Chicago Food and Culture Walking Tour

4.6
(14 reviews)

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Start your immersive walking tour at a Chicago icon: the Centennial Fountain at River Esplanade Park. From here, your guide will take you on a culinary and cultural adventure.

Our first stop is the famous Billy Goat Tavern, where we recommend trying their signature "cheezborger." Next, we'll visit Pizzeria Uno, birthplace of Chicago’s legendary deep-dish pies. Then see where locals go for their hot beef fix: Al’s Beef, a favorite since 1938.

Along the way, you’ll hear about the friendly rivalry with New York's pizza scene, Chicago's meatpacking roots, 1920s speakeasies, gangsters, and more. We recommend you bring around $30 for optional food purchases throughout the tour. Your guide will have tips on what to try at each stop.

Our tour ends with a sweet finish at Firecakes, serving up doughnuts made from a secret recipe dating to the 1930s. It’s a sweet finish to our fabulous Chicago food tour!

What's Included

Visits to historic restaurants like Billy Goat Tavern, Pizzeria Uno, and Firecakes
Professional local Chicago guide
2-hour walking tour
Cost of food (choice to purchase food at recommended stops or not - total spend approximately 30USD)
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the Centennial Fountain at River Esplanade Park. Your guide will be standing on the side of the fountain closest to the river. The address is 401 E River Dr., Chicago, IL 60611.

End point
Firecakes Donuts

This tour ends at Firecakes Donuts.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Admire the beauty of this scenic riverside park as you learn about its history and famous fountain.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    This old-school Chicago joint is known for its excellent meat, but it’s also been featured on Saturday Night Live.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Coined as the original inventor of deep dish, this storefront has served deep dish since 1943.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Mr. Beef draws tourists, but locals know Al’s Beef nearby can satisfy their hot beef cravings and serve up food fast. Try a sandwich at this local favorite and see if you agree with their claim to being Chicago’s No. 1 Italian beef since 1938. It’s that good.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Firecakes Donuts

    A roster of artisanal donuts and coffee drinks is available at this quaint, counter-serve spot. This small location is the first storefront and dates back to the early 20th century.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Your ticket covers the walking tour portion of this experience. We recommend bringing about $30 for food, but it's up to you if you want to purchase what your guide suggests at each stop.
  • This tour is great for families. Pizzeria Uno and The Green Door Tavern also offer kids menus.
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Tags

Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Seasonal
Food & Drink
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.6 Based on 14 14 reviews
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