Chicago Food and Culture Walking Tour

Chicago Food and Culture Walking Tour

Price varies by date Check availability for current pricing

About This Tour in Chicago

Start your immersive walking tour at a Chicago icon: the Centennial Fountain at River Esplanade Park. From here, your guide will take you on a culinary and cultural adventure. Our first stop is the famous Billy Goat Tavern, where we recommend trying their signature "cheezborger." Next, we'll visit Pizzeria Uno, birthplace of Chicago’s legendary deep-dish pies. Then see where locals go for their hot beef fix: Al’s Beef, a favorite since 1938. Along the way, you’ll hear about the friendly rivalry with New York's pizza scene, Chicago's meatpacking roots, 1920s speakeasies, gangsters, and more. We recommend you bring around $30 for optional food purchases throughout the tour. Your guide will have tips on what to try at each stop. Our tour ends with a sweet finish at Firecakes, serving up doughnuts made from a secret recipe dating to the 1930s. It’s a sweet finish to our fabulous Chicago food tour!

Why Visit Chicago?

Chicago is a world-class city known for its stunning architecture, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant arts scene. Explore Millennium Park, visit world-renowned museums, and experience the famous Magnificent Mile. Chicago offers incredible lakefront views and a rich cultural heritage.

Getting to Chicago

The easiest way to reach Chicago is by flying into O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW). From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service (Uber, Lyft), or public transportation to reach the city center. Many hotels also offer shuttle services, and rental cars are widely available for exploring the area.

What's Included

  • Visits to historic restaurants like Billy Goat Tavern, Pizzeria Uno, and Firecakes
  • Professional local Chicago guide
  • 2-hour walking tour

What's Not Included

  • Cost of food (choice to purchase food at recommended stops or not - total spend approximately 30USD)
  • Gratuities

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Your ticket covers the walking tour portion of this experience. We recommend bringing about $30 for food, but it's up to you if you want to purchase what your guide suggests at each stop.
  • This tour is great for families. Pizzeria Uno and The Green Door Tavern also offer kids menus.
  • This tour isn’t accessible for wheelchairs. However, guests can bring collapsible strollers that can be carried when we take stairs.
  • This tour covers about a mile and a half at a leisurely pace.
  • Note that some venues may change their opening hours, and may not be open on all tour departure dates - in these scenarios, our expert guides will ensure a great alternative is provided
  • Some venues may have queues during busy seasons, so please expect a wait for food at some venues.

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Meeting and Pickup

Meeting Point

Admire the beauty of

Meet your guide at the Centennial Fountain at River Esplanade Park. Your guide will be standing on the side of the fountain closest to the river. The address is 401 E River Dr., Chicago, IL 60611.

End Point

A roster of artisanal donuts and coffee drinks

This tour ends at Firecakes Donuts.

Pickup Information

Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Admire the beauty of this scenic riverside park... 20 minutes

Admire the beauty of this scenic riverside park as you learn about its history and famous fountain.

This old-school Chicago joint is known for its... 20 minutes

This old-school Chicago joint is known for its excellent meat, but it’s also been featured on Saturday Night Live.

Coined as the original inventor of deep dish,... 20 minutes

Coined as the original inventor of deep dish, this storefront has served deep dish since 1943.

Mr 10 minutes

Mr. Beef draws tourists, but locals know Al’s Beef nearby can satisfy their hot beef cravings and serve up food fast. Try a sandwich at this local favorite and see if you agree with their claim to being Chicago’s No. 1 Italian beef since 1938. It’s that good.

A roster of artisanal donuts and coffee drinks... 10 minutes

A roster of artisanal donuts and coffee drinks is available at this quaint, counter-serve spot. This small location is the first storefront and dates back to the early 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

How do I book this tour?

Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.

Book Your Experience

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