Am New York: What to do on a Chicago getaway

Chicago is a city where its passions run deep — for baseball, the blues, architecture and comfort food like deep dish pizza.

Summer is an ideal time to visit the Windy City, whose nickname came from its politicians rather than its climate — although on a hot day a breeze coming off Lake Michigan will be appreciated.

While some of the city’s biggest sights are clustered around The Loop area, be sure to get out and explore some of Chicago’s other neighborhoods. Each one has a distinct feel and are home to some of the city’s best ethnic eats, whether you’re looking to sample Chinese, Greek or Korean food.

Where to eat

Chicago is famous for its deep dish pizza, steak and Chicago style hot dog, which is topped with celery salt. Do not ask for ketchup, which will mark you as a New Yorker.

Satisfy a steak craving at the old school, wood-paneled Gene and Georgetti (500 N. Franklin St., 312-527-3718, geneandgeorgetti.com), located underneath the El tracks. The huge slabs of filet mignon, lamb and bone-in porterhouse come with heaping platters of fried potatoes.

For deep dish pizza, try local favorite Lou Malnati’s (1120 N. State St., 312-725-7777, loumalnatis.com) or Pequod’s Pizza (2207 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-327-1512, pequodspizza.com), which has a crispy cheese crust.
Follow the buzz to the hottest restaurant in town, the Chinese-themed Duck Duck Goat (857 W. Fulton Market, 312-902-3825, duckduckgoatchicago.com), helmed by James Beard award-winning chef Stephanie Izard (of another Chicago hot spot, Girl & the Goat).

Indulge your sweet tooth with a lemon pistachio donut at Stan’s Donuts (1560 N. Damen Ave., 773-360-7386, stansdonutschicago.com) or a buttermilk frozen yogurt at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (1505 N. Milwaukee Ave., 872-802-4668, jenis.com).

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