Pretzel logic
Where to find the soft, knotted doughy snack
Charly Thomas
| Rebel Bar & Grill's soft pretzels
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In Chicago, the most ubiquitous foodstuffs are those eaten by hand: hot dogs (obviously), pizza, ribs, pierogies, and even Twinkies. So in a city with a gaggle of sports teams and neighborhoods rooted in global ancestry, it seems to reason the Windy City should have produced a decent pretzel by now. With that in mind, Decider ran off to find it.
When it comes to all things big, soft, and chewy, it's natural to begin at the ballpark, where grabbing a beer, a dog and, yes, a pretzel is still the American way. Decider taste-tested pretzels at Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St., 773-404-2827), but Levy Restaurants has offered the same concessions at the Cell since 2000. What you'll get for about $4 is a jumbo loaded with too much salt and not enough chew. They taste like they've been under red lights since the last double-header.
From stadiums to stadium seating, the pretzel—a proven spectator snack—finagled itself into the movies when popcorn wasn't looking. Today's theaters, like Piper's Alley (1608 N. Wells St., 312-642-6275), have evolved that dancing box of Goobers into nachos, ice cream, and even steak dinners like at Bogart's At The Premier in Rosemont. The pretzels here are similar to the ballpark—crusty, typical—but hey, you'll save about a buck.
Chicago has enough culinary dimensions to offer finger foods outside of concession stands, though. Schwa (1466 N. Ashland Ave., 773-252-1466) is a delicious example, where a three-course menu begins with beer and cheese soup, a Chimay emulsion served with dill puree and a pretzel. While the bread is actually a small ball, it's perfect in the soup or with pickle on the side.
For other delights, "hip" eateries like Rebel Bar & Grill (3462 N. Clark St., 773-975-2010) can offer something extra. This Wrigleyville spot may make the perfect pretzel, offering softies with tangy cheese and spicy mustard. Choose from cheese or jalapeño breads for $7.50. Of course, if this still isn't satisfactory, pump up your own meal with a homemade pretzel roll from Whole Foods (various locations). These unsalted monsters are just a dollar and gluten-free to boot.
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