Day Trip: Chicago Pizza Tours

If you love pizza as much as we do, then Chicago Pizza Tours is the Windy City activity that you’ve been looking for.

Don’t expect to find your typical Chicago pizzerias such as Giordano’s or Gino’s East on this tour (not that we don’t love them, too). The Chicago Pizza Tours strive to take patrons to the establishments that put Chicago on the map in terms of pizza. Founded by Jonathan Porter in 2009, the company has now given thousands of pizza tours to Chicagoans and visitors to the Windy City. My husband and I have now been on the tour four times, and each and every time has been a little bit different. We have celebrated date nights, a retirement party, and my husband’s 40th birthday party on the Chicago Pizza Tours. If you happen to have a large party, make sure to reserve your spot early as the tour is fairly popular and does sell out quickly (especially near the holidays and on game weekends). Tours typically accommodate up to 20 people.

Who should go: If you are looking for something for the whole family, look for a tour marked “all ages” and offering discounted prices for children. Alcohol is not included in the tour price but can be purchased separately at many establishments. (Currently no evening pizza tours are listed.) Some tours use buses and others are all walking, so choose accordingly. Tour guides offer history and trivia on the city of Chicago that is fun and entertaining. We have acquired a vast amount of knowledge about Chicago’s unique architecture and nightlife as well as about pizza consumption around the world.

What to expect: The pizza tours stop at either three or four establishments; therefore, PACE YOURSELF. You are going to be hungry at your first stop and you are going to want to EAT. Make sure to limit yourself because you will want to try everything! Two pizzas are ordered at most stops on the tour and you will have the opportunity to try them both (multiply that times 3-4 stops, and you are going to be so full that they will need to roll you back to your car or hotel when you are finished). The tour typically offers a combination of both deep dish and thin crust pizzas. It is important to plan your eating for the day around the pizza tour so that you can fully participate. Typically one stop on the tour offers a dessert pizza which is also pretty fantastic. Each tour lasts roughly 3 hours. Make sure to arrive on time, as the tour must maintain its schedule.

Dietary accommodations: The pizza tour strives to work with individuals with dietary restrictions. When you purchase your tickets, indicate to the staff that you have dietary needs. Vegetarian options are available at many stops with advance notice. Gluten free menu items can be found at some stops, as well. On tours that I have been on, the restaurants work with the individual requiring special accommodations to make their experience a positive one.

When should you go: Anytime! Does pizza know a season?

Our favorites: Through the Chicago Pizza Tours, we have tried pizzas that we otherwise probably wouldn’t have tried. Think world renowned thick crust pizza, ingredients flown in from Italy, Italian beef pizza, and more! You are sure to leave stuffed and wanting to go back.

Ticket prices (updated for 2023): Adults $49-$75, children 6-12 $40-$45, children 0-5 FREE

For more information: click here or email service@chicagopizzatours.com

Love pizza, but aren’t ready to head to Chicago?  Check out our Champaign-Urbana area pizza trail here.