Chicago Pizza Tour

If you’re someone who loves pizza — and really, who isn’t? — then the Chicago Pizza Tour offers an inviting way to explore the city’s iconic food culture without just sitting in a restaurant. We’ve looked into this tour thoroughly, and what stands out is how it combines delicious tasting, local insights, and easy transportation—all wrapped into a relaxed 3.5-hour package.

What we especially love about this experience is how it takes you beyond the usual tourist spots, into neighborhoods that feel authentic and less crowded. You’ll get a taste of Chicago’s pizza diversity, from deep-dish to tavern style, even coal-fired pies. Plus, the small-group setting and knowledgeable guide make it feel more like a fun outing with friends rather than a typical tour.

A couple of things to keep in mind: it’s priced at $89 per person, which might seem a bit steep at first glance, but considering the quality of the food and the number of stops involved, many say it’s worth it. If you’re a hardcore pizza fan or new to Chicago and eager to understand local food culture, this tour will hit the right spot.

This experience suits travelers who want a casual, engaging way to sample Chicago’s pizza scene while learning a little about the city’s culture. It’s perfect if you like guided tours with a friendly vibe, especially if you’re visiting with friends or exploring solo but enjoy social outings.

Key Points

• Authentic Chicago neighborhoods are explored beyond typical tourist areas.
• Diverse pizza styles, from deep dish to tavern and coal-fired, are tasted.
• The local guide adds entertaining insights and fun commentary.
• The transportation via mini-coach makes moving between stops easy.
• Food and history are woven together, giving a richer understanding of Chicago’s pizza culture.
• The tour’s small group size promotes an intimate, friendly atmosphere.

Why the Chicago Pizza Tour Works

When it comes to food tours, what really makes this stand out is how it combines education and tastings seamlessly. You’re not just eating pizza; you’re understanding what makes Chicago pizza unique, and why different styles developed in different neighborhoods. The guide’s knowledgeable commentary—which many reviews praise for being both hilarious and insightful—keeps the energy lively, making the whole experience enjoyable.

The itinerary is well-structured, with six stops covering four neighborhoods, each about 45 minutes long. This pacing allows plenty of time to enjoy your slices, soak in the atmosphere, and learn about local culture. You start at Pizano’s, known for its deep dish, then venture into Grant Park for thin crust tavern style at Flo & Santo’s, a family-run joint fusing Polish and Italian flavors. From there, Pequod’s offers a burnt cheese crust experience, highly appreciated by locals, and Coalfire showcases coal-fired pizzas baked at over 1000 degrees. The final stops in Wrigleyville and Wicker Park introduce you to more regional styles and hidden gems like Piece Pizza’s New Haven style.

The transportation is a big plus — a comfy, air-conditioned mini-coach whisks you from one neighborhood to another, saving you from Chicago’s often unpredictable weather and the hassle of walking between distant spots. This convenience means you can focus on the fun, not on navigating or planning multiple routes.

What to Expect Each Step of the Way

The First Stop: Pizano’s in Magnificent Mile

Your journey begins in downtown Chicago at Pizano’s, a place with historic ties to the creators of deep dish pizza back in 1943. You get to sample one of the city’s most iconic styles and hear about its roots. From reviews, it’s a perfect way to introduce your palate to the deep dish experience, with many noting the pizza is excellent and the guide’s storytelling hilarious.

Exploring Neighborhoods by Bus

After the first slice, the group hops onto the mini-coach for a scenic drive through Chicago’s neighborhoods. This part of the tour is where you get a bit of local flavor—both literally and figuratively. The guide shares interesting facts about Chicago’s pizza culture, which many reviews highlight as both fun and informative.

Flo & Santo’s in Grant Park

Next, you’ll enjoy a fusion of flavors at Flo & Santo’s, a family-run place just steps from Grant Park. The thin crust tavern style here offers a different experience from the deep dish, showcasing Chicago’s culinary diversity. Many reviewers appreciated the polish-italian combo and the lively atmosphere.

