The food scene in Chicago is wonderfully diverse – there’s world-famous burgers, their own signature style of hot dogs, Michelin-starred spots, international cuisine from all over the world, and of course, deep dish pizza. So to really eat your way around the city, why not join in some of the best Chicago food tours?
From the city’s most iconic eats to exploring Chicago’s ‘Little India’ and a boozy beer tour, this is a great way to experience a taste of the Windy City.
Best Chicago Food & Drink Tours
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1. Tastebud Tours
You can’t leave Chicago without trying deep dish pizza, a Chicago-style hot dog, and an Italian beef sandwich. Check them all off your list during a tour with Tastebud Tours.
Their Taste of Chicago tour hits all the big spots in the Loop neighbourhood, including a Chicago-born chocolatier and the oldest family-run establishment in the city. Other Tastebud Tours include their Chicago World’s Fair Food Tour, which takes a history-focused look at Chicago’s food scene.
2. Chicago Beer Experience
Beer lover’s should check out Chicago Beer Experience, which celebrates one of the world’s most beloved beverages in the craft beer capital of the country. Choose from three neighbourhood routes that are guided by certified beer experts, like Sin & Suds in the South Loop or Bacon & Brews in Lakeview and Lincoln Park.
The tours include tastings of locally microbrews, and a dose of local history as well.
3. Chicago Food Planet
Chicago Food Planet Food Tours gives you a real sense of the melting pot that is Chicago’s restaurant scene. Get a taste for classic Chicago on their Best in Chow Food Tour, which lets you sample the city’s most iconic eats (pizza, hot dog, Italian beef, popcorn, and brownies) in less than three hours — plus you get to skip the lines.
They also offer food tour of Navy Pier, the foodie-favourite West Loop neighbourhood, Chinatown, and more.
4. Spice of Life Tours
Explore Chicago’s “Little India” in the West Ridge neighbourhood with Spice of Life Tours. Devon Avenue is the center of a thriving Indian/Pakistani community, with plenty of authentic, locally owned restaurants and specialty food shops.
Your expert guide will lead you on a relaxed four-hour tour where you’ll feast on flavourful South Asian cuisine, stop by a spice market, visit a temple, and try out cultural activities like henna tattoos.
5. Chicago Pizza Tours
Savour the city one slice at a time with Chicago Pizza Tours. These bus and walking tours visit culturally significant and locally-owned pizzerias in Chicago’s downtown and neighbourhoods. You’ll learn a little about the history and the tricks of the pizza trade. But the best part is that you’ll try six different pizzas from off-the-beaten-path spots.
Or try their Pizza & Cocktails Tour, if you like some sips with your slices.
6. Bobby’s Bike Hike
Why not work up an appetite with a biking food tour? Cruise through different Chicago neighbourhoods on a Bikes, Bites & Brews Tour from Bobby’s Bike Hike. You’ll get a proper taste of the area, with stops at quintessential spots that will give you a sense of each neighbourhood you visit.
If you’d rather use two feet than two wheels, check out their selection of walking tours, like Sweets & Spirits or Comedy & Craft Beer.
7. Chicago Foodways Tours
Get your fill of Chicago’s culinary history and diversity from a seasoned local and trained chef. These food and culture walking tours guide you through the past and present of the city’s immigrant neighbourhoods, like their Saigon to Stockholm Tour that takes you into Chicago’s Vietnamese and Swedish areas.
Their Little Italy Food Tour explores the historic neighbourhoods through a six-course meal. It’s something a little different than your basic foodie trail.
Take the kids to the store with you and let each kid pick out a favorite food to share with their friends.