Jimmy Johnson in Illinois: 3 Spots From the Video

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Planning notes for Chicago

Must-try foods in Chicago

• Italian Beef Sandwich
  Italian Beef SandwichThe quintessential Chicago sandwich: thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef simmered in 'jus' and served on a long Italian roll. Locals order it 'dipped' or 'wet' to soak the bread in gravy and always top it with spicy giardiniera (pickled vegetable relish) or sweet peppers. For the gold standard, visit Johnnie’s Beef or Al’s 1 Italian Beef.
• Chicago-Style Hot Dog
  Chicago-Style Hot DogAn all-beef frankfurter on a steamed poppy seed bun, 'dragged through the garden' with yellow mustard, neon green sweet pickle relish, chopped white onions, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. The golden rule: absolutely no ketchup. Redhot Ranch and Gene & Jude’s are legendary purveyors.
• Deep-Dish Pizza
  Deep-Dish PizzaA thick, buttery, pie-like crust with high edges that holds massive amounts of mozzarella cheese and toppings, finished with a layer of chunky tomato sauce on top. It is a slow-baked Chicago icon. Lou Malnati’s is famous for its 'buttercrust,' while Pequod’s is beloved for its 'caramelized' burnt cheese halo.
• Jibarito
  JibaritoA Chicago-born Puerto Rican specialty that replaces bread with two flattened, fried green plantains. It’s typically filled with steak, garlic mayo, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Created in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, Jibarito y Más is widely considered the best place to experience this unique local invention.
• Pastries & Filipino Brunch
  Pastries & Filipino BrunchA 2026 essential. This Michelin-starred spot has become a global sensation for its modern Filipino-American fare. The longanisa breakfast sandwich and ube huckleberry basque cake are trending icons. It represents the city's current culinary peak, blending high-end technique with traditional island flavors.
• Maxwell Street Polish
  Maxwell Street PolishA thick, charcoal-grilled Polish sausage served on a bun, topped with a mountain of sweet grilled onions, yellow mustard, and spicy sport peppers. It’s a late-night staple born in the historic Maxwell Street market. Jim’s Original is the historic stand where this tradition has thrived since 1939.

Trip guide

• About Chicago
  About ChicagoChicago, located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, is a major urban center in the United States. Its history is marked by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed much of the city's central business district. This event led to the development of the "Chicago School" of architecture, characterized by the use of steel-frame construction and large plate-glass windows.
• When to go
  When to goThe best times to visit Chicago are the shoulder months of May, September, and October, which offer pleasant temperatures (50°F–70°F) and thinner crowds compared to the humid, peak-summer festival season. While winter (January–March) is the most budget-friendly time for indoor museum-hopping, be prepared for sub-freezing winds and snow. For coffee enthusiasts, June is a highlight as the city hosts the major Coffee Fest at Navy Pier.
• Getting around
  Getting around Chicago

  • Air Travel & Airport Transit Fly into O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) airports. From O'Hare, take the CTA Blue Line train (approx. 45 mins) to downtown; from Midway.
  • CTA 'L' Trains and Buses The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the 'L' train system with eight color-coded lines and an extensive bus network. Use a Ventra card or contactless payment for fares ($2.25–$2.50). The Red and Blue lines run.
  • Metra Commuter Rail For travel between downtown Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, use the Metra rail system. Trains depart from major hubs like Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center. Tickets can be purchased via the Ventra.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Purchase a Ventra card for the 'L' train and buses to navigate the city efficiently without needing a rental car.
  • Never ask for ketchup on a Chicago-style hot dog, as it is considered a major culinary faux pas by locals.
  • Stay alert and stick to well-lit, high-traffic areas when using public transit or walking late at night.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Chicago

  • Milli by Metric: A high-concept specialty cafe in Avondale from the renowned Metric Coffee roasters, featuring minimalist design and precision-brewed single-origin coffees.
  • Cereal-Milk Lattes: Viral 'Seriously Cinnamon' and 'Pebbles' flavored coffee drinks launched via pop-ups at spots like Froth Cafe in the West Loop.
• Choose Chicago↗
  Choose ChicagoChoose Chicago is the official destination marketing organization for Chicago, providing travel guides, event listings, and visitor resources for the city.