<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><feed
	xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0"
	xml:lang="en-US"
	>
	<title type="text">Giordanos</title>
	<subtitle type="text"></subtitle>

	<updated>2024-11-05T15:34:10Z</updated>

	<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/" />
	<id>https://giordanos.com/feed/atom/</id>
	<link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://giordanos.com/feed/atom/" />

	<generator uri="https://wordpress.org/" version="6.5.2">WordPress</generator>
	<entry>
		<author>
			<name>Blake Trahan</name>
					</author>

		<title type="html"><![CDATA[Catering 101: Catering Tips to Make Your Next Event a Success]]></title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/catering-101-the-catering-tips-to-make-your-next-event-a-success/" />

		<id>https://giordanos1.wpengine.com/catering-101-the-catering-tips-to-make-your-next-event-a-success/</id>
		<updated>2024-11-05T15:34:10Z</updated>
		<published>2024-11-05T15:31:27Z</published>
		<category scheme="https://giordanos.com/" term="Events" />
		<summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Planning an event involves many details, and food is one of the most important. Of course, we&#8217;re sure your witty and engaging itinerary is a big draw, but good food helps, too. Whether it&#8217;s a corporate gathering, wedding or party, the right menu that — no pun intended — caters to diners&#8217; preferences and aligns with your event theme&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/catering-101-the-catering-tips-to-make-your-next-event-a-success/">Catering 101: Catering Tips to Make Your Next Event a Success</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></summary>

					<content type="html" xml:base="https://giordanos.com/catering-101-the-catering-tips-to-make-your-next-event-a-success/"><![CDATA[<p>Planning an event involves many details, and food is one of the most important. Of course, we&#8217;re sure your witty and engaging itinerary is a big draw, but good food helps, too. Whether it&#8217;s a corporate gathering, wedding or party, the right menu that — no pun intended — caters to diners&#8217; preferences and aligns with your event theme can make a lasting impression.</p>
<p>Hiring a professional caterer is a smart choice to ensure your guests enjoy excellent food, seamless service and a stress-free experience. Learn how to work with your caterer by following our tips for catering, and take your event to the next level.</p>
<h2>Why Choose Catering?</h2>
<p>When it comes to <a href="https://giordanos.com/menus/catering/why-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>catering a social or business gathering</u></a>, you have two main options — do it yourself or hire a catering service. While you may think handling the food yourself is a cost-effective win, hiring a professional to prepare and serve the food has several advantages:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Convenience:</strong> Catering takes the stress out of planning and serving food. Professionals handle everything from setup to service, so you can focus on your guests. If you do it yourself, you&#8217;ll spend hours preparing the menu, shopping for ingredients and cooking the food.</li>
<li><strong>Quality food: </strong>We don&#8217;t doubt your cooking skills or your ability to choose an amazing menu. However, a professional caterer knows how to deliver well-prepared, flavorful meals made with fresh ingredients that are presented beautifully.</li>
<li><strong>Range of options:</strong> Catering companies typically offer a wide range of options and are willing to work with you to create foods that fit your event.</li>
<li><strong>Money savings:</strong> Making food yourself sounds like a money saver, but catering is often worth the expense when you realize how much time you&#8217;ll save. It may even cost you more to make food yourself when you consider the cost of ingredients, equipment and serving dishes. Caterers have the equipment at their disposal and may even have decorations and other extras that save you money overall.</li>
<li><strong>Reliability:</strong> Caterers know all of the ins and outs of cooking for a crowd. They know how to keep the food at the right temperature for safety and flavor. You may crush that pasta bake recipe for your family, but there is no guarantee it will turn out when you multiply the recipe and make it on a larger scale.</li>
<li><strong>Preparation and clean up:</strong> After a successful party, the last thing you want to do is clean up. Luckily, your caterer breaks everything down and cleans it up for you, taking some items off your plate, so to speak.</li>
</ul>
<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-433621" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01-catering-takes-the-stress-out.png" alt="" width="1024" height="400" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01-catering-takes-the-stress-out.png 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01-catering-takes-the-stress-out-300x117.png 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01-catering-takes-the-stress-out-768x300.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<h2>Catering for Various Events</h2>
<p>Catering enhances any type of event, from quick business meetings to social gatherings or larger corporate functions. Each event requires something a little different when it comes to food and service.</p>
<h3>Catering Quick Business Meetings</h3>
<p>Even small, quick business meetings warrant nourishment. Catering these events creates more excitement for guests, which is especially helpful if the meeting agenda isn&#8217;t all that exciting. Plus, the food energizes the group and makes them happy, which can mean a more positive meeting with lots of ideas flowing in the room.</p>
<p>A quick business meeting might take place in a conference room in the office or a similar small space. This allows employees to get there quickly without losing a lot of work time. Another option is to go with a restaurant that offers a private dining space. If you choose this option, check on the available amenities to fulfill your needs. For example, do you need electrical outlets to charge electronics? Do you want extra table space for laptops and paperwork? You can also consider how close the restaurant is to the office.</p>
<p>The best foods for a quick business meeting are simple and easy to eat, allowing employees to still focus on the meeting. Keep in mind that some people prefer a light lunch, so you may want to opt for a lighter meal. Some food ideas to serve include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Box-style lunches with a full meal in a convenient container.</li>
<li>Finger foods that are easy to grab while taking notes or paying attention to a speaker.</li>
<li>Salads that are light and full of healthy veggies to keep everyone energized.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Catering Larger Business Gatherings</h3>
<p>Larger business gatherings, such as an all-company training or fundraising event, involve a longer attendee list and may last hours. You potentially have speakers, workshops, training sessions, entertainment and other components to consider. These events may also be a little more formal or take place in the evening hours when you want a heartier meal of potatoes, root vegetables, meat, pasta or something else.</p>
<p>Letting someone else handle the food aspect reduces your workload and allows you to focus your energy on your area of expertise. Like all catered events, the specific purpose of the event and the feeling of the event play a major role in deciding the final menu. For a larger business gathering, you can serve:</p>
<ul>
<li>Appetizers to warm up the crowd.</li>
<li>Stuffed tomatoes, soups or salads as a starter course for the meal.</li>
<li>Pasta dishes that lend a hearty tone to the meal.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Catering Social Events</h3>
<p>Social events like birthdays, anniversary parties, wedding receptions and family reunions have a different vibe than most corporate events. They often have a casual feeling to them. You want the food you serve at these events to match the vibe. Large social events often require a caterer because of the sheer amount of food needed. For example, catering a large wedding reception takes a lot of coordination to get the food prepped and keep it hot until it reaches the guests.</p>
<p>Even smaller social events are easier when you hire a caterer to handle the food. At a social event, you want to socialize, after all. You likely don&#8217;t want to spend the whole time racing back and forth from the kitchen trying to keep trays full so all of your guests are happy. A caterer handles all the work for you so that you can join the celebration.</p>
<p>The menu options for social events vary as much as the events themselves. Consider how formal the event is and how people will spend their time. If guests will be dancing and mingling, choose something that is easy to pick up and eat while moving around.</p>
<p>Not sure what to serve at your next catered social event? Consider offering guests:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Pizza:</strong> Pizza works well for casual social events, especially if guests are mingling, dancing or playing games. It takes seconds to <a href="https://giordanos.com/the-many-different-ways-to-eat-a-slice-of-pizza/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">grab a slice</a>!</li>
<li><strong>Sandwiches:</strong> Sandwiches are portable and work well for casual social situations where guests will spend a lot of time moving around.</li>
<li><strong>Pasta:</strong> If you&#8217;re looking for something a little more formal, pasta works well for social events where tables are provided for guests to sit down and eat. However, keep in mind that pasta can get a little messy if you&#8217;re trying to eat it while moving around or doing other activities.</li>
<li><strong>Buffet:</strong> A buffet with several different food options works well for a catered social event. Offer a combination of foods, such as meatballs, pizza and mini quiches, and let your guests decide what they want.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Hiring a Catering Service</h2>
<p>Clear communication is essential when hiring a catering service to ensure everything runs smoothly. Giving your caterer detailed information about your event helps them tailor the menu to your needs and deliver the right portions for everyone.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-433631" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/02-hiring-a-catering-service.png" alt="" width="1024" height="400" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/02-hiring-a-catering-service.png 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/02-hiring-a-catering-service-300x117.png 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/02-hiring-a-catering-service-768x300.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<h3>nformation to Give Your Caterer</h3>
<p>While your caterer handles many of the details and can offer advice, hiring a caterer does take some work on your part. A business that caters events has the experience, but the caterer needs your input to get it right. Ensure your event is successfully catered by gathering the following information:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Headcount:</strong> The size of the crowd can affect the type of food or the way you serve it. An accurate estimate also helps you order the right amount of food. As the event gets closer, your caterer may want an exact head count. Make sure to have this number ready when they need it.</li>
<li><strong>Vibe: </strong>Is it a formal business event? A small, casual business meeting? A group of partiers? Foodies with high expectations? The type and feel of the event play a big role in the food you choose.</li>
<li><strong>Budget:</strong> Know your catering budget so that you can effectively choose a catering service and menu. A buffet-style service is often an affordable option, and picking up the food yourself or having the caterer drop it off without serving it can also save money.</li>
<li><strong>Location:</strong> Some catering services, especially restaurants that cater, have some space available on location for your event. For example, some of Giordano&#8217;s locations have private or semiprivate spaces for catered events. Most caterers will also bring the food to you at your event venue. Some event venues have preferred caterers, so check the terms if you have a caterer in mind.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Food Quantity Estimates</h3>
<p>Knowing how much food you&#8217;ll need can be a challenge, especially if you don&#8217;t often order food for large events. Ordering too little food leaves your guests hungry and cranky. Order too much, and you&#8217;ll spend way more than you need to. Plus, you&#8217;ll end up with leftovers that you have to store, toss or convince people to take home.</p>
<p>A caterer can help you determine how much food to order based on the type of event and the number of people on your guest list. Crunching your own numbers can also help you get an idea of what you need to order.</p>
<p>Factors that go into the calculation include the type of event, style of food and the length of the event. Longer events naturally mean you&#8217;ll need more food and beverages. An event during mealtime requires something substantial and meal-like, while an afternoon or late-evening event may be OK with snacks or appetizers.</p>
<p>To accurately estimate food amounts for different foods and settings, follow these tips:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Appetizers </strong><strong>only:</strong> Plan on <a href="https://whatscookingamerica.net/appetizerhints.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">six to 12 pieces per person</a>, possibly more if you serve appetizers on a buffet.</li>
<li><strong>B</strong><strong>reakfast:</strong> Choose a five-ounce main entrée per person plus two sides. For a pastry-only breakfast, estimate two pieces per person.</li>
<li><strong>L</strong><strong>unch:</strong> Opt for a five-ounce main entrée per person with two to three sides. For example, calculate one to two servings per person when serving sliders.</li>
<li><strong>Dinner:</strong> Serve a five- to seven-ounce main entrée per person with two to three sides. Bread, soup or salad is also a must. Before dinner, you can plan to provide three to five appetizer pieces per person.</li>
<li><strong>Desserts:</strong> Offer one to three servings per person, with smaller portions if you serve a variety of dessert options.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Catering FAQ</h2>
<p>While it&#8217;s always a good idea to ask specific questions of your caterer and to read the contract fully just in case the service you choose handles things differently, we wanted to give you a head start. Common <a href="https://giordanos.com/menus/catering/faq/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>questions about the catering process</u></a> come up all the time.</p>
<h3>Do Most Catering Services Customize Meals for Food Allergies or Special Diets?</h3>
<p>Many catering services can make some accommodations for common food allergies or special diets. If you have guests who need special meals, let your caterer know quickly. The caterer may be able to plan the entire menu to fit those dietary needs, so you don&#8217;t have to have special meals for certain people. If not, they still need to know ahead of time. Accommodating those special dietary needs makes everyone feel included and ensures all of your guests can enjoy a safe and delicious meal.</p>
<h3>Do You Tip a Caterer?</h3>
<p>You definitely want to ask about the gratuity when talking to your caterer, as some catering services include a gratuity on your total bill. You are always welcome to tip more than the amount for exceptional service, even if the gratuity is already included. Some catering services also include a service charge or production fee, which is usually a percentage of the total. While these do add some to your bill, they are typically <a href="https://www.bonappetit.com/story/restaurant-check-fees-explained" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">separate from gratuity</a>. You can always ask your caterer if you&#8217;re not sure if the gratuity is included.</p>
<h3>How Much Should You Tip if the Gratuity Is Not Included in the Pricing?</h3>
<p>If you&#8217;re sure the caterer didn&#8217;t build the gratuity into the cost of the service, you can leave a cash tip on the day of the event. The amount is up to you and is often related to the service.</p>
<p>Banquet managers and executive chefs typically get tips between $50 and $100. Servers, bartenders and kitchen staff might get between $25 and $50 each. If you prefer, you can tip a percentage of the total as you would at a restaurant. When bartenders are separate from the caterer, assume a tip between 10% and 15% is adequate.</p>
<h3>Does the Caterer Provide Serving Equipment?</h3>
<p>Caterers generally provide their own serving dishes and utensils, depending on the meal provided. You can usually expect the caterer to provide plates and utensils, too — either reusable or disposable based on the formality of the meal and the way it is served. Some caterers also offer the option to rent additional supplies, such as table linens, napkins and similar items. Ask your caterer for a recommendation if you need additional things, such as tables and chairs. Check with your caterer to determine what is included and what you need to provide yourself.</p>
<h3>How Does the Pricing for Catering Work?</h3>
<p>The pricing method varies, but your caterer should provide a breakdown of the specific costs. The food cost is often listed as a per-person rate and typically includes food cost, preparation and serving items. The caterer may charge extra if you have staff on hand to serve your guests.</p>
<p>You may also see a service charge or other fees. For a catered event that is not staffed by the catering company, you may pay an additional delivery or setup fee to cover the cost of transporting the food to the venue and setting it up. Ask for a complete breakdown of the costs before you agree to hire a catering service, so you know exactly how much you&#8217;ll end up paying. The breakdown also helps you compare two catering services to understand better how the costs compare.</p>
<h3>How Do You Reserve a Catering Service?</h3>
<p>Call the catering service directly as soon as you are sure you want to hire the company. Dates fill up quickly, especially for popular catering services, so scheduling as soon as possible increases the chances of securing the date you want. This also gives you plenty of time to meet with the caterer to determine the menu and make changes if necessary. Catering services usually require you to sign a contract and often put down a deposit in order to secure your spot on the calendar.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-433641" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/03-Feed-the-Crowd-With-Giordanos.png" alt="" width="1024" height="400" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/03-Feed-the-Crowd-With-Giordanos.png 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/03-Feed-the-Crowd-With-Giordanos-300x117.png 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/03-Feed-the-Crowd-With-Giordanos-768x300.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<h2>Feed the Crowd With Giordano&#8217;s</h2>
<p>Choosing the right catering service will make all the difference in your event&#8217;s success. It lets you focus on enjoying your event while professionals handle menu planning, preparation, serving and post-event cleanup.</p>
<p>Giordano&#8217;s is one of the top catering companies in Chicago, and we can cater all of your events, from small business gatherings to large events. We offer a variety of meals, from pizza to Italian specialties, sandwiches, salads, starters and more. Many of our locations also offer private or semiprivate dining rooms, or we can bring the party to your location.</p>
<p>You know how to plan business meetings — and we know how to cater. You&#8217;ll appreciate how easy it is to call or order online for your next event, and your guests will be talking about how smart you were to choose Giordano&#8217;s for your catering services. Place your <a href="https://giordanos.com/menus/catering/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>catering order online</u></a> today!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/catering-101-the-catering-tips-to-make-your-next-event-a-success/">Catering 101: Catering Tips to Make Your Next Event a Success</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></content>
		
					<link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/catering-101-the-catering-tips-to-make-your-next-event-a-success/#comments" thr:count="0" />
			<link rel="replies" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://giordanos.com/catering-101-the-catering-tips-to-make-your-next-event-a-success/feed/atom/" thr:count="0" />
			<thr:total>0</thr:total>
			</entry>
		<entry>
		<author>
			<name>Blake Trahan</name>
					</author>

		<title type="html"><![CDATA[The History of Deep Dish Pizza]]></title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/the-history-of-deep-dish-pizza/" />

		<id>https://giordanos1.wpengine.com/the-history-of-deep-dish-pizza/</id>
		<updated>2024-11-05T15:20:40Z</updated>
		<published>2024-11-05T15:20:39Z</published>
		<category scheme="https://giordanos.com/" term="Pizza" />
		<summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>The History of Deep-Dish Pizza When most people think of pizza, they picture a thin, soft crust with tomato sauce, cheese and toppings. But if you head to Chicago, pizza looks a little different. In 1943, two entrepreneurs created a new variation called deep-dish pizza. It&#8217;s essentially pizza in potpie form, filled with plenty of&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/the-history-of-deep-dish-pizza/">The History of Deep Dish Pizza</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></summary>

					<content type="html" xml:base="https://giordanos.com/the-history-of-deep-dish-pizza/"><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-433571" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01-The-History-of-Deep-Dish-Pizza.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="512" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01-The-History-of-Deep-Dish-Pizza.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01-The-History-of-Deep-Dish-Pizza-300x150.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01-The-History-of-Deep-Dish-Pizza-768x384.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<h1>The History of Deep-Dish Pizza</h1>
<p>When most people think of pizza, they picture a thin, soft crust with tomato sauce, cheese and toppings. But if you head to Chicago, pizza looks a little different. In 1943, two entrepreneurs created a new variation called deep-dish pizza. It&#8217;s essentially pizza in potpie form, filled with plenty of gooey cheese, meat and a thick tomato sauce. Yes, the sauce goes on top of the cheese!</p>
<p>While some pizza lovers refuse to call it a pizza due to its construction, the Chicago deep-dish pizza is the favorite form of pizza for many Chicagoans and people worldwide. Learn more about Chicago deep-dish pizza history to understand how this delicious creation came to be!</p>
<h2>What Is Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza?</h2>
<p>Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza is a unique type of pizza originating from — you guessed it — Chicago. The main difference between deep-dish pizza and traditional Italian pizza — other than its size and topping order — is that you cook it in a cast iron pan. You first line the pan <a href="https://giordanos.com/how-to-make-the-perfect-chicago-style-pizza/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">with a thick dough</a>, then add meat and plenty of mozzarella before covering it with chunky tomato sauce.</p>
<p>If you&#8217;re used to traditional pizza, the topping order may seem strange. However, the tomato sauce layer plays a vital role — it protects the cheese! Thick, deep-dish pizza <a href="https://giordanos.com/why-does-it-take-45-minutes-to-make-a-giordanos-pizza/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">requires a longer cooking time</a>, which would burn the cheese if it was on top. With the sauce above it, the cheese melts perfectly.</p>
<h2>Who Invented Deep-Dish Pizza?</h2>
<p>Deep-dish pizza&#8217;s history reaches as far back as the 1940s. So, who invented it? Well, this is where things get interesting. Most sources credit the creation of deep-dish pizza to Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, who founded their own pizzeria in 1943. However, they were both businessmen who most likely didn&#8217;t spend time in the restaurant&#8217;s kitchen. This is why some people believe the restaurant&#8217;s manager may have <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chicago-style-pizza" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">actually invented the dish</a>.</p>
<p>While we may never truly know who cooked the first deep-dish pizza, we&#8217;re sure glad it exists!</p>
<h2>Deep-Dish vs. Stuffed Pizza</h2>
<p>Another style of deep-dish pizza emerged in the 1970s partly thanks to Giordano&#8217;s — hey, that&#8217;s us! The first Giordano&#8217;s restaurant sold deep-dish pizza with an extra layer of crust between the fillings and tomato sauce. This addition made the deep-dish pizza thicker and taller, which is why it&#8217;s called stuffed pizza.</p>
<p>For Giordano&#8217;s, the person behind this change is Mama Giordano. She was famous for her cooking back home in a small town near Torino, Italy. Her most popular recipe was an “Italian Easter Pie,” a double-crusted pizza pie filled with cheesy goodness. It became a <a href="https://giordanos.com/our-story/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">traditional recipe for the Giordano family</a> and a legend in her hometown.</p>
<p>In 1974, the Giordano brothers, Efren and Joseph Boglio, introduced their mother’s famous recipe to the south side of Chicago. People loved it, and the first Giordano’s was born. Over four decades later, Giordano’s is still considered one of Chicago’s best stuffed pizzas.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-433581" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/02-over-4-decades-later.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="400" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/02-over-4-decades-later.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/02-over-4-decades-later-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/02-over-4-decades-later-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<h2>The History of Pizza Itself</h2>
<p>Of course, deep-dish pizza would only be possible thanks to the invention of the original pizza. However, pizza has a long and winding history that spans centuries. Without each step along the way, we wouldn&#8217;t have the delicious dish we know and love today. It all begins in 600 B.C.</p>
<h3>Ancient Pizza Influences</h3>
<p>While some believe that the Italians invented pizza, historians have discovered even earlier mentions of pizza-like food. The origin of pizza dates back to ancient times when the Persians, Greeks, Romans and Egyptians ate a meal called flatbread. Flatbread crust is very similar to the pizza crust of today, but they would top it with olive oil, herbs and vegetables. In this way, it&#8217;s more comparable to focaccia.</p>
<p>However, there are some instances of flatbread and cheese pairings. For example, some <a href="https://www.ancient-origins.net/history/pizza-0015482" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Persian soldiers cooked flatbread</a> topped with dates and cheese on their battle shields in the 6th century B.C.</p>
<h3>The Introduction of Tomatoes</h3>
<p>One of the core components of a modern-day pizza is the tomato sauce. So, when did pizzas featuring this iconic ingredient begin? It all started in Naples:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>1500s:</strong> The Spanish brought tomatoes to Europe <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8772448/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">in the 16th century</a> after they colonized the Americas. While it&#8217;s unclear who introduced Italy to the plant, we do know that the Italians originally thought its fruit was poisonous. This mentality made tomatoes unpopular and cheap, so the poorest citizens began eating them on flatbread. It became a popular street food for the lower class that was easy to eat on the go.</li>
<li><strong>1800s:</strong> In the late 1800s, Naples had a premier pizzaiolo — a person who makes pizza — who was incredibly popular. The story goes that when King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visited Naples, they wanted to try something new. They ended up at Naples&#8217;s best pizza restaurant, where the owner served various pizza-like dishes. The queen particularly liked pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, which the restaurant named &#8220;pizza Margherita&#8221; in her honor. This incident supposedly popularized the food in Naples.</li>
<li><strong>1900s: </strong>It wasn&#8217;t until the late 1900s that pizza became more widely accepted in Naples. People of all classes ate it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Soon, street vendors started to offer seating so people could sit, eat, drink and socialize. They went on to become pizzerias and offered a variety of toppings. Soon, all of Italy would start enjoying pizza thanks to increased tourism and curiosity about Italian food.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Pizza Arrives in the United States</h3>
<p>While pizza was a hit in Naples, it only became popular in America throughout the 20th century:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Early 1900s:</strong> When Italians immigrated to the U.S., they brought their recipes with them. Restaurants started serving “tomato pies” with a layer of cheese and tomato sauce on top. Pizzerias soon spread across the country as more Neapolitans came for work.</li>
<li><strong>World War II: </strong>During WWII, many American soldiers were stationed in Italy. When they returned home, they craved Italian pizza. It was during the 1940s that deep-dish pizza became popular in Chicago. Other pizzerias across the country also offered their own pizza styles and toppings, often adapted to local tastes.</li>
<li><strong>Late 1900s:</strong> Pizza started gaining popularity nationwide following the war. Due to economic and technological changes, pizza become more domesticated and commercialized. By the 1950s, you could buy frozen pizza — with tomato sauce on the bottom to prevent the crust from drying out — or pizza mixes at the store. In 1958, pizzerias started offering pizza delivery, giving people the option to have a pizza with their choice of topping delivered hot and ready to eat right to their front door.</li>
<li><strong>Today:</strong> In 2023, a survey revealed that pizza is the most <a href="https://www.statista.com/topics/1610/pizza-delivery-market/#topicOverview" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">popular type of fast food</a> in the U.S. There are around 80,000 pizza restaurants, with sales reaching $46.9 billion in 2022. As you can see, pizza is here to stay!</li>
</ul>
<h2>How Did Pizza Get Its Name?</h2>
<p>The origin of the word “pizza” is unclear, but some theories exist. One theory is that pizza comes from the Greek word “pitta” or the Langobardic word “bizzo” which means “mouthful.” The word may have also originated from the Italian word “pizzicare,” which means “to pinch or pluck.”</p>
<p>In 997 A.D., the word “pizza” was first documented in Gaeta, Italy, and began to spread to other parts of the country. However it got its name, the word is now known and loved worldwide! Each country has even added its signature twist to the dish. The Costa Ricans love <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/ten-pizza-toppings-around-the-world-you-won-t-believe-20230414-p5d0kj.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">coconut on their pizzas</a>, while the Germans enjoy tinned tuna fish. Some places even serve pineapple, banana and curry as a topping combo!</p>
<h2>Try Giordano&#8217;s Famous Stuffed Deep-Dish Pizza Today</h2>
<p><a href="https://ship.giordanos.com/pizza-packs/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-433591" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/03-Try-Giordanos.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="400" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/03-Try-Giordanos.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/03-Try-Giordanos-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/03-Try-Giordanos-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></p>
<p>Have a taste of the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago from Giordano’s! Mama Giordano’s stuffed pizza has a tender, flaky crust with layers of mouthwatering flavors. We use only the finest handpicked tomatoes from Northern California and our signature mozzarella cheese from local Wisconsin cheesemakers.</p>
<p>You can enjoy the full dining experience at <a href="https://giordanos.com/all-locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">one of our restaurants</a> in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Nevada or Wisconsin. For pizza delivered straight to you, <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/startOrder" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">place an order</a> on our website. Thanks to our online pizza shop, you can <a href="https://ship.giordanos.com/shop/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">also stock your freezer</a> with our famous pizza.</p>
<p>Taste the difference of Giordano&#8217;s today!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/the-history-of-deep-dish-pizza/">The History of Deep Dish Pizza</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></content>
		
