Chicago: Pizza Walking or Bus Tour

If you’re heading to Chicago and love pizza as much as you love a good story about the city’s architecture, this tour might just be your perfect match. For $69 per person, you can choose from three different ways to indulge—either a Downtown Walking Tour, a West Loop Walking Tour, or a Bus Tour—each offering a chance to sample artisan, deep-dish, and Roman-style pizzas while soaking up Chicago’s unique vibe. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours promise a fun, flavorful plunge into the city’s culinary and architectural heritage.

What we really appreciate is how these tours combine food and culture seamlessly. You’re not just munching your way through different pizzerias but also learning about Chicago’s fascinating history and its reputation as a pizza capital. The guides, often called “Doughcent,” are well-versed, making the experience both educational and lively. Plus, the inclusion of souvenirs and discount badges adds a nice touch for those wanting to remember or share their experience.

Of course, nothing’s perfect. If you’re not a big fan of walking, the bus option might be better, but it’s worth noting that both walking tours are quite manageable in length and pace. Also, the tour operates rain or shine, so packing an umbrella or raincoat is wise. These tours are perfect for pizza lovers, architecture buffs, or anyone looking to dive into Chicago’s local flavor in a relaxed, guided setting.

Key Points

• Diverse Pizza Styles: Taste deep-dish, artisan, and Roman pizzas which highlight Chicago’s culinary versatility.
• Interactive Experience: Learn about Chicago’s architecture, history, and pizza culture from engaging guides.
• Flexible Options: Choose between walking tours in downtown or West Loop neighborhoods or a comfortable bus tour.
• Good Value: For $69, you get multiple pizza samples and a souvenir badge, making it a memorable and cost-effective experience.
• Weather-Friendly: Operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly.
• Ideal for Food & Culture Enthusiasts: Perfect for those who enjoy combining local history with culinary adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Chicago Pizza Tours

The Choice: Walking or Bus Tours?

The main appeal of these tours lies in flexibility. Whether you prefer a stroll through Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods or a comfortable bus ride, there’s an option to match your travel style. Both walking tours are about 2.5 hours long, making them manageable for most travelers. The bus tour extends to about 3.5 hours and is great if you want to cover a lot of ground without tiring out.

Walking tours like the Downtown or West Loop options allow you to get up close and personal with the city’s lively streets and architectural marvels. We loved walking through Chicago’s neighborhoods, feeling the buzz of local life, and stopping at carefully selected pizzerias for tastings. On the other hand, the bus tour offers a more relaxed experience with the chance to visit four different pizzerias, each showcasing a different style—perfect if your time is limited or if you prefer not to walk long distances.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Downtown Pizza Walking Tour

Starting at Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co., this tour introduces you to three distinct pizza styles, including a twist on the classic deep-dish, an artisan-style pizza, and the Roman al metro. Your guide, who is quite enthusiastic and knowledgeable, shares insights not just about pizza but also about Chicago’s architecture and historic sites. Stops at Labriola for a hearty deep-dish and Bar Cargo for Roman-style pizza punctuate the walk.

What we loved here was the way the guide explained the different pizza styles—how deep-dish developed in the 1940s, and how Roman-style pizza is served in rectangular slices—adding a layer of cultural context to each bite. The tour also offers a custom souvenir lanyard and badge, which adds a fun, Instagram-worthy element and future discounts.

West Loop Pizza Walking Tour

Dubbed Chicago’s foodie hub, West Loop offers a slightly more trendy, eclectic vibe. Starting at Lou Malnati’s—famous for its deep-dish—you’ll then explore four pizzerias offering styles like Roman al taglio, Neapolitan, and spicy Sicilian or stuffed tavern-style. The stories shared by the guide, quoting from the acclaimed book Pizza City, USA, add depth to what could otherwise be just a tasty walk.

Reviewers loved how the West Loop tour was packed with local culinary legends and hidden gems, giving a real sense of Chicago’s evolving pizza scene. Plus, walking through this neighborhood provides a chance to see some of Chicago’s modern architectural marvels, making the experience both tasty and visually stimulating.

