Photo: Jessica Burke Photography
Not into serving Windy City favorites like deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs at your reception? The late-night snack serves as your chance to show off your — and your city’s — foodie side. Trust us: No matter how delicious dinner was, guests will pounce on the snacks after they’ve been tearing up the dance floor. Here are five of our favorite options that capture the city’s most famous fare.
Garrett Popcorn Shops
If you’re like us, Garrett’s delicious popcorn fumes are tough to resist, hence why tourists routinely swing by the airport’s Garrett Popcorn Shop on their way home. Save your out-of-town guests a trip and treat everyone to the classic Chicago treat by setting up a popcorn bar just off the dance floor. Garrett’s will provide an old-fashioned popcorn tin, scoopers, and to-go bags. Sweet tooths will love the CarmelCrisp, while savory fans will dive into CheeseCorn. But for the ultimate snack, go for The Chicago Mix, a genius combination of the two. Read real brides’ reviews here!
Lou Malnati’s
Once the smell of pizza fills the air, the dance floor will clear. (Don’t worry — guests will be back and ready to keep dancing once they refuel.) The legendary Chicago pizza joint serves mini slices of their famous deep dish so guests can enjoy them in two bites rather than a fork-and-knife ordeal. Everyone’s dressed to the nines, after all. Read real brides’ reviews here!
Big Star
On sunny weekends, Chicagoans flock to the Wicker Park taco mecca just as wedding guests will flock to Big Star’s ‘Little Mule’ food truck when it rolls into your reception. Might we suggest serving a mix of tacos — pastor, pescado, and hongas — to satisfy carnivores, fish lovers, and vegetarians alike. Read real brides’ reviews here!
Stan’s Donuts & Coffee
Stan’s may trace its roots back to Los Angeles, but since the donut shop opened in Chicago two years ago, we’ve adopted it as our own. Now with four locations around the city, chances are you and your fiancé have fallen for Stan’s as well. Though your traditional great aunt might be confused by the idea of eating donuts at 10 p.m. rather than 10 a.m., one bite of a mini pistachio-glazed donut is all it’ll take to win her over.
See More: Dance Off All That Food to the Music of These Top Chicago Wedding Bands
Buddy’s Special Events
If there’s one delicacy Chicago’s most famous for, it’s the Chicago-style hot dog. And the Windy City staple makes a light-hearted and playful addition to your big day, putting your hometown pride front and center. Buddy’s Special Events serves authentic Vienna beef hot dogs straight from a hot dog cart. All the fixings are available too, but stay true to the Chicago theme and keep ketchup far away. Read real brides’ reviews here!
The Slide Ride
When The Slide Ride drives up to your reception, it’s pretty much a given that no guest will go home hungry. From brown sugar bacon-topped sliders to a spicy PB&J, out-of-the-ordinary — but no less tasty — combinations are packed into each small sandwich. Not to mention, all the deliciousness is served straight from a cute, retro food truck.
For more Chicago wedding catering options, be sure to browse our local vendors page!
