Savoring the Windy City: Chicago's Culinary Delights for Visiting Musicians
As the summer music festival season approaches, Chicago is set to welcome a diverse array of musicians from around the globe. Beyond the electrifying performances on stage at Pitchfork, Lollapalooza, and Riot Fest, these visiting artists are eager to indulge in the city's vibrant culinary scene. From hometown favorites to international cuisine, Chicago offers a tantalizing array of dining experiences that cater to the unique tastes and dietary needs of the performing artists.Discover the Flavors that Fuel Chicago's Music Scene
Hometown Favorites and Global Influences
Chicago's diverse population has cultivated a rich culinary landscape, with local eateries and global cuisines coexisting harmoniously. Native Chicagoans fondly recall childhood memories of visiting taco joints and hot dog stands, while touring acts seek out familiar favorites like burgers and vegetarian fare. From folk singers savoring Italian beef with extra giardiniera to DJs craving sushi, the city's dining scene caters to the eclectic palates of the visiting musicians.Akenya, a Chicago native, raves about the city's exceptional Mexican food, singling out L'Patron in Logan Square as one of her go-to spots. "I typically get their pollo adobado taco," she says. "Since I have chronic Lyme disease, I have a lot of dietary restrictions, so I also recommend Bloom Plant Based Kitchen in Wicker Park for their gluten-free and dairy-free options, especially their delectable churro waffle."
Molly Neuman of the band Bratmobile is eager to revisit old favorites and discover new culinary gems during her Pitchfork performance. "If I was going to splurge, I'd go to Girl & The Goat, and on the quick side, I'd love to hit Xoco," she says, expressing her admiration for renowned chefs and her excitement to explore the city's evolving dining scene.
Late-Night Cravings and Iconic Staples
As the music festivals stretch into the late hours, the visiting artists often find themselves seeking out the city's iconic late-night eateries and beloved culinary staples. From hot dog stands to deep-dish pizza, these quintessential Chicago dishes hold a special place in the hearts and stomachs of the performers.Jack Fluegel of the band Brigitte Calls Me Baby shares his go-to spots for late-night indulgence. "How long can I make this?! Late night usually ends up being Redhot Ranch or Jim's Original (the one on Union)," he says. "Pizza always used to be John's Pizzeria on Western (RIP), but I love a slice of deep dish from Art of Pizza. Taqueria La Zacatecana has the best carne asada in Chicago."
Cale Tyson, a frequent visitor to the city, raves about the iconic Italian beef sandwiches from Al's Beef. "When I'm in Chicago, I always try to hit Al's," he says. "My brother-in-law (a Chicago native) recommended it to me the first time I played there, and the Italian beef blew my mind. I'd never had anything like it in my life. I get extra giardiniera to try to get at least a few vegetables into my system (especially when on tour), but I usually go into it knowing the damage it's going to do to me. It's totally worth it every time."
Vegetarian and Vegan Delights
As the music industry becomes increasingly conscious of dietary preferences and restrictions, Chicago's dining scene has evolved to cater to the needs of vegetarian and vegan performers. From plant-based burgers to creative meat-free dishes, the city offers a diverse range of options to satisfy these culinary preferences.Tim Kasher of the band Cursive highlights Handlebar as a favorite for its "friendly, laid-back vibe with a great menu of fun bar food done vegetarian." He also praises Kuma's Corner for its exceptional burgers and the metal-infused ambiance, as well as Dante's Pizzeria for its delectable offerings.
Jeff Rosenstock, a longtime fan of The Chicago Diner, raves about the restaurant's "corned beef Reuben" and other "unhealthy" but delicious vegetarian options. "They used to have a sandwich called the Dagwood, which was fake bacon, fake Italian beef and fake corned beef on a hero. Yes, please. Give me my carbs, give me my calories," he says, expressing his unwavering loyalty to this beloved vegetarian institution.
Sushi and Specialty Cuisines
While Chicago is renowned for its iconic local dishes, the city's diverse culinary landscape also caters to the international tastes of the visiting musicians. From sushi to specialty cuisines, these artists seek out unique dining experiences that transport them to different corners of the world.Mersiv, a performer at Lollapalooza, is particularly excited about Juno Sushi Chicago, describing it as "epic for sushi." He also hopes to try the renowned Mr. Beef during his time in the city, drawing inspiration from the popular TV series "The Bear."
Michael Peña of the band Nico Vega fondly remembers the tacos from Taquerias Atotonilco in the Little Village neighborhood, recalling childhood memories of visiting the spot with his family every Sunday. He also speaks highly of the Polish sausages from Jim's Original, a longtime favorite from his youth.
Nate Amos and Rachel Brown of the duo Water From Your Eyes share their personal connections to local eateries. Brown raves about the enchiladas verdes and tampiqueña at Mas Alla del Sol, a restaurant she has been visiting since childhood. Amos, on the other hand, swears by the tacos from Taqueria El Milagro in Pilsen, a spot he frequented when he lived nearby.
Exploring the City's Ethnic Enclaves
Beyond the well-known culinary landmarks, Chicago's diverse neighborhoods offer a wealth of ethnic cuisines that captivate the visiting musicians. From Polish delicacies to Mexican specialties, these artists immerse themselves in the city's cultural tapestry through their dining experiences.Brann Dailor of the band Mastodon is particularly enamored with the Polish cuisine at Podhalanka, a hidden gem that transports diners to a cozy, homely setting. "The first time I went there, there was a table full of firefighters and an old woman in the back corner rolling pierogies. I knew I was in the right place," he recalls, praising the stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes, and, of course, the pierogies.
The members of the band Angry Blackmen share their personal connections to Chicago's culinary icons. Brian Warren fondly remembers attending family gatherings at Gino's East, while Quentin Branch makes it a point to visit Harold's Chicken whenever he's in the city, describing it as a unique experience that can "make a bad day better, especially after that first bite."
Bringing the Flavors Home
As the music festivals come to a close, the visiting artists depart Chicago with more than just memories of their performances. They carry with them a newfound appreciation for the city's diverse and dynamic culinary scene, eager to share their discoveries with their fans and fellow musicians.Gavin Royce of the duo Walker & Royce is a devoted fan of Paulie Gee's, a pizza joint that has become a must-visit destination whenever the group is in Chicago. "Whenever we are in Chicago, we go to Paulie Gee's in Logan Square," he says. "It's our favorite place to get pizza in Brooklyn and since I moved out west, I take any chance I get to have it."
The visiting musicians' enthusiasm for Chicago's culinary offerings extends beyond their personal experiences, as they eagerly share their recommendations with their peers and fans. These artists' endorsements not only highlight the city's vibrant dining scene but also inspire others to embark on their own culinary adventures in the Windy City.
