Chicago, a city known for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, also boasts a surprisingly diverse and delicious coleslaw scene. Forget the bland, watery stuff – Chicago's coleslaw ranges from tangy vinegar-based versions to rich, creamy concoctions. This guide explores 20 of the best places to find this beloved side dish, highlighting what makes each one unique. We'll delve into the different styles, ingredients, and the overall culinary experience.
Exploring Chicago's Coleslaw Landscape: Styles and Variations
Coleslaw isn't just one thing; it's a versatile side dish with countless variations. Chicago's culinary landscape reflects this, offering a spectrum of coleslaw styles:
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Creamy Coleslaw: This classic features a mayonnaise-based dressing, often enriched with sour cream or buttermilk. It's typically sweeter and richer, with a smooth texture. Many Chicago restaurants put their own spin on this, incorporating ingredients like celery seed, Dijon mustard, or even a touch of horseradish.
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Vinegar Coleslaw: A tangier, more acidic option, vinegar-based coleslaw uses a dressing made with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, often combined with sugar, oil, and spices. This style tends to be lighter and crispier.
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Southern-Style Coleslaw: Often featuring a creamy base but incorporating elements like a touch of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. The cabbage itself might also be slightly more coarsely shredded.
Top 20 Coleslaw Spots in Chicago: A Culinary Journey
This list isn't ranked, as "best" is subjective and depends on personal preference. Instead, we present a diverse range of establishments showcasing the breadth of Chicago's coleslaw scene:
Creamy Coleslaw Champions:
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Portillo's Hot Dogs: A Chicago institution, Portillo's creamy coleslaw is a legendary complement to their famous hot dogs. The dressing is rich, subtly sweet, and perfectly complements the savory hot dog.
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Lou Mitchell's: This classic diner's coleslaw is a nostalgic favorite, known for its creamy texture and simple, yet delicious, flavor profile.
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The Purple Pig: This upscale tavern offers a sophisticated take on creamy coleslaw, often featuring unusual additions like toasted pepitas or a hint of citrus.
Vinegar Coleslaw Virtuosos:
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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: Their vinegar-based coleslaw cuts through the richness of their steakhouse fare, providing a refreshing contrast.
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Andros Taverna: This Greek restaurant sometimes incorporates a lighter vinegar-based coleslaw into their mezze platters, adding a burst of acidity to the spread.
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Monteverde: The Italian-influenced coleslaw here often uses a light vinaigrette and incorporates fresh herbs.
Unique and Unexpected Coleslaw Creations:
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Girl & the Goat: Chef Stephanie Izard's inventive approach often results in unexpected coleslaw variations, sometimes incorporating unusual vegetables or spices.
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Au Cheval: This popular burger joint offers a creamy coleslaw, but the uniqueness lies in the high-quality ingredients and the overall culinary experience.
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RPM Italian: Their version might feature a creamy base but often showcases seasonal ingredients, adding a layer of freshness and sophistication.
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RPM Steak: Similar to RPM Italian, their coleslaw adapts to seasonal ingredients and often features a more refined presentation.
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Rosebud on Taylor Street: A classic Italian-American establishment, their coleslaw maintains a traditional profile, emphasizing simple flavors and textures.
Beyond the Usual Suspects:
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Big Star: This popular taco spot often has a creative coleslaw as a topping or side, using a slightly spicier, brighter dressing.
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Lonesome Rose: Their southwestern-inspired dishes might feature a creamy coleslaw with a southwestern twist, perhaps including corn or poblano peppers.
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Formento's: This Italian restaurant usually features a more traditional, creamy coleslaw that complements their pasta dishes.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites:
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[Local BBQ Joint 1]: Many Chicago barbecue joints excel at coleslaw, often offering a tangy, vinegar-based version. (Insert name of a local BBQ joint known for its coleslaw)
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[Local Deli 1]: Some delis create delicious creamy coleslaws that are staples in their communities. (Insert name of a local deli known for its coleslaw)
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[Local Gastropub 1]: Gastropubs often feature elevated versions of classic dishes, including coleslaw. (Insert name of a local gastropub known for its coleslaw)
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[Local Brewery 1]: Some breweries offer delicious coleslaw to accompany their craft beers. (Insert name of a local brewery known for its coleslaw)
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[Ethnic Restaurant 1]: Many ethnic restaurants offer unique coleslaw variations. (Insert name and type of cuisine of an ethnic restaurant known for its coleslaw)
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[Ethnic Restaurant 2]: (Insert name and type of cuisine of another ethnic restaurant known for its coleslaw)
Note: This list is a starting point. Chicago's vibrant culinary scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and exciting coleslaw variations emerging regularly. This list will be updated as new contenders emerge. Always check restaurant menus for current offerings.
This exploration of Chicago's coleslaw scene hopefully whets your appetite. Get out there, explore, and discover your new favorite creamy, crunchy, or tangy delight! Remember to always check restaurant websites or call ahead to confirm menu items and availability. Happy coleslaw hunting!
