Sometimes you just need the food equivalent of a hug. Cue this longtime soup and sub shop and its answer to cold Chicago winters: The nourishing and hearty split pea soup. The partially pureed broth is thick and smooth with a hint of sweetness. The soup happens to be vegetarian, and it's perfect for dunking crusty Italian bread, or, if you eat meat, a toasted ham and cheese sub.
When it's freezing out, nothing warms the belly—or the soul—quite like a bowl of soup. Chicago's best soups are wonderfully diverse, from a hot and sour soup in Chinatown to pho in Uptown and clam chowder in River North. Whether you're staving off a cold or just want some comfort, try a steaming bowl of soup at these restaurants.