chicago food planet tour

Chicago Food Planet Tours

Guests of Chicago Food Planet Tours can combine their affection for incredible cuisine with their love of the Windy City. Tours are curated to provide access to the best food in the city through gourmet artisans who call Chicago home. Tour guides combine architectural commentary, historical facts and insights into local culture during the culinary tour experiences.

Featured foods may include Chicago classics such as popcorn, deep-dish pizza, Italian Beef, classic Chicago-style hot dogs and much more. Other tours may highlight more exotic foods such as Chinatown tours including authentic delicacies from Mandarin, Canton and Szechuan regions of China. Food tours are diverse and may be enjoyed by visitors to the city as well as locals.

Types of Food Planet Tours

Foodie tours are the name of the game for Chicago Food Planet! Walking tours are mostly outdoors, but an indoor tour may be experienced at Navy Pier . Guests can expect to do quite a bit of walking and standing throughout the 2-3 hour tours. Walking is at a moderate pace, while at least two sit-down locations are provided on each tour (for a total of 45 minutes seated). Portion samplings are full-sized, acting as lunch or dinner depending on the time of day.

Private tours may be schedule to accommodate a variety of different events.

What You’ll See on a Food Planet Tour

Landmarks and attractions change based upon the tour chosen. A tour scheduled with Chicago Food Planet may include:

• Navy Pier offers 50 acres of restaurants and bars with access to interesting culture and historical anecdotes. Get an insider’s view of the architecture , history, and culture of Chicago’s #1 attraction.
• The West Loop is Chicago’s hottest foodie neighborhood where master chefs have started a dining revolution! Restaurants and artisan hot spots provide access to Roman street food, handmade donuts, burgers, Poblano foods and more.
• Classic foods of the Second City can be found in Chicago’s Old Town and Gold Coast neighborhoods , including food such as ribs, falafel, steamed buns, toffee, tea and more.
• Chinatown food tours offer adventure and cultural immersion complete with ethnic and culinary pageantry. Guests enjoy various mouth-watering sit-down restaurants with full-portion samples. Stops may include landmarks such as Chinese Zodiac, Ping Tom Memorial Park and a Buddhist temple. 

Food Planet Tours Services

Public walking tours with standard service are scheduled by Chicago Food Planet Tours. Private tours may also be booked to accommodate family celebrations, birthdays, corporate events, grand openings and more.

Food Planet Tours Timing

Chicago Food Planet Tours are offered year-round with several tours per day, more on the weekends. Some tours are only offered during warmer months. Tours typically last for 2-3 hours, but may not end exactly on time if restaurant delays are encountered.

Food Planet Tours Considerations

Information you might need prior to booking an event with Chicago Food Planet Tours:

• Experiences will happen rain-or-shine. Guests should be sure dress appropriately for the weather.
• Vegetarian substitutions may be available upon request.
• Dietary restrictions may be accommodated (allergies, diabetic, etc.) if notified in advanced.
• Groups are typically small, with up to 12-14 people per guide.
• Many tours are wheelchair accessible, but guests should ask the tour company prior to booking.
• Restrooms are typically available at restaurants during the experiences.
• Water is provided at most partner locations. Adult (21+) drink packages may be purchased as a VIP ticket option.
• Cameras are allowed and encouraged on tours.
• Tours are offered only in English. (Personal interpreters may be included on a tour when arrangements are made in advance.)
• Shopping during the experience is not allowed in order to for the group to remain on schedule. Guests are invited to return to locations after the tour in order to do any shopping.
• Tickets sell out quickly and must be purchased in advance either online or by phone. No cash is accepted.
• Tours do not end at the same place where they begin, so be sure to get information ahead of time in order to get back to your car, hotel or another location.
• Guests who are bringing infants will not need to buy a ticket for them, but should let the company know in advance that the child will be attending.
• Private and public parking is locating near the meeting points. Information will be provided after tickets are purchased.
• Children and adolescents are welcome on the tour, but younger children may not be advisable to bring because of their limited attention spans.

For other types Chicago food tours, consider Tastebud Tours.

Book a Food Planet Tours

Tickets for Chicago Food Planet Tours must be purchased in advance online. Tours often sell out. Booking with is easy online. Online bookings show weekly availability including tour times as well as revealing tours that are already sold out. Pay for your tour in advance with a credit card and receive an email with all of the information you need about where and when tours meet as well as what to expect.

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7 delicious local eats on the chicago food tour.

Last updated on November 4th, 2023.

I was lucky to grab a last-minute spot on a Chicago food tour with Chicago Food Planet.

The Second City Classic Tour* would include a visit to some of the best places to eat in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. It was my chance to get to visit Chicago through its food culture.

Perfect material for your USA bucket list , I highly recommend booking a Chicago food tour.

Many people tend to overlook booking food tours in favor of a bus tour.

And while a bus tour of Chicago helps you get your bearings, a food tour teaches you about the cuisine as well as the local area.

Chicago food tour with Chicago Planet

The first thing you can expect on this Chicago food tour is a vivacious, fun and a ‘laugh a minute’ guide. Our guide, Jaci, not only ticked all 3 boxes, but her upbeat attitude and quick wit made the experience far more enjoyable. 

Walking around the Old Town, you’ll see several buildings from the Victorian times, plus a few structures that survived the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.

This post lists the 7 places we visited while on this tour. Take note: the places may vary depending on season and availability.

7 delicious places on the best Chicago food tour

Lou malnati’s pizzeria.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria has been a long-time favorite for many locals, and is also a beloved Chicago institution.

The pizzeria wanted to create a place where people could come, sit down with their families and eat good pizza. If you’re not familiar of the difference between Chicago and New York-style pizza, it really comes down to depth.

New York style pizza tends to have a thin, crispy crust, while Chicago style is a deeper crust with plenty more tomato sauce and toppings.

Whatever your preference, Lou Malnati’s is delicious, and I could easily have wolfed down another slice.

TeaGschwendner

What better way to cool off after a steaming slice of pizza than with a refreshing tumbler of iced tea?

TeaGschwendner is a mecca for tea lovers and drinkers alike. You won’t be surprised to hear read that it was originally a German brand as its name suggests. A franchise across the United States, it set up shop in the Old Town in 2005.

Hot and cold tea

Here, you can find a wide variety of premium quality handpicked loose teas from around the world.

After a brief talk on tea from a staff member, we sampled a few of the delights on offer. At the end, we took away with us, a generous-sized tumbler of the mouth-quenching pineapple iced tea — perfect for the 35° weather.

Map: downtown Chicago

Old jerusalem.

The next stop was a taste of the Middle East at Old Jerusalem restaurant. For me, I was doubly excited as it was a fond reminder of the food I’d eaten during my travels to Jerusalem .

A family run and owned restaurant, we were treated to a delectable pitta sandwich. Homemade crunchy falafel, salad, and with some hummus on the side, it was just the right size to save room for the next place.

The Spice House

An array of fragrances and aromas hit you the second you enter The Spice House. We came to get a brief spice 101 lesson and to also learn something new.

The shop has an impressive range of spices, salts and seasonings on offer. I also ended up buying a small bag of Vietnamese cinnamon; something that’ll come in handy for my next apple pie.

