Lonely Planet Experiences Private Chicago Food Tour
Chicago, USA
From USD 95.00
Office phone number: +1 312 973 3877
Lonely Planet Experiences Private Chicago Food Tour
Chicago, USA
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Join us for the ultimate private foodie adventure in Chicago’s historic River North area alongside a local guide who can show you the best spots for some of the city’s best loved dishes. From deep dish pizza to Chicago-style hot dogs, this private tour will leave you filled with delicious local foods as well as some insider knowledge into the city’s culinary history and culture.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of four travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for four travellers
Experience the best travel stories for yourself. Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this city adventure hand-picked by the world's leading travel publisher. Lonely Planet Experiences powered by Urban Adventures bring stories to life in the best-loved cities around the globe.
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Highlights
- Get a taste of Chicago’s most famous food in one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods
- Discover why locals have so much passion for their very own Chicago-style hot dog
- Enjoy a slice of pizza taken to a whole new level in deep-dish form
- Tap into Chicago’s immigrant roots with a bite of Italian beef from one of the city’s original vendors
- Share some delicious dessert in a local setting well off the tourist track
- Each Lonely Planet Experience comes with six-months free access to Lonely Planet’s Guides App which includes over 8,000 destinations guides and unbeatable discounts to Lonely Planet Guidebooks
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Schedule details
- Duration: 2 hours
- Meeting point:
Historic Water Tower (outside the entrance), 806 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 1.00 PM
- Ending point:
A central location in the River North neighborhood near the Chicago Brown Line “L” Station.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local, English-speaking guide and a variety of food samples (such as a Chicago-style hot dog, deep dish pizza, and Italian beef).
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Your private Chicago food tour will take you through the River North neighborhood — the original Chicago foodie destination — to sample some world-famous Chicago dishes, local favorites and a sweet treat. It’s an afternoon that will leave you full of delicious food and memories for a lifetime!
We start with a very well-known Chicago dish: the Chicago-style hot dog. Perfect for summers at a baseball game (cheering on the Cubs or Sox of course), or for a quick lunch on a work day, this local take on a hot dog is a debate-worthy food in Chicago and is taken very seriously by locals. Every Chicagoan has his or her own preference as to how the dog should be made, and you’ll get a chance to try your guide's favorite version.
Next up is the world-famous Chicago deep-dish pizza! An entire meal unto itself, this staple of the Chicago food scene originated in River North in the 1940s when workers and families needed filling dishes at low prices. Your guide will take you to a pizza place that’s an icon to Chicago natives to try the real deal for yourself.
After you’ve filled up on pizza and hot dogs, we’ll take a stroll through two more establishments, each one essential when it comes to Chicago’s food culture. One is a sight to behold. This uniquely Midwest phenomenon is filled to the brim with kitsch and 1950s retro love, and you have to see it to believe it. The other stop is a restaurant born in Chicago and recognized by nearly everyone on earth. This location is something special, with impeccable design elements, a live vertical garden, solar panels and a beautiful atrium.
We’ll then continue our tasting journey with a classic Chicago sandwich: Italian beef. This hearty meal came about during the Depression, and it’s here to stay. You’ll sample this sandwich in a real city institution — no-frills decor included!
Finally, it’s time for something sweet inside a truly local hangout. Your guide will show you to one of the oldest establishments in the city — either a classic Italian restaurant or a local watering hole with deep Prohibition roots. Here, you’ll enjoy a dessert with the opportunity to relax and purchase a beverage of your choice.
We’ll conclude your private Chicago foodie experience here, with easy access to the ‘L’. Even if you say you’ll never be hungry again, don’t forget to note some great dinner recommendations from you guide. You won’t regret it!
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of four travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for four travellers
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local, English-speaking guide and a variety of food samples (such as a Chicago-style hot dog, deep dish pizza, and Italian beef).
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: Please dress comfortably and casually in weather-appropriate attire. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: This tour runs year-round and will proceed rain or shine unless such weather constitutes a dangerous situation.
Closure of sites: In the event of road or attraction closures, your guide will do their best to work around the obstacles or take your tour to alternate locations.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Children over the age of 6 will be charged the adult price. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6 with you. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page. For children above that age, please count them as an adult.
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Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@chicagourbanadventures.com.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +1 312 973 3877
Email address: info@chicagourbanadventures.com
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