The Chicago Traveler

There was a bit of dispute over my last Best Pizzas list, as I expected there would be. It is a Chicagoan debate that has gone on for generations and will continue probably forever. So, just to add more fuel to the fire, here is another list of Chicago’s ten best ‘pies’ (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).
Honorable Mention: Gino’s East. If you enjoy reading, the walls here provide plenty of material.

10. Pizzeria Uno. The one, the only, the original. Loosen your belts now.
9. Piece. These very non-Chicago-style slices are simply delicious.
8. Home Run Inn. This old neighborhood tavern offers the …read more

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With crazy gas prices and now high sales taxes, Chicagoans and visitors are looking to save money where they can. But don’t let your budget prevent you from going out to enjoy a good meal. Here are eight of the best restaurants (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp) where you can get a big meal for a small price.

8. Red Apple. This Polish buffet just keeps on going and going and going…
7. Reza’s Restaurant. As if the extensive Mediterranean menu wasn’t enough, the Sunday brunch buffet offers an incredible number of options.
6. Mr. Greek Gyros. Everything from hot dogs to pork …read more

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If you’re familiar with the cartoon dog Scooby-Doo, then you know that he likes his sandwiches piled sky-high with more ingredients than two pieces of bread could ever actually handle. At Manny’s Coffee Shop & Deli, the sandwiches aren’t too far from those animated towers of meat and cheese, and they’ll satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
This cafeteria-style diner in the South Loop is the palace of pastrami, serving a mixed clientele of white-collar executives, blue-collar workforce, and elderly regulars from the neighborhood. On your first visit, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the wall full of daily specials. Manny’s …read more

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This season of the Bravo Network’s Top Chef was filmed here in Chicago, exposing competing chefs from all over the country to all the culinary treats the Windy City has to offer.
This week’s Quickfire Challenge gave the chefs 45 minutes to create a modern salad using fresh produce. Forty-five minutes is a long time to prepare a salad, so the judges were looking for something spectacular.
Salads have slowly moved their way from appetizer to main course. Even here in Chicago, known for its meats, you can find great places to get tasty salads. Try Sopraffina, which offers “fast food” in …read more

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It’s lunchtime, and you open up your brown paper bag to find yet another ham and cheese on white bread. Zzzz… Boring! If you want a sandwich that you’ll actually remember, stroll on down to Jerry’s.
Opened in 2002, Jerry’s isn’t just any sandwich shop. Along with a homemade collection of soups, side salads, and mac and cheese, Jerry’s serves up 100 named regular and grilled sandwiches. And if for some strange reason you can’t find one among those that you like, you can choose from nine types of bread (ciabatta, focaccia, pretzel rolls!), over 25 fillings (roast chicken, smoked …read more

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In 1966, two cab drivers and their friend were sick and tired of putting up with Chicago’s rush hour traffic, so they decided to get out of the taxi business and open a pizzeria. Now, over 40 years later, Gino’s East is a legend in Chicago, attracting locals and tourists alike.
The Original Gino’s East on Wells St (just a block away from Hop Haus) is a sight to behold. By the light of chandeliers and candles, you can read the writing on the walls (literally!) while you wait. Every inch of this place is covered in graffiti, all from past …read more

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Ah, breakfast. The most important deal of the day should be incredibly tasty too, right? I’m a horrible morning person, but a warm cup of coffee and a good breakfast will kick me out of my grumpy funk in no time. Whether you’re a cheery morning person or not, we all enjoy a good meal to start off our day. If you agree, then you may find it difficult to pass up The Original Pancake House.

The Gold Coast settlement of this old-school chain is a neighborhood favorite with a faithful following who, of course, love pancakes. The long lines that …read more

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Most people only head to Bridgeport on the south side of Chicago to go to White Sox games at U.S. Cellular Field. That’s quite unfortunate because they’re missing out on the historic working-class neighborhood which has been home to Lithuanian, Italian, Mexican, and Irish immigrants.
One hidden gem is Gio’s Café & Deli, which has only been in the neighborhood for a few years but already feels like it’s been around forever. It’s a restaurant, deli, and Italian grocery store all rolled into one. Consequently, there aren’t too many tables to sit down at, but because it’s out of the way …read more

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The Polish culture has played a significant role in Chicago’s history, and there are plenty of authentic places in the city to satisfy cravings for Polish food.

Andy’s Deli in Jefferson Park has about 150 different products (including bacons, hams, cheeses, pork loins, sausages, and more) and also has its own bakery, producing its own breads and pastries. While the family-based company does rely on a few vendors, nearly all the goods are the deli’s own. In fact, Andy’s is the largest producer of a variety of Polish sausages, sold throughout the United States.
In the Lakeview neighborhood, Pierogi Factory is much …read more

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Tony’s Italian Deli has provided a unique Italian experience since 1978. This Edison Park eatery serves all kinds of Italian favorites, including pizza breads, salads, and pasta dishes, but most customers find themselves coming back for the subs, made from a plethora of fresh meats and cheeses. The sandwiches are simple but delicious; six-inchers are only three to four dollars, but formidable 15-inchers are also available.

Italian food lovers will also be pleased to know that the deli whips up Italian-style tv dinners that you can heat up at home for about $5 a serving. Soon, your home will be filled …read more

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