Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour

Explore the flavors and sights of Chicago on this ultimate food and walking tour. We’ll venture through the city’s renowned culinary scene, savoring deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and other iconic local bites. Along the way, our knowledgeable guides will share insights into Chicago’s captivating history and architecture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to uncover new favorites, this tour promises an immersive experience that just might surprise you.

Key Points

• This food tour covers Chicago’s iconic culinary scene, visiting landmarks and offering tastings of deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and Chicago-style hot dogs.
• The tour covers a 1.5-mile distance, suitable for most fitness levels, and includes a guided experience by local, professional English-speaking guides.
• Dietary restrictions are accommodated, and an alcoholic beverage upgrade is available for those interested in a more immersive experience.
• The tour offers the opportunity to participate in optional kayaking or biking activities, weather permitting, for a more well-rounded exploration of the city.
• The tour has consistently received high ratings from travelers, praising the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the food offerings.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the city’s iconic culinary scene.

Spanning 1.5 miles, the tour is suitable for most fitness levels and includes visits to renowned landmarks like Millennium Park and the Palmer House Hotel.

You’ll indulge in generous tastings at 4-5 eateries, savoring deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, and the original brownie.

Weather permitting, you can also enjoy a bonus kayak or bike rental.

Led by knowledgeable local guides, this tour provides an immersive experience in Chicago’s history, architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine.

Food and Beverage Options

All food tastings are included in the tour cost, so you can indulge in the iconic dishes of Chicago without any additional charges.

For those interested in pairing their culinary journey with local craft beer, an alcoholic beverage upgrade is available for $19.99 per person, offering 3 x 9oz pours.

The tour also accommodates dietary restrictions, with vegetarian options available and limited gluten-free and vegan choices.

Whether you prefer a non-alcoholic or alcoholic experience, the Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour ensures you savor the best of the city’s vibrant food scene.

Tour Experience

Guided by local, professional English-speaking guides, we’ll learn about Chicago’s rich history, captivating architecture, and vibrant culinary scene throughout the tour.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so appropriate attire is recommended. Our group size is capped at 16 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Along the way, we’ll visit iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and the Palmer House Hotel, plus enjoy generous tastings of Chicago’s signature dishes, including deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and Chicago-style hot dogs.

As a bonus, we may also have the opportunity to go kayaking or biking, weather permitting.

Meeting Points and Logistics

Where do we meet for the tour? The tour departs from either Lou Malnati’s or Gino’s East, depending on the scheduled start time.

After enjoying the food tastings, the tour ends at the iconic Palmer House Hilton.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for your convenience.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, you can plan your Chicago trip with confidence.

The meeting locations and logistics are designed to provide a seamless and hassle-free tour experience so you can focus on savoring the city’s culinary delights.

Traveler Feedback and Ratings

Since 2002, the Chicago Favorites Food Tour has been the recipient of TripAdvisor’s highest-level Traveler’s Choice Award, a testament to its exceptional quality.

With an average rating of 4.8 based on over 1,400 reviews, it’s clear that travelers are consistently impressed. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, such as Jeff, Lizzie, Kyle, Jamaal, Fran, and Julianne, for their enthusiasm and historical insights.

The quality of the food offerings, from iconic deep-dish pizza to Italian beef sandwiches, is also highlighted.

Explore Millennium Park

One of the highlights of the Chicago Favorites Food Tour is the opportunity to explore the iconic Millennium Park.

We’ll stroll through this urban oasis, marveling at the stunning architecture and art installations. The towering Bean, or Cloud Gate sculpture, is a must-see, with its captivating reflections.

We’ll also discover the serene Lurie Garden and the dramatic, sweeping Pritzker Pavilion, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry.

As we wander, our guide will share fascinating insights into the park’s history and design, bringing this vibrant space to life.

Visiting Millennium Park is a truly enriching experience on our Chicago food adventure.

Discover the Iconic Palmer House Hotel

After exploring the grandeur of Millennium Park, we’ll continue our culinary journey by discovering the iconic Palmer House Hotel.

This historic hotel, founded in 1871, has been a Chicago landmark for over 150 years. We’ll admire its ornate lobby, adorned with gilded ceilings and intricate murals.

Our guide will share the hotel’s fascinating history, from its role in hosting presidents and celebrities to its near-destruction in the Great Chicago Fire.

We’ll then head to one of the hotel’s renowned eateries to savor a delectable food tasting, immersing ourselves in Chicago’s rich culinary heritage.

Cruise Along the Chicago River

As we continue our culinary exploration, we’ll cruise along the iconic Chicago River, taking in the city’s stunning architecture from a unique vantage point.

The river tour provides an opportunity to see famous landmarks like the Willis Tower, Merchandise Mart, and the Lyric Opera House up close.

We’ll learn about the river’s history and its role in shaping Chicago’s development.

The tranquil journey on the water offers a refreshing break from the bustling city streets, allowing us to appreciate the city’s beauty and significance.

This relaxing interlude sets the stage for our next culinary delight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Total Tour Duration?

The total tour duration is 1.5 hours (90 minutes). We’ll cover around 1.4 miles (2.4 km) at a leisurely pace, suitable for most fitness levels. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so we recommend dressing appropriately.

Can Children Participate in the Tour?

Yes, children can participate in the tour. We accommodate all age groups and fitness levels, making it a great experience for families. However, keep in mind that some food tastings may not be suitable for young children.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

We’re glad to share that photography is generally allowed during the tour. You’re welcome to capture the delicious food, stunning architecture, and lively city atmosphere as we explore Chicago’s highlights. Just be mindful of fellow travelers and tour guide instructions.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements?

We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire, as the tour operates rain or shine. There are no formal dress code requirements, but dressing for a day of sightseeing and tasting is advised.

What Are the Gratuity Guidelines for the Tour Guides?

We recommend tipping your tour guide 15-20% of the tour price to show your appreciation for their expertise and effort in providing an enjoyable and informative experience. Gratuity is not included in the tour cost.

The Sum Up

Set out on a delectable journey through Chicago’s celebrated culinary scene with the Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour. Savor deep-dish pizza, iconic Italian beef sandwiches, and more while exploring the city’s rich history and remarkable architecture. Whether you opt for a walking, kayaking, or biking adventure, this tour offers an immersive and unforgettable experience for foodies and sightseers alike.