Chicago has long been known as the “second city” to New York City, but that just isn’t true. From the striking skyline, to the free beaches, to the (sometimes) killer sports teams, it’s about time Chicago gets the recognition it deserves. It especially deserves such recognition when it comes to everybody’s top priority in any city, the food. With some of the top restaurants in the world, Chicago definitely has food game — food game that beats New York City’s food game, in my opinion. So, let’s toast to Chicago and these 10 pieces of proof, showing it really does have better food than New York City.
1. The best restaurant in the world (for five years in a row) is in Chicago
Yeah, that’s right, the entire world. It’s called Alinea, and it’s pretty amazing. To begin with, the chef, Grant Achatz, has tongue cancer and manages to create some of the most inventive food the world has ever seen. From edible balloons to painting with food on the table, there’s no wonder this restaurant tops NYC restaurants.
2. Deep dish is waaayyy better than thin crust
I don’t know what you’ve heard, but Chicago’s deep dish tops NYC’s thin crust pizza any day. Who wants a flimsy piece of pizza that barely fills you up when you can have a thick, crispy crust loaded with chunks of toppings and oozing with mozzarella cheese? Deep dish forever. Without a question.
3. Food is cheaper in Chicago
In Chicago, you can get fantastic food without breaking the bank. In New York City, that’s not always true. Plus because the cost of living is so high in New York City, who really has money to dish out on delicious food? Luckily, in Chicago, you can pay your rent and get high quality eats.
4. Chicago has better Polish food
About 75% percent of new Polish immigrants move to Chicago. This means hella authentic polish food. From sausage to stews, to cabbage, Chicago definitely beats NYC when it comes to Polish food.
5. Chicago has better water
While New York City gets its water from reservoirs north of the city, Chicago gets its water from the lovable Lake Michigan. Cooking requires lots and lots of water, and better water = better food. New Yorkers that say NYC water is what makes their bagels so great, but it turns out that is not as true as previously thought. Chicago challenges both NYC’s water game and bagel game.
6. HOT DOGS
Needless to even say, Chicago has better hot dogs. New York City’s dogs have nothing on Chicago dogs, which are loaded with mustard, sport peppers, tomatoes, diced onions, relish, and a pickle. Chicago-style hot dogs will forever be a favorite.
7. Chicago has better popcorn
Chicago is famous for the original Garrett Popcorn Shop. And although NYC loved Chicago’s popcorn so much, they had to open their own Garrett Popcorn Shop. Nothing will ever beat the original.
8. Chicago has fresher food
While the state of New York has 7 million acres of farmland, making 25% of the land farmland, Illinois has 27 million acres of farmland, making 77% of the land farmland. Chicago has greater and quicker access to fresh foods because of the plethora of farms in Illinois, whereas New York City is much more limited. Fresher food makes for better food.
9. Chicago has the best Italian beef sandwiches
Italian beef sandwiches are a Chicago classic. Even before Jay Leno shared his obsession with Chicago’s Mr. Beef, Italian beef sandwiches were a part of Chicago’s history. It’s hard to visit Chicago and not hit up Al’s Italian Beef for a sandwich.
10. You can actually get into cool restaurants in Chicago
While it can take hours or even years to get a chance to dine at New York City’s hottest restaurants, you can actually get into many of Chicago’s best restaurants — one of the many advantages of having less people.
From hotdogs to water, Chicago beats New York City when it comes to food. I know many of you may not agree with me, but don’t look at this as a threat, accept it as a challenge. I challenge you to come up with a list as to why NYC (or any other city) has better food than Chicago. And finally, to all of my New York friends, please stay friends with me after this is published.