Ok. so I am THE MAN for food in Chicago.
And if you want good food, you have to travel away from the area you are staying at- explore the city, its really not that big.
Most of these links are pretty close, walkable for sure. Its nice in Chicago then, you walk to everything in the city. Dont be a wuss.
This should be enough to get you started, if you want more...hit me up.
Lets get the basics out of the way- gotta cover the bases here. Note; ALL stuffed pizza originated out of UNO.
Pizza - depends on taste if you like stufft, pan or thin...
Uno - the originator to some extent
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pizzeria-uno-chicago
Lou Malnottis - Chicago Fav butter crust
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lou-malnatis-pizzeria-chicago-6
Pizanos - other Malnottis brother
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pizanos-pizza-and-pasta-chicago
Giordanos - do NOT get thin crust here.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/giordanos-chicago-2
Ginos East - cornmeal crust
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ginos-east-chicago-3
Piece - great thin style!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/piece-chicago
Italian Beef and Hot dogs - no joke
Portillos - yes. Everything is great there. Hilights- Chicago Style Hot dog. Cake Shake. Beef/Sausage Combo with mozz cheese with sweet/hot peppers. You might die, but its worth it.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/portillos-hot-dogs-chicago
Als Beef
http://www.yelp.com/biz/als-beef-chicago
Mexican, Street Food
XOCO- is really good. Rick Bayless. Not for everyone though- you have to like flavor. The Caldos and Sandwiches are a no brainer. June might be hot for soup. There are times when the line is out the door- its been open a while and the buzz is past, its just that good. Get coffee and churros or I will slap you.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/xoco-chicago
Sushi - depends on your taste of more traditional, or fusion.
Rise on southport is really good.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rise-sushi-and- ... ge-chicago
Kyoto on Lincoln has some REALLY creative dishes.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kyoto-sushi-restaurant-chicago
Sushi Samba on Grand is a cool place that combines Sushi and Cuban flavors.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sushisamba-rio-chicago
Hot Wok, Cool Sushi on Michigan ave is good and reasonabe.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hot-woks-cool-s ... :hot%20wok
Italian
Rosebud on Superior is a trademark in Chicago.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rosebud-on-rush-chicago
Italian village- is ok but a tourist trap.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/italian-village-chicago
Quartino
http://www.yelp.com/biz/quartino-chicago
Osterio via Stato on State, very good.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/osteria-via-sta ... ry:osterio
Soul
Heaven on Seven - cash only!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/heaven-on-seven ... sh-chicago
Wishbone
http://www.yelp.com/biz/wishbone-chicago
BBQ
Smoque on Pulaski, little bit of a trip but worth it if youre serious about food.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/smoque-bbq-chicago
Smoke Daddy - really good.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-smoke-daddy-chicago
Tapas
Cafe Iberico, still trying to find better here. Pintxos upstairs is GOOD too, people overlook it. Same quality different take.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-iberico-chicago
Steak
David Burkes Primehouse - if not the best in Chi
http://www.yelp.com/biz/david-burkes-primehouse-chicago
Rosebud Prime
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rosebud-prime-chicago
Gene and Giorgettis - old skool Italian steakhouse. Chi tradition
http://www.yelp.com/biz/gene-and-george ... georgettis
American Contemp
Hub 51 - great place.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hub-51-chicago-2