5 Chicago Food Tourist Traps To Avoid At All Costs

Chicago, Illinois is known for many things: its beautiful views of Lake Michigan, its elegant and eclectic architecture, its vibrant comedy and theater communities, and attractions like the Field Museum and the Bean. The Windy City also features a world-class food scene with an abundance of excellent local eateries, 21 Michelin-starred restaurants, and a wide array of regional classics like deep dish pizza, hot dogs that are "dragged through the garden," giardiniera hot pepper mix, Italian beef sandwiches, and Malört liqueur.

Many people come to visit Chicago specifically for the food, but not every dining location in town is necessarily worth the trip. If you're a hungry tourist bound for the City of the Big Shoulders, it's worth being a little selective — especially with well-known hotspots whose reputation can make them overcrowded and difficult to get into. Here are some touristy Chicago food destinations to avoid.

This one may be a tad controversial. Pequod's, the pizza restaurant named after the ill-fated ship from "Moby-Dick," is beloved by many. On top of thin crust and pan pizzas, it offers sandwiches, pasta, salads, and appetizers. The restaurant is particularly famed for its caramelized cheese crust on its deep dish pizzas. These are all positive arguments for visiting Pequod's. However, the pizzeria has become something of a must-visit destination for a lot of folks coming in from out of town, and its tables go fast, leading to long wait times.

Having to wait in line or stress about scoring a table may not be worth it, especially when there are so many deep dish options available. Some people may dislike the franchised nature of other classic Chicago pizza spots, like Lou Malnati's and Giordano's, but it's worth visiting for yourself to see why these are longstanding local favorites. If you're still dying to try Pequod's but don't live near Chicago (or just don't want to wait in line), the restaurant also ships its pizzas nationwide.

One thing that you have to give to Alinea, the influential fine dining restaurant that opened in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood in 2005, is that you will have a unique experience there. However, that experience is going to come at a significant cost, and may not ultimately be worth it.

Dining at Alinea, you can expect delicate, deconstructed forms of food, such as wisps of smoke, frozen balls, and edible balloons. Sound fun? The price tag may be decidedly less so; you will be spending at least $200 per person, with rates going up to around $500 per diner depending on the experience you choose. Every dining option includes a multi-course tasting menu, so there's no picking and choosing for a lower price.

In addition, don't expect to just walk in to this eatery. There are very few spots available each night, so you will need a reservation to get in. If this sounds like more hassle than it's worth, why not check out one of Chicago's many other fine dining experiences?

Even if you've never visited Chicago, you may have seen Home Run Inn frozen pizza at your local grocery store. When we ranked frozen pepperoni pizzas, the Home Run Inn option placed close to last — and, unfortunately, the chain that the pizza gets its name from is likewise nothing to rave about.

Home Run Inn offers an assortment of standard pizzeria options, including thin crust, tavern-style, and deep dish pizza. It also sells wings, starters, sandwiches, and pastas. Ultimately, Home Run Inn is not a disaster — it's still possible to have a decent meal. It just may be a little on the bland side. With so many other pizzerias in the Chicago area, it's easy to find something more delicious.

Home Run Inn is currently down to three locations in Chicago proper, plus outposts at the Midway and O'Hare airports. Needless to say, the airport version of a restaurant chain that's just okay to begin with should be avoided at all costs.

Mr. Beef, established in 1979, was an unassuming fast service dining spot in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Then came the TV show "The Bear." The Emmy-winning series centers on a chef from the world of fine dining (played by Jeremy Allen White) who moves back to his family's quick service restaurant in Chicago. The restaurant in question was loosely based on Mr. Beef. As a result, the local favorite has skyrocketed to notoriety, and now frequently faces lines around the block.

Don't get us wrong: Mr. Beef is a great spot for Italian beef sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, pizza puffs, and more. Despite its newfound fame, the eatery maintains its reasonable prices and no-frills attitude. But there are other, far less crowded options for carnivorous quick service food. Even just sticking to River North, you could visit places like Al's Beef or Portillo's for a great meal in a fraction of the time.

Harry Caray was a legendary Chicago-area sportscaster who served as the voice of the Chicago Cubs until his death in 1998. He was not especially famous for his connection to food or dining, which makes the restaurants named after him something of a curious case. Nevertheless, Caray's name graces several eateries around Chicago, serving standards like Chicago-style pizza, burgers, hot dogs, starters, and salads.

But there is one to dodge, which is the restaurant's Navy Pier location. The pier, replete with shopping opportunities, a children's museum, and rides including a Ferris wheel, is a crowded and pricey destination that could be considered a tourist trap to avoid in its own right. It's certainly not worth making the trek for the Harry Caray's restaurant there. Customers enjoy the vibe and sports memorabilia on the walls, but often find the food to be so-so at best.