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CULINARY EXPLORATION IN ILLINOIS
CHICAGO
CHICAGO= FOOD HEAVEN
Chicago is one of the big three and a great place to find authentic Mexican, Asian, and great specialties. This city is always evolving and there are always new places to check out. you can fine dining Michelin star restaurants all the way to the small family taco stands. Home to the Chicago style hot dog, and don't forget about the pizza in this city, no I'm not just talking deep dish, they have some solid pizzerias.
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The Pig
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PIG'S PICKS
Craveable carnitas, glorious pizza and tiny hole in the walls in Chicago
CARNITAS URUAPAN
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: AMAZINGLY COOL CARNITAS
WHEN: You want the best carnitas in the windy city.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sat & Sun 7:00am – 6:00pm
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Carnitas from the ham & belly
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All the fixings
WHY: Because I have never had better carnitas. The menu is a single half laminated page with a picture of a pig on it. Point at the part of the pig that you want them to cut the carnitas from. This is a must experience simple taco joint, don't over think it, just enjoy.
EATALY
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: ITALIAN OUTPOST
WHEN: You're in the city, but you want to be in Italy.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon - Sat 7:30am – 11:30pm
Sun 7:30am – 11:00pm
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Wood-fired pizza
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Hand-made pasta
WHY: You're in the middle of downtown Chicago and hungry. You have a lot of options, but this is as much of an experience as a meal. Eataly is a two story Italian outpost that has everything from handmade pasta, to cave aged cheese. I'm not all about the star chef's restaurants, but Mario Batalia needs to be praised for this amazing store. Nothing short of spectacular, and a stellar display of marketing.
PIECE
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: CREATIVE PIZZA PIES
WHEN: You want some of the best New Haven pizza and a beer.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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HOURS:
Mon - Wed 11:00am – 10:30pm
Thur 11:00am – 11:00pm
Fri & Sat 11:00am – 12:30am
Sun 11:00am – 10:00pm
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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White pizza
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Hot Doug's atomic sausage pizza
WHY: Piece is one of the best independent pizzerias in the country. They brew their own beer and make some outstanding pies. I love their thin crust and quality toppings, and they are a solid performer time after time.
LA CHAPARRITA
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: AUTHENTIC TAQUERIA
WHEN: You're looking for amazingly authentic tacos.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon - Sun 11:00am – 10:00pm
MAP IT:
2500 S Whipple St
Chicago, IL 60623
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Tripe tacos
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Head taco
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Longaniza sausage taco
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Carne asada taco
WHY: The best taqueria in Chicago, hidden in a simple Mexican grocery store on a side street in the little village. One step in the place and you won't question it's authenticity, but one bite of the tripe taco and you may question if you are still America.
LITTLE GOAT DINER
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: FUSION GOURMET
WHEN: You are planing a fun date night.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Sun - Thur 7:00am – 10:00pm
Fri - Sat 7:00am – 12:00am
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Pork belly pancake
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Banh mi style burger
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Skirt steak with red chermoula
WHY: A gourmet take on comfort classics. The chef Stephanie Izzard is as talented as they come. She can make the simple sublime.
LOU MALNATI'S
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: THE ONLY DEEP DISH WORTH EATING
WHEN: You got some calories to burn.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Varies by location
MAP IT: (over 20 locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Deep dish pizza
WHY: Lou Malnati's is the king of Chicago style deep dish pizza. most Chicagoains are embarassed by the thought of deep dish, but proudly will tell you that Lou's is the only place to go. The Pig will tell you they are right, Lou's is delicious.
FAT RICE
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: APPROACHABLE CHINESE
WHEN: Authentic yet approachable Chinese is on the docket
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon Closed
Tue 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Wed - Sat 11:00am - 2:00pm
5:30pm - 10:00pm
Sun 11:00am – 3:00pm
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Arroz gordo (aka fat rice)
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Braised spiced beef
WHY: This is crazy good Asian fusion cuisine.
WARD EIGHT
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: COZY COCKTAIL BAR
WHEN: You're looking for a place to grab a great cocktail and hang.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon - Thur 5:00pm – 12:00am
Fri & Sat 5:00pm – 2:00am
Sun 5:00pm - 11:00pm
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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See No Evil (off the menu drink)
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Marcona Almonds
WHY: Chicago has tons of great bars, but this one is extra cozy, casual and cool. Great drinks, live music on Mondays and Tiki drinks on Tuesday. This is a place the pig can relax.
QING XIANG YUAN DUMPLING
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: HANDMADE DUMPLINGS
WHEN: You're jonesing for fresh dumplings.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon - Sun 11:30am – 9:00pm
MAP IT:
WHAT TO ORDER:
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Lamb & coriander dumplings
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Beef & onions dumplings
WHY: I guess lets start with the obvious, hand made Chinese dumplings. And not just handmade dumplings, but the best in Chicago.
PURPLE PIG
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: TAIL TO SNOUT
WHEN: You want some pig done right.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon - Sun 11:30am - 11:00pm
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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House cured olives
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JLT
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Crispy Pig Ear
WHY: This is a Chicago hidden gem. Few restaurants can do tail to snout as well as the Purple Pig, plus I love the name.
EL MILAGRO TORTILLAS
PIG SCORE: 3.75 / 4.0
WHAT: MEXICAN CAFETERIA
WHEN: You want a solid lunch wrapped in a tortilla.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon - Sun 4:30am – 6:30pm
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Carne Asada
WHY: They are a tortilla maker that started in local taquerias. It has a cool Mexican cafeteria vibe, all the food is made to order on their homemade tortillas. A very popular lunch spot with the locals from the little village.
SPACCO NAPOLI PIZZERIA
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: VPN PIZZERIA
WHEN: You crave true Italian pizza.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Tue - Thur 11:30am - 9:00pm
Fri - Sat 11:30 - 10:00pm
Sun 12:00pm - 9:00pm
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Pistachio
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Margherita
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Salsiccia
WHY: These guys are VPN certified. What does that mean? It means they make pizzas to very strict Italian standards, like the flour they use, the special tomatoes and fresh Mozzarella cheese. It means they take pizza making seriously.
BOP-N-GRILL
PIG SCORE: 3.75 / 4.0
WHAT: KOREAN AMERICAN FAST FOOD
WHEN: You think you kinda want Asian and you kinda want a burger.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon - Sun 11:00am - 10:00pm
MAP IT: (two locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Bulkogi
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Kimchi Burger
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Kimchi Fries
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Chicken Katsu
WHY: Korean dishes are so deep in fermented and umami rich flavors. And these guys pair those flavors with american comfort foods like burgers and fries. Well worth the calories.
KHAN BARBECUE RESTAURANT
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: INDIAN ROAST CHICKEN
WHEN: You want to try something different and amazing
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Sat - Thur 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Fri 2:00pm - 11:00pm
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Chicken Boti
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WHY: This unassuming Indian counter service location is cooking up some of the best food to come out of a Tandoori. The thought of their Chicken Boti still makes me hungry.
XOCOATL CHURROS
PIG SCORE: 3.4 / 4.0
WHAT: FRESH & FILLED CHURROS
WHEN: You're looking for a sweet treat.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon - Sun 9:00am – 8:00pm
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Classic Churros
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Custard Filled Churro
WHY: You know what fried dough with cinnamon sugar taste like, and it is darn near nirvana. This is a small counter service shop where they make them fresh all day, and fill them to order. They even have a mystery filling. This is a special treat no matter how you look at it.
THE BILLY GOAT TAVERN
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: UNDERGROUND BURGERS
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon - Fri 6:00am – 2:00am
Sat 8:00am – 3:00am
Sun 9:00am - 2:00am
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Cheesboger
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Pepsi, no coke
WHY: An iconic Chicago burger dive. Known for a place cubs fans go before and after games, and the famous Saturday night skit with John Belushi. there are a few locations, but ONLY one worth going to, the one under Michigan ave. It is hidden, but this is the only one worth going to for the experience.
PORTILLO'S
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: CHICAGO DOG HAUS
WHEN: You want a true Chicago fast food.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Varies by location
MAP IT: (multiple locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Chicago style hot dog
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Italian Beef - Dipped
WHY: Chicago has a deep Italian heritage and no one does Italian beef or Chicago style hot dogs better than Portillo's. I am NOT a chain guy, but these guy's deserve a nod and they treat every store as a individual dog house.
THE BILLY GOAT TAVERN
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: UNDERGROUND BURGERS
WHEN: You feel like hiding beneath the streets of Chicago with a burger and cheap beer.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon - Fri 6:00am – 2:00am
Sat 8:00am – 3:00am
Sun 9:00am - 2:00am
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Cheesboger
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Pepsi, no coke
WHY: An iconic Chicago burger dive. Known for a place cubs fans go before and after games, and the famous Saturday night skit with John Belushi. There are a few locations, but ONLY go to the one under Michigan ave. It is hard to find, but is the only one worth going to for the experience.
VICEROY OF INDIA
PIG SCORE: 3.65 / 4.0
WHAT: UPSCALE INDIAN
WHEN: You are in the mood for traditional Indian food.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon - Fri 11:30am - 9:30pm
Sat 11:30 - 10:00pm
Sun 11:30 - 9:00pm
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Tandoori Chicken
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Chicken Tikka Masala
WHY: When it comes to Chicago and Indian food you head to Devon street, the center for Indian culture. And Viceroy of India is one of the best on the street. If you go for lunch, they have a great buffet.
LA COLOMBE COFFEE ROASTER
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: A COFFEE HOUSE
WHEN: You want a quick cup or a place to do a little work.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon - Fri 6:30am - 7:00pm
Sat & Sun 7:00am - 7:00pm
MAP IT: (multiple locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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A Cup of Joe
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A Croissant
WHY: This is a small chain, but I loved the setting, and it was very trendy.
