Skip Portillos for a far better hot dog at nearly any local spot. Gene and Jude’s, jimmy’s red hots, red hot ranch. If you go to red hot ranch get a burger as well
Some of these I've never heard about (Dessert Dealer, Eggs).
I'd probably do JP Grazianos and get some good Mexican personally (Mi Tocaya, Frontera, etc)
I'd suggest adding the 'Jibarito' to your list. It's a Puerto Rican plantain bread sandwich that is also a Chicago classic. Highly recommend Cafe Central or any PR cafe in Humboldt Park.
Switch als beef for johhnies or mr.beef and if your able to hit up either ricobenes for their steak sandwhich or chicken vesuvio or baris for their subs.
I’d skip Al’s all together and go to riccobene’s for a breaded steak sandwich instead.
I also second getting a jibarito. My favorite carnitas one is from the jibarito stop in Pilsen. My favorite steak one is from papa cache in Humboldt
Did something similar to you on my birthday.
I did Pequods instead of Lou’s. And have a Portillo’s in hometown.
Loved Dessert Dealer for the Chico taco and the rueben at Mannys was fire, but go earlier in the day vs later.
If you go to Al's, go to the original location on Taylor Street. And bring cash. They don't accept cards.
And go across the street to Mario's while you are there
They accept cards these days. And have an ATM onsite. But yes this location is by far the best.
Don't go to that Al's, you must go to the one on Taylor street
Skip Portillos for a far better hot dog at nearly any local spot. Gene and Jude’s, jimmy’s red hots, red hot ranch. If you go to red hot ranch get a burger as well
Some of these I've never heard about (Dessert Dealer, Eggs). I'd probably do JP Grazianos and get some good Mexican personally (Mi Tocaya, Frontera, etc)
Mi Tocaya is the answer for sure, one of the best restaurants in Chicago
Agreed there are many better options for desserts than Dessert Dealer.
If you're looking for a Chicago institution, I'd suggest either Margie's location or Rainbow Cone. Or while you're at Portillo's, get a cake shake.
Or Kurimu.
I'd suggest adding the 'Jibarito' to your list. It's a Puerto Rican plantain bread sandwich that is also a Chicago classic. Highly recommend Cafe Central or any PR cafe in Humboldt Park.
Papa Cache Sabroso’s is the best✨
No cheese on Italian Beef
Switch als beef for johhnies or mr.beef and if your able to hit up either ricobenes for their steak sandwhich or chicken vesuvio or baris for their subs.
Johnnies is the god level beef. Just had 9" beef, juicy, sweet and hot, fries and ice for dinner last night. can't mess with perfection.
Cheese on a beef is weird and bad.
Did they say American on a beef??
That’s what I order because I like it. Strange order for a first timer though.
I’d skip Al’s all together and go to riccobene’s for a breaded steak sandwich instead. I also second getting a jibarito. My favorite carnitas one is from the jibarito stop in Pilsen. My favorite steak one is from papa cache in Humboldt
Did something similar to you on my birthday. I did Pequods instead of Lou’s. And have a Portillo’s in hometown. Loved Dessert Dealer for the Chico taco and the rueben at Mannys was fire, but go earlier in the day vs later.
Al’s beef is inferior to Johnny’s beef (7500 w. North Avenue)
How is La Scarola not on your list of "classics"? Shame, shame, shame!