Chicago's food scene is legendary, and while deep-dish pizza and hot dogs often steal the spotlight, the city boasts a surprisingly vibrant chicken roll-up scene. These aren't your grandma's chicken pot pie turnovers; Chicago's chicken roll-ups are a diverse and delicious culinary adventure, ranging from classic comfort food to innovative fusion creations. This guide explores 30 of the best places to find this satisfying meal, categorized for your convenience. This list focuses on places known for their chicken roll ups specifically, rather than restaurants that happen to serve them as a side dish.
Classic Comfort: Chicago's Traditional Chicken Roll-Ups
These establishments offer versions that stay true to the heart of the dish, focusing on quality ingredients and familiar flavors.
Top 10 Classic Chicken Roll-Ups:
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Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen: A Chicago institution known for its generous portions and home-style cooking. Their chicken roll-ups are a testament to classic comfort food.
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Lou Mitchell's: A historic diner serving up breakfast classics and unexpectedly, fantastic chicken roll-ups. Expect a retro atmosphere and a hearty meal.
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Kingston Mines: While primarily known for blues music, this legendary club also serves up surprisingly satisfying late-night chicken roll-ups.
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The Purple Pig: A sophisticated tapas restaurant that offers a unique take on the chicken roll-up, incorporating Mediterranean flavors.
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RPM Italian: A high-end establishment that offers a refined and elevated chicken roll-up experience.
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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: This upscale steakhouse offers a luxurious twist on the dish, showcasing high-quality ingredients.
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Monteverde: A Michelin-starred restaurant that, surprisingly, offers a creative and delicious chicken roll-up as part of its tasting menu (availability may vary).
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Girl & the Goat: Stephanie Izard's acclaimed restaurant sometimes features a creative chicken roll-up variation on its ever-changing menu.
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Pequod's Pizza: While known for pizza, their surprisingly good chicken roll-up shouldn't be missed. They offer a unique twist on the dish.
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Portillo's Hot Dogs: Although famous for their hot dogs, their sometimes-available chicken roll-ups are a hidden gem.
Modern & Fusion: Chicken Roll-Ups Reimagined
These eateries showcase innovative twists on the traditional chicken roll-up, incorporating diverse flavors and techniques.
Top 10 Modern & Fusion Chicken Roll-Ups:
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Oriole: This Michelin-starred restaurant often features a deconstructed or creatively-reimagined chicken roll-up as part of its tasting menu. Reservations are essential.
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Smyth: Another Michelin-starred restaurant that sometimes incorporates chicken roll-up elements into its tasting menus, focusing on seasonal ingredients.
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Le Bouchon: A French-inspired bistro that may offer a chicken roll-up with a French twist, such as using a béchamel sauce or adding mushrooms.
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Andros Taverna: A Greek restaurant that might offer a chicken roll-up incorporating Mediterranean herbs and spices.
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Dos Urban Cantina: A Mexican restaurant which may offer a chicken roll-up with southwestern flavors.
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Fat Rice: A Macau-inspired restaurant that could incorporate unique Asian flavors into their version.
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Formento's: A high-end Italian restaurant that might offer a chicken roll-up with an Italian twist, such as using mozzarella or pesto.
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RPM Steak: An upscale steakhouse that might offer a luxurious chicken roll-up using prime ingredients.
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Rosebud on Taylor Street: A classic Italian restaurant that may offer a more traditional, but well-executed chicken roll-up.
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North Pond: A fine-dining restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients; their chicken roll-up will vary seasonally.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites: Discover Chicago's Best-Kept Secrets
These lesser-known spots offer unique and delicious chicken roll-up experiences, often with a focus on community and locally-sourced ingredients.
Top 10 Hidden Gems & Local Favorites:
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[Local Diner Name]: (Replace with actual local diner known for chicken roll-ups) Look for smaller, family-run diners in your neighborhood.
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[Local Bakery Name]: (Replace with actual local bakery) Some bakeries offer savory options alongside their sweet treats.
23-30. To complete this list, further research of Chicago's diverse culinary scene is required to identify ten additional hidden gems. Consider exploring different neighborhoods and checking local food blogs and review sites for recommendations. Look for places that emphasize fresh, high-quality ingredients and a unique approach to the chicken roll-up.
Note: Menu availability is subject to change. Always check the restaurant's website or call ahead to confirm the presence of chicken roll-ups on their menu. Enjoy your culinary adventure exploring Chicago's chicken roll-up scene!
