Top Illinois Dining Experiences

When it's time to refuel in the Windy City, stop into Hard Rock Cafe Chicago for a tasty, filling, and enjoyable meal of classic American fare. Choose from a 2- or 3-course menu that's themed on musical styles all served with dessert and a drink. When ordering from this popular prix-fixe menu, entrees include salmon, steak, chicken, or a half-rack of hickory smoked ribs, and once you've enjoyed each succulent bite, stick around to explore the collection of music-themed memorabilia.

Perfect for families, groups, and corporate outings, the Spirit of Chicago lunch cruise lets you kick back and enjoy a great meal while taking in the sights of Chicago's most famed landmarks. See and photograph the dramatic city skyline, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and Shedd Aquarium. The cruise includes a delicious buffet lunch with salads, entrees, desserts, and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages. There's also a DJ, games, and a dance floor to keep your group entertained.

Enjoy a memorable, one-of-a-kind night out on Lake Michigan aboard this combination dinner, dancing, and sightseeing cruise. Make your own way to Navy Pier, and set off as the evening begins. You can admire views of Chicago’s picture-perfect skyline as the sun starts to set. While on board, take advantage of the all-you-can-eat buffet dinner, drinks to purchase, a DJ-helmed soundtrack, and even a fireworks display (weather permitting).

Travel down the Chicago River on an architecture cruise aboard the "Odyssey." As you pass by some of Chicago's most notable buildings, you'll dine on a 3-course lunch with salad, a main course such as chicken, salmon, pasta, or short ribs, and a dessert such as cheesecake or sorbet. Listen to onboard narration about the city's architecture along the way.

Valentine's Day is always a stressful time to find plans. Avoid the stress and book tickets to this Chicago Nitti's Supper Club Valentine's Day Show. This musical-comedy performance explores Chicago's gangster era with Broadway songs and top actors, too. Plus, you'll enjoy an included Valentine's Day dinner to combine dinner and a show.

Stroll through downtown Chicago on this walking food tour. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel and other city landmarks. Taste quintessential Chicago foods such as deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, plus chocolates and pastry. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. Upgrade your tour to include three pours of local craft beer.

The Windy City is known for its spectacular architecture and eclectic food scene. Experience both on this tour through the downtown that combines sights with nibbles. Take in famous landmarks like the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and Cloud Gate on foot along the Chicago River. Taste popcorn and chocolate from two beloved city eateries during the tour.

Sample some of the Windy City’s tastiest donuts on this Underground Donut Tour, celebrating the magic of Chicago’s tastiest sugar-filled concoctions. Donut-lovers are sure to enjoy this visit to some of Chicago’s tastiest donut purveyors, offering a chance to savor all of your favorite varieties, on the city's only donut-themed excursion. All tastings are included, and vegan, gluten-, and nut-free options are also available.

Enjoy Chicago’s only bus guided neighborhood pizza tour.  Eat like a local as you travel off the beaten path into Chicago neighborhoods to savor the best pizza.  Your local guide will teach you the science behind ingredient selection and baking as you sample slices from historic pizzerias.  In just a few hours, you’ll leave stuffed, and with an understanding of why pizza is such an important part of Chicago’s culture.

Explore Chicago's buzzing food scene with a small group on this small group walking tour. Stroll around the 'Loop', stopping at hidden gems and hearing tales of the city from your guide. Taste classic Chicago foods, from deep-dish pizza to dipped Italian beef sandwiches.

Get to know the food offerings in River North on this small-group walking tour. As you explore, listen to in-depth commentary from your guide on the culinary history of Chicago and the culture of the River North neighborhood. With a small group of just 12 fellow food-lovers, you'll enjoy personalized attention and the chance to chat about your favorite tastings. Samples include the classic Italian beef, a Chicago-style hot dog, and the famous deep dish pizza.

Explore Chicago's Chinese food scene on this walking tour in the Chinatown district. With a guide, learn about the cuisine of different regions of China and how Chinese culture has influenced Chicago and other areas. Enjoy included tastings from restaurants and other food venues in Chinatown—a great way to start a night out in the city.

Immerse yourself in the pizza culture of Chicago with this tour de force of the city's 10 pizza styles. Go beyond deep dish with commentary from your food-loving guide and tastes of four different types over the course of the half-day tour. Learn about some of the most interesting Chicago neighborhoods and their culinary history.

Chicago dogs, deep-dish pizza, cupcakes and craft beer are all sampled on this half-day bike tour through the Windy City. Cover about 13 miles (21 km), following an informative guide at a moderate pace through Chicago neighborhoods. On the day tour, ride through Wrigleyville, Old Town, Lincoln Park, and Gold Coast. On the night tour, visit Gold Coast, Chicago’s Riverwalk, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain and Chicago’s Lakefront trail. Stop along the way at a popular downtown bakery, pizza shop, hot dog stand and two breweries for a taste of local flavors.

Take a gourmet dinner cruise on a high-end luxury yacht with the stunning skyline of Chicago serving as your backdrop. Climb aboard your recently renovated vessel, featuring a sumptuously-appointed rooftop lounge and stylish interior design, for your cruise along Lake Michigan. Then sit down for a 3-course dinner, informed by some of the world’s top celebrity chefs and composed of fresh ingredients cooked right on-board. After dinner, enjoy coffee and tea, captivating views of Chicago landmarks like the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and Navy Pier, plus musical entertainment provided by the onboard DJ.

Immerse yourself in Spanish culture and cuisine without leaving the city during a 2-hour tapas and flamenco experience. Culinary highlights include patatas bravas (fried potatoes), truffle and parmesan croquettes, and garlic shrimp. Wash everything down with a glass of peach mango sangria. Once your appetite is satisfied, enjoy a live flamenco performance right in the heart of Chicago.

Based on the book, "Pizza City USA," this tour features three different styles of pizza in less than 3 hours. You'll meet some of the pizza makers behind the pies, learn about Chicago pizza history (and the greater city at large) plus discover a pair of places few locals even know about. You'll be sampling deep-dish, artisan and Neapolitan-style pizzas on this tour. (Masks required)

Learn the secrets of making one of Mexico’s most celebrated dishes during this beginner-friendly, local-hosted cooking class. Meet your Michelin-trained chef guide at her home, enjoy a refreshing hibiscus agua fresca upon arrival, and roll up your sleeves. Your guide will break down the steps to make an authentic mole sauce, and share tips as you go. Finally, sit down to enjoy your tasty and traditional meal.

• Visit the home of a fantastic chef trained to the highest standard there is and cooking her beloved food from home • Enjoy the most amazing experience of home-cooked Yucatan food and flavours such as pibil chicken, green rice, marquesitas and lima seasoned soup! • Get your tastebuds going spending the evening sipping tantalisingly tasty cocktails infused with hibiscus, citrus fruits and Xtabentun, an original Mayan liquor! • Relax into your evening with your fantastic hosts who have plenty of incredible experiences to share with you about their travels, passion for art and of course, food!

Enjoy a private dinner in a local Chicago home with your host Bruce. Bruce is a talented cook who loves creating dishes from around the world, from French fondue and bouillabaisse to chicken cacciatore to his signature flourless chocolate cake. One of his best creations frequently requested by family and friends is his incredible fresh sashimi. Enjoy your meal together in your host's Chicago home. • Private dinner in a local home • Introduction to Japanese cuisine • 100% private activity • Experience American hospitality in a residential Chicago neighborhood