The Fudge Pot 

A Chicago food tour wouldn’t be complete without some kind of chocolate temptation — and ours came in the form of The Fudge Pot .

This local confectioner has been keeping the locals happy, and maybe making them a little rounder, since 1963.

The sweet spot — Chicago food tour

Suffice it to say, this isn’t a place for anyone on a diet, nor a place where you should visit every day.

From homemade chocolates to truffles, the Fudge Pot is where you come to satisfy your sweet tooth. We tried the chocolate toffee block, which was so good, I had to stop myself from finishing the whole thing.

The store’s open till midnight on Friday and Saturdays, meaning plenty of opportunity to grab something sweet after last orders from the restaurant/bar.

Old Town Oil

There’s only one place in Old Town where the locals come to get their hands on good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and that’s Old Town Oil.

The owners of Old Town Oil work directly with producers around the world to create their own unique products.

From extra virgin olive oils to aged balsamic and specialty vinegar, this store inspires you to want to try everything.

I particularly enjoyed trying the strawberry balsamic vinegar alongside Nana’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Both were unique in taste, and I couldn’t stop dipping the bread into both.

La Fournette Bakery & Café 

A taste of all things French was our last stop on the Chicago Planet Second City Classic Tour at La Fournette Bakery & Café.

The creation of French husband and wife duo Michele and Pierre Zimmermann, they wanted to bring a taste of home to their favourite American city. And so, Old Town welcomed the addition of La Fournette to its vibrant neighbourhood.

Eating french

As you’d imagine, the café serves up a mouth-watering selection of handmade croissants, artisan breads and sweets.

We each gobbled down a classic Ham and Cheese Croque Monsieur, followed by 2 delicate meringue-y (raspberry-chocolate) macarons.

Would you like to try the Chicago Food Planet Second City Classic Tour for yourself? Head to the website to see availability of this, and other Chicago Food Planet tours. If you enter FOODIE at the checkout, you’ll receive 10% off the ticket price.

*Please note, the Second City Classic Tour is no longer available.

Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by Chicago Food Planet, all views are my own and based on my own experience. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

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76 thoughts on “ 7 delicious local eats on the Chicago food tour ”

Wow, Lisa, you have really brought the foods of Chicago to life with great article and enticing pictures. It makes me want to get on a plane today and visit. The deep dish pizza Chicago is so known for makes my mouth water. It looks so filling and tasty. The French Bakery reminds me of Paris. The pastries and bread look like they could provide the authentic French experience. Freshly brewed ice tea must have have been such a treat when most beverages these days come pre-prepared and packed. Please make sure you do an article on your apple pie you will be making with the spices you brought. I can’t wait to see and hear how it turned out. This tour seems like a must for any foodie visiting the Chicago area. Once again your website has inspired us all

Thank you, I will! The Vietnamese cinnamon I bought also goes well in other desserts and even hot chocolate too. I really appreciate you dropping by!

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Chicago food tours

Chicago’s dining scene is unbelievably diverse — we have world-famous burgers, our own signature style of hot dogs, Michelin-starred fine dining, international cuisine from all over the world, one-of-a-kind pizza styles…the list goes on. It’s more than anyone could eat in a lifetime, but you can try your best on a food tour of the city.

These Chicago food tours can help you get a true taste of the local dining scene, whether you want to hit all the fine-dining hot spots, or try every deep dish pizza the city has to offer. Experience the city’s diverse cuisine on one of these epicurean adventures.

Bobby’s Bike Hike

Work up an appetite with a biking food tour. Cruise through different Chicago neighborhoods on a Bikes, Bites & Brews Tour from Bobby’s Bike Hike , recently named one of the best food and culinary experiences in the world by TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Awards.

This tour covers a variety of Chicago’s signature dishes, including deep dish pizza, hot dogs, brownies (invented here), and local beers. You’ll learn some history, see unique neighborhoods, and get plenty of tasty bites. Check out other food tours from Bobby’s Bike Hike, including walking tours, Chinatown food tours, holiday sampling tours, and family-friendly options.

Underground Donut Tour

Explore Chicago’s bustling downtown while indulging in some of the city’s best donuts. Underground Donut Tours , the highly rated food tour first established in 2015, takes guests on a two-mile walk through the heart of River North and The Magnificent Mile while sampling sweet treats at four unique donut shops along the way.

Chicago Pizza Tours

Savor 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 neighborhoods. You’ll learn a little about the history and the tricks of the pizza trade — and try different pizzas from off-the-beaten-path spots. Make sure to book ahead of time, since the popular weekend tours sell out fast.

Pizza City USA Tours

Embark on the city’s ultimate pizza tour with a James Beard Award-winning host. Food writer and local celebrity Steve Dolinsky created these Chicago pizza tours that showcase everything from deep dish to tavern style to artisanal Neapolitan pies. Choose from Pizza City USA Tours covering different areas of the city and their unique pizza options, including downtown, the West Loop, or Wicker Park/Bucktown.

Chicago Food Tours

Chicago Food Tours gives you a sense of the melting pot that is Chicago’s restaurant scene. Get a taste for the classics on their Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour, which lets you sample the city’s most well-known 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 tours of foodie-favorite neighborhoods, like Pilsen, the West Loop, and Chinatown, along with the new Yes, Chef! Chicago: A Bear-Inspired Food Tour that follows in the footsteps of the hit show The Bear .

Chicago Beer Experience

Want more pub than grub? 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 neighborhood routes that are guided by certified beer experts, like the Sin & Suds tour that explores Al Capone’s old stomping grounds. The tours include tastings of locally made brews, and a dose of local history as well.

Spice of Life Tours

Explore Chicago’s “Little India” in the West Ridge neighborhood 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 but in-depth tour where you’ll sample flavorful South Asian cuisine, stop by a spice market, visit a temple, and try out cultural activities like henna tattoos.

Chicago Foodways Tours

Go “deeper than deep dish” with 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 neighborhoods, like their Saigon to Stockholm Tour that takes you into Chicago’s Vietnamese and Swedish enclaves. 

Please note: some of the above tours are available seasonally and are weather dependent. Please check with each tour company for availability.

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Tours & Attractions

Chicago food & city tours.

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Wicker Park / Bucktown

Chicago Dine-Around

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Chicago Food & City Tours - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

Chicago Food Planet Tour

June 10, 2019

When planning our adventures, our first decision is where we will stay, followed very closely by, where we will eat. Food is always a high priority during our travels. We love to experience different styles of food that are authentic and unique to the area. When planning our trip to Chicago , two food items were high on our list: a classic Chicago-style hot dog, and a deep dish pizza. Needless to say, when Chicago Food Planet Tour invited us to take part in one of their food tours, we were over the moon!

While I prefer to plan most of our dining ahead of time and make reservations so that we do not miss the experiences highest on our list. I do leave some meals open to try new, different things. What can I say, I’m a planner! So being able to plan in these bucket list foodie items via the Chicago Food Planet Tour company, made me super happy.

Disclaimer: We were guests of Chicago Food Planet; however, as always, all opinions are my own.

Chicago Food Planet Tours to Choose From

There are 5 Chicago Food Planet tours to choose from, each with a different angle or range of cuisine.

