🕳️ Best Hole-in-the-Wall Spots in Chicago
16 hole-in-the-wall spots in Chicago, scored and ranked for 2026.
🍽️ Open Interactive GuideTop 10 Hole-in-the-Wall Spots
1
Birrieria Zaragoza
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
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
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 the reason the line exists, the capicola is sliced thin, ...
91
4
Al's #1 Italian Beef
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
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
The 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 ketchup. No s...
89
7
Portillo's
The Chicago fast-food institution locals defend with their lives. The Italian beef dipped with hot giardiniera is a religious experience, the Chicago-style dog is textbook (mustard, onions, relish, to...
88
8
La Chaparrita Taqueria
Little Village taqueria using a charola — a 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...
88
9
Calumet Fisheries
A shack on the Calumet River bridge that has been smoking fish since 1948. The smoked shrimp and smoked trout are eaten standing up on paper plates overlooking the industrial river — no table needed. ...
88
10
Sultan's Market
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 ...
87
All 16 Hole-in-the-Wall Spots in Chicago
Irazu
87
Nha Hang Viet Nam
87
Jim's Original
86
Lawrence Fish Market
86
Carnitas Uruapan
86
Phil's Pizza
84
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