If you’re in Chicago at the moment, I think you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t have an Italian Beef sandwich and a hot dog Chicago-style as well.

American breakfast cereals are unique (because they’re all desserts).

If you’re in Chicago get a Chicago style hotdog from a street vendor.

I’m from the South so I default to recommend (despite being a vegetarian) fresh cornbread (without the sugar), gumbo, grits, biscuits & gravy, and chicken fried steak. Chicago ain’t ideal for those foods.

You should be able to find real American BBQ. Note that this doesn’t mean meat cooked over fire.

It means meat slow cooked over indirect heat, typically involving smoke.

Usually the best way to find these places is to ask around, then go in the morning before they open to see if there’s a bunch of huge smokers running out back and maybe even a line.

Order pork ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. Maybe throw some sausage on there. I don’t order beef ribs outside of Texas.

You don’t need the most famous or popular place. Just somewhere that values quality meat, doesn’t rush it, and doesn’t soak it in sauce. Look for St. Louis style BBQ in the Chicago area.

This kind of food and exists nowhere else in the world, I’ve done a decent job of looking.

I recommend trying some Tex Mex and barbeque.

There’s a restaurant in Chicago called Honey Butter Fried Chicken. They serve fried chicken sandwiches with honey butter melted onto them. 10/10

Also, don’t sleep on Mexican, Cuban, or similar food. I know Chicago has great restaurants for both and I struggled to find good Mexican food in Europe.

There are a lot of good suggestions here and great food suggestions. Hotdogs, Italian beef sandwiches and deep dish are totally good ones. I would also suggest some fried chicken. Fried chicken is a total southern American food but thanks to the Great Migration the cuisine is common in Chicago. Anywhere with good reviews online that isn’t in the rich white areas of the city will do.

Cajun blackened chicken remains one of my favourite things to eat ever.

I’d generally advise avoiding chain restaurants like Wendy’s now that you’ve tried it. There’s differences, but if you’ve had one, you’ve had them all.

Not sure what other parts of the country you’re visiting, but keep an eye out for small, local diners and ask if they have any house specials.

If you see a local place that’s also known as a “truck stop diner”, stop and eat (unless it’s a chain like Waffle House, IHOP, etc. Not that those are bad, they’re just not as good as a local eatery). My recommendation would be something off the breakfast menu (which is typically available at all hours). Bacon, eggs, pancakes, etc. Usually they’ll give you massive portions, they’re delicious, and fairly inexpensive.

Some of the best food I’ve ever had was from a local truck stop diner that sadly went out of business shortly after COVID.

Since someone already mentioned Tex Mex and BBQ, I’d also add you should try to find some authentic Mexican food. It’s technically American and I have heard European Expats complain that they can’t get it overseas. Teriyaki, though I’ve never had it in Chicago, it is certainly very different depending what region of the US you get it in, and it’s nothing like what you’d find elsewhere. Biscuits and gravy for breakfast. And lastly Pecan Pie. Preferably after a serving of Mac and cheese and collard greens.

A hamburger from a non-chain, or small chain restaurant with rave reviews is often an incredible experience.

Do NOT go to In-N-Out, Five Guys, Shake Shack, etc… I know people rave about chains, but they are seldom going to be as good as the smaller guys. Just get your reviews from Google maps, and make sure they are 4-5 stars with hundreds or thousands of reviews.

If you’re in Chicago you should go do a shot of Malort.

Biscuits and gravy is good for breakfast. I would only do a 1/2 order which is one split biscuit, a full order is two split biscuits. Some places do it better than others, it’s hit or miss.

Since you’re in Chicago, I suggest finding a restaurant called Au Cheval and getting a burger.

It’s been a few years, but it was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.

As far as food you won’t find much of in the UK, I agree with other commenters to find good Tex Mex and a good diner.

Tex Mex is better in Texas, but Chicago is a major city with great food, so I’d be surprised if they don’t have great Tex Mex somewhere. You could also look for a taco truck. Actually, look for food trucks in general. I don’t know if the UK got that same amazing food truck fad that the US did a few years back, but you should be able to find a park where a bunch of food trucks gather and you can try a little of everything. (If you find one with Venezuelan food, do not pass it up.)

For a diner, you’re looking for something a little more run down, not a chain, and probably off a highway rather than in the main part of the city. It should be open 24 hours and serve breakfast all day. Look for reviews that seem way better than how the building looks. Again, Chicago probably isn’t the best spot for it (that’d be upstate New York and New Jersey), but there’s bound to be something.

North Carolina BBQ (it’s a vinegary-mustard BBQ sauce). When I’m in the mood, I can put that sauce on almost anything.

Not exactly food, but root beer. I’ve been many places and it is definitely an uniquely America thing. Don’t do barqs or mug, maybe a&w if you can’t find IBC (my personal easier to get choice) or a Boylan’s or Stewart’s. If

You can also try the extra uniquely american soda sasparilla. Its a close relative to root beer.

I’m American but I think deep dish pizza sucks