Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour

The Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour promises an unforgettable experience, blending Prohibition-era history with the city’s iconic culinary delights. Guests are invited to explore the River North neighborhood, indulging in prime cut steak, classic hot dogs, and deep-dish pizza, all while learning about the notorious gangsters who once prowled these streets. With knowledgeable and entertaining guides leading the way, this tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the rich cultural tapestry that defines Chicago’s past and present.

Key Points

• This small-group walking tour combines Prohibition-era history with authentic Chicago culinary experiences in the River North neighborhood.
• The tour features visits to a historic steakhouse, deep-dish pizza parlor, and other iconic foodie spots, with alcoholic beverages included.
• Knowledgeable and engaging guides lead the tour, providing an immersive narrative and personal anecdotes to enhance the overall experience.
• The tour has achieved a 96% recommendation rate and boasts a 4.8-star rating based on numerous positive reviews.
• The tour starts at the Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tours office and ends at a nearby location, allowing guests to explore historic gangster hotspots.

Tour Overview

The Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour is a popular small-group experience that combines the rich history of Prohibition-era Chicago with the city’s renowned culinary offerings.

A small-group tour that blends Chicago’s Prohibition-era history with the city’s acclaimed cuisine.

Exploring the River North neighborhood, the tour offers a maximum of 15 travelers personalized attention as they learn about Chicago’s gangster past and savor iconic local foods.

Highlights include a visit to a historic steakhouse with a secret tunnel, deep-dish pizza in an old mansion, and tastings of Chicago’s signature dishes accompanied by alcoholic beverages.

With an impressive 96% recommendation rate, this tour provides an engaging and informative experience.

Food and Tastings

Included in the tour are a lunch and three distinct tastings that allow visitors to savor some of Chicago’s most iconic culinary delights.

The tour features a Chicago-style prime cut steak, a classic Chicago hot dog, and a slice of authentic deep-dish pizza. Alcoholic beverages are also included, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Prohibition-era ambiance.

These tastings are served at historic locations, such as a steakhouse with a secret tunnel and a deep-dish pizza parlor housed in an old mansion, adding to the tour’s engaging and authentic experience.

Meeting and End Points

The Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour conveniently starts at the Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tours office located at 71 East W Wacker Dr in the heart of the River North neighborhood.

The tour ends about 15 minutes away at Mister Js, an iconic Chicago hotel at 822 N State St.

The tour culminates at Mister Js, an iconic Chicago institution situated at 822 N State St., just a 15-minute stroll away.

During the tour, guests explore historic gangster hotspots and sample classic Chicago fare like prime cut steak, hot dogs, and deep-dish pizza.

The expert guides provide engaging narratives, bringing the city’s notorious past to life through personal anecdotes and interactive discussions.

Tour Guides

Knowledgeable, friendly, and entertaining guides lead the Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour, bringing the city’s notorious past to life through engaging narratives and personal anecdotes.

Examples of guides include Ty, Baylor, Avery, Taka, Alan, and Sarah, all of whom receive positive feedback for their expertise and ability to enhance the overall experience.

Guests praise the guides’ informative and interactive approach, which provides valuable historical insights while keeping the tour fun and enjoyable.

The guides’ enthusiasm and ability to connect with the group create a memorable and personalized tour experience.

Tour Highlights

As participants embark on the Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour, they’ll savor a delectable lineup of iconic Chicago cuisine, from juicy prime cut steak to classic deep-dish pizza.

Participants on the Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour will savor iconic Chicago cuisine, from steak to deep-dish pizza.

The tour seamlessly blends Prohibition-era history with the city’s renowned food scene, providing a well-rounded experience.

Highlights include:

• Sampling Chicago’s signature hot dog
• Indulging in a slice of deep-dish pizza at a historic location
• Sipping on included alcoholic beverages
• Exploring the secret tunnel of a classic steakhouse
• Enjoying a personalized experience with a small group of no more than 15 travelers.

Traveler Feedback

Overwhelmingly positive reviews from travelers underscore the Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour’s ability to captivate and delight.

With a 4.8-star rating based on 469 reviews, the tour has earned a Badge of Excellence. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable, friendly, and entertaining guides, who bring the city’s gangster history to life through engaging narratives and personal anecdotes.

The high-quality food tastings, including Chicago’s iconic steak, hot dog, and deep-dish pizza, also receive rave reviews.

While a few critiques mention pricing and specific dishes, the overall satisfaction is evident, cementing the tour’s status as a must-do experience for visitors to Chicago.

Neighborhood Exploration

Venturing through the vibrant River North neighborhood, the Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour takes visitors on an immersive journey that seamlessly blends the city’s notorious past with its celebrated culinary scene.

Exploring historic locations like a speakeasy-style steakhouse and an old mansion housing a legendary deep-dish pizza joint, the tour highlights:

• Prohibition-era architecture and design
• Remnants of the city’s gangster underworld
• Iconic Chicago food traditions
• Insider stories from knowledgeable local guides
• A well-curated mix of sights, tastes, and tales that leave a lasting impression.

Prohibition-Era History

The tour’s immersive exploration of Chicago’s infamous Prohibition-era history captivates visitors, delving into the city’s notorious gangster underworld.

Guides lead guests through the former speakeasies and hideouts frequented by legendary mobsters like Al Capone.

Highlights include a steakhouse with a secret tunnel once used to smuggle illicit liquor and the site of a famous gangland shooting.

Visitors learn about the brutal battles between Capone’s outfit and rival gangs, as well as the ingenious ways bootleggers circumvented the law.

The tour’s historical insights bring the Roaring Twenties to life, offering a glimpse into Chicago’s criminal past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour accommodates dietary restrictions, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request. Guests are encouraged to notify the tour provider of any special dietary needs when booking to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended. Casual wear is acceptable, as the focus is on the historical and culinary experiences rather than formal attire.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

Children are welcome on the tour, but the content and food tastings may not be suitable for all ages. The tour operator recommends it for ages 12 and up for the best experience.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are typically allowed to take photos during the tour, as long as they don’t disrupt the guide’s narration or other guests’ experiences. Most tour companies encourage capturing memorable moments, but remind visitors to be respectful and follow any specific guidelines.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers can request an extended tour for more in-depth exploration of the city’s gangster history and additional food tastings. The tour operator accommodates such requests based on availability.

The Sum Up

The Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour offers an immersive experience, blending Prohibition-era history with a culinary exploration of local delicacies. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides a personalized insight into the city’s rich culture, leaving travelers with a memorable taste of Chicago’s vibrant past and present.