Adventure Collective
Savor Chicago: Private Food Tour with Lonely Planet Experiences - Chicago

Savor Chicago: Private Food Tour with Lonely Planet Experiences

Chicagoeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels as the tour involves moderate walking at a relaxed pace.

Overview

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.

Attraction
City Tour
Events
Food Tour
History Tour
Sightseeing Tour
Chicago, Illinois

Lonely Planet Experiences - Chicago Food Tour (INTREPID - PRIVATE)

Starting at $236 | Private Group Up to 12 People | 2 Hours

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Adventure Photos

Lonely Planet Experiences - Chicago Food Tour (INTREPID - PRIVATE) photo 1

About This Adventure

Private Chicago Food Tour

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.


General Itinerary

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!


Additional Information

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:

  • Please dress comfortably and casually in weather-appropriate attire. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
  • This tour runs year-round and will proceed rain or shine unless such weather constitutes a dangerous situation.
  • In the event of road or attraction closures, your guide will do their best to work around the obstacles or take your tour to alternate locations.
  • We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions with advanced notice. Please notify us if you have any dietary requests at checkout.

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable shoes

You’ll cover several city blocks on foot, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential to enjoy the tour fully.

Bring an appetite

Sample generous portions of iconic Chicago dishes to get the full culinary experience.

Stay hydrated

Walking around the city can be thirsty work—carry a bottle of water, especially during warmer months.

Ask plenty of questions

Your guide has insider knowledge about Chicago’s food and history; engaging with them enhances your experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Urban peregrine falcons nesting on skyscrapers
  • White-tailed deer occasionally seen in city parks

History

Chicago’s food culture developed alongside waves of immigrants who shaped neighborhoods and cuisines from the mid-19th century onward.

Conservation

The tour supports local businesses promoting sustainable food practices and encourages waste reduction by limiting disposable items.

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Adventure Hotspots in Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Ensure your feet stay comfortable throughout the urban walking tour.

Water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated during warm-weather tours.

summer specific

Light jacket

Spring can be cool—bring a light jacket in case of breeze or rain.

spring specific

Camera or smartphone

Capture vibrant street scenes and memorable moments along the way.