easy
3–4 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels as the tour involves moderate walking at a relaxed pace.
Explore Chicago’s diverse culinary heritage on a private food tour with Lonely Planet Experiences. Taste iconic local dishes while discovering the city’s rich culture and neighborhoods through a savory urban stroll.
Starting at $236 | Private Group Up to 12 People | 2 Hours
Duration: 2 hours Price per group: Starting at $236 Meeting Point Historic Water Tower (outside the entrance), 806 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 What3Words: ///clap.outer.good
Join us for the ultimate foodie adventure in Chicago’s historic River North area along with a local guide who can show you the best spots for some of the city’s best-loved dishes. From deep dish pizza to Chicago-style hot dogs, this tour leaves you filled with delicious local foods as well as some insider knowledge into the city’s culinary history and culture.
Experience the best travel stories for yourself! Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this city adventure hand-picked by the world’s leading travel publisher. Lonely Planet Experiences powered by Urban Adventures bring stories to life in the best-loved cities around the globe.
Each Lonely Planet Experience comes with six-months free access to Lonely Planet’s Guides App which includes over 8,000 destinations guides and unbeatable discounts to Lonely Planet Guidebooks
Please Note: Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, all dining will be outside. Please dress accordingly for Chicago winter weather.
Your Chicago food tour takes you through the River North neighborhood — the original Chicago foodie destination — to sample some world-famous Chicago dishes, local favorites, and a sweet treat. It’s an afternoon that leaves you full of delicious food and memories for a lifetime!
We start with a very well-known Chicago dish: the Chicago-style hot dog. Perfect for summers at a baseball game (cheering on the Cubs or Sox, of course) or for a quick lunch on a work day, this local take on a hot dog is a debate-worthy food in Chicago and is taken very seriously by locals. Every Chicagoan has his or her own preference as to how the dog should be made, and you get a chance to try your guide’s favorite version.
Next up is the world-famous Chicago deep-dish pizza! An entire meal unto itself, this staple of the Chicago food scene originated in River North in the 1940s when workers and families needed filling dishes at low prices. Your guide takes you to a pizza place that’s an icon to Chicago natives to try the real deal for yourself.
After you’ve filled up on pizza and hot dogs, we take a stroll through two more establishments, each one essential when it comes to Chicago’s food culture. One is a sight to behold — this uniquely Midwest phenomenon is filled to the brim with kitsch and 1950s retro love, and you have to see it to believe it. The other stop is a restaurant born in Chicago and recognized by nearly everyone on earth. This location is something special, with impeccable design elements, a live vertical garden, solar panels, and a beautiful atrium.
We then continue our tasting journey with a classic Chicago sandwich: Italian beef. This hearty meal came about during the Depression, and it’s here to stay. Sample this sandwich in a real city institution — no-frills decor included!
Finally, it’s time for something sweet inside a truly local hangout. Your guide shows you to one of the oldest establishments in the city — either a classic Italian restaurant or a local watering hole with deep Prohibition roots. Enjoy a dessert with the opportunity to relax and purchase a beverage of your choice.
We conclude your Chicago foodie experience here, with easy access to the “L.” Even if you say you’ll never be hungry again, don’t forget to note some great dinner recommendations from you guide. You won’t regret it!
Inclusions: Local, English-speaking guide and a variety of food samples (such as a Chicago-style hot dog, deep dish pizza, and Italian beef).
Exclusions: Additional food or drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Notes:
You’ll cover several city blocks on foot, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential to enjoy the tour fully.
Sample generous portions of iconic Chicago dishes to get the full culinary experience.
Walking around the city can be thirsty work—carry a bottle of water, especially during warmer months.
Your guide has insider knowledge about Chicago’s food and history; engaging with them enhances your experience.
Chicago’s food culture developed alongside waves of immigrants who shaped neighborhoods and cuisines from the mid-19th century onward.
The tour supports local businesses promoting sustainable food practices and encourages waste reduction by limiting disposable items.
Ensure your feet stay comfortable throughout the urban walking tour.
Stay hydrated during warm-weather tours.
summer specific
Spring can be cool—bring a light jacket in case of breeze or rain.
spring specific
Capture vibrant street scenes and memorable moments along the way.