Chicago Culinary and Cultural Walking Tour

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 visit Mr. Beef, filming location for "The Bear," before heading around the corner to 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!

Meeting Point

401 E River Dr

401 E River Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

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.

What's included:

• Visits to historic restaurants like Billy Goat Tavern, Pizzeria Uno, Firecakes, & Green Door Tavern
• Professional local Chicago guide
• 2-hour walking tour

Not included:

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

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

River Esplanade Park

401 E River Dr, Chicago, 60611, Illinois

Admire the beauty of this scenic riverside park as you learn about its history and famous fountain.

20 minutes

Billy Goat Tavern (The Original)

Lower 430 North, Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

This old-school Chicago joint is known for its excellent meat, but it’s also been featured on Saturday Night Live.

20 minutes

Pizzeria Uno

29 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Coined as the original inventor of deep dish, this storefront has served deep dish since 1943.

20 minutes

Mr. Beef

666 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Popular for its Italian beef, this spot has risen even further in fame as the filming location for FX’s The Bear.

20 minutes

Al's #1 Italian Beef

1079 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

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.

10 minutes

The Green Door Tavern

678 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

This pre-Chicago Fire business has become a neighborhood mainstay and boasts a basement speakeasy.

20 minutes

Firecakes Donuts

68 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

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.

10 minutes