Chicago: Pizza Walking or Bus Tour

If you’re heading to Chicago and have pizza on your mind, this tour might just be the highlight of your trip. Whether you’re a deep-dish devotee or craving Roman-style slices, Chicago’s pizza scene offers more than just cheesy comfort food — it’s a window into the city’s neighborhoods, architectural marvels, and culinary creativity. This tour, offered by Pizza City Tours, provides three distinct ways to indulge in Chicago’s pizza culture—walking through neighborhoods or cruising in a bus—all while soaking up local history and architecture.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the chance to taste diverse pizza styles in authentic settings, guided by knowledgeable locals who are ready to share stories behind each slice. Two standout features are the in-depth insights into Chicago’s architectural wonders and the variety of pizza styles you get to sample, from artisan to deep-dish and Roman. The possible downside? With multiple stops and options, you’ll want to pace yourself—pizza can be more filling than you think! This experience suits food lovers eager to explore Chicago’s neighborhoods, history buffs interested in architecture, or anyone who wants a fun, culinary-focused tour with a local flavor.

Key Points

• Three tour options: Downtown Walking, West Loop Walking, or a Bus Tour, catering to different preferences.
• Tastes: Sample artisan, deep-dish, and Roman-style pizzas, each showcasing Chicago’s pizza diversity.
• Learning: Guides share rich stories about the city’s architecture and pizza history.
• Authentic neighborhoods: Especially in West Loop, a trendy foodie area with vibrant local pizzerias.
• Value: Includes pizza samples and a souvenir badge for discounts.
• Flexibility: Book now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Chicago’s Pizza Scene—A Deep Dive

This tour is designed for those who appreciate good food paired with engaging stories. Whether you opt for the walking routes or the bus adventure, each offers a different way to experience Chicago’s vibrant pizza culture. We’ll break down each option to help you see what’s in store and why it might suit your taste and pace.

The Downtown Pizza Walking Tour

Starting at Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co., the Downtown Walking Tour is an engaging 2.5-hour stroll through Chicago’s bustling core. As you walk, you’ll get to sample three distinct pizza styles, including a twist on classic deep-dish, an artisan creation, and a Roman-style pizza served “al metro,” which means in slices cut from a large rectangular pie.

What makes this tour stand out is the blend of culinary tasting with a glimpse of Chicago’s iconic architecture. Your guide, affectionately called “Doughcent,” isn’t just a pizza enthusiast but also a storyteller who will weave in stories about the city’s skyline, neighborhoods, and history. This tour is perfect if you love to walk and want to combine your foodie adventure with some sightseeing.

Stops include Labriola, for an iconic deep-dish experience—a must for deep-dish lovers—and Bar Cargo, for Roman-style pizza. The tour includes a custom souvenir badge and lanyard, making it a fun keepsake and a chance for some great Instagram photos. With a small group size, you’ll get plenty of personal attention.

The Pizza Bus Tour

If walking isn’t your thing or if you want to cover a broader area more comfortably, the 3.5-hour Pizza Bus Tour might be ideal. Starting at Labriola on Michigan Avenue, the bus takes you to four top pizzerias scattered across Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.

This tour is an excellent way to sample a wider range of pizza styles—from traditional deep-dish to artisan and even Chicago’s famous tavern-style thin crust. The guide, again a “Doughcent,” offers fascinating trivia about Chicago’s pizza history, including the ten different styles that make the city a pizza capital.

Traveling comfortably between stops, you’ll enjoy a relaxed pace without the fatigue of walking. If you’re curious about how Chicago became such a pizza haven, this is a practical and informative way to explore it all while savoring slices.

The West Loop Pizza Walking Tour

For those interested in Chicago’s hottest culinary neighborhood, the West Loop offers an exciting 2.5-hour tour filled with trendy pizzerias and local stories. You’ll begin at Lou Malnati’s, famous for its deep-dish, then stroll through the neighborhood visiting four different pizzerias.

On this route, you’ll encounter styles like Roman al taglio, Neapolitan, and spicy Sicilian or stuffed tavern-style pizza. The guide shares stories from the book “Pizza City, USA,” giving you context about Chicago’s pizza evolution and the chefs behind the scenes. This tour is perfect if you want to combine your pizza tasting with a sense of the city’s dynamic, foodie-focused neighborhoods.

