Great Lakes Trail
A century ago, the Great Lakes were perhaps the most important region to the American economy, where the country’s manufacturing and agricultural might were exported to the rest of the world. The country has changed a lot since then, but the big cities along the Great Lakes have made grand comebacks over the past couple of decades. There’s never been a better time to discover the area’s history, culture, welcoming people, and, of course, food. From Western New York to the shores of Lake Michigan, here’s how to eat your way around the Great Lakes.
What to ask for
The Garbage Plate
Your first stop is complete garbage. Not to disparage the fine city of Rochester, nestled near the shores of Lake Ontario. It just happens to be home to one of the greatest late‑night foods in history: the garbage plate. It's a glorious pile of macaroni salad, hamburger or cheeseburger, fries, tater tots, hot dogs, baked beans, and a spicy meat sauce. The origin story involves some possibly intoxicated college kids who arrived late one night and asked for a plate with “all the garbage on it.” Now, it’s become a Rochester icon and must‑try – if only for one bite.
What to ask for
Wings
Buffalo is the birthplace of the Buffalo wing. When it was created with soup wings in hot sauce and served alongside blue cheese and celery, an American tradition was born. Pro tip: Don’t ever order wings in Buffalo with ranch. Locals consider it blasphemy and may heckle you if you try.
What to ask for
Pierogi
From Buffalo, it’s on to the other side of Lake Erie and Cleveland, Ohio, another of America’s great industrial cities. In the Ohio City area, the West Side Market has stood since 1912, a grand public market bustling with butchers, farmers, and intriguing food stalls. You’ll find food from all over the world here, but to get a flavor of Cleveland’s culture, grab a pierogi. The buttery turnovers are a staple in Polish cuisine, a group with long roots in the city.
What to ask for
Coney Dog
Detroit isn’t technically on any of the Great Lakes, sitting on the north side of the Detroit River between Lakes Erie and Huron. Still, any trip through the Great Lakes region requires a stop in the Motor City, one of America’s great comeback stories and a treasure trove of architecture, art, and food. Great restaurants abound in Motown, but its signature food is the Coney dog – a hot dog topped with chili, onions, and mustard.
What to ask for
Deep Dish Pizza
The greatest city on the Great Lakes is Chicago, the Midwest metropolis set beside the sometimes frigid waters of Lake Michigan. Chicago is America’s premier architectural showcase, and before you stuff yourself with any of its great food, take a boat tour down the Chicago River and learn about all its beautiful buildings. Afterward, find time for a hearty Chicago‑style deep‑dish pizza. These cheese‑stuffed, tomato‑topped delicacies are more like mozzarella pies than pizzas, so don’t plan anything active after dinner.
What to ask for
Fish Fry
End your Great Lakes journey in Milwaukee, colloquially known as the City of Festivals. With a name like that, it’s no surprise this Milwaukee mainstay, the fish fry, originated as a Lent meal. Traditionally held on Fridays, the fish fry catered to the city’s large population of Catholic European immigrants. Today, you can find fish fry almost any night of the week.
