What Food to Bring Back from Chicago and Where to Buy It
Discover the flavors of Chicago that you won't want to leave behind, with a curated guide featuring must-have local delicacies. This comprehensive list offers more than just recommendations; it includes invaluable insights from culinary experts who know the Windy City's palate inside out. Find out where to get the iconic Italian Beef, the irresistible Chicago Mix popcorn, and the legendary Deep-Dish Pizza to take a piece of Chicago home.
- Chicago's Italian Beef from Portillo's
- Garrett Popcorn's Chicago Mix
- Garrett Popcorn's Chicago Mix
- Deep-Dish Pizza from Lou Malnati's
Chicago's Italian Beef from Portillo's
Chicago's Italian Beef from Portillo's is my absolute must-have whenever I'm heading back from a trip. The combination of thinly sliced beef, giardiniera, and that perfectly soaked Italian bread captures everything I miss about home when I'm away. While Al's and Mr. Beef serve great versions too, I always direct visitors to the Portillo's on Ontario Street since it's convenient to downtown and maintains incredibly consistent quality.
Growing up in Chicago, the smell of Italian beef was practically in my DNA, but it wasn't until I started George's Floofing Friends that I truly appreciated how this sandwich represents our city's character. During long days walking dogs through Logan Square in every kind of weather, that hot, messy sandwich became more than just lunch - it was a reward for putting in the work to build something meaningful for our neighborhood's pet parents.
When people ask me why they should specifically get it from Portillo's, I explain that beyond just the taste, they've mastered the art of packaging it for travel. They wrap the beef and gravy separately from the bread, meaning you can assemble it fresh when you get home without ending up with a soggy mess. And while some locals might call it sacrilege, I always suggest getting extra gravy - it's perfect for reheating any leftover beef.
The Ontario Street location, in particular, houses its own butcher shop where they slice the beef fresh throughout the day. They also offer vacuum-sealed beef packages with gravy that can last in your fridge for a few days, making it ideal for taking back home. Just remember to add a jar of their hot giardiniera to your order - that spicy, oily mix of pickled vegetables adds the perfect Chicago kick that you can't find anywhere else.
Garrett Popcorn's Chicago Mix
I never leave Chicago without bringing back a box of Garrett Popcorn's Chicago Mix.
The combination of sweet caramel and sharp cheddar sounds unusual, but trust me-it's addictive. I always grab a fresh tin from Garrett Popcorn Shops on Michigan Avenue because nothing beats the warm, freshly made batches.
Why is it a must? It's the perfect blend of nostalgia and flavor. Every time I open a tin back home, the first bite instantly takes me back to the energy of Chicago's streets. Plus, it makes for a great (if slightly dangerous) snack to share-assuming I don't finish it first!
Garrett Popcorn's Chicago Mix
Garrett Popcorn's Chicago Mix-that sweet-salty combo of caramel and cheese popcorn. It's a cult classic, divisive in the best way: some call it a revelation, others say it's overhyped tourist bait. I'd lean toward the former-it's a unique flavor punch that screams Chicago, and it's shelf-stable, so you're not wrestling with spoilage on the way home.
Deep-Dish Pizza from Lou Malnati's
If you're a fan of deep-dish pizza, you absolutely have to bring home a few slices from Lou Malnati's. The buttery crust, rich sauce, and ample cheese make for the perfect reminder of Chicago's iconic food scene. I recommend ordering it fresh or taking a few frozen pizzas home for later.
