River North Food Tour

Duration

3 Hours

Come enjoy the luxury and opulence of the Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast on a River North Food Tour, a tour through the historically affluent River North neighborhood.

This 3-hour walking tour offers a look into the history and culture of the neighborhood in between each of your 5 food tastings.

While our stops are subject to change, we usually stop to taste at five of the following food places:

• ** The Doughnut Vault** (est. 2011) Food & Wine Magazine named it the best doughnut in America in 2012 • ** Lou Malnati's** (est. 1971) Rudy Malnati is generally considered to be the inventor of Chicago deep-dish pizza • ** Xoco** (est. 2009) Top Chef Masters winner Rick Bayless is one of the best know chefs for Mexican cuisine in America • ** Iberico** (est. 1992) Serving you the most authentic tapas and regional specialties from all across Spain. • ** Al's Beef** (est. 1938) Founder Al Ferrari invented the sandwich in Chicago's Little Italy back in 1938 • ** Fabcakes Bakery** (est. 2012) Delicious pastries inspired by the seasons

Your informative guide will point out examples of historic architecture and beautiful public spaces that help make the River North neighborhood one of Chicago's most notable.

Whether you are a native Chicagoan or a visitor in town for just a few days, you're sure to delight in a River North Food Tour!

What Is Not Included?

• All food tastings are included • Feel free to bring a bottled beverage and some establishments will provide water.

Meeting Location

• River North (Chicago, IL)

Detailed Directions

Please meet the tour guide 15 minutes early. We will be meeting in front of the main entrance to The Merchandise Mart. (222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654) Look for the statues that look like giant pez dispensers (Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame) They are located along the Chicago River.

FAQ

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? May I purchase with cash?

Tickets must be purchased in advance and cash is not accepted. Please make sure you purchase tickets well in advance of your desired tour date, as our tours sell out quickly. Tickets can be purchased online or over the phone using Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

What if there is bad weather?

Tours are given rain or shine. A good portion of our time is spent walking outdoors. However, on our food tasting tours, we do spend time inside establishments, so you will not be subject to the elements the entire tour.

What type of clothing and shoes should I wear?

We do a fair amount of walking on our tours. You should dress casually and wear comfortable shoes or sneakers.

How much food do we eat on the Food Tasting Tours?

You will taste foods from 5 different specialty shops, ethnic eateries, and restaurants. Most people say it's enough food for lunch. We suggest individuals with large appetites, see how they feel after the tour, and order a dish from their favorite tasting.

What if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?

Please be sure to let us know if you (or anyone in your group) has a dietary restriction (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic, allergy, etc.) when you purchase your tickets. All tastings are prepared in advance at each location, based on the information you provided to us at the time of ticket purchase. Please be sure to purchase your tickets in advance so that we have adequate time to prepare your tasting substitutions. Last minute dietary changes on the tour will not be accommodated. We apologize for the inconvenience. Our tastings are designed to bring you the best of what each renowned food establishment has to offer. In particular, at locations that specialize in traditional, family recipes, there isn’t always a “next best” option we can offer that will meet your specific dietary needs. If you HAVE SEVERE FOOD ALLERGIES please contact us or call us before purchasing tickets for any of our food tours.

Do you offer vegan and gluten-free options on your tours?

We do not offer vegan or gluten-free substitutions. If you are vegan or gluten-free please contact us or call us before purchasing tickets for any of our food tours.

Do you offer vegetarian options?

Yes. We have vegetarian options on our food tours. Be sure to let us know, well in advance, and we will make the appropriate substitutions.

Do you offer kosher options?

The majority of the food tastings are not guaranteed kosher. If you keep kosher please contact us or call us before purchasing tickets for any of our food tours.

How much walking is there on the food tasting tours?

We're on our feet for approximately 3 hours. We walk at a casual pace and stand in place for a few minutes at various attractions. The streets are flat, but you will have to walk up small stairs at some of the establishments. Please let us know in advance, if you have difficulty walking up a few flights of stairs, and we will make arrangements for you.

Is the tour wheelchair and stroller accessible?

The tour route is wheelchair accessible. You may bring a stroller on the tour, but it may have to remain outside if the food establishment is busy.

Are your tours appropriate for children?

Our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides make learning about the history, culture, and foods of the neighborhoods we visit interesting, informative, and fun. Please gauge whether or not you think this tour is appropriate for your child. Children under the age of 5 are free, unless they're going to participate in all of the food tastings. You may bring a stroller on the tour, but it will have to remain outside, if the food establishment is busy.

Are pets allowed on your tours?

Pets are not allowed on any of our food tasting tours. Chicago law prohibits pets from entering an establishment that serves food or drink.

Is your tour very touristy? Do native Chicagoans take your tours?

Our tours are specifically designed to take you to the "hidden gems" only the neighborhood locals know about. Therefore, our tours take you "off the beaten path," so your not mobbed by tourists on crowed streets. Native Chicagoans take our tours to explore neighborhoods other than the ones they live in, and learn where to find the best culinary delights. None of our tours have a touristy feel to them. Our goal is for you to revisit a neighborhood like a local.

Are tour guides gratuities included in the price?

Tour guides gratuities are not included in the cost of your tour. While in no way required, we generally recommend giving your guide between 15% - 20% of the purchase price of the tour for a job well done. Our tour guides are dedicated to making your tour the highlight of your stay in Chicago.

Are gift certificates available?

Yes. A walking tour is a great gift to give someone living in or visiting Chicago. Gift certificates can be purchased by clicking on the "Gift Certificate - Purchase" link in the box on the top of this page.

Can I book a private tour?

Yes, private tours are available. To inquire about a private tour, please email us

About

Sidewalk Tours

The story behind Sidewalk Food Tours of Chicago goes back three years. Two friends with a deep love of food, history and the city of Chicago found themselves constantly taking friends and family on private walking tours. One day a friend of theirs said, "You guys always give us such informative and delicious food tours. You should start a food tour company, so other people will be able to enjoy your tours as much as we do." And the rest, as they say, is history.

Our goal is to provide exceptional walking food tours of Chicago, so people will revisit these neighborhoods with confidence and enjoy the array of cultural options they have to offer. We're self-proclaimed foodies. We've made it our mission to eat our way through Chicago, doing a lot of delicious research (and some not so appetizing) to bring you the best food options Chicago has to offer.

There is no better way to learn about the history and culture of a neighborhood than to eat its food. The food, and the people who prepare it, tell a story about the neighborhood. Tease your taste buds and join us in the River North and Wicker Park neighborhoods. We will eat foods from decades old establishments, which have stood the test of time, as well as newer places with award-winning chefs. Join us on a real foodie adventure as we eat our way through these delicious neighborhoods and uncover the off-the-beaten path food spots of Chicago.

Bon voyage! Sidewalk Food Tours of Chicago

Activity Specific Policies

Please review the seller’s policies for this activity. Once tickets are purchased, these are binding.

• Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

• Activity takes place rain or shine The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability).