Step aside, Orville Redenbacher, Chicago has conquered the popcorn industry. While we already know this, I’ve rated my top five favorites to help you weed through all the options. Of course Garrett Popcorn is number one, but can you blame me?

(www.garrettpopcorn.com)

Garrett Popcorn

I know what you’re thinking- this is the easiest blog to write because, duh of course Chicago’s most poppin’ popcorn is Garrett’s. They have mastered the art of Chicago-style popcorn and I have yet to find anything better. Who knew that cheese and caramel could be so perfectly combined and then so conveniently sized into perfect portions for every mood? It can then so easily be shared for every holiday, birthday, even wedding gift giveaways. I bought a tin specifically designed for my brother, mom, dad and dog for Christmas. It just seems fitting.

4 East Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60602
312-263-8087

26 West Randolph
Chicago, IL 60601
312-201-0511

625 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312-944-2630

2 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60604
312-360-1108

500 West Madison
Chicago, IL 60661
312-463-0914
www.garrettpopcorn.com

(credit: nutsonclark.com)

Nuts on Clark

While not as perfect as Garrett’s, Nuts on Clark gives the popcorn king a run for his money. I will always reach for a bag when I walk passed the tiny shop at Southwest’s terminal in Midway Airport. A snack is a necessity with plane rides nowadays, there is something great about the comfort of Nuts on Clark’s popcorn conveniently placed in my lap. Every trip I grab a different bag to put me into my relaxation coma with the hopeful wishes of a smooth flight.

3830 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60613
773-549-6622

210 South Canal Street
Chicago, IL 60606
773-549-6622

835 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
773-549-6622
Nutsonclark.com

Lobby Lounge at Kerasotes Icon Theater

Bacon and popcorn are one of the most delicious duos I have ever placed into my mouth. Both fantastic separately, but the flavors explode in the lounge at Kerasotes Theater on Roosevelt. If you’ve never been or never heard of this place, it is an upscale lounge where you can enjoy a cocktail and an appetizer before the movie. The popcorn, which is essential during every movie, is enhanced by adding bacon. Et voila, delicious and classy.

150 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60605
312-564-2104
www.kerasotes.com

(credit: popcornpalace.com)

Popcorn Palace & Candy

It’s just like buying a Build-a-Bear, but with popcorn and candy. You pick the popcorn, pick the candy to drizzle on top of it, pick the perfectly decorated tin for the person you had in mind and send it as a gift to that special someone. The popcorn can be as plain or as dolled up as you would like it to be. There is a popcorn for every type of sweet and salty tooth.

600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312-222-9081
www.popcornpalace.com

(credit: http://www.wellsstreetpopcorn.com)

Wells Street Popcorn

I feel terrible for the people who cannot enjoy a delicious bowl of popcorn due to allergies. That is why Wells Street Popcorn is so fabulous. They pride themselves on being peanut free, tree nut free and gluten free. Step aside allergies, you will no longer keep my best friend from enjoying the crunchy goodness of Chicago-styled popcorn.

2804 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657

1119 Lake Street
Oak Park, IL 60301
708-383-1600
www.wellsstreetpopcorn.com

Alycia Nicole

Alycia Nicole is a concierge in the heart of downtown Chicago. Popcorn is never considered her healthy snack.