At Hey Chicago, we recognize no two food lovers are the same. That’s why we’ve created a gift guide for all the different foodies in your life.
The Classic Chi Foodie
Harold’s mild sauce. Enjoy the tangy blend on chicken, fish, salads, or plain bread — trust us, it always hits! Sold by the bottle ($12) and gallon ($25).
Tastes of Chicago subscription. Gift monthly boxes of pizza, dessert, and other Windy City favs. ($60.58+)
The Cook
Spice House neighborhood spices. Gift blends, seasonings, and rubs inspired by Greektown, Argyle Street, and more ($8.99+). You can also get Lake Shore Drive or Back of the Yards spice collections ($40+).
“Dine in Palestine” cookbook. Food blogger Heifa Odeh’s debut cookbook is a collection of her family’s recipes — from stuffed peppers with bulgur and herb yogurt to hummus topped with steak. ($23.99+)
The Baker
Honey Butter Fried Chicken cornbread. Give corn muffin mix with the Avondale restaurant’s signature bee pan. ($45)
“Justice of the Pies” cookbook. Pastry chef Maya-Camille Broussard’s cookbook features pie recipes inspired by changemakers. ($30+)
“Historic Chicago Bakeries” book. Explore the history of the city’s bakeries — and the many delicious delicacies created. ($13.19)
The Beverage Enthusiast
Afro Joe’s coffee blends. Buy the Beverly coffee shop’s DuSable blend. ($12)Mindy’s Bakery hot chocolate blends. Give Mexican, medium, or dark hot chocolate blends from the Wicker Park bakery. ($25)
Bummer Wines club. Gift a natural wine subscription to the Pilsen club. ($68/month)
Pilot Project Brewing subscription. Sample experimental drinks and house favorites as part of the Logan Square brewery’s beer of the month club. ($50/month)
If all else fails, you can’t go wrong with a gift card to Portillo’s or Small Cheval. And no one’s ever been mad about a Home Depot hot dog 🤤
The Best Gifts for Chicago Foodies

Sidney Madden

Portillo's Chicago hot dogs. (Melina Mara / Washington Post / Getty)
Share article

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Chicago's Best
Hidden Gem Swimming Spots
Underrated swimming spots in Chicago this Summer.
The Hot Dog Cart-icle
Hot dog carts are rare in Chicago. Consider visiting one this National Hot Dog Day!
5 Queer Chicago Poets You Should Know
These local queer poets are worth checking out — during Pride month and beyond.
Welcome to The Belmont and Decibel — AKA New Berlin
Decibel is now open in the former Berlin space on Belmont. Comparisons are inevitable.
Chicago Was — Is? — a Magic Town
The Hand & The Eye is a new venue marketing Chicago-style magic. But what is Chicago-style magic?
Chicago’s Splashiest Water Activities
As we mourn the Humboldt Park swan boats, there are still plenty of Chicago water and boat activities to enjoy as the season heats up.
Celebrate Poetry in Chicago
Every month is Poetry Month in Chicago. But since April is actually National Poetry Month, consider diving in deeper.
Where You Can Still Bowl in Chicago
There are just about a dozen bowling alleys left in Chicago. Lucky for us, though, they’re as fun as ever.
The latest in Chicago
Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz
How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.
Partners In Crime Offers Beach-Ready Mystery and Romance Novels
Jeff and Amanda Morse combined their love for the mystery and romance genres by creating a bookstore that specializes in both.
Where to Find Summer Beach Reads
Chicago has nearly 100 independent bookstores, so here are a few spots that specialize in genres that sound best by the lake.
Your Guide To Chicago’s Ice Cream
Where to get ice cream in Chicago this Summer
7 — Yes, 7! — New Cafes
Every month, we bring you the newest restaurant openings across Chicago. This month, they’re all cafes!
Why Kids Love Teddy’s Ice Cream and Its Giant Inflatable Bear
A look into Teddy's Ice Cream in Chicago
Feld Review: Don’t Listen to the Haters
What it's like to eat at the restaurant Feld.
New Spots To Dine & Drink in Chicago
Chicago has no shortage of good places to eat around town. Here are some of the bar, restaurant, and café openings we're watching.