Gene and Jude’s isn’t in the city and it’s not a Chicago dog.

Always, ALWAYS test the fabric seats on the El and the buses before sitting in a puddle of urine. Trust me.

I’m 312 born but haven’t lived in the city in forever. I know Portillos is touristy but it’s perfect when I visit the fam and we want to go out for a quick meal that everyone likes. It’s not Johnnie’s but, having eaten from the trailer on North Ave, I’m not gonna begrudge someone just because they made bank.

On your third point, if it’s a weekend and you’re taking Metra into the city from the suburbs, pick up a weekend pass. I think they’re $8, and unlimited all weekend.

One of my favorite downtown eateries is Potbellies. It has great food, but part of why I loved it because I thought it was just a Chicago thing. But now we have one in Indy, too. Haven’t been back to find a new spot since... although I still like Potbellies.

Johnnie’s in Elmwood Park > every other Italian beef

Edzo’s Garlic Fries are definitely worth the visit.

I’ll go Portillo’s Cake Shake.

Portillo’s is not the best at anything it does, but it does a bunch of things very well. If you want just a beef sandwich, hot dog, Italian sausage, or burger, there are better options. If you want all of those things? It’s a one stop shop.

I don’t get the Portillo’s hate. It’s true that their hot dogs aren’t as good as the best Chicago hot dogs (and they don’t char them!), and their Italian beef isn’t as good as the best places in Chicago, but they’re pretty good. I’ll admit Portillo’s fries suck a bag. Portillo’s real redeeming factor is that in a lot…

Lou Malnati’s is the best deep dish, hands down! Also, if you are trying to cut carbs, they have a meat-za crustless option that is fabulous.

Agreed on the Lou’s. Gino’s East is my second. Giordano’s can fight me.

Starred for Gene and Jude’s shout out. ( though it’s technically not in Chicago)

I definitely prefer other Italian Beef (my favorite so far is the Patio in Little Italy). However, I am actually surprised by how good the beef is at Portillo’s despite being a bigger chain. I’ve definitely had better Italian Beef at Portillo’s than at some local beef places.

I’ve stayed in Rosemont, which has the benefit of being close to O’Hare and at the end of the blue line. It’s definitely cheaper than staying in the city. There have been a few moments where I’ve wished to be closer to the center, but not enough to justify the extra expense.

While I disagree with Lou Malnati’s, I’ll definitely support you on the Portillo’s opinion!

If you absolutely have to go up a tall building to see the views and be a tourist don’t wait in line or buy a ticket. Dinner service starts at 5:00pm at the signature room in the John Hancock building. If you get there when it opens you can easily grab a table by the window. You’ll be sipping drinks, being waited…

Nice info! This was my “drive” up South Mountain just this morning from my house in downtown. Quick snack at Dobbins Lookout :)