Chicago Dining

[TripletDaddy]

I think that's one of the charms of Chicago: pizza partisanship. I've had Gino's and Giordano's, but I haven't had Malnati's yet. Maybe I'll hit it next month when I'm there.

There's a Portillo's in Buena Park and in Moreno Valley. Al's is going to open a location out in Alhambra or some place like that.

Lou's is my fave, as well. butter crust is great. Lou's doesn't win as many show points because their locations are pretty bland. Folks coming from out of town like going to the Uno-style pizzerias that have brick on the wall and are really cramped and dark.

[hostile]

Not pizza but I usually hit Gene & Georgetti's when I go to Chicago.

[Clark Addison]

Lou's is my fave, as well. butter crust is great. Lou's doesn't win as many show points because their locations are pretty bland. Folks coming from out of town like going to the Uno-style pizzerias that have brick on the wall and are really cramped and dark.

Gino's was always my favorite, but I admit that the last time I had Lou's I thought "I don't know if there is any better than this."

Not pizza but I usually hit Gene & Georgetti's when I go to Chicago.

Great place to get a steak, and also to see an alderman or a guy from the outfit. Sometimes at the same table.

I worked on Franklin St a few blocks away from G&G for about a year. Three or four times when I had business visitors, I went out for a nice light Chicago lunch of a porterhouse under the El tracks.

[TripletDaddy]

Not pizza but I usually hit Gene & Georgetti's when I go to Chicago.

I liked G&G. I collect menus and that one is one of my fave chophouse menus because it has that old school diner art vibe to it.

[Flystripper]

did you live near Elmwood Park? I loved going there for some beef. It was my favorite place. Always ordered the same thing: two juicy beefs, hot, an ice with no cap, and a cup of Lake Michigan. I was in Chicago this summer for a wedding (when the blackhawks had their parade) and my wife and I went over to johnnys and reminisced.

I have been to the Elmwood Park location but I didn't live there. Our company had an office near O'hare so I always hit up the Johnny's in Arlington Heights. I settled on ordering my beef juicy and hot as well. I went hot and sweet a few times early on, but the peppers ended up drowning out the beef. Johnny's Italian ice is also ridiculously good. (I preferred the watermelon but the lemon was also good)

[Flystripper]

I think that's one of the charms of Chicago: pizza partisanship. I've had Gino's and Giordano's, but I haven't had Malnati's yet. Maybe I'll hit it next month when I'm there.

There's a Portillo's in Buena Park and in Moreno Valley. Al's is going to open a location out in Alhambra or some place like that.

I have not been to the West Coast Portillos. I don't visit Moreno Valley, Buena Park or Alhambra often, but if I am ever near those locations I will have to remember. I sometimes really crave an Italian beef sandwich.

[Donuthole]

Unfortunately I'm in BFE outside of Chicago or there are some places I'd definitely be heading. Wouldn't be for an Italian beef sandwich, though.

Truth. Italian beef sandwiches might be as overrated as Chicago Deep Dish pizza.

[TripletDaddy]

Truth. Italian beef sandwiches might be as overrated as Chicago Deep Dish pizza.

[hostile]

Great place to get a steak, and also to see an alderman or a guy from the outfit. Sometimes at the same table.

I worked on Franklin St a few blocks away from G&G for about a year. Three or four times when I had business visitors, I went out for a nice light Chicago lunch of a porterhouse under the El tracks.

There is a steakhouse in South Philly with a similar vibe, The Saloon. Great steaks but I was always wary of looking at anyone the wrong way.

[MarkGrace]

Truth. Italian beef sandwiches might be as overrated as Chicago Deep Dish pizza.

And that stays true whether you consider deep dish pizza, casserole, or other.

[CJF]

Italian Beef is probably my favorite sandwich. I used to make them on a regular basis myself. In fact, I'm craving one now.

[jay santos]

Tried Geno's. Thanks CA. It's an experience I've been wanting to have but yeah deep dish is just meh.

[falafel]

Truth. Italian beef sandwiches might be as overrated as Chicago Deep Dish pizza.

I don't recall seeing a rating for either of these foods. What is the rating so we can determine whether it is accurate?

[Flystripper]

Tried Geno's. Thanks CA. It's an experience I've been wanting to have but yeah deep dish is just meh.

I prefer NY style pizza, but I will not turn down a Lou Malnati's pie.

[MarkGrace]

Not overrated: Chicago dogs.

Chicago "pizza" is pretty meh, but its hot dogs go hard.