The tour also includes a custom souvenir badge, making it more than just a bite of pizza but an experience to remember.

More Great Tours Nearby

What To Expect During Your Tour

Regardless of your choice, you’ll find that these tours balance tasting, storytelling, and sightseeing seamlessly.

• Pizza samples: Each stop offers a generous slice or more, enough to satisfy your hunger without overdoing it. The variety means you’ll understand the depth of Chicago’s pizza offerings.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides are described as “Doughcent,” who are passionate about pizza, Chicago, and architecture. They’re full of interesting facts, and reviews rave about their good value for money and engaging stories.
• Neighborhood insights: Especially on the West Loop tour, you’ll learn about local culinary legends and neighborhood history, giving the tasting more context.
• Souvenir badges: These add a fun element, giving you discounts for future pizza indulgences or souvenirs.
• Weather considerations: Tours operate rain or shine, so dress appropriately. Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for walking tours.

How the Tours Are Structured

The walking tours are designed for a manageable 2.5 hours, making them ideal for a quick, fulfilling experience without feeling rushed. The bus tour, at 3.5 hours, offers a more relaxed pace and the chance to sit back while traveling between pizzerias.

Group sizes are generally small and intimate, which makes for a more personalized experience. The price of $69 per person is reasonable, especially considering the multiple tastings and insights included. When you consider the value of sampling a range of pizza styles and learning about Chicago’s architecture, it’s a solid deal.

Authenticity and Quality

From reviews, it’s clear that guides often go beyond the call of duty. They’re praised for their knowledgeable, friendly manner and ability to weave stories that make each stop memorable. Many mention that the pizza samples are generous and authentic, giving an honest taste of what Chicago has to offer.

A few reviews highlight the importance of pacing: “The tour was well-structured, and there was enough time at each stop to really enjoy the pizza without feeling rushed,” one traveler mentioned. Others appreciated the small group size for more interaction and personalized service.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour appeals most to food lovers, architecture buffs, and casual explorers. If you enjoy combining culinary experiences with sightseeing, you’ll find this a fun and practical way to see and taste Chicago. It’s also a good choice for groups or families who want a guided, engaging activity with plenty of flavor.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $69, you get a well-rounded experience with multiple pizza tastings, engaging storytelling, and a taste of Chicago’s neighborhoods and architecture. The guides are a clear highlight, making the experience educational as well as delicious.

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to explore Chicago’s culinary landscape and learn about its history, this tour offers excellent value. Whether you prefer walking or traveling comfortably in a bus, you’ll leave with a belly full of pizza, a head full of stories, and some great photos.

This experience is especially suited for pizza fans, curious travelers, and those who enjoy guided city adventures. It’s not just a meal—it’s a flavorful, educational journey through one of America’s most iconic food cities.

FAQ

How many styles of pizza will I taste?
You’ll sample at least three distinct styles—artisan, deep-dish, and Roman—depending on your chosen tour.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes pizza samples at each stop and a badge for discounts, offering good value for the price.

Are the tours suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tours operate rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather.

How long does each tour last?
The walking tours last approximately 2.5 hours, while the bus tour extends to about 3.5 hours.

What are the starting points?
The Downtown and West Loop walking tours start at specific local pizzerias, while the bus tour begins at Labriola on Michigan Avenue.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour good for families?
While not explicitly stated, the engaging guide and tasting experience make it suitable for families, especially those interested in food and city sights.

Do I need to pre-book?
Yes, reservations are recommended, with the option to book now and pay later.

Are alcoholic beverages included?
Beverages and alcohol are not included. You should bring your ID if you wish to purchase alcohol during the tour.

Is the tour available in languages other than English?
The tour is offered in English only.

In summary, whether you choose the walking route through downtown or the vibrant West Loop, or opt for the comprehensive bus experience, this Chicago pizza tour offers a tasty and insightful way to explore the city. With friendly guides, a variety of authentic pizza styles, and the chance to learn about Chicago’s architecture and neighborhoods, it’s a memorable culinary adventure worth considering for your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: