“For the best Chicago-style deep dish, Pequod’s in Lincoln Park is a local favorite,” agrees Dr. Richardson. “The crust is crunchy and caramelized to the point that parts of the crust are almost burnt, which makes the pizza a little more complex than some of the other buttery, greasy, deep dish pizzas out there.
“For the best Chicago-style thin crust, Vito and Nick’s (8433 S. Pulaski Rd.) is worth a trip,” continues Dr. Richardson. It’s way off the beaten path on the South Side, and the décor is unassuming—to put it euphemistically—but the Italian beef and giardiniera (‘jar-din-AIR’ in Chicago-speak) pizza is phenomenal.”
Dr. Dua says that closer to McCormick Center, you can get deep dish pizza “that’s still pretty good” at Giordanos (1340 S. Michigan Ave.) or Lou Malnattis (805 S. State St.). She says other places to eat close(ish) to McCormick Center include:
- Opart Thai House (casual, tasty Thai food): 1906 State St.;
- Tapas Valencia (good for larger groups): 1530 State St.;
- South Coast Sushi: 1700 Michigan Ave.; and
- Pizanos (pizza and pasta): 2106 Indiana Ave.
She suggests you head to Chinatown for:
- Strings Ramen: 2141 Archer Ave.; or
- Lao Sze Chuan: 2172 Archer Ave.
Chicago is clearly a foodie’s destination. So whatever type of food may tempt your palate, Dr. Dua likely has a recommendation. She says, “Some of my favorite restaurants (not necessarily close to the convention center)” are:
- Portillos (Chicago-style hot dogs): 520 W. Taylor St. or 100 W. Ontario St.;
- Au Cheval (amazing burgers, no reservations): 800 Randolph St.;
- Small Cheval (mini version of Au Cheval): 150 N. Riverside Plaza;
- Siena Tavern (Italian): 51 Kinzie St.;
- Gilt Bar (American): 230 Kinzie St.;
- Sunda (Asian fusion): 110 Illinois St.;
- Chicago Cut (steak house): 300 LaSalle Dr.; and
- Girl and the Goat (Stephanie Izard from Top Chef): 809 Randolph St.
Welcome to Chicago
Whether your preference is Great Lakes and gardens, architecture and art, dinner and theater, or people watching, Chicago will deliver. Check out www.choosechicago.com for more information on most of these activities and places—and a lot more to see and do in Chicago.
Keri Losavio has been the Wiley staff editor of The Rheumatologist since 2014.