Introduction
Las Vegas shimmers under the desert sun, a beacon of neon, a siren song of chance, and a melting pot of cultures from around the globe. But scratch beneath the surface of dazzling lights and high-stakes games, and you’ll discover a surprising connection to another iconic American city: Chicago. Forget the Rat Pack’s legacy for a moment; Las Vegas offers a genuine slice of the Windy City, a taste of home for displaced Chicagoans, and a unique cultural experience for anyone seeking something beyond the typical Vegas fare. While thousands come for the entertainment and the sunshine, one can also discover Chicago in Las Vegas.
Despite their geographical distance and vastly different reputations, these two cities share a surprising amount of cultural overlap, from culinary staples and musical roots to architectural influences and a shared, albeit complicated, historical thread. Whether you’re a Chicago native craving a familiar comfort or a curious visitor eager to explore a different side of Las Vegas, the Windy City’s influence is waiting to be discovered. This article explores the diverse ways one can find Chicago in Las Vegas.
Food: A Deep Dive into Chicago’s Culinary Heart
No exploration of Chicago culture is complete without a deep dive into its culinary scene, and Las Vegas offers more than just celebrity chef restaurants and all-you-can-eat buffets. You can actually find quite a few Chicago-centric restaurants if you know where to look.
The Deep-Dish Dynasty
For many, deep-dish pizza *is* Chicago. This iconic dish, with its buttery crust, generous layers of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce, is a symbol of the city’s culinary pride. Fortunately, you don’t have to fly to O’Hare to satisfy your craving. Las Vegas boasts several establishments that serve up authentic Chicago-style deep-dish. Giordano’s, a Chicago institution, has locations in Las Vegas, offering their famous stuffed pizza with its signature crust. Lou Malnati’s, another Windy City favorite, also has an outpost that regularly has lines out the door.
The key to a true Chicago deep-dish pizza is the crust – a buttery, almost pie-like shell that stands tall to hold the mountain of toppings. The cheese goes directly on the crust, followed by your choice of toppings, and then topped with a chunky, flavorful tomato sauce. It’s a fork-and-knife affair, a meal in itself, and a reminder of Chicago’s hearty culinary traditions. Many local pizza places also attempt to recreate the authentic flavor of Chicago, with some succeeding quite admirably. Finding one that suits your particular tastes might require a little experimentation.
Chicago-Style Hot Dogs: A No-Ketchup Zone
If deep-dish is the king of Chicago cuisine, the Chicago-style hot dog is undoubtedly the prince. This all-beef frankfurter, nestled in a poppyseed bun and loaded with a specific set of toppings, is a culinary masterpiece – and a source of intense regional pride. The essential ingredients include yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.
The most important rule? *Never* put ketchup on a Chicago hot dog. It’s considered a culinary sacrilege, a sign that you’re not a true Chicagoan (or at least, you’re willing to offend one). Fortunately, you can find these delicious hot dogs at locations across the Las Vegas area. Portillo’s, another Chicago staple known for its hot dogs and Italian beef, has become a very popular fixture in the city. Wienerschnitzel, a more ubiquitous chain, often offers a credible Chicago dog. And smaller, local vendors frequently attempt to recreate the magic of the Windy City version.
Italian Beef Sandwiches: Dipped or Not?
The Italian beef sandwich is another Chicago culinary icon, consisting of thinly sliced, seasoned beef simmered in au jus and served on a crusty Italian roll. The sandwich is often topped with giardiniera, a spicy mix of pickled vegetables, or sweet peppers. Finding one that captures the authentic taste can be a challenge.
A crucial question when ordering an Italian beef in Chicago (and in Las Vegas) is: “Dipped?” This refers to whether the entire sandwich is submerged in the au jus before serving. “Wet” means dipped briefly, while “soaked” or “baptized” means a complete submersion. Order it “dry” if you prefer minimal au jus. Regardless of your dipping preference, a good Italian beef sandwich is a messy, flavorful delight.
Beyond the Big Three: Other Chicago Treats
The culinary representation of Chicago in Las Vegas doesn’t stop with pizza, hot dogs, and beef. You can also find Polish sausage, sometimes referred to as Maxwell Street Polish. And for those with a sweet tooth, there’s cheesecake or Garrett’s Popcorn, a blend of caramel and cheese popcorn that’s surprisingly addictive. These smaller touches add to the overall feeling of experiencing Chicago in Las Vegas.
Music: Blues, Jazz, and the Chicago Sound
Chicago’s influence extends beyond the plate and into the realm of music. The city is a cradle of the blues, a genre born from the struggles and triumphs of the African American community. While Las Vegas is known for its glitzy headliners and electronic dance music, a discerning ear can find echoes of the Chicago blues.
The Blues Connection in the Desert
Chicago is one of the spiritual homes of blues music, along with places like Memphis and the Mississippi Delta. Many of the greatest blues musicians honed their skills in Chicago’s vibrant club scene. While dedicated blues venues might not be as prominent in Las Vegas, some bars and smaller clubs occasionally feature blues bands. Keep an eye on local listings and event calendars.
Chicago Bands/Artists Performing in Vegas
While not consistently a staple, touring bands with Chicago roots will occasionally grace the stages of Las Vegas venues. Keeping an eye on concert calendars is the best way to catch shows like these.
Architecture and Design: A Nod to the Windy City
Although Las Vegas is most known for its unique, modern architecture, you can also catch hints of inspiration from the Chicago architecture scene.
Building Styles
Although it is hard to directly translate the unique styles from Chicago to Las Vegas, inspiration is taken from both locations. You can find buildings in Las Vegas that incorporate architectural styles present in Chicago.
History and Culture: From Mob Ties to Midwest Pride
The connection between Chicago and Las Vegas extends beyond food and culture; both cities share an intertwined history rooted in organized crime.
The Mob Connection: A Dark Chapter
The history between Chicago and Las Vegas is a complex one, inextricably linked to the rise of organized crime. Chicago gangsters played a significant role in the early development of Las Vegas casinos, providing funding and expertise (often through less-than-legitimate means). The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas offers a chilling glimpse into this history, with exhibits detailing the activities of Chicago crime families and their influence on the city.
Chicago-Themed Events and Festivals
Las Vegas is a city of events, and occasionally, these include celebrations of Chicago culture. Keep an eye out for festivals, conventions, or themed parties that celebrate Chicago’s food, music, or traditions.
Chicago Sports in Las Vegas
Chicagoans are notoriously passionate about their sports teams. While you won’t find Wrigley Field or the United Center in Las Vegas, you will find pockets of Chicago sports fans gathering to cheer on the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Bears, and Blackhawks. Many sports bars in Las Vegas cater to specific fan bases, so do some research to find your fellow Chicago fans.
Finding Home: Personal Connections to Chicago in Las Vegas
While data and facts are informative, perhaps the most convincing evidence of Chicago’s presence in Las Vegas lies in the experiences of those who have made the move. Chicago transplants often express a strong desire to maintain connections to their hometown, and Las Vegas offers opportunities to do so. From gathering at sports bars to cheer on the Bears to seeking out that perfect deep-dish pizza, they build communities to remind them of their roots.
One such transplant, former Chicago resident Michael S., shared his thoughts: “I moved out here for a job, and I really miss the food scene. It’s nice knowing that I can always go grab a beef or pizza from places I knew growing up. Las Vegas is a lot like Chicago, only warmer.”
Conclusion: The Windy City’s Enduring Legacy in the Desert
The presence of Chicago in Las Vegas is more than just a collection of restaurants and cultural touchstones; it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of a city that has shaped American culture in countless ways. Despite the vast differences between the glittering lights of the Strip and the brick buildings along the Chicago River, a piece of the Windy City thrives in the desert, offering a taste of home, a connection to the past, and a unique cultural experience for anyone willing to look beyond the surface.
From that first bite of deep-dish pizza to the sounds of the blues echoing in a dimly lit bar, Las Vegas provides an opportunity to experience Chicago, not as a replica, but as an authentic presence, woven into the fabric of this vibrant and ever-evolving city. If you are visiting Las Vegas, or already live there, it is worth exploring a side of culture you might not have initially expected. Discover the taste of Chicago in Las Vegas today.
