Chicago: Gangsters and Food Tasting Walking Tour

The Chicago: Gangsters and Food Tasting Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s captivating past. Priced at $75 per person, this 2-hour experience combines the city’s renowned culinary heritage with its notorious gangster history. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, participants embark on a captivating journey, indulging in iconic Chicago dishes while uncovering the stories behind the city’s most infamous mobsters. From the depths of deep-dish pizza to the gritty tales of Al Capone, this tour promises a delectable and informative exploration of the Windy City’s rich tapestry. With compelling narratives and mouthwatering tastings, the tour invites visitors to uncover the hidden layers that have shaped Chicago’s enduring legacy.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Food Tours In Chicago.

Key Points

• A 2-hour walking tour in Chicago that combines iconic food tastings with insights into the city’s notorious gangster history.
• Includes tastings of deep-dish pizza, tavern-style pizza, prime steak, and Chicago hot dogs, providing a substantial lunch.
• Visits historical sites and old hideouts associated with famous mobsters like Al Capone, enhancing the gangster-themed experience.
• Knowledgeable guides offer engaging storytelling and captivating narratives to bring the past to life.
• Highly rated by previous customers for its value, food quality, and informative gangster history.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Chicago Gangsters and Food Tour" offers visitors a unique experience that combines the city’s rich culinary heritage with its notorious criminal past.

Priced from $75 per person, the 2-hour walking tour explores the flavors and gangster stories of Chicago. It covers about a mile with 4 stops, including iconic eateries where guests can sample deep-dish pizza, tavern-style pizza, prime steak, and Chicago hot dogs.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and features a live guide who provides historical insights and captivating storytelling. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and while gratuities aren’t included, alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

The tour operates rain or shine, and the food tastings constitute a substantial lunch meal.

Experience Highlights

On this tour, visitors can taste iconic Chicago foods like deep-dish pizza, tavern-style pizza, prime steak, and Chicago hot dogs.

They’ll learn about the history of the city’s cuisine and its connection to notorious gangsters. The tour includes visits to old hideouts and significant historical sites, where guides share stories about famous mobsters like Al Capone.

Participants will also experience three food tastings, along with water and soft drinks, as they explore the city’s rich culinary and criminal past.

The tour covers approximately one mile with four stops, providing an engaging and informative look at Chicago’s unique heritage.

Tour Features

This tour features a live guide who provides historical insights and engaging storytelling throughout the experience. Participants can expect to learn about the history of Chicago’s cuisine and its connection to notorious gangsters.

The tour includes:

• Knowledgeable and personable guides who bring the city’s past to life
• Comfortable shoes recommended for the approximately 1-mile walking tour
• Three food tastings, including iconic Chicago dishes like deep dish pizza and hot dogs
• Availability of alcoholic drinks for purchase to complement the experience

Gratuities aren’t included, but the overall value for money is highly rated by previous customers.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have widely praised the Chicago Gangsters and Food Tour, awarding it an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 92 reviews.

The food tastings, knowledgeable guides, and engaging storytelling have garnered particularly positive feedback, with reviewers highlighting the tour’s excellent value for money (4.5/5).

Many couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, and families have recommended the experience, noting the high quality of the cuisine and the informative insights into Chicago’s gangster history.

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Important Information

The Chicago Gangsters and Food Tour operates rain or shine, ensuring participants can enjoy the experience regardless of weather conditions.

Food tastings on the tour constitute a substantial lunch meal, so attendees can expect to be well-fed during the 2-hour adventure.

Before booking, it’s important to check availability for specific dates and times, as the tour’s popularity can impact scheduling.

Plus, the following tips can help maximize enjoyment:

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking
• Bring a bottle of water
• Be prepared to hear engaging stories about Chicago’s notorious gangsters
• Arrive at the tour meeting point on time to avoid missing any highlights

Getting to the Tour Meeting Point

Participants can easily locate the tour’s meeting point outside Hoyts Restaurant at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, situated at the intersection of Wacker and Wabash in downtown Chicago.

The meeting point is wheelchair accessible and conveniently located near the Chicago River. Guests should plan to arrive a few minutes early to check in with the tour guide.

Parking is available at nearby garages and lots, though public transportation like the ‘L’ train or buses may be the best option to avoid traffic and parking fees.

The tour covers approximately one mile, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the duration of the two-hour experience.

What to Expect During the Tour

Once guests have arrived at the meeting point, the tour kicks off with the guide providing an overview of the day’s itinerary.

During the 2-hour walking tour, guests will:

• Taste iconic Chicago foods, including deep dish pizza, tavern-style pizza, prime steak, and Chicago hot dogs.
• Learn about the history of Chicago’s cuisine and its connection to notorious gangsters.
• Hear captivating stories about famous gangsters and visit their old hideouts and significant historical sites.
• Experience a total of three food tastings, along with water and soft drinks, as they explore the city’s gangster past.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide will provide historical insights and engaging storytelling to bring the city’s notorious history to life.

Additional Tour Details

Comfortable shoes are recommended for the walking tour, as it covers approximately 1 mile across 4 stops. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and participants can expect to taste a variety of iconic Chicago foods, including deep dish pizza, tavern-style pizza, prime steak, and Chicago hot dogs. The experience also includes water, soft drinks, and tours of Al Capone’s old hideouts. Plus, gratuities are not included, but alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

Tour Feature	Details
Duration	2 hours
Cancellation Policy	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Meeting Point	Outside Hoyts Restaurant at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Chicago River

The tour operates rain or shine, and the food tastings constitute a substantial lunch meal. Guests are advised to check availability for specific dates and times before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, covering approximately 1 mile with 4 stops. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking, and the experience includes food tastings that constitute a substantial lunch meal.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Accommodations Available?

The tour offers accommodations for dietary restrictions upon request. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available for the food tastings. Guests should notify the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, you cannot bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a substantial lunch with three food tastings, water, and soft drinks. Participants are expected to enjoy the provided refreshments as part of the experience.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. However, guests should be respectful and avoid disrupting the guide or other participants. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific photography guidelines before the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the tour. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the walking component, and participants should dress appropriately for the weather as the tour operates rain or shine.

Recap

The Chicago: Gangsters and Food Tasting Walking Tour offers an engaging 2-hour experience that combines the city’s rich culinary heritage with its notorious gangster history. Priced at $75 per person, the tour includes tastings of iconic dishes while visiting historical sites linked to infamous mobsters, making it a unique exploration of Chicago’s food and criminal past. Led by knowledgeable guides, participants enjoy captivating storytelling and insights.

You can check if your dates are available here: