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Your No. 1 reason for visiting Chicago is the food. Believe me, you're not the only one that loves Chicago foods.

The city has been a foodie haven since its inception and publications like Conde Nast Traveler, Bon Appetit and have all praised its culinary scene. With over 8,000 restaurants, hundred of Chicago food festivals, a smattering of Chicago food trucks, and at least one legendary tamale guy, it can be hard to choose where your next meal will be. After all, you want to make sure you take a big bite out of Chicago's most popular food creations, right?

There's no reason to fear:

The city is known for certain iconic dishes no visitor to the city can pass up. We're here to help you focus on the true taste of Chicago and show you where locals go to satisfy their cravings. In this Chicago food guide, we'll give you a list of 20+ Chicago signature dishes you must try when you're eating your way through the city.

Hungry? Let's dive in.

#1 Deep-Dish Pizza from Lou Malnati's

Why is this so important?

There are many fierce competitors claiming that they have the best Chicago deep dish pizza, but Lou Malnati 's is the crown jewel. Its unique butter crust sets it apart and every single inch of the aluminum pan is covered in a lip-smacking layer of high-quality ingredients.

#2 Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich at Al's Italian Beef

The best part?

Al's allows you to customize your experience so you can get your sandwich just so. Diners can order it "dry" (only a touch of gravy), "wet" (extra gravy) or "dipped" (dripping wet). You can also top it off with a variety of cheeses, sweet pepper or a hot giardiniera for an extra kick.

#3 Basic Fried Chicken Dinner at Harold's Chicken Shack

Harold's Chicken Shack is such a Chicago staple that it's been referenced in hip-hop hits by legendary rappers like Lupe Fiasco, Common, and Kanye West.

Try this rapper's delight yourself:

Head to Harold's for the standard fried chicken dinner, which includes cooked-to-order chicken with a side of fries, cole slaw, and two slices of white bread to scoop up every drop of their tangy hot sauce.

Think all Harold's birds are created equal? Think again.

We recommend Harold's No. 88 for overall quality, Harold's No. 55 for its traditional setting, Harold's No. 36 for its location, and Harold's No. 47 for hungry Blackhawks fans.

#4 Buttermilk Old-Fashioned Chicago Doughnut at Do-Rite Donut

This treat is the one thing folks leave our Gateway to the West Loop Food Tour raving about.

Crunchy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and coated in a vanilla-bean glaze, this doughnut reaches perfection when dunked in coffee.

It's a classic take on a breakfast staple that shines precisely because of its simplicity-though we totally understand if you want to have it for lunch, dinner, or as midnight snack.

#5 Chicago-style hot dogs at Portillo's

You've seen them on sticker, posters, and t-shirts. It's been admired by the likes of Chefs Grant Achatz, Rick Bayless and the late, great Anthony Bourdain. Now is your chance to try the Chicago-style hot dog, the dish that truly captures the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

Don't sleep on this dog:

At Portillo's , you get the quintessential example of this Chicago signature dish: an all-beef frankfurter tucked into a steamed poppy seed bun, topped with relish, celery salt, chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, sport peppers, and a pickle. It's the pièce de résistance of our Best in Chow Food Tour .

Squeeze mustard - never ketchup, for God's sake - on that beauty and you're good to go.

#6 The Famous Kuma Burger at Kuma's Corner

Depending on what you order, your burger may include bourbon poached pear, roasted poblano peppers, avocado mash and other inventive ingredients.

Still, the one that most people return to is The Famous Kuma: 10 ounces of prime ground beef served with applewood smoked bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and red onion. A fried egg crowns this imposing patty, securing its epic status.

It gets better:

#7 Jibarito at Papa's Cache Sabroso

The jibarito is yet another original Chicago sandwich, created by our vibrant Puerto Rican community. Though it may look like a regular sandwich, there is one element that sets it apart:

There's no bread!

#8 Butter Toffee at The Fudge Pot

That's not all:

The Fudge Pot has gift boxes that make the perfect Chicago present for your loved ones back home. Don't have room in your carry-on? No worries because it also ships nationwide.

#9 Malbec Beef Empanada at 5411 Empanadas

Our go-to order?

The Malbec Beef, a blend of shredded Angus beef slow roasted in red wine reduction.

#10 Cemita Atómica at Cemitas Puebla

Chicago's Mexican population is one of the largest in the country and their cuisine is woven tightly into the fabric of the food scene here. That's why we go beyond the taco to honor the cemita, a typical sandwich made up of avocado, chipotle sauce, Oaxacan cheese, and meat inside a homemade sesame seed roll.

#11 Lemon Italian Ice at Miko's Italian Ice

#12 Tony's Dry Chili Chicken at Lao Sze Chuan

Case in point:

Chef Tony Hu's dry chili chicken is a must-eat, especially if you prefer your stir-fries with a kick.

Tender bites of chicken are tossed in a savory blend of ginger, garlic, green onion, Szechuan peppercorns, and a generous handful of dried chilies for a kind of spicy that hurts so good.

#13 Pulled Pork at the Smoke Daddy

#14 Saganaki at Santorini

If you've ever ordered a plate of flaming, sizzling hot cheese just so you can yell, "Opa!"-well, you have Chicago to thank for that thrill.

It's a Greek restaurant standard:

But saganaki was actually invented right here in the city!

#15 Edible Balloon Dessert at Alinea

Since its opening, Alinea has redefined what fine-dining can be and nothing exemplifies that better than its edible balloon made from green apple taffy.

Get your phones ready:

This is one dessert that you'll need to prove actually happened.

#16 Caramel Cake at Brown Sugar Bakery

Owner Stephanie Hart serves up a slice of her southern roots with decadent cakes, cupcakes, and puddings that taste like grandma's cooking.

The best part:

Now with a location, more people can indulge in a Caramel Cake so good, burglars once made it a point to steal all of them -and leave all other valuables untouched.

#17 Pepper and Egg Sandwich at Fiore's

If you visit Chicago in the spring, there's a good chance you'll be able to try a Chicago tradition that few outsiders know about.

We're talking about the pepper and egg sandwich that pops up only during Lent. Slices of sautéed green and red peppers are whisked into soft, scrambled eggs and later piled into a chewy Italian roll.

Want the best one in the city?

#18 Garrett Mix at Garrett Popcorn

If your understanding of popcorn is based solely on the sad, dry kernels of a microwave bag, then Popcorn is about to blow your mind. Since 1949, Garrett Popcorn has been serving handcrafted, freshly made, kettle popcorn to the masses (including the lucky folks on our Best of Chow Food Tour ).

Their menu items go from plain for your Aunt Jane to Buffalo Ranch for your sassy friend Ange. We love the Garrett mix though because it blend the savory taste of cheddar cheese with the crème brulee sweetness of caramel. As the meme says, why not both?

#19 Carne Asada Tacos at L'Patron

What pizza is to New York, tacos are to Chicago: we use it to fuel the party. Nothing will make you feel more prepared to take on a night of bar-hopping than the carne asada tacos.

Each corn tortilla is brimming with tender chunks of charred steak marinated in lime juice and a secret family seasoning.

#20 Egg Custards at Saint Anna

If an old-fashioned European pastry got married a traditional Chinese dessert, this delicious creation would be their firstborn.

Insider Tip: The best time to hit Saint Anna for an egg custard or seven is the afternoon. Fresh batches will be just coming out of the oven for the British afternoon tea tradition. You're welcome.

#21 Tamales from The Tamale Guy

Who could this be?

It's Tamale Guy, Chicago's own version of a superhero and he is here to save you from pangs of late-night hunger.

The Tamale Guy appears in neighborhood dive bars, armed with a cooler that contains his secret weapon: steamed, corn tamales ready to soak up any alcohol swishing around in your stomach.

They ain't pretty - but damn, are they good.

Cheese and chicken, smothered in green sauce or without, this is one Chicago dish that will hit the sweet spot.

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Best Chicago Food: 21+ Iconic and Signature Dishes You Must Try in 2020

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Your No. 1 reason for visiting Chicago is the food. Believe me, you're not the only one that loves Chicago foods. The city has been a foodie haven since its inception and publications like Conde Nast Traveler, Bon Appetit and have all praised its culinary scene.

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With the COVID-19 Pandemic in full swing, sports leagues across the globe have shut down in hopes of staving off the spread of the disease. Nevertheless, things will return to normal at some point. When it does, you can guarantee that Americans will flock to the stadiums in droves on again. And, you know that Chicago is going to be home to some of the greatest sports teams in the world. Whether you're a fan of football, baseball, or hockey, you know that Chicago teams are exciting, competitive, and worth your time.

So, which Chicago teams are the best? Which ones have had the most success over the years?
Chicago Cubs
As a fan of the MLB, you have to know a lot about the Chicago Cubs. The team has had its ups and downs but it remains one of the most popular teams in the country. This is one of the oldest teams in the MLB since it was founded in 1876. Over the years, they have won various championships including the 2016 World Series. The team has several fierce rivalries and you can guarantee that those games are going to be intense.

Anyone who likes baseball will likely call themselves a fan of the Chicago Cubs. If you're not a fan of the Cubs, you likely prefer the White Sox. Both teams are amazing so there is always room to cheer on both.
Chicago White Sox
This American professional baseball team is based out of Chicago. It is a member of the MLB's American League Central Division. While it is one of the oldest teams in the league, it is not as old as the Cubs. The Sox were founded in 1900 and they're currently owned by Jerry Reinsdorf. They're managed by Rick Renteria. Over the years, the team has been home to many excellent players including Shoeless Joe Jackson and Frank Thomas.

The White Sox last won the World Series in 2005. There is a good chance that they'll pull that off again in the future. If you have nothing to do, you should check out a White Sox game.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks have been one of the most dominant NHL teams in history. Unfortunately, they've gone through a rough patch during the past few years but that is going to change. When the NHL season was halted by COVID-19, the team was 7th in the Central with a record of 32 wins and 30 losses. They were founded in 1926 making them one of the oldest teams in the league. Since that time, this Chicago team has won six Stanley Cup championships. They have several get rivalries.

For instance, you'll want to watch the Blackhawks when they play again the Nashville Predators and the Detroit Red Wings. Those games are always exciting. If you haven't watched hockey a lot, you'll want to change that. It is one of the most exciting sports in the land and the Blackhawks are worth your energy.
Chicago Bulls
While they've had some trouble in recent years, the Chicago Bulls is one of the most successful NBA teams ever. With the NBA season suspended, the team sits in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. They've won 22 games while losing 43. Don't worry. The team will likely bounce back in the next few seasons. The Bulls were founded in 1966 and they're best known for their run with Michael Jordan. Over the years, they've won a handful of NBA Championships with many of those coming when Jordan played for the team.

The team is one of the most valuable NBA franchises. It is estimated that the franchise is worth $2.5 billion. As a fan of the NBA, it is hard to ignore this team's successful history. If you play Judi Onlin Terpercaya, you'll also want to wage on this team.
Chicago Bears
Finally, you have the Chicago Bears. The team's last season wasn't great but they'll have a chance to rectify that soon enough. They were founded in 1919 so they're older than many other teams. Over the years, they've won 9 NFL Championships and one Super Bowl. They also have had more Pro Football Hall of Fame players than anyone else. It is unknown whether or not the upcoming season will be delayed. Either way, you'll want to keep an eye on the Chicago Bears this season.

✶ An Unfiltered Voice For Chicago Sports Fans ✶

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Breaking Down The Best Chicago Sports Teams

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With the COVID-19 Pandemic in full swing, sports leagues across the globe have shut down in hopes of staving off the spread of the disease. Nevertheless, things will return to normal at some point. When it does, you can guarantee that Americans will flock to the stadiums in droves on again.

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Chicago History and Collections
View information about CPL’s history-related collections, programs, exhibits and other resources,…

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Chicago Neighborhoods: Explore Attractions & Dining | Choose Chicago

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Explore Chicago through learning about our vibrant neighborhoods and what each one offers for things to do, arts & culture, dining, nightlife and shopping.

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The historic river valley towns of Illinois have plenty of fun cultural festivals throughout the summer and fall months. These are mainly low-key family affairs based around local food, wine, music, and heritage. The really big events in Illinois occur in Chicago, which has a superb schedule of festivals, concerts, and conferences throughout the year. Illinois holidays are celebrated throughout the state with observance of national events like the 4th of July and Memorial Day.

Chicago Air & Water Show

Every August, two fun days of air and water excitement come to Chicago's North Avenue Beach. This free event is really popular as Lincoln Park's waterfront shows off all kinds of cool water craft and aerial tricks. The highlight is the US Navy Blue Angels jet formation flight and the Golden Knights parachute team from the US Army as they somehow weave through the city's skyscrapers to land at the beach.

North Michigan Avenue Art Festival

For three days in July, Chicago's Pioneer Court transforms into an outdoor art gallery showcasing the works of both famous and unknown Illinois artists. Works by more than 200 painters, potters, sculptors, and photographers are on display with artists ready to sell their unique creations.

Ravinia Festival

This hugely popular music festival extends for three solid months from early June until early September. It is held in Highland Park, a 30 minute drive north of Chicago and features a constant stream of live outdoor concerts that range from hot bands to classical symphony music and everything in between. Picnic on the lawn and enjoy music in the balmy summer evening. The park is easily accessible via Metra train from downtown.

Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival

Each September, this major music and culture event takes over Chicago's Millennium Park, attracting around 150,000 visitors. Latin bands from across the Americas come to take park in this famous festival, supported by hordes of Latin food and drink vendors and the whole thing is free to the public.

Chicago Jazz Festival

Another major musical event each September is the free jazz festival, which attracts big names and up-and-comers to Illinois alike to the outdoor stages at Millennium Park and Grant Park. Sit on the lawn and enjoy the free moody tunes, and if you're a real jazz fan, be on the lookout for hot after-hours jazz sets at all the city's top bars and clubs.

Chicago International Film Festival

America's longest-running competitive film festival, the Chicago International Film fest began in 1964. More than 100 flicks in all genres are screened at theaters all around the city every October. There's a big emphasis on international films, bringing some rare treats from around the globe to the city's screens. Famous actors and directors also make appearances at premier events.

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

Started way back in 1934, this is one of America's oldest Thanksgiving Day parades and only New York's parade even comes close. Illinois actually has more floats, balloons, and marching bands. The parade romps up State Street for several blocks as 350,000 people watch on the sidewalks in the nippy November air.

Lollapalooza

For three days the first weekend of August, Chicago's biggest musical event of the year rivals fests around the country like Bonaroo and Coachella. Started twenty years ago by rocker Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction, major acts and headliners make their way to Grant Park. Spread out over 115 acres and multiple stages, 130+ artists a year run the gamete from pop, rap and alternative to an especially rocking DJ tent.

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The historic river valley towns of Illinois have plenty of fun cultural festivals throughout the summer and fall months. These are mainly low-key family affairs based around local food, wine, music, and heritage. The really big events in Illinois occur in Chicago, which has a superb schedule of festivals, concerts, and conferences throughout the year.

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roscoe village i used to live there and there are some very nice people there its also really close to a stare bucks and dunkin donuts  there is a playground near it to

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I love food

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Chigago is known for deep dish pizza and itaian beef subs hmm they also are known for dohnouts
🥯 they love diping dohnuts in coffe as whel as yousing them for midnight snacks thats all for the yummy history of food in chiagago 🍔🍟🌭🍖🥙🌮🍕

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The deep dish taste better than a lot of things you can get here in McHenry. And food service i heard is very good there. And the Chicago hot dogs it doesn't have ketchup option and it has onions, mustard and more.SO this was chicago food talk bye bye well back on CFS

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Food is awsome thare are many places to to eat
Like bbq 🍗 is thare and pizza any food 🍟🍤🍱🥚🥕🍙🥦🎂🥟🍔🥑🍿 thares all types of food

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they have the most yummy foods ever and it will sink your teeth because it is so good.They have one place it is call pop eyes. They sever chicken, fries and other yummy things. This picture is pop eyes in Chicago.  🦜🧇🍉🥭🥥🍇🍟🍕🥓🥩🌯🥐🍞🌰🧀🍟🥨🥚🥜

