Eat your way through two of Chicago's tastiest neighborhoods

Hungry for an authentic Chicago culinary and cultural experience?

The Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour in Bucktown/Wicker Park Chicago is a delicious way to go!

Suitable for all age groups and fitness levels, this 3-hour experience is enjoyed by native Chicagoans and visitors alike.

You'll get a "non-touristy" local experience so you feel like a native Chicagoan.

On this guided walking tour, you'll learn about the storied histories of the Bucktown and Wicker Park communities while enjoying beautiful 19th century architecture.

Come along and get a unique glimpse into offbeat venues, hidden parks, historic mansions and majestic row houses while sharing insight on local entertainment and restaurants. Get an up close and personal look into the way of life of Chicago natives while eating your way through two of Chicago's tastiest neighborhoods!

Traverse the artists' colony that evolved into a hidden foodie paradise on the Bucktown/Wicker Park Food Tour. All food tours include mouth-watering food tastings, enough for lunch - from historic "mom and pop" specialty food stores and one-of-a-kind ethnic eateries - while offering a narrated glimpse into Chicago's rich history, treasured architecture, and dazzling restaurant recommendations.

Each guided, narrated tour includes mouth-watering, classic food tastings from one-of-a-kind specialty food shops and ethnic eateries as well as an insider's glimpse of Chicago. After the tour, explore Chicago with confidence and take advantage of its full spectrum of cuisine, entertainment, and cultural offerings on and off-the-beaten-path.

Your journey includes tastings from:

• Top rated Chicago-style hot dog "stand" (est. 1948)
• A homemade breakfast and lunch cafe (est. 2002)
• Chicago's top pastry & dessert restaurant (est. 2004)
• A gourmet foods & organic grocer (est. 2004)
• An artisan chocolate truffle lounge (est. 2000)
• Ice cream designed and created on the spot (est. 2008)
• New-Haven style pizzeria & brewpub (est. 2001)

Reviews

"Focuses on showing people spots that are local secrets, helping you get off the beaten path!" - CNN Travel

"Ahoy, food lovers, a 3-hour Chicago eats tour even Gilligan would love... This gastronomic junket through stores that seemed obscure, we had great fun!" - Chicago Tribune

"Hungry for culinary travel? 5 tasty vacation recommendations include discovering Chicago's cultural gems while tasting delicious food!" - Andrew Knowlton, restaurant editor at Bon Appétit

What to Wear:

You will be on your feet and outdoors for most of the walking tour, please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Flip-flops, high heels, and dress-shoes are not recommended. Umbrellas on rainy days, warm layers on cold days, and cool clothing on hot days will make your experience much more enjoyable.

What to Bring - What Not to Bring:

There are plenty of photo opportunities during the tour, so bring your cameras and recorders. During the summer months, it's strongly suggested you bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and/or a hat. Please check the weather reports for the day of your activity. You must bring your own umbrellas or rain ponchos. Because the tour visits a number of food establishments, you'll need to leave your pets at home/hotel.

Other Tips and Guidelines:

Bring extra cash for return fare after the tour, food and/or drink, and/or souvenirs and gifts for after the tour. Although not mandatory, gratuities to your tour guides are greatly appreciated if you have a good time on the tour. The standard gratuity in the service industry is 15%.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What about taking children/adolescents on the tour?
While child tickets are offered, the tour is three hours long and some children have a limited attention span and therefore the tour may not be appropriate for some of them. Parents, who know their children best, should assess the situation individually. Since there is a lot of standing and walking, please carefully consider this when deciding whether the tour is appropriate for your child and as a courtesy to other participants on the tour.

Can I shop on the tour?
In order to stay on schedule and continue with the informative tour and food tastings in a timely manner, you'll be asked to wait to shop until after the tour. Hopefully, you will allow time at the end of the tour to return to your favorite locations and/or stores.

How much food is served on the tour?
There are 6 stops for tastings on the tour. Enough food is served that, for most people, lunch is not necessary afterwards.

Does the tour leader accept gratuities?
Gratuities are greatly appreciated, although not mandatory.

Are there vegetarian options on the tour?
Currently there is only one meat tasting on this tour. There is a vegetarian option available.

Are there any beverages served on the tour?
There is a drink tasting, but neither water nor other beverages are otherwise provided during the tour. You can, however, purchase water at the beginning of the tour at the specified meeting place and at subsequent tasting locations where water is available for purchase.

Is wine tasting included on the tour?
Currently there is no wine tasting during the tour.

What types of foods are served on the tour?
You'll taste foods from a Chicago-style hot dog stand, a dessert restaurant, a catering and retail food shop, a pizzeria/brewery, a breakfast joint, and a fine gourmet chocolate store. Food-tasting locations can change without notice.

Do we only walk around and sample food?
Absolutely not! Aside from sampling delicious food, you will also experience life in Chicago's Bucktown and Wicker Park neighborhoods. The tour is fully narrated by your guide, who will discuss the history, culture, architecture, entertainment offerings, and both on and off-course off-the-beaten-path establishments.

What restaurants will we visit on the tour?
Although you'll sample from a few sit-down restaurants during the tour, all of the tastings are done on the go, and food is also provided by ethnic eateries and specialty food shops. Additionally, insights to restaurants are shared.

How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour?
You'll be on your feet for approximately 3 hours and cover 1.5 miles and will be walking at a moderate pace in order to cover a lot of information and ground. You'll sit down at least once during the tour for at least 20 minutes. Please wear comfortable shoes.

What happens if it rains?
The tours are held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, you'll be able to go inside many of the establishments on the tour. You should still dress appropriately for the day's weather conditions.

May I bring my dog on the tour?
Due to the various food establishments we visit, pets of any kind are not allowed on this tour.

Does this tour have anything to offer a native Chicagoan?
Definitely! A majority of our attendees live right here in Chicago. Locals often attend to learn about the neighborhoods and the city in which they live.

Are bathrooms available during the tour?
Yes, bathrooms are available during the tour at selected food-tasting locations.

Are cameras allowed on the tour?
Yes, cameras and filming are allowed during the tour. We strongly encourage participants to take photos during the tour.

Is the tour stroller and/or wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is stroller and wheelchair friendly.

This tour does not include hotel pick ups or drop offs. Rates are per person in US Dollars. Child rate applies to ages 0 to 15. Please order online or call 888-881-3284 to order or for more information.