Chicago: River North Walking Food Tour

Chicago’s River North neighborhood is a vibrant hub of culinary delights. This 3-hour walking tour immerses visitors in the diverse food scene, revealing its hidden gems and acclaimed restaurants. From iconic doughnuts to renowned deep-dish pizza, the tour offers a tantalizing sampling of the area’s flavors. With an insider’s perspective and hands-on experiences, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the preparation and stories behind the city’s thriving food culture. Whether a seasoned foodie or a curious explorer, this tour promises to satisfy the palate and leave you craving more.

Key Points

• A 3-hour culinary journey through River North, exploring diverse local eateries and trendy spots with insider access to food preparation.
• Highlights include visiting The Doughnut Vault, Lou Malnati’s, Xoco, Iberico, and Al’s Beef, with food tastings and bottled water included.
• Tour starts at The Merchandise Mart, with convenient access via public transportation and parking available nearby.
• Priced starting from Kč2,238 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Designed for foodies seeking a deeper understanding of Chicago’s local food scene and highly recommended based on positive customer reviews.

Tour Overview

The "Chicago: River North Walking Food Tour" is a 3-hour experience that takes participants on a culinary journey through the city’s vibrant River North neighborhood.

Priced from Kč2,238 per person, the tour visits 5 different mom-and-pop shops, ethnic eateries, and restaurants. Guests will gain an insider’s look into food preparation at trendy establishments and explore hidden gourmet gems.

The tour is conducted in English and meets in front of The Merchandise Mart. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Comfortable shoes and water are recommended, as moderate walking is involved.

Experience Highlights

Visitors embark on a culinary adventure, exploring 5 different mom-and-pop shops, ethnic eateries, and restaurants.

They’ll get an insider’s look into food preparation at trendy restaurants and discover hidden gourmet gems and off-the-beaten-path spots.

This walking tour provides a deeper appreciation for Chicago’s local food scene.

Highlights include visiting The Doughnut Vault, known for its award-winning doughnuts, and Xoco, featuring cuisine by Top Chef Masters winner Rick Bayless.

The tour also includes stops at iconic establishments like Lou Malnati’s for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and Al’s Beef, the inventor of the Italian beef sandwich.

Food Stops

The tour takes guests to a variety of renowned local eateries, each offering a unique culinary experience.

First, visitors delight in the award-winning doughnuts at The Doughnut Vault, named the best in America by Food and Wine Magazine.

Next, they indulge in the iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s, a city institution since 1971.

At Xoco, they sample the acclaimed cuisine of Top Chef Masters winner Rick Bayless.

Iberico showcases authentic Spanish tapas, while Al’s Beef, the inventor of the Italian beef sandwich, provides a taste of Chicago’s iconic street food.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes all food tastings and bottled water, with some establishments providing water as well. Gratuities for the guide, typically 15-20%, are also covered. To ensure a comfortable experience, guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. While dietary restrictions can be accommodated if notified in advance, last-minute changes are not guaranteed. The tour involves moderate walking, so casual attire and comfortable footwear are recommended. The tour is open to adults (13-99), children (3-12), and infants (under 2 who do not require a ticket).

What’s Included	Details
Food Tastings	Samples from 5 different stops
Bottled Water	Provided, with some establishments offering water
Gratuities	15-20% for the guide
Dietary Accommodations	Notify in advance, last-minute changes not guaranteed
Age Restrictions	Adults (13-99), Children (3-12), Infants (under 2 do not require a ticket)

Important Information

Comfort and convenience are key on this walking tour. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as moderate walking is involved. Dress casually – this isn’t a formal affair.

The tour accommodates dietary restrictions if notified in advance, but last-minute changes can’t be guaranteed. Children ages 3-12 are welcome, while infants 2 and under don’t require a ticket.

With a lively mix of ages 13 to 99, this tour caters to a wide audience of foodies seeking to explore Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene.

Customer Feedback

Reviewers have overwhelmingly praised this Chicago food tour, awarding it an impressive 4.7 out of 5 rating based on 10 reviews.

Customers consistently highlight the following:

1. Tour guides are rated 5/5 for their knowledge and friendliness.
2. The value for money is rated 4.8/5, with positive feedback on the food stops and historical insights.
3. This tour is highly recommended for foodies looking to explore Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene.

Getting There

To reach the starting point of the Chicago: River North Walking Food Tour, participants can make their way to The Merchandise Mart, located at 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654.

The tour meeting point is situated right in front of this iconic building. Guests can conveniently access the area via public transportation, with the closest ‘L’ train station being the Chicago/Franklin stop on the Brown and Purple lines.

Alternatively, visitors can drive and park at one of the nearby garages or meters. With the tour beginning promptly, it’s recommended to arrive a few minutes early to ensure a smooth start to the culinary exploration.

Pricing and Booking

The Chicago: River North Walking Food Tour is priced from Kč2,238 per person.

The tour lasts 3 hours and includes:

• All food tastings and bottled water
• Gratuities for the guide
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Booking can be done directly through the tour provider’s website.

Dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance, though last-minute changes aren’t guaranteed.

The tour involves moderate walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Children aged 3-12 are welcome, while infants 2 and under don’t require a ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gratuity Included in the Tour Price?

The gratuity for the guide is included in the tour price, typically around 15-20%. Customers do not need to tip the guide separately during the tour.

Will the Tour Guide Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The tour will accommodate dietary restrictions if notified in advance, though last-minute changes may not be guaranteed. Guests should inform the company of any dietary needs when booking the tour.

How Much Food Is Provided During the Tour?

The tour includes all food tastings, with accommodations made for dietary restrictions if notified in advance. Bottled water is also provided at some establishments during the 3-hour experience.

Can I Use the Restroom During the Tour?

Yes, tour participants can use restrooms during the tour. However, it’s best to plan ahead as there may not be frequent opportunities to go. The tour guide can provide recommendations on where to find restrooms along the route.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour requires casual, comfortable clothing. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves a moderate amount of walking through the city. Dress in layers to adjust to any changes in weather.

Recap

This walking food tour of Chicago’s River North neighborhood offers a delightful way to explore the area’s vibrant culinary scene. Visitors can look forward to tastings at iconic spots like The Doughnut Vault and Lou Malnati’s, as well as lesser-known ethnic eateries and acclaimed restaurants. With an insider’s perspective and friendly guide, the tour provides a deeper appreciation for the diversity of Chicago’s food culture.