The Best Chicago Cookbooks, According to Our Volunteers
By Allison Yates
This May, Read & Run Chicago turns five years old! To celebrate, Read & Run Chicago’s Special Projects Committee is throwing a special Chicago cookbook-themed anniversary partyat Fabrik Chicago on Wednesday, June 3.
We’re inviting community members to bring a homemade dish made from a recipe from a Chicago cookbook.
Here are our favorite Chicago cookbooks if you need some inspiration.
Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites by Monica Eng and David Hammond
“This book celebrates iconic Chicago foods that could have only been created in the Windy City. You not only get great recipes and ideas on where to buy things like Jim Shoe and pizza puffs, but also a window into Chicago history.” —Allison, founder
Authors Monica Eng and David Hammond with Read & Run Chicago in November 2025.
“Most people have enjoyed the Bloomingdale Trail, but few are aware it’s one of the best places to forage for serviceberries, the lesser-known wild fruit. This cookbook is full of history, personal stories of everyday Chicagoans, and so many sweet and savory ideas for cooking with serviceberries.” —Allison, founder
A Very Chinese Cookbook & Around the Boardby Kevin Pang and Jeffery Pang
“Kevin Pang, James Beard Award winner and current NBC Chicago food reporter, teams with his father to apply America’s Test Kitchen’s scientific approach with easy-to-follow recipes for Chinese dishes and Chinese-American favorites. Their perfectly cooked white rice recipe is 10/10.” —Cynthia, volunteer
Around the Board by Emily Delaney
“Chicago resident Emily features seasonal cheese and snack board recipes for year-round entertaining. Making a charcuterie board may seem daunting, but Emily breaks it down in a simple format.” —Cynthia, volunteer
The New Chicago Diner Cookbook by Jo A Kaucher, Kat Berry, and the Chicago Diner Crew
“The Chicago Diner has been operating for over 40 years and offers diner food- with a twist - everything is vegan. Along with recipes of some of their staple items such as diner seiten and breakfast chorizo, the cookbook contains a list of “pantry essentials” for vegan cooking.” —Sarita, volunteer
Frontera: Margaritas, Guacamoles, and Snacks by Rick Bayless
“Open since 1987, the Frontera grill consistently has long lines of people eager to eat award-winning chef Rick Bayless’ spin on Mexican food. This book contains some of the restaurant’s more famous drink recipes, including the Topolo Margarita, and vegetable and nut recipes.” —Sarita, volunteer
Listen to Your Vegetables by Sarah Grueneberg and Kate Heddings
“Written by local chef and owner of Monteverde, Sarah Grueneberg’s book does mostly Italian classics with a Chicago flare. She focuses on bringing the most flavor out of your ingredients without much seasoning.” —Amy, volunteer
The Adventures of Fat Rice: Recipes from the Chicago Restaurant Inspired by Macau by Abraham Conlon and Adrienne Lo
“This book is written in a comic book style, blending recipes and history of the unique Portuguese-Chinese fusion cuisine of Macau. The recipes can be found at the local Chicago restaurant, Fat Rice.” —Amy, volunteer