					<link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/the-history-of-deep-dish-pizza/#comments" thr:count="0" />
			<link rel="replies" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://giordanos.com/the-history-of-deep-dish-pizza/feed/atom/" thr:count="0" />
			<thr:total>0</thr:total>
			</entry>
		<entry>
		<author>
			<name>Blake Trahan</name>
					</author>

		<title type="html"><![CDATA[Best Side Dishes for Pizza]]></title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/best-side-dishes-for-pizza/" />

		<id>https://giordanos1.wpengine.com/best-side-dishes-for-pizza/</id>
		<updated>2024-10-08T15:09:28Z</updated>
		<published>2024-08-20T11:36:59Z</published>
		<category scheme="https://giordanos.com/" term="Pizza Pairings &amp; Toppings" />
		<summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>When pizza night rolls around, it&#8217;s sure to be a fun-filled evening of indulging in delicious pie piled high with zesty tomato sauce, stringy cheese and just the right amount of toppings. But what can you serve alongside that delicious pizza that plays the perfect supporting role? The trick to finding the perfect pizza side&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/best-side-dishes-for-pizza/">Best Side Dishes for Pizza</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></summary>

					<content type="html" xml:base="https://giordanos.com/best-side-dishes-for-pizza/"><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/best-side-dishes-for-pizza.jpg" alt="Best Side Dishes for Pizza" class="wp-image-432041" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/best-side-dishes-for-pizza.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/best-side-dishes-for-pizza-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/best-side-dishes-for-pizza-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>When pizza night rolls around, it&#8217;s sure to be a fun-filled evening of indulging in delicious pie piled high with <a href="https://giordanos.com/beyond-tomato-different-types-of-pizza-sauces-to-try/">zesty tomato sauce</a>, stringy cheese and just the right amount of toppings. But what can you serve alongside that delicious pizza that plays the perfect supporting role? The trick to finding the perfect pizza side dish is creating&nbsp;or ordering&nbsp;something that balances out the doughy, cheesy components of your main star.</p>



<p>The next time you&#8217;re racking your mind for the ideal pizza companion, take some of the suggestions we&#8217;ve laid out for you below. Each one can hold its own as the perfect side dish to your pizza, whether you make it yourself or order from our menu at Giordano&#8217;s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">11 Delicious Pizza Side Dishes You Can Make</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/delicious-pizza-side-dishes-you-can-make.jpg" alt="11 Delicious Pizza Side Dishes You Can Make" class="wp-image-432051" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/delicious-pizza-side-dishes-you-can-make.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/delicious-pizza-side-dishes-you-can-make-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/delicious-pizza-side-dishes-you-can-make-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;ve got a bit of time before your pizza arrives and you&#8217;re looking to flex your culinary muscles, you can make your own side dishes for your pizza. You can customize your meal to your family&#8217;s preferences or make enough food to feed a crowd. Check out some of our favorite recipes for things that go with pizza.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Roasted Lemony Asparagus</h3>



<p>A hint of citrus can be the perfect complement to a pizza dinner. Pizza can sometimes be the heavy&nbsp;component, with&nbsp;its thick crust, warm sauce, melty cheese and tasty toppings. Lighten things up with the refreshing taste that lemon brings to this side dish. The bright colors of green and yellow also help brighten the plate because we all know we eat with our eyes — and sometimes our cameras —&nbsp;before we ever bring a taste to our lips.</p>



<p>Here&#8217;s what you&#8217;ll need to make this delicious dish:</p>



<ul>
<li>A single bunch of fresh asparagus</li>



<li>1 lemon</li>



<li>1 tablespoon olive oil</li>



<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>



<p>Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash the asparagus and cut the thick bottoms off — this part usually has a hint of white and is the toughest part of the plant. Toss the bottoms in the trash. Place the asparagus stalks in a shallow baking dish and coat them in olive oil, making sure they are well covered. Add salt and pepper. Roast the asparagus for 20 minutes, tossing once in the middle of the cooking time.</p>



<p>Pull the asparagus from the oven and zest the lemon over the top. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice from one half over the asparagus. Give it a good toss with tongs. Serve immediately.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Cranberry Caramelized Brussels Sprouts</h3>



<p>Bring a bright and flavorful side dish to your pizza night with the crunchy, sweet&nbsp;addition&nbsp;of Brussels&nbsp;sprouts. Slow-cooking the vegetables in a skillet gives them that beautiful light brown color that pops with flavor. This dish plays the perfect supporting role to your main course.</p>



<p>Here are the necessary ingredients:</p>



<ul>
<li>1 pound of fresh Brussels sprouts, cut in half</li>



<li>1 tablespoon olive oil</li>



<li>½ cup dried, sweetened cranberries</li>



<li>Zest of one lemon</li>



<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>



<p>Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it&#8217;s warm, add the Brussels sprouts. Stir the vegetables every few minutes to ensure they brown evenly. The slow, low heat will allow the Brussels sprouts to develop that enticing caramel color. After about 10-12 minutes, when the Brussels sprouts are tender, stir in the dried cranberries and cook for another minute until heated.</p>



<p>Turn the heat off. Zest the lemon over the top and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Spicy Bacon Roasted Broccoli</h3>



<p>There&#8217;s nothing wrong with adding&nbsp;a dose&nbsp;of bacon fat to a crunchy side dish! Savory bacon crumbles perfectly highlight the power of broccoli, which&nbsp;complements&nbsp;the flavors you might find in your pizza without overpowering the delicious taste of the main course.</p>



<p>Here&#8217;s what you&#8217;ll need:</p>



<ul>
<li>1 pound of fresh or frozen broccoli</li>



<li>4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled</li>



<li>1 teaspoon red pepper flakes</li>



<li>1 tablespoon bacon grease or olive oil</li>



<li>2 tablespoons grated&nbsp;Parmesan cheese</li>
</ul>



<p>Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After you cook the bacon, set it aside to drain on a paper towel and reserve a tablespoon of the bacon grease. If you forget — or don&#8217;t get to it — opt for a tablespoon of olive oil.</p>



<p>Coat the broccoli in the bacon grease or oil. Toss with the red pepper flakes. Roast the broccoli for 20-30 minutes, or until it has crisped up or is slightly brown on the edges. With about 5 minutes left, remove the broccoli from the oven and toss it with the grated&nbsp;Parmesan cheese and bacon crumbles. Return it to the oven for the final minutes of cooking.</p>



<p>When the dish is done, serve the broccoli with the pizza and wow your guests with your culinary expertise.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Bright Citrus Salad</h3>



<p>The refreshing flavors of a citrus salad heighten and complement the flavors of your pizza. Use this side dish to brighten your meal without overpowering your entree.</p>



<p>To make this dish, you&#8217;ll need to gather these ingredients:</p>



<ul>
<li>5 cups bibb lettuce</li>



<li>2 oranges, peeled and sliced thin</li>



<li>½ cup roasted pecans, chopped</li>



<li>2 ounces of crumbled goat cheese</li>



<li>1 tablespoon white vinegar</li>



<li>1 shallot, diced</li>



<li>¼ cup olive oil</li>



<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>



<p>Wash and dry your lettuce. Pull it apart into smaller pieces and place it in a large salad bowl. Toss the sliced oranges on top,&nbsp;along with&nbsp;goat cheese and pecans. In a small bowl, mix the vinegar, diced shallot, olive oil, salt and pepper. Whisk with a fork until blended. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until it&#8217;s well coated. Serve right away alongside your main course.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Spinach Salad With Peppers</h3>



<p>A hearty spinach salad is a fantastic complement to just about any pizza. Combine it with the sweet, crisp taste of fresh peppers,&nbsp;and you&#8217;re looking at a salad that knows how to hold its own. You might even <a href="https://giordanos.com/10-things-to-do-with-leftover-pizza/">eat the leftovers the next day</a> — although we can&#8217;t guarantee you&#8217;ll have any leftovers to speak of.</p>



<p>Here&#8217;s a list of the ingredients you&#8217;ll need:</p>



<ul>
<li>6 cups fresh spinach</li>



<li>1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced</li>



<li>1 cup whole wheat bread cubes</li>



<li>⅛ cup olive oil</li>



<li>2 cloves of garlic, minced</li>



<li>1 red onion, sliced thin</li>



<li>Your favorite balsamic vinaigrette dressing</li>
</ul>



<p>Heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the bread cubes with the olive oil and minced garlic. Lay the bread cubes out on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cubes are crispy. Don&#8217;t let them burn!</p>



<p>Set the bread cubes aside to cool — warm bread cubes will wilt the spinach. While they cool, toss the clean spinach into a large salad bowl. Add the bell pepper, red onion and about 4-5 tablespoons of the balsamic vinaigrette. Toss until well coated. Top the salad with the homemade croutons and serve immediately.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. Salami and Olive Salad</h3>



<p>Travel to old-world Italy with this rustic and robust salad. It just about begs to be served with a pizza and big hugs from Nonna. While it&#8217;s a great&nbsp;complement&nbsp;to your pizza, it won&#8217;t steal the show from that heavenly,&nbsp;deep-dish pie&nbsp;you&#8217;re about to serve.&nbsp;It adds&nbsp;a nice balance to the whole meal, making you wonder how you ever ate pizza without this king of salads to serve alongside it.</p>



<p>To prepare this dish, gather the following ingredients:</p>



<ul>
<li>5 cups&nbsp;romaine lettuce</li>



<li>2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped into small pieces</li>



<li>½ cup salami, cut into bite-sized pieces</li>



<li>½ red onion, sliced thin</li>



<li>¾ cup Kalamata olives, sliced thin</li>



<li>⅛ cup olive oil</li>



<li>2 tablespoons Dijon mustard</li>



<li>1 tablespoon honey</li>



<li>2 tablespoons red wine vinegar</li>



<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>



<p>Wash the&nbsp;romaine lettuce and spin it dry. Add it to a large salad bowl with the chopped egg, salami, red onion and olives. In a small bowl, add the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Whisk with a fork until well combined. Pour it over the salad and toss until well coated. Serve immediately.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">7. Simple Carrot Slaw</h3>



<p>A fresh and bright companion to pizza, a carrot slaw can be whipped up in a hurry. It&#8217;s one of those side dishes that&#8217;s great to pull together when you don&#8217;t think you have any other ingredients on hand. It&#8217;s tasty, it&#8217;s crispy and it brightens a meal in a hurry. Plus, it incorporates the fresh flavors often associated with summer. And who doesn&#8217;t love that?</p>



<p>Here&#8217;s a list of everything you&#8217;ll need:</p>



<ul>
<li>About 6 medium-sized carrots, peeled</li>



<li>¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil</li>



<li>2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar</li>



<li>1 tablespoon sugar</li>



<li>½ cup walnuts, chopped</li>



<li>½ cup dried, sweetened cranberries</li>



<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>



<p>Using a kitchen mandolin or a food processor, thinly slice the carrots. You want them thin enough to absorb the vinegar dressing. Set the sliced carrots aside in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar and sugar. Mix with a fork.</p>



<p>Once combined, pour the mixture over the carrot slices. Stir in the walnuts and dried cranberries, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. Serve chilled with your pizza.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">8. Simple Roasted Summer Vegetables</h3>



<p>Pizza night lets you take it easy. The whole point is to let someone else do the bulk of the work while you sit back and enjoy one of your favorite meals. So, when it comes to side dishes, simple is best. And nothing suits a tasty pizza quite like the wonderful flavors of roasted veggies.</p>



<p>This recipe doesn&#8217;t require much effort, but it has a big impact on your taste buds and the entire dinner experience. Whip these up the next time you need a pizza side dish.</p>



<p>Gather the following ingredients to prepare this dish:</p>



<ul>
<li>1 cup chopped zucchini</li>



<li>1 red onion, cut into large wedges</li>



<li>1 cup chopped yellow squash</li>



<li>1 red bell pepper, chopped</li>



<li>1 cup small white button mushrooms, whole</li>



<li>¼ cup olive oil</li>



<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>



<p>Chopped all of the veggies to be about the same size&nbsp;so that they cook evenly. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine the chopped vegetables in a large bowl, pour the olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper. Toss until well coated.</p>



<p>Lay the vegetables out on a lined baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes. Stir at least once during the cooking process. Serve in a large bowl while the vegetables are still warm.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">9. Parmesan Zucchini Sticks</h3>



<p>With flavors that complement your pizza without stealing any of the spotlight, these cheesy zucchini sticks are a delightful companion to your&nbsp;main meal. You can even dip them in marinara sauce for&nbsp;a flavor&nbsp;bonus. Roast them up while you wait for your pizza to arrive,&nbsp;and you&#8217;ve got a tasty side dish you can use time and again for your pizza nights.</p>



<p>Here&#8217;s what you&#8217;ll need:</p>



<ul>
<li>1 medium zucchini, cut into sticks</li>



<li>1 egg</li>



<li>1 tablespoon water</li>



<li>1 cup breadcrumbs</li>



<li>½ cup&nbsp;Parmesan cheese</li>



<li>Olive oil for drizzling</li>



<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>



<p>Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, crack the egg and whisk it with the water to make an egg wash. In another bowl, mix the bread crumbs and&nbsp;Parmesan cheese. Coat the zucchini sticks in the egg and shake off any excess. Coat them again in the breadcrumb mixture. Lay the zucchini sticks out on a lined baking dish, and then sprinkle them with salt and pepper.</p>



<p>Roast for 25-30 minutes or until they are cooked through. Serve immediately with a small side of marinara sauce for those who might want to dip the cheesy sticks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">10. Basic Arugula Salad With Parmesan</h3>



<p>An arugula salad has bright, fresh tones of green that can heighten most dinners, but it goes especially well with the flavors found in pizza.&nbsp;This delicious salad couldn&#8217;t be simpler, making it a delicious companion to your pizza night meal.</p>



<p>Gather the following ingredients to prepare this dish:</p>



<ul>
<li>5 cups arugula</li>



<li>Fresh&nbsp;Parmigiano-Reggiano</li>



<li>¼ cup olive oil</li>



<li>Juice of half a lemon</li>



<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>



<p>Add the arugula to a large salad bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pour over the arugula and toss until well blended. Use a peeler, like one you might use on vegetables, to peel pieces of cheese over the salad. You want large, flavorful chunks. Serve the salad immediately alongside your pizza.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">11. Mini Fruit Pizzas</h3>



<p>While these might be more of a dessert than a side dish, there&#8217;s nothing like the freshness of fruit to lighten a meal and make it more refreshing. These act as guilty-pleasure palate cleansers after you&#8217;ve had a heavy pizza dinner — and you don&#8217;t even have to worry about baking or whipping together an extensive dessert.</p>



<p>This dish is a hit with adults and kids alike — though you might find it especially appealing if you&#8217;re serving kids since it doesn&#8217;t create a huge mess. Plus, it encourages them to eat fruit! It&#8217;s a win-win situation for your next pizza night.</p>



<p>To prepare this dish, you&#8217;ll need these ingredients:</p>



<ul>
<li>About a dozen large sugar cookies</li>



<li>1 cup sliced strawberries</li>



<li>1 cup sliced kiwi</li>



<li>1 cup blueberries</li>



<li>Cool Whip</li>
</ul>



<p>Lay the cookies out on the table. Take a spoonful of Cool Whip and coat the top of each cookie with the creamy concoction. Layer the fruit, as desired, on top of the Cool&nbsp;Whip. Serve&nbsp;up as a DIY dessert or tasty side to your more traditional pizza dinner.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">10 Yummy Pizza Side Dishes You Can Order From Giordano&#8217;s</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/10-yummy-pizza-side-dishes.jpg" alt="10 Yummy Pizza Side Dishes You Can Order From Giordano's" class="wp-image-432061" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/10-yummy-pizza-side-dishes.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/10-yummy-pizza-side-dishes-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/10-yummy-pizza-side-dishes-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>When you dine with Giordano&#8217;s, pizza night is about more than pizza. It&#8217;s about coming together with family or friends with a spread of crowd-pleasing food and complementary flavors. Create the perfect meal for your family or a get-together with <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/435df703-84bc-4523-9142-a989010edfd4/ToGo/Pickup">more from&nbsp;<u>our menu</u></a>. You&#8217;ll find the best side dishes for pizza from Giordano&#8217;s!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Caesar Salad</h3>



<p>For a fresh side dish for pizza, go for something light from the <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/435df703-84bc-4523-9142-a989010edfd4/ToGo/Pickup/category/47c19df1-d00e-46dc-bde7-a116d5efd450">salad section of our menu</a>. You can&#8217;t go wrong with Caesar salad, which includes fresh and crispy romaine lettuce, tangy and creamy Caesar dressing, and a topping of Parmesan, Romano and Asiago cheeses. It perfectly complements your cheesy pizza dinner!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Chicken Wings or Boneless Nuggets</h3>



<p>Pizza and wings are an iconic combination, and chicken wings are one of the best side dishes to go with pizza when you&#8217;re feeding a crowd. When you get <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/435df703-84bc-4523-9142-a989010edfd4/ToGo/Pickup/category/9d816b4d-2c77-4891-8e70-8ef9d4efd4fb/item/501cbf09-2a84-4b01-b1a8-404df967e627">chicken wings from Giordano&#8217;s</a>, you get a choice between plain, Buffalo or BBQ wings — they&#8217;re perfect whether you&#8217;re feeling the heat or craving something sweet. Get a mix of Buffalo and BBQ wings when you&#8217;re hosting a <a href="https://giordanos.com/tips-for-hosting-a-march-madness-party/">big game day party</a> or another get-together and want to please every visitor.</p>



<p>If you&#8217;re in the mood for nuggets, you can get those from Giordano&#8217;s, too. Like our classic chicken wings, our <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/435df703-84bc-4523-9142-a989010edfd4/ToGo/Pickup/category/9d816b4d-2c77-4891-8e70-8ef9d4efd4fb/item/a1bb2daa-ea73-4b03-a936-12acc090d576">white meat boneless chicken nuggets</a> come plain or tossed in Buffalo or BBQ sauce.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Fried Mozzarella Triangles</h3>



<p>If pizza night is a cheat night for you, you might as well go all out and indulge in some <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/435df703-84bc-4523-9142-a989010edfd4/ToGo/Pickup/category/9d816b4d-2c77-4891-8e70-8ef9d4efd4fb/item/44b6c0ce-f2fb-4b09-a479-6904a1030680">fried mozzarella triangles</a>. These lightly breaded starters will satisfy your craving for mozzarella sticks and then some — there&#8217;s even more melty cheese. Pair fried mozzarella triangles with our house-made marinara dipping sauce for a flavor that mimics your deep-dish pizza but doesn&#8217;t overpower it.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Garlic Parmesan Fries</h3>



<p>French fries are a crowd-pleaser and a great side to get for families, and <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/435df703-84bc-4523-9142-a989010edfd4/ToGo/Pickup/category/9d816b4d-2c77-4891-8e70-8ef9d4efd4fb/item/2f0e912d-2d4e-42aa-abc9-b612345d84c5">garlic Parmesan fries</a> give you a more flavorful version of a beloved classic. As a pizza lover, you know you love the delicious combination of garlic and Parmesan, so don&#8217;t leave your fries out of the fun. Get this starter with Giordano&#8217;s signature ranch dipping sauce for a tangy twist on a favorite. Got picky eaters at the party? Don&#8217;t worry —&nbsp;we make <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/435df703-84bc-4523-9142-a989010edfd4/ToGo/Pickup/category/9d816b4d-2c77-4891-8e70-8ef9d4efd4fb/item/1e3946f6-f26f-4ed9-adf6-9ba3aef6d4b8">plain french fries</a>, too.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Calamari</h3>



<p>Seafood lovers, we&#8217;ve got you covered. For a yummy yet refined finger food, you can&#8217;t go wrong with calamari! At Giordano&#8217;s, our <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/435df703-84bc-4523-9142-a989010edfd4/ToGo/Pickup/category/9d816b4d-2c77-4891-8e70-8ef9d4efd4fb/item/b12fc32b-7803-48ff-a70f-d78496bfb573">calamari is lightly fried</a> and served with lemon rings, banana peppers and our house-made marinara. If you&#8217;re &#8220;fishing&#8221; for a unique pizza side dish, give calamari a try.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. Italian Beef and Giardiniera Arancini</h3>



<p>If you haven&#8217;t been introduced to giardiniera or arancini, you&#8217;re in for a treat —&nbsp;literally. Giardiniera is a special Italian relish made by soaking pickled veggies in vinegar or oil, and arancini are deep-fried rice balls. Stuff the <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/435df703-84bc-4523-9142-a989010edfd4/ToGo/Pickup/category/9d816b4d-2c77-4891-8e70-8ef9d4efd4fb/item/f7e2f7e9-741b-4d0e-a421-4a966fe4db9e">rice balls with the veggies and beef</a>, and you&#8217;ve got a distinctly Italian side dish to go with your distinctly Italian dinner!&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">7. Cheesy Garlic Bread</h3>



<p>Garlic bread is another classic side dish, and nothing enhances it like cheese. Our <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/435df703-84bc-4523-9142-a989010edfd4/ToGo/Pickup/category/9d816b4d-2c77-4891-8e70-8ef9d4efd4fb/item/a13a5cc4-8360-40f8-8335-522ec4a8827c">cheesy garlic bread</a> is made with a mix of four cheeses melted to perfection. Our marinara sauce is the perfect dipping sauce if you&#8217;re longing for a zesty complement to the bread.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">8. Tomato Bruschetta&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Craving a fresh side dish but sick of salads? May we present <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/435df703-84bc-4523-9142-a989010edfd4/ToGo/Pickup/category/9d816b4d-2c77-4891-8e70-8ef9d4efd4fb/item/d8624892-b828-4aab-93d9-f1dbb2806e0a">the tomato bruschetta</a> from Giordano&#8217;s. Crispy garlic toast creates the base for this dish, and we top things off with freshly diced tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Give it a try!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">9. Pasta</h3>



<p>If you&#8217;re hosting some extra hungry guests, or you&#8217;re feeling famished yourself, <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/435df703-84bc-4523-9142-a989010edfd4/ToGo/Pickup/category/38fb9676-9c11-4487-80fb-f39bd5efd4d5">pair your pizza with pasta</a>. It&#8217;s a <a href="https://giordanos.com/best-pizza-pasta-combinations/">classic combination</a>, and at Giordano&#8217;s, you can order rigatoni with cream sauce, rigatoni bolognese, chicken Parmesan, fettuccini Alfredo, lasagna or spaghetti to go with your pizza.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">10. Giordano&#8217;s Sampler</h3>



<p>If you&#8217;re hosting a get-together or have a family who can&#8217;t decide on what pizza appetizers they&#8217;re craving, try our sampler. You&#8217;ll <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/435df703-84bc-4523-9142-a989010edfd4/ToGo/Pickup/category/9d816b4d-2c77-4891-8e70-8ef9d4efd4fb/item/8e1b7d2f-2db0-4239-8a78-46bbaf6e69b4">enjoy a combination of delicious favorites</a> like our bruschetta, boneless chicken bites in Buffalo or BBQ sauce, cheesy garlic bread, and mozzarella triangles. Try a bit of everything and make sure everyone gets their favorite with this starter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pair the Perfect Side With the Perfect Pizza</h2>



<p>The next time you&nbsp;<a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/"><u>order one of Giordano&#8217;s classic Chicago-style pizzas</u></a>, make sure you have the side dishes to accompany this iconic dinner. Whip up&nbsp;a dish yourself or order&nbsp;one of the tasty treats from Giordano&#8217;s. Whether you want an extra hit of protein from chicken wings, a crisp salad or some cheesy mozzarella triangles, we&#8217;ve got the dishes to delight your taste buds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Find a <a href="https://giordanos.com/locations/"><u>Giordano&#8217;s location near you</u></a>&nbsp;to fill your next pizza night with a delicious deep-dish pie and plenty of flavorful sides.&nbsp;We can&#8217;t wait to see what you choose!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://giordanos.com/all-locations/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pair-the-perfect-side-with-the-perfect-pizza.jpg" alt="Pair the Perfect Side with the Perfect Pizza" class="wp-image-432071" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pair-the-perfect-side-with-the-perfect-pizza.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pair-the-perfect-side-with-the-perfect-pizza-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pair-the-perfect-side-with-the-perfect-pizza-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/best-side-dishes-for-pizza/">Best Side Dishes for Pizza</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></content>
		
					<link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/best-side-dishes-for-pizza/#comments" thr:count="0" />
			<link rel="replies" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://giordanos.com/best-side-dishes-for-pizza/feed/atom/" thr:count="0" />
			<thr:total>0</thr:total>
			</entry>
		<entry>
		<author>
			<name>Blake Trahan</name>
					</author>

		<title type="html"><![CDATA[Everything You Need to Know About Boca Park]]></title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-boca-park/" />

		<id>https://giordanos1.wpengine.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-boca-park/</id>
		<updated>2024-10-08T15:09:28Z</updated>
		<published>2024-07-17T11:46:28Z</published>
		<category scheme="https://giordanos.com/" term="Local Guides" />
		<summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>The city of Las Vegas is famous across the globe as the entertainment capital of the world. With its casinos, nightlife, hotels and world-class entertainment, Las Vegas is high on the list for many sightseers, from homegrown locals to U.S. road-trippers to international visitors. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority estimates&#160;over 40 million visitors&#160;come&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-boca-park/">Everything You Need to Know About Boca Park</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></summary>

					<content type="html" xml:base="https://giordanos.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-boca-park/"><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/everything-you-need-to-know-about-boca-park.jpg" alt="Everything You Need to Know About Boca Park" class="wp-image-431851" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/everything-you-need-to-know-about-boca-park.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/everything-you-need-to-know-about-boca-park-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/everything-you-need-to-know-about-boca-park-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The city of Las Vegas is famous across the globe as the entertainment capital of the world. With its casinos, nightlife, hotels and world-class entertainment, Las Vegas is high on the list for many sightseers, from homegrown locals to U.S. road-trippers to international visitors.</p>



<p>The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority estimates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lvcva.com/research/"><u>over 40 million visitors</u></a>&nbsp;come to Las Vegas each year, and these visitors support the <a href="https://lvgea.org/doing-business-here/#:~:text=Home%20to%202.3%20million%20people,three%20times%20the%20national%20average.">more than 56,000 employer businesses</a> that offer jobs to over 1 million workers.</p>



<p>There is so much to see and do in Las Vegas, and the hot, sunny Mojave Desert climate is also a major draw. At the top of every tourist&#8217;s Las Vegas itinerary is the magnificent and ever-buzzing Caesars Palace and the Red Rock Canyon. But have you ever heard of Boca Park, the the premium shopping center in town that gives you access to thousands of places to shop, eat and relax? In this guide, we give you insight into Boca Park and point you to some of its coolest attractions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The History of Boca Park</h2>



<p>The city of Las Vegas has a long, storied history. Las Vegas,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Residents/History/Timeline"><u>originally founded</u>&nbsp;in 1905</a> on 110 acres of land, was a railroad town. The availability of water made the location an ideal place for railroad operations to rest and refuel. The abundance of ores made&nbsp;mining and metals production&nbsp;important local industries, especially during World War I. Later, dude ranches sprang up around the city, offering ideal places for those seeking temporary residency.</p>



<p>In the 1930s, the construction of the Hoover Dam brought in a surge of construction workers and gave the Depression economy a welcome influx of work and money. In the 1940s and 50s, hotels, resorts and casinos began to spring up along the Strip, including landmark resorts like the Frontier, Dunes and Stardust, as well as the Moulin Rouge, famous as the&nbsp;first desegregated casino. Two decades later, the business magnate Howard Hughes invested vast sums in Las Vegas hotels and other businesses.</p>



<p>In the 1980s, Las Vegas saw an enormous population boom. Population increases of up to 7% a year meant the city&#8217;s population&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Visitors/History"><u>nearly doubled</u></a>&nbsp;from 1985 to 1995. People from all over, drawn by the city’s vibrant entertainment culture and booming economy, flocked to Las Vegas to live and work.</p>



<p>The Boca Park shopping center in western Las Vegas grew up around this time. The main 277,000-square-foot&nbsp;shopping center&nbsp;opened in 1999 and has done robust business since then. It boasts many cute shops and mouthwatering eateries, and its convenient location less than half an hour from the Las Vegas Strip makes it a prime choice for busy vacationers and locals alike.</p>



<p>Initially, Boca Park included&nbsp;the shopping center&nbsp;to the northeast corner of the intersection of Charleston and Rampart Boulevards. A Target, an REI store, a Petland, a wine shop, salons and a variety of cafe and dining options in the area give the shopping center much of its appeal.&nbsp;In casual conversation, though, Boca Park includes several other shopping districts near this intersection.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Boca Park shopping center appeals to visitors of all ages and abilities and caters to the diverse needs of locals and tourists. Other than an array of stores, the area has a wide selection of formal and casual eateries offering something different. Especially if you’re a traveler staying on the western side of Las Vegas or living in the area, Boca Park offers an exciting, convenient alternative to trekking to the Strip. Because it’s less touristy, the area will likely be a little easier on your budget.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shopping and Entertainment in Boca Park</h2>



<p>The shopping and entertainment joints in and around Boca Park provide an attractive draw for visitors.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Target, Kohl&#8217;s, Rei and Pottery Barn&nbsp;</h3>



<p>When you’re out and about in an unfamiliar city and need some Tylenol or a pack of gum, sometimes familiar staples are what you’re looking for. Or maybe you’re ready to splurge on some new clothes for your Vegas vacation. Either way, the large Target and Kohl’s locations right in the heart of Boca Park are sure to have what you’re looking for.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="596" height="240" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/update-furniture.jpg" alt="At some point you'll want to update your furniture" class="wp-image-431861" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/update-furniture.jpg 596w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/update-furniture-300x121.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 596px) 100vw, 596px" /></figure>



<p>If you already live in Boca Park, or if you want to move here, at some point, you’ll likely want to update your furniture, dishware or home decor. The Pottery Barn location in the Boca Park shopping center offers stylish, modern furniture and housewares that complement many tastes. There’s also a&nbsp;Pottery Barn Kids&nbsp;where you can purchase toys, bedding, and furniture, such as bunk beds, to create spaces your kids will adore.</p>



<p>Are you looking to explore the great outdoors in Nevada, hiking the alpine scrambles, camping at the Boca campgrounds or climbing the <a href="https://travelnevada.com/climbing/basecamp-reno/">world&#8217;s tallest outdoor climbing wall</a>? The&nbsp;REI store&nbsp;at Boca Park has you covered for outdoor gear to explore the Mojave Desert&#8217;s natural beauty. The REI Las Vegas store stocks up on gear and clothing you need for camping, hiking, biking, climbing, paddling, skiing and snowboarding that will get you safely through even the most rugged of treks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Barnes &amp; Noble&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Whether you’re at home or on vacation, no matter how busy you are, a time often comes when the appeal of a good book is hard to resist. Maybe you’ll be relaxing by the poolside, soaking up some rays while the rest of your friends and family frolic in the water. Or perhaps you’ll be lounging on a blanket in a park or preserve, soaking up the beauty of nature before heading out for some nightlife.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The&nbsp;Barnes &amp; Noble&nbsp;in Boca Park is an excellent place to stop to pick up a novel, biography or magazine to make your relaxing hours more enjoyable. This location also features several special events, such as book club meetings, author readings and children’s storytime activities that both locals and tourists can enjoy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Suncoast Hotel and Casino</h3>



<p>When you want to take part in the Las Vegas scene without venturing to the Strip, the&nbsp;Suncoast Hotel and Casino&nbsp;offers just what you’re looking for. This hotel and casino, located a five- to 10-minute drive from the Boca Park area, features table games, video poker and several exclusive restaurants at the perfect remove from the chaos and bustle of the main Las Vegas Strip.</p>



<p>For travelers who prefer alternatives to gambling, the property also offers fun venues like a bowling alley, an arcade, a movie theater and a spa where you can relax and pamper yourself. There’s even a bustling 600-person bingo hall. There’s also a 500-seat showroom for live entertainment, a throwback to the days that made Las Vegas famous as a nightlife hotspot.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Las Vegas Ballpark</h3>



<p>Las Vegas Ballpark, about 10 minutes from the Boca Park area, is a fantastic place to catch some baseball action. Here, you can take in a game featuring the Las Vegas Aviators, the AAA minor league affiliate of the Oakland Athletics and get a glimpse of the sport’s up-and-coming stars. The ballpark offers unique features such as suites, party zones, a kids’ zone, snacks and bars and even a pool just past the outfield wall. When baseball games are not on, the venue also hosts a rotating list of community and other sporting events.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">TPC Las Vegas&nbsp;</h3>



<p>TPC Las Vegas is your dream destination for any golfers looking to play a few rounds on a world-class golf course. TPC Las Vegas is a PGA tour partner offering pristine greens and challenging fairways at only an eight-minute drive from the Boca Park area. Some of the world’s best golfers and tour winners have played on these greens, but the course is open to members of the public regardless of experience or skill level. The course offers vacation packages and instruction for golfers of all levels, from beginners to PGA pros.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sights and Attractions in Boca Park</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sights-and-attractions-in-boca-park.jpg" alt="Sights and Attractions in Boca Park" class="wp-image-431871" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sights-and-attractions-in-boca-park.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sights-and-attractions-in-boca-park-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sights-and-attractions-in-boca-park-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The area around Boca Park is also home to many incredible Las Vegas sights and attractions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Springs Preserve</h3>



<p>Springs Preserve, located just a 12-minute drive from Boca Park, offers unique Las Vegas sights across the 180 acres of its nature preserve and displays. You can spend your day at this beautiful nature reserve strolling on trails, viewing the popular flash flood exhibit or visiting local creatures such as Gila monsters, gray foxes and even scorpions in their natural habitats. Check out the botanical garden, where you can wander, relax and enjoy the beautiful flowers, or explore a seasonal exhibit where butterflies flit through the native plants. And you won’t want to miss Boomtown 1905, a recreation of a historical street where Las Vegas’ rich past comes to life.</p>



<p>If relaxing in front of some entertainment is more your style, Springs Preserve offers a short moviegoing experience, as well as live weekend educational shows. The Big Springs Theater plays an eight-minute movie about the Mojave Desert throughout the day. Visitors can enjoy a sensory, surround-sound educational experience before venturing out to view the landscape on foot, via train or with rented bikes. On the weekend, you can also watch animal shows in the live amphitheater.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Smith Center for the Performing Arts</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1000" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/smith-center-for-performing-arts.jpg" alt="The Smith Center for the Performing Arts" class="wp-image-431881" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/smith-center-for-performing-arts.jpg 700w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/smith-center-for-performing-arts-210x300.jpg 210w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/smith-center-for-performing-arts-630x900.jpg 630w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure>



<p>When you’re looking for something a little different from the shows along the Strip, the&nbsp;Smith Center for the Performing Arts, about 15 minutes from Boca Park, is an excellent choice. This venue features frequent performances by the Las Vegas Philharmonic and the Nevada Ballet Theatre, both of which have their homes very close to the Boca Park area.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The five-acre campus also boasts inventive outdoor&nbsp;sculptures and statues that showcase different art mediums, including commissioned and gifted pieces. One famous sculpture is&nbsp;<em>Pipe Dream</em>, a colorful, 80-foot array of pipes that each represent a single note in Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man.” The Fred and Mary Smith bronze statue is another uplifting structure that pays tribute to the center&#8217;s namesakes that enabled the opening of The Smith Center.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Smith Center hosts world-class entertainment experiences, including Broadway blockbusters, classical musicals and shows featuring various dance styles. It also provides a variety of education and outreach initiatives that educate community members from all walks of life at no cost.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Family-Friendly Attractions in Boca Park</h2>



<p>The Boca Park shopping center and surrounding areas contain a variety of&nbsp;<a href="https://giordanos.com/family-friendly-attractions-in-boca-park/"><u>family-friendly attractions</u></a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The 200,000-acre Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located a few miles west of Las Vegas in the Mojave Desert, offers breathtaking beauty and striking natural features. Bring the whole family here for a day of exploring and photographing the area&#8217;s natural wonders.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Kids will love scrambling through the colorful rock formations and looking for wildlife, with plenty of picturesque family selfie opportunities along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for the&nbsp;variety of wildlife&nbsp;you may encounter, including ground squirrels, wild burros, bighorn sheep, tortoises and lizards. Biking,&nbsp;hiking trails, camping and scenic drives are all excellent options, so there’s something for every group and activity level.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There’s also a visitor center with plenty of fun, interactive exhibits where kids can explore and learn simultaneously. Check out the incredible <a href="https://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/ice-box-canyon/">Ice Box Canyon for spring waterfalls</a>. Other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/geology-highlights/"><u>geological and historical highlights</u></a>&nbsp;include Aztec sandstone outcroppings, fossils, preserved prehistoric animal tracks, Native American petroglyphs and the Keystone Thrust Fault. And be sure to&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Discovery Children&#8217;s Museum&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.discoverykidslv.org/">DISCOVERY Children’s Museum</a> may sound as if it’s just for kids, but its variety of fun, educational and&nbsp;hands-on exhibits&nbsp;has something to offer everyone. This museum, located only 15 minutes from Boca Park, next to the Smith Center for Performing Arts, will wow your crowd with galleries, creative opportunities and tactile experiences like water play.</p>



<p>The little ones can explore Toddler Town, a desert-themed exhibit featuring miners, rocks, animals and trains. Older kids will love conquering the Summit, a 70-foot tower that climbs all three floors of the museum and finally reaches the roof. Along the way, museumgoers can climb, slide and engage with interactive science activities. And kids of all ages will enjoy participating in the Fantasy Festival. This gallery hosts a cool castle, a life-sized ship and a colorful array of costumes to encourage hours of creative play.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Boca Park Restaurants and Eateries&nbsp;</h2>



<p>You can never run out of places to catch a break and enjoy a scrumptious meal.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sunny Side Up&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Sunny Side Up is a breakfast and brunch spot located in North West Las Vegas. It serves the best buttermilk or banana pancakes and eggs daily, and their expertly curated breakfast and lunch menu with world-class service also includes juicy fried chicken, waffles, hash browns, eggs Benedict and smoked salmon. At Sunny Side Up, you can get the freshest, house-made pastries and bottomless mimosas. They offer takeout and wheelchair accessibility, and you can walk in or make a reservation in advance.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Giordano&#8217;s</h3>



<p>You can&#8217;t be in Las Vegas without enjoying some cheesy, deep-dish pizza from <a href="https://giordanos.com/locations/las-vegas-nv/">Giordano&#8217;s in Las Vegas, Nevada</a>. Giordano&#8217;s Pizza has been acclaimed by Home &amp; Garden Magazine, New York and other top publications as the “Best Pizza” since 1974. The uniqueness of Giordano&#8217;s pizza is in the specially produced Mozzarella cheese, signature sauce made from hand-picked tomatoes and a stuffed deep-dish and thin-crust pizza. You can also find fresh pasta dishes like country-style rigatoni, chicken alfredo trays and delicious desserts that include assorted cookies and browns.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stop By Giordano’s When You Visit Boca Park&nbsp;</h2>



<p>During your days of shopping and adventuring or your nights of seeing the town, be sure to stop by the Giordano’s location in Boca Park for the best pizza in Las Vegas. Our mouthwatering, cheesy deep-dish pizza, made from a recipe that has evolved from an&nbsp;<a href="https://giordanos.com/our-story/"><u>original Italian creation</u></a>&nbsp;over 200 years, is second to none. We also offer a wide selection of other favorites like fettuccine Alfredo, lasagna, cheesy garlic bread, Parmesan fries, delectable desserts and a full bar.</p>



<p><a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/2810"><u>Browse our menu</u></a> online to get a feel for our unique dishes, and then come check us out for yourself.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/stop-by-giordanos-when-you-visit-boca-park.jpg" alt="Stop by Giordano's When You Visit Boca Park" class="wp-image-431891" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/stop-by-giordanos-when-you-visit-boca-park.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/stop-by-giordanos-when-you-visit-boca-park-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/stop-by-giordanos-when-you-visit-boca-park-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-boca-park/">Everything You Need to Know About Boca Park</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></content>
		
					<link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-boca-park/#comments" thr:count="0" />
			<link rel="replies" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://giordanos.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-boca-park/feed/atom/" thr:count="0" />
			<thr:total>0</thr:total>
			</entry>
		<entry>
		<author>
			<name>Blake Trahan</name>
					</author>

		<title type="html"><![CDATA[The Zodiac Signs as Pizza]]></title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/the-zodiac-signs-as-pizza/" />

		<id>https://giordanos1.wpengine.com/the-zodiac-signs-as-pizza/</id>
		<updated>2024-10-08T15:09:28Z</updated>
		<published>2024-06-27T16:08:54Z</published>
		<category scheme="https://giordanos.com/" term="Uncategorized" />
		<summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>There are plenty of disagreements among the different zodiac signs, but hopefully, we can all come to at least one mutual agreement — pizza is the superior dish. With limitless ingredients, toppings, flavors and combos available, there really is something for every personality. Your favorite pizza might be a personal choice, but with all the&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/the-zodiac-signs-as-pizza/">The Zodiac Signs as Pizza</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></summary>

					<content type="html" xml:base="https://giordanos.com/the-zodiac-signs-as-pizza/"><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Zodiac-Signs-As-Pizza.jpg" alt="The Zodiac Signs As Pizza" class="wp-image-431701" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Zodiac-Signs-As-Pizza.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Zodiac-Signs-As-Pizza-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Zodiac-Signs-As-Pizza-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>There are plenty of disagreements among the different zodiac signs, but hopefully, we can all come to at least one mutual agreement — pizza is the superior dish. With limitless ingredients, toppings, flavors and combos available, there really is something for every personality.</p>



<p>Your favorite pizza might be a personal choice, but with all the options out there, it might be hard to decide. If you&#8217;re feeling a little fickle, all you have to do is look up — the answer is written in the stars! What is the perfect pizza for each astrological sign?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Giordano&#8217;s Picks for the 12 Zodiac Signs as Pizza</h2>



<p>Find your sign below and determine if your pizza is accurate — we&#8217;ll let you be the judge.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="763" height="4000" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Zodiac-Signs-As-Pizza-micrographic.png" alt="The Zodiac Signs As Pizza" class="wp-image-431951" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Zodiac-Signs-As-Pizza-micrographic.png 763w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Zodiac-Signs-As-Pizza-micrographic-57x300.png 57w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Zodiac-Signs-As-Pizza-micrographic-293x1536.png 293w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Zodiac-Signs-As-Pizza-micrographic-206x1080.png 206w" sizes="(max-width: 763px) 100vw, 763px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Aries (March 21-April 19) — Meat and More Meat (Pepperoni, Sausage, Salami and Bacon)</h3>



<p>Aries, the ram, is known for being fearless and bold — if a little hot-headed. A meat pizza is the perfect choice for any Aries, especially if you add some red pepper flakes on top.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s no secret that the Aries are a competitive bunch and love to snag first place whenever possible. It&#8217;s only natural that their pizza would combine two of the most popular toppings in the United States — pepperoni and sausage. If you&#8217;re an Aries, head on over to Giordano&#8217;s and fulfill your need for adventure and excitement with a tasty meat pizza.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Classic Margherita (Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Asiago Cheese and Basil)</h3>



