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.