Food Fight: Battle of the Chicago Classics

A Culinary Love Letter from The Social Chef

Chicago isn’t just known for its skyline or its sports — it’s one of the great food cities of the world. From family-owned corner joints to globally recognized chefs, Chicago’s food scene is rich, passionate, and deeply rooted in community — just like The Social Chef.

As we prepare to launch our first public sessions here in the city we love, we’re kicking things off with a fun debate:
What’s the most iconic Chicago dish? 🌭🍕🥩

Let’s take a closer look at the contenders — and why each of them deserves a place in Chicago’s culinary hall of fame.

🌭 The Chicago-Style Hot Dog: A Garden on a Bun

“Dragged through the garden” — that’s how many locals describe this beloved classic.

The Chicago-style hot dog is a true icon: a steamed all-beef frankfurter nestled in a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, neon-green relish, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.
Notice what’s missing? Ketchup. That’s right — it's practically a city ordinance that ketchup stays off the bun.

A little history:
The Chicago-style dog took off during the Great Depression. It was affordable, filling, and easy to dress up with flavorful toppings — many of which came from local markets. The style was perfected by vendors at Maxwell Street and has been a street food staple ever since.

It’s not just a hot dog — it’s a bold, crunchy, flavor-packed bite of Chicago pride.

🥩 Italian Beef: Juicy, Spicy, and Soaked in Tradition

If you’ve ever stood over your plate elbows-deep in au jus, you’ve experienced the magic of the Italian beef sandwich.

Thinly sliced roast beef, slow-cooked and served on a crusty Italian roll, soaked (or “dipped”) in its own juices and often topped with spicy giardiniera or sweet peppers — the Italian beef is a sandwich that demands both hands and zero shame.

Where it started:
Many credit the sandwich to Italian-American immigrants in the 1930s, particularly the family of Al Ferreri, founder of Al’s Beef. It was created as a way to stretch smaller cuts of meat to feed large family gatherings — a perfect example of Chicago food resourcefulness. Today, it’s a staple at sports games, weddings, and late-night cravings across the city.

Whether you like it dry, wet, or fully dipped, Italian beef is pure, meaty Chicago comfort food.

🍕 Deep Dish Pizza: Built Like a Pie, Loved Like a Legend

Love it or hate it — no one can deny that deep dish pizza is one of Chicago’s most recognizable culinary exports.

Baked in a tall, round pan, deep dish flips the traditional pizza order upside down: cheese first, then toppings, then a chunky tomato sauce on top. The crust is buttery and thick, but not doughy — more like a crisp, golden shell that holds everything together.

The backstory:
Deep dish is widely credited to Pizzeria Uno, opened by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo in 1943. While it’s debated whether they truly invented it, they definitely popularized it. Deep dish was designed to be hearty — a sit-down meal that could fuel a city of hard-working Chicagoans.

It may take longer to bake and eat than a New York slice, but its loyal fans will tell you: it’s worth every forkful.

❤️ Why We Love All Three (and Chicago, Too)

At The Social Chef, we’re not here to crown a winner — we’re here to celebrate the diversity and richness of Chicago’s food culture. Whether it’s a hot dog at a neighborhood cookout, a beef sandwich shared with friends, or a deep dish pizza on a cold winter night, these dishes all represent something we care about deeply: food as a source of connection, comfort, and community.

As we launch The Social Chef in this city we love, we’re excited to bring people together over more than just meals — we’re creating shared experiences rooted in Chicago flavor.

📍 Where to Try These Chicago Classics

Want to taste these legends for yourself? Here are some iconic and local-favorite spots to get the best versions of each dish in the city:

🌭 Chicago-Style Hot Dog

• Portillo’s – A classic, widely loved chain that does everything right (100 W. Ontario St.)

• Superdawg Drive-In – A retro experience with one of the most beloved dogs in town (6363 N. Milwaukee Ave.)

• Gene & Jude’s – A no-ketchup legend in nearby River Grove, known for their fries-on-the-dog approach

🥩 Italian Beef

• Al’s Beef – The original, serving up juicy beef since 1938 (169 W. Ontario St.)

• Johnnie’s Beef – A suburban favorite with legendary giardiniera (7500 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park)

• Mr. Beef – A River North staple and the inspiration behind The Bear (666 N. Orleans St.)

🍕 Deep Dish Pizza

• Lou Malnati’s – Buttery crust and balanced flavor (Multiple locations citywide)

• Giordano’s – Famous for their ultra-cheesy stuffed deep dish (730 N. Rush St. & more)

• Pequod’s Pizza – Known for their caramelized crust and cult following (2207 N. Clybourn Ave.)

📣 Join the Conversation

What’s your pick for the most iconic Chicago dish?
Vote in our Instagram poll or drop a comment and tell us what you’re ordering — and where your favorite spot is. And if you’re ready to cook, learn, and connect with fellow food lovers, join our waitlist for early access to upcoming Social Chef sessions across the city.

Because in Chicago, food isn’t just food — it’s tradition, identity, and a story worth sharing.