Top Chicago Pub Food: 9 Best Local Pub Food in Chicago

Chicago is one of the culinary capitals of the United States. From high-brow chef restaurants like Charlie Trotter's to grungy hole-in-the-wall decades old joints like Jim's Original, Chicago has it all. Saying Chicago loves its deep dish pizza and ketchup-less Chicago-style hot dogs would be an understatement, but one can't ignore the less nationally known local specialties. Namely, Italian beef, Greek gyros (introduced to the States via Chicago), Puerto Rican jibaritos, to name a few. The long history of immigrant communities in places like Little Italy, Chinatown, Pilsen, Little India, and Polishtown, Chicago is a potpourri of ethnic cuisine. Seek and you shall find.

The Merchandise Mart

Shopping 3 0

By Allison

Interior design hub - visit Neocon

The Merchandise Mart

The Merchandise Mart is where you go to shop the showrooms and get inspired for your latest interior design styles. Even if you don't buy anything it's a great place to see what's happening and get inspired. The building is large and historical. It is know for once having it's own postal code.

by Allison

Pequod's Pizza

Bars 15 4

By Wesley

Local Chicago deep dish pizza

Pequod's Pizza

Their deep dish pizza is baked in a pan lined with cheese, which leaves a delicious carmelized crust along the edges of the crust. You'll avoid the huge crowds at places like Gino's East, Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, and Pizzeria Uno (all great, but very touristy). It spans two floors, and the seating area runs deep into the building.

by Wesley

Local Experience

Private Chicago Photo Shoot Tour

(1)

As one of the most unique things to do in Chicago, enjoy a private photo shoot and guided walking tour with a local professional photographer. Explore the city like never before at places like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, and more.

Book tour ›

Prices from

20 USD

Duration

1 h

Languages

English

The Northman

Bars 3 1

By Kelsey

Cozy Ciders for Days!

The Northman

Visitors will enjoy the cozy atmosphere and an extensive menu of ciders and other beverages you might not find anywhere else in the city. The food is top-notch and the staff is incredibly friendly. It's outside downtown which gives you the chance to explore the North Center neighborhood.

by Kelsey

The Signature Lounge

Restaurants 8 3

By Allison

Hancock's View Wins Over Willis's

The Signature Lounge

There is no fee to enter The Signature Lounge and the price of a drink is cheaper than a ticket to see the view at Willis Tower (no bar at the top of the Willis Skydeck). If you want to get the most of the Chicago skyline come to this lounge for sure.

by Allison

Skylark

Pub Food 1 1

By Allison

Dark, good food, photo booth dive bar

Skylark

There is more to this bar than meets the eye. It is known for yummy eats at a good price and bartenders that are good conversationalists. It maybe dimly lit but that's part of its charm! Taking a turn in the photo-booth is a nice touch to a summer evening.

by Allison

Lottie's Pub

Bars 5 1

By Shana

TV's Chicago Fire Bar

Lottie's Pub

Lottie was a transvestite. This info is 2nd-hand from a tour, Drinks W Locals & Travelers by Marco of LikeALocalGuide. Lottie held underground/bar activities & eventually got busted for. The bar closed down in 66' and Lottie was long gone. They reopened in 2000's and say her ghost looms the scene happy that customers still have a good time.

by Shana

Local Experience

Private Chicago Photo Shoot Tour

(1)

Book tour ›

Prices from

20 USD

Duration

1 h

Languages

English

Drumbar

Bars 1 0

By Allison

Great cocktails with a view

Drumbar

This bar is defiantly popular. It fills up quickly on the weekends. There is a DJ on the weekends which is pretty cool when it is such a small space they still value live turntable action. If you want to see the part of the nicely dressed Chicago population come here.

by Allison

Holiday Club

Bars 0 0

By Derek

The weirdest melting pot

Holiday Club

It has an oddly cult following (at least in the US) of people who have heard about it but never been. Check it off your list and help pass along the legend. The service is among some of the most down to earth and friendly that I've experienced too.

by Derek

Water Tower Place

Restaurants 7 1

By Allison

A mall with a variety of shops...

Water Tower Place

You should visit for gifts and to update your wardrobe. There are good store options for children as well. When you go to Water Tower Place plan on eating somewhere outside of the mall because your choices are pretty slim inside the mall.

by Allison