Whether or not you've read Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle," you're likely familiar with the history of the meat packing industry in Chicago. Taking place alongside the rest of the American Industrial Revolution, this advancement in the way we produced and sold animal products changed the lives of our entire nation.
Of course, our first go at this industry so many years ago wasn't as successful as it could have been. Sinclair's novel brought attention to the horrendous work conditions suffered by employees as well as the disgusting ways our food was being processed. Scroll on for seven rare photos of the city during this time.
1. This aerial photo of Armour & Company was taken around 1910. One of the five leading businesses in Chicago's meat packing industry, it was founded in 1867.
3. A producer of both meat and dairy products, Swift & Company was another south Chicago business that made it big. This photo was taken around 1917 and features the rail yard where products were brought in a shipped out.
4. Inspectors for Swift & Company split backbones and check for problems with hogs ready to be butchered. The photo was taken in 1906, and this is most likely being done in anticipation of the Meat Inspection Act that would be signed into law later that year.
6. Taken in 1947, this photo is from well after changes were made to the meat packing industry. Here, you can see a maze of livestock pins at the Chicago Union Stock Yards.
7. And just for fun, here is a photo of Upton Sinclair around 1910. Without him, you might still be eating meat that was nibbled by flies or left to sit out in a hot warehouse.
While there are a ton of amazing dining options in Illinois, how would you feel if an entire restaurant was dedicated to your favorite food? For me, that would be something with cheese or pickles — and luckily there's a local lunch spot that specializes in one of those. This pickle-themed restaurant in Chicago, Illinois is truly the stuff of dreams for pickleheads.
advertisement
The Little Pickle, 3703 W. Fullerton Ave., is a pretty big dill if you love pickles (like me!). Located in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, the lunch diner specializes in homemade pickles for snacking or topping delicious sandwiches.
The restaurant is open Fridays through Sundays with a rotating menu that features a variety of pickled veggies and pickle-friendly sandwiches, like the German-style pork shoulder, which has your choice of bread and butter or dill pickles.
A day in the city is incomplete without a great meal. Whether you're visiting for a while or live within its neighborhoods, Chicago will have you craving its food day in and day out. We absolutely love these nine most unique restaurants in Chicago — they are fascinating places to dine!
advertisement
From one-of-a-kind menu items to interesting atmospheres, Chicago has a vast collection of unique restaurants. You won't find eateries like these any place else in the world. Check this list of the best of the best when it comes to eating out in Chicago. These restaurants are truly some of the best dining you’ll find in the entire city, if not the whole country!
This restaurant boasts an extensive collection of seasonal and traditional beers, specialty cocktails, and wine pairings. Patrons of this restaurant enjoy unique shareable entrees (such as the one pictured,) as well as other contemporary cuisine using wild game. Menu items include small plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, oysters, and breakfast items. The unique dishes you'll find at this delicious eatery are well worth writing home about!
The original location of this spy-themed restaurant opened in 1966 in Milwaukee, but it wasn't long before another location popped up in Chicago. It is open daily for lunch and serves homemade food like cheese curds, burgers, salads, and other modern American entrees.
This restaurant is a cool restaurant in Chicago that should not be missed! You'll have fun and love the food, too.
3. smalls. - 4009 N Albany Avenue (permanently closed)
This BBQ and Asian fusion smoke shack serves comfort food like you'd never believe. Open for lunch and dinner during the week and brunch on weekends, you can eat in or order for delivery. Menu items include fresh brisket, ribs, pulled pork, fried chicken, and tofu. This restaurant is amazing, and well worth the visit. Especially if you're in search of some seriously good comfort food! You won't be disappointed.
This unique eatery has no markings to promote its location. It is a fine dining restaurant found in a back alley, though it is not meant to be pretentious. Patrons enjoy an intimate setting and can interact with chefs preparing meals, as there are no walls between them. It serves tasting menus which change regularly to include seasonal ingredients.
If you enjoy global cuisine, you must try this unique restaurant from the creators of Alinea. It has prix fixe menus that change periodically, and patrons must purchase tickets for themed dinners, such as Hollywood and Ancient Rome. Other potential meal themes include modern Chinese, steakhouse classics, and dishes from various other cultures.
Inspired by European cuisine, this restaurant serves French, Italian, Austrian, and German takes on classic dishes in a rustic atmosphere. It opens around 5:00 p.m. each night and stays open late. Enjoy a unique selection of beer and wine, as well as seasonal menus, which include crusty bread, pretzels, cheese plates, seafood, steak, duck, and other amazing meals.
This is such a cool restaurant in Chicago!
7. Blackbird - 619 W Randolph Street (permanently closed)
Run by an award-winning chef, this outrageous restaurant serves elegant Midwestern cuisine made from farm fresh ingredients. It is open for lunch and dinner on weekdays and just for dinner on weekends. Locals enjoy duck, lamb, beef, and vegetarian dishes.
Serving Brazilian-inspired cuisine, this eatery is open for lunch and dinner, as well as late into the night for drinks. You can also enjoy brunch on Sundays in its festive, colorful locale. Patrons enjoy live entertainment and an energetic atmosphere while dining on salads, sandwiches, seafood, pork, and desserts. Carnivale is one of the best restaurants in Chicago and one of the most whimsical, too!
Reminiscent of a Russian sweat lodge, this unforgettable restaurant includes several different saunas, lounges, pools, and pampering services. Guests pay $25 for a full day's admission, and it is open morning, noon, and into the night. The restaurant serves fresh, delicious dishes inspired by Eastern European and Mexican cuisine.
For more great eats, check out 10 of Chicago's favorite foods. Let us know if you’ve eaten any or all of them! And tell us which one is your favorite.
Which of these unique restaurants in Chicago have you visited? Which one is your favorite? Are there any that we missed? Share your experiences and photos with us in the comments below! We want to hear them!