<p>Taureans — the bulls — might be known for their stubbornness, but that doesn&#8217;t stop them from enjoying the finer things in life. You can&#8217;t get much finer than a classic Margherita pizza. Taureans often strive for perfection, and Margherita pizza is a pristine blend of the freshest ingredients, including mozzarella, tomatoes and basil — that&#8217;s a pretty perfect concoction if you ask us.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Super Veggie (Mushrooms, Green Peppers, Spinach, Black Olives, Onions and Garlic-Coated Broccoli)</h3>



<p>Geminis — the twins — are often thought of as two-faced, but they&#8217;re better known as energetic and communicative extroverts. Just don&#8217;t ask a Gemini to make a decision. Their duality means they struggle to decide on toppings, making a super veggie pizza the perfect choice.</p>



<p>Geminis can try out pizza that includes a hodgepodge of all their go-to vegetables, including greens, mushrooms, black olives and onions. One could say veggie pizza matches the energy of the Gemini — chaotic and unpredictable — but in the best way possible.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Fresh Spinach (Fresh Spinach and Cheese)</h3>



<p>Cancer, the crab, might seem a bit overbearing to the outside observer, but these people are generally shy and reserved. They tend to be among the most mature members of the zodiac. A fresh spinach pizza is the perfect representation of their sensitive and nurturing nature.</p>



<p>Many Cancerians are no strangers to acute stress, indigestion and butterflies in the stomach. Fortunately, spinach is an excellent source of fiber <a href="https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8043652/best-vegetable-for-gut-health/">and low in FODMAPs</a>, making it an ideal topping for those with digestion and gut troubles.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Leo (July 23-August 22) — Parmesan Cheese Crusted Pan Pizza</h3>



<p>You can never have too much cheese, especially if you&#8217;re a Leo. These lion signs always love to be the center of attention, and this cheese-crusted personal pan pizza will ensure it. Leos are also shameless and unhinged romantics, and they often like their pizza the way they like their romance — extra cheesy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Virgo (August 23-September 22) — The Classic Chicago Deep-Dish (Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Green Pepper and Onion)</h3>



<p>Virgo is the sign most often associated with stability. If you&#8217;re looking for practicality in your pizza, your best option is a classic Chicago deep-dish pizza stuffed with cheese and toppings. It strikes the optimal balance of being satisfying and delicious, catering to even the most particular Virgo palate.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Libra (September 23-October 22) — Spinach, Artichoke and Feta Cheese (Spinach, Artichoke and Feta With Lemon Vinaigrette)</h3>



<p>Libras are known for being balanced and fair. They strive for balance and symmetry in every aspect of their lives, including food. Naturally, they might crave a pizza that both looks and tastes incredible. If you&#8217;re seeking the perfect balance of flavors, you can&#8217;t go wrong with a spinach, artichoke and feta cheese pizza, especially if you&#8217;re looking for fresh flavors.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Scorpio (October 23-November 21) — A Personal Pan Pizza</h3>



<p>Have you ever known a scorpion to share? Scorpios tend to be clever and passionate, but they trend toward self-centeredness as well. A personal pan pizza lets you enjoy all your toppings without worrying about sharing. Gratify your desire for independence with a pizza fully customized to you and you only.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) — Chicken Pesto Pizza (Chicken, Pesto and Tomatoes)</h3>



<p>Sagittarius, the archer, is known for being bold, spontaneous and fun. These qualities make them the perfect match for the sharp and delicious chicken pesto pizza. A Sagittarius also knows how to eat, and a chicken pesto pizza can take on even the most colossal appetite.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Capricorn (December 22-January 19) — Pepperoni Pizza&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Capricorn, the goat, is practical, reliable and fiercely loyal. Capricorns enjoy structure, security and routine. They find comfort in stability, order and knowing exactly what to expect. For that reason, you can&#8217;t go wrong with an old staple — the classic pepperoni pizza.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Aquarius (January 20-February 18) — Bacon BBQ Chicken (Barbecue Sauce Base, Chicken, Bacon and Onions)</h3>



<p>Aquarius is the water bearer, and these individuals tend to be unpredictable. They are freethinkers — their creativity, innovativeness and wild imaginations know no bounds. They refuse to conform to normal standards, so you shouldn&#8217;t expect them to choose a normal pizza. Tomato sauce? Nah! A barbecue sauce base sounds even better.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pisces (February 19-March 20) — The Special Pizza (Sausage, Mushrooms, Green Peppers and Onions)</h3>



<p>Pisces, the fish, is best known for being creative and wise. They&#8217;d certainly agree to this special pizza with all its delicious flavors. You can&#8217;t go wrong with sausage, mushrooms, peppers and onions, after all.</p>



<p>If we want to get stereotypical, the average Pisces might gravitate toward anchovies or other seafood toppings. However, they may also be inclined to think outside the box with more complex pairings, which is precisely what this pizza delivers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Let Astrology Guide Your Pizza Choices</h2>



<p>No matter your zodiac sign, one of these 12 pizzas from Giordano&#8217;s is sure to please any pizza-strologist! Do you think your pizza accurately represents your sign? Come to Giordano&#8217;s to find out! While based in Chicago, we proudly <a href="https://giordanos.com/all-locations/">serve a variety of cities</a> throughout Illinois. We also have locations in these other states:</p>



<ul>
<li>Colorado</li>



<li>Florida</li>



<li>Indiana</li>



<li>Iowa</li>



<li>Minnesota</li>



<li>Ohio</li>



<li>Nevada</li>



<li>Wisconsin</li>
</ul>



<p>Our extensive menu has <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/national/ToGo/Pickup">no shortage of options</a> to fuel your inner foodie, from scrumptious deep-dish to our decadent pan pizza. Don&#8217;t hold back — make it a meal deal and accompany your entree with an appetizer, salad, beverage or dessert.</p>



<p>Whatever your astrological sign,&nbsp;we have something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/">Place your order online</a> or visit one of our locations to dine in today!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Let-Astrology-Guide-Your-Pizza-Choices.jpg" alt="Let Astrology Guide Your Pizza Choices" class="wp-image-431711" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Let-Astrology-Guide-Your-Pizza-Choices.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Let-Astrology-Guide-Your-Pizza-Choices-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Let-Astrology-Guide-Your-Pizza-Choices-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/the-zodiac-signs-as-pizza/">The Zodiac Signs as Pizza</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></content>
		
					<link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/the-zodiac-signs-as-pizza/#comments" thr:count="0" />
			<link rel="replies" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://giordanos.com/the-zodiac-signs-as-pizza/feed/atom/" thr:count="0" />
			<thr:total>0</thr:total>
			</entry>
		<entry>
		<author>
			<name>Blake Trahan</name>
					</author>

		<title type="html"><![CDATA[Best Restaurants in Boca Park]]></title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/best-restaurants-in-boca-park/" />

		<id>https://giordanos1.wpengine.com/best-restaurants-in-boca-park/</id>
		<updated>2024-10-08T15:09:28Z</updated>
		<published>2024-06-12T16:42:11Z</published>
		<category scheme="https://giordanos.com/" term="Local Guides" />
		<summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Boca Park, Nevada, is home to plenty of opportunities for shopping and fun, and when you need to refuel, there are just as many dining options. With so many choices, deciding where to eat in Boca Park can be overwhelming. Luckily, we&#8217;re here to help! Whether you&#8217;re planning a trip or you&#8217;re in the area&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/best-restaurants-in-boca-park/">Best Restaurants in Boca Park</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></summary>

					<content type="html" xml:base="https://giordanos.com/best-restaurants-in-boca-park/"><![CDATA[<h1><img decoding="async" src="https://admin.marketingcloudfx.com/uploads/media/1-Best-Restaurants-in-Boca-Park.jpg" alt="" /></h1>


<p>Boca Park, Nevada, is <a href="https://giordanos.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-boca-park/">home to plenty of opportunities</a> for shopping and fun, and when you need to refuel, there are just as many dining options. With so many choices, deciding where to eat in Boca Park can be overwhelming. Luckily, we&#8217;re here to help!</p>



<p>Whether you&#8217;re planning a trip or you&#8217;re in the area now and need a place to eat, we&#8217;ve got some suggestions. Consult this guide to the best restaurants in Boca Park and get great food for every meal of the day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Boca Park Restaurant Guide</h2>



<p>If you&#8217;re not looking for any particular dining experience, Boca Park offers a world of options. From steakhouses and vegan eateries to bars, coffee shops and more, the variety of restaurants near Boca Park means the area is perfect for everyone. Check out one of these restaurants in Boca Park, Las Vegas.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Hussong&#8217;s Mexican Cantina</h3>



<p>If you&#8217;re a fan of&nbsp;margaritas, visit&nbsp;Hussong&#8217;s Mexican Cantina&nbsp;— it claims to be <a href="https://hussongsbocapark.com/">the birthplace of the cocktail</a>. Regardless of the drink&#8217;s origin, Hussong&#8217;s Mexican Cantina has quite an extensive menu, including frozen margaritas, tacos, enchiladas and more Mexican fare.</p>



<p>The ambiance at Hussong&#8217;s is as exciting as the food —&nbsp;check it out on Sunday for&nbsp;mariachi music and great happy hour deals.&nbsp;Hussong&#8217;s Mexican Cantina is open between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Saturday. Visit the location on South Rampart Boulevard for a fun option near Boca Park.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Fleming&#8217;s Prime Steakhouse &amp; Wine Bar</h3>



<p>For a high-end dining experience, visit this chain that <a href="https://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/nv/summerlin">serves up steakhouse classics</a> like ribeye, fillet mignon and more.&nbsp;Fleming&#8217;s Prime Steakhouse &amp; Wine Bar&nbsp;also serves seafood, chicken, pork and other options for those who aren&#8217;t in the mood for a steak.</p>



<p>Pair your meal with the signature onion rings or one of Fleming&#8217;s variety of potato sides, and be sure to save room for dessert. Don&#8217;t forget something refreshing from the wine and cocktails menu or the bar to complement your meal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Fleming&#8217;s Prime Steakhouse &amp; Wine Bar is open Monday to Friday between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. On Saturdays, visit any time between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., and on Sundays, check them out between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Find this steakhouse on&nbsp;West Charleston Boulevard.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Flower Child</h3>



<p>Do eaters in your group have specific dietary needs?&nbsp;Flower Child&nbsp;is a <a href="https://www.iamaflowerchild.com/locations/las-vegas-nv/">health food chain offering vegan</a>, gluten-free, paleo and other options. Get fresh options like organic salads, rice and noodle bowls, wraps, entrees with protein and more to feel good about your brunch, lunch, dinner or snack. Flower Child also offers a kids menu, perfect for families visiting Boca Park in search of a healthy meal alternative.</p>



<p>Wash down your meal with seasonal lemonade or kombucha, which they serve on tap. Find Flower Child&#8217;s Las Vegas location on South Rampart Boulevard, open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. The Martini</h3>



<p>Eat, drink and play at this&nbsp;South Fort Apache Road location.&nbsp;The Martini&nbsp;has <a href="https://www.themartinilv.com/">plenty of bar-top gaming options</a> for entertainment while you wait for the bartender to serve up your martini or other specialty drink. While you sip, you can order tasty appetizers like truffled macaroni and cheese balls, flatbreads, soups and salads. You&#8217;ll also find decadent entrees and a tempting dessert menu.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Martini kitchen is open 24/7, perfect for late Las Vegas nights that turn into early mornings. Take in the warm yet industrial setting as you enjoy a fun evening or recover in the morning from the fun you had last night.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5.&nbsp;Sambalatte</h3>



<p>Sambalatte&nbsp;on South Rampart Boulevard may seem like an ordinary coffee shop at first glance, but <a href="http://sambalatte.com/">with tasty bakery items</a> like cinnamon rolls and cheese spirals, it also makes the perfect spot to refuel during the day or hang out at night and enjoy live entertainment. Relax in comfortable lounge chairs and an equally comfortable ambiance while escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Sit back and enjoy the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and other creations at&nbsp;Sambalatte for a casual and quick dining experience.&nbsp;Sambalatte is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Boca Park Restaurants for Special Occasions</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/boca-park-restaurants-for-special-occasions.jpg" alt="One of the best restaurants in Boca Park for special occasions" class="wp-image-431531" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/boca-park-restaurants-for-special-occasions.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/boca-park-restaurants-for-special-occasions-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/boca-park-restaurants-for-special-occasions-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, promotion or another special occasion while in Vegas? Your celebration isn&#8217;t complete without a meal at one of the best restaurants in Boca Park for special occasions. Head off the Strip to avoid traffic and crowds, no matter the occasion.</p>



<p>Below are some options that feature private dining or other opportunities to celebrate during your visit to Boca Park. Be sure to contact these locations in advance if you&#8217;re planning a special dinner.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Kona Grill</h3>



<p>Kona Grill&nbsp;<a href="https://www.konagrill.com/">serves modern American dishes</a> and features a full sushi bar. Celebrate any occasion with handcrafted cocktails that pair well with anything from Kona Grill&#8217;s variety-filled menu. Whether you want Asian-inspired starters, savory flatbreads, filling sandwiches or contemporary entrees, you and your group will find it here.</p>



<p>For private or semiprivate dining for your group, this chain might have what you need. Visit Kona Grill&#8217;s location on South Rampart Boulevard for your special occasion. The eatery is open Monday to Thursday between 11 a.m. and midnight. On Friday and Saturday, Kona Grill closes at 1 a.m. On Sunday, they close at 11 p.m.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Honey Salt</h3>



<p>If you&#8217;ve got a group of 15 or more looking to celebrate or get together in Boca Park, consider <a href="https://honeysalt.com/">making reservations with&nbsp;Honey Salt</a>. The homey yet contemporary location on South Rampart Boulevard has a focus on family and farm-to-table dishes. Get meals like&nbsp;Grandma Rosie&#8217;s Turkey Meatballs,&nbsp;Elizabeth&#8217;s Caesar Salad and more, made with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.</p>



<p>Everyone in your group will enjoy their experience at this Boca Park restaurant, no matter when you visit. Honey Salt&#8217;s group dining menus feature options for brunch, lunch and dinner. The establishment also caters to receptions and offers extensive beverage packages.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Everything is served family-style, bringing your party together for an intimate celebration. Visit for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch — come together as a family and don&#8217;t forget to save room for dessert. Honey Salt is open Monday to Thursday between 11.30 a.m. and 9 p.m. They close an hour later on Friday and Saturday.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Echo &amp; Rig Las Vegas</h3>



<p>Celebrate with your group at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.echoandrig.com/lasvegas">Echo &amp; Rig Las Vegas</a>. The South Rampart Boulevard location features a contemporary yet warm and inviting atmosphere. Explore the menu with your group and choose between steak, small plates, sandwiches, seafood and more.</p>



<p>Visit for a celebratory weekend brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and enjoy a meat-focused menu that includes dishes like a sausage and filet mignon scramble. If your group is celebrating in the middle of the day, consider lunch at Echo &amp; Rig during the week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also visit during the evening for dinner —&nbsp;Echo &amp; Rig is open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4.&nbsp;Vintner Grill</h3>



<p>Whether you need an entire space for your special occasion or just a private dining room that seats around 25 guests,&nbsp;Vintner Grill&nbsp;is <a href="https://www.vglasvegas.com/">ready to accommodate your group</a>. Special event packages include a complimentary valet service and access to the restaurant&#8217;s wine list. You can even arrange to use the outdoor patio and enjoy the Las Vegas weather.</p>



<p>This&nbsp;West Charleston Boulevard restaurant offers lunch and dinner menus that include refined takes on comfort food, including burgers, pasta, flatbread and more.</p>



<p>The Vintner Grill is open Monday to Friday between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Chinglish Cantonese Wine Bar</h3>



<p>For mouthwatering Hong Kong Cantonese cuisine, the <a href="https://chinglishwinebar.com/">Chinglish Cantonese Wine Bar</a> is an excellent choice. This eatery brings exclusive dishes and high-end wines to the table. With hand-folded dumplings and award-winning chefs, your group will enjoy a world-class dining experience.</p>



<p>The Chinglish Cantonese Wine Bar is open daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can visit their website to make a reservation for your table.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Popular Restaurants in Boca Park</h2>



<p>If you haven&#8217;t been to this area before, you may want to try some popular Boca Park restaurants. Take a chance on tastes everyone seems to love. These Boca Park Las Vegas restaurants hold tons of great reviews from happy customers.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Sunny Side Up</h3>



<p>Breakfast and brunch lovers will love the menu at <a href="https://sunnysidelv.com/new-page">Sunny Side Up</a>. With tasty menu options like buttermilk pancakes and eggs made every way, Sunny Side Up is the perfect stop for morning and midday outings. They&#8217;re <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/sunny-side-up-las-vegas">open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Samee Side Dishes</h3>



<p>Craving Korean fare or want to branch out and try something new?&nbsp;Samee Side Dishes&nbsp;<a href="http://sameesidedishes.com/">serves authentic Korean side dishes</a> and lunch boxes, like&nbsp;bulgogi, kimbap and more. Pop in for something quick and try out and share almost every dish on the menu. Everything is fresh, and the lunch boxes are made daily.</p>



<p>Find Samee Side Dishes on&nbsp;South Rainbow Boulevard, open from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Keep in mind that Samee Side Dishes is closed on Sunday.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. El Dorado Cantina</h3>



<p>This South Rampart Boulevard location is the sequel to the Las Vegas Strip&nbsp;El Dorado Cantina. Both locations <a href="https://eldoradocantina.com/tivoli-village/">serve authentic Mexican cuisine</a> with organic, natural ingredients. El Dorado Cantina&#8217;s extensive menu ranges from small plates, salsas, soups and salads to street tacos, burritos and seafood specials.&nbsp;</p>



<p>El Dorado Cantina also offers a breakfast menu and dessert options, including churros and fried ice cream. This Boca Park restaurant is open 24 hours every day, so visit in the middle of a fun night, for a midday meal or any other time for some Mexican fare.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Italian Restaurants in Boca Park</h2>



<p>Whether you&#8217;ve got a picky family to feed or are in search of some comfort food, look no further than the Italian restaurants near Boca Park. Italian food is always a fan favorite that brings everyone together, so try salads, pasta, entrees and more at these locations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. North Italia</h3>



<p>North Italia&#8217;s Boca Park location on South Rampart Boulevard <a href="https://www.northitalia.com/locations/las-vegas-nv/">serves daily specials</a> and fresh, handmade pasta. The chain is known for lunch, dinner, dessert, weekend brunch, happy hour specials and kids menus.</p>



<p>The lunch and dinner menus feature small plates, salads and, of course, fresh pasta. North Italia&#8217;s weekend brunch, served between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., features much of what&#8217;s on the lunch and dinner menus, with the addition of breakfast scrambles, wraps and more. Visit during the week between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. to enjoy happy hour specials and dinner items.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Ada&#8217;s</h3>



<p>Ada&#8217;s&nbsp;in&nbsp;Tivoli Village is <a href="https://www.adaslv.com/">known for its casual atmosphere</a> and lunch options, but you&#8217;ll find other great things if you visit between 12 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturday or 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Sunday. Ada&#8217;s is also open Monday to Thursday between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. and closes an hour later on Friday.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The lunch and dinner menus feature pasta options and classic entrees, like&nbsp;branzino and tagliatelle. Try a famous lunch sandwich for brunch or get one of Ada&#8217;s other classic breakfast options. Pair your food with a cocktail or wine, all designed to go with your meal.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Siena Italian Authentic Trattoria and Deli</h3>



<p>Located in Village Square on West Sahara Avenue,&nbsp;<a href="http://sienaitalian.com/wp/">Siena Italian Authentic Trattoria and Deli</a>&nbsp;offers an authentic experience. With a focus on fresh ingredients and dishes, Siena serves up homemade sauces and pasta with fresh seafood for a filling Italian meal.</p>



<p>Visit&nbsp;Siena Italian Authentic Trattoria and Deli for brunch, lunch or dinner. You&#8217;ll find an extensive menu that features classic starters, salads, pasta dishes and more to enjoy with family and friends. Siena opens at 10 a.m. on Sundays and 11:30 a.m. from Monday to Saturday. The eatery stays open until 9 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and 11 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Al Solito Posto</h3>



<p>For classic Italian flavors and a sophisticated fine dining experience, look no further than Al Solito Posto. This eatery <a href="https://www.alsolito.com/">offers an impressively extensive wine menu</a>. Beyond the iconic wine list, Al Solito Posto&#8217;s menu includes just about every Italian dish imaginable, including handmade pasta, pesce and carne.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Al Solito Posto is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday to Saturday. They also host a &#8220;pastaholics&#8221; happy hour from 9 p.m. to close!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Visit Giordano&#8217;s in Boca Park</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/a370ff2c-6540-4650-b43c-3b02b921a93e/ToGo/Pickup"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/giordanos-pizza-in-boca-park.jpg" alt="Visit Giordano's in Boca Park" class="wp-image-431541" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/giordanos-pizza-in-boca-park.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/giordanos-pizza-in-boca-park-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/giordanos-pizza-in-boca-park-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<p>Craving the best pizza in Boca Park? Check out Giordano&#8217;s location on West Charleston Boulevard.&nbsp;Whether you&#8217;re in Las Vegas with family and need a cheesy, deep-dish pizza to please a crowd or celebrating and want access to a full bar and delicious dinner menu, Giordano&#8217;s is the place for you.</p>



<p>At Giordano&#8217;s, you&#8217;ve got plenty to choose from on our amazing menu. Get a stuffed deep-dish pizza or a thin-crust pizza. You can also try our fresh pasta dishes and desserts or order something for the kids. No matter what you choose, everyone&#8217;s mouths will water as you recharge after a day of fun in Boca Park.</p>



<p>Check <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/#/menu/a370ff2c-6540-4650-b43c-3b02b921a93e/ToGo/Pickup">out our menu online</a>, and then visit one of <a href="https://giordanos.com/locations/">our locations</a> for dishes everyone will love. We can&#8217;t wait to give you a taste of our double-crusted, deep-dish pizza or other flavorful options at Giordano&#8217;s!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/best-restaurants-in-boca-park/">Best Restaurants in Boca Park</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></content>
		
					<link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/best-restaurants-in-boca-park/#comments" thr:count="0" />
			<link rel="replies" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://giordanos.com/best-restaurants-in-boca-park/feed/atom/" thr:count="0" />
			<thr:total>0</thr:total>
			</entry>
		<entry>
		<author>
			<name>Blake Trahan</name>
					</author>

		<title type="html"><![CDATA[The Ultimate Guide to Chicago Neighborhoods]]></title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-chicago-neighborhoods/" />

		<id>https://giordanos1.wpengine.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-chicago-neighborhoods/</id>
		<updated>2024-10-08T15:09:28Z</updated>
		<published>2024-05-29T13:32:13Z</published>
		<category scheme="https://giordanos.com/" term="Chicago" />
		<summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s easy to mix up Chicago&#8217;s neighborhoods. After all, there are 77 city districts in total — not counting all the distinct communities within those districts. Chicago newcomers sometimes don&#8217;t know where to start. If you&#8217;re a neighborhood noob, don&#8217;t worry, we&#8217;ll explain the basics. Our complete guide to Chicago neighborhoods will teach you the&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-chicago-neighborhoods/">The Ultimate Guide to Chicago Neighborhoods</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></summary>

