If you blink at all during the intro, there’s a good chance you’ll miss these culinary nods—so instead of forcing yourself to rewatch the manic chaos, here are the six famous Chicago eateries featured in the “Review” episode of The Bear.
LessArguably serving the best Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago, Johnnie’s might be the closest you can get to a real-life experience of The Bear, minus the drama. Patrons wait in long lines at the Elmwood Park location to anxiously give quick-hitting orders that are then shouted back to the kitchen, similar to the operations seen in the show. If you’re planning a visit to this stand, be sure to bring cash, know your order before getting in line.
Don’t let the futuristic architecture and vibrant building colors fool you: This iconic stand—famous for its steamed, non-Vienna dogs—has been serving hot dogs and fries in Forest Park since 1947. Parky’s patrons can customize hot dogs to their liking, judgment-free of whatever condiments and toppings they choose (including ketchup). You can also snag burgers, beef and Italian sausages, and more at this longtime family-favorite establishment.
You can’t talk about Chicago cuisine without mentioning pizza, and you can’t talk about pizza without mentioning Pequod’s. This pizzeria puts a twist on its pies that differentiates it from other deep dish rivals like Giordano’s, Lou Malnati’s, and the like. The unique, caramelized crust keeps patrons coming back for more, and is often why this restaurant finds itself at the top of Chicago pizza-ranking lists.
For more than 70 years, this drive-in has been serving up its famous Superdawg Chicago-style hot dogs in the Norwood Park neighborhood. What started as a means for two high school sweethearts to pay their way through college after World War II is now one of the few original drive-in restaurants remaining in the U.S.—and the only one still standing in Chicago.
Since 1950, Chicago residents and tourists alike have lined up outside of Gene and Jude’s in River Grove for a taste of its famous Chicago-style hot dogs and hand-cut fries. Unlike Parky’s, these all-Vienna Beef dogs have a limited selection of condiments: mustard, relish, onion, and sport peppers. So don’t even think about asking for ketchup at this establishment, as it’s quite literally not an option. All dogs are topped with fries and available in single or double variations.
There are few things that are more quintessential Chicago than downing a Chicago-style hot dog while cheering on the Cubbies at Wrigley Field. There’s a plethora of food options at the stadium, but there’s nothing quite as iconic as the official hot dog of Wrigley Field. Made with an all-Vienna Beef dog and topped with mustard, relish, chopped raw onions, sliced tomato, a kosher pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt, you won’t find this dog at any other ballpark.