Chicago’s much-lauded dining scene has earned a well-deserved reputation as the ultimate foodie city. Restaurants offer everything from iconic Chicago fare like deep dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches to trendy fusion cuisine and authentic global dishes.
The downtown and West Loop neighborhoods draw lots of diners interested in contemporary hotspots, but Chicago also boasts historic restaurants that have served hungry diners for decades — sometimes even more than a century. Check out these legendary spots and their surrounding communities for a taste of Chicago’s culinary history.
Pompei in Little Italy
Little Italy’s rich cultural heritage is epitomized atPompei, the iconic, family-owned institution that was established in 1909. The oldest restaurant in the neighborhood, Pompei originally sold a simple selection of bread and cheese pizza. Today, the menu is much more extensive, with fried calamari, pepper and egg sandwiches, salads, soups, fettuccini Alfredo, and housemade ravioli — served by the fourth generation of the original family.
Explore more: Discover more classic dining experiences with these historic restaurants in downtown Chicago.
Valois Restaurant in Hyde Park
One of the oldest cafeteria-style restaurants in the country, Valoishas been a Hyde Park staple since 1921. The casual diner originally developed a following with students from the nearby University of Chicago, and has grown its clientele to include celebrities and famed politicians like Anthony Bourdain, Harold Washington, and Barack Obama. Noted for hearty breakfast dishes like pancakes and omelets, Valois also serves reubens, patty melts, roast beef, and more.
Daley’s Restaurant
With a welcoming vibe and an all-day menu of homestyle dishes, Daley’s Restaurantenjoys the distinction of being the oldest restaurant in Chicago. Established in 1892 by a young iron worker named John Daley, this Woodlawn establishment first opened to serve construction workers building the nearby World’s Columbian Exposition. A beloved institution in the Woodlawn community, Daley’s has been the go-to spot for after church dinners, late-night snacks, and filling breakfasts for decades. Muhammad Ali was a regular when he was training at a nearby boxing gym.
Margie’s Candies
A landmark Chicago restaurant for over 100 years, Margie’s Candieswas first opened by Peter George Poulos in 1921. Today, the fourth generation of his family continues the tradition with the same handmade treats and old-school charm. The original location in Bucktown features artifacts from its early days and photos of famous visitors like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Come for an ice cream sundae, delicious chocolates, and more.
Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
An Old Town favorite,Twin Anchors is famous for serving juicy baby back ribs in a cozy ambiance. Nestled inside a historic building that dates back to 1881, the pub was opened in 1932 and retains the old-school charm that continues to attract devoted fans. One of its most famous fans was Frank Sinatra, who frequented the restaurant for decades. Twin Anchors was also featured in several films, including The Dark Knight. Besides ribs, the menu dishes up chili, burgers, and roasted chicken.
Lem’s Bar-B-Q
With fragrant smoke that wafts for blocks through the Chatham neighborhood, Lem’s Bar-B-Q is a legendary Chicago landmark. Opened in 1954, the takeout spot helped define the South Side barbecue tradition of aquarium smokers, where hickory wood and charcoal create a unique flavor. Lem’s has long been a local favorite, but the restaurant’s recent America’s Classics Award from the James Beard Foundation has increased its popularity even more. A go-to Lem’s order includes rib tips, hot links, and fries or potato salad.
Explore more: Check out our guide to more can’t-miss restaurants on Chicago’s historic South Side.
Candelite Chicago
Chicago is famous for deep dish pizza, but tavern style commands just as much love from locals. A Rogers Park institution,Candelite Chicagohas been serving up some of the best thin crust pies in the city since 1950. The family-style pizzeria is easy to spot, with the iconic marquee beckoning hungry diners along Western Avenue. Candelite is noted for its cracker-thin crust and great beer. Signature dishes include the Candelite White, with olive oil, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, provolone, mozzarella, and goat cheese.
More historic restaurants in Chicago’s neighborhoods:
- Marge’s Still in Old Town (opened in 1885)
- Glunz Tavern in Old Town (opened in 1888)
- Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap in Little Italy (opened in 1930)
- Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen in South Loop (opened in 1942)
- Calumet Fisheries in South Deering (opened in 1948)
- Superdawg in Norwood Park (opened in 1948)
