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Here Are 20 Iconic Dishes at Restaurants in Chicago

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So what makes something an icon? Does it have to have been around for years? Is it something that could be an instant classic? Or is it something that no matter how new or old a restaurant is, it's that one dish that you have to have when you're there?

For this first-ever collection of Iconic Chicago Dishes, we discussed, debated and reached out to Eater readers to pull together a list of 20 dishes throughout the city. Is this the be-all-end-all list? Probably not. Did we miss things? Probably. But for now, here are 20 dishes that we think—and many of you agree—should be on this list. With that, have at it. Missing something or don't agree with an entry? Let us know in the comments.

For more iconic dishes from across the Eater Universe, head over to Eater National.

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Avec Restaurant -- Bacon-Wrapped Dates

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Sun Wah BBQ -- Peking Duck

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Hot Doug's -- Chicago Dog & Duck Fat Fries

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Alinea -- Hot Potato Cold Potato

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Al's Beef -- Italian Beef

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Manny's -- Corned Beef & Potato Pancake

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Lou Malnati's -- Chicago Classic

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The Anthem -- Juicy Lucy

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Gibsons -- W.R.'s Chicago Cut

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Xoco -- Churros & Chocolate

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Ina's -- Heavenly Hots

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Hopleaf -- Mussels & Frites

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The Bristol -- Basque Cake

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Urban Belly -- Ramen

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Tru -- Caviar

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GT Fish & Oyster -- Lobster Roll

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Twin Anchors Restaurant -- Ribs

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Crisp -- Seoul Sassy Chicken

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Duke of Perth -- Fish & Chips

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Old Fashioned Donuts -- Apple Fritter

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Avec Restaurant -- Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Sun Wah BBQ -- Peking Duck

Hot Doug's -- Chicago Dog & Duck Fat Fries

Alinea -- Hot Potato Cold Potato

Al's Beef -- Italian Beef

Manny's -- Corned Beef & Potato Pancake

Lou Malnati's -- Chicago Classic

The Anthem -- Juicy Lucy

Gibsons -- W.R.'s Chicago Cut

Xoco -- Churros & Chocolate

Ina's -- Heavenly Hots

Hopleaf -- Mussels & Frites

The Bristol -- Basque Cake

Urban Belly -- Ramen

Tru -- Caviar

Related Maps

GT Fish & Oyster -- Lobster Roll

Twin Anchors Restaurant -- Ribs

Crisp -- Seoul Sassy Chicken

Duke of Perth -- Fish & Chips

Old Fashioned Donuts -- Apple Fritter

Related Maps