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August 11, 2024Eating Giordano’s Deep Dish Pizza In Chicago A First Time Visitor Guide
Chicago is a city that exceeds first-time visitors’ expectations. From stunning urban landscapes to iconic deep-dish pizza, the Windy City offers a unique blend of history and modernity. Join us as we explore this vibrant metropolis, dive into its cultural gems, and most importantly, taste Giordano’s famous deep dish pizza.
Exploring Chicago for the First Time
Our journey to Chicago started with excitement and curiosity. We parked near Millennium Park and found ourselves amidst the hustle and bustle of this iconic location. The park had a lively atmosphere with people doing yoga and a gospel festival in full swing. It felt like the heart of the city, alive and welcoming.
Parking and Logistics
Finding parking in Chicago can be a challenge, but we got lucky. We parked about two blocks away from Millennium Park and left our van there. The cost was $7 an hour with a two-hour limit. Gypsy, our trusty van, stayed put while we explored.
Chicago can be a challenge…
Millennium Park Visit
Millennium Park offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
Overview of Millennium Park
This park is a beautiful oasis amidst the city’s skyscrapers, giving it a feel similar to Central Park in New York. The park’s vibe was infectious with people enjoying the warm weather and vibrant activities.
Activities in the Park
We saw everyone doing yoga, with soulful music setting the scene. The Botanical Garden within the park was mesmerizing. Millennium Park felt like a high-tech haven, clean and modern, unlike any city vibe we’ve experienced before.
Personal Impressions
Chicago surprised us. The city felt futuristic and streamlined, far from the gritty urban jungle we had imagined.
Exploring Downtown Chicago
The weather during our visit was perfect—sunny with a gentle breeze. It was festival season, and the city seemed to celebrate around every corner.
Weather and Festival Season
Downtown Chicago was bustling with activities. We heard about various festivals happening, from gospel to jazz, adding to the city’s lively energy.
Division Street Festival
Our next stop was the Division Street Festival, an event that promised fun and food.
Detailed Description of the Festival
The Division Street Festival was a sensory delight with vendors, food trucks, and lively crowds. The food trucks prepped mouth-watering dishes while the vendors displayed unique crafts and art.
Returning to the Van
After soaking in the festival vibes, we returned to our van for a quick break. Gypsy, our van, provided a much-needed rest before we headed out again to explore more.
Giordano’s Experience
The highlight of our food journey in Chicago was undoubtedly Giordano’s deep dish pizza. We couldn’t leave without trying this iconic dish.
Introduction to Giordano’s
Based on numerous recommendations, we chose Giordano’s for our deep-dish experience. Although talking to the camera made us a bit uncomfortable, the anticipation of tasting the pizza pushed us forward.
Ordering Process
We ordered a small, four-slice deep dish pizza for about $30, including taxes. The wait time was surprising—30 minutes for a pizza. The thick and cheesy nature of Giordano’s pizza justified the wait.
Tasting Giordano’s Pizza
The moment of truth arrived as our deep dish pizza was handed over, heavy and hot.
Ordering Process
We ordered a small, four-slice deep dish pizza for about $30, including taxes. The wait time was surprising—30 minutes for a pizza. The thick and cheesy nature of Giordano’s pizza justified the wait.
Tasting Giordano’s Pizza
The moment of truth arrived as our deep dish pizza was handed over, heavy and hot.
Initial Reactions
The box felt surprisingly heavy for its size. Opening it revealed a pizza so thick it felt almost unreal. The crust was immense, and the aroma was irresistible.
Eating the Pizza
The thick crust made it challenging to cut, but with some effort, we managed. The cheese was stringy and melted to perfection, though a bit short of our expectations.
Overall Impressions
Though heavily greasy, especially with all the extra meat we ordered, Giordano’s pizza was delicious. It was akin to eating a hearty lasagna wrapped in a pizza crust. It wasn’t just food—it was an experience. The pizza was filling enough to be dinner in itself.
Final Thoughts
Chicago impressed us in more ways than one. The city’s high-tech vibe, friendly atmosphere, diverse festivals, and, of course, Giordano’s deep dish pizza made our visit memorable.
Key Highlights
Millennium Park and the Division Street Festival stood out as must-visit spots. They provided unique experiences and a chance to see the city’s vibrant culture up close.
Food Experiences
Giordano’s deep dish pizza was a culinary adventure. It lived up to its reputation, providing a thick, cheesy delight that was both hearty and satisfying.
Recommendations for First-Time Visitors
If you’re planning a visit to Chicago, make sure to explore Millennium Park, attend a local festival, and definitely try Giordano’s deep dish pizza. Chicago offers a dynamic blend of activities and experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences.