog stand where you get a depression dog -- snappy Vienna beef with mustard, onions, relish, and sport peppers, served on top of hand-cut fries that soak up the juices. No ke...
89
7
Portillo's
Chicago Hot Dogs / Italian Beef · River North
The Chicago fast food institution that locals defend with their lives. The Italian beef dipped with hot giardiniera is a religious experience, the Chicago-style hot dog is textbook (mustard, onions, r...
88
8
La Chaparrita Taqueria
Mexican / Tacos · Little Village
Little Village hidden gem using a charola (flat metal grill) for some of the most flavorful tacos on the Southwest Side. Sweetbreads, brains, and tripe for the adventurous, carne asada and al pastor f...
88
9
Calumet Fisheries
Smoked Fish · South Deering · James Beard America Classics
A shack on the Calumet River bridge that has been smoking fish since 1948. The smoked shrimp and smoked trout are legendary -- eaten standing up on paper plates overlooking the industrial river. Antho...
88
10
Sultan's Market
Middle Eastern / Falafel · Wicker Park
Wicker Park falafel counter that has been feeding the neighborhood for decades with some of the crispiest, most flavorful falafel in Chicago. The shawarma plate is generous, the hummus is smooth, and ...