We wouldn’t judge you for traveling all the way to Chicago just for a buttery slice — or three — of deep dish pizza. But Chicago is also known for a few notable things other than its delicious pie:
1. The food
While we’re on the topic of food, Chicago is famous for its Italian beef sandwiches and hotdogs. Unlike the "dirty water dogs" of New York, a Chicago dog is served on a poppy seed bun with a squirt of yellow mustard, chopped white onions, pickled sport peppers, green relish, tomato slices, a dill pickle and a shake of celery salt. No ketchup. Ever.
Photo via SauceSupreme (CC BY-SA 2.0)
2. The Sears — er...Willis Tower
To Chicagoans, the 108-story, 1451-foot skyscraper will always be known as the Sears Tower. And Cloud Gate will always be called “The Bean.”
3. The Dibs Game
Finding parking isn’t easy in the city, especially during the winter. That’s why you’ll find random pieces of furniture sitting on top of open spots. It’s a seasonal game of Dibs and, yes, there’s a Tumblr dedicated to documenting it. (You’re welcome.)
Photo via meryddian (CC BY-ND 2.0)
4. The “Loop”
Also synonymous with the downtown district of Chi-Town, although it technically refers to the city’s elevated rail system.
5. “The Windy City”
Believe it or not, Chicago isn’t the windiest city in the United States. The nickname actually refers to its history of crazy politics, featuring “long-winded leaders.”