Best in Chow Food Tour – Try Chicago’s most famous dishes, and skip the lines to these popular establishments! Navy Pier Signature Food Tour – All year round tour, thanks to being undercover inside Navy Pier Gateway to the West Loop Food Tour – Discover the foodie paradise of West Loop Second City Classic Food Tour – Live like a local on this tour around the Old Town and Gold Coast neighbourhoods The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour – This seasonal tour takes you around the best spots in Chicago’s Chinatown

We chose the Navy Pier Signature Food Tour. Partly because it was due to be cold, and being from South Georgia we don’t like the cold! And also because we wanted to explore Navy Pier anyway, so this was a two birds, one stone situation. We ended up learning loads about the pier and its history, which was great for this homeschooling family !

Fancy yourself a drinks connoisseur? How about trying a Tavour Beer Gift Pack delivered straight to your door?

The Navy Pier Signature Food Tour

America’s dog & burger.

Our first ever Chicago-style hotdog did not disappoint. A Vienna all-beef hot dog with mustard, tomato, relish, onion, sport peppers, pickle spear, a dash of celery salt, piled into a poppy seed bun.

Payton got a surprise when she bit into the sport pepper thinking it was a banana pepper. Her bottle of water was finished quickly!

One tip , don’t ever ask for ketchup on your Chicago hotdog .

Navy Pier History

Our next stop was in this beautiful indoor garden area in Navy Pier. Here we learned more about the history of the pier, all of the changes it has been through, and where it is now.

Check out these 10 facts that you may not have known about Navy Pier. Additionally, if you’re looking for even more activities and attractions while visiting Navy Pier, be sure to take a look at this 27+ Navy Pier Things to Do and Restaurant Guide !

Brown Sugar Bakery

In this relaxing garden area we enjoyed the most fabulous cupcakes ever which were made by Brown Sugar Bakery. The bakery itself is not located at Navy Pier, but on 75th Street in Chicago. All of their desserts are made fresh every day and delivered to their Navy Pier location.

Once they sell out of an item, it’s gone. Our group shared a variety of cupcakes during our tour. Even though we all enjoyed a different flavor, everyone agreed it was the best cupcake they’d ever had!

Tiny Tavern

Our next stop was Tiny Tavern, to sample the famous Wisconsin fried cheese curds. We had sampled cheese curds the day before, but they did not compare to these. Talk about mouth-watering deliciousness!

Giordano’s Pizza

The fourth stop on our tour was Giordano’s, to sample the famous Chicago deep dish pizza. I am not going to lie, pizza is my favorite food. This was my first experience with the traditional deep dish, and it was heavenly! We were also seated close enough to the glass-walled kitchen to watch as they hand tossed the crusts. Payton was mesmerized by their methods.

Tip : Don’t order too big a pizza when eating deep-dish, they are SO filling!

Garrett’s Popcorn

Our final stop on the tour is Garrett’s Popcorn. This mixture of cheddar and caramel will delight any tastebud. Garrett’s popcorn has been made in Chicago since 1949. Despite being very very full, we couldn’t resist giving it a try!

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We had such a great time learning about Navy Pier and some of Chicago’s most famous food. The Chicago Food Planet tours are a fantastic way to experience local food, and learn about the history of a place, all from your own guide. I will warn you though, you will leave heavier than you arrived!

Learn about our favourite hotel in Chicago , and our fun dining experiences in Chicago for more travel inspiration!

Let us help you plan your next trip, with our full service Travel Agency !

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32 thoughts on “Chicago Food Planet Tour”

Wow, 5 food tours to choose from!! This was a great choice, I had no clue celery salt was sprinkled on a Chicago dog, of course, I’m from NYC. But it looks so fresh and delish and cupcakes you know I’m down for some sweet treats any day. Such a fun tour, love your pics, thanks so much for sharing! 🙂

Have a friend who lives in Chicago and am definitely sending her this link! Thanks for sharing!

I ne we heard of food tours. I love it! That one looked like a perfect food tour. Yum and fun!

Love the idea of a food tour! What a great way to experience a place! Great summer excursion idea!

Oh my gosh! Soooo much food! I would be bursting at the seams!

It looks like I need to plan another trip to Chicago! I love planning where to eat on trips, too. This tour looks like so much fun. My family would definitely like the American Dog and Burger!

It sounds like you picked a great tour! The hot dog, pizza & cheese curds looked especially amazing. Chicago is such a foodie town – love the idea of combining learning some history while sampling food!

I want to go to Chicago so bad!!!!! Thanks for the info

The hot dog looks so delicious! I mean….. All the food looks delicious. I am drooling over here.

All of this looks so, so good! When I go to Chicago, I now know where to eat. Thanks!

So yummy! To go containers would definitely be in my bag 🙂

Food is my favorite part of a trip! Now I want to go try all of these out!

I live just north of Chicago and have never heard of food tours. You hit some of the best including Giordano’s and Garretts. I will definitely have to look into tours when traveling.

That’s how like to travel, try all the best restaurants and snacks around! It look delicious!

My husband had to go to Chicago twice this year on business and wants to take me back badly just for the food! He talks about that trip often! Your pictures look great =)

Brown Sugar Bakery?? Wow!! Those cupcakes look amazing!!! I have never been to Chicago, but it’s on my list. Great information – thanks for sharing!

That is my kind of tour! The popcorn would be a great souvenir too

We also love doing food tours. My cousin lives in Chicago and ships us a deep dish pizza for Christmas every year. My husband is always on the lookout for it. LOL!

Amazing! Good places to eat 🙂 we do the same thing!

I just had dinner, but this is making me hungry! What a fantastic idea for a tour.

Such a great idea! I love the idea of a food tour. We, too, are foodies when we travel. Love trying different cuisines!

What a fabulous opportunity! All the food sounds and looks amazing. I think I like the look of the deep dish pizza the most, however. That’s one big pizza! I would have been mesmerized too!

I’m so jealous! What a great tour! Definitely on my list!

We were just talking about Chicago and how much we need to go! Now we know what food tour to indulge in!

This was lovely. I spent 2 years in Chicago during nursing school. Once a month, Giordano’s was our reward for hard work. I agree…. BEST pizza I have EVER had, even 30+ years later. Our weekly reward was a walk down to a neighborhood (winter and summer) for an Italian Ice. I wish I could remember more about it, because I’ve never had an ice like those. Thanks for the memories!

I had to reread the hot dog toppings. Poppy seeds on the bun???? Hmmm . . . I may have to try this one.

Food tours are so fun and a great way to learn about foods culture and the city. Glad you enjoyed!

Wow! Sounds and looks like fabulous food and a fantastic tour. Thanks for sharing. I need to put this on my to visit list!

What a fun idea! I’ve never been on a food tour before. Those cupcakes look amazing!

OMG, I want to try those cupcakes! Just about anything with pecans is an automatic win for me!

Oh this post makes me want to plan a day trip to Chicago for all those tasty treats! What a beautiful indoor garden too, I would love to check that out.

Yum! I would love to try a food tour like this sometime! Looks so fun!

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Chicago Food Planet Walking Tour

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and each one has personality and history. It's also a foodie's paradise, and the restaurants and specialty shops reflect each neighborhood's unique characteristics.

