One of the street foods that are synonymous with Chicago, the Maxwell Street Polish sandwich is said to have been created in 1943 by a Macedonian immigrant Jimmy Stefanovic who operated a hot dog stand - now called Jim's Original - back then located in Chicago's old Maxwell Street market district.

Served on a bun, the grilled or fried Polish sausage is topped with grilled onions, yellow mustard and optional pickled green sport peppers. Soon after its invention, Maxwell Street Polish grew to be one of the Windy City's most popular local fare, and remains a staple of its hot dog stands until this day.

Italian beef is a popular Chicagoan sandwich consisting of thinly sliced, seasoned layers of roast beef in a dense and chewy Italian-style roll, topped with either pickled giardiniera relish or roasted green bell peppers. The sandwich is typically dipped in jus - on one end, both ends, or completely soaked in the flavorful gravy.

Additionally, mozzarella or cheddar cheese can be added to the sandwich, according to personal preferences. There are three popular theories about the origin of the Italian beef sandwich. One says that is was invented by Al Ferreri (the owner of Al's Beef restaurant) and his family at the start of World War II. 

Chicago-style hot dog's history begins with street cart hot dog vendors who first started selling them during the harsh times of the Great Depression. Chicago dog was born as the vendors offered a flavorful, hot meal on a bun and started selling it for only a nickel.

Vienna beef hot dog was placed in a steamed poppyseed bun, then topped with numerous ingredients—green relish, yellow mustard, fresh, diced onions, red tomato slices, kosher pickles, a bit of pickled peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt. The customers absolutely loved the unique combination of hot and cold, crisp and soft, sharp and smooth, and the hot dogs became an authentic icon of the city.