Chicago's Delicious Downtown Donut Tour With 8 Amazing Tastings

Join Underground Donut Tour for a two-hour downtown donut tour. Enjoy eight tastings of donuts as you explore downtown Chicago. Tickets start at $70, and the tour holds a 4.9 rating from 1509 reviews.

Overview

Underground Donut Tour runs this two hour walk through downtown Chicago, stopping at some of the city's best known donut shops along the way. You meet at the Doughnut Vault on North Franklin Street and finish at Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken on East Erie Street, with tastings at the shops along the route while a local guide fills the gaps with stories about the Loop's buildings and the bakeries themselves.

The format is simple: a short stop at each shop, a tasting, then a walk to the next one with architecture and city history woven in. Reviewers say the donuts are plentiful, and several mention leaving full or even carrying leftovers. Expect roughly the full two hours, though one traveller reported finishing a little early.

It suits families, first time visitors who want an easy introduction to downtown, and anyone who likes the idea of a walking tour built around food. Groups are capped at 20, the route is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, and the operator offers a full refund by email if you do not enjoy the tour.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Doughnut VaultThe tour meets at the Doughnut Vault, 401 N Franklin St. All tours except the 1pm departure begin here.
2. Doughnut Vault tastingA 15 minute stop at the first shop of the walk, with the first tastings of the day.
3. Walk through The LoopA 30 minute stretch through downtown with the guide pointing out landmark buildings and telling the stories behind them.
4. Firecakes DonutsA 15 minute stop for more tastings at another of the city's popular donut shops.
5. Stan's Donuts & CoffeeA 30 minute stop at another of the city's popular donut shops.
6. Do-Rite Donuts & ChickenThe final 30 minute stop and the end point of the tour, at 233 E Erie St.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what helps to know before booking, based on the listing and what travellers report back.

• Portion sizes. Multiple reviewers said there were plenty of donuts, and several left full or with leftovers. One traveller noted the donuts come in quarter portions, so expect tastings rather than whole donuts at each stop.
• Walking distance. This is a walking tour, and reviewers describe it as covering a lot of ground, with one estimating over a mile. One traveller called the tour well paced, but comfortable shoes still matter.
• Weather. The tour runs outdoors between stops, and one reviewer took it in very cold weather and still enjoyed it. Dress for the Chicago weather of the day. Poor weather can cancel the tour, with a different date or full refund offered.
• Guide and group. Groups max out at 20 travellers. Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides for humor, city history and architecture knowledge, and several describe the tours as fun and easy to follow.
• Accessibility. The listing states the tour is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, with accessible surfaces and transport nearby. Service animals are allowed and it sits near public transportation.
• Dietary needs. The listing asks travellers to flag any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking. Do that early so the operator can plan around allergies or restrictions.

Common issues. Gratuities are not included. Weather can cancel the experience, with a different date or full refund offered. Changes and cancellations inside the 24 hour window before start time are not accepted or refunded. One reviewer reported the tour ran shorter than the listed two hours, so timing can vary with the group.

Common Questions