Chicago Food Tour: Deep Dish, Hot Dogs & Hidden Gems
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Overview
The Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour is perfect for anyone who wants to taste Chicago's famous foods and see the city's best sights. This tour takes you through downtown Chicago to try the Windy City's favorite eats! You'll get to taste deep-dish pizza, a Chicago-style hotdog, Italian beef, popcorn, and brownies.
What to Expect: This walking tour, led by expert guides, explores iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and the Chicago Theatre Marquee. Guests will see the Cloud Gate ('The Bean') and the Pritzker Pavilion, stroll along the Chicago Pedway/Loop Promenade and visit the First Chicago Skyscraper. They'll also see the Chicago Historic Water Tower and Holy Name Cathedral. Plus, they'll visit Max's Take Out and sample an Original Recipe Brownie. It's a tasty way to learn about Chicago's food history!
This experience includes 4-5 food stops, a free 2-hour bike or kayak rental (weather permitting), and insider tips on what to see and do in Chicago. It excludes hotel pickup/drop-off and a recommended gratuity for the guide. It's important to note that alcoholic beverages are not included. With Bobby's Bike Hike, whose food tours are ranked Top 10 in America (USA Today) & Top 20 in the world (Tripadvisor), this tour promises a fun and delicious adventure, usually with small groups.
Highlights
Taste Chicago's Best Foods: Enjoy deep-dish pizza, Chicago hot dogs, and more!
See Famous Chicago Landmarks: Visit Millennium Park, the Chicago Theatre, and other iconic spots.
Get a Free Bike or Kayak Rental: Explore Chicago on your own with a free 2-hour rental.
Learn from Expert Local Guides: Discover Chicago's history and food secrets.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers say the food is delicious and there's a lot of it.
They love the tour guides who are fun and know a lot about Chicago.
Many enjoyed seeing famous spots in the city while trying new foods.
People think the free bike or kayak rental is a great bonus.
Some people think the tour moves too fast.
A few customers wished they had more time at each food stop.
The Journey
Tour Starting Point (Daytime)
Begin your daytime Chicago adventure here! Meet your guide and delve into the city's captivating history before indulging in a mouthwatering, cheesy, stuffed Chicago pizza. It's the perfect start to a tour filled with flavors and stories.
Tour Starting Point (Evening)
Kick off your evening exploration of Chicago from this point! Connect with your entertaining guide, hear tales of the city's past, and then savor a bubbling, cheesy, stuffed Chicago pizza. This promises a delicious beginning to a night of discovery.
Max's Take Out
Stroll down Michigan Avenue and the start of Route 66 to Max's Take Out, a quintessential Chicago hot dog stand, and savor the taste of an authentic Chicago hot dog! This iconic eatery has stood the test of time, serving up a unique flavor that defines the city's culinary scene. A must-try for any visitor!
First Chicago Skyscraper
Witness a piece of architectural history: the first major skyscraper built north of the Chicago River. This landmark represents Chicago's pioneering spirit in urban design and its bold ambition to reach new heights. A significant point of interest for architecture enthusiasts.
Chicago Pedway/Loop Promenade
Depending on the season, explore Chicago in comfort! During colder months, navigate the Chicago Pedway, an underground network connecting key sites in the central business district. In warmer months, stroll along the scenic promenades of the Loop, offering breathtaking views of the city's iconic skyline and vibrant atmosphere.
Pritzker Pavilion
Located in Grant Park, the Pritzker Pavilion is a masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry. This stunning band shell features a lattice tower of speaker systems ensuring excellent acoustics for countless summer concerts and movie screenings. It's a unique architectural marvel and a cultural hub in the heart of Chicago.
The Loop
Immerse yourself in the energy of the Loop, Chicago's bustling business district! Named for the 'El' train tracks that encircle it, this area is the city's core, filled with iconic architecture, theaters, and a vibrant atmosphere. Experience the heart of Chicago's commerce and culture.
Chicago Theatre Marquee
Behold the iconic Chicago Theatre Marquee on State Street! This dazzling landmark is a symbol of Chicago's vibrant theater scene and a must-see for architecture and entertainment lovers. Capture the essence of the city's performing arts heritage.
Cloud Gate ('The Bean')
Visit Cloud Gate, affectionately known as 'The Bean,' in Millennium Park. Designed by Anish Kapoor, this giant, stainless steel sculpture has become one of Chicago's most famous symbols. Reflect on the city skyline and capture unique, distorted perspectives in this captivating work of art.
Millennium Park
Discover Millennium Park, a modern town square boasting a stunning collection of art, architecture, and gardens. This urban oasis provides a breathtaking backdrop for hundreds of cultural events. From art installations to lush landscapes, it's a must-visit destination for experiencing Chicago's vibrant cultural scene.
Original Recipe Brownie
Indulge in a taste of history with the original recipe brownie, first invented in Chicago for the 1893 World's Fair. Savor the rich, decadent flavors of this iconic treat, a delightful reminder of Chicago's culinary heritage.
Crown Fountain
Experience the interactive art of the Crown Fountain, designed by Jaume Plensa. This unique fountain features two fifty-foot tall glass brick statues showcasing the LED faces of over 1000 Chicagoans laughing, smiling, and spitting. It's a playful and unforgettable art installation that embodies the spirit of Chicago.
Bobby's Bike Hike/Kayak Rental
Enhance your Chicago experience with a complimentary 2-hour bike or kayak rental! Bike rentals are available year-round at Bobby's Bike Hike World Headquarters, while kayak rentals operate seasonally at Ohio Street Beach. Explore the city's scenic lakefront and vibrant neighborhoods at your own pace.
Chicago Historic Water Tower
Witness a survivor of the Great Chicago Fire: the Chicago Historic Water Tower, located at the north end of the Magnificent Mile. This iconic landmark stands as a testament to the city's resilience and architectural heritage. A poignant reminder of Chicago's past and a must-see for history buffs.
Holy Name Cathedral
Marvel at the grandeur of Holy Name Cathedral, one of the largest Cathedrals in North America. This architectural masterpiece represents a significant achievement in community building and exemplifies Chicago's rich cultural heritage. A stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture.
Know Before You Go
This Chicago food and walking tour includes a taste of the city's best eats at 4-5 iconic food stops. Guests will enjoy deep-dish pizza, a Chicago-style hot dog, Italian beef, and more. A local, professional English-speaking guide will lead the tour, offering insider tips on must-see attractions. A free 2-hour bike or kayak rental is included (weather permitting). The tour excludes hotel pickup and drop-off, and a gratuity of $10 per person (or more) is recommended for the guide, payable in Cash, Venmo, or PayPal. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour.
Hot Tip
Many people suggest wearing comfy shoes because you'll be walking a lot! Also, come hungry so you can enjoy all the yummy food.
Review Summary
Travelers consistently praise the Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour for its generous food portions, knowledgeable guides, and well-paced itinerary covering iconic downtown landmarks. Many highlight the bonus bike or kayak rental as a fun extra. The most common feedback is that the tour is filling and offers a great introduction to Chicago’s food culture, though some note that gluten-free and vegan options are limited. The tour is frequently described as family-friendly and accessible, with a leisurely walking pace suitable for most fitness levels.
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