easy
3 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels as the tour involves moderate walking and standing.
Taste Chicago’s most iconic dishes on a private 3-hour tour through River North and Streeterville. Enjoy exclusive access to legendary eateries and meet the chefs behind the city’s renowned food traditions.
3 Hours • All Ages • Iconic Chicago Foods
Embark on a delicious 3-hour journey through downtown Chicago, savoring the city's iconic dishes like deep-dish pizza, Italian beef, and gourmet popcorn. Enjoy VIP access to legendary eateries, meet passionate chefs, and explore the rich history and architecture of River North and Streeterville. Experience Chicago's culinary heritage like never before!
3 Hours
On our #1 TripAdvisor Rated Iconic Foods of Chicago tour, a local food guide navigates you through the bustling River North and Streeterville neighborhoods, as you discover the fascinating history, architecture and culture of downtown Chicago while noshing on all of the top-rated, iconic Chicago-style dishes and recipes from the artisans that perfected them. Stroll through the main streets near the Loop Chicago which offers a wonderful concentration of museums, restaurants, bars and historic landmarks uniquely mixed with modern architecture, shops and art galleries. You’ll cross over Michigan Avenue and enjoy the Magnificent Mile with historic landmarks including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and the Chicago Water Tower.
Chicago is known across the world for inventing and perfecting five authentic dishes that are “must eats” and the Iconic Foods of Chicago tour is the only culinary event in the city that visits them all. You’ll enjoy VIP, exclusive access on visits to Lou Malnati’s (Chicago-style deep dish), Al’s Beef (Italian Beef Sandwich), Garrett Popcorn (Chicago-style Popcorn), Portillo’s (Chicago-style Hot Dog) and the Chicago-created brownie (Sweet Mandy B's).
On this 3-hour culinary adventure, your expert guide will offer a taste of daily life in two of Chicago’s premiere neighborhoods as you indulge in full-size tastings at the venues that locals still cherish and meet the colorful characters behind these classic eats and hear their amazing stories. Join us today on the Iconic Foods of Chicago tour and connect with iconic Chicago foods in unexpected ways!
Lou Malnati's Considered the oldest family name in Chicago pizza, Lou Malnati's iconic Chicago-Style Deep Dish pizza is regarded as the best in the city. Taste it for yourself!
Garrett Popcorn Savor the popcorn recipes that were born out of a family competition and carried over from the Garrett's Milwaukee home to their first Chicago shop in 1949.
Al's Beef The history of Al’s #1 Italian Beef Restaurants dates back to 1938. Al's founder Chris Pacelli, started a neighborhood beef stand in Chicago’s “Little Italy” neighborhood.
Portillo's Hot Dogs The famed Portillo’s was founded in 1963 by Dick Portillo. After returning from serving in the Marines, Dick (with help from his brother Frank) opened a humble hot dog stand.
Sweet Mandy B's Conclude with a stop at Sweet Mandy B's to sample the Chicago brownie, which was invented in Chicago in 1893!
The tour includes walking between different eateries, so comfortable footwear will make your experience more enjoyable.
Pace yourself to savor all the classic Chicago dishes offered during the tasting portions of the tour.
Carry a water bottle, especially in warmer months, to stay refreshed while walking around the city.
Notify your guide beforehand if you have food allergies or dietary preferences to ensure a tailored experience.
Chicago’s culinary identity grew from immigrant communities who brought their food traditions, shaping iconic dishes like deep-dish pizza and Italian beef over decades.
Many tour partners support sustainable food practices by sourcing ingredients locally and minimizing food waste to protect Chicago’s urban environment.
Essential for navigating city streets comfortably throughout the tour.
Useful in spring when temperatures can vary throughout the day.
spring specific
Helps you stay hydrated especially in summer’s warm weather.
summer specific
Convenient for carrying essentials and any food souvenirs you may collect.