Pequod’s in Lincoln Park

This stop is often called a local legend. Pequod’s is famous for its caramelized crust, which many fans describe as “burnt cheese”. The sweet sauce sets it apart from other pizza joints. Several reviews mention this as a favorite stop, with some saying it’s a “must-try” for pizza aficionados.

Coalfire Near the United Center & Wrigleyville

Here, the focus shifts to coal-fired pizzas—a cooking method that gives the crust a distinctive flavor and crunch. The high-temperature ovens bake the pies quickly, resulting in a crispy, smoky crust that many say is spectacular. The stop in Wrigleyville involves a second Coalfire location, giving you a chance to compare the styles and enjoy the lively neighborhood vibe.

Piece Pizza in Wicker Park

Lastly, you’ll explore Piece Pizza, known for its New Haven style pies. Many reviews indicate this is a popular favorite—the pies are well-liked, and the setting in Wicker Park adds a fun, artsy touch to the experience.

The Food and the Experience

Throughout the tour, you’re sampling four slices at each stop, which adds up to quite a bit of food—enough to satisfy even hearty appetites. Many reviews point out that the pizzas are consistently delicious and that the variety keeps things interesting.

The guide is often praised for being funny, knowledgeable, and engaging. One reviewer even called James, aka Luigi, “the best guide”. The stories and insights about Chicago’s pizza history and local culture help turn a simple food tasting into a more meaningful experience. You’ll also get tips on trying additional drinks at each stop if you’re interested.

The Group and Pacing

The small group size (max 20 travelers) keeps things intimate and friendly, perfect for those who want a more personalized experience. Stops last around 45 minutes, which is enough time to eat, chat, and soak in the neighborhood’s vibe without feeling rushed.

Transportation and Comfort

The air-conditioned mini-coach makes logistics simple and comfortable, especially during Chicago’s unpredictable weather. It’s a big plus for those who dislike walking long distances or want to maximize their sightseeing time.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $89 per person, many find this tour a good value considering the six stops, multiple slices, and the insider stories. Eating at four different pizzerias gives you a broader taste of Chicago’s pizza scene than a single restaurant visit. Plus, the transportation and guide are included, which simplifies planning.

Some reviews suggest that food quality and variety justify the price, especially since you’ll leave completely stuffed and with a deeper understanding of Chicago’s pizza culture.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for pizza lovers wanting variety and local flavor. It also suits travelers interested in Chicago’s neighborhoods and eager to learn about local food traditions. The tour is friendly for most travelers, with most participants able to join, and children under 6 can attend for free with advance notice.

While it’s not specifically tailored for families with young kids or those with significant dietary restrictions, older children and teenagers who enjoy food and fun guides will likely enjoy it too.

The Sum Up

If you want a fun, relaxed way to explore Chicago’s pizza scene while learning some tidbits about the city’s culinary roots, this tour delivers. The combination of delicious slices, entertaining guide, and neighborhood charm makes it a memorable experience, especially for those eager to indulge and get a feel for local culture.

It’s best suited for adults and older kids who enjoy social outings and trying new flavors. If you’re craving an interactive food experience that balances history, culture, and good eats, this tour is a solid choice.

While some might consider the price slightly steep, most reviewers agree it’s worthwhile—especially when you factor in quality food, fun guides, and convenient transport. Just remember to skip breakfast if you want to maximize your pizza intake!

FAQ

How long does the Chicago Pizza Tour last?
It runs for approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including multiple stops and transportation between neighborhoods.

What is included in the ticket price?
You get four slices of pizza at each of the six stops, transportation on a mini-coach, and a local guide who keeps things entertaining and informative.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Yes, children under 6 can join for free, but it’s best to notify the operator so a seat can be reserved.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for rain or shine.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 61 E Madison St in downtown Chicago and concludes back at the same point.

How far in advance should I book?
Most people book about 38 days in advance, though you can reserve earlier to secure your spot.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

If you’re a pizza enthusiast looking to combine good eats with a bit of city exploration, this Chicago Pizza Tour offers a friendly, tasty, and educational afternoon that’s worth considering.