The Pizza Bus Tour

If you prefer to cover more ground without a lot of walking, the 3.5-hour bus tour is a solid choice. Starting at Labriola, you’ll visit four iconic pizzerias, each offering a different style, including Chicago’s famed deep-dish, artisan, and thin tavern-style. The guide, affectionately called “Doughcent,” shares fascinating trivia about Chicago’s ten pizza styles and the city’s history with pizza as you cruise through neighborhoods.

Traveling comfortably between stops, you’ll find this tour offers a good balance of educational commentary and plenty of tasting opportunities. Reviewers appreciated the conversational style of the guide and the variety of pizzerias visited, especially the chance to sample a range of styles in one trip.

What Makes These Tours Stand Out?

The real strength here lies in the combination of food, stories, and local color. These aren’t just pizza tastings; they’re guided explorations of Chicago’s neighborhoods, architecture, and culinary heritage. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge are often highlighted as a key reason these tours stand out. Multiple reviewers noted how the guides shared fascinating insights—from architectural trivia to pizza history—that elevated the experience beyond just eating.

The inclusion of a discount badge and souvenir lanyard is a clever touch, especially for those who enjoy collecting memorabilia or sharing their adventure on social media. Plus, the tours are accessible and operate rain or shine, making them a reliable choice in any weather.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Value Proposition

At $69, the price point seems fair considering the multiple samples of high-quality pizza and the educational content provided. When you factor in the guided experience, the opportunity to try different styles of pizza—each with its own history and significance—the value becomes clear. It’s a great way to eat well and learn about Chicago’s pizza culture, especially if you’re traveling with a group or family.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for food lovers, architecture enthusiasts, or those wanting an interactive way to explore Chicago neighborhoods. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy guided walks with insightful storytelling and sampling multiple dishes in a relaxed setting. If you’re pressed for time but want an authentic taste of local flavor, the bus option might be ideal. Conversely, if you prefer a more leisurely, neighborhood-focused stroll, the walking tours will satisfy.

The Sum Up

The Chicago: Pizza Walking or Bus Tour offers a flavorful dive into the city’s pizza culture paired with engaging commentary on Chicago’s architecture and history. The guides’ enthusiasm and the diverse range of pizza styles make it a memorable experience, especially for those who appreciate good storytelling just as much as great food. With options to suit different preferences—whether walking or riding—the tour caters to a wide range of travelers.

Given its value for money and the opportunity to explore Chicago’s neighborhoods, this tour is a fantastic choice for foodies, curious travelers, or anyone eager to enjoy a relaxed, tasty journey through “Pizza City, USA.” Be prepared for a fun, filling, and informative experience that captures the essence of Chicago’s lively culinary scene.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Most likely yes, as pizza samples often include vegetarian options, but it’s best to check with the tour provider beforehand for specific pizzeria menus.

Can I purchase alcohol during the tour?
You will need a valid ID if you wish to buy alcohol along the way. The tour itself doesn’t include beverages or alcohol as part of the package.

What should I wear?
Since the tours operate rain or shine, dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, especially if you plan to walk.

How long do the tours last?
The walking tours are approximately 2.5 hours each, while the bus tour lasts about 3.5 hours.

Are the tours suitable for children?
Yes, children who enjoy pizza and walking would likely find this experience enjoyable, but check with the provider for age restrictions.

Is there a group size limit?
While not specified, guided tours generally accommodate small to medium groups, ensuring a personal experience.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning.

Are these tours available in languages other than English?
Currently, the tours are offered in English.

How many pizzerias will I visit?
In the walking tours, you’ll visit three or four pizzerias depending on the route. The bus tour includes four stops.

If you’re a pizza enthusiast or eager to see Chicago through its neighborhoods and architecture while sampling some of the best pies in town, this tour is a tasty and educational choice. It combines good value, engaging guides, and a chance to taste the city’s culinary diversity—all in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here: