I got a lot of problems with you people.



"for 400 years"

... and now you're gonna hear about em!

Listen, I can get grumpy about Chicago. But I will never talk shit about the food here.

I just got back from Florida. I couldn't agree with you more. We have so much good food that it's hard to narrow down what good food you want that particular time you're going out. Other places just don't have good food.

Oh no, we got a food problem, like someone says they want to try X type of food, or what is the best place for Y. You got to narrow it down a bit more. Like tacos, we got several styles. We also have a problem with our doctor's not knowing full well that those numbers on the scales are lying.

"Every food problem is a food opportunity in disguise."

I think you're saying the problem is it's too awesome.

this is just “get downvoted: the thread” lmfaoooo

Malort. I swear to god you guys are lying about liking that shit.

I don’t necessarily like the taste of Malört but I like the act of taking a round of it with friends/family.

The bonding experience is what makes malort great And being able to see someone's face after their first taste will never not be hilarious

If you have some time to kill read the Total Wine reviews of Malört - they are pure gold.

I think by bonding you mean shared trauma

Tbh it also doesn’t bite as hard as a lot of alcohol. The aftertaste is terrible but as far as shots going it’s relatively smooth going down

And it pairs exceptionally well with whatever piss-beer you’re currently drinking.

Malort was supposed to be a joke

The trick to enjoying Malort is to look for / think of grapefruit while you are drinking it. Completely changed my opinion of it.

Lol my sister was like "OMG is that grapefruit with ... with... black pepper?" Thats about the best description of Malort I can think of.

I would say it tastes more like someone distilled grapefruit liquor in a well used ashtray, but to each their own.

That’s how I use it in cocktails!

Just admit it, you have a problem. The delusion is real.

I am one of the few who doesn’t think it’s that bad. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not good.

I was disappointed when I tried it, I was hoping to be shocked and horrified but I only found it mildly unpleasant. Much less icky than straight vodka or inexpensive tequila like Cuervo Gold imo.

To me it kind of just tastes like grapefruit

Stop eating grapefruits from Fukushima and Chernobyl.

I had the same reaction trying Rumple Minze for the first time. Thought it would be a lot worse. It wasn’t that bad.

Try throwing it up EVERYWHERE January 1 when you are about 15 and come back to me. I feel queasy from reading your comment . . .

My first was at a wedding, I have a high tolerance and was already wasted. So in fairness I had a few more things in my favor…

That's how I see it. It's not "great" but I'd rather take a shot of Malort over straight whiskey, vodka, tequila, etc.

It used to be a lot worse. Supply chain for Jeppson’s ingredients changed a number of years ago plus I think they started cutting it to satisfy demand. Used to be higher ABV and it was apocalyptically bad. This is where the stigma originated.

ya, even though I had gotten used to it, it used to be *much* harsher.

Yeah, but have you tried it[ infused with cicada?](https://chicago.eater.com/2024/5/28/24166241/cicadas-malort-noon-whistle-brewing-eating-insects-chicago-illinois-entomophagy)

I like it. I like its sort of grapefruity herbaceousness. Sorry. (Not sorry.) I also like all of the camaraderie surrounding its appearance and consumption. But I also like it.

The current Malort craze is the product of fairly recent very good advertising. It wasn’t even made in Chicago until 2019

The advertising is 🤌🏻.

Has anyone ever said that it tastes good? Nobody is genuinely recommending it, right? Right?!

I genuinely don’t mind/like it. It’s about the only shot I’ll do anymore. I like bitter drinks and it’s lower proof than whiskey. It’s pretty perfect as far as a beer and a shot combo goes.

Same, pretty much the only shot I’ll do, it sits in your stomach well too imo so after doing it I don’t feel like I have to yarf

That’s exactly why I like it

I honestly love how it tastes, but I thoroughly enjoy overly-bitter grapefruit. My brother is convinced I'm lying, and I generally hate that I enjoy something that everybody else compares to hot dumpster water

Bride at a wedding I went to recently genuinely liked it

there are people in this thread enthusiastically saying they’d rather have a shot of malort than tequila or vodka.

I like that it tastes bad!

Well isn’t that the joke?

People who like bitter things like it. I like it sometimes. Other people like it.

I agree with both items you listed and also want to add the tamale on the hotdog bun is not good

The mother-in-law (a tamale in a hot dog bun). It is not greater than the sum of its parts.

Hey what the fuck. I’ve never even heard of that but sounds gross. https://preview.redd.it/njddk37hre3d1.jpeg?width=406&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3c069143ef5012c728efbc10f50f7e3d992babf1

The “tamales” that Southside hotdog places serve are disgusting. The mother-in-law is particularly abhorrent use of a bad ingredient.

Tom Tom tamales?

Supreme in Elk Grove make them too. There used to be another manufacturer in McKinley park too

The Chicago-style tamales they sell at a lot of hot dog stands are truly disgusting. And the "mother in law" sandwich takes them even further into the realm of textural hell.

The Vienna beef joint close to me serves them in a bowl smothered with chili. One of my disgusting guilty pleasure meals.

I grew up eating these and, yeah, they're kinda weird. In fact, I didn't have a REAL tamale until my teens. I had a Tom Tom not too long ago and it was delicious, just like I remembered. Of course, my transplant husband thought it was shit.

I mean, clearly some people like them!

Growing up, i thought that’s what a tamale is wherever you go lol.

Ricobene's has some better sandwiches. I would also recommend trying the breaded steak without sauce & just get it with giardiniera & a side of au jus.

Check out the Chicken Vesuvio Sandwich. I ordered it 30 years ago and have rarely ordered anything else.

I also think that's the better one.

Agreed. Once I tried the eggplant parm and the chicken parm, I never ordered a breaded steak again.

Ricobene's actually does a really solid 'works' deep dish that not many people outside of Bridgeport know about. The breaded sandwiches, meh. Would wager that many people have never really had a truly great Chicago deep dish "cheese pizza" with thick marinara and fresh garlic on top of mozzarella and a butter crust made with a bit of cornmeal. Always better the second day.

Maybe it’s just me but as a Chicagoan, I love everything about Chicago food. Italian Beef? Yes. Deep Dish Pizza? Yes. Chicago Style Hot dogs while watching the Cubs on Friday at 1:20? Yes. Giardinera? From JP Graziano? You bet. My girlfriend who is a transplant is not really a fan of any of the above however.

Your girlfriend sucks

Someone had to say it

Probably why she’s still his girlfriend, I’d imagine.

Transplants have bad taste in food generally for whatever reason

Giardinera is one of those things that after being introduced to it, I wonder how I ever got by without it

I'm not a native Chicagoan but the first time I tried a Chicago style hot dog after I moved here I swear I could almost hear the chorus of angels burst into song

What part of Connecticut is she from

I like ketchup and mustard on my hotdogs

Second Ricobene's...also the stupid thing they make at Chicago Grinder Pizza....

I actually like deep dish so I was excited to try a bowl of pizza. Super underwhelming, it's like they forgot to season it and baked it with plastic cheese.

I feel so validated right now, I went there and was so lost as to why it’s iconic. The salads are bizarre and EXPENSIVE, and the pizza had literally zero taste. No salt, and so wet because the mushroom are just rawdogged in there whole and shit.

Haha I felt the same way. Interesting presentation but the flavor was really lacking. I went once and never felt the need to go back.

The Chicago grinder pizza cheese thing is the correct answer

cooing chubby party truck plough worm escape tart long adjoining *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*

I told my out of town friend the thing was bad but she wanted to go so badly we waited 2 hours for a table. It was even worse than what I remembered and we couldn't finish half the food.

That stupid thing is a tasteless choking hazard.

I hate that stupid thing. I can toss all those ingredients in a bowl and microwave it for the same effect. Oh, and maybe run a tortilla under the tap for a soggy crust topper.

Chicago Grinder was such a massive disappointment. People always seemed to rave about that thing but I don't get it.

Love oven grinder and go there every single time I can.

Okay, I thought I was going to get punched in the throat so I didn’t say anything But man that Chicago grinder thing is such trash! Zero redeeming qualities.

Pizza and Oven Grinder, never understood the fanatical popularity of the place. If you don’t like the idea of eating a melted block of rubbery cheese drenched in tomato sauce, there are virtually no other alternatives on the menu. I seem to recall it was pretty popular with the underage crowd back in the ‘70’s.

Funnily enough, I went from not liking it, to really liking it.

I love it all. Not malort though.

Deep dish pizza is such a heavy meal, not into it.

That is really more a "friends are in town" kind of thing. Or you are running a marathon.

I guess I'm just a fat ass I can eat a medium deep dish from Lou in a sitting.

# Every pizza is a personal pizza if you believe in yourself.

I took down a whole frozen Lous one time. Really regretted it the next morning.

gotta thaw it next time

I really enjoy it, especially spinach and mushroom. But I just have one slice with salad or something.

Man I fucking love it but now that I’m getting older, I can’t see myself getting it much anymore. But growing up? man.

Never a fan of the crust...always super thick, crunchy and tastes like cardboard.

Deep dish pizza is basically lasagna

I like my pizza to come on squares.

That’s perverse.

For me, it’s when you order sausage but forget to say sausage “pieces” and you get the solid piece of sausage that is an entire layer of the pizza. Just.. NO.

Pepper and egg sandwiches are mid

You need an Italian grandma that uses a stick of butter per sandwich before you judge them by the dry bitches you get at the beef spots during lent.

Poetry

Defeats the purpose, but they are GREAT with Chihuahua cheese and bacon

Cheese and light mayonnaise. Salt and pepper. Buona Beef has a great one during lent.

Malort

I have never been a fan of Italian beef sandwiches. ^^*ducks ^^and ^^runs ^^away*

As a kid I didn't like them but as I grew up I realized I just didn't like how my parents ordered them dry and plain for me. Now I love them and even make my own giardinera.

Yep, they have to be hot (peppers) and wet (Dipped). I would like the option of not having to use my teeth at all. Eat a motherfuckin Italian beef like I’m a snake, unhinge the jaw and right down the gullet.

How do you order them usually? Bread is important and I honestly Stan that if you're not getting them wet or dipped with at least sweet peppers, you're doing it a disservice

gotta get it with extra hot peppers, I like mine damp, dipped is too messy and I like a little texture left in the roll.

I’m the worst. I like them dry with gravy on the side

You can get deported to Indiana for this

You monster

this is the way to order italian beef if you’re taking them to go to eat later

This is how it should be. Long live the French dip. I want to control my optimal sog.

yeah I don't need another man deciding how wet my beef is

Please, come back to the church. We won't excommunicate you. Italian beef's are amazing.

My wife is the same. Refuses to even try it. She calls it “boiled meat” :-/

Agree. They just taste like brown.

Order it with extra colors

I too, don’t like Italian beef sandwiches, in my case because they taste like nothing except green peppers and give me massive heartburn. I much prefer a Polish loaded with everything (except ketchup.)

I really dislike them dipped.

Same. I’ve yet to have one that I didn’t feel like the beef was totally overcooked. They just aren’t my thing.

Same here. Give me a Philly cheesesteak

Reported!

Blocked

Same here

Rib Tips are sinewy trash meat. Jibaritos would be 10 times better on actual bread. You're all falling for the dumbest novelty. Whoever decided a Maxwell Street-style porkchop sandwich should be bone-in is a few fries short of a bag. Jim's Original also couldn't figure this mystery out. When the UIC area is sending their restauranteurs, they aren't sending their brightest. Paczki are no better than any other jelly donut. If you've ever waited in line for these things, you are a fool.

Love this comment, you're absolutely correct lol

Damn I fucking love buckets of rip tips. Uncle bubs bbq out in the burbs has some good ones. Same with firewater in villa park.

Malort. I know it's a drink not a food but it is iconic and it is truly the worst thing I have ever tasted in my life.

Not really a “food” but Portillos is not great. I get it when you grow up with it, but the food stinks.

Way overrated. I think the quality has gone down as they expanded, I seem to remember it being a lot better a few decades ago.

As someone who lives in an area with no decent comparable options, Portillo's is still a lil treat for me. I think everyone agrees it used to be better though.

Same. It's wildly better than anything local, plus I'm fat and want a cake shake

I can’t speak for the rest of the food, but if you can’t get down with a beef and cheese fries at Portillo’s.. well I feel sorry.

I think it is overhyped and overhated by some, but overall it is decent.

Billy Goat is not good enough. Not even in the old school, kitsch, way it used to be category.

I’ve been fortunate to eat in Michelin starred restaurants all over the country. I’ve also eaten many of supposed “the best” burgers in this city, Billy Goat is not that far off taste wise. 99% of the time, my order is quicker, and my burger, chips, and a drink is half the single price of of the cheapest “best burger” No, it is not well lit. It’s a little grimy, especially if you’re walking under Michigan on a rainy day. But it is $12 for a double cheese, chips, and a soda. It’s one of the cheapest bars in the neighborhood I can walk to half a dozen places down the street and spend $500 between two people without really trying. No it’s not the best. But I’d rather walk there than McDonald’s most days. If I’m looking to eat for comfort, at a low price point.

The biggest issue with the bill goat burger is the bun, it’s too bready, even for a double. And this is coming from someone that loves the Billy Goat

Also - location matters! The OG one was my go to before bulls games. The one in navy pier is not good at all. Bad service and it just tastes…off… Crazy enough, my favorite one is the the merchandise mart. I know, I know, not anywhere near the original, but service is insanely fast, each burger is pressed fresh, crispy fries, crispy bacon for those who are into that. Anyway, excellent callout for the quality and price.

My sister works across the river and that’s where we meet for lunch once a month. Gets the job done no problem

I happened to order a quarter pounder from the corporate McDonald's this week and was insanely impressed by both the service and the quality of the burger

Ooof sorry you're wrong on this one. Their only downside is the militant anti-french fry thing they're on, that's dumb as shit. Nobody wants fucking potato chips with a cheeseburger.

None. They’re all wonderful. In moderation.

Gym Shoe is a bit of a disaster.

Jail

I will dropkick you in the forehead for speaking this blasphemy!

It’s just way too much going on

Didn't even know this was a thing

Mostly prepared and sold from behind bullet proof glass. Which, for me, is usually an indicator of tasty 'hood food. But I find the Gym Shoe a little too much.

DAT DONUTS and "old fashioned donuts" on the southside. Are FIRRRRRRRRE

Are you hating on dat donut or praising dat donut?

My outta town friend called the Italian beef the “soggy sandwich” and I haven’t been able to get it outta my head. He loved it though and asked for it again lol

This whole thread is blasphemous

I like hotdogs, but not Chicago Style hot dogs. Too much happening there!

What's now called a "depression dog" is the original Chicago style hot dog. What they consider "Chicago style" now is a garden dog.

Had to look up what a depression dog was, sounds delicious.

Gene and Jude's actually

Jimmy's FTW!

Chicago dogs are honestly best sans tomato

I prefer hot dogs with JUST ketchup, no other toppings. I'm terrified to eat one in public here.

no one gives a fart about doing that minus some weird contrarians. putting ketchup on a Chicago style dog will get some eyes though, maybe.

If you go to Flub A Chubs they have a “wall of shame” of people putting ketchup on their hot dog. Everyone is smiling - they’re owning it. Nobody honestly cares.

I like em without onions or relish

No offense but rainbow cone. It tastes like really shitty flavored icecream from Walmart

I didn’t know that was just a Chicago thing.

I grew up near Rainbow Cone so we went there several times each summer. I hated it as a kid and I'm still not a big fan.

rainbow cone is fire it’s literally a chicago version of spumoni

I didn't necessarily think Ricobene's sandwich was bad but it was overrated for sure.

Try the Ricobene's Chicken Vesuvio sandwich., so much better than the breaded steak

It’s a fine sandwich. It’s not a must have, for me, at least.

Those way overloaded Chicago Dogs. I love how happy they make people, I love that super green relish, hell I like hot dogs but the Chicago Dog is just too damn much. My dad in his elderly age will scarf one down in a heartbeat and god bless him he loves those things but I just don’t. I still eat one with the man every time we go out to the city because I love my dad, he will forever be linked (buh duh tiss) to those dogs in my mind and I I will cherish that but I’m probably not eating another one once he passes.

Ricobene's breaded steak sandwiches are awful.

Can I upvote this more than once?

I'm with you on the Ricobene's thing, it's just a novelty because of it's size and ridiculousness.

You better watch your back talking about Jibarito's like that

Chicago style hotdogs. I like mine with only ketchup.

I love Chicago food. That Ricobene's steak sandwich is not worth the hype IMO.

Portillo’s. You can get better versions of anything they have very easily. Except the chocolate cake.

Donuts. I’m not sure if this even a “Chicago thing”? But every single Chicago travel post on this sub is full of recommendations for donuts, or someone documenting the donuts they ate. I’ve never understood this fad.

The donuts here are not good. And then instead of working to make them better, donut places just keep heaping more nonsense on top of them. Six strips of bacon and a bowl of lucky charms don't make the donut better, it just makes the bacon worse.

Huh? Chicago has great donuts. Sounds like you might be going to the wrong places.

Stans is pretty mediocre but there are def some good donut places around. Firecakes.. Do-Rite isn't too bad... Downstate apparently

I completely agree with the sole exception of Donut Vault's yeasty donuts. Those things are divine and I haven't had any like it anywhere else I've traveled

Do-Rite are solid donuts. Stan's however are not very good.

I gotta go with Superdawg. I get that the aesthetic and drive-in part are fun and kitschy but the hot dog itself tastes like a Ballpark frank and the fries were underwhelming too.

Gotta do the Whoopskidawg! That's so life changing I had to reverse engineer it to make it at home! (Home smoked polish, smear of bbq sauce across the bun, and a mound of well caramelized onions!)

Supercheesie on rye with onion chips and a chocolate malt are the way to go, in my opinion.

Portillos, so overrated

I agree with you about Ricobene’s. Those sandwiches have wayyy too much meat. Half of the amount of meat would be fine.

Don’t like it but there is a cocktail that has it as an ingredient called “the hard sell” and it’s probably in my top 5 cocktails I make at home

Maurice Lenell cookies are pressed, sweetened sawdust.

Malort tastes like a bandaid soaked in gasoline.

Melort

Boo this redditor!!! BOOOOOOO!!!!

The breaded steak from ricobenes is glorious

I wish there was Chicago food I didn't like. I'd be alot lighter.