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Chicago Food and Culture Walking Tour
From deep-dish to speakeasies, these Chicago flavors are timeless
Highlights
- Savor Chicago culinary staples, from the beloved "cheezborger" to hearty Italian beef.
- See the birthplace of Chicago’s iconic deep-dish pizza at Pizzeria Uno, founded in 1943.
- Get a touch of TV glamour as you learn about local restaurant connections to SNL and “The Bear.”
- Admire scenic views of the Chicago Riverwalk, Centennial Fountain, and downtown skyscrapers.
- Hear tales of Prohibition-era speakeasies and notorious gangsters like Dean O’Banion and Al Capone.
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What you'll do
Begin your journey at the River Esplanade Park with views of the iconic Centennial Fountain, a testament to Chicago’s engineering feats and the start of the vibrant riverwalk.
Hope you’re hungry because our first restaurant is ...
Begin your journey at the River Esplanade Park with views of the iconic Centennial Fountain, a testament to Chicago’s engineering feats and the start of the vibrant riverwalk.
Hope you’re hungry because our first restaurant is the legendary Billy Goat Tavern. Here, you’ll learn about Chicago’s meatpacking history and a few of its culinary staples. A favorite is the “cheezborger,” which you can sample at the tavern. (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.)
Next, you’ll experience the birthplace of Chicago’s iconic deep-dish pizza at Pizzeria Uno. Learn about the city’s culinary rivalry with New York as you dig into each cheesy, hearty bite.
You can savor the quintessential Chicago Italian beef sandwich at Mr. Beef, a local mainstay that’s also the film site for the Emmy-winning show “The Bear.”
As you continue on your way, your friendly Chicago guide will continue to share local history and hidden gems — this is a food and culture tour, after all! From Chicago’s seedy mob history to the legacy of the meatpacking industry to fusion food, you’ll learn how these bites have shaped our city.
We’ve got another tavern in the lineup, but this one is a little different from our first stop. At the historic Green Door Tavern, your guide will share tales of Prohibition-era bars and notorious gangsters like Dean O’Banion as you admire the cozy, old-school atmosphere.
Chicago food tour itinerary
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River Esplanade Park
Scenic riverside park with a famous fountain as its centerpiece
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Billy Goat Tavern
Old-school Chicago joint for meat-lovers immortalized on SNL
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Pizzeria Uno
The original inventor of deep dish pizza, dating to 1943
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Mr. Beef
Beloved for their Italian beef and a filming location for FX’s The Bear
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The Green Door Tavern
A longstanding neighborhood hangout for locals with a basement speakeasy
Plan your trip
Tour ending point
This tour ends at The Green Door Tavern.
Food
Your ticket covers the walking tour. We recommend bringing $30 to cover food, but this is optional.
Refund policy
We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
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.
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Chicago food tour FAQs
How much walking is there?
This tour covers about a mile and a half at a leisurely pace.
Is this tour good for kids?
Yes, this tour is great for families. Pizzeria Uno and The Green Door Tavern also offer kids menus.
Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?
This tour isn’t accessible for wheelchairs. However, guests can bring collapsible strollers that can be carried when we take stairs.
Are food and drinks included?
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. We’ll do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions, but not all diets can be accommodated at each stop.
Will tour locations change?
Some venues may not be open on all tour dates. When that happens, our expert guides will ensure a great alternative is included.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
When should I get there?
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.
Are gratuities included?
Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes! If you want to give the gift of Chicago (or any of our destinations) to someone else, you can purchase a tour gift card. Our gift cards are good for any of our tours, and they never expire.