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The Best Gifts for Chicago Foodies

Posted on December 6, 2022   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Sidney Madden

Sidney Madden

Portillo's Chicago hot dogs

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

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 🤤

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