Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food And Walking Tour

Spend three hours on a walking food tour of Chicago with Bobby's Bike, Hike & Food Tours. Taste pizza, beer and brownies along the way. Tickets start at $84.99, and the tour holds a 4.9 rating from 2299 reviews.

Overview

Three hours, five Chicago classics, and a walk through the downtown that produced them. This tour from Bobby's Bike, Hike & Food Tours pairs a full meal with the sights between the bites: a deep-dish slice, a complete Chicago-style hot dog, an Italian beef sample, Garrett Popcorn, and the original brownie, which is served on morning departures, with a different dessert on afternoon runs. Alcoholic drinks are not part of the base price, though local craft beer samples can be added for a fee.

The route strings together two pizzerias, the Wrigley Building, the Palmer House Hilton lobby, the Magnificent Mile, the Chicago Theatre, Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, and the Historic Water Tower, so the eating doubles as a guided architecture walk. A local English-speaking guide leads the group, tells the stories behind each food, and hands out insider tips for the rest of your stay. Groups are capped at 16 travellers and the operator says its groups get exclusive VIP access at the stops.

One reviewer reported there was more food than the description promised, and another said their 10-year-old enjoyed the whole thing. Vegetarians and people avoiding beef or pork can be accommodated if you flag it when booking, but gluten-free and vegan options are very limited.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Lou Malnati's PizzeriaThe first food stop, a deep-dish slice, with 20 minutes at the pizzeria and the tasting included.
2. Gino's East and the Wrigley BuildingA second pizza stop for 20 minutes, then a 5-minute look at the Wrigley Building.
3. Palmer House and Magnificent MileTen minutes inside the historic Palmer House Hilton lobby, followed by 15 minutes walking the Magnificent Mile.
4. The Chicago Theatre and Garrett PopcornA 10-minute stop at the theatre, then a sweet-salty Garrett Popcorn sample with 10 minutes at the shop.
5. Millennium Park loopFifteen minutes in Millennium Park, plus time at Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
6. Relish Chicago Hot DogsA full Chicago-style hot dog, mustard, relish, onions, pickle and peppers, with 20 minutes at the stand.
7. Exchequer Restaurant & PubTwenty minutes for the Italian beef sandwich sample. The optional beer upgrade can be purchased on arrival for $19.99 per person.
8. Historic Water Tower and pass-bysFive minutes at the Historic Water Tower, with pass-bys of Holy Name Cathedral, the Loop, the Chicago Pedway and the operator's shop.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the three hours easier, based on what the listing states and what travellers consistently report.

• Footwear and water. Several reviewers tell you to wear comfortable shoes and one suggests bringing a bottle of water. The walking is broken up by food stops, so it stays manageable, but you are on your feet most of the tour.
• How much food. This is a full meal, not a tasting crawl. One reviewer said there was more food than the description suggested, so arrive hungry.
• Beer costs extra. Alcoholic drinks are not included. Three 9oz local craft beer pours can be bought on arrival for $19.99 per person, for ages 21 and up, so budget for it if the beer matters to you.
• Dessert timing. The original brownie, born in Chicago, appears on morning tours only. Afternoon departures get a different dessert, so pick your start time accordingly if the brownie is a priority.
• Weather and dress. The tour runs in all weather conditions, and the operator says to dress appropriately. Layers and rain gear are the safe call given the tour proceeds regardless of conditions.
• Dietary needs. Vegetarians and travellers avoiding beef or pork can be accommodated, but gluten-free options are limited and vegan options extremely limited. Add a note in the special requirements section when booking, then email the operator to confirm.

Common issues. One reviewer found the popcorn portion small and another disliked the deep-dish crust, so tastes vary on individual items. A gratuity of $10 or more per person in cash, Venmo or PayPal is recommended but not included, and beer costs extra. The operator can cancel for weather or low traveller numbers, offering a different date or a full refund in those cases. Groups run to a maximum of 16 travellers.

Common Questions