					<content type="html" xml:base="https://giordanos.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-chicago-neighborhoods/"><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/the-ultimate-guide-to-chicago-neighborhoods.jpg" alt="The Ultimate Guide to Chicago Neighborhoods" class="wp-image-431391" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/the-ultimate-guide-to-chicago-neighborhoods.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/the-ultimate-guide-to-chicago-neighborhoods-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/the-ultimate-guide-to-chicago-neighborhoods-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>


<p>It&#8217;s easy to mix up Chicago&#8217;s neighborhoods. After all, there are 77 city districts in total — not counting all the distinct communities within those districts. Chicago newcomers sometimes don&#8217;t know where to start. If you&#8217;re a neighborhood noob, don&#8217;t worry, we&#8217;ll explain the basics.</p>
<p>Our complete guide to Chicago neighborhoods will teach you the art of navigating these neighborhoods. Buckle in for our ultimate tour. We&#8217;re going to visit a number of core Chicago neighborhoods. <span style="font-size: revert; color: initial;">For each neighborhood, we’ll cover:</span></p>
<ul>
<li>The area&#8217;s history.</li>
<li>Where it is.</li>
<li>What it’s famous for.</li>
<li>The area&#8217;s demographics.</li>
<li>The average price of housing.</li>
<li>The best restaurants.</li>
</ul>
<p>At Giordano&#8217;s, we empathize with novices of the Chicago landscape. We once counted ourselves among the ranks of the uninitiated. When Brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio opened the first Giordano&#8217;s in the South Side neighborhood, they had to master the neighborhoods the hard way. Consider yourself lucky. We&#8217;ll save you the trouble of learning the old-fashioned way.</p>
<p>As proud Chicagoans, each neighborhood means a lot to us at Giordano&#8217;s. We fondly remember those early deep-dish days in the South Side. Today, we cover a lot of ground in Chicago, but we never forget where we came from.</p>
<p>Reconnect with your roots and learn about your neighborhood, or if you&#8217;re new to Chicago, welcome! We hope this guide helps you discover where you might want to live.</p>
<h2>Andersonville</h2>
<h3>History</h3>
<p>Tucked away in Chicago&#8217;s North End, Andersonville boasts a distinctly Swedish cultural legacy. The traditions that early Swedish immigrants brought to Andersonville, continue to this day.</p>
<p>Sweden&#8217;s unique cuisine helps define Andersonville&#8217;s charm. Walk down North Clark Street and sample some <em>glögg</em> (mulled wine) from Simon&#8217;s Tavern or chomp into a <em>weinerbrod</em> custard pastry at the aptly named Swedish Bakery. Don&#8217;t forget to buy a tin of <em>sill</em> — who doesn&#8217;t love pickled herring on a <em>knäcklebrot </em>cracker with sour cream?</p>
<p>Andersonville&#8217;s funky traditions hail from a fascinating history of opportunism and immigration. In the 1880s, a crowded Chicago turned its attention to the undeveloped areas north of the city. Entrepreneurs saw great potential in the forests of the Lake View Township.</p>
<p>Developers fell the trees and used the wood to build houses. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 prohibited the construction of wooden dwellings in the city, but the North End was unincorporated land, so the city turned a blind eye. Rapid construction, fueled by cheap lumber, boosted the township&#8217;s population from 2,000 to 45,000 by 1887.</p>
<p>Lake View Township received its current name, Edgewater, in 1885. The neighboring community of Andersonville experienced a similar boom as Edgewater, thanks to some Nordic newcomers.</p>
<p>As Swedes poured into Andersonville, they put their trademark carpentry skills to use. As construction exploded under Swedish hammers, Andersonville began to take shape. Many of these early buildings survive today, earning the neighborhood its title as a historic district.</p>
<h3>Location</h3>
<p>This quaint corner of Chicago&#8217;s North End lies just south of Edgewater and Magnolia Glens and west of Edgewater Beach, not far from the lake.</p>
<h3>Andersonville Is Best Known For</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Swedish Bakeries: </strong>Andersonville offers an abundance of delicious Swedish bakeries. Make sure to stop in for <em>fika</em>, the Swedish version of a coffee break.</li>
<li><strong>Midsummer Festival: </strong>Make the Andersonville Midsummer Festival a priority this year. This high-energy public party lets you celebrate the Summer Solstice in Swedish style. Dance around the <em>majstång</em> maypole, drink some elderflower<em> saft </em>juice and snaps and if you&#8217;re a young maiden, pluck seven different types of flowers to place under your pillow to dream of your future soulmate.</li>
</ul>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://giordanos1.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2-andersonville.jpg" alt="andersonville" width="736" height="400" /></p>
<h3>Demographics</h3>
<p>Anderson&#8217;s population generally includes higher-income, thirty-something, family-oriented, American-born citizens from outside Illinois, with some hailing from abroad.</p>
<h3>Housing Prices</h3>
<p>Higher than the Chicago average, the average <a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/269567/andersonville-chicago-il/">house costs around $490,000</a>.</p>
<h3>Andersonville’s Best Restaurants</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>M. Henry: </strong>This creative, health-conscious, art gallery cafe, serves delicious dishes inspired by world cuisine and new American-style cooking. M. Henry endeavors to use only the freshest, locally sourced, organically grown ingredients. Their diverse and original menu offers a modern twist on classic American favorites, with a hint of the exotic.  It&#8217;s a restaurant as idiosyncratic as Andersonville itself.</li>
<li><strong>Big Jones: </strong>The heartwarming food of the American South comes alive at Big Jones. There&#8217;s nothing better than familiar Southern classics done well. If you enjoy a drink, join their Big Jones Bourbon Society. Run the gauntlet of their dozens of bourbons and whiskeys to earn the status of Master Taster and win tickets to their special all-out whiskey dinner. Bottoms up.</li>
<li><strong>Hopleaf: </strong>A beer lover&#8217;s paradise. As the name suggests, Hopleaf takes beer seriously. The song &#8220;99 Bottles of Beer reflects the experience of counting their selection of beers. Hopleaf matches delicious beer with dishes like mussels and frites, chicken and waffles, and sausages (to name a few). Their whole menu celebrates the harmonious marriage of beer and hearty cuisine. Let the symphony of flavors play out on your palette before resting easy in your stomach.</li>
</ul>
<h2><a id="Bucktown"></a>Bucktown/Wicker Park</h2>
<h3>History</h3>
<p>The story of Wicker Park began when brothers Charles and Joel Wicker purchased the area and began development. The brothers bore witness to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and championed the use of brick-and-stone buildings in their new neighborhood.</p>
<p>Many of these structures survive today, giving Wicker Park its trademark architecture. The Wicker brothers crafted their project around the centerpiece of a public park. Their self-named Wicker Park represents the true legacy of these generous entrepreneurs.</p>
<p>Just north of Wicker Park lies Bucktown. This neighborhood proudly maintains a history of cultural diversity, even including members of different species. Bucktown got its moniker from its resident goats, or <em>bucks</em>.</p>
<p>Bucktown began as the township of Holstein. Located on the outskirts of Chicago, waves of Polish immigrants settled in this community starting in the 1830s. A number of Polish churches recall the influence of these early Bucktown pioneers.</p>
<p>After Chicago incorporated Holstein in 1863, the neighborhood underwent another growth spurt. As this new neighborhood housed a sizable number of goats, usually kept by Poles, Holstein rebranded itself as Bucktown.</p>
<p>As the goat craze faded, new immigrant communities established themselves in Bucktown. Besides Poles, many German, Latino, Scandinavian, Jewish and African American people also call this neighborhood home.</p>
<p>You&#8217;re unlikely to meet a goat in Bucktown nowadays, but the mosaic of interwoven cultures more than compensates for the disappearance of Bucktown&#8217;s cloven-hoofed namesake.</p>
<h3>Location</h3>
<p>Bucktown and Wicker Park are surrounded by Logan Square and Humboldt Park to the west, West Town to the south, the North Branch Chicago River to the east and the Kennedy Expressway wrapping around as a border to the north.</p>
<h3>Bucktown/Wicker Park Is Best Known For</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Hipsters: </strong>Wax up your mustache, button your grandfather&#8217;s suit and ride your unicycle down to the hipster hotspots of Wicker Park and Bucktown. No, you&#8217;re not a circus performer — you&#8217;re a confident hipster. Wear your flannel shirt wide open. Everyone should see the pop-culture T-shirt of your choice beneath your suspenders. Proudly flaunt your ironic attitude — this is your town. It&#8217;s fun to mock hipsters, especially since they love to join right in — self-reference is key. Never rudely call one out (to their face). Who knows, you might even be a hipster yourself. These two neighborhoods host lots of cool hipster haunts. Walk around and see what you find.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Great nightlife: </strong>Wicker Park and Bucktown stake their name in the nightlife. Tons of bars and nightclubs pack the streets, appealing to your weekend temptations. During the day, visit the cornucopia of cafés and boutiques along North Avenue and Damen, and unwind at a Chicago dive bar at night. Keep it casual.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Demographics</h3>
<p>Wicker Park and Bucktown share a similar demographic trend. Most <a href="https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/n/wicker-park-chicago-il/residents/">residents are between</a> age 25 and 34. This younger crowd rakes in more income than the city average but also pays more rent. Half of both populations hail from Illinois, and around 10% are foreign-born residents.</p>
<h3>Housing Prices</h3>
<p>Detached houses <a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/137603/bucktown-chicago-il/">go for around $560,000</a> in Bucktown and around <a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/7930/wicker-park-chicago-il/">$630,000 in Wicker Park</a> — both above the Chicago average.</p>
<h3>Bucktown/Wicker Park’s Best Restaurants</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Big Star:</strong> No, it&#8217;s not named for the legendary pop band from the &#8217;90s, but Big Star does make some rockin&#8217; food. This top-notch taco bar mixes ingredients from around the globe to muster some macho tacos. Come and crunch into Mexican flavor heaven.</li>
<li><strong>Xoco: </strong>This acclaimed Mexican-inspired restaurant elevates classic recipes to the next level. Xoco, pronounced &#8220;Sho-ko,&#8221; takes its name from the Aztec word for &#8220;little sister,&#8221; and like the respect paid to the preciousness of family, Xoco honors its Mexican roots by letting recipes grow and develop, with the guiding hand of an older sibling. Sample their trademark churros, delicate and crisp empanadas, torta, caldo bowls and soothingly delicious Mexican hot chocolate.</li>
<li><strong>Le Bouchon: </strong>French cuisine maintains its prestige because of restaurants like Le Bouchon. This quintessentially French restaurant carries the torch of the French tradition. Le Bouchon stocks all the classics, including steak frites, bouillabaisse, steak tartare and even cuisses de grenouille, or frog legs. Journey down for the true taste of France.</li>
<li><strong>Piece Pizza: </strong>We at Giordano&#8217;s live for great pizza. We appreciate the art of pizza mastery and Piece Pizza has got what it takes. With an assortment of beers, they offer whatever you&#8217;re feeling. Head down for a pizza and beer. They get the Giordano&#8217;s seal of approval, and we know pizza.</li>
<li><strong>Doves Luncheonette: </strong>With a nod to classic Chicago soul and blues, chef de cuisine Dennis Bernard paints a scene of the American South on the plate. Incorporating elements of Mexican food, Doves Luncheonette fuses styles, traditions, and eras. The restaurant seeks to recall the bygone days of community lunch counters with good food, good music, and good friends.</li>
<li><strong>Mindy’s Bakery: </strong>Few restaurants do desserts like Mindy&#8217;s. With a constantly evolving menu of elegant and diverse sweets, Mindy&#8217;s makes an excellent evening stop. You&#8217;ve never had a hot cocoa like Mindy&#8217;s.</li>
<li><strong>Cumin:</strong> Named for that all-purpose spice known throughout the world, Cumin incorporates all realms of earthly knowledge into its cooking. Centering on modern Nepalese and Indian cuisine, Cumin will have you coming back again.</li>
<li><strong>Mott Street: </strong>This modern Korean-fusion restaurant showcases the versatility of Korean cuisine. Their team of world-class chefs move like acrobats in the jungle gym of fusion cuisine. Their creations are nothing short of superlative. Try their Kimchi and Oaxaca empanadas or candied shrimp and kohlrabi salad to see what we mean.</li>
<li><strong>Bongo Room: </strong>For more than 20 years, Bongo Room has treated breakfast right. Bongo Room&#8217;s long-term success makes sense once you try their pancakes or anything else they offer. It&#8217;s definitely one of the best breakfast joints in town — start the day off right at the Bongo Room.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Gold Coast</h2>
<h3>History</h3>
<p>This certified historic district emerged after the Great Chicago Fire. In the 1880s, real estate tycoons shifted their attention north to the undeveloped lakeside. In 1882, bigwig developer Potter Palmer relocated to the area.</p>
<p>Filling in the swamp, he constructed his personal Xanadu, Palmer Mansion. His shift north galvanized the salons of the Chicago elite, and many followed in his footsteps north. This established the Gold Coast&#8217;s legacy of wealth, which continues today.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://giordanos1.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/4-gold-coast.jpg" alt="gold-coast" width="736" height="400" /></p>
<h3>Location</h3>
<p>Along the lakeside, within walking distance of Oak Street Beach, Old Town sits to the west, and the Magnificent Mile leads to the Gold Coast from the south.</p>
<h3>Gold Coast Is Best Known For</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Shopping. </strong>Naturally, this high-end neighborhood hosts some high-end shopping. Grab your Versace or Dolce &amp; Gabbana — let your status symbols work their magic.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Demographics</h3>
<p>This densely packed neighborhood houses wealthy 30- to 35-year-olds.</p>
<h3>Housing Prices</h3>
<p>The <a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/403303/gold-coast-chicago-il/">average cost of a home</a> here is about $345,000. </p>
<h3>Gold Coast’s Best Restaurants</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Giordano&#8217;s Pizza</strong><strong>: </strong>Visit our Gold Coast/Magnificent Mile location at 730 N. Rush St. and treat yourself to a deep-dish slice in this decadent neighborhood. Call us at 312-951-0747.</li>
<li><strong>L</strong><strong>e Colonial</strong><strong>: </strong> This French Vietnamese restaurant embarks on a culinary voyage to a forgotten era. The crossover of styles meshes perfectly at Le Colonial.</li>
<li><strong>The Halal Guys</strong><strong>: </strong> Delicious Middle Eastern fast food like chicken gyro wraps and falafel offers a great meal on the go. Made to order, spiced to perfection and complete with all the sides, you&#8217;ll holler for the Halal Guys.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Lakeview</h2>
<h3>History</h3>
<p>Lakeview took shape later than other neighborhoods. Finally, in the 1850s, this far-flung northern area received a number of German and Swedish settlers. This sparse land hosted a Civil War encampment after 1864. Camp Fry trained members of the Illinois infantry. After the troops departed to Kentucky, Camp Fry converted to an internment camp for Confederate POWs.</p>
<p>After the war, Lakeview&#8217;s population of Lakeview steadily increased. A major boom in the late 1880s accompanied the rise in infrastructure and public services.</p>
<h3>Location</h3>
<p>As the name Lakeview suggests, this neighborhood lies along Lake Michigan. Lincoln Park sits to the south, Roscoe Village to the west and Uptown to the north.</p>
<h3>Lakeview Is Best Known For</h3>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lakeview-chicago.jpg" alt="Lakeview is Best Known for Wrigley Field and Great nightlife" class="wp-image-431401" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lakeview-chicago.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lakeview-chicago-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lakeview-chicago-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<ul>
<li><strong>Wrigley Field</strong><strong>:</strong> Lakeview famously hosts the home of the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. We at Giordano&#8217;s love attending Cubs games so much that we moved into Wrigley Field. Nothing tops a deep-dish pizza at a Cubs game — we also sell individual thin crust or deep-dish slices.</li>



<li><strong>Great nightlife</strong><strong>:</strong> Lakeview boasts everything from trendy nightclubs to laid-back bars. Everything a weekend warrior could want.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Demographics</h3>



<p>Lakeview maintains a large population of young and vibrant inhabitants. Most people are in their late twenties.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Housing Prices</h3>



<p>Detached <a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/269589/lake-view-chicago-il/">houses go for about $390,000</a>, but most units comprise large apartment buildings.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lakeview&#8217;s Best Restaurants</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Giordano&#8217;s Pizza</strong><strong>:</strong>Enjoy the pizza you know and love in the heart of Lakeview. Step into our location at 1040 W. Belmont Ave or give us a ring at 773-327-1200. See you there.</li>



<li><strong>Crisp</strong><strong>:</strong> Sample the tangy Korean fried chicken or a hearty Buddha Bowl at Crisp. The name says it all —&nbsp;it&#8217;s crunchy, fresh and satisfying.</li>



<li><strong>3rd Coast </strong><strong>Fish Bar</strong><strong>:</strong> Wade into Fish Bar for some Southern seafood specialties like po&#8217;boys, catfish, hush puppies and whole oysters.</li>



<li><strong>DMK Burger Bar</strong><strong>:</strong> We let DMK Burger Bar speak for themselves —&nbsp;&#8220;Best damn grass-fed burgers, shakes and fries that ever hit your lips.&#8221; See for yourself.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lincoln Park</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">History</h3>



<p>On the north side of Chicago, fairly close to the lake, you&#8217;ll find Lincoln Park. Before the Civil War, this enormous 60-acre space of land was known as Lake Park. After the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, city officials had it renamed the area Lincoln Park.</p>



<p>After the name change, Lincoln Park obtained funding for the now iconic zoo. Founded <a href="https://www.lpzoo.org/about-the-zoo/history/">back in 1868</a>, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the longest-standing zoos in the nation. This free attraction holds a veritable ark of animals, including penguins, giraffes, gorillas, reptiles, large polar bears and various species of monkeys and an Amur tiger.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Location</h3>



<p>This lakeside neighborhood lies south of Lake View, east of Bucktown and north of Near North Side.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lincoln Park Is Best Known For</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Lincoln Park Zoo:</strong> The Lincoln Park Zoo is a fun way to enjoy the day. The zoo exemplifies Lincoln Park&#8217;s history as a central attraction of Chicago.</li>



<li><strong>Fullerton Beach:</strong> Jump on into the lake or walk along the vast beachfront of Fullerton Beach. Nothing beats a day at the beach. Because Lake Michigan is freshwater, you won&#8217;t feel like a french fry after you dry off.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="736" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/6-lincoln-park-1.jpg" alt="lincoln-park" class="wp-image-258340" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/6-lincoln-park-1.jpg 736w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/6-lincoln-park-1-300x163.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Demographics</h3>



<p>Middle-income thirty-somethings represent the norm in Lincoln Park.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Housing Prices</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/269590/lincoln-park-chicago-il/">average cost of a home here</a> is around $550,000.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lincoln Park&#8217;s Best Restaurants</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Athenian Room:</strong> Enjoy delicious Greek comfort food at an affordable price. Their roasted chicken even garnered the praise of Second City celeb Tina Fey. She once praised this eatery for creating her &#8220;favorite meal.&#8221; We can&#8217;t beat that recommendation.</li>



<li><strong>Café Ba BaReeba:</strong> Northern Spanish-style pintxos tapas are a specialty of Café Ba BaReeba. Only a few dollars for a tapa?! What are you waiting for? ¡Arriba!</li>



<li><strong>Del Seoul:</strong> This Mexican-Korean fusion eateryboasts the best of both cuisines. Take a trip with this stylistic hybrid of Asian and Latin flavors.</li>



<li><strong>Mon Ami Gabi:</strong> Mon Ami Gabi does classy cooking in an effective way. If you&#8217;re an aficionado of French cuisine, definitely visit this premiere Lincoln Park bistro.</li>



<li><strong>MFK:</strong> Is that the ocean calling, or just your hunger? Either way, paddle down to this acclaimed seafood restaurant. They won the Chicago Tribune Diners Award in 2015. Test the waters — you&#8217;ll like what you find at MFK.</li>



<li><strong>Summer House Santa Monica</strong><strong>: </strong>This relaxing restaurant will brighten your day with its airy atmosphere and vibrant cuisine. The crisp freshness of the food matches this beach-inspired restaurant perfectly. Forget the towel and just bring your appetite.</li>



<li><strong>Riccardo Trattoria:</strong> We at Giordano&#8217;s respect high-quality Italian food. Riccardo Trattoria upholds the same primo standard of Italian food, which we strive to honor ourselves. Don&#8217;t miss out on this truly exceptional restaurant.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Logan Square</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">History</h3>



<p>Logan Square derives its name from the mustached Civil War General John A. Logan.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Location</h3>



<p>Logan Square lies west of Bucktown, east of Hermosa, North of Humboldt Park and south of Avondale.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Logan Square Is Best Known For</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Logan&#8217;s statue</strong><strong>: </strong>As a native of Illinois, Chicago honored Logan with his memorial eponymous square and an impressive statue in Grant Park. If you&#8217;re feeling the Logan vibe, take a walk down Logan Boulevard while singing the Illinois state song — which also mentions Logan. If Logan had found a time machine and arrived in modern Logan Square, the general&#8217;s outlandish mustache wouldn&#8217;t have raised any eyebrows in this fledgling hipster neighborhood. The neighborhood that honors his name also honors his style.</li>



<li><strong>Logan Theatre:</strong> This iconic vintage movie theatre is a central attraction that <a href="https://www.thelogantheatre.com/content/About+Us">came to life back in 1915</a>. It has since been revamped and now includes a relaxing bar and lounge area. The theatre screens everything from classics to modern marvels.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Demographics</h3>



<p>Most of the people in Logan Square are in their late 20s and early 30s. Compared to the other neighborhoods we&#8217;ve covered, Logan Square is defined by a more modest income.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Housing Prices</h3>



<p>Homes in Logan Square are <a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/269592/logan-square-chicago-il/">valued at an average rate</a> of about $470,000.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Logan Square&#8217;s Best Restaurants</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Giordano&#8217;s Pizza:</strong> A deep-dish pizza offers a perfect finishing touch to a day in Logan Square. Check out our spot at 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave or call 773-862-4200.</li>



<li><strong>Bang Bang Pie &amp; Biscuits:</strong> Dessert done right. Their eclectic menu of pastry delights will fix your nagging sweet tooth. Give in to temptation.</li>



<li><strong>Longman &amp; Eagle:</strong> Start the day off at Longman &amp; Eagle. Logan Square&#8217;s breakfast champs will charge your batteries with their legendary breakfasts.</li>
</ul>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="736" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/7-logan-square-1.jpg" alt="logan-square" class="wp-image-258341" style="width:790px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/7-logan-square-1.jpg 736w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/7-logan-square-1-300x163.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px" /></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Loop</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">History</h3>



<p>This prestigious neighborhood provided the birthplace of Chicago. In 1803, the army erected Fort Dearborn near present-day Michigan Bridge. Increased settlement of the area paved the way for rapid development.</p>



<p>The neighborhood assumed the nickname &#8220;the Loop&#8221; after the El Train created a natural loop around the area following its completion in 1897.</p>



<p>Walk around this neighborhood and absorb the visual splendor of Chicago&#8217;s architectural heritage. Austere Art Deco buildings cast a spellbinding power over the area. Conjuring dark dreams of the past — no wonder downtown Chicago stars in the role of Gotham in the latest Batman movies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Location</h3>



