McAlister’s Menu vs Chicago Street Food

Are you trying to decide between a meal at McAlister’s Deli and some tasty Chicago street food? Both options offer delicious meals, but they are very different. In this article, we will compare McAlister’s menu with popular Chicago street food to help you understand the differences. From sandwiches to hot dogs, you can find something you love at either place.

Comparison Table: McAlister’s Menu vs Chicago Street Food

McAlister’s Deli Menu Overview

McAlister’s Deli is a great place to eat if you’re in the mood for fresh sandwiches, hearty soups, and filling salads. Their food is known for being tasty and satisfying. Here are some of the top menu items at McAlister’s:

• McAlister’s Club ($9)
  A delicious sandwich made with turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal for anyone who loves a good sandwich.
• French Dip ($9)
  This sandwich is filled with thinly sliced roast beef and melted cheese, served with au jus for dipping. It’s a classic choice if you want something savory.
• Spud Ole ($8)
  A baked potato loaded with chili, cheese, sour cream, and other tasty toppings. It’s a great option if you want something different from a sandwich.
• Ultimate Nachos ($8)
  Perfect for sharing or as a light meal, these nachos are topped with cheese, meat, and other delicious toppings. It’s a fun dish to enjoy with friends.

Side Options at McAlister’s:

• Chips ($2)
• Side Salad ($3)
• Pickle ($1)
• Potato Salad ($3)

Drinks at McAlister’s:

• Tea ($2)
• Lemonade ($2)
• Soda ($2)

Desserts at McAlister’s:

• Cookies ($2)
• Lemon Pie ($3)
• Chocolate Cake ($4)

Kids’ Menu at McAlister’s:

• Grilled Cheese ($5)
• Mac and Cheese ($5)
• Chicken Fingers ($6)

Chicago Street Food Overview

Chicago street food is known for being quick, tasty, and filled with flavors unique to the city. Whether you’re walking around the city or enjoying a quick bite, Chicago has some delicious options. Some of the most popular street food items include:

• Chicago-Style Hot Dog ($5)
  A Chicago hot dog is made with a beef sausage, mustard, onions, sweet relish, pickle, tomato, and sport peppers, all in a soft poppy seed bun. It’s the city’s iconic hot dog, and a must-try.
• Italian Beef Sandwich ($7)
  This is a hot sandwich filled with thinly sliced beef, served with peppers and sometimes dipped in gravy. It’s flavorful and juicy, making it a great option for anyone craving something hearty.
• Pizza Slice ($4)
  Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, but you can also get a regular pizza slice on the street. It’s a quick and easy option, often served with toppings like cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables.
• Tacos ($3)
  Many food trucks and vendors in Chicago sell delicious tacos. You can get them with a variety of fillings like beef, chicken, pork, or even fish. They are often topped with salsa, onions, and cilantro.

Side Options at Chicago Street Food:

• Fries ($3)
• Onion Rings ($3)
• Chips ($2)

Drinks at Chicago Street Food:

• Soda ($2)
• Water ($1)
• Iced Tea ($2)

Desserts at Chicago Street Food:

• Soft Serve Ice Cream ($3)
• Funnel Cake ($5)

Kids’ Menu at Chicago Street Food:

• Hot Dog ($4)
• Cheese Pizza Slice ($4)
• Small Taco ($3)

McAlister’s vs Chicago Street Food: Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each option offers:

1. Menu Variety:
McAlister’s offers a wide variety of fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, and baked potatoes, while Chicago street food is focused on hot dogs, pizza, tacos, and other quick snacks. If you want a variety of healthy options like salads or soups, McAlister’s is the better choice. If you want fast, iconic street food, Chicago has the best hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.

2. Prices:
Both McAlister’s and Chicago street food have affordable options, but McAlister’s can be slightly more expensive. For example, a McAlister’s Club costs $9, while a Chicago-style hot dog costs about $5. If you are looking for a quick, cheap snack, Chicago street food offers great deals like pizza slices and tacos starting at $3.

3. Meal Size:
McAlister’s meals tend to be larger, with sandwiches and spuds that can fill you up for the day. On the other hand, Chicago street food is usually meant for a quick meal, perfect for when you’re on the go.

4. Healthier Choices:
McAlister’s offers several healthier options like salads and wraps. Chicago street food is often heavier, with items like hot dogs, pizza, and fries, which are more indulgent.

5. Kid-Friendly:
Both McAlister’s and Chicago street food have kids’ menu items. McAlister’s offers grilled cheese and mac and cheese ($5), while Chicago street food offers simpler options like hot dogs and pizza slices ($4).

Conclusion: McAlister’s Deli or Chicago Street Food?

When deciding between McAlister’s Deli and Chicago street food, think about the type of meal you’re in the mood for. McAlister’s is perfect if you want a filling sandwich, hearty soup, or baked potato. It’s a great place for a relaxed, sit-down meal. On the other hand, if you’re looking for quick, tasty street food, Chicago’s hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and pizza slices are unbeatable.

FAQs

1. What is McAlister’s Deli known for?
McAlister’s Deli is known for its sandwiches, soups, fresh salads, and baked potatoes called “Spuds.”

2. What are the prices at McAlister’s Deli?
The prices at McAlister’s range from $5 to $9, depending on the item.

3. What’s a popular item at Chicago street food?
The Chicago-style hot dog ($5) and Italian beef sandwich ($7) are two of the most popular items in Chicago.

4. Does McAlister’s have healthy options?
Yes, McAlister’s offers several healthy options like salads and wraps.

5. How much does a pizza slice cost in Chicago street food?
A pizza slice at a Chicago street food vendor typically costs around $4.