When people think of Chicago, they think of food.

Whether it’s deep dish, Italian beef, mouth-watering steaks, or even fine dining in the Loop, Chicago is one of North America’s culinary capitals. Many incredible chefs and visionary restaurateurs have staked their claims in the Windy City and driven forward bold visions about how guests should dine and enjoy their meals in this Midwestern metropolis.

Named the Best Restaurant City in 2017 by Bon Appetit and Conde Nast Traveler, Chicago has become a serious foodie city and a launching pad for young chefs with bold ideas for restaurant concepts.

To understand how Chicago has reached such culinary heights, it’s important to understand where it all began. Here we take an in-depth look at the food, people, and trends that have shaped Chicago’s restaurant scene for over the last half-century.

From the influx of soul food after the Great Migration of Blacks to the city to Mexican immigrants putting their mark on the city’s particular palette, Chicago restaurant scene has been influenced by so many varied cultures and unique innovations.

Take a look at the evolution (and get hungry in the process).

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Looking for more about Chicago? Next, Check Out:

The Windy City Debunked – What Locals Love About Chicago

Chicago is a city known for its delicious deep-dish pizza, beautiful architecture, and stunning lakeside views. Often called the “Windy City,” there are many reasons why locals love Chicago and choose to call it home. If you’re a local renting an apartment in West Loop or a tourist just visiting for the week, or planning to move here and you’re just wondering what locals love about living in Chicago, this is the article for you. Redfin reached out to locals, including us, to share our favorite reasons why we love Chicago. From the distinct neighborhoods to the vibrant arts and entertainment scene, Check out The Windy City Debunked - What Locals Love About Chicago to see what we had to say.

Sources: Edna’s sign photo by Amy C Evans, SFA oral historian
Garrett’s Popcorn via garrettpopcorn.com
Gibby’s via chuckmanchicagonostalgia.wordpress.com
Weber Grill ad via FOOD exhibition, National Museum of American History
El Milagro Tortillas by Christopher Dilts via Eater
The Bakery photo via Jan Whitaker
Park View Restaurant photo DNAinfo.com/Powell
Lou Malnati’s photo via Lou Malnati’s
RJ Grunts photo via Chicago Food Magazine
Jean Banchet in 1977, in the kitchen at Le Francais via Chicago Sun-Times
Maxwell street (circa 1979) via Chicago Tribune historical photo
1980 Taste of Chicago via Eli's Cheesecake
Twinkie advertisement via nytimes.com
Charlie Trotter photo via chicagomag.com
Borinquen Restaurant photo via Eat Yo Sandwich Blog
Green City Market photo via Green City Market
Hot Doug’s photo via Peter Bella via Chicago Now
Alinea photo via Flickr
Foie gras ban photo by Michael Gebert via Chicago Reader
Big Star photo by Chris Walker via Chicago Tribune
Young chef’s photo by Larry Rand via Fooditor
2017 Bon Appetit magazine cover via bonappetit.com