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Chicago's Thanksgiving Day Parade Started way back in 1934, this is one of America’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parade

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Chicago's Thanksgiving Day Parade Started way back in 1934, this is one of America’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parade

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🍕"Deep-Dish Pizza from Lou Malnati’s" it seds it is the best food.🥪

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Deep dish pizza That is from Lusis, minotunit.
you pick your own toppings. italan beef samwith from al's itanals

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there is dons of food like deep dish piazza and a lot more like there are some hot dog places  and there is Basic Fried Chicken

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1

Basic Fried Chicken DinnerChicago Italian Beef Sandwich
and more .

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i've seen both of these if you tern back there you could go left and see a big a condo i lived on the top ond on the one up there keep going tern lifted you would see some trees and a little garden awer a condo to

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There are many foods that people like but pizza is one of the best. When it comes out of the oven you smell the steam from the pizza-izzy

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There is so much food in Chicago, Deep Dish Pizza, Italian Beef, Hot Dogs, Corn Dogs, Burgers, Steak. OK guys that's a little much. Pop Corn, Cotton Candy, Fried Chicken, More Pizza, Kettle Corn, Curly Fries, Nachos, EVEN MORE PIZZA!!!! Food in Chicago come in all shapes and sizes. Most of them ain't good for you but beef and steak are pretty healthy so enjoy a steak or 2.... or a hundred

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Butter Toffee at The Fudge Pot an donuts 

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Butter Toffee at The Fudge Pot an donuts 

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The Fudge Pot is a gift boxes that make a perfect Chicago present for people.rilly Crunchy on the outside and rilly pillowy on the inside.

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PIZZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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The Bean is one it’s a big meatal object it reflects the city skyline 🏙

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CHICAGO CUBS. the Chicago cubs were founded in 1876. The team has had its ups and downs but it remains one of the most popular teams in the country.

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chicago bulls is a basketball team that has been very suscful. even with the turble they have had in the last few moth's In 1966 when jorden was on the team they were know best for there  run.

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there is a bean in the park and also a famouse sky scrapppeper with window rooms and its a sky scraper ok i have never been on a sky scraper

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the Willis tower (or known as king) is the tallest building in Chicago illinois

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the chicago bares is a grate  football team they where found in 1919  so they are older the many teams

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China 🇨🇳 town is one its whare Chinese’s people live so if thares no whare to live in China go to China town and thare are fire works on lunar new year which is this month and yea

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Chicago used to be a old timey, run down, poor village instead of the big city we know it as today.

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Lollapalooza- Chicago’s biggest musical event of the year was Started twenty years ago and includes over 130 bands!

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Lollapalooza- Chicago’s biggest musical event of the year was Started twenty years ago and includes over 130 bands!

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it was name the big best city and there are partey and theyb are so fun and mostley all my friend are there .

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The Bulls were founded in 1966 and they’re best known for their run with Michael Jordan.

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in 1871 there was a great fire

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ports of Chicago have with of 30 feet ship beams whet 40 feet wide.

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I has lived in Ravenswood, Lincoln Park, River North, North Center, and Uptown.

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they have the been and they will somethime have consherts there and the wiles tower

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Chicago bears Over the years, they’ve won 9 NFL Championships and one Super Bowl.

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"major musical event each September is the free jazz festival, which attracts big names and up-and-comers to Illinois alike to the outdoor stages at Millennium Park and Grant Park" SO the you can have a pinca while watiching a consert.

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i do not know any neighborhoods in the city

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Chcago cubs best players goust retirnd to help new players win

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"The 1832 Black Hawk War ended the last Native American resistance in the area. Chicago was incorporated as a town in 1833 and as a city in 1837, when its population reached 4,000. In 1848 Chicago got its first telegraph and railroad."

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The 1832 Black Hawk War ended the last Native American resistance in the area. In 1833 a incrooprated as a town and a city in 1837 when the populatin reached 4,000 people. Chicago got its first telegraph and railroad In 1848 .

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there are many types of food in Chicago