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and each one has personality and history. It’s also a foodie’s paradise, and the restaurants and specialty shops reflect each neighborhood’s unique characteristics. Combine the two and you can literally eat your way through the city without ever getting bored.

With Chicago Food Planet, you get to do just that.

Last weekend I headed to the Magnificent Mile to take one of these culinary walking tours. Shane Kost, founder of Chicago Food Planet, gathered my fellow tour-goers across the street from the historic Water Tower. After brief name and where-we’re-from introductions he asked a Chicago trivia question for a piece of Ghiradelli chocolate.

How can you go wrong when it starts like that?

The tour covers quite a bit of ground – two miles, to be exact. Not to worry, though. It’s over a three-hour time period so it’s paced well, and it’s only by looking at a map that you realize how much ground you’ve covered.

The tastings are well-timed, and in between are architecturally and historically significant stops. Don’t worry. This isn’t your elementary school field trip. Instead of a dry recitation of facts and dates, Shane provided us with an entertaining look into Chicago’s past. He had us laughing, sometimes groaning, and at one point even had us licking the palms of our hands. To find out why you’ll just have to take the tour yourself!

For visitors I recommend taking the tour on your first couple of days in the city. You’ll get a good feel for the Near North side. Since you won’t have time to shop during the tour you’ll also have a chance to go back, and you’ll want to use the coupons provided.

If you’re a local, it’s a fun way to learn more about your city (and you can use the coupons any time you want!). Remember that trivia quiz? I had disqualified myself in the beginning because I thought it would be an unfair advantage. It should have been…but he was such a fount of knowledge and history that I learned quite a bit, and it’s my JOB to know about Chicago!

Chicago Food Planet April – November; Daily Tours begin at 11 am, 2pm, and 5pm 3 hours, $38, Enough food is served for lunch (800)979-3370

Chicago Food & City Tours

Hours updated 3 months ago

Review Highlights

“ I did the Bucktown/Wicker park tour and above all else, it was fun, engaging, and the food choices were excellent. ” in 45 reviews

“ Kent is extremely likable and knowledge, even when we tred to give him "tough" questions, he always had an answer. ” in 61 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Chicago, IL 60611

River East, Near North Side

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Chicago Food & City Tours is the premier tour operator for Chicago experiences—providing not only better experiences for you and your guests, but also the best and most reliable process from start to finish. We’re locals who love sharing the real Chicago. Experience the classic dishes that made the Windy City famous on our Iconic Foods of Chicago tour. Discover Chicago’s hottest foodie neighborhood as you nosh on cuisine from the master chefs that started a dining revolution in the West Loop. Dine at the most authentic, hidden gems on our newest Street Foods of Pilsen tour. Explore the remarkable culture and foods that define Hong Kong and mainland China as you taste authentic Canton, Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine from Chinese owned and operated restaurants, food stores and ethnic bakeries on the Chinatown Lunch Tour. Or - allow us to create a custom experience to meet your needs through Chicago's vibrant food scene. Our team of event planners plan and guide with all the excitement of a lifetime Chicagoan hosting friends for the weekend. From intimate 3-hour tours to full-day and multi-day itineraries, we offer a variety of experiences to showcase the best of Chicago. Whether you're looking for a corporate event, a day out with friends and family, or a tour operator planning a multi-day exploration of Chicago, we're here to create the perfect experience for you. …

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547 reviews

Food was very good, tour guide was fantastic about making me care and navigating around. 10/10, would recommend it!

What a great tour! I took my wife and 15yo son with me. My teenage son had A blast and was able to try several different types of food. Roman pizza, Asian dumplings, meatballs plus two sweet treats. Our guide David McAley was fabulous. He was intelligent, fun and kept everyone very interested in the foods/restaurants and history of the RandolphSt/West Loop food scene. The 3 hour tour went by quick and was worth every dollar. A great value and you get your fill in food. When I travel back to Chicago I'll be doing another food tour and make sure David is my guide. Donnie from Texas

Our tour guide, David, was knowledgeable, fun and helpful. I learned a lot about Chicago history and the food was delicious. I would highly recommend this tour if you're visiting Chicago.

Fabulous first food tour experience! We experienced great food with a excellent tour guide. They were able to partially accommodate for vegetarian needs not completely able to accommodate for vegan.

So much fun! My roommate and I decided to be tourists in our own city and find some new places and the Gateway to the West Loop food tour didn't disappoint. Terry was our guide and did a wonderful job including historical facts of the area. The portions at each stop were perfectly sized and we had a wide array of foods. Would definitely do another tour with them!

Great tour! Good hosts great food and a great way to sample chicago in an afternoon. We had 4 stops and a walking tour with some Chicago history.

Went on a girl's trip but we booked this tour before we left home. Great food! Great location- especially if the weather doesn't cooperate. So many food choices at Navy Pier. Our tour guide, Faith, had a great personality for working with the public. Every location was prepared for our visit. Highly recommend this good tour.

Going on food tours is a must when I'm visiting a city, and Chicago did not disappoint. I booked last minute and had a time crunch so our only option was the Navy Pier food tour on a Friday afternoon. The weather was cold, wet and horrid but Faith, our guide made the best of it. She was like an encyclopedia of chicago history and kept us informed and entertained throughout the 2 hours of our tour. The booking process couldn't have been easier and the meeting spot was easy to find. This tour visited 5 eateries at Navy Pier which is kind of a mixed use retail space, kind of like a mall but not quite. Part of our tour took us outside but Faith was kind enough to tailor the outside parts to be as brief as possible given the weather. I loved almost everything about this tour except the food itself. We had a chicago dog, a cupcake, fried cheese curds, a slice of Lou Malnati's deep dish and a cup of garretts popcorn. I yelped each place we visited and nothing was above an average of 3 stars...the eateries here just have a food court vibe going on and I don't think many natives would come here to eat. Nevertheless it was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon

I have to give a huge shout out for our tour guide Christina who was super knowledgeable about the city of Chicago and simply just a joy to be around, considering the weather that day was in the High 90's We decided to pick the Lincoln Park Food Tour. Lincoln Park is a beautiful neighborhood and has one of the most beautiful parks which is OZ Park. This tour was a whopping 35 dollars per person. The tour includes 5 Stops in totality the foods included in those stops were: 1. Chicago's Infamous Stuffed Pizza 2. Red Velvet Cupcake and a Vanilla Cupcake 3. Caramel Corn and Cheese Popcorn 4. Steamed Stuffed Chicken Bagel 5. Dark Chocolate Candy with a Hint of Bacon It is a great way to meet new people, enjoy fantastic food and snacks, learn about historical factoids and pretty much have a good old time. This is a definite requirement I would say if visiting Chicago.

See all photos from Crystal R. for Chicago Food & City Tours

This was an awesome food tour. I found it by googling THE BEST Food tour in Chicago. I was not disappointed at all. You have the option to pair drinks with food or not. The food was a wide variety from savory to sweet. Our tour guide was smart funny and well versed in the city.His name was Mark (Hi Mom Sharon from your son)

See all photos from LindaLeu H. for Chicago Food & City Tours

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By Kim Vij 1 Comment

Chicago Food Planet Tour Review

Exploring food in a new city can be so much fun but a little overwhelming too. We had the opportunity to explore the city of Chicago and had an amazing time. However it was this fun food tour with Chicago Food Planet that made us stop and really appreciate the diverse culture Chicago has to offer.

“Eat. Walk. Be Merry.” How can you not love a company who have that as their motto.

We received complimentary tickets from Chicago Food Planet to share about our experience on the tour with our readers. We accepted the invitation and shared on my instagram account at each stop while we were on the food tour. All opinions expressed are my own… ok confession well maybe my husband’s too.

Chicago Food Tour

Chicago Food Planet offers four different types of tours as you explore Chicago. Even on our trip to Chinatown in Chicago I was able to peek at their tour there and see what they’d recommend. Plus a little tweet out and they responded back with a link which was super helpful.

Here’s a peek at our experience on the Gold Coast and Old Town Tour.

We first met in the Gold Coast Area of Chicago , the homes in this area are so pretty and the spring flowers made everything so happy and cheerful. We met with our group at Lou Malnati’s home of the deep dish Chicago style pizza.

One of my favorite features on the food tour was the history and details the guide is able to share with you about the location and food you’re sampling. The pizza to be honest was hard to resist eating just one slice, it was so delicious but we had to save room for the rest of tour. We did work our way back there on another day to enjoy our very own deep dish pizza in Chicago.

One nice thing is that the tour book includes coupons as well.

Then we walked over to Tee Gschwendner for some raspberry mango green tea and a little background information about the types of tea.; I was amazed at the variety of loose teas they had available.  It was the perfect time for the tea as we had a little walk ahead of us to Old Town Chicago.

Next up was Kamehachi which is the first sushi restaurant in Chicago. We sampled their sushi and saki in the upstairs area which had beautiful Japanese interior design influence. Our guide Angela was such a treat to listen to at each stop as she explained in detail this history of the restaurants in Chicago.

Across the street we ventured over to The Fudge Pot with a little back scene tour of their shoppe and some history about chocolate.  We enjoyed our chocolate covered butter toffee, wish we would have stopped to bring some home to our girls or perhaps a molded chocolate, they had so many choices to choose from.

When I met my husband I was exposed to so many new spices with Indian food but those were nothing to our next stop at the world famous The Spice  House . We ventured to a gorgeous outdoor area in the back and explored a variety of cinnamon and a few other spices.

Our final destination was a big win in my books with Europeans pastries at the Delightful Pastries . The was the first time I had tried a pierogi, so delicious! Plus the macarons where so moist and popping with color and flavor.

My husband and I had such an amazing time together on this 1.3 Mile trip to explore 7 Chicago hot spots for food. Once we finished up we continued north to do a bit more sightseeing in Lincoln Park including the Lincoln Park Zoo and Chicago History Museum. I must admit walking the streets of the town in Gold Coast and Old Town was such fun appreciating the architecture and local businesses in Chicago.

Although it was just my husband and I on this trip, I can imagine how much fun our kids would have had on this food tour with Chicago Food Planet. Food Tours can be a useful tool for exposing your child to new foods and location in a fun environment. One of the teenagers on our tour tried sushi for the first time and found out she liked it. We look forward to bringing our kids with us the next time we go on a Food Tour while traveling. It’s the best way to explore a city, through their tummies.

Have you ever gone on a food tour? Where? Share your experience in the comments below.

Thank you Chicago Food Planet Tours !

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About Kim Vij

Early childhood teacher, author, speaker and mom of 3. Kim shares ways to make learning fun and parenting an adventure by sharing developmentally appropriate activities.

May 25, 2015 at 11:03 pm

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26 Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend: A Margarita Fest, Garden Fair, Mayfest And More

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CHICAGO — Spring markets, art exhibitions, street festivals and cooking events are all on deck this weekend. From Mayfest and the Lincoln Roscoe Art Fair to the Hyde Park Garden Fair and a pop-up Bosnian Sijelo, there is no shortage of events happening around Chicago this weekend.

Here’s a roundup of 26 things to do in Chicago this weekend:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eris Brewery & Cider House (@erischicago)

Art Gives Us Hope

Saturday art exhibit and 5:30 p.m. Saturday party

ERIS Brewery and Cider House, 4240 W. Irving Park Road

In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, ERIS is hosting a “festival of self-expression” to support suicide prevention. There will be art on display through Saturday by artists Mosher, Myron Laban, Allison Poplett, Steven Agpawa and Julia Jacquez.

Alongside an art raffle and auction, there will be a Saturday night celebration with a food buffet, live murals, games and music with local band Model Stranger.

Learn more and buy tickets here .

Helmchen Plays Beethoven

7:30 p.m. Saturday

Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 220 S. Michigan Ave.

German pianist Martin Helmchen takes on Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No. 1” at the Chicago Symhony Orchestra this weekend. Conductor Kazuki Yamada will open the program with Toru Takemitsu’s “How Slow the Wind” and César Franck’s “Symphony in D Minor.”

Buy tickets for Saturday here starting at $35.

‘The Prodigal Daughter’

7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday

Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St.

Chicago playwright Joshua Allen’s “The Prodigal Daughter” opens Thursday at the Raven Theatre in a commissioned world premiere. The show unfolds in Chicago’s Black Belt during the Red Summer of 1919, which is “boiling over” from ruthless hot temperatures and “the intensifying racial conflict gripping America.” There, saleswoman Virginia Bass pays her hometown and family a visit and is faced with “unresolved tensions, deep-seated tension, and a deadly urban clash.”

Through June 22, the theater will offer mask-only nights, industry nights, a student night, a Black Out night, closed captions, a touch tour and a talkback.

Learn more and buy tickets for $15-35 online .

Hyde Park Garden Fair

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

Hyde Park Shopping Center, 5450 S. Lake Park Ave.

Neighbors can shop herbs, vegetables, native plants, shrubs, annuals, perennials and more at the 63rd annual Hyde Park Garden Fair .

Chicago Mayfest

noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday

On Armitage Avenue from Sheffield to Racine

Kick off Chicago’s summer festival season at Mayfest with music, food, libations and more. There will be two performance stages with Too Hype Crew, 16 Candles, Monty Kiddo, Nicky B, Mr. Simpson and more than a dozen other acts. Festgoers can also try their hand at glass blowing classes on the hour and enjoy a Pet Parade noon Saturday.

There is a $10 suggested donation to support the Ranch Triangle Community Conservation Association. Learn more about this free festival here .

Chicago Margarita Festival

Through Sunday

1800 S. Peoria St.

This first-of-its-kind Pilsen festival features more than 15 margarita flavors, Latin bites, local vendors, live DJs and musicians and more. Headliners include Fuze, a Santana cover band and Revolución de Amor, a Maná cover band.

The festival is free, and there is a $5 suggested donation upon entry. Learn more here .

Garden Boys Set

7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday

The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.

After 10 years together, Chicago music comedy group Garden Boys is taking to the stage for their first-ever full-length special.

Tickets are available online .

Summer50 Fest

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.

This inaugural fair provides parents and teens opportunities to connect with youth programs, educational initiatives, athletics, jobs and internships across Chicago’s 50 wards. Local agencies, educational groups and community organizations will have booths, where families can learn more and enroll on the spot. There will also be fun clinics, pop-ups, raffles, a DJ and more.

Learn more here .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amdur Productions (@amdurproductions)

Spring Lincoln Roscoe Art Fair

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday

Lincoln Avenue from Roscoe to School

This free North Side event is back with more than 75 local artisans, painting classes, festival food, family-friendly art activities, face painting and more. Fairgoers can shop home decor, paintings, sculptures, fiber pieces, jewelry and more handmade goods.

Admission is free. Learn more here .

Neighborhood Cookout With Chef Jernard

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

Mariano’s Bronzeville, 3857 S. Martin Luther King Drive

Chef Jernard Wells, host of “New Soul Kitchen” on Cleo TV, is coming to town for a neighborhood cookout, where he’ll be making recipes from his latest cookbook. There will be music, book signings, samples and a chance to buy the cookbook.

Seeds Of Fire Family Program

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Winthrop Family Historical Garden, 4628 N. Winthrop Ave.

Families and neighbors can watch fire dancers, make torches, bake bread in a fire oven and more in Uptown this weekend. There will also be food, refreshments and activities without fire, like making bubbles by pedaling a stationary bike and planting seeds.

May Indoor Farmers Market

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday

Plant Chicago, 4459 S. Marshfield Ave.

Shop local businesses and enjoy family-friendly activities, food and more at this indoor farmers market. The vendor list is subject to change but currently includes Aztec Vegan Kitchen, Bee-utiful Honey & Candles, Cedillo’s Fresh Produce, Viva la Horchata, Chicago Training Center, Stef’s Plants & Art and more. There will also be free bike repairs and tuneups.

Learn more here.

Bike Out Negativity 2024

Noon Saturday

3147 W. Douglas Blvd.

Bike Out Negativity is a community bike ride that aims to give kids a safe and fun way to ride through the neighborhood. There will be a pre-ride community resource fair to connect residents with social services, youth programs and health resources.

The six-mile ride kicks off at 3 p.m. The event is a symbol of unity and peace, organizer Derek Brown previously told Block Club .

Sign up for free online .

Humboldt Park Boathouse Ribbon-Cutting

Noon-4 p.m. Saturday

Humboldt Park Boathouse Gallery, 1301 N. Sacramento Blvd.

The Humboldt Park Boathouse is hosting a ribbon-cutting to celebrate its new shower facilities. There will be special guests, food, desserts, haircuts for the unhoused, live music, an ice cream truck and more. Learn more here .

Trolley Tour Of Chicago’s Labor History

12:45-4 p.m. Saturday

4704 N. Broadway

On this trolley tour by Chicago Fair Trade, Chicagoans will visit locations significant to Chicago’s labor movement, like Haymarket Square, where a confrontation between activists and police in 1886 had a worldwide impact.

Learn more and buy tickets for $55 here .

Chicago Bacon & Bourbon Fest

2-6 p.m. Saturday

Headquarters Beercade, 213 W. Institute Place

Enjoy bourbon tastings, bacon bites, free arcade games and discounted cocktails at River North’s Headquarters Beercade.

Tickets start at $29 online .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ukrainian Daughters Foundation (@ua.daughters.fdn)

4:30 p.m. Saturday

Sister City Library, 2842 W. Chicago Ave.

In observation of the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Crimean Tatar Genocide of 1944, the Ukrainian Daughters Foundation is hosting a community event with music, food, art, a film screening and more to honor the indigenous people of Crimea.Learn more and buy tickets for $45 online . Proceeds will benefit the Crimean Battalion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

What’s Rum Got To Do With It? A Mixology Masterclass

5-7 p.m. Saturday

After a trolley tour for Chicago’s labor history, Chicago Fair Trade is hosting a mixology masterclass where attendees will learn not only how to concoct their own cocktails, but also about the exploitative history of conventional rum production and how Chicago Cane Cooperative is turning things around.

Learn more and buy tickets for $10 online .

Chicago Jazz String Summit

Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St. and other locations

For ten years, the Chicago Jazz String Summit has showcased the contributions of string players to jazz, improvised and experimental music. Alongside performances, there will be an improv session with past and present summit artists.

MJFF Chicago Run/Walk

8:30 a.m. Sunday

Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 W. 35th St.

Chicagoans can lace up their sneakers and run, jog or walk through Guaranteed Rate Field this weekend to help raise funds for Parkinson’s disease research and patients. The annual event is hosted by the Michael J. Fox Foundation and open to all ages. Donate, learn more and register for $20-40 online .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michelle Hartney (@michellehartneyart)

Mending Workshop With Michelle Hartney

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday

21c Museum, 55 E. Ontario St.

Led by artist Michelle Hartney, this crafting workshop for trans families allows attendees to alter clothes to reflect their gender identities. Attendees should bring baby clothes, whether its their own or to affirm a loved one. This beginner-friendly workshop is open to families and free to attend.

Ommi Foods: A Bosnian Sijelo

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday

Guild Row, 3130 N. Rockwell St .

After two sold-out Palestinian food events, Ommi Foods is back with a Bosnian-themed pop-up sijelo. Attendees can share Bosnian dishes, desserts, coffee and drinks while learning about the ingredients and stories behind each one.

Tickets are $75 online .

Hyde Park Handmade

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday

The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave.

Back on at The Promontory this weekend, Hyde Park Handmade brings together a lineup of artisan vendors and foodmakers. Shoppers can also enjoy tunes by DJ Sean Alvarez and an open bar.

American Writers Festival

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday

Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St.

The American Writers Festival returns for its second edition this weekend. The free literary festival will have conversation with a diverse lineup of writers, from sci-fi authors and game designers to journalists and opens. There will also be children’s storytimes, photobooths, literary-themed crafts, book signings and mini writing workshops for all ages.

The Patio Theater’s Princess Movie Party

Noon-6 p.m. Sunday

Patio Theater, 6008 Irving Park Road

Kids and families can pretend they’re in a fairytale this weekend with a princess-themed party at Patio Theater. Attendees can meet more than 10 princesses, including Belle Ariel, Mirabel, Cinderella, Elsa and Anna, get their autographs, play games, browse an “enchanted market” and more. There will also be storytimes, princess short films and feature films, including “Beauty and the Beast” (1991) and Encanto (2021).

Buy tickets here .

Reggies Crawfish Boil

1 p.m. Sunday

Reggies Music Joint, 2105 S. State St.

Feast on all-you-can-eat crawfish while jamming to live music at Reggies Crawfish Boil. Featured music acts are Chicago Soul Explosion, singer-songwriters Aage Birch and funk-jazz group Vince Willis All-Stars.

Learn more and buy tickets for $50 here .

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Chicago summer festivals 2024: Music, food, street festivals happening across the city | See list

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago summers are perfect for outdoor activities, whether it is exploring a street festival in a new community, or a free concert in Millennium Park.

Dozens of festivals happen every year in the city to celebrate culture, communities and genres of music.

The list below contains a variety of free and paid festivities happening across the city through September.

This list will continue to be updated as events are announced.

Ravinia Festival

Dates from April 20 through Sept. 15

Ravinia Festival is a series of over 100 summer concerts from artists like The Beach Boys with John Stamos and TLC. The outdoor venue has concert seating as well as a lawn area, where you can bring your own food and drinks for a concert picnic.

Summer at Gallagher Way

Dates from May through September

3635 N. Clark St., Chicago

Gallagher Way, located next to Wrigley Field, has a variety of family activities planned throughout the summer. Events like free movie nights, markets, concerts and more will be free and open to the public. View the schedule here .

SEE ALSO: Gallagher Way announces summer events lineup for lawn area outside Wrigley Field

The Patio Theater, Chicago

Solar Tide is a bass music and arts festival in Portage Park. Featuring 19 artists over two days, tickets start at $50.

Chicago Mayfest

West Armitage Avenue from Sheffield Avenue to Racine Avenue, Chicago

Mayfest returns for the 27th year in Lincoln Park. The street festival will have a variety of music performances, artisan and food vendors. A pet parade and a glassblowing workshop will also take place over the weekend.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest

3200 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago

This annual street festival will kick off summer in Lakeview with music, food and artisan vendors. The festivities are conveniently located steps away from the Belmont "L" station.

Randolph Street Market Festival

1341 W. Randolph St., Chicago

Randolph Street Market brands itself as a "fancy, European-style flea market." The market will have antiques, décor, vintage fashion, art and much more. Tickets start at $12, and children under 12 can attend the event for free.

Grant Park, Chicago.

This reggaeton and Latin music festival is celebrating its third year in Grant Park. Featuring dozens of vendors, activities and headliners like Peso Pluma and Rauw Alejandro, Sueños is a celebration of Latin culture in Chicago.

Do Division Street Fest

May 31, June 1-2

Division Street, between Damen Avenue and Leavitt Street, Chicago

This Wicker Park street festival has events planned for all ages. Local food and retail vendors will be featured, along with music performances and a fashion show. "Family Fun Fest" is a part of the festivities, focused on children's entertainment. There will be a petting zoo, an inflatable slide and kids' music.

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

Millennium Park, Chicago

Gospel music lovers of all ages are welcome to attend this free music festival at Millennium Park. Entrances for the event will be located at Randolph Street and Monroe Street. More details can be found here .

Beyond Wonderland Chicago

Huntington Bank Pavilion, Chicago

Beyond Wonderland is an "Alice in Wonderland" themed electric genre festival. This year's headliners include popular artists like Diplo and Benny Benassi.

Chicago House Music Festival

The Chicago House Music Festival is an annual celebration to recognize the roots of house music in the city. A series of conferences and events will lead up to the festival in Millennium Park. Admission is free and open to all ages.

READ MORE: Chicago House Music Festival lineup announced, celebrating 40th anniversary of music genre

Chicago Blues Festival

June 6- Ramova Theatre, Chicago

The opening night performances of the Chicago Blues Festival will take place at Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport. Online RSVPs can be made for free admission.

June 7-9- Millennium Park, Chicago

Three stages around Millennium Park will host 35 performances celebrating the history of blues music. Buddy Guy will headline the last day of the Chicago Blues Festival in one of the final performances of his "Damn Right Farewell" tour.

Puerto Rican Fest

Humboldt Park, Chicago

Puerto Rican Fest , or Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas, is an annual cultural celebration in Humboldt Park with carnival rides, music, food, a parade and more.

Andersonville Midsommarfest

Clark Street from Foster Avenue to Gregory Street, Chicago

This community event is an annual celebration of Andersonville. Local vendors, food and music will take over Clark Street from Foster Avenue to Gregory Street.

Old Town Art Fair

1763 N. North Park Ave., Chicago

On this June weekend, the Old Town Triangle Historical District is transformed into a fine art wonderland. More than 200 fine artists from around the country will be at the Old Town Art Fair to sell and display their art.

Wells Street Art Fest

Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street, Chicago

Art lovers can venture down the Wells Street corridor in Old Town and shop from artists from around the continent. The Wells Street Art Festival features food and drink vendors, music, entertainment and a children's play area.

The Grant Park Music Festival

Dates from June 12 through Aug. 17

Grant Park, Chicago

The Grant Park Music Festival brings free concerts and activities to the park throughout the summer. Artists and performance schedules can be found at grantparkmusicfestival.com .

Sundays on State

June 16 and July 14

State Street from Lake Street to Adams Street

Two Sundays a year, downtown State Street closes off traffic for a "free, interactive block party." Sundays on State gives the community an opportunity to shop from local businesses, engage in family activities and enjoy food from local vendors.

Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash Festival

SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview

Three stages will host dozens of hip-hop performances over three days during the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash Festival . This festival is an all-ages event.

Chicago Pride Fest

Halsted Street from Addison Street to Grace Street

Chicago Pride Fest is a weekend street festival in the Northalsted neighborhood. Halsted Street will be buzzing with live music from headliners JoJo Siwa and Natasha Bedingfield, drag performances, parades and more.

Butler Field, Grant Park, Chicago

The plant-based food festival returns to Chicago with new innovative food options and lively entertainment. Attendees will have the opportunity to try vegan food from over 100 vendors from around the world, and enjoy performances from Saweetie, 2 Chainz and NLE Choppa.

The Bells of Summer

Summer Sundays at 5 p.m. from June 23 to Aug. 11 at Rockefeller Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago

Enjoy the beautiful sound of bells played by virtuoso carillonists from around the world.

The Opera Festival of Chicago

Dates from June 27 through July 14

The fourth season of the Opera Festival of Chicago will host performances at venues around the Chicago area. Show details can be found at operafestivalchicago.org .

Millennium Park Summer Music Series

Mondays and Thursdays, July 1-Aug. 8

The Jay Pritzker Pavilion will be the site of multiple free concerts during summer as a part of the Millennium Park Music Series .

Rose on the River

The Salt Shed, Chicago

One stage will be the site of 16 performances during this all-ages festival at the Salt Shed Fairgrounds. Rose on the River 2024 is headlined by My Morning Jacket, Tash Sultana, Thundercat and more.

NASCAR Chicago Street Race

The Chicago Street Race is a unique two-day sports and entertainment event with a festival-like atmosphere. This year's headliners include Keith Urban, The Chainsmokers, The Black Keys and Lauren Alaina. Visit NASCARChicago.com for more information.

Windy City Smokeout

United Center, Chicago

Windy City Smokeout brings the sounds and flavors of the South to the city. The festival includes four days of country music from artists such as Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood and Cody Johnson.

Square Roots Festival

Lincoln Avenue from Montrose Avenue to Wilson Avenue, Chicago

Square Roots is a Lincoln Square street festival that gives community members and visitors the opportunity to enjoy local food, vendors and music.

Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago

Union Park, Chicago

Pitchfork is a music festival featuring dozens of artists from a range of genres. This year's headliners include Black Pumas, Jamie xx and Alanis Morissette.

SEE ALSO: Pitchfork Music Festival 2024 lineup includes Alanis Morissette, Carly Rae Jepsen, more

Chicago Food Truck Festival

2300 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago

For the 11th year, the city's top food trucks will gather in the South Loop for the Chicago Food Truck Festival. For the 2024 season, the fest is joining forces with the Chicago Margarita Festival to create a special drink menu. Claim free tickets at chgofoodtruckfest.com .

Taste of Lincoln Avenue

2500 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago

The best food and drinks of Lincoln Park are showcased during Taste of Lincoln Avenue . The busy street will close for the weekend for live music, drink tastings and a children's carnival.

Fiesta Del Sol

Cermak Road from Ashland Avenue to Morgan Street, Chicago

Fiesta Del Sol is a free street festival and carnival in the Pilsen neighborhood. The festival features local food vendors, artisans and live performances.

Wicker Park Fest

Milwaukee Avenue from North Avenue to Ashland Avenue

Explore the food, art and culture of Wicker Park at this annual street festival . The live music lineup of pop and alternative bands includes artists like The Regrettes and Built to Spill.

Chinatown Summer Fair

Wentworth Avenue from Cermak Avenue to 24th Place, Chicago.

This annual cultural celebration will return for its 45th year. The festival opens with a lion dance procession, followed by a variety of other performances. The Chinatown Summer Fair will also have plenty of food and merchandise vendors.

Lollapalooza

Once a year Grant Park is transformed into the site of one of the biggest music festivals in the country. Over 170 bands and performers take the stage over the four day festival. Headliners for 2024 include big names like SZA, The Killers, Future and Metro Boomin.

READ MORE: Lollapalooza 2024 lineup day-by-day released, featuring headliners SZA, Tyler the Creator, Blink-182

Retro on Roscoe

200 W. Roscoe St., Chicago

Roscoe Village is a picturesque setting for live music, food, antique vendors and other merchants. More events will be taking place during Retro on Roscoe , like an antique car and motorcycle show.

Northalsted Market Days

Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street, Chicago

Market Days is a weekend street festival with food, music and vendors in the Northalsted neighborhood. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. performances will take place across five stages down Halsted Street.

Chicago Jazz Festival

Aug. 29-Sept. 1

Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park

The Chicago Jazz Festival is a weekend of free performances from the best local and international jazz talent.

North Coast Music Festival

Aug. 30- Sept. 1

North Coast is an electric genre music festival featuring over 100 artists, interactive art installations and activities.

ARC Music Festival

Aug. 30-Sept. 1

For the fourth year, ARC Music Festival is bringing dozens of house and techno artists to Union Park.

Taste of Chicago

Grant Park and other locations around Chicago

Taste of Chicago is a free city-wide event showcasing the best food and drinks in the city. The main event is located in September in Grant Park, but pop-up events will be taking place in neighborhoods around the city throughout summer.

Chicago German-American Oktoberfest

Lincoln Square, at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Western Avenue, Chicago

Oktoberfest is a free festival celebrating German heritage. The celebration is a chance to enjoy authentic German food, drinks, music and entertainment.

World Music Festival Chicago

Sept. 20-29

Chicago Cultural Center and Citywide

Performances by global artists will play at venues around the city during the World Music Festival . The festival will showcase sounds from Brazil, South Korea, Senegal and more.

Sept. 20-22

Douglass Park, Chicago

Riot Fest is an annual music festival specializing in punk, rock, alternative, metal and hip-hop. The lineup for Riot Fest has yet to be announced.

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The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour

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Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors and rich history of Chicago’s Chinatown on our top-rated TripAdvisor food and culture tour. Enjoy seated dining at five authentic restaurants where you’ll feast on Hong Kong dim sum, spicy Szechuan dishes, and sweet milk egg tarts. While you enjoy the food, you’ll get a lesson in traditional Chinese etiquette and customs.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Chicagoan, our guides will take you through the incredible stories of both Old and New Chinatown, its out-of-the-way secret gems, and its most famous landmarks. Come hungry and leave inspired with a deeper appreciation for the sophisticated flavors and regional cooking styles that define Chinese cuisine.

$80 Adult $50 Adolescent Free Child (6 & Under)

Dress for the weather! We go rain, shine, or snow. Washrooms available during the experience.

Vegetarian Options

• Authentic Dining Experience: Enjoy full-course tastings at five restaurants featuring an array of Chinese cuisine, from spicy Szechuan to traditional Cantonese and innovative Hong Kong-style dishes.
• Cultural Immersion: Participate in demonstrations of ancient Chinese etiquette and pageantry, deepening your understanding of the rich traditions embedded in every meal.
• Guided Exploration: Navigate through the hidden alleys and vibrant streets of both Old and New Chinatown with our expert guides who bring the history, culture, and stories of the neighborhood to life.
• Scenic Landmarks: Visit significant cultural and historical sites, including the Ping Tom Memorial Park and the architecturally stunning Pui-Tak Building.
• Local Insights: Learn about the intricacies of regional Chinese cooking styles, the significance of local customs, and the unique offerings of Chinese specialty stores throughout the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will local chicagoans enjoy your tours.

Absolutely! More than half of our guests are local to the Chicagoland area, and they always say the same thing: “I learned so much about Chicago’s history and restaurant scene that I didn’t know!” Locals who come on our tours will find their new favorite date night spot, and can impress their visiting friends with all their Chicago “insider” knowledge.

I hate feeling like a tourist. Will the guide have a bullhorn and an umbrella?

Yeah, we hate that, too. And, no, no umbrellas or bullhorns. Our guides feel more like part of the group. They’re friendly without being annoying, and they don’t just recite a script. We hire people who love this city, and we train them extensively to make their job look effortless. No cringey tourist stuff, we promise.

This seems like a lot to spend on sample bites. How much do we get to eat?

No need to make reservations for after the tour. You’ll enjoy the equivalent of a full meal or more on our food tours.

What happens if it rains or snows?

Rain or shine, you gotta eat! Unless the weather looks like it’ll threaten the safety of our guests or guides, the tours will run in most conditions. If it’s too wet or cold, we’ll just spend more time indoors at our restaurant partners.

Can you accommodate my dietary restriction?

If you let us know during the booking process/checkout of your tour, we CAN provide vegetarian-friendly tasting, but we CANNOT offer alternatives or substitutions for any other allergies (including lactose intolerant) or dietary restrictions (including vegan and gluten free). Vegetarian-friendly options must be requested in advance during the ticket purchase process.

Lock in your spot.

Unlocking Chinatown’s history, cuisine, and people.

I love guiding locals and visitors through the hidden culinary gems of Chinatown. Even for locals who think they know every nook of our city, Chinatown often remains a mysterious, vibrant enclave, a city within our city with its own unique pulse that’s as integral to Chicago's story as the Magnificent Mile.

Through this tour, I want to connect you with the authentic flavors and incredible history that most Chicagoans don't even know about. It's an eye-opening experience that shows just how diverse and multifaceted Chicago really is.

Check Availability

The #1 rated Chinatown Food Tour in Chicago!

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Bachelorette Parties

Cancellations

If you need to cancel your reservation and provide us 72 hours or more notice when doing so, you will receive a full refund. Any cancellations requested with less than 72 hours notice will not be refunded unless you added the Tour Ticket Insurance option for $2 per ticket during the check-out process. No-shows will be charged the full price unless they had taken out the tour insurance option.

In the event that you must cancel less than 72 hours prior to the tour date/start time, and did not have Tour Ticket Insurance, no refund will be provided.

Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation.

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