Italian Beef and Deep dish near Hi Chicago Hostel.

Question

What is original Ijtalian Beef. I assume there are lots of variations. Also can I get a single werving of Deep Dish? Is Chicago Dog any meat or special?

Answer

Chicago is known for a few iconic dishes, and you're right—there are variations of all of them. Here's a breakdown of the three you asked about, as well as some recommendations for places near the HI Chicago Hostel to try them!

Italian Beef: The original Italian beef sandwich is a Chicago classic, typically made with thinly sliced roast beef that's been cooked in a seasoned broth, and served on a long, crusty Italian roll. The beef is often dipped in the broth (this is called "wet") for extra flavor and moisture. It's usually topped with giardiniera (a spicy pickled vegetable mix) or sweet peppers. There are variations, with some people preferring their beef "dry" (not dipped), or with different types of peppers, but the core elements of a good Italian beef are the tender, flavorful beef, the soft roll, and the spice from the giardiniera. Chicago's Italian beef is typically served as a sandwich, but it can also be served in a container as a meal. If you're new to it, try the classic "wet" version with giardiniera for the full Chicago experience.

Deep Dish Pizza: Yes, you can definitely get a single serving of deep dish pizza in Chicago. Deep dish is a pizza with a thick, buttery crust that’s baked to be more like a pie. The filling is a combination of cheese (typically mozzarella), meat (like sausage or pepperoni), and chunky tomato sauce. It's a heavy, filling dish, so portions are generous, but most pizzerias offer personal-size deep dish or individual slices. Unlike regular pizza, which has a thin, crispy crust, deep dish has a hearty, almost buttery crust that holds in a lot of cheese and sauce. It's worth trying once for the full Chicago experience! Some places even offer "stuffed" deep dish, where the crust is folded over the toppings, making it even more indulgent.

Chicago Dog: A Chicago-style hot dog is a unique take on the classic hot dog. It's not just any hot dog—it's made with an all-beef frankfurter, usually served on a poppy seed bun, and topped with a very specific set of ingredients: yellow mustard, chopped onions, neon green relish, tomato slices, a pickle spear, and sport peppers. A key thing to note is that a true Chicago dog does NOT have ketchup, so if you're looking for ketchup on your hot dog, this is not the one for you! The sport peppers and the neon relish are what make the Chicago dog distinct, so be sure to get it as the locals do. It's a great snack while walking around the city.

Now, regarding places near the HI Chicago Hostel (which is located downtown), here are a few great options for trying these iconic dishes:

Portillo's: A Chicago institution, Portillo's offers both Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs. They also have a great version of the classic deep dish pizza (though for deep dish enthusiasts, some argue there are better options—more on that below!). Portillo's is located at 100 W. Ontario St., which is about a 10-minute walk from the hostel.
Al’s Beef: Al's Beef is one of the most famous spots in Chicago for Italian beef sandwiches. Their beef is flavorful, and they have a good range of toppings. Al's Beef is a little farther from the hostel (about a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride), but it's a must-try for Italian beef aficionados.
Labriola Chicago: For deep dish pizza, Labriola (located at 535 N. Michigan Ave) is a great choice. It's known for its deep dish pizza, and they offer individual servings of pizza as well. If you're craving deep dish but don't want to commit to a whole pie, this is a great place to try.
Gene & Georgetti: Gene & Georgetti, located at 500 N. Franklin St., offers a classic Chicago dog along with other hearty meals. It's a bit on the more traditional side, offering a true taste of Chicago's culinary history.

In summary:

Italian beef is a tender, flavorful roast beef sandwich often served wet with giardiniera.
Deep dish pizza is a hearty, pie-like pizza with thick crust, cheese, sauce, and toppings.
A Chicago dog is an all-beef frankfurter topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, a pickle, and sport peppers—but no ketchup!

These are all must-tries during your visit to Chicago! Enjoy your trip and the food!