7 Illinois Dishes The World Says You Have To Try
Illinois boasts some of the most crave-worthy dishes you’ll find anywhere in the country, a true crossroads of flavors shaped by its diverse communities.
From the bustling streets of Chicago—where deep-dish pizza, Italian beef, and Chicago-style hot dogs reign supreme—to the small-town diners and hidden gems scattered across the heartland, every bite tells a story.
This Midwestern gem has built food traditions so iconic that travelers journey thousands of miles just to taste them. After years of eating my way across the state, I can confidently say these seven Illinois specialties aren’t just meals—they’re living, edible pieces of history.
1. The Legendary Deep-Dish Pizza
Nothing prepared me for my first bite of authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza. The buttery, crisp crust rises up the sides of the pan like golden fortress walls, creating the perfect vessel for rivers of tangy tomato sauce and lakes of melted cheese.
Unlike its thin-crust cousins, this Windy City wonder requires a fork and knife – and possibly a nap afterward! The creation story dates back to 1943 when Ike Sewell opened Pizzeria Uno, forever changing how Americans think about pizza.
Locals debate fiercely about who makes the best version, but whether you choose Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, or Gino’s East, your taste buds are in for an unforgettable adventure.
2. The Iconic Chicago-Style Hot Dog
First time I ordered a Chicago-style hot dog, the vendor looked offended when I asked for ketchup. “Never!” he declared, and proceeded to create what locals call being “dragged through the garden.”
A Vienna beef frankfurter nestles in a poppy seed bun, then gets absolutely loaded with yellow mustard, neon-green relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt. The combination creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
You’ll find this masterpiece at hot dog stands throughout the state, but Gene & Jude’s and Portillo’s have earned legendary status among devotees. Remember the cardinal rule: absolutely no ketchup!
3. The Hearty Italian Beef Sandwich
My Chicago-born friend insisted we stand while eating our Italian beef sandwiches. “The Italian Stance,” she called it – leaning forward to avoid the delicious juices that would inevitably cascade down our arms.
This messy masterpiece features thinly sliced roast beef that’s been simmered in herb-infused au jus, piled high on a sturdy Italian roll. You choose your level of commitment: dry (barely dipped), wet (quickly dunked), or dipped (completely soaked in jus).
Add sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera for extra flavor. Al’s Beef started the tradition in the 1930s, but Johnnie’s Beef and Portillo’s offer equally spectacular versions that will leave your shirt stained but your soul satisfied.
4. The Addictive Chicago-Style Popcorn
The first time someone offered me Chicago-style popcorn, I thought they were playing a prank. Cheese and caramel together? That can’t possibly work! Boy, was I wrong.
This sweet-savory combination creates a flavor explosion that’s impossible to stop eating. The sharp cheddar cheese coating mingles with buttery caramel in a dance of contrasting yet complementary flavors. Some enjoy mixing the two varieties together, while purists keep them separated for alternating bites.
Garrett Popcorn Shops made this treat famous with their “Garrett Mix” (formerly called “Chicago Mix”), but you’ll find delicious versions throughout Illinois. It’s the perfect snack to munch while exploring the Magnificent Mile or watching the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
5. The Massive Horseshoe Sandwich
My jaw literally dropped when the server brought out my first Horseshoe sandwich in Springfield. This open-faced beast could feed a small family!
The foundation is thick Texas toast, topped with your choice of meat – hamburger patties are traditional, but ham, turkey, or pork tenderloin are popular options. Then comes the crowning glory: a mountain of crispy french fries completely smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
Created at the old Leland Hotel in Springfield in the 1920s, this heart-stopping indulgence now appears on menus throughout central Illinois. For a slightly smaller portion, order the “Ponyshoe.” D’Arcy’s Pint and Obed & Isaac’s serve particularly noteworthy versions that locals swear by.
6. The Surprising Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken
Finding Chinese-American fusion in Illinois’ capital city caught me completely off guard. Springfield-style cashew chicken isn’t your typical cashew chicken – it’s a unique local interpretation that’s become a regional obsession.
Bite-sized pieces of chicken are breaded, deep-fried to golden perfection, then tossed with a rich brown gravy and topped with green onions and crunchy cashews. The dish represents the heartland’s approach to international cuisine – familiar comfort food with just enough exotic flair.
Legend has it that chef David Leong created this dish in the 1960s to appeal to local palates, and Springfield residents have been thankful ever since. Find authentic versions at longtime establishments like Hunan Garden or China Star, where locals line up for their weekly fix.
7. The Revolutionary Jibarito
Walking through Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, I spotted people enjoying what looked like sandwiches – except something was definitely different. Instead of bread, they were using crispy, flattened plantains!
The jibarito (pronounced hee-bah-REE-to) is Chicago’s unique contribution to Puerto Rican cuisine. Invented in the 1990s at Borinquen Restaurant, this ingenious creation features seasoned steak, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and garlic, all embraced by two crispy fried plantain “slices” that replace traditional bread.
The contrast between the savory fillings and the slightly sweet, crunchy plantains creates an unforgettable taste experience. Papa’s Cache Sabroso and Jibaritos y Más serve exceptional versions that showcase why this Chicago innovation has developed such a passionate following.