Mark Wiens in Illinois: 5 Spots From the Video

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Chicago

Must-try foods in Chicago

• Italian Beef Sandwich
  Italian Beef SandwichA Chicago staple consisting of thin slices of seasoned roast beef simmered in 'au jus' and served on a long Italian roll. For the authentic local experience, order it 'dipped' (submerged in juice) and 'hot' (topped with spicy giardiniera). Johnnie’s Beef in Elmwood Park remains the gold standard.
• Chicago-Style Hot Dog
  Chicago-Style Hot DogAn all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun, 'dragged through the garden' with yellow mustard, neon green relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Most importantly, never add ketchup—a rule strictly enforced at institutions like Portillo's and Gene & Jude's.
• Filipino Tasting Menu
  Filipino Tasting MenuChicago is currently home to the world’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant, Kasama. By day, locals line up for viral pastries like the Ube Huckleberry Basque Cake; by night, it transforms into an upscale 13-course tasting menu featuring modern takes on traditional dishes like adobo and kare-kare.
• Deep-Dish Pizza
  Deep-Dish PizzaThe city's most famous export, known for its high-edged buttery crust that acts as a bowl for massive amounts of cheese and chunky tomato sauce. While many chains exist, locals still point visitors toward Lou Malnati’s for its signature 'buttercrust' or Pequod’s for its unique caramelized cheese 'halo' crust.
• Flaming Saganaki
  Flaming SaganakiInvented in Chicago's Greektown at the Parthenon in the 1960s, this dish consists of fried Graviera cheese doused in brandy and ignited tableside with a shout of 'Opa!' It remains a theatrical and delicious must-try at neighborhood mainstays like Greek Islands.
• Shrimp DeJonghe
  Shrimp DeJongheAnother Chicago original, this casserole-style dish features whole peeled shrimp smothered in a rich, garlicky breadcrumb and sherry butter mixture. It dates back to the late 19th century and is a permanent fixture on the menus of the city's old-school steakhouses and seafood halls.

Trip guide

• About Chicago
  About ChicagoChicago is a municipality in the United States located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. Historically, the area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Potawatomi, Miami, and Ojibwe, before the arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century. Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a trader of Haitian descent, is recognized as the first permanent non-indigenous resident.
• When to go
  When to goThe best months to visit Chicago are May, June, September, and October, which offer mild temperatures (50°F–75°F) and a balance of outdoor activities without extreme weather. Summer (July and August) is the peak tourist season, featuring hot, humid weather and a packed schedule of festivals, while the off-peak winter months (January and February) offer the lowest hotel rates but face bitter cold and heavy snow. For the best value.
• Getting around
  Getting around Chicago

  • Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) 'L' Trains The 'L' system offers eight color-coded rail lines connecting the city and both major airports. The Blue Line provides 24/7 service from O'Hare International Airport to downtown in about 40 minutes.
  • CTA Buses and Ventra Payment System Over 120 bus routes complement the rail system, with stops every few blocks and some 'Owl' routes running 24/7. Riders can pay using the Ventra app, a physical Ventra card, or contactless bankcards.
  • Metra Commuter Rail and Regional Transit For those traveling from the surrounding suburbs or neighboring states, the Metra commuter rail system operates 11 lines that terminate at major downtown hubs like Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Use the Ventra app or a contactless card to easily navigate the 'L' train and bus system, which connects both major airports to the city center.
  • Never put ketchup on a Chicago-style hot dog, as locals consider it a major culinary faux pas.
  • Walk on the right side of busy sidewalks and maintain a steady pace to avoid obstructing the flow of local commuters.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Chicago

  • Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening.
  • Route 66 Centennial Celebrations.
• Chicago Loop Alliance↗
  Chicago Loop AllianceThe official site for Chicago's downtown Loop, promoting the district's world-class attractions, dining, theater, and iconic architecture.