Homesick for your favorite hometown eats? If you can't get out of town to curb your Maine lobster roll, Philly cheesesteak, or Texas-style BBQ craving--Chicago has delicious options that won't disappoint. Check out our list of restaurants that specialize in famous out-of-town dishes that you could order as soon as tonight.
PHILADELPHIA: If you're not going home to catch a Phillies game this year, you'll just have to settle for watching the game on TV. But, you can still take a bite out of a juicy cheesesteak thanks to Philly's Best, owned by Philadelphia-natives the Markellos brothers. Philly's Best has been around for 21 years, and you they've got both the Philly cheesesteak and chicken cheesesteak, prepared with cheese and onions, although individual sandwiches can be customized.907 W. Belmont Ave.; 773-525-79002436 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-276-1900769 W. Jackson Blvd.; 312-715-9800815 Emerson St.; Evanston; 847-733-9000
MICHIGAN: If you're not able to squeeze in a long weekend for a visit to your parents' house outside of Detroit, Michigan, you can visit Lakeview's Leo's Coney Island, and grab your Coney dog. Leo's makes them lathered in chili, onions and a couple of stripes of yellow mustard. Just right.3455 N. Southport Ave.; 773-281-5367 (LEOS)
MAINE: Good luck getting a reservation at GT Fish & Oyster on short notice. Tables at this sizzling spot owned by the same folks behind Girl & the Goat, are booking three weeks out. Once you're able to snag one of these coveted tables, you'll watch as dozens of Maine lobster rolls are served all around the small dining room. The "lobsta" roll, as Maine natives sometimes call it, is also a house specialty at the Fish Bar in Lakeview. The succulent meat and celery mayo is so damn good, it will make you forget the long wait, at this no-reservations, upscale fish shack.GT Fish & Oyster, 531 N. Wells St.; 312-929-3501Fish Bar; 2956 N. Sheffield Ave.; 773-687-8026
NEW ORLEANS: If you're still kicking yourself about missing Jazz Fest this year--and the city's amazing shrimp po' boys, there's always next year. Until then, for a taste of N'awlins right in the Windy City, stop by Heaven On Seven, or Blue Bayou. Heaven On Seven: 600 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-280-7774111 N. Wabash; 312-263-6443224 S. Main Street, Naperville; 630-717-0777Blue Bayou Bar & Grill: 3734 N. Southport Ave.; 773-871-3300
BUFFALO: Not all Buffalo wings are created equal; just ask a Buffalo, New York native. If you can't fly back this summer, but still crave Buffalo-style wings, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap (go for the super hot or the XXX, just for fun) Twisted Spoke, The Fifty/50 and Buffalo Wings & Rings don't just wing it, they take it seriously. Jake Melnick's Corner Tap: 41 E. Superior St.; 312-266-0400Twisted Spoke: 501 North Ogden Ave.; 312-666-1500The Fifty/50: 2047 W. Division St.; 773-489-5050Buffalo Wings & Rings: 3434 S. Halsted St.; 773-579-9464
TEXAS: Everything may be bigger in Texas, including the smoked beef brisket sandwiches. But if you can't get back down to the Lone Star State this summer, visit Smoque and sink your teeth into their succulent beef brisket that's smoked for 15 hours. The seasoning will have you licking your chops. 3800 N. Pulaski Rd.; 773-545-7427
FLORIDA: While it might seem like the obvious choice, if you've ever been down to Miami to the famous Joe's Stone Crab, then you know it's the real deal. When you've had the opportunity to order the large or jumbo (limited availability) stone crab claws, dipping each meaty bite into the secret mustard, you'll be glad there's an outpost in Chicago (a partnership between Lettuce Entertain You, ICON and Joe's in Miami). Enough said.Joe's 60 E. Grand Ave.; 312-379-5637And now, some food porn. Check out the local offerings of out-of-town faves:
