River North Food Walking Tour in Chicago, United States
Chicago, United States

River North Food Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 69 4.6 · 98 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $89
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Outty Ranking

69/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 98 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is River North Food Walking Tour worth booking?

River North Food Walking Tour is a 3-hour experience in Chicago, United States, from $89 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 98 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
69 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (98)
Duration
3 hours
From
$89 per person

On our 3 hour food walking tour of Chicago, you will taste delectable foods from 5 different delicious places. Tease your tastebuds as you savor foods from Chicago's best deep dish pizza restaurant, Rick Bayless' amazing Mexican fare and more.  In addition to all the delicious food, your guide will discuss the history, culture and food scene of the neighborhood. We have vegetarian options at all the food stops and can accommodate other dietary restrictions with advance notice.  Join us on a culinary adventure of Chicago's River North neighborhood. We've done all the delicious research to showcase the best eats in Chicago. Wear your comfy shoes, bring your appetite and we'll take care of the rest...

What you get

    About this experience

    On our 3 hour food walking tour of Chicago, you will taste delectable foods from 5 different delicious places. Tease your tastebuds as you savor foods from Chicago's best deep dish pizza restaurant, Rick Bayless' amazing Mexican fare and more.  In addition to all the delicious food, your guide will discuss the history, culture and food scene of the neighborhood. We have vegetarian options at all the food stops and can accommodate other dietary restrictions with advance notice.  Join us on a culinary adventure of Chicago's River North neighborhood. We've done all the delicious research to showcase the best eats in Chicago. Wear your comfy shoes, bring your appetite and we'll take care of the rest...

    What's included

    Included

    • Local guide
    • Professional guide
    • Lunch
    • Food tasting

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
    • Hotel pickup
    • Hotel drop-off

    What you'll see and do

    1. The Doughnut Vault: Food & Wine Magazine named it the best doughnut in America.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Rudy Malnati is generally considered to be the inventor of Chicago deep-dish pizza. (est. 1971)

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Top Chef Masters winner Rick Bayless is one of the best known chefs for Mexican cuisine in America.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Delicious, authentic Northern Italian fare made with love by third generation owners in this “Real Chicago” historic tavern since 1952.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    5. European-style cafe featuring exquisite sweets, savory bites, rich coffee, and a curated selection of wines.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Wrigley Building

      The Wrigley Building is a skyscraper located at 400–410 North Michigan Avenue on Chicago's Near North Side

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Merchandise Mart

      Large shopping center includes diverse wholesale shops with apparel, home goods, accessories & more.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Chicago

    We will be meeting outside in front of the main entrance to the Merchandise Mart. You will see the Chicago River and large statues that resemble pez dispensers to know you are in the right location.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Sidewalk Food Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • A maximum of 4 people per booking
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

    Photos

    Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza, River North Food Walking Tour in Chicagotease your tastebuds!, River North Food Walking Tour in ChicagoLou Malnati's Pizza, River North Food Walking Tour in ChicagoRiver North Food Walking Tour in Chicago, photo 5River North Food Walking Tour in Chicago, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 98 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    6 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    98 verified traveler reviews for River North Food Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    75
    4 star
    13
    3 star
    5
    2 star
    3
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    Suzann_C · October 2026

    Fun day to taste and learn

    Lauren was great and our group was great. We had 13 in our group and we learned some history snd ate great food

    Response from the operator: Hi, Thank you for taking the time to review our Sidewalk Food Tour of River North! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed it!

    via Viator

    Trip19087849973 · September 2026

    Great food, info & guide

    Great sampling of Chicago food, and lots of interesting historical information, too. Tim was a great guide — very personable & knowledgeable.

    Response from the operator: Hi, We're happy to hear you had a wonderful tour! Thanks for sharing!

    via Tripadvisor

    Keith_W · August 2026

    Excellent

    Engaging, knowledgeable tour guide. A mix of architecture and food history. One of the 6 stops was not available, the one one we were looking forward too.

    Response from the operator: Hi Keith, Thank you for joining us and for sharing your feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed the mix of architecture, food history, and your guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm. We’re sorry that one of the six stops wasn’t available during your tour, especially knowing it was the one you were most looking forward to. We truly appreciate your understanding and hope to see your on another tour!

    via Viator

    A6231ELsandrac · August 2026

    Great Guide and Food

    Jake was a fantastic guide. Food was great but Portillo didn’t prepare the food on time which made the tour run late.

    Response from the operator: Hi there! Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re so glad to hear that Jake was a fantastic guide and that you enjoyed the food along the way. We’re sorry for the delay at Portillo’s and the impact it had on the timing of your tour. We appreciate your patience and understanding!

    via Tripadvisor

    192vickig · June 2026

    Overall very fun.

    Jake was a great tour guide. The donuts were awesome and I loved the “vault” story. Also liked the tacos and gelato. I wasn’t a fan of the Italian beef sandwich. The meat didn’t have that much flavor and the jardinière was way too spicy. Overall we enjoyed it and learning about Chicago history and architecture.

    Response from the operator: Hi Vicki, Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad to hear Jake made a great impression and that you enjoyed the donuts, tacos, and gelato! We also appreciate your honest feedback on the Italian beef sandwich and understand that tastes and spice levels can vary from person to person. It’s great to know you enjoyed exploring Chicago’s history and architecture along the way. Thanks for joining us!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    34
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Sidewalk Food Tours, who run 13 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.8.

    See everything Sidewalk Food Tours runs

    Why this scores 69

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
    Review evidence (18% weight)59
    Booking momentum (14% weight)53
    Value for money (12% weight)74
    Listing quality (10% weight)84
    Local standing (8% weight)49
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    River North Food Walking Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chicago.

    How much does River North Food Walking Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $89 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chicago usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does River North Food Walking Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chicago is not rushed.

    Is River North Food Walking Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 98 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chicago, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule River North Food Walking Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is River North Food Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book River North Food Walking Tour?

    +

    Around 34 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chicago can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chicago and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does River North Food Walking Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chicago within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Chicago?

    +

    Chicago's signature experience is still the architecture boat cruise, and the difference between the docent-led originals and the party-boat imitators is the single biggest quality gap in the city. Beyond the river: gangster history walks, Art Institute access, deep-dish and hot-dog crawls, and skydeck timed entry. Outty Ranking leans on guide credentials and how consistently the promised route runs. On Outty we rank every Chicago experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Original Chicago Architecture Interiors Tour: Dazzling Interiors, Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour, Chicago Murder Mystery Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Chicago?

    +

    May to October. Winter cruises stop running when the river ices. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Chicago?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in River North Food Walking Tour?

    +

    Included: Local guide; Professional guide; Lunch; and Food tasting. Not included: Gratuities; Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase); Hotel pickup; and Hotel drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for River North Food Walking Tour?

    +

    We will be meeting outside in front of the main entrance to the Merchandise Mart. You will see the Chicago River and large statues that resemble pez dispensers to know you are in the right location. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is River North Food Walking Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for River North Food Walking Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is River North Food Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to River North Food Walking Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Chicago. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about River North Food Walking Tour?

    +

    Across 98 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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