<p>The Loop is the central business district of Chicago, home to City Hall and the Seat of Cook County. On the north and west is the Chicago River, on the east is Lake Michigan and on the south is Roosevelt Road.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Loop Is Best Known For</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Skyscrapers</strong><strong>:</strong> Buzzing with commercial hubbub, the Loop acts as Chicago&#8217;s financial heart. Skyscrapers reach dizzying heights as the streets below flow in a sea of suits. Elegant boutiques line the sidewalks of State Street. The Loop celebrates the ostentatious side of the city.</li>



<li><strong>Famous landmarks</strong><strong>: </strong>Many Chicago landmarks pack this larger-than-life neighborhood. The Willis Tower (or Sears Tower to true Chicagoans), City Hall and numerous theatres and opera houses all call the Loop home — and so does Giordano&#8217;s!</li>



<li><strong>Giordano&#8217;s &#8220;Pie in the Sky&#8221;:</strong> At Giordano&#8217;s, we take the expression &#8220;pie in the sky&#8221; literally. It&#8217;s no fantasy — this restaurant is real. Perched above the city on the 103rd floor of the Sears Tower sits our highest pizza location. We call it our &#8220;Pie in the Sky.&#8221; The incredible view from up there only complements our deep-dish pizza. Honestly, what&#8217;s more &#8220;Chicago&#8221; than eating a deep-dish slice at the Sears Tower? Give in to this perfect combo of Chicago heavyweights. See you up there.</li>
</ul>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="736" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/8-the-loop.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-258330" style="width:824px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/8-the-loop.jpg 736w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/8-the-loop-300x163.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Demographics</h3>



<p>The median age in the Loop is 36.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Housing Prices</h3>



<p>This area is not particularly residential, but some options exist. The average <a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/269593/the-loop-chicago-il/">selling price for residences</a> here is about $270,000.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Loop&#8217;s Best Restaurants</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Giordano&#8217;s Pizza</strong><strong>:</strong>Afraid of heights but still want deep-dish pizza? Snag a pie at ground level at our Loop location at 223 W. Jackson Blvd. Call if you like at 312-583-9400.</li>



<li><strong>Luke&#8217;s Lobster</strong><strong>:</strong>Put your exoskeleton-cracking talents to use at Luke&#8217;s Lobster. Bib up and get down.</li>



<li><strong>Blackwood BBQ</strong><strong>:</strong>Smokey, flavorful and mouthwatering BBQ, Chicago-style.</li>



<li><strong>The Gage</strong><strong>: </strong>Regular rules don&#8217;t apply at The Gage. Scotch egg, tuna tartare, poutine, you name it. The Gage creates its own gauge to measure its performance. Prepare for optimum cuisine.</li>



<li><strong>M Burger</strong><strong>:</strong>Delectable burgers at a reasonable price make a top-notch meal. Your wallet and stomach will thank you.</li>



<li><strong>Cafecito</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> There&#8217;s</strong> nothing diminutive about the taste of Cafecito&#8217;s grill-pressed Cuban sandwiches and robust Cuban coffee. It&#8217;s an ideal afternoon lunch spot.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lincoln Square</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">History</h3>



<p>This neighborhood owes its development to waves of German immigrants. Establishing themselves on the outskirts of Chicago, Lincoln Square grew with community. It received the name Lincoln Square in 1925.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Location</h3>



<p>This North End neighborhood lies southeast of Andersonville.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lincoln Square Is Best Known For</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Old Town School of Folk Music</strong><strong>: </strong>Offering a charming vibe, the decades-old school moved to the neighborhood in 1998 and helped make the area a hotspot for dining and nightlife before and after concerts.</li>



<li><strong>Davis Theatre: </strong>This century-old movie theatre contains organ pipes and a hand-painted ceiling. This vintage movie space showcases old classics, cult favorites and vintage films.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="736" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/9-lincoln-square.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-258331" style="width:844px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/9-lincoln-square.jpg 736w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/9-lincoln-square-300x163.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Demographics</h3>



<p>Many young families call this highly residential neighborhood home. Most people fall into the 35-40 age bracket.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Housing Prices</h3>



<p>The abundance of houses attracts many young families. The average house <a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/269591/lincoln-square-chicago-il/">sells for about $440,000</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lincoln Square&#8217;s Best Restaurants</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Giordano&#8217;s: </strong>Nothing complements your time in Lincoln Square like our deep-dish pizza. Make time for an unforgettable meal at Giordano&#8217;s. Visit our place at 2010 W Montrose Ave or call us directly at 773-275-4600.</li>



<li><strong>Gather</strong><strong>:&nbsp;</strong>This reasonably priced restaurant has one foot in Europe and the other in America. Its continent-spanning menu is guaranteed to please.</li>



<li><strong>Gene&#8217;s Sausage Shop &amp; Delicatessen</strong><strong>:&nbsp;</strong>With over 40 varieties of homemade natural wood-smoked sausages, Gene&#8217;s provides a true shrine for sausage worshipers. Come in, what&#8217;s the <em>wurst</em> that could happen?</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Old Town</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">History</h3>



<p>It should come as no surprise that Old Town wasn&#8217;t always old. One hundred years ago, Old Town was called &#8220;the Cabbage Patch&#8221; — and not because of those dolls from the &#8217;80s. The German immigrants who built Old Town grew cabbage fields — and the name stuck.</p>



<p>Eventually, the name Cabbage Patch fell out of style, and the area became &#8220;North Town.&#8221; Although some still call the neighborhood North Town, we know it as Old Town.</p>



<p></p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="736" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/10-old-town-1.jpg" alt="old-town" class="wp-image-258344" style="width:850px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/10-old-town-1.jpg 736w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/10-old-town-1-300x163.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Location</h3>



<p>Beside the Gold Coast, it is north of Near North Side.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Old Town Is Best Known For</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>The Second City</strong><strong>:</strong>This Chicago comedy outlet routinely turns out legendary performers. John Belushi, Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey, among others, began at this landmark improv theatre in Old Town. Visit their <a href="http://www.secondcity.com/">website</a> and get tickets to see the next batch of groundbreaking comedians.</li>



<li><strong>The Old Town Art Fair: </strong>This iconic art fair lures hundreds of national artists to exhibit their creative minds in a free-spirited outdoor festival.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Demographics</h3>



<p>An older crowd lives in Old Town — maybe they&#8217;re attracted by the name. The average age for residents is 37 years old.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Housing Prices</h3>



<p>Old Town features some beautiful heritage buildings. The homes here <a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/403301/old-town-chicago-il/">sell for around $380,000</a> on average.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Old Town&#8217;s Best Restaurants</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Topo Gigio R</strong><strong>i</strong><strong>storante</strong><strong>:</strong>Enjoy deeply satisfying Tuscan-inspired cuisine in a laid-back and friendly restaurant. Their gorgeous garden and covered outdoor dining room make for perfect alfresco dining year-round.</li>



<li><strong>Kamehachi</strong><strong>:</strong>Savor classic Japanese food done immaculately. Noodles, Nigiri, Moriwase Sashimi and Sushi — Kamehachi has your favorites.</li>



<li><strong>Kanela Breakfast Club</strong><strong>:</strong>Order a decadent Greek-inspired breakfast at this eatery. You&#8217;ll find gourmet Mediterranean-style meals at a pocket-friendly price.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">South Loop</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">History</h3>



<p>Always close to the action, South Loop rode the wave of development propelled by its commercial neighbor, the Loop. While its neighbor basked in metropolitan glory, South Loop humbly accepted the less glamorous warehouses and factories.</p>



<p>South Loop relaxed into its role as &#8220;the wrong side of the tracks.&#8221; It gained a reputation as a vice-ridden haven for brothels, bars and arcades. In the 1970s, Chicago gentrified the area, and now all those old warehouses are studio apartments.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="736" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11-south-loop.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-258333" style="width:828px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11-south-loop.jpg 736w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11-south-loop-300x163.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Location</h3>



<p>It&#8217;s next to the lake, flanked by Chinatown to the west, South Commons to the south and the Loop to the north.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">South Loop Is Best Known For</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Being many different things to many different people</strong><strong>:</strong> Offering a mix of attractions and histories, South Loop is an assortment of cultural treasures, such as Shedd Aquarium, Grant Park, Alder Planetarium and Field Museum.</li>



<li><strong>Lakefront Museum Campus:</strong> This space brings together all the biggest museums in the region.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Shoreline Sightseeing Water Taxi:</strong> This tourist attraction takes you from the shoreline to the Shedd Aquarium, where you can see tens of thousands of aquatic life from around the world.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Adler Planetarium: </strong>This planetarium is the <a href="https://www.adlerplanetarium.org/explore/about-us/history/">first in the United States</a>. The attraction is an iconic place that welcomes countless tourists every year.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Demographics</h3>



<p>Tens of thousands of people pack into this dense neighborhood. Most people fall between the ages of 30 and 40 and rake in a much higher income than the city average.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Housing Prices</h3>



<p>Residential housing trends toward townhouses and five-or-more unit structures. Homes cost an <a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/269607/south-loop-chicago-il/">average of about $300,000</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">South Loop&#8217;s Best Restaurants</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Giordano&#8217;s:</strong>Your favorite deep-dish place has a location in South Loop at 1340 S. Michigan Ave. Come in after a day looping around the neighborhood. Call us at 312-842-1100.</li>



<li><strong>Devil Dogs South Loop</strong><strong>:</strong>Nothing beats a downtown hot dog skillfully dressed in your favorite fixings. It&#8217;s open late for those uncontrollable nighttime dog urges. Indulge in the dog.</li>



<li><strong>Little Branch Caf</strong><strong>e: </strong>Visit this hip, laid-back cafe that serves an awesome cup of Joe.</li>



<li><strong>Meli</strong><strong>:</strong> Named after the Greek word for honey, Meli will sweeten your day with its Greek-inspired breakfasts.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">River North</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">History</h3>



<p>Nowadays, upscale shops and art galleries line the streets of River North, but this neighborhood wasn&#8217;t always so picture-perfect. In the late 1800s, River North went by the name Smokey Hollow. Pollution from coal deposits, factories, railway yards and shipping ports filled the air with dark fumes, sometimes even obfuscating the sun.</p>



<p>After the 1950s rolled around and the city&#8217;s populous emptied into the suburbs, a long decline set upon Smokey Hollow. However, in 1974, a real estate campaign renamed the neighborhood &#8220;River North&#8221; and transformed abandoned warehouses into spacious art galleries. This trend continued, and River North Galley District coalesced into its present incarnation.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="736" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/12-river-north-1.jpg" alt="river-north" class="wp-image-258346" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/12-river-north-1.jpg 736w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/12-river-north-1-300x163.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Location</h3>



<p>River North appropriately sits north of the Chicago River, above the Loop, below Near North Side and to the west of Streeterville.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">River North Is Best Known For</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Richard H. Driehaus Museum: </strong>Otherwise known as Chicago&#8217;s &#8220;Marble Palace,&#8221; this iconic museum showcases the Gilded Age.</li>



<li><strong>THE MART: </strong>This is a famous landmark located on the Chicago Riverwalk. You can view high-end interior design studios and be inspired by the globe&#8217;s biggest video production art installations.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Demographics</h3>



<p>High-income people in their mid-thirties form the main demographic.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Housing Prices</h3>



<p>Nearly all residences are townhouses <a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/403300/river-north-chicago-il/">for around $320,000</a> on average.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">River North&#8217;s Best Restaurants</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Portillo&#8217;s: </strong>This all-American joint dishes up some mind-blowing burgers. Relieve your beef craving at Portillo&#8217;s.</li>



<li><strong>Joe&#8217;s Stone Crab</strong><strong>:</strong>Break out the mallet and get cracking at this premium seafood establishment. With great steaks, too, Joe&#8217;s Stone Crab serves up a sublime surf and turf.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">West Loop</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">History</h3>



<p>West Loop began as an industrial zone, home to factories and warehouses. Since those grimy years of exhaust fumes and workhouses, West Loop has metamorphosed into a sleek and modern neighborhood.</p>



<p>Even Oprah Winfrey nurtures a soft spot for West Loop — her groundbreaking talk show <a href="https://www.oprah.com/inspiration/oprah-on-cleaning-out-harpo-studios_1">operated from Harpo Studios in West Loop</a> for many years.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="736" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/13-west-loop-1.jpg" alt="west-loop" class="wp-image-258347" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/13-west-loop-1.jpg 736w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/13-west-loop-1-300x163.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Location</h3>



<p>Situated in the Near West Side district, West Loop naturally sits west of the Loop, north of University Village and Little Italy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">West Loop Is Best Known For</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Greektown</strong><strong>:</strong>The center of Greek culture in Chicago, Greektown boasts an array of Greek restaurants and shops. Catch the annual Greek Independence Day Parade and year-round events, like Greek Christmas.</li>



<li><strong>National Hellenic Museum:</strong> This is one of the oldest museums in the U.S. It is dedicated to honoring Greek culture.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Epiphany Center for the Arts: </strong>Previously an old church, this building was revamped to showcase art exhibitions that range from live music and performing arts to visual displays.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Demographics</h3>



<p>A higher-income, mid-thirties crowd populates West Loop.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Housing Prices</h3>



<p>Most people live in apartments, but homes generally <a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/403322/west-loop-gate-chicago-il/">cost around $290,000</a> on average.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">West Loop&#8217;s Best Restaurants</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Giordano&#8217;s: </strong>At our Greektown location, in the heart of the Greektown restaurant scene, we count ourselves among the fine company. Visit us at 815 W. Van Buren St. Our number is 312- 421-1221.</li>



<li><strong>The Publican:</strong> This fine-dining restaurant specializes in aged ham and fish, but their lively salads rival the product of any animal.</li>



<li><strong>J.P Graziano&#8217;s</strong><strong>: </strong>This Italian grocery and sub shop maintains a long history with Chicago. Since it opened in 1937, it&#8217;s given us some legendarily good subs. Come and experience the subs yourself.</li>



<li><strong>Girl &amp; the Goat:</strong> This memorably named restaurant offers an equally unforgettable dining experience. Their influences cast a wide net, freely experimenting with Indian, Asian, European and Mediterranean flavors.</li>



<li><strong>Green Street Smoked Meats:</strong> This &#8220;nationally acclaimed&#8221; BBQ place is pure Texas — exceptional BBQ in an easy-going atmosphere.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get Out and Discover New Neighborhoods</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/discover-new-neighborhoods-chicago.jpg" alt="Get out and discover new neighborhoods. Visit Giordano's" class="wp-image-431411" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/discover-new-neighborhoods-chicago.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/discover-new-neighborhoods-chicago-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/discover-new-neighborhoods-chicago-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Congrats! You made it. As you&#8217;ve seen, Chicago offers a wide variety of options. Listen to your intuition and you&#8217;ll find the right neighborhood for you. We hope this guide assists you in your journey to Chicago acclimation. If you&#8217;re visiting or already living in Chicago, visit one of Giordano&#8217;s many locations. Call for <a href="https://giordanos.com/locations/">delivery or pickup</a> and <a href="https://ship.giordanos.com/">try our frozen pizzas</a>.</p>



<p>Share this guide on social media, especially if you know someone coming to Chicago. They&#8217;ll thank you and might even buy you a deep-dish slice. We know you&#8217;ll love it.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-chicago-neighborhoods/">The Ultimate Guide to Chicago Neighborhoods</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></content>
		
					<link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-chicago-neighborhoods/#comments" thr:count="0" />
			<link rel="replies" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://giordanos.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-chicago-neighborhoods/feed/atom/" thr:count="0" />
			<thr:total>0</thr:total>
			</entry>
		<entry>
		<author>
			<name>Blake Trahan</name>
					</author>

		<title type="html"><![CDATA[Top Secret Vacation Spots in Illinois]]></title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/top-secret-vacation-spots-in-illinois/" />

		<id>https://giordanos1.wpengine.com/top-secret-vacation-spots-in-illinois/</id>
		<updated>2024-10-08T15:09:28Z</updated>
		<published>2024-05-13T18:09:50Z</published>
		<category scheme="https://giordanos.com/" term="Local Guides" />
		<summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Illinois is known for many things: the Windy City, hot dogs, unique deep-dish pizza, rolling farmland, Wrigley Field and Springfield. However, this Midwestern state can still surprise even those who live here. Take a step off of the beaten path and discover some of the best hidden gems in Illinois. From idyllic green spaces in&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/top-secret-vacation-spots-in-illinois/">Top Secret Vacation Spots in Illinois</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></summary>

					<content type="html" xml:base="https://giordanos.com/top-secret-vacation-spots-in-illinois/"><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" data-id="431351" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Top-Secret-Vacation-Spots-in-Illinois-1.jpg" alt="Top Secret Vacation Spots in Illinois" class="wp-image-431351" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Top-Secret-Vacation-Spots-in-Illinois-1.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Top-Secret-Vacation-Spots-in-Illinois-1-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Top-Secret-Vacation-Spots-in-Illinois-1-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</figure>



<p>Illinois is known for many things: the Windy City, hot dogs, <a href="https://giordanos.com/our-story/">unique deep-dish pizza</a>, rolling farmland, Wrigley Field and Springfield. However, this Midwestern state can still surprise even those who live here. Take a step off of the beaten path and discover some of the best hidden gems in Illinois. From idyllic green spaces in the city and sprawling state parks to historical landmarks and stately mansions, plan something a little different for your next Illinois vacation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Natural Attractions in Illinois</h2>



<p>First up on our list of hidden places in Illinois are some unusual natural attractions. You can visit an oasis in the heart of Chicago, the remnants of an ancient civilization and dazzling geographic features.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond</h3>



<p>A stroll through Chicago usually brings to mind striking skyscrapers, like the Sears Tower (officially the Willis Tower, but always the Sears Tower to Chicagoans), or busy streets filled with Cubs fans. The notion of a hidden garden in this bustling city may seem a little odd, but that is exactly what you will find at <a href="https://www.lincolnparkconservancy.org/projects/alfred-caldwell-lily-pool/">the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool</a>.</p>



<p>In the energetic Lincoln Park neighborhood, this lush space is a welcome change of pace from the concrete jungle. An unassuming entrance leads you to a National Historic Landmark that feels like it&#8217;s miles out of the city. Stroll along the tranquil waters of the pond shaded by a multitude of towering trees. The peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the pond make it one of the finest hidden attractions in Illinois.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="596" height="240" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02-Alfred-Caldwell-Lily-Pond.jpg" alt="Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond" class="wp-image-260228" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02-Alfred-Caldwell-Lily-Pond.jpg 596w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02-Alfred-Caldwell-Lily-Pond-300x121.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 596px) 100vw, 596px" /></figure>


<h3>Cahokia Mounds</h3>
<p>Illinois might not seem like a seat of ancient civilization, which makes <a href="https://cahokiamounds.org/">the Cahokia Mounds historic site</a> all the more fascinating. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the single biggest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico. You&#8217;ll find more than 100 mounds spread out over acres of land in Collinsville, just across the river from St. Louis, Missouri. The meticulously preserved archeological site is a window into our human past.</p>
<p>People of the Mississippian period lived at Cahokia from 800 to 1400. During your visit, you can take a guided tour to learn more about the ancient civilization. You can also mix your history with a hike. Cahokia Mounds has a 10-mile trail and a 6.2-mile trail for explorers who want to make their way through large swaths of the site.</p>
<h3>Pomona Natural Bridge</h3>
<p>Many of humanity&#8217;s modern creations are a reflection of the natural world. Instead of a wood or metal construction, <a href="https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/pomona-natural-bridge/">the Pomona Natural Bridge</a> is a sandstone formation in Pomona, Illinois, not far from the Cahokia Mounds. The 90-foot bridge arches over a ravine in Shawnee National Forest. An easy hiking trail will take you to the bridge. You can walk across it and under it, marveling at how time can carve such impressive geologic shapes.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s up to you how you&#8217;d like to enjoy this underrated spot. You can pack a picnic or take your leashed dog for a walk. If you are hungry for more time out in nature, you can hike miles and miles of other trails that snake through the national forest.</p>
<h3>Garden of the Gods</h3>
<p>Shawnee National Forest has more than one of the best secret spots in Illinois. The forest is also home to <a href="https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/garden-of-the-gods/">the Garden of the Gods</a>, a natural attraction that more than lives up to its dramatic name. The Midwest has a reputation for being flat. Instead of mountains, we have miles of even land unbroken by mountains or hills. Yet, spaces like the Garden of the Gods are an exception. Here, tall rock formations and towering trees compete for space in your field of vision.</p>
<p>A favorite spot of photographers and sightseers, the Garden of the Gods is populated by formations like Anvil Rock and Devil&#8217;s Smoke Stack. Hike <a href="https://www.shawneeforest.com/GardenoftheGods">about 5 miles up</a> to the Observation Trail for one of the best possible views, or try one of the other trails in the area. If you want to spend more time here, several campsites are available.</p>
<h3>Anderson Japanese Gardens</h3>
<p>The Anderson Japanese Gardens contain 12 acres of award-winning landscaping with features like koi ponds, raked gravel gardens and peaceful waterfalls. Stroll through the gardens on your own or during a tour to see how architecture and gardening come together in this stunning space. After your tour, grab a bite in the outdoor restaurant. You can find <a href="https://andersongardens.org/about/">the Anderson Japanese Gardens</a> in Rockford, about a 90-minute drive from Chicago.</p>
<p> </p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Anderson-Japanese-Gardens.jpg" alt="The Anderson Japanese Gardens" class="wp-image-431311" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Anderson-Japanese-Gardens.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Anderson-Japanese-Gardens-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Anderson-Japanese-Gardens-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">State Parks in Illinois</h2>



<p>Another way to change up the typical flat landscapes of Illinois is to visit one of its many state parks. This state has dozens of state parks ranging from beautiful lakes and forests to rocky canyons and wetlands. Here are a few of the highlights.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Starved Rock State Park</h3>



<p>About 90 minutes south of Chicago sits <a href="https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.html">Starved Rock State Park</a> in the town of Oglesby. It&#8217;s one of the most popular attractions in Illinois, characterized by stunning canyons and waterfalls. Miles of hiking trails wind through the park, offering lofty views into the canyons and taking you down to the base of some of the park&#8217;s magnificent waterfalls. The waterfalls are at their most active during the spring, but Starved Rock is a beautiful outdoor spot to visit any time of year.</p>



<p>During your visit, you can catch a glimpse of wildlife, including deer and bald eagles. Casual day hikers can try the easier trails, while more advanced trails offer regular trekkers more of a challenge. You can stay at the park&#8217;s rustic lodge or in your own cabin. If you want to explore more of the area, you will be pleasantly surprised by the number of local wineries and breweries.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="596" height="240" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/03-Starved-Rock-State-Park.jpg" alt="Starved Rock State Park" class="wp-image-260229" style="width:842px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/03-Starved-Rock-State-Park.jpg 596w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/03-Starved-Rock-State-Park-300x121.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 596px) 100vw, 596px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Matthiessen State Park</h3>



<p>Matthiessen State Park is right next to Starved Rock, but it is the lesser-known of the two. Like its sister state park, <a href="https://www.stateparks.com/matthiessen_state_park_in_illinois.html">Matthiessen is full of canyons</a> and waterfalls and is a lovely hidden spot in Illinois.</p>



<p>For some of the best views of the unique rock formations and falling water, try the Matthiessen State Park Loop. The easy trail takes you past Lake Falls, Giant&#8217;s Bathtub and Cascade Falls. You will pass through a canyon and prairie, giving the trip a varied experience through one of the wilder parts of Illinois. This state park also has picnic grounds for hikers who want to fuel up before a walk or relax after a day of rugged exploration.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Illinois Beach State Park</h3>



<p>Illinois may not be on an ocean, but it has miles of coastline, thanks to Lake Michigan. If you&#8217;re craving the ocean, these shores feel remarkably similar. Illinois Beach State Park is <a href="https://www.stateparks.com/illinois_beach_state_park_in_illinois.html">one of the ultimate secret vacation spots</a> in Illinois. Located in the northeastern city of Zion, the state park sprawls across more than 6 miles of lakefront. The park&#8217;s sandy shores are complemented by hundreds of species of plants and trees.</p>



<p>Visitors can come to spend time out on the water and enjoy swimming or boating. If you prefer dry land, Illinois Beach State Park has trails for biking and hiking. The rolling dunes and marshland of this state park may make you feel like you&#8217;ve left the Midwest behind.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park</h3>



<p>Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park may fly under the radar in Illinois, but it is one of the <a href="https://www.stateparks.com/johnson_sauk_trail_state_park_in_illinois.html">best outdoor spaces to explore</a> in the state. It sits in Kewanee, a little over two hours west of Chicago. The park&#8217;s 58-acre lake is ideal for boating and fishing, while its hiking trails will take you through wooded areas and prairie land.</p>



<p>The park comes alive with the color of wildflowers in spring and the changing leaves in fall. During the winter season, Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park&#8217;s trails are perfect for exploring on cross-country skis. Hike one of the well-marked trails, or enjoy a leisurely bike ride through nature on the park&#8217;s 3.2-mile paved path.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Historic Landmarks in Illinois</h2>



<p>As a cultural melting pot and home to one of the largest cities in the country, it&#8217;s no surprise that Illinois has a rich history. From landmarks to historic institutions, you can explore the past at these hidden gems in Illinois.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Adler Planetarium</h3>



<p>Chicago&#8217;s historic landmarks aren&#8217;t exactly a secret, but the city has so many it is easy to overlook some of those most worth visiting. The <a href="https://www.adlerplanetarium.org/explore/about-us/">impressive Adler Planetarium</a> is one of these underrated cultural institutions. Located on the city&#8217;s Museum Campus, the planetarium is located behind the magnificent Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.</p>



<p>The Adler Planetarium building is a noteworthy landmark. It was the first modern planetarium in the Western Hemisphere when it first opened in 1930. Today, the building&#8217;s beauty remains, and visitors can get close to the cosmos. The planetarium&#8217;s exhibits explore the moon, the stars and the rest of our vast solar system.</p>



<p>The planetarium&#8217;s location on Northerly Island offers another hidden gem. Behind the building, you can walk through restored prairie land on <a href="https://www.traillink.com/trail/northerly-island-trail/">the Northerly Island Trail</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Adler-Planetarium.jpg" alt="Adler Planetarium" class="wp-image-431321" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Adler-Planetarium.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Adler-Planetarium-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Adler-Planetarium-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Leaning Tower of Niles</h3>



<p>While it might not have as rich a past as its Italian counterpart, <a href="https://www.vniles.com/883/Leaning-Tower-of-Niles">the Leaning Tower of Niles</a> is a quirky roadside attraction in Illinois. It&#8217;s about 30 minutes northwest of Chicago in the Village of Niles, which is the sister city to the one and only Pisa, Italy. Completed in 1934, the half-size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is on the National Register of Historic Places and makes for a great photo op.</p>



<p>Currently, you can only look at the tower, but the Village of Niles is working on construction to open it for tours.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Grosse Point Lighthouse</h3>



<p>Chicago may be one of the biggest tourist attractions in the state, but its suburbs have their own treasures. In the northern suburb of Evanston, you will find <a href="https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/grosse-point-lighthouse/">the Grosse Point Lighthouse</a> overlooking Lake Michigan. Built in the 1870s, the lighthouse helped ships avoid disaster as they approached Chicago. Today, it is a national landmark that&#8217;s open year-round to curious visitors. Take a tour to learn about the maritime disasters that led to the lighthouse&#8217;s construction, and enjoy a stunning view after climbing the lighthouse&#8217;s 141 stairs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Abraham Lincoln Home</h3>



<p>Springfield is the capital of Illinois and the site of much of the state&#8217;s history. See why Illinois is known as the &#8220;Land of Lincoln&#8221; by visiting the president&#8217;s actual home. The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/liho/index.htm">Lincoln Home National Historic Site</a> features the home where he and his wife, Mary Lincoln, lived for nearly two decades. The home is carefully preserved to look like it would have in the 1860s.</p>



<p>Beyond the house, you can walk through a neighborhood restored to reflect the same Lincoln era. During the summer, the national historic site holds &#8220;Living History&#8221; events, including reenactments of Lincoln&#8217;s famous speeches and day-to-day life of the time.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1000" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/04-Abraham-Lincoln-Home.jpg" alt="Abraham Lincoln Home" class="wp-image-260230" style="width:713px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/04-Abraham-Lincoln-Home.jpg 700w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/04-Abraham-Lincoln-Home-210x300.jpg 210w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/04-Abraham-Lincoln-Home-630x900.jpg 630w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mazon Creek Fossil Beds</h3>



<p>You don&#8217;t often see fossils outside of a museum. Illinois&#8217;s Mazon Creek Fossil Beds, though, are so rich in archeological specimens that the area has achieved National Landmark status. You can test your fossil hunting skills at the <a href="https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.mazonia-braidwood.html">Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area</a>, just over an hour&#8217;s drive from Chicago.</p>



<p>From March until September, you can secure a day permit and spend the day searching for perfectly preserved flora and fauna. The outdoor space is also an excellent spot to fish and boat. While you are out on the water, keep an eye out for native wildlife.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Secret Vacation Spots for Couples in Illinois</h2>



<p>If you want to get away from it all and enjoy some quality time with your partner, you&#8217;ll find several unique activities and vacation spots in Illinois. While the state parks and Chicago are great places to spend a trip, we&#8217;ve also compiled some of our favorite finds in Illinois for couples.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Galena</h3>



<p>For a delightful stay on the Mississippi River, <a href="https://www.visitgalena.org/visitors-guide/">head to charming Galena</a>. This small town has a colorful main street with historic architecture and over 125 shops and restaurants to stroll through with your partner. Throughout Galena, you&#8217;ll find a vibrant collection of vineyards, breweries and distilleries, along with a rich history from the American Civil War era. Ulysses S. Grant&#8217;s home is a must-see for history buffs.</p>



<p>Spend some time on the water, catch a performance or enjoy the town&#8217;s nightlife. For a winter getaway, head to Chestnut Mountain, which offers fantastic skiing and snowboarding right in the Midwest. After a long day on the slopes, cozy up in the resort for a romantic vacation in Illinois.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Morton Arboretum</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://mortonarb.org/">Morton Arboretum in Lisle</a> is a sprawling collection of meticulously cared-for plants and trees. Couples can come to stroll the 16 miles of trails that run through the arboretum and sit together for a meal at the Ginkgo Restaurant that overlooks Meadow Lake. You can also rent bikes and cycle on 9 miles of paved paths.</p>



<p>Explore the land as you choose, or you can come for one of the arboretum&#8217;s events. The Morton Arboretum hosts a <a href="https://mortonarb.org/explore/activities/events/cider-ale-festival/">Cider and Ale Festival</a> during fall and other seasonal events that make for a unique date idea for couples.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="596" height="240" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/05-The-Morton-Arboretum.jpg" alt="The Morton Arboretum" class="wp-image-260231" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/05-The-Morton-Arboretum.jpg 596w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/05-The-Morton-Arboretum-300x121.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 596px) 100vw, 596px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Beall Mansion</h3>



<p>Beall Mansion in Alton is a <a href="https://beallmansion.com/about/about.php">quaint and luxurious bed-and-breakfast</a> with Victorian flair. This romantic getaway is just 20 minutes from St. Louis and has guest rooms with whirlpools, fireplaces and claw-foot bathtubs. During your stay, you can indulge in amenities like the 24-hour chocolate buffet and 24-hour hot beverage service. When you venture out of the comfort of your private room, Beall Mansion offers spa services, including full-body massages.</p>



<p>The bed and breakfast gives couples a respite from the rush of everyday life, but its location still offers plenty of things to do. The surrounding area has restaurants, wineries, live music venues and more. Treat yourself to an indulgent and luxurious vacation at this boutique BnB.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nicholas Conservatory &amp; Gardens</h3>



<p>Nicholas Conservatory &amp; Gardens in Rockford sits on the Rock River. Couples <a href="https://nicholasconservatory.com/about-us">can walk through the warm</a>, fragrant air of the indoor conservatory and outside along the Eclipse Lagoon. This underrated destination is home to a gorgeous collection of flora that includes rose gardens, orchids, tropical palms and more.</p>



<p>Couples can enjoy the grounds any day, but Nicholas Conservatory &amp; Gardens also hosts adults-only events, like Whiskey on the Rock and Wine and Roses. You can also enjoy weekly Tunes on the Terrace performances, complete with food and drinks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grab a Slice After Exploring Illinois</h2>



<p>Uncovering Illinois&#8217;s hidden treasures is hungry work. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, you likely know that the state&#8217;s love for a good slice of pizza is no secret. Whether you have spent the day hiking or visiting a historic site, finishing the day with deep-dish pizza is the perfect vacation treat.</p>



<p>Plenty of restaurants do deep-dish, but none quite like Giordano&#8217;s. We have <a href="https://giordanos.com/all-locations/">nearly 20 different locations in Illinois</a>, making it easy to find somewhere to eat while you&#8217;re exploring these hidden places in Illinois. Find the spot nearest your secret destination and indulge in something delicious.</p>



<p></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/top-secret-vacation-spots-in-illinois/">Top Secret Vacation Spots in Illinois</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></content>
		
					<link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/top-secret-vacation-spots-in-illinois/#comments" thr:count="0" />
			<link rel="replies" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://giordanos.com/top-secret-vacation-spots-in-illinois/feed/atom/" thr:count="0" />
			<thr:total>0</thr:total>
			</entry>
		<entry>
		<author>
			<name>Blake Trahan</name>
					</author>

		<title type="html"><![CDATA[A Guide to Being a True Chicagoan]]></title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/a-guide-to-being-a-true-chicagoan/" />

		<id>https://giordanos1.wpengine.com/a-guide-to-being-a-true-chicagoan/</id>
		<updated>2024-10-08T15:09:28Z</updated>
		<published>2024-04-26T13:54:00Z</published>
		<category scheme="https://giordanos.com/" term="Chicago" />
		<summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>    Chicago is a wonderful place to live. Those of us who live here do so for a reason, and the longer you live here, the more pride you feel for the city. However, Chicago is also a unique place and a Chicagoan is a unique person. From the food we eat to the&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/a-guide-to-being-a-true-chicagoan/">A Guide to Being a True Chicagoan</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></summary>

					<content type="html" xml:base="https://giordanos.com/a-guide-to-being-a-true-chicagoan/"><![CDATA[<p> </p>
<p> </p>


<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" data-id="431151" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/what-Is-the-meaning-of-chicagoan.jpg" alt="What is the Meaning of Chicagoan?" class="wp-image-431151" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/what-Is-the-meaning-of-chicagoan.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/what-Is-the-meaning-of-chicagoan-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/what-Is-the-meaning-of-chicagoan-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</figure>



<p>Chicago is a wonderful place to live. Those of us who live here do so for a reason, and the longer you live here, the more pride you feel for the city.</p>



<p>However, Chicago is also a unique place and a Chicagoan is a unique person. From the food we eat to the teams we follow, we take pride in being ourselves. We are glad we&#8217;re not from New York, Los Angeles or Dallas. We know in our hearts we&#8217;d rather live in Chicago.</p>



<p>As we move around our favorite city, we see all of those around us, and we quickly distinguish who is truly one of us and who is pretending. We&#8217;re happy to have visitors, but pretending to be a Chicagoan when you&#8217;re really not is something entirely different.</p>



<p>So, if you are a recent convert to the Chicago lifestyle and want to ensure you are doing it right, we&#8217;ve collected some true Chicago wisdom and spelled out the essentials for being one of us. As <a href="https://giordanos.com/our-story/">one of Chicago&#8217;s famous restaurants</a>, we get what it means to be a Chicagoan. Considering how much we love this city, we are more than happy to help you be an authentic Chicagoan, too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Is the Meaning of Chicagoan?</h2>



<p>Put simply, &#8220;Chicagoan&#8221; refers to someone who lives in Chicago. However, it takes way more than just living in the city to consider yourself a part of this group. Being a Chicagoan is a lifestyle, and you have to be willing to embrace tried-and-true traditions and possess a stubborn will to back what you believe. Here, you can start your journey to becoming a true Chicagoan and learn the do&#8217;s and don&#8217;ts of navigating our wonderful city.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Some Essentials You Have to Do</h2>



<p>Chicago is a wonderful city with a diverse population. Despite the many different cultures that thrive here, there are several traditions, sayings, strong opinions and actions that bring us together as true Chicagoans. Take a look at some of our essentials to help you fit in:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Choose Your Team</h3>



<p>If you follow baseball, you know there are two teams in Chicago. There are the White Sox, also known as the &#8220;South Siders,&#8221; that play at Guaranteed Rate Field, formerly known as U.S. Cellular Field and as Comiskey to the old-school fans. Then, there are the Cubs, the &#8220;North Siders,&#8221; who play at Wrigley Field.</p>



<p>Both teams are old, and both are known for wallowing through years of futility. The Cubs are perhaps most famous for going <a href="https://www.si.com/longform/timeline/chicago-cubs-history/index.html">108 years without winning a championship</a>, a dry spell that was finally broken in 2016. The White Sox ended their <a href="https://theathletic.com/4947543/2023/10/11/cleveland-guardians-drought-75-years/">88-year drought in 2005</a>. The team also has the added bonus of being involved in the <a href="https://www.history.com/news/black-sox-baseball-scandal-1919-world-series-chicago">worst cheating scandal in the history of baseball</a> when eight players were accused of throwing the 1919 World Series.</p>



<p>Being a baseball fan in Chicago isn&#8217;t easy, but that doesn&#8217;t change the fact that Chicago is a baseball town. Fans in the city are diehard and spend much of their summers taking in games.</p>



<p>However, just because Chicago is a baseball town doesn&#8217;t mean you get to simply be a Chicago baseball fan. You have to choose one team, and you can&#8217;t change your mind. Nothing makes you look more suspicious to a true Chicagoan than being a fair-weather fan. If your buddies cheer for the other team, and they&#8217;re winning, you just have to grin and bear it and hope your turn to win comes soon.</p>



<p>But don&#8217;t worry. Once baseball season is over, all Chicagoans agree. Considering that the Blackhawks <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/280259/stanley-cup-champions/">have six Stanley Cups</a> and that many of us were witness to Michael Jordan&#8217;s many years of basketball dominance, sports seasons other than baseball can be a lot gentler on the city&#8217;s sports fans. Just don&#8217;t ask about how the Bears have been doing recently.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Learn the Lyrics to &#8216;The&nbsp;Shuffle&#8217;</h3>



<p>If you&#8217;re from Chicago, you know what &#8220;The Shuffle&#8221; is. In case you&#8217;re playing catch-up, however, here&#8217;s a quick review.</p>



<p>In 1985, the Chicago Bears, one of the greatest football teams of all time (in fact, if you&#8217;re a Chicagoan, they were the greatest), were headed to Super Bowl XX. Before the big game, members of the Bears <a href="https://genius.com/Chicago-bears-shufflin-crew-the-super-bowl-shuffle-lyrics">took time to record</a> &#8220;The Super Bowl Shuffle,&#8221; a rap song filled with the same swagger that would lead the Bears to their first Super Bowl win. The performance would eventually earn the team a Grammy, their second piece of hardware that season.</p>



<p>Chicagoans don&#8217;t just know the &#8220;Shuffle&#8221; — they also have a favorite verse. Considering Walter Payton was the greatest running back of all time, it&#8217;s no surprise his verse was the best — though we are also partial to punter Maury Buford&#8217;s excellent cowbell playing.</p>



<p>Even at their best, the &#8217;85 Bears were better football players than rappers, so the lyrics aren&#8217;t too hard to learn. You can&#8217;t fault them for trying. Besides, it was for charity, a la &#8220;We Are the World,&#8221; so at least they were doing it for a good cause.</p>



<p>Knowing all the lyrics to &#8220;The Shuffle&#8221; separates the casual fan from the diehard. A true Chicagoan lives and dies according to the Bears — no matter what happens during the season — so consider memorizing &#8220;The Shuffle&#8221; as part of a Chicago citizenship test, akin to memorizing the preamble to the Constitution in school.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Maximize Your Summer</h3>



<p>Winters in Chicago are hard, so a true Chicagoan knows how to appreciate the all-too-short warmer months. It&#8217;s no coincidence that Chicagoans are famous for their grilling. When you only have three months of warm weather, why waste it by cooking inside? In fact, if you&#8217;re getting together with friends during the summer, you bet you&#8217;re going to be doing so outside.</p>



<p>Plus, Chicago has such beautiful scenery, including our gorgeous lakeside, so there are plenty of places to really soak up some sun. The city also provides ample activities for celebrating summer. Food trucks, world-famous music festivals and outdoor markets give you plenty of reasons to get outside.</p>



<p>A true Chicagoan would never skip out on these opportunities. If it&#8217;s even moderately warm, get outside and be grateful. Even in the fall, there are several things you simply have to do <a href="https://giordanos.com/chicago-in-fall-what-you-have-to-do-before-the-wicked-winter-begins/">before the winter kicks off</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Fearlessly Confront the Winter</h3>



<p>Even though our winters are punishing, a true Chicagoan knows how to handle them. We may gripe and anxiously await the summer, but when it comes to dealing with the countless feet of snow, we get it done.</p>



<p>A Chicagoan knows that on multiple occasions, they will wake up and not be able to see their car because the previous night&#8217;s snowstorm covered it. That doesn&#8217;t stop us from grabbing a shovel and digging it out —&nbsp;although we&#8217;ll simultaneously pray that we are digging out the right car. Also, don&#8217;t be shocked when you see tables, chairs and similar objects holding parking spaces, especially during the winter. Although not technically legal, when it comes to keeping a spot in front of homes, Chicagoans will make sure no one else can take what&#8217;s theirs.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Always Know Where the Lake Is</h3>



<p>Chicago was built on the banks of Lake Michigan. It made sense since the Lake gave the city access to the shipping opportunities further east. When the Illinois and Michigan Canals were completed, Lake Michigan was connected to the Mississippi River, making Chicago one of the most important shipping hubs in the world.</p>



<p>Development in the city followed the natural geography that made the city so crucial. And because of that, you can easily find anything in the city relative to the Lake&#8217;s location.</p>



<p>If you want to tell someone where something is, make sure to use the Lake as a reference point. Tell someone to head toward the Lake or head down along the Lake. If you have to ask for directions, you better know where you are relative to the Lake, or else you will be wandering around lost for a long time (hint: the Lake is east).</p>



<p>Finally, just call it &#8220;the Lake.&#8221; This isn&#8217;t Minnesota. We don&#8217;t have a thousand of them. We have one. It&#8217;s huge, and we all know what it&#8217;s called.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. Eat Deep-Dish Pizza</h3>



<p>When it comes to a true Chicagoan&#8217;s culinary tastes, none is more well-known than <a href="https://giordanos.com/our-story/">deep-dish pizza</a>.</p>



<p>Baked in a round, deep, steel pan, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a distinct take on an American favorite. The thick, deep crust holds a heaping helping of cheese and chunky tomato sauce. Over the top in every way, these pies are buttery and decadent.</p>



<p>While New Yorkers love to brag about their foldable pizza, we know a pizza pie should be a pie. That&#8217;s why, in Chicago&#8217;s best restaurants, you eat pizza with a fork. You cut it with a chef&#8217;s knife, not a round pizza cutter. Our pizza is too serious and too full of fresh ingredients to be so easily sliced.</p>



<p>People may make fun of us and think our pizza is weird, but frankly, part of being a true Chicagoan is sticking to your guns. We&#8217;re the city that cheers for the Cubs, remember? So, if you can&#8217;t get behind a real deep dish, you might want to rethink your Chicago credentials.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Things You Should Never Do in Chicago</h2>



<p>The things you don&#8217;t do are just as important as the things you do. Sometimes, a simple word is all it takes to pinpoint a tourist or a newbie. Take a look at some of these common mistakes so you can avoid them:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Don&#8217;t Call the L a Subway</h3>



<p>When you walk around Chicago, it doesn&#8217;t take long to notice that the train is overhead. One of the architectural wonders of the city and one of the largest metro systems in the U.S., the L connects Chicagoans and makes traveling around the dense downtown easier.</p>



<p>The term &#8220;L&#8221; is short for &#8220;elevated.&#8221; Unlike New York, our public transport doesn&#8217;t travel underground. So why would you call it a subway? Out-of-towners have a habit of calling all public transportation &#8220;subways.&#8221; Considering the L predates the New York Subway (The <a href="https://www.architecture.org/learn/resources/buildings-of-chicago/building/the-chicago-l/">first L train ran in 1892</a>, while <a href="https://guides.loc.gov/this-month-in-business-history/september/new-york-city-independent-subway-system-opened">New York&#8217;s subway opened in 1904</a>), Chicagoans know better.</p>



<p>You get bonus points if you can effortlessly switch lines to get where you&#8217;re going!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. This Is Chicago, Not &#8216;Chi-town&#8217;</h3>



<p>When someone says &#8220;Chi-town,&#8221; you can come to two conclusions. First, they are definitely not from Chicago. Second, they are trying very hard to make you think they are.</p>



<p>The term &#8220;Chi-Town&#8221; is the nickname a stranger uses to make it appear they&#8217;re more familiar with the city than they really are. It appears in travel blogs written by authors trying to make you think they have insider information. But if you use the name, it just makes you sound like a tourist. The truth is when a true Chicagoan hears someone say &#8220;Chi-Town,&#8221; a vigorous eye-roll immediately follows. They might as well wear a sign that says &#8220;wannabe.&#8221; So, if you&#8217;re trying to fit in, call the city by its name.</p>



<p>And it goes without saying that no one who lives in Chicago calls it the &#8220;Windy City,&#8221; either. That&#8217;s just silly.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Forget the Ketchup on Your Hot Dog</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/chicago-style-hot-dog.jpg" alt="Be sure to order a Chicago-style hot do" class="wp-image-431161" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/chicago-style-hot-dog.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/chicago-style-hot-dog-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/chicago-style-hot-dog-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>If you get a hot dog, be sure to order it &#8220;Chicago-style.&#8221; Similar to ordering a cheesesteak in Philly, we have a unique way of ordering our hot dogs. Our delicious combo features green relish, pickles, yellow mustard, tomato slices, onion and celery salt. The poppy seed bun pulls the entire thing together. There is no need for ketchup, and ordering any will immediately highlight you as an out-of-towner. Trust us, it&#8217;s better this way.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Never Mispronounce&#8217; Pączki&#8217;</h3>



<p>Pączki are Polish doughnuts, but even non-Polish Chicagoans know how to pronounce this word. These delicious bites are common on Fat Tuesday, and saying the name right rather than pointing at the display case will help you stand out from the non-Chicagoans. The correct pronunciation is close to &#8220;pownch-key&#8221; or &#8220;paunch-key,&#8221; but acceptable variations are &#8220;poonch-key&#8221; and &#8220;punch-key.&#8221;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Call It by Its Name: The Sears Tower</h3>



<p>In 1973, the city of Chicago became the <a href="https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/198692624/208503313">home of the world&#8217;s tallest building</a>. Originally named the Sears Tower, its 108 stories define the Chicago skyline, and its observation deck is still one of the city&#8217;s most popular tourist attractions.</p>



<p>In 2009, the building&#8217;s name changed. Now officially called the &#8220;Willis&#8221; Tower, one of the city&#8217;s most identifiable landmarks could have had an identity crisis.</p>



<p>Luckily, real Chicagoans stepped up and made sure the Sears Tower could still stand tall. Years of stubbornly standing up to Chicago winters and cheering for perennial losers have made us steadfast in the face of adversity. So, no matter how many times the tower gets a name change, we will always call it by its true name, the Sears Tower, preferably in a Chicago accent.</p>



<p>If you meet someone talking about visiting the &#8220;Willis&#8221; Tower, they are not from Chicago. If you are new to the city and want to try to blend in, we recommend forgetting the word &#8220;Willis&#8221; completely.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. Don&#8217;t Forget Your Six-Pack at Home</h3>



<p>Chicago <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/provdrs/business_support_tools/svcs/consumerprotectioncampaign.html">is one of the few BYOB</a> (bring your own beverage) cities in the United States. Many eateries are either waiting for a liquor license or don&#8217;t want to deal with the wait times and fees to get one. This means it&#8217;s common to see groups roll up to their next dine-in spot with a six-pack. If you&#8217;re someone who likes to have a drink with dinner, don&#8217;t make the mistake of forgetting your beverage of choice at home.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Eat the Best Deep-Dish Pizza at Giordano&#8217;s</h2>



<p>Not all deep-dish pizzas are created equal. If you&#8217;re committed to being a real Chicagoan, you&#8217;re going to want to make sure you are eating at the best pizza place in Chicago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Like all good pizza, Giordano&#8217;s didn&#8217;t start in Chicago. It started in Italy. Mama Giordano was famed for her &#8220;Italian Easter Pie.&#8221; When the Giordano family immigrated to Chicago, they brought their approach to this classic Italian dish with them.</p>



<p>Chicago quickly caught on, embracing this unique take on pizza and transforming it into the city&#8217;s signature dish. Just like the Bears and the Sears Tower, Chicagoans have come to take great pride in Giordano&#8217;s, one of the best restaurants in Chicago.</p>



<p>We take great pride in Chicago, too. This is the city that took in a couple of Italian immigrants and made us feel like we were home. That&#8217;s why we love feeding this city, crafting pizzas with the same love and care Mama did in the Old Country. We want to return the favor, making people from all over the city feel like they&#8217;re home.</p>



<p>If you&#8217;re new to Chicago or have lived here your whole life, <a href="https://giordanos.com/all-locations/">come in and discover why</a> we are the essential taste of a city that loves being one of a kind. We welcome anyone and everyone because we know when you taste our pies, you will be lining up to become a true Chicagoan.</p>



<p>Even if you&#8217;re a Chicagoan at heart living elsewhere across this nation, you can embrace your true identity. We are committed to helping Chicagoans get a taste of home wherever they live. So order a deep dish from anywhere, and we&#8217;ll <a href="https://giordanos.com/shop/">ship you one</a>!</p>



<p>It&#8217;s easy to connect with Giordano&#8217;s, one of the best places to eat in Chicago. Like &#8220;the Lake&#8221; and &#8220;the L,&#8221; we are an essential part of this city, and any in-the-know Chicagoan knows who we are.</p>



<p>We welcome the opportunity to get to know you and help you discover what it means to be Chicagoan.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" data-id="431171" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/eat-the-best-deep-dish-pizza-at-giordanos.jpg" alt="Eat the best deep-dish pizza at Giordano's" class="wp-image-431171" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/eat-the-best-deep-dish-pizza-at-giordanos.jpg 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/eat-the-best-deep-dish-pizza-at-giordanos-300x117.jpg 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/eat-the-best-deep-dish-pizza-at-giordanos-768x300.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</figure>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/a-guide-to-being-a-true-chicagoan/">A Guide to Being a True Chicagoan</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></content>
		
					<link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/a-guide-to-being-a-true-chicagoan/#comments" thr:count="0" />
			<link rel="replies" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://giordanos.com/a-guide-to-being-a-true-chicagoan/feed/atom/" thr:count="0" />
			<thr:total>0</thr:total>
			</entry>
		<entry>
		<author>
			<name>Blake Trahan</name>
					</author>

		<title type="html"><![CDATA[Amtrak Day Trips to and From Chicago]]></title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/amtrak-day-trips-to-and-from-chicago/" />

		<id>https://giordanos1.wpengine.com/amtrak-day-trips-to-and-from-chicago/</id>
		<updated>2024-10-08T15:09:29Z</updated>
		<published>2024-04-05T12:29:51Z</published>
		<category scheme="https://giordanos.com/" term="Chicago" />
		<summary type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Sometimes, you just feel like getting away without doing the driving yourself. The solution? A day trip on an Amtrak train. You get to ride the rails like they did in the olden days and arrive in a new city in a few hours. Hop back on the train, and you’re back home in no&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/amtrak-day-trips-to-and-from-chicago/">Amtrak Day Trips to and From Chicago</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></summary>

					<content type="html" xml:base="https://giordanos.com/amtrak-day-trips-to-and-from-chicago/"><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="512" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/amtrak-day-trips-to-from-chicago.png" alt="Amtrak Day Trips to and from Chicago" class="wp-image-429071" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/amtrak-day-trips-to-from-chicago.png 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/amtrak-day-trips-to-from-chicago-300x150.png 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/amtrak-day-trips-to-from-chicago-768x384.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Sometimes, you just feel like getting away without doing the driving yourself. The solution? A day trip on an Amtrak train. You get to ride the rails like they did in the olden days and arrive in a new city in a few hours. Hop back on the train, and you’re back home in no time. Make it an overnight trip if you want a little more time to explore your destination. Here, you can find some of the best Amtrak one-day trips to take from Chicago to add to your bucket list.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Milwaukee, Wisconsin</h2>



<p>Trade one city for another with a day trip via Amtrak to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With <a href="https://amtrakhiawatha.com/amtrak/schedules.php">multiple round trips daily</a>, the Hiawatha train gives you plenty of options in terms of when you leave, how long you stay and when you return. The trip takes only about 90 minutes one way, so you can easily make it there and back in a day with time to check out the highlights of the area.</p>



<p>Hop off at the Intermodal Station in downtown Milwaukee to start your day trip adventure. You really don’t need to leave the downtown area to fill your day with shopping, dining and culture. And really, what else do you need? The Hop streetcar offers <a href="https://thehopmke.com/how-to-ride/">an effortless way to move around the area</a>. The trolley features 10 stops, dropping you off near major attractions for easy access.</p>



<p>The Milwaukee RiverWalk lets you <a href="https://city.milwaukee.gov/DCD/Projects/RiverWalk">get a feel for the downtown area</a> while enjoying beautiful views of the Milwaukee River. The trek includes several sculptures along the way to beautify the journey. Stop by one of the many restaurants and brewpubs along the route to fuel up for the rest of your day trip. You’ll also find several shops along the way.</p>



<p>Other Milwaukee attractions are easily accessible in this area. Some of the highlights include:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Harley-Davidson Museum:</strong> If you’re a Harley fan, make a stop at this downtown museum. Explore the history of the brand through an array of exhibits, including motorcycles from 1903 to the present. Check out the many interactive displays, including the Experience Gallery, where you can actually sit on motorcycles.</li>



<li><strong>Milwaukee Art Museum:</strong> If you prefer art over Harleys, head to the Milwaukee Art Museum. With 30,000 pieces in the collection, the museum offers something for every guest. The collection includes ancient works to present day artists. Be sure to show up at when the museum opens to <a href="https://mam.org/visit/burke-brise-soleil/">see the roof open like a bird</a>.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Historic Third Ward:</strong> Just south of downtown, the Historic Third Ward area is a popular stop. What once was a warehouse district is now a trendy part of town known as the Arts and Fashion District. Wander through galleries and boutiques, take in a show at one of the theaters, treat yourself to a spa day or dine at one of many restaurants.</li>



<li><strong>Milwaukee Public Museum:</strong> Explore this world-renowned natural and human history museum on your next day trip to Milwaukee from Chicago. You may not make it through all three floors if you have other items on your agenda for your day trip, but even seeing part of the museum is a treat.</li>



<li><strong>Milwaukee Food and City Tours:</strong> See a large chunk of the city while indulging in some of Milwaukee’s best food on a bus tour. Discover some hidden culinary gems while experiencing the culture and architecture of the city.</li>



<li><strong>North Point Lighthouse Museum:</strong> Learn more about the North Point Lighthouse and Milwaukee’s maritime history at this museum. If you check ahead of time, you may be able to join the lecture in the gallery to learn about topics like the Great Loop, the Milwaukee Brewers, railroad history and more.</li>



<li><strong>Brewery and Pub Tours:</strong> Milwaukee offers several brewery tours and tastings to let you explore the beer culture of the city. Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery is one option, and Lakefront Brewery is another popular tour location. Since you’re taking the train home, you can enjoy a few extra rounds.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kalamazoo, Michigan</h2>



<p>Taking the <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/michigan-services-train">Wolverine Service or Blue Water train</a> out of Chicago gives you many stop options, including Kalamazoo. Daily service along these routes means you can make it to Kalamazoo and back easily. The name may sound funny, but Kalamazoo has a hip, progressive vibe, particularly in the downtown area.</p>



<p>You’ll find plenty to do on your day trip to Kalamazoo. Some options include:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Kalamazoo Valley Museum:</strong> History, technology and science highlight the interactive exhibits at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. See more than 50,000 artifacts, including an Egyptian mummy. You can also check out presentations in the planetarium.</li>



<li><strong>Arcadia Creek Festival Place: </strong>This large outdoor venue is right downtown and welcomes exciting events, from concerts to plays. Even if you don&#8217;t have tickets to a show, you can enjoy Arcadia Creek Festival Place as a public space for friends and families, just like any other city park.</li>



<li><strong>Air Zoo</strong><strong> Aerospace &amp; Science Museum:</strong> Even if you’re not interested in aircraft, Air Zoo is a fun stop with plenty to enjoy. The museum features several old and rare aircraft, but it also mixes in an amusement-style environment with flight simulators, a RealD 3D theater and rides reminiscent of an amusement park.</li>



<li><strong>Gilmore Car Museum:</strong> If you prefer to stay grounded, add the Gilmore Car Museum to your Kalamazoo itinerary. The museum started as one man’s private collection of vintage vehicles. After buying 90 acres of land, he turned his collection into a museum. It’s the largest North American auto museum.</li>



<li><strong>Binder Park Zoo:</strong> It may not be a huge zoo, but Binder Park Zoo lets you see a variety of animals in a natural setting. Plus, the small size makes it easy to tackle on a quick day trip.</li>



<li><strong>Bronson Park: </strong>A well-loved and respected spot in the heart of Kalamazoo, Bronson Park is the perfect place to gather with friends and family. The park has many areas for relaxing in the shade or at picnic tables and offers fun activities like outdoor table tennis and walking paths. In the summer, you can enjoy a weekly event with games, live music, food trucks and other vendors.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Buffalo, Michigan</h2>



<p>The Wolverine Service and Blue Water trains also make stops in New Buffalo, a small town with plenty of recreation options. The city lies along the shores of Lake Michigan, making it an ideal spot to relax on a day away from Chicago. This spot is known for its beautiful beaches, but you can also enjoy a range of indoor activities through art galleries, distinguished wineries, local pubs and more. Here are some entertainment options while in New Buffalo:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>New Buffalo City Beach:</strong> Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. The water is often chilly, but you can still take a dip if you want. You can rent paddleboards and kayaks if you want to explore the water without committing to a long swim.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Third Coast Surf Shop:</strong> If you’d rather stay on top of the water, head to Third Coast Surf Shop. There, you can also rent a kayak or a paddleboard to explore Lake Michigan. This is a great spot to connect with locals and find some suggestions for sites to see or new things to try.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Shopping:</strong> When you’ve had enough of the lake, wander around town to enjoy the numerous boutiques. Although you can find some of your favorite stores, this is an excellent opportunity to explore handcrafted, antique and vintage pieces you can&#8217;t find anywhere else. You’ll also find a selection of restaurants where you can refuel.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Four Winds Casino</strong><strong>:</strong> If you prefer indoor activities, test your luck at the Four Winds Casino. The casino features slots and table games. Dining options include a Hard Rock Cafe, a buffet and a steakhouse. The casino often has many types of entertainment, from trivia to live music, making it a fantastic spot even if you don&#8217;t want to hit the tables.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Champaign, Illinois</h2>



<p>You don’t have to leave the state to have fun Amtrak day trips. Hop on the <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/illinois-services-train">Saluki or Illini lines to get to Champaign</a>, Illinois. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is located in this area. In addition to exploring the campus, you can find several entertainment options linked to the college.</p>



<p>A day in Champaign may include activities such as visiting:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Krannert Art Museum:</strong> Located on the University of Illinois campus, the Krannert Art Museum claims the title of the second-largest general fine art museum in Illinois. The museum features pieces from around the world, ranging from ancient to contemporary, giving you a well-rounded art experience.</li>



<li><strong>Giertz Gallery at Parkland College: </strong>The area boasts another art museum option, this time in Urbana. While small, it hosts a variety of exhibits that are worth your time.</li>



<li><strong>Crystal Lake Park:</strong> If you want to spend the day relaxing and enjoying nature, head to Crystal Lake Park. The lake is a wonderful place for fishing or watersports. Playgrounds keep kids busy, and trails let you burn energy while you explore nature. You can also stop by the Anita Purves Nature Center for a fun and educational experience.</li>



<li><strong>Orpheum Children’s Science Museum:</strong> For families, the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum is an ideal stop. This exciting spot features themed play areas with castles, tugboats and an animal clinic.</li>



<li><strong>William M. Staerkel Planetarium:</strong> Second only to Adler Planetarium in terms of size in Illinois, the William M. Staerkel Planetarium on the Parkland College campus in Champaign offers up a fun and educational experience. Attend one of the science programs or a light show at the planetarium.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Springfield, Illinois</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/touch-abe-lincolns-nose.png" alt="Touch Lincoln's nose for good luck while in Springfield, IL" class="wp-image-429081" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/touch-abe-lincolns-nose.png 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/touch-abe-lincolns-nose-300x117.png 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/touch-abe-lincolns-nose-768x300.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Springfield is the capital of Illinois. You can book a <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/lincoln-service-missouri-river-runner-train">trip on the Lincoln Service</a> or <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/texas-eagle-train">Texas Eagle</a> to enjoy this wonderful site. If you opt for a morning departure time, you can enjoy about six hours exploring the city and various historic homes and parks before needing to grab the train back to Chicago. While you&#8217;re there, you can check out major attractions like:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Illinois State Museum: </strong>Want to learn more about the past and present of Illinois? Stop by the Illinois State Museum to explore extensive research collections and enjoy public programs and exhibitions to understand more about Illinois&#8217; people, art, land and life.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: </strong>This museum allows you to experience history in a truly unique way. You can learn more about Lincoln&#8217;s life through immersive shows and displays. You can also admire artifacts you can&#8217;t see anywhere else, allowing you to step right into Lincoln&#8217;s shoes.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Lincoln Home National Historic Site: </strong>For an extra touch of history, you can visit the home of the Lincoln family. This site offers a unique opportunity to see Lincoln as a family man and learn more about his journey as a lawyer and politician.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Chicago, Illinois</h2>



<p>If you’re starting somewhere else and taking a trip to Chicago, you’re in luck. The city has many great places to stop during a quick day trip. It’s impossible to fit even a fraction of Chicago’s best attractions into one day, but you can get a taste of the city. Easy public transportation options get you from the train station to the stops on your one-day Chicago itinerary.</p>



<p>Consider these options:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Hop</strong><strong>&#8211;</strong><strong>On, Hop</strong><strong>&#8211;</strong><strong>Off Bus:</strong> Get the lay of the land via the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. The bus travels a large loop to hit major Chicago attractions. See more of the city, and hop off when you want to explore something even more. The numerous stops make it easy to get from one point to another, saving you time over walking.</li>



<li><strong>Boat tours:</strong> Another way to see lots of Chicago architecture at once is on a boat tour. Many of the tours depart from Navy Pier with various options. The cruises are generally less than two hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to visit other Chicago landmarks.</li>



<li><strong>360 Chicago or Skydeck:</strong> Check out the city from above at one of two viewing options. The John Hancock Building features 360 Chicago, while the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, hosts Skydeck. Both options offer a unique view of the city.</li>



<li><strong>Deep-dish pizza:</strong> Chicago is known for incredible deep-dish pizza. If you&#8217;re making a day trip to the city, it&#8217;s worth taking some time to try a slice or two. Many locations offer this delicacy, but for a truly indulgent experience, stop by one of Giordano&#8217;s <a href="https://giordanos.com/all-locations/">40+ locations across the state</a> for stuffed pizza, outstanding pasta, fresh salads and more.</li>



<li><strong>Millennium Park: </strong>Taking a picture by the Bean, officially known as Cloud Gate, is a must in Chicago. Millennium Park is a spacious park in the Loop area of the city. Check out the fountain, take in a show or simply enjoy the park&#8217;s atmosphere.</li>



<li><strong>Museum Campus:</strong> If you’re interested in culture, head to the Museum Campus. You’ll find several museums in the area, making it easy to walk between them. If you’re only staying in Chicago for a day, you won’t have time to visit them all. In fact, you may not make it all the way through one of the museums.</li>



<li><strong>Art Institute of Chicago:</strong> For art lovers, a stop at the Art Institute of Chicago is a must. The museum features over 300,000 pieces in its permanent collection. You may not have time to see them all, but spending a few hours browsing the collection is worth it.</li>



<li><strong>Lincoln Park Zoo: </strong>The Lincoln Park Zoo is a classic Chicago stop. It’s free to enter the zoo, which features animals displayed in a park-like setting.</li>
</ul>



<p>If you want a quick tour through more than one, the Museum Campus is a good option. The main options in the area are the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum. Soldier Field is also in the area if you’re a Bears fan. While not included in the Museum Campus, another popular Chicago option is the Museum of Science and Industry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tips for Amtrak Day Trips</h2>



<p>Ready to ride the rails to a fun destination? Amtrak is an awesome way to get out of town, but make sure you plan ahead to make the trip run smoothly. Here are some tips to make it happen:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Check the routes:</strong> Many of the train lines run daily routes, often with multiple trains running the route. This gives you some flexibility in your schedule. However, it’s important to make sure you can catch a train heading back to Chicago the same day while giving yourself enough time to explore your destination city. Check the routes and schedules to be certain.</li>



<li><strong>Plan your time:</strong> When you’re only visiting a city for the day, you need to make good use of your time. Scope out the options for attractions and transportation within the city. Have an idea of where you’re going and how much time you plan to spend at each stop. While some vacations are laid-back, an Amtrak day trip is not a time to leisurely move through your day. If you miss the return train, you’re out of luck.</li>



<li><strong>Pack lightly</strong>: It’s tempting to pack everything you might need, but you don’t want to overpack for a day trip. Pack only the essentials based on where you’re going and what you plan to do while you’re there. You don’t want to lug a heavy bag the entire day. You should also take a moment to ensure you adhere to any bag policies at the locations you plan on visiting. This might help you choose where to stop during your trip and what to pack.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Dress comfortably:</strong> Without your own vehicle to drive everywhere, you’ll spend a lot of time walking. Dress in clothes that keep you comfortable and allow you to walk easily. Supportive, comfortable shoes are important. Check the weather for the day of the trip to ensure your attire matches the forecast. You may need to bring layers to adjust what you’re wearing when the temperature changes.</li>
</ul>



<p>When it comes to navigating a new city, there are also a few tips to follow. You&#8217;ll want to get the most out of your time without rushing around or missing a crucial bucket list item. Consider doing the following:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Eat locally:</strong> When you’re visiting a new place, eating at a locally-owned establishment gives you a unique experience. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from locals once you arrive.</li>



<li><strong>Use GPS:</strong> Check out a map of the area before your trip, so you know where you’re going, but having GPS available once you arrive is also important. Use a GPS navigation program on your phone to find attractions in your destination. The GPS will come in handy if you end up getting lost, especially if you&#8217;re on a tight schedule.</li>



<li><strong>Choose nearby attractions and restaurants:</strong> If you have a must-do activity on the itinerary, plan your other activities and stops nearby. You don’t have a lot of time to waste getting from one side of the city to the other. By sticking to a core area, you’re able to cover more ground. You can always come back to see the rest of the sights you didn&#8217;t get to!</li>



<li><strong>Head back to the train early:</strong> It’s tempting to fit in as much as possible, but don’t risk missing your ride by waiting too long to head back to the train station. You may run into traffic or other issues that make the trek longer than expected.</li>



<li><strong>Extend your trip:</strong> You may find it tough to squeeze in everything you want to do in one day. Consider turning your one-day Amtrak adventure into an overnight trip. You’ll have more time to see the sights and try out the local restaurants.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fuel up for Your Day Trip With Giordano&#8217;s</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="400" src="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fuel-up-with-giordanos.png" alt="Fuel up for your day trip with Giordano's" class="wp-image-429091" srcset="https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fuel-up-with-giordanos.png 1024w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fuel-up-with-giordanos-300x117.png 300w, https://giordanos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fuel-up-with-giordanos-768x300.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Where will you go on your next Amtrak day trip to or from Chicago? Wherever your travels take you, <a href="https://giordanos.com/locations/">Giordano’s is ready to serve</a> you a piping hot pie to keep you fueled. Hundreds of critics and millions of fans refer to us as <a href="https://giordanos.com/our-story/">the city&#8217;s best stuffed pizza</a>. Whether you&#8217;re visiting us for the first time or making a return for your favorite bites, we&#8217;d be happy to fuel your day of fun and travel. You can even <a href="https://orders.giordanos.com/?_gl=1*1pbiyzy*_gcl_au*NjkzNDA4Mzg3LjE3MDkwNDQ2MTQ.#/">place an order online</a> to enjoy your slice of Chicago on the go! We can&#8217;t wait to see you.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://giordanos.com/amtrak-day-trips-to-and-from-chicago/">Amtrak Day Trips to and From Chicago</a> appeared first on <a href="https://giordanos.com">Giordanos</a>.</p>
]]></content>
		
					<link rel="replies" type="text/html" href="https://giordanos.com/amtrak-day-trips-to-and-from-chicago/#comments" thr:count="0" />
			<link rel="replies" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://giordanos.com/amtrak-day-trips-to-and-from-chicago/feed/atom/" thr:count="0" />
			<thr:total>0</thr:total>
			</entry>
	</feed>