Ryan Horne+FollowChicago’s Italian beef: From secret bets to food legendChicago’s iconic Italian beef sandwich actually started as a clever cover for illegal gambling back in 1938! What began as a way to stretch meat at big family parties turned into a citywide obsession, with Al’s Bar B-Q hiding card games in the back while hungry crowds lined up for juicy, gravy-dipped beef. Alongside Pompei’s bakery and Mario’s Italian Lemonade, these family-run spots didn’t just feed the neighborhood—they built Little Italy’s food culture from the ground up. It’s wild to think how a few immigrant families shaped what we now call classic Chicago eats. Which Taylor Street spot is your favorite? #Food #ChicagoEats #ItalianBeef00Share
Annette Jones+FollowSouth Side favorites bring flavor to LakeviewChicago’s North Side just got a major food upgrade! Two beloved South Side restaurants, Cleo’s Southern Cuisine and Dat Donut, have opened new spots in Lakeview, bringing soul food classics and legendary donuts to a whole new crowd. Cleo’s, famous for its fried catfish and hot chicken, now sits just up the street from Dat Donut’s first-ever expansion—where their giant, cake-sized Big DAT donut is the star. Plus, Uptown’s Wilson Ave is buzzing with two new arrivals: Piacere Mio’s Italian comfort food and Las Piñatas’ Mexican staples. Which spot are you most excited to try? #Food #ChicagoEats #Lakeview00Share
Robert Daniels+FollowChicago’s best-kept soul food secretPearl’s Place in Bronzeville isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a beloved tradition locals quietly protect. The fried chicken is so good, it’s sparked debates about whose grandma cooks better. Every meal feels like a celebration, with white tablecloths and recipes that honor Chicago’s Black history. Regulars love the catfish, cornbread, and collard greens, and the vibe is always welcoming—never pretentious. It’s open every day, so you can always count on a comforting plate. If you’ve been, you know why folks want to keep it under the radar. Would you share your favorite hidden food gem, or keep it a secret? #Food #ChicagoEats #SoulFood00Share
John Camacho+FollowChicago’s ‘Da Pizza’ celebrates Bears legacyGiordano’s is serving up a slice of Chicago history with its new Da Pizza, honoring the legendary 1985 Bears season. This limited-edition pie is loaded with pork and beef meatballs, pepperoni, and spicy giardiniera—true comfort food for football season. Whether you’re a deep-dish devotee or a thin-crust fan, you can order it your way, and even get the number 85 stenciled in Parmesan for a nostalgic touch. Plus, Bears tight end Cole Kmet is joining the fun, connecting today’s fans with the city’s championship spirit. Who’s grabbing a slice and reliving the glory days? #Sports #Football #ChicagoEats00Share
Ryan Horne+FollowChicago’s bakery scene gets a global twistCraving something new? Chicago’s bakery scene is exploding with fresh flavors from around the world. Whether you’re into black sesame matcha croissants at Daeji Dough Co. in Lakeview, classic Italian tiramisu at Paola’s Delights in Bridgeport, Ukrainian comfort food at Abrah Bakery in Lincoln Park, or soon-to-open French breads at Guillotine Bakery in West Town, there’s a spot for every palate. Each bakery brings a personal story and unique heritage to the table, making our neighborhoods even more vibrant. Which spot are you most excited to try—or have you already found a new favorite? #Food #ChicagoEats #BakeryLovers00Share
mary01+FollowPortillo’s plans new spot on Michigan AvePortillo’s is gearing up to open a new restaurant right in the heart of downtown Chicago, just steps from the Magnificent Mile. Locals and visitors alike could soon have a new go-to spot for classic Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. The new location is set for 300 N. Michigan Ave, inside a striking glass tower that’s hard to miss. With hotel rooms and apartments above, this could quickly become a neighborhood favorite. What do you think—will this spot live up to the hype of the original? #Food #ChicagoEats #Portillos00Share
Jason Wells+FollowChicago’s South Loop gets a brunch upgradeBrûlée just opened in the South Loop, and it’s already changing the café game with a Black-women owned twist. The vibe is all about Southern hospitality—think avocado croast (yes, croissant!), lobster and sweet potato waffles, and creole shrimp and grits. Founders Emani Nicole Roberts and Kennedy Bufford have created a spot that’s both cozy and upscale, perfect for working remotely or catching up with friends. It’s exciting to see more women-owned businesses bringing fresh energy to the neighborhood. Would you try a lobster waffle for brunch? Let’s talk favorite brunch spots! #Food #ChicagoEats #WomenOwned00Share
dianefrank+FollowOld Town’s Wells St. food crawl: My must-try picksWells St. in Old Town is basically a food lover’s dream, packed with everything from historic taverns to cozy bakeries and modern gastropubs. I’ve spent some time eating my way up and down the street, and a few spots really stand out: Glunz Tavern’s old-world charm and meatloaf, Orso’s festive Italian patio, Old Jerusalem’s family-run Middle Eastern classics, and La Fournette’s authentic French pastries. Whether you’re craving burgers, brunch, or a killer chocolate bark, there’s something for every mood. Which Wells St. spot is your go-to, or is there a hidden gem I missed? #Food #ChicagoEats #OldTown00Share
Michael Morgan+FollowFulton Market’s new Italian hangout opens soonBar Tutto is about to shake up Fulton Market’s food scene with a true neighborhood vibe—think homemade pastas, fresh-baked pastries, and Italian cocktails, all day long. Chef Joe Flamm, known for Rose Mary, is channeling the energy of classic Italian cafes where everyone from college kids to grandparents gathers. Whether you’re grabbing a morning espresso and bombolini or settling in for dinner with wood-grilled mains and house-made mozzarella, this spot aims to be your go-to. What makes a restaurant feel like a real neighborhood hangout to you? Would you make Bar Tutto your new regular spot? #Food #FultonMarket #ChicagoEats00Share
Michael Alvarez+FollowChicago’s biggest Restaurant Week ever!More than 500 restaurants across 33 neighborhoods and 61 suburbs are gearing up for Chicago Restaurant Week 2026—making it the largest yet! This is a golden chance to explore new flavors and support local spots, including 160 women- and minority-owned eateries. With prix-fixe menus starting at $30 for brunch or lunch and $45/$60 for dinner, you can try everything from neighborhood gems to world-famous kitchens without breaking the bank. Which new or classic spot are you most excited to check out? Let’s swap recommendations and make the most of this citywide food fest! #Food #ChicagoEats #RestaurantWeek00Share
