Chicago is a city that knows how to make lunch memorable. Whether you want to enjoy a gourmet meal with skyline views, learn how to make authentic Mexican mole, or explore the city’s stunning architecture from the water, this city offers some truly unique options. We’ve rounded up the top six lunch experiences that combine excellent food, scenic settings, and engaging activities, so you can pick the one that suits your style best. For instance, the City Cruises Chicago: Premier Lunch or Dinner Cruise stands out for its luxurious yacht experience and panoramic views, while the Chicago Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan offers a small-group setting with lively onboard entertainment.
Chicago’s diverse dining options and scenic waterways make it an ideal city for a memorable lunch outing. Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie eager to learn new skills, or simply looking to enjoy stunning views while you eat, these tours deliver on all fronts. Now, let’s dive into each of these fantastic experiences and see what makes them special.
Quick Overview
Our list includes cruise-based dining around Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, showcasing the city’s iconic skyline and architecture. These options feature gourmet meals, live music, and scenic views, perfect for a relaxing afternoon or a special celebration. We also have a hands-on Mexican cooking class that turns lunch into an immersive cultural experience. Each tour offers something different, whether it’s the setting, the food, or the activity involved. Now, let’s explore each one in detail.
1. City Cruises Chicago: Premier Lunch or Dinner Cruise
At number 1, the City Cruises Chicago: Premier Lunch or Dinner Cruise offers a luxurious yacht experience on Lake Michigan. You’ll board the Odyssey, a sleek vessel designed for panoramic sightseeing, and enjoy a gourmet 3-course meal while cruising past Chicago’s most famous landmarks. The observation deck provides 360-degree views of the skyline, Navy Pier, Grant Park, and the Willis Tower, making this a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of fine dining, lively music from a live DJ, and the chance to dance under the Chicago sky. The cruise lasts about 2 to 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and take photos. With a rating of 4.3/5 from over 300 reviews, this experience is popular for its high-quality food and exceptional views. The $94 per person price covers the meal and the cruise, making it a solid choice for special occasions or a luxurious afternoon.
Bottom line: If you want an elegant, scenic lunch with a touch of celebration, this cruise is hard to beat, especially for those who appreciate stunning water vistas and excellent cuisine.
2. City Cruises Chicago: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise
Number 2 on our list is the City Cruises Chicago: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise. For about $135, you get a relaxing 2-hour cruise along the Chicago River, with fully glass-enclosed dining areas that showcase the city’s beautiful architecture. This tour is ideal if you’re interested in architecture and history, as the narration highlights Chicago’s most notable buildings while you dine.
What makes this experience unique is its combination of excellent food and informative commentary. The chef prepares your meal onboard, ensuring it’s fresh and hot, while the fully stocked cash bar offers creative cocktails, wine, and beer. Reviews praise the friendly service and the beautiful, unobstructed views of landmarks like the Merchandise Mart and Civic Opera House.
Bottom line: Perfect for architecture enthusiasts and those wanting a lengthy, relaxing meal with an educational twist. It’s a nice balance of comfort, scenery, and insight, ideal for a leisurely afternoon.
3. Chicago Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan
Coming in at number 3, the Chicago Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan offers an intimate small-group experience, limited to just 15 people. For around $92.80, you’ll enjoy a scenic 2-hour cruise that features panoramic views of the city skyline, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and Shedd Aquarium.
This cruise includes a buffet lunch with salads, entrees, and desserts, all chef-prepared and served onboard. The cruise is lively with onboard entertainment featuring a DJ, games, and a dance floor. Many reviews highlight the value for money, especially considering the inclusion of entertainment and a high-quality meal in such a small setting. The personalized atmosphere allows for better interaction and a more relaxed experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want an intimate, fun, and scenic lunch with great food and entertainment, especially if you enjoy a lively social atmosphere on the water.
4. City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise
Number 4 is the City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise. For $93 per person, you’ll enjoy a buffet-style meal onboard a yacht, cruising along Lake Michigan. The highlight is the 360-degree views from the rooftop deck, perfect for snapping photos of the skyline, Hancock Tower, and Buckingham Fountain.
This cruise offers a multi-course buffet with lunch, dinner, or brunch options, and a fully stocked cash bar with creative cocktails and drinks. The atmosphere is lively, with options to dance or play games like giant Jenga and shuffleboard. The price includes the meal and the cruise, making it a fun and engaging way to spend your lunchtime.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a lively, interactive experience on the water with good food and great views, especially if you enjoy games and dancing.
5. City Cruises Chicago: River Architectural Lunch Cruise
The River Architectural Lunch Cruise is perfect for architecture lovers. Priced at $116.04, it offers a 2-hour cruise along the Chicago River focusing on the city’s most notable buildings like the Willis Tower and the Civic Opera House. You’ll enjoy a 3-course lunch with narration about the city’s architectural highlights as you pass by.
What makes this cruise stand out is the combination of cultural insight and scenic dining. The tour provides a traffic-free perspective on Chicago’s architectural marvels, making it an excellent choice for those who want to combine food and education. Reviewers note the pleasant experience and informative commentary, along with the convenience of eating on the water.
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers who want a detailed look at Chicago’s architecture while enjoying a scenic and leisurely lunch on the water.
6. Learn To Make Mole The Real Mexican Way Before Lunch
Our final entry is a different kind of experience: Learn To Make Mole The Real Mexican Way Before Lunch. For $185.72, it’s a hands-on cooking class led by a Michelin-trained chef in her home. You’ll learn how to make authentic Mexican mole sauce, then sit down to enjoy your creation for lunch.
This class is perfect for foodies who want to enjoy Mexican culinary traditions. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, and the chef shares stories and tips along the way. Reviewers praise Carla’s passionate and charming approach, calling it a memorable experience that goes beyond just the meal.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers interested in cooking and cultural experiences, looking for a unique, hands-on lunch with expert guidance.
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider your priorities: scenic water views? An educational experience? Interactive cooking? For a luxury, scenic cruise, the Premier Lunch or Dinner Cruise is unbeatable. If architecture and history are your focus, the River Architectural Lunch Cruise offers rich narration with good food. For a lively, social atmosphere with entertainment, the Lake Michigan Cruise hits the spot.
Finally, if you’re a foodie eager to learn how to make authentic Mexican dishes, the Mole cooking class provides a unique, memorable experience. Always book early, especially during peak seasons, and think about your preferred scenery, activity level, and budget when choosing.
Final Thoughts
Chicago offers a fantastic range of lunch experiences—from elegant cruises with panoramic views to lively, hands-on cooking classes. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, seeking a scenic break from city walking, or simply want to enjoy a good meal with a view, there’s something here for you. We recommend booking in advance, especially for popular cruises, to ensure you secure your preferred date and time. Whatever your choice, these experiences promise a delicious, memorable way to enjoy the Windy City.