The Chicago Traveler

July 20th, 2008

Hot Doug’s Hot Dog Contest

I’ve described it several times before, but it bears repeating. The Chicago-style hot dog has seven essential toppings: a boiled or steamed all-beef dog on a poppy-seed bun with (1) mustard, (2) relish, (3) chopped onions, (4) tomato wedges, (5) a pickle spear, (6) sport peppers, and (7) celery salt. I’ve seen a few varieties […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

July 1st, 2008

Lindy’s & Gertie’s Runs Hot and Cold

Burgers, tacos, pizza, sandwiches: fast-food chains run the gamut of cuisines. However, Lindy’s and Gertie’s has a style all its own: chili and ice cream.
The oddball couple wasn’t always a pair though. Originating on Chicago’s south side, the original Gertie’s Ice Cream began in 1901, and Lindy’s was the city’s first chili parlor in 1924. […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

June 26th, 2008

Taste of Chicago 2008: Taste’s Better Every Year

It’s that time of year again. The Taste of Chicago is an annual food festival, where dozens of restaurants from across the city gather along Columbus Drive. Millions of locals and tourists sample hundreds of dishes from every cuisine imaginable, from hot dogs to ravioli to veggie gyros to pad thai to empanadas to omelets… […]

By Matt B -- 4 comments

March 26th, 2008

Wrigley Field

Yesterday was Opening Day for Major League Baseball, so it is only appropriate to dedicate a post to Chicago’s one and only Wrigley Field. It is one of Chicago’s most recognized landmarks and is one of the few remaining ballparks without a dome, with real grass, and without a large-screen television. And while a few […]

By Matt B -- 10 comments

March 11th, 2008

Roma’s Italian Beef and Sausage

Search the Internet for keywords like “Italian beef” and “Chicago,” and you will find dozens of ongoing debates about where to find the best jus and peppers in town. About a block or two east of La Peña, one contender whose name comes up often is Roma’s Italian Beef & Sausage.
Roma’s definitely has a nostalgia […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

March 4th, 2008

Luke’s Italian Beef

It’s lunchtime at the downtown office. Greg wants something greasy. Tracy’s on her new vegetarian diet. And your pressing deadline has given you a stress headache that only the most comforting batch of French fries will cure. It’s time to go to Luke’s Italian Beef.
Luke’s is simple and straight up, which is what makes it […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

February 26th, 2008

Tony’s Italian Beef

The namesake reigns supreme at the small but popular Tony’s Italian Beef. Since 1975, this quick stop has been serving huge portions of food for cheap. Long lines can be found virtually any time of day, as customers come for the breakfast subs in the morning to the burgers and hot dogs in the afternoons […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

February 19th, 2008

Johnnie’s Beef

We’ve talked about pizza. We’ve talked about hot dogs. Now, it’s time to discuss… beef. The Italian Beef is another dish associated with Chicago, and as can be expected, there plenty of places in the city to find this great sandwich. Among the best of them is Johnnie’s Beef.
This take-out cash-only place only fits […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

February 12th, 2008

Lunch Locomotives

Sometimes, taking kids out to eat is an incredible chore. You have to get them dressed, order food they won’t scoff at, and keep them entertained throughout the meal. A few restaurants in the Chicagoland area though are perfect for children though, playing on many of their fascinations with trains.
One of the oldest eateries […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

February 2nd, 2008

Chicago’s Ten Best Hot Dogs 2007

Alright, so we’ve talked about the best pizzas, but what about Chicago’s other mainstay: the hot dog? Here are Citysearch’s ten best places to grab a frank. What do you think?

10. Wiener & Still Champion. A good dog should be paired with good fries, and the freshly-cut ones here are among the best.
9. Fat Johnnie’s […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments