Chicago's Most Popular Eats of Summer 2017

Let's recap another hungry summer in Chicago with these mouthwatering pics on Instagram. We're all for Top 10 lists but let's mix it up and do 9.

Want to catch the feed in real time? Follow us on Instagram, and be sure to tag your food pics #ChicagoFoodMag. Here's what we're seeing:  

#9 - Chicago q

Mac n' Cheese is always in style and the folks at Chicago q know sides can be just as important as the main course. While brisket, smoked chicken and baby back ribs get all the love at the summer festivals, this decadent Mac N Cheese had hungry Chicago fingers flying and landed firmly in our Top 9.

#8 - Forno Rosso

Carbonara Pizza is one of our favorite combos. The best of pizza and pasta in one tidy pie. Forno Rosso has a variation at both of their locations with pancetta, cracked black pepper and egg taking center stage. 

#7 - Union Squared

Next up is another pizza but certainly in name only. Union Squared is serving Detroit-style pan pizzas at Revival Food Hall and a new location in Evanston. Their Pepperoni pie is an in-your face creation with mozzarella and brick cheeses supporting a healthy serving of pepperoni and tomato sauce. 

#6 - Glazed and Infused

The doughnut trend shows no signs of stopping in Chicago and we're relieved. More doughnuts is a reason to celebrate and Glazed and Infused is constantly iterating season after season. Just in time to make our summer list but concocted with fall flavors in mind, the Nutella Dipped Old Fashioned is a real head-turner. A doughnut your dreams are made of!

#5 - The Bristol

If you caught our recent featured story on the evolution of Bucktown's The Bristol, then you know all about one of their classic pasta dishes which needs no introduction. Chef Todd Stein and team have smartly let us enjoy their signature Raviolo time and time again. Stuffed with ricotta and a farm egg; this dish is drenched in brown butter. The picture alone is drool-worthy. Chicagoans seem to agree and The Bristol clocks-in at number five on our list!

#4 - Shake Shack

While available for a limited time only, Shake Shack dropped this Hot Chick'n sandwich on us and we may never be the same. Fried chicken topped with a spicy pepper blend and slaw had us sweating it all summer long. Chicagoans must like it hot as well as this sandwich dropped into our top five with a bang.

#3 - Spiaggia

The Top 3 is always rarefied air in the Chicago food scene, where only the hottest of the hot survive. Not surprising, a Chicago stalwart, Spiaggia, checks-in with their pork belly and black pepper risotto. Chef Tony Mantuano and his team take their menu to new heights with constant innovation and iteration around Italian cuisine. This delicate, yet savory, risotto is no exception. 

#2 - The Dawson

The Dawson delivers another gluttonous mac & cheese to our summer hot list. With bacon and Hook's 3-year cheddar providing big, savory flavors, this hearty side is all about packing maximum cheesey goodness into your life. #2 on our list but #1 in so many of your hearts.

#1 - Honey Butter Fried Chicken

And here you have it, according to our Chicago Instagrammers, the #1 hottest pic of the summer! Honey Butter Fried Chicken is no stranger to our lists and their Buffalo Mac N' Cheese has everything you need: crunch, cheese, spice and more cheese! Congrats HBFC, we salute and thank you.