Chicago Food and Culture Walking Tour

ExperienceFirst
4.8
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Cancellation Policy
Up to 24 hours before your scheduled admission.
294alishiav
30 days ago
It was such a great experience! Ben was funny and friendly all the time and took us through the city with a lot of knowledge and history.

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!

Departure 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.

Return Details
  • This tour ends at Firecakes Donuts.

Duration
2 hours

Languages Available
  • Human tour guide - English

Points of Interest


Stop At: Pizzeria Uno
29 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Admire the beauty of this scenic riverside park as you learn about its history and famous fountain.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Al's #1 Italian Beef
1079 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607
This old-school Chicago joint is known for its excellent meat, but it’s also been featured on Saturday Night Live.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Firecakes Donuts
68 West Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Coined as the original inventor of deep dish, this storefront has served deep dish since 1943.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: River Esplanade Park
401 E River Dr, Chicago, Illinois
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.
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Billy Goat Tavern (The Original)
Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
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.
Duration: 10 minutes

Additional Information

  • 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.
  • This tour isn’t accessible for wheelchairs. However, guests can bring collapsible strollers that can be carried when we take stairs.
  • This tour covers about a mile and a half at a leisurely pace.
  • Note that some venues may change their opening hours, and may not be open on all tour departure dates - in these scenarios, our expert guides will ensure a great alternative is provided
  • Some venues may have queues during busy seasons, so please expect a wait for food at some venues.
Inclusions
  • Visits to historic restaurants like Billy Goat Tavern, Pizzeria Uno, and Firecakes
  • Professional local Chicago guide
  • 2-hour walking tour

Exclusions
  • Cost of food (choice to purchase food at recommended stops or not - total spend approximately 30USD)

Redemption Instructions
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.

Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the ExperienceFirst in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.

This offer is not eligible for promo codes.

Need To Know Info

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings