Chicago is synonymous with deep-dish pizza but for many locals, tavern style is the preferred choice. Vintage pizzeria Marie’s has been dishing out classic Italian fare and cracker thin crust pies in Albany Park for decades, and the retro experience features amenities like red vinyl booths, live jazz on Thursdays, and over-the-top decorations during the holiday season. The restaurant is attached to a liquor store too, so diners can pick out a bottle or six-pack to accompany their meal.

This Cantonese restaurant opened in 1932 on Irving Park, according to general manager Ben Ruan, despite rumors that it first began serving in 1924. His family is the third to own the historic spot where diners can dig into Chinese-American favorites including chop suey, chow mein, and egg foo young. The egg rolls are homemade.

Home to arguably the best hot dog in the country, Gene & Jude's Depression Dog deviates from the traditional Chicago style by garnishing the frankfurter with just mustard, onions, sport peppers, relish, and a pile of fries on top.

Opened in 1932 and under current ownership since 1978, this Lincoln Park speakeasy-turned-restaurant was once frequented by Frank Sinatra, has withstood waves of gentrification, and generates long waits for its popular baked ribs.

Green Door Tavern is on the short list of most historic restaurants and bars in Chicago, as the building dates back to 1871 and has been serving food since 1921. Neither a menu revamp nor the attached basement speakeasy the Drifter has diminished its draw with locals in River North.

There are plenty of old-school red sauce joints in Chicago, but Italian Village has been doing it the longest. Now encompassing three restaurants, this Loop institution — opened in 1927 — serves classic Italian-American dishes in rustic themed spaces.

Perhaps no restaurant in Chicago is more classic than the Berghoff. Its storied history includes becoming a restaurant during prohibition, receiving the first liquor license in Chicago following prohibition, and maintaining a men's-only bar until 1969. Today, this time capsule, which is upped by its brewing operation, continues to serve traditional German food to tourists and locals alike.

The iconic Lou Mitchell's sign has drawn patrons into the historic diner near Union Station since 1923. Come for hearty, classic diner fare at breakfast and lunchtime, alongside baked goods and complimentary Milk Duds.

The original Italian beef purveyor since 1938, Al's Beef is a Chicago legend. Assume the proper eating stance at the iconic Little Italy stand and devour the famous beef with jus and giardiniera. The quality of the sandwiches may vary depending on the location, but the Taylor Street mainstay is always reliable and consistent.

Manny's Cafeteria and Deli is the epitome of a Chicago classic, serving outstanding corned beef sandwiches, pastrami, hot entrees, breakfast, and other Jewish deli favorites to an eclectic crowd. It’s not unusual to find local politicians eating here.

Much of Chicago’s street food history is offered at Jim's Original, the 24-hour self-proclaimed home of the city's "original" Polish sausage (1941). Because it moved in 1994 after the relocation of the outdoor street market, Jim's Original touts itself as the longest continuously-operating hot dog stand to have once done business on Maxwell Street. The Polish and hot dogs are can't-miss, but the pork chop sandwich is also a Chicago essential.

One of the city’s oldest bakeries specializes in all sorts of European-inspired pastries and sweets. Established in 1930, this Southwest Side fixture is popular for items like kolacky and cake doughnuts with chocolate ganache icing. The paczki are a must-have during Mardi Gras season as well.

This no-frills soul food diner is a South Side institution and the oldest restaurant in Chicago, opening in 1892 and becoming its current incarnation in 1918. Breakfast is served all day while the dinner menu includes fried chicken, jumbo shrimp, melt sandwiches, and burgers, all of which can be spiced up with the red pepper vinegar found on every table. Daley’s moved across the street in 2019.

The Original Rainbow Cone is a South Side institution that piles multiple flavors of ice cream into a cone. Be prepared for lines when it reopens after its annual winter break. There’s also a Navy Pier location.

Don't miss this James Beard-honored monument to smoked fish on the far South Side, in business since 1948. Get a paper bag of salmon, shrimp, or black cod and be prepared to eat in the car or on the sidewalk.