The Most Iconic Foods and Drinks That Originated in Illinois
In Chicago, just a short walk from the towering Willis Tower in the Loop district, you can experience a culinary icon at its birthplace: the deep-dish pizza. Places like Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s have perfected this hearty, buttery crust layered with generous portions of cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and your choice of toppings. The thick, pie-like structure of the deep-dish pizza sets it apart from the thin-crust styles common nationwide. For visitors, enjoying a slice in the bustling heart of Chicago’s downtown, especially on a chilly fall evening, offers an authentic taste of a dish born from the city’s vibrant immigrant communities in the 1940s.
Heading southwest to Peoria, about a two-hour drive from Chicago, you’ll find the site connected to a distinctly Illinois beverage: the original recipe of the famous “Peachy Keen” cocktail, which local bars have celebrated for decades. The Peoria Riverfront District, perched along the Illinois River, is home to several historic taverns where bartenders craft this drink, blending fresh peaches with bourbon—a nod to Illinois’ rich fruit-growing heritage. Sipping this refreshing cocktail on a summer evening along the riverwalk, with views of passing barges and sunset hues, captures a uniquely regional flavor that’s both smooth and spirited.
In Rockford, roughly 90 miles northwest of Chicago, the Rockford Meatpacking District offers a glimpse into the origins of Italian beef sandwiches. The sandwich emerged as a staple for workers in the meatpacking plants that thrived here in the early 20th century. Today, local spots like Deli 202 serve thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef soaked in its own juices and nestled in a long Italian roll, often topped with peppers. The district’s heritage shines through in this savory, juicy sandwich that’s both economical and filling—ideal fuel for exploring Rockford’s scenic Anderson Japanese Gardens or the nearby Rock River Trail on a crisp spring day.
Travel about an hour south of Springfield to the cozy town of Litchfield, where you’ll encounter the birthplace of the corn dog, a classic American fair food with Illinois roots. The Litchfield Community Park hosts the annual Illinois State Fair-style festival featuring this golden-fried treat made by dipping a hot dog in cornbread batter and frying it to crispy perfection. Enjoying a corn dog here, especially during the mild early fall when the fair atmosphere is in full swing, immerses visitors in a nostalgic Midwestern culinary tradition that pairs wonderfully with lively local music and friendly crowds.
In the northwestern corner of Illinois near Galena, about a three-hour drive west of Chicago, you can discover the origins of the iconic butter cow sculptures, which were popularized at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield but have deep roots in the dairy farms of the region. The Galena Territory Visitors Center showcases local artisans who create butter-based sculptures and other dairy-inspired treats. Sampling fresh artisan cheeses here, made from milk sourced in the rolling hills surrounding Galena, offers a taste of the rural Illinois dairy culture. The pastoral landscapes create a serene backdrop, especially in late summer when wildflowers bloom across the countryside.
Champaign, just over two hours south of Chicago, is home to the University of Illinois and also serves as a hub for the origin of classic Illinois soul food, particularly the fried chicken that gained fame at local soul food restaurants like Sweet Baby Ray’s. Here, traditional Southern recipes were adapted to Midwestern tastes, resulting in crispy, well-seasoned chicken that draws crowds from across the region. Dining in Champaign on a warm spring night, whether at a family-run spot or a lively university neighborhood joint, offers an authentic taste of Illinois’ culinary fusion born from its diverse communities.
Finally, the historic town of Nauvoo, located on the western edge of Illinois along the Mississippi River about three hours southwest of Chicago, offers a surprising culinary heritage with its unique take on apple pie. Settled by early Mormon pioneers, Nauvoo’s pie recipes often include local apples and hand-pressed crusts that reflect 19th-century Midwestern baking traditions. Try a slice at one of the quaint bakeries near the Nauvoo Temple during the crisp autumn harvest season, when apples are freshly picked from local orchards. The warm, spiced pie captures the spirit of early Illinois settlers and the rich agricultural history of the Mississippi River Valley.
From urban pizzerias to riverside taverns, meatpacking districts, and rural orchards, Illinois offers a rich, diverse tapestry of iconic foods and drinks. Each locale invites visitors to savor a piece of the state’s history through flavors deeply tied to place and tradition, making every bite a journey through Illinois’ cultural landscape.