Chicago: Secret Food Tour

Chicago’s hidden culinary gems are waiting to be uncovered on the Secret Food Tour. Led by knowledgeable local guides, this 3-hour excursion takes visitors on a mouthwatering journey through the city’s iconic dishes and cultural influences. From indulging in the famous deep-dish pizza to savoring gourmet popcorn, the tour offers a well-rounded experience that caters to a variety of tastes. With inclusive transportation and a flexible cancellation policy, the Secret Food Tour promises an immersive and memorable exploration of Chicago’s vibrant food scene. Intrigued to discover what other surprises this tour has in store?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Food Tours In Chicago.

Key Points

• Explore Chicago’s iconic culinary landscape on a 3-hour food tour led by a knowledgeable local guide.
• Savor quintessential Chicago dishes, including deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwich, and gourmet popcorn.
• Visit the architectural marvel of the Harold Washington Library during the tour.
• Gain insights into the cultural influences shaping the city’s diverse food scene.
• Convenient meeting point with flexible booking and cancellation policy for a hassle-free experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Secret Food Tour in Chicago offers a 3-hour exploration of the city’s iconic culinary landscape, led by a knowledgeable local guide.

Participants can expect to sample a variety of quintessential Chicago dishes, from the beloved deep-dish pizza to the unique Italian beef sandwich.

Along the way, the tour sheds light on the cultural influences that have shaped the city’s diverse food scene.

Highlights include a visit to the renowned Harold Washington Library and a stop for gourmet popcorn.

With food, drinks, and transportation included, this tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience for those eager to uncover the secret flavors of Chicago.

Inclusions

The Secret Food Tour in Chicago includes a range of culinary delights and practical accommodations to enhance the overall experience.

Along with sampling iconic local dishes, the tour provides a knowledgeable local guide to share insights into the city’s cultural influences.

Participants can expect to savor deep dish pizza, gourmet popcorn, and an authentic Italian beef sandwich.

Plus, the tour includes transportation, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free exploration of Chicago’s diverse food scene.

Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious about the city’s culinary treasures, the Secret Food Tour offers a well-rounded and immersive experience that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences.

Itinerary

Typically, the Secret Food Tour in Chicago embarks on a culinary journey that showcases the city’s diverse gastronomic landscape. Visitors begin by savoring the iconic deep dish pizza, a quintessential Chicago delicacy. Next, the tour proceeds to the renowned Harold Washington Library, where participants can admire the architectural splendor and learn about the city’s rich cultural heritage. Thereafter, the group indulges in gourmet popcorn, a beloved local treat, before moving on to sample the iconic Chicago-style hot dog and the mouthwatering Italian beef sandwich. The tour culminates with a delightful brownie, leaving participants with a well-rounded understanding of Chicago’s vibrant food scene.

Dish	Description
Deep Dish Pizza	A thick, cheesy pizza with a buttery crust, iconic to Chicago
Chicago-style Hot Dog	A hot dog topped with yellow mustard, white onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, and a dash of celery salt
Italian Beef Sandwich	Thinly sliced roast beef, simmered in a flavorful au jus, served on a crusty Italian roll
Brownie	A rich, fudgy dessert to end the tour on a sweet note

Meeting Point

After savoring the diverse array of iconic Chicago dishes, the Secret Food Tour in Chicago convenes at Ginos East Pizzeria, located at 521 S Dearborn Street.

This centrally situated meeting point is easily accessible, with the Harrison stop on the Red Line and the Harold Washington Library stop on the Brown, Purple, Pink or Orange Lines being the closest transit options.

The tour’s meeting location at this renowned pizzeria sets the stage for an immersive exploration of the city’s culinary landscape, allowing participants to conveniently gather before embarking on their gastronomic adventure through Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods and celebrated eateries.

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Booking and Cancellation

Pricing for the Secret Food Tour in Chicago starts from $87.70 per person, allowing visitors to conveniently reserve their spots and pay later. Travelers can also benefit from the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, which permits free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Booking	Cancellation
Reserve now	Free cancellation
Pay later	Up to 24 hours in advance

This hassle-free booking and cancellation process ensures a smooth planning experience for those eager to explore Chicago’s culinary delights on the Secret Food Tour. Guests can secure their spot with confidence, knowing they have the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.

Deep Dish Pizza

The Secret Food Tour in Chicago kicks off with a visit to Gino’s East Pizzeria, where guests savor the city’s renowned deep dish pizza – a culinary icon known for its thick, buttery crust and generous toppings.

This iconic dish is a cornerstone of Chicago’s food scene, with its origins dating back to the 1940s. As the tour group settles in, they’ll learn about the history and cultural influences that have shaped this beloved pizza style.

The guide will share insider tips on how to properly enjoy a slice, from the ideal crust-to-topping ratio to the optimal fork-and-knife approach. With each bite, the group will discover why deep dish pizza is a must-try experience for any visitor to the Windy City.

Harold Washington Library

Having savored the iconic deep dish pizza, the group now heads to the nearby Harold Washington Library, one of Chicago’s most impressive architectural landmarks and a hub of the city’s cultural and intellectual life.

The guide leads the group inside, eager to share the building’s fascinating history and striking features:

• Completed in 1991, the library’s bold postmodern design stands in contrast to the city’s historic landmarks.
• Visitors can admire the towering atrium, browse the vast collection of books, and explore the various exhibits and installations.
• The 9th floor Winter Garden offers panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, making it a popular spot for photos.

The library hosts a variety of events, from author talks to live music performances, catering to the city’s diverse cultural interests.

With its role as a community hub, the Harold Washington Library exemplifies Chicago’s commitment to education and the arts.

Gourmet Popcorn

Gourmet popcorn proves to be a delightful surprise on this Secret Food Tour, as the group ventures to a renowned local shop renowned for its innovative and elevated takes on the classic snack.

The guide explains that Chicago is home to a thriving popcorn culture, with numerous specialty purveyors crafting unique flavors.

At the shop, the group samples an array of gourmet offerings, from a decadent caramel and chocolate-drizzled variety to a spicy, savory blend infused with chili and lime.

The popcorn’s fluffy texture and bold, complex flavors leave a lasting impression, showcasing the city’s dedication to elevating even the most mundane of treats.

This unexpected stop highlights Chicago’s diverse culinary landscape and the tour’s ability to uncover hidden gems.

Recap

The Chicago: Secret Food Tour offers a comprehensive culinary experience, showcasing the city’s diverse food scene.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an opportunity to sample iconic local dishes, explore cultural influences, and discover hidden gems.

With convenient transportation, flexible policies, and a well-rounded itinerary, the tour caters to a variety of tastes and preferences, making it an ideal way to take in Chicago’